The Fair Lady's Predicament 3/?
anonymous
September 6 2012, 05:18:13 UTC
Early warning: I'm not going to write porn. I could but I'm not sure I could do it justice. This will be very fluffy and vanilla. Check the prompt above this for vibrator sex!
"My Lady you look absolutely stunning!"
Liara twirled in front of the mirror halfheartedly. She was usually looking forward to these large extravagant balls the noble houses threw occasionally. She loved to hear from the lesser nobles that were always invited. They had such different ideas and radical thinking it was marvelous to get lost in their theories and arguments. However this time she didn't want to go. Her mother had thought on her words and decided she was right. It was unfair of her to have her daughter marry someone she had never met in a country she had never seen and so had asked for the King of Earth to hold a ball at his castle. Liara would get to finally step foot in the country of Earth and meet the King's son.
"The Prince of Earth will love you the moment he sees you!" The servant girl gushed.
Liara cursed herself. All these years she had denied every suitor her mother had introduced her to. She was waiting for The One. Never in her wildest dreams did she think the tensions between the two countries would erupt into war and all hope for true love squashed. Liara wished her father was alive, and then she would have had a few more years to find a bondmate. Aethyta would never have agreed to this arranged marriage! Liara wished the Vasirs were alive, then it would be their House having to deal with this.
It was uncomfortable in the coach. Liara hoped another noble House would accompany her. Benezia didn't want any distractions so it would be just her, her mother, a couple handmaidens, and a few dozen commandos. Liara sighed and looked out the window while her mother continued her lecture.
"The humans may get close to you but you must not pull away. It would be considered rude. Human men do what is called shaking hands and for women they will kiss it. You must offer your hand to a human noble when you are introduced. Do not speak unless spoken to or stare for too long at their hair. Liara are you listening?"
Liara glared at her mother sitting across from her. Their knees were almost touching in the small carriage. "Must I keep my eyes on the ground, my mouth shut, and do nothing but stand around looking pretty?"
"You may be the young Lady of this House, but you will not speak to me that way."
Liara brushed off the admonishment and went back to looking out the window. She realized she was literally watching the life she knew slip by her. "I'm sorry mother."
Benezia rubbed the bridge of her nose clearly exasperated. "Please Liara ... do not do anything that will disgrace our House."
The Fair Lady's Predicament 4/?
anonymous
September 6 2012, 05:57:02 UTC
She was dancing with the King's son. He had introduced himself as Prince Jack and just as her mother said had kissed the back of her hand once she offered it. He was graceful in his movements but his smile seemed sinister. She just didn't get a good feeling from him.
She felt his hand dig into her hip and was grateful for all the layers of clothing. "You are so beautiful Lady Liara." Was this the time when she was supposed to say something? The Prince had spoken to her but had not asked her anything. Would it be rude if she said anything now? Liara was so confused. She had said nothing this whole night just to avoid problems like this.
He chuckled. He was so close to her she could feel his breath on her skin. "You're so quiet ... do you feel nervous? Or do you just have nothing to say?"
"I do feel a bit nervous." She glanced around the ballroom at the ring of faces but immediately went back to staring at the invisible speck of dust on the Prince’s shoulder. "There are so many people watching us. Are they not allowed to dance?"
"No of course not! It is just rude to do so before the Prince and his betrothed have even completed their first dance together."
We're not betrothed, she thought. I don't want to be here. When the dance ended the others coupled up and soon the floor was filled with moving twirling bodies. It comforted Liara a little bit knowing she wasn't completely alone with the Prince now but the feeling was ripped away when he tugged her through the crowd insisting he show her the palace grounds. He at least walked her to her room so she could change out of her overly excessive gaudy dress and into something easier to walk around in.
Liara fell on the bed lamenting the softness of the one back home and wished she didn't have to live here forever.
"Lady Liara? Are you suitable?" Prince Jack asked through the door. She scrambled out of the bed and quickly put her tiara back on before heading out.
Everywhere they went he introduced her as his fiancée, whatever that was. If it wasn't Lady Liara or Lady T'Soni she didn't like it. She was tired of having her hand kissed by dozens of strangers and having to smile lovingly whenever someone said she was a very lucky girl to marry the prince. He wouldn't let go of her waist either keeping her from calling her commandos or her mother. They had already visited the West Wing, North Wing, Northwest Wing, and East Wing. She didn't think a castle could have so many wings!
