French Fantasy 1x1 Anna and Echo

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

"Yes, come in," he called, straightening up and regaining his calm demeanor. He watched as they came into the room, his gaze softening a bit as he saw Ilaria.

[AnnaCat17]

Gale glanced at the girls before stepping forward to explain. He bowed to the king and tried to keep his voice even as he spoke. "It has been brought to our attention that the Duchess Delphine is being abused. Her handmaid, Nadia, attempted to protect her from her parents and was attacked as well. We worry for her saftey and hope there is something that can be done."

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Callias stood up from his seat, his eyes narrowing in anger. "Where is she?" he demanded. Fury coiled in him. Delphine, his Delphine, was being hurt.

[AnnaCat17]

Gale took a fearful step back and instictively moved in front of the girls to protect them. "At home, my lord. Should i go get her?" He asked, his voice tense with fear.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Callias shook his head. "No. I'll go get her." He went over to them, and softly kissed the top of Nadia's head. She trembled, clutching his shirt. He wrapped his arms around her, gently pulling her close. "Don't worry," he murmured softly to the frightened girl. "I'll fix this." He pulled away, leaving the room.

[AnnaCat17]

Gale watched the king confused, surprised by his sudden emotion. He looked over at Ilaria and raised an eyebrow. "Is he always like that."

Delphine's parents thankfully had left. One of her maids was busy trying to clean the drops of blood out of the rug in the living room as the other one helped her prepare for the day. She hid tge bruises under her makeup so when Delphine looked in the mirror, besides looking a little swollen, she appeared normal. This is what she always did when this happened and trusted that her secret was going to remain safe.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Ilaria giggled a bit. "To me, yes. Other people, no."

Callias knocked on the door of the house before letting himself in. He went to find Delphine, and he pushed his way into the room.

[AnnaCat17]

Gale huffed, not liking the thought of the king being so close to his girl. "I should go get Fleur ready for tonight. Are you two going to be ok?" He asked both girls.

Delphine stood up as he entered the room, relieved that her face was was finished so he wouldnt see the marks. The maid curtseyed before leaving the room, giving them some privacy. "This is a surprise. I expected you to be chasing after Lucien all day today since you are back on your feet and are free to announce your relationship. To what do i owe the pleasure?" She said smoothly with a smile

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Ilaria nodded, and Nadia hesitated, gazing up at him fearfully. "I think..." She wrapped her arms around herself.

Callias wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "You've been getting abused, Dell, and you never once told me about it. Why do you let yourself get hurt? Let me help."

[AnnaCat17]

Gale pulled her into a hug and rubbed her back. "She is going to be ok. Just find somewhere to rest for the day." He looked up at Ilaria before asking. "Do you think Lucien would look after her?"

Delphine sighed and pulled away from him. "This is a family matter. I will be fine. They demand excellence and they see our parting as a failure. I will be fine once i find someone else of high status to woo."