The Private Agreement || An invite only forbidden romance

[Kess]

(I apologize for not posting, everyone, but I've had a very busy week and school has been weighing me down more than usual. I promise to post as often as I can but my workload and my schedule may bar me from any Chicken Smoothie time.)
Chennowith Rose Leon || Seventeen || Straight || Kess

Chennowith opened her eyes to light streaming in from her huge windows and a maid bending over her curiously. She sighed and sat up, wiping her eyes. "Yes, what is it this morning, Marie?" she asked, still somewhat tired. Marie straightened and grinned excitedly.

"Miss, today is your betrothal ceremony," the maid said in her Russian accent. Chennowith forced back a groan of anger at the words; she had absolutely no desire to marry whatever nobleman the matchmaking women had chosen for her. As far as Chennowith knew, he could be an uncouth, harsh man who harmed women and children. That would not do for her. She slid out of bed, praying silently that the man she was to wed wasn't a cruel person and that she might actually grow to love him someday.

The entire situation was quite unfair in Chennowith's eyes; marrying someone she had never met and never wanted to marry! But she had no choice and no say in the matter. Her father was the one who decided what happened to her, and she was supposed to bring him grandchildren. The young lady shivered at the thought - bearing children by someone she didn't know...She shook off the thoughts and went into her closet to get out the beautiful dress Marie had helped her make. It was a lavender silk dress with a flattering hem at the ankles that draped around her too-thin body perfectly, giving Chennowith the curves she preferred not to display. Quickly she slipped it on and put on her shoes, which were beautiful white with a small heel on them, making her look an inch more than five-foot-seven. Marie smiled at her with a twinkle in her eye. "Oh, miss, you look simply ravishing!" she squealed, rushing over to the vanity table and grabbing some of the exotic makeup her father had brought her from a foreign country last month. The maid brushed some of the makeup on Chennowith and then put her hair in a long braid that cascaded down to the small of her back.

Someone poked their head in Chennowith's room. "Miss Chennowith, I suggest you hurry along, as the ceremony is about to start. The church is only a short distance from here, but we'll be late if you don't hurry." Chennowith gasped at the butler who had spoken and began an awkward trot out the door in her heels. Marie ran after her, holding Chennowith's bouquet. The blonde noble scooted into the carriage and took the bouquet from Marie and straightened her dress, then waved as her beloved maid became a small dot. The horses were running, pulling the carriage as fast as they could to the chapel where they were to find out who they would marry. Chennowith could feel her heart in her throat at this point as she hummed a few bars of a song she'd heard a bluejay singing. Stay calm, Chennowith...stay calm! She willed herself.

It seemed like a short time before they arrived at the church. Chennowith stepped out of the carriage, adjusted her silk once more, and walked in to take her place with the others. As she walked in she heard her name be called to be with 'Lord Allister Carlisle'. Someone led her up to the front by Father Matthew. What now? She thought, standing still as a statue.

[Make_a__Scene]

Allister Dalton Carlisle

Allister made no attempt to try to hide his sideways glances at the men who would soon be wed. His eyes, however, snapped forward when he felt a sharp smack to the back of his head. ”Do not embarrass us,” his father reminded with a icy tongue. Allister simmered. It seemed he wasn’t the only one being punished; there seemed to be a rather rambunctious group in today. The scene that played out in the rose of pews across from him was pitiful. No wonder that woman was bound, she was a menace; and she deserved her beating, although the punching might have been a little much. But then another woman had the gall to grab at her father and stop his intentions. That was absolutely disgusting. These women needed to learn their place. Overall Allister thought that the drama was a little much in the house of God, and he couldn’t believe that a father would beat his child like that in front of the Lord’s eyes. Allister may have been slowly losing faith in this “God”, but even he could see the inappropriateness of it all.

He slid out of the pew and lined up when beckoned. Now he was forced to at the altar and the daunting crucifix. His name was called first and it nearly made him jump; he didn’t try to look for whom he was to marry – he didn’t recognize her name – it didn’t matter to him anyway. This marriage was merely a formality, something to make his parents happy, a cover. His long strides and strangely graceful gait took him to the side, away from the rest of the line, as he waited for his bride. And then he waited for his bride. And waited still as more names were called. Oh, great, she wasn’t even here. Just like a woman, isn’t it? She was probably fussing over her hair or refusing to get out of the buggy. How useless. Best-case scenario, the woman had rebelled and run off; that meant Allister wouldn’t have to marry that day. He held a mixed expression on his face, a cross between apathy and a sneer, but that little thought actually allowed him to smirk a little.