"The best part is outside the castle. We'll take one of father's carriages." He ordered the driver to take them to the barracks and then settled down next to her. Liara shifted awkwardly. She had expected him to sit in the seat across from her since there was ample room on that side but she should have known he was going to make her feel uncomfortable again.
"I didn't get to say this before but you dance so well. Your guards seemed tense though. They didn't think there would be any danger did they? I have heard stories about asari commandos ... they control some sort of magic. Is that true Liara? May I call you Liara?"
Her name made her ears wince when it came out of his mouth. Do not do anything that will disgrace our House. Liara remembered her mother's words. "You may, if I can call you Jack."
He laughed. "Of course you may ..." He stared at her for a long while and then leaned his head in closer attempting to go in for a kiss. Liara's eyes widened when she realized what he was going to do. You must not pull away. It would be considered rude. She turned her head at the last second and his lips met her cheek. He cleared his throat and looked away.
The horses stopped signaling their arrival. Oh thank the Goddess I'm saved!
The Fair Lady's Predicament 5/?
anonymous
September 6 2012, 23:16:45 UTC
Liara allowed Jack to help her out of the carriage and she got a good look at where he had taken her. Earth was a gorgeous country. The land here swept on forever with great mountains and trees in the distance. Thessia was broken up by large seas and thousands of twisting rivers that separated houses and created territories. Liara had never seen so much land without water. The place Jack had taken her to was quite a ways away from the castle and closer to the markets and peasants. She wondered what it was he wanted to show her all the way out here.
"I know the war is still fresh on everybody's mind but this is my greatest achievement." Jack said with a wicked smile. He rapped on the wooden door three times. It swung open. Inside there were a dozen soldiers, men and women, in parade rest. He gazed lovingly at each one as they walked by. Liara felt like they were in a museum and they were admiring precious gems rather than people. "Anything I want ... someone punished, killed, something delivered or stolen, any enemy that needs to be eliminated, all I have to do is say the word and they'll do it."
He took her by the arm and they walked through the small building between the row of soldiers. "They've never failed. I handpicked every one of them to be here. I oversee all their training. When I become King my elite army will be unstoppable." He continued talking like he was a master carpenter and they were discussing his latest masterpiece.
Liara felt sick. How many asaris did these soldiers kill during the war? Her friends and family and more. Their eyes were hollow and lifeless. She felt suffocated in this space. She was surrounded by killers, metal, blood, and things she was never meant to deal with. Her limbs felt heavy and her head felt woozy. She needed to leave immediately. Pulling sharply out of Jack's grasp Liara ran back toward the carriage as his elite soldiers stood like statues all around her. She vaguely heard Jack calling for her and felt her strength leaving her as she pried open the door.
Darkness crept into her vision and the last thing she saw was a pair of emerald eyes and someone's strong grip that cushioned her fall.
Re: The Fair Lady's Predicament 5/?
anonymous
September 7 2012, 16:10:19 UTC
Yay! Shep has arrived! =D
I keep seeing 'Jack' and then seeing 'He'... and thinking it's male!Jack from ME2... for some reason. I'm weird, I guess. But this prince definitely isn't Jack-jack, because ladybadass!Jack uses a lot more profanity. Heh.
The Fair Lady's Predicament 6/?
anonymous
September 8 2012, 08:25:40 UTC
"Liara ... Liara, how are you feeling?"
Her vision swam. She blinked a few times making out the face of her maid and groaned.
"Samara! Is she alright?"
"She will be My Lady. Some food and sleep and she'll be fine."
"Oh thank the Goddess!"
Samara lifted a glass of water to Liara's lips. "How is your head?"
"Dizzy. A little. Tired. Exhausted." She saw that she was back in her room in the King of Earth's castle. Samara gently tucked her under the comforter and she drifted into sleep.
It was early the next day when Liara woke again. The young servant girl who had rudely barged through her door in the past was watching over her.
"My Lady! You're awake! I'll get your mother!"
Benezia arrived quickly. "Eat something small and get dressed. You have lunch with the Prince." With her daughter well and her message delivered, Benezia left the room. Liara was hoping for some more time with her. She wanted to tell her all about the Prince and how she didn't like him, what he had shown her, and what they had talked about but Benezia had more important things to take care of as always.