Suddenly a few of the younger matchmakers whisked away and ushered a young woman in front of Allister. Oh good, they’d found her. The lilac piece of silk that covered her body was too thin and showed too many curves. His lips were a tight, thin line so that he wouldn’t let anything inappropriate slip from his throat. He may have been cold and unorthodox, but he still knew how to act professionally and when to act professionally. This was not the time or the place for him to be spewing out his opinions. He had seen the way some of the other men and women behaved; they acted like children. Allister would never act that way.

[Kess]

Chennowith Rose Leon || Seventeen || Straight || Kess

As she came into position by Lord Allister she suddenly felt extremely self-concious, as if everyone was scrutinizing her, looking at her body which Marie had made to look so much more curvaceous than Chennowith would have ever dared to look. She cleared her throat nervously and smiled at her betrothed, straightening up and trying to plaster a confident expression on her lightly made-up face. "Hello, Lord Allister Carlisle," she said quietly. As much as she was afraid of marriage, she did have to admit, Allister was an attractive fellow, even though he was somewhat feminine-looking.

Now as she looked at the man she was to wed she was beginning to feel a little better about the whole thing. At least he didn't appear to be a woman-beater, despite the cold expression and his tightly clenched jaw. Probably thinking what I am, Realized Chennowith. He doesn't want to marry me even more than I don't want to marry him. She glanced down at the ground, nervousness washing over her again. I'm really going to marry him, aren't I... she thought anxiously. I hope that I can come to love him like I should...

[Tʜᴇ Fᴀʟʟᴇɴ Aɴɢᴇʟs]

Cady Maureen Trivion || 17 || bisexual || female

Cady had lined up quickly as the matchmaker had given the nobles instructions, fingering the blue silk of her dress. Though it was a habit her maids yelled at her constantly for, she couldn't get over the comforting factor of the smooth material between her fingertips. She placed herself in line between an unknown boy, and Lady Jason, almost shrinking into herself as she waited to be called. Thankfully her name was called second, and she could let out her breath. Her father pushed her forward as she craned her head to look towards the man she was marrying, but stopped as he pulled her hair a little and she reached the bottom of the altar, leaving space for her husband between herself and the couple on her left. She couldn't help but start to shake a little in anticipation as the adrenaline hit her, and her eyes teared up. She just wanted to get this over with.

.: Ɔнαяℓɛƨ Ɖαиιɛℓ Ѧαиƨσи :.

Charles noticed the older lady speaking, having just been sitting down near his mother and ignoring the other people. Why should he acknowledge them? He didn't know them. Okay, he had seen some of them around at maybe a party or two.... But otherwise nothing... He grumbled under his breath about how annoying some of them were acting. He was just simply leaning back and doing anything he could to ignore them and their talking. He much rather be home along with his favorite set of drawing instruments and his sketch book. But this stupid engagement... Ugh. It would probably ruin his whole day and everything he had planned.

When a girls name was called and his own was next, he sat at attention and stared right at the girl, eyes widening a bit... he was supposed to marry her? Okay, so she didn't look too bad, but he didn't know her and she looked like she might start crying and was shaking! He knew he would probably blow up at her in minutes of the marriage, if not at the actual marrying ceremony... But he was supposed to marry her now?! He thought they'd at least get time to get to know one another. He growled, not moving and not intending to, but felt his mother pinch his side, telling him to go up to the girl and stand at her side. He ground his teeth together and stood, walking over to the girl and standing next to her, doing his best not to look to angry about what was happening.

Charles just honestly couldn't believe it... He was getting MARRIED! He knew he should be excited... But how could he be? He didn't know her. He realized she was in blue and raised an eyebrow, huh... she had red-ish hair... Interesting. His favorite color was red. Couldn't be a coincidence. Those damn matchmakers.... He guessed it was better then getting a girl with blonde hair, he had no interest in other blondes, he found it kind of stupid that people usually thought two blonde where adorable together so he preferred a girl with nice dark hair, usually pretty long and a thin frame with just about any color eyes. But he couldn't be thinking about that. He was supposed to be married and any scandal of sorts would cause some issues.

He turned his attention back to the girl and said, "Hello, Lady Cady Trivion..." He muttered quietly, trying to make his voice sound as calm as he possibly could.