"Come now My Lady, let's get you freshened up shall we?" The servant girl said nervously. Liara allowed herself to be stripped, bathed, and clothed, this time in what she called a princess's "everyday" dress. A bowl of soup was placed in front of her and Liara was thankful to see that it was Thessian. The servant girl sat back and watched.
"My Lady if you don't mind me asking ... what made you faint yesterday?"
It wasn't exactly rude of the girl. There was no rule that said she couldn't ask questions especially since they were alone but Liara didn't know this maid and didn't feel comfortable telling her everything. "I was overwhelmed by painful memories that's all."
"Did the Prince show any interest in you?"
Liara narrowed her eyes. "That is out of line, servant."
"My apologies My Lady. I overstepped my bounds."
When she was finished she was led to the room where she was to have lunch with the Prince and King. A guard greeted them at the door.
"Miss T'Soni. A pleasure." The guard offered her hand palm up and Liara laid her hand in the stranger's. Another nameless faceless human, Liara thought until she looked down at the guard's face. Her eyes locked with a familiar set of green ones. Her gasp was met with a gentle kiss on the back of her hand.
"You ... You were at the barracks the other day. You caught me when I fainted." Liara was so stunned to be meeting the human here of all places she forgot to stay silent until asked a direct question. In her awe she let her hand linger longer in this stranger's grasp.
"I was and I did."
"Please, you must tell me your name so that I may thank you properly."
"Jane." The guard stood with Liara's hand still in hers. There was a kind smile on her face, "but you may call me Shepard."
"Very well. Thank you Shepard, for ensuring I did not endanger myself further. If you hadn't shown up ... well. I am glad you did."
"You're welcome Miss T'Soni. Now I believe someone is waiting for you." Shepard gave the hand in hers a squeeze before letting it go. Liara wished to stay outside and chat with this human a bit more but steeled herself and entered the room. The servant girl that led her here stepped back a pace clearly intending to stay outside the room with the guard. Before the door closed fully she heard Shepard offer her prayers, "may the Goddess be with you, Miss T'Soni."
The Fair Lady's Predicament 7/?
anonymous
September 8 2012, 08:26:40 UTC
"There she is! The woman of the hour!" The King said in a great booming voice. "Lady T'Soni your daughter is simply stunning!"
Liara saw her mother standing next to the King. "A perfect match for your intelligent son, King Harper."
Jack stood by Liara's assigned seat and pulled out her chair like any nobleman. He took the seat directly across from her. Benezia and King Harper remained standing a few yards away chatting in low tones. As soon as she was settled servants came through the back door setting plates down and filling glasses.
"Liara, I want to apologize for yesterday." Jack said as they finished the first course. "A lady such as yourself would obviously not welcome an audience with trained professionals. Even if they are her fiancée's most trusted men. I want you to know they are bound to me in oath and they would never do anything I had not explicitly ordered. Of course you had not known that until now. Please forgive my thoughtless act."
She could see her mother looking at her and listening to their conversation as she pretended to laugh at something the King had said. Liara smiled sweetly. She was starting to understand when to speak and when to hold her tongue when around humans. "There is nothing to be forgiven. You did not know how I was going to react. Let us both start over shall we?"
The second course was brought in. "Oh but Liara, I do not want to start over completely. I would like to remember our first dance. You were so beautiful."
"Or we could forget everything and we'll just have to arrange another ball and have another first dance."
Jack laughed. "I like the way you think Liara! Wonderful, let's start over, but I shall hold you to that second first dance." They reintroduced themselves over the third course and talked about meaningless things that neither interested Liara nor held her attention. Her thoughts kept drifting back to that guard outside the door. She felt comfortable around her unlike the rest of the humans she had met so far. She was intrigued by the guard who had invoked the Goddess. Liara found she enjoyed this human's company no matter how brief it had been.
During the last course when the conversation had lulled Liara spoke up. "Since I will be living here for a while I would like to explore the grounds on my own, with a small escort, if I may?"
Jack seemed to think. "Was there something you wished to see that I did not show you?"
"Not at all. I only wish to get to know my ... home. Am I permitted to walk around the castle freely?"
"You are. My home is now your home. I would like to see you safe though. I will assemble two of my best guards to escort you should you venture outside the castle walls."
All Liara wanted to do was sleep. She was tired of playing at intrigue and deception but there was one last thing she needed from him so she continued to play. "That is not necessary. A team of my commandos will suffice."
"Please Liara, it is dangerous outside the castle. Add my guards to your team of commandos."
"Jack how silly would I look with a crowd of soldiers trailing behind me!" She laughed. "However I see your point. You care for my safety. I cannot fault you for that. A truce then? I shall take one of your guard."
The Prince set his napkin down and the servants took away their plates immediately. "Agreed my lovely lady. One of my guard, I know just the one-"
"The one who saved me yesterday I think. She would be perfect for the job." Fell right into my trap, Liara thought. She didn't particularly enjoy politics but her mother had taught her how to play the game and Benezia was a master. The commandos weren't going with her but Jack didn't have to know that. She wanted time with Shepard alone.
Jack didn't acquiesce right away but Liara was confident he would eventually. She had played this game with other asari nobles and it was far more difficult with them.
"Shepard ... Yes. I suppose she can accompany you." The conversation steered in a different direction and before she knew it she was being led back to her room. She had looked for Shepard when they left the dining room but only the servant girl and an unknown guard were waiting outside for her.
The Fair Lady's Predicament 8/?
anonymous
September 9 2012, 09:02:23 UTC
I was thinking about this today and I realized I don't exactly know how I want this to end.
In the privacy of her room she addressed the maid. "What happened to the guard that greeted me at the door?"
"Shepard?" The girl sighed dreamily. "She said her shift ended and she had other errands to run."
Liara was a bit annoyed at the way the girl talked about Shepard. "Did she say anything to you?"
"Nothing of import My Lady. Trivial things, weather, accommodations, that sort of thing."
Liara hoped she didn't sound too interested. "She is to accompany me this evening around the castle grounds. What is she like? Friendly? Serious?"
"Different My Lady. Friendly, yes. Funny too, and may I say, quite pretty for a human."
"You may not."
"My apologies."
She took a small nap and worked a bit on her knitting before deciding to go out. She stopped a human serving girl with instructions to find and bring "the guard Shepard" to her as soon as possible. She only had to wait a few minutes before her human guard appeared around the corner. Either Shepard had been nearby or the serving girl she had flagged down was very efficient.
Shepard bowed. "Miss T'Soni. A pleasure yet again."
"Shepard, Jack has told you what is needed of you I expect?"
"To be your shadow until you tire of me, yes." Shepard smiled teasingly. "Although the Prince put it in more eloquent words I assure you."
"Good. Well I wish to explore the market. You'll have to show me the way."
Through the halls Liara followed Shepard. For the first time since she got here she began to relax. The human was in no hurry, leading Liara around at a leisurely pace, often stopping to point out something historical or say some interesting tidbit. She did not do any of the things Benezia had warned her about: stepping too close, touching her, and even encouraged her to talk without prompts and laughed when she caught Liara staring at her hair.
The Fair Lady's Predicament 9/?
anonymous
September 9 2012, 09:03:12 UTC
"I apologize Shepard ... I just find you so fascinating. I know it is rude but you must forgive my curiosity." Liara felt incredibly ashamed she had been caught staring and hoped Shepard's laugh wasn't out of embarrassment.
Her guard stopped and turned to face the asari. "Then I will have to satisfy your curiosity so you will not have to apologize again." She dipped her head. "I, Shepard, give you, Miss T'Soni, permission to fill your growing need to run your hands through my hair."
Sensing Liara's uneasiness Shepard continued. "Go on now, I promise I don't have lice."
When Liara hesitated yet again Shepard offered her hand palm up, much like she did when she met Shepard before she had lunch with the Prince. The asari did not think twice and found her hand clasped in Shepard's moving over her head in a petting motion. Once she had gotten over her initial shock she found herself marveling at the individual strands and the way it shimmered in the light like fire.
"Is your curiosity quenched Miss T'Soni?"
Liara pulled her hand back swiftly her cheeks turning dark. "Yes it was quite an enlightening experience, thank you Shepard."
She flashed her a grin. "You're very welcome Miss T'Soni."