[thorne.]

Cнarlєs Cαмєяоη нєℓмƨ

He was leaning against the wall, his back slightly slouched. The chatter all around him became a muffled hum as he tuned it out. Standing in the back of the room like an outcast was really out of character for him. Usually, Cameron would be socializing with all of the people here. Even though he would never admit this, the thought of getting married really frightened him, especially the part where he would be wed to a girl that he doesn't even know. His nerves made him act oddly out of character that day, not surprising. He could see his parents in the crowded church, mingling with the other adults. His mother was sneaking glances at him when she though he wasn't looking, her icy blue eyes narrowed suspiciously. Cameron knew why; it was to make sure he behaved and didn't embarrass the family.

Many thoughts were swimming laps in his mind. At first he though about making an escape since he was so closely neighboring the exit. But then what would they do when they call his name and found out that he wasn't here? Cameron would surely get punished. He snapped out of his reverie and landed back in reality by the loud thumping. He soon found out that it was from the intimidating old woman who managed to quiet the crowded Church. She had an air of authority that surrounded her and he knew right away that that she was a matchmaker. Once she obtained everybody's attention, the woman started calling each pair up, one by one. His name was second to last to be called along with his bride's, Stephanie Hudson. Furrowing his eyebrows, Cameron mouthed the name, which seemed so foreign on his tongue. He took a deep breath before gently pushing himself off the wall and walking calmly up to were the other nobles were. He came to stand by a blonde-haired girl and quickly cleared his throat to catch her attention. "Hello, Lady Stephanie Hudson?" He said politely, even though he wasn't feeling very mannerly at the moment.

[A. Ham]

ѕтєρнαηιє яσѕє нυ∂ѕση

Stephanie began to look around when her husband to be did not show up. Had he left? Had he not even come? Maybe, if she could be so lucky, he had completely disappeared. Not that she had anything against this man, Steph just did not wish to wed him. It was never my wish to marry a man she never knew. Honestly, she had hoped she could find someone she did love to take her hand in marriage. Her parents, though, seemed to have done this before Stephanie could had a chance to do anything about it. As she saw a man coming up, she sighed and looked around. That man, she assumed, was the persons he was due to marry. With a great sigh, almost silent though, she looked forward. Seeing him had brought a crash to her dreams, and there was nothing she could do about it now. At least when she finally finished with this, Elizabeth would be waiting for her, wherever she would be. That brought her some comfort. "Yes, sir." I said, turning to look at him. He was attractive, Stephanie guessed. Never did Stephanie judge a person on what they looked like, it was always how they behaved and talked to her. "And you are Sir Charles Helms, I presume." Stephanie said. Once she had finished speaking, she turned back to the front of the church, staring at the cross that lay in front of her.

[Cydnezz]

¤|¤|¤ Cyd ¤|¤|¤

Cyd couldn't even respond to Jason, though she did try her best to convey her thanks. But as her father raised his hand to the other girl she all but died on the inside. To be beaten herself was one thing, but for him to strike Lady Jason... It was completely unacceptable. "Don't touch her!" Her voice came out a in a hoarse and gravely wheeze, but her tone was still thoroughly strong. Just as her father turned back to her the old matchmaker saved her from another blow. Instead her father jerked his hand away from Jason and kept his fists clenched at his sides. The blood was pounding through his veins, the beat clearly seen in the pulsing sides of his throat. She looked back to Jason with grateful, yet highly apologetic eyes, trying her best to communicate all that she was feeling for the girl. She surely hoped that she lived close, for she thought her to be a good friend already.

But as the matchmaker got to her name, she wasn't the least bit surprised to be called last. The shock though, was who they had paired her with. Had they not just seen what had happened?! Were they really so stupid?! Her hateful eyes fell on that old woman as she spoke her lone sentiment. That had to be it. James had to be the only one they thought could handle, or rather, survive her. She'd prove them wrong, oh how she'd prove them wrong...

She stood on shaky legs and steadied herself against the pew, wiping the blood from her face on the black sleeves of her dress. She growled at the thought of her new life, but at the same time, loved the thought of getting him alone when she was no longer bound. She would show them all. She would show every single one of them just how terribly wrong they were to expect certain things from her. She forced herself to calmly walk to the alter, leaving her father to stare at her in shock. She knew exactly what she was doing, and that was being obedient. It would baffle them all. She took her place at Jamies side and scooted in close to him, hanging her head submissively, as she smiled up to him sweetly. She was a pretty girl, though she'd never believe it, but when she was sweet, she shined. She was all but kindly snuggling into him as any good wife would, no doubt snapping from hellion, to the perfect serving woman. But she had a plan.