They toured the marketplace which happened to be right outside the castle gate. It was a bustling hive of activity, although people seemed to stop whatever they were doing whenever Liara walked by. Liara voiced her concerns to her guard. She didn't like the staring. It made her feel uncomfortable and just reminded her of her first dance with Jack. She asked to be returned to her room but the human would have none of it.
"Pay no attention to them." Shepard had said offering her hand again which Liara took and held onto like a lifeline. "They're just blinded by your beauty, Miss T'Soni." Her comment made the asari blush again in a way Jack hadn't been able to do and she completely forgot about the commoners gawking at her. Shepard distracted her further by buying her a few Earth trinkets and entertained her with an impromptu fruit juggling show. She hadn't realized how much fun she had with Shepard until after she was dropped off back at her room and bidden a good night.
When she slept she dreamt of Shepard and how the human had broken through her insecurities so easily. Shepard had become more than just her guard-she was a friend. Liara had only asked to go to the market to get to know the human better but she found herself captivated. She wanted to spend more time with her.
Re: The Fair Lady's Predicament 9/?
anonymous
September 9 2012, 12:34:11 UTC
Ah a guard. I've sort of expected her to be a step-sister, a prince from a rival land (yeah I know no such thing but one can daydream), or some sort of undercover medieval cop deciding whether or not the king or prince deserve to keep their titles and stuff. A guard is good, shows Liara that not all guards are as bad as she imagined. Though the ones she met reminds me too much of husks *shudders*
Love all the updates! Love it Love it! They're so cute. Shepard is just awesome and easy going. I kinda sort of dread what would happen when Prince Jack/TIM finds out.
And I vote for cheezy happy endings of marriage and old age for how this can end ^_^.
The Fair Lady's Predicament 10/?
anonymous
September 11 2012, 21:43:03 UTC
The next day was much the same. Liara called over a random human servant to fetch Shepard for her and when Shepard arrived Liara told her where she wanted to go.
"A human museum. You do have one other than the one in the castle here don't you?"
Shepard just laughed. "Follow me Miss T'Soni."
This time they had to take a carriage. The museum Shepard wanted to bring her to was almost two hours away by horse and they spent the long ride playing silly Earth games Shepard was fond of.
"Truth or dare?"
"We have been playing this game for over an hour." Liara was running out of (admittedly not very humiliating) dares to give Shepard. "What was that other game we played? I believe it was called I Spy."
"Alright, I'll go first. I spy with my little eye ... a farmer's butt crack."
"Shepard!" Liara laughed.
The historical significance of many of the objects caught Liara's attention. Shepard made her more interested in learning about humans and they spent the almost the whole day there. It was quiet with few people, of which Liara was grateful. The artifacts in the castle were all somehow or another related to the Harpers. The museum gave Liara more exposure to different noble families and even objects that did not belong to any noble at all. All in all it was quite fascinating. Shepard seemed a bit bored but listened to her questions and tried her best to answer them.
That night she was surprised to see Shepard guarding the door to the dining room. It occurred to Liara that this was only part of Shepard's rotation and not special preference. As she walked by arm in arm with the Prince, Shepard whispered only so Liara could hear, "truth or dare Miss T'Soni?"
Jack mistook the laugh as a response to his horribly corny joke.
--
It was still too early for dinner to have concluded. She guessed the royals were only now being served the main course. Another soldier arrived to relieve Shepard from her shift. He called out to her as he was walking up. "Saw you the other day with the Princess. Taken a fancy to her Shepard?"
"I'm showing her around."
"Around where? Her bedroom or yours?" He snickered.
"Oh everywhere. We may have even paid your room a little visit." At his horrified expression she let out a laugh. "Not the time to jest, Taylor. Do your job and watch the door."
"I understand. Guarding the Lady is your assignment, what you do with her is your business and yours alone. My lips are sealed." He mimed pulling a zipper over his mouth but Shepard didn't see it. She was already walking away; troubled by the emotions she was feeling from impure thoughts.
--
The next day Shepard insisted they visit the stables. They had horses on Thessia but the ones on Earth were larger, bolder, and wilder. The majestic animals exuded a feeling of strength, power, and ferocity long lost in the Thessian breeds. She had seen a few tethered to market stalls and of course when they went to the museum in the carriage but now she had a chance to see them up close. Liara was surprised even their animals had an abundance of hair.
"Do you ride Miss T'Soni?" Shepard asked while she threw a saddle over a black horse with a golden brown almost red stripe starting from its forehead and ending at its lower lip.
She watched her guard slip the belts over and under the animal expertly. "Yes, my mother made sure I learned, though it was for travel and show purposes only." Shepard insisted she try riding an Earth bred horse. Assuring her the spotted horse Liara was now sitting on was the tamest one of the lot. A few hesitant trots around the pasture and she was galloping alongside Shepard like an expert. They stopped to admire the sunset casting reds and oranges across the sky.
"I forgot to ask you Shepard. That day you met me outside the dining room ... You prayed the Goddess be with me. I did not know you followed Athame."
"I don't."
"Then why ..."
"Because you believe Miss T'Soni. You seemed very nervous. I thought you might need the reassurance. Was I wrong?"
"Yes you were out of line." Liara tried to say seriously with a straight face but cracked and couldn't stop laughing.
"Miss T'Soni, I thought I had really done wrong for a moment." She winked.
"My Lady you look absolutely stunning!"
Liara twirled in front of the mirror halfheartedly. She was usually looking forward to these large extravagant balls the noble houses threw occasionally. She loved to hear from the lesser nobles that were always invited. They had such different ideas and radical thinking it was marvelous to get lost in their theories and arguments. However this time she didn't want to go. Her mother had thought on her words and decided she was right. It was unfair of her to have her daughter marry someone she had never met in a country she had never seen and so had asked for the King of Earth to hold a ball at his castle. Liara would get to finally step foot in the country of Earth and meet the King's son.
"The Prince of Earth will love you the moment he sees you!" The servant girl gushed.
Liara cursed herself. All these years she had denied every suitor her mother had introduced her to. She was waiting for The One. Never in her wildest dreams did she think the tensions between the two countries would erupt into war and all hope for true love squashed. Liara wished her father was alive, and then she would have had a few more years to find a bondmate. Aethyta would never have agreed to this arranged marriage! Liara wished the Vasirs were alive, then it would be their House having to deal with this.
It was uncomfortable in the coach. Liara hoped another noble House would accompany her. Benezia didn't want any distractions so it would be just her, her mother, a couple handmaidens, and a few dozen commandos. Liara sighed and looked out the window while her mother continued her lecture.
"The humans may get close to you but you must not pull away. It would be considered rude. Human men do what is called shaking hands and for women they will kiss it. You must offer your hand to a human noble when you are introduced. Do not speak unless spoken to or stare for too long at their hair. Liara are you listening?"
Liara glared at her mother sitting across from her. Their knees were almost touching in the small carriage. "Must I keep my eyes on the ground, my mouth shut, and do nothing but stand around looking pretty?"
"You may be the young Lady of this House, but you will not speak to me that way."
Liara brushed off the admonishment and went back to looking out the window. She realized she was literally watching the life she knew slip by her. "I'm sorry mother."
Benezia rubbed the bridge of her nose clearly exasperated. "Please Liara ... do not do anything that will disgrace our House."
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She felt his hand dig into her hip and was grateful for all the layers of clothing. "You are so beautiful Lady Liara." Was this the time when she was supposed to say something? The Prince had spoken to her but had not asked her anything. Would it be rude if she said anything now? Liara was so confused. She had said nothing this whole night just to avoid problems like this.
He chuckled. He was so close to her she could feel his breath on her skin. "You're so quiet ... do you feel nervous? Or do you just have nothing to say?"
"I do feel a bit nervous." She glanced around the ballroom at the ring of faces but immediately went back to staring at the invisible speck of dust on the Prince’s shoulder. "There are so many people watching us. Are they not allowed to dance?"
"No of course not! It is just rude to do so before the Prince and his betrothed have even completed their first dance together."
We're not betrothed, she thought. I don't want to be here. When the dance ended the others coupled up and soon the floor was filled with moving twirling bodies. It comforted Liara a little bit knowing she wasn't completely alone with the Prince now but the feeling was ripped away when he tugged her through the crowd insisting he show her the palace grounds. He at least walked her to her room so she could change out of her overly excessive gaudy dress and into something easier to walk around in.
Liara fell on the bed lamenting the softness of the one back home and wished she didn't have to live here forever.