[Make_a__Scene]

Allister Dalton Carlisle

Allister’s eyes flitted to the priest and then back to his bride. So this was really happening. At the very least, this marriage would get his parents away from him… most likely. ”Chennowith Leon,” he greeted with a nod. Soon to be Chennowith Carlisle. Oh, he didn’t like the sound of that. The thought hit him hard just then; not only was he going to be sharing a home and a life with this woman, but he’d also be sharing his last name. That made it rather official; it was going to be a lot harder to sneak away now. He was already a walking social taboo, so he didn’t see what could be much worse with him sneaking around with boys. It was obvious that this betrothal meant absolutely nothing to him.

He wished that he wasn’t forced to look at this girl for so long; couldn’t they just get it over with? He was beginning to feel sick, and he thought that it must have been that shiny light purple dress that was draped in front of him. Or it could have been that his mind was wandering to other things. She would probably want children – the thought made him shudder – and his parents would most definitely want grandchildren. The mere thought of jumping into bed with a woman made him sick. This was going to get interesting. All in all he blamed his parents.

[Kess]

Chennowith Rose Leon || Seventeen || Straight || Kess

Chennowith swallowed back her anxiety and tried to think up something clever to say to Allister. She wanted to become friends with him, especially since she was about to marry him. After all, she was to spend her life with him, why not make a good first impression?

"So, Allister, how old are you?" As soon as the words were out, Chennowith felt stupid for asking. Shouldn't she have asked him something more important, like, 'Where do you want to live after we are wed?' or 'What kind of things interest you?'. She needed to learn more about him if she was going to be with him forever.

She suddenly felt as if every person was staring at her and adjusted her dress sheepishly. Marie had talked her into the thin garment and now she felt overexposed in it, even though it covered most of her chest and her upper arms, and cascaded neatly down to her ankles. But because it was so thin, it felt as if it was barely there. I suppose my dress is see-through... she thought. I just hope no one is staring at my chest in this outfit.

The young country noble blinked at her betrothed, wondering if HE was staring at her chest. But he wasn't. Chennowith tried to place where his gaze was going, but it seemed to jump all over the place. She subtly tugged at her dress and waited for Allister to answer her question, if he actually would.

[Typical Aquarius]

Cady Maureen Trivion || 17 || bisexual || female

Cady looked out the corner her eye at the man beside her, and could all but feel the scrutiny. The weight of his gaze rested uncomfortably on her shoulders, and she resisted the urge to fidget even more. She couldn't help but jump and squeak as she heard her name spoken, not having expected him to talk to her even after the wedding ceremony, much less before. "Hello, Lord Charles," she murmured, turned her head towards the man. She found that even with just her slight heels on, she stood half an inch above him, their eyes not quite meeting. He's only an inch taller than me... she thought to herself, trying to tamp down her disappointment. Her dream had always been of a tall, muscular prince with black hair and kind blue eyes, and instead she was stuck with the man standing in front of her. "I suppose I won't be Cady Trivion much longer will I?" she commented, almost cringing as she tried to apply humor to the situation. Obviously, she was failing miserably, so she just sighed and smiled, then turned slightly away again.

James (Jamie) Abel Madison || 20 || bisexual || male

James sidled away as Cyd came to stand next to him. She looked all sweet and innocent now, but he knew it was all an act. The b*tch didn't suddenly change her mind, nor did she suddenly change her attitude. In the reality that he was facing, and would be living with, she was biding her time until she could do something to get back at him. Though he moved away from her now, he would not later hesitate to do exactly what her father had, all to show her where her place was. "Cyd, my dear, you are going to learn very soon what it is to be a woman, and what it is to know your place," he said quietly, quiet enough for only her to hear. He didn't look at her as he said it, nor did his lips move much, but his mannerisms were very clear. Head up and back straight, James was ready to face what was coming to him, but he would do it in his own way. Looking around at the other couples that were meeting at the altar, he couldn't help but feel bitter resentment. He would have taken even Lady Jason over Cyd! He felt deep anger burning in his stomach, and again turned towards the altar, glaring at the crucifix.