"Lady Liara? Are you suitable?" Prince Jack asked through the door. She scrambled out of the bed and quickly put her tiara back on before heading out.
Everywhere they went he introduced her as his fiancée, whatever that was. If it wasn't Lady Liara or Lady T'Soni she didn't like it. She was tired of having her hand kissed by dozens of strangers and having to smile lovingly whenever someone said she was a very lucky girl to marry the prince. He wouldn't let go of her waist either keeping her from calling her commandos or her mother. They had already visited the West Wing, North Wing, Northwest Wing, and East Wing. She didn't think a castle could have so many wings!
"The best part is outside the castle. We'll take one of father's carriages." He ordered the driver to take them to the barracks and then settled down next to her. Liara shifted awkwardly. She had expected him to sit in the seat across from her since there was ample room on that side but she should have known he was going to make her feel uncomfortable again.
"I didn't get to say this before but you dance so well. Your guards seemed tense though. They didn't think there would be any danger did they? I have heard stories about asari commandos ... they control some sort of magic. Is that true Liara? May I call you Liara?"
Her name made her ears wince when it came out of his mouth. Do not do anything that will disgrace our House. Liara remembered her mother's words. "You may, if I can call you Jack."
He laughed. "Of course you may ..." He stared at her for a long while and then leaned his head in closer attempting to go in for a kiss. Liara's eyes widened when she realized what he was going to do. You must not pull away. It would be considered rude. She turned her head at the last second and his lips met her cheek. He cleared his throat and looked away.
The horses stopped signaling their arrival. Oh thank the Goddess I'm saved!
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"I know the war is still fresh on everybody's mind but this is my greatest achievement." Jack said with a wicked smile. He rapped on the wooden door three times. It swung open. Inside there were a dozen soldiers, men and women, in parade rest. He gazed lovingly at each one as they walked by. Liara felt like they were in a museum and they were admiring precious gems rather than people. "Anything I want ... someone punished, killed, something delivered or stolen, any enemy that needs to be eliminated, all I have to do is say the word and they'll do it."
He took her by the arm and they walked through the small building between the row of soldiers. "They've never failed. I handpicked every one of them to be here. I oversee all their training. When I become King my elite army will be unstoppable." He continued talking like he was a master carpenter and they were discussing his latest masterpiece.
Liara felt sick. How many asaris did these soldiers kill during the war? Her friends and family and more. Their eyes were hollow and lifeless. She felt suffocated in this space. She was surrounded by killers, metal, blood, and things she was never meant to deal with. Her limbs felt heavy and her head felt woozy. She needed to leave immediately. Pulling sharply out of Jack's grasp Liara ran back toward the carriage as his elite soldiers stood like statues all around her. She vaguely heard Jack calling for her and felt her strength leaving her as she pried open the door.
Darkness crept into her vision and the last thing she saw was a pair of emerald eyes and someone's strong grip that cushioned her fall.
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*waits eagerly*
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I keep seeing 'Jack' and then seeing 'He'... and thinking it's male!Jack from ME2... for some reason. I'm weird, I guess. But this prince definitely isn't Jack-jack, because ladybadass!Jack uses a lot more profanity. Heh.
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But A!A, I have to say, while I’m normally not into FemShep/Liara, this is so entertaining I will be definitely waiting for more.
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Her vision swam. She blinked a few times making out the face of her maid and groaned.
"Samara! Is she alright?"
"She will be My Lady. Some food and sleep and she'll be fine."
"Oh thank the Goddess!"
Samara lifted a glass of water to Liara's lips. "How is your head?"
"Dizzy. A little. Tired. Exhausted." She saw that she was back in her room in the King of Earth's castle. Samara gently tucked her under the comforter and she drifted into sleep.
It was early the next day when Liara woke again. The young servant girl who had rudely barged through her door in the past was watching over her.
"My Lady! You're awake! I'll get your mother!"
Benezia arrived quickly. "Eat something small and get dressed. You have lunch with the Prince." With her daughter well and her message delivered, Benezia left the room. Liara was hoping for some more time with her. She wanted to tell her all about the Prince and how she didn't like him, what he had shown her, and what they had talked about but Benezia had more important things to take care of as always.
"Come now My Lady, let's get you freshened up shall we?" The servant girl said nervously. Liara allowed herself to be stripped, bathed, and clothed, this time in what she called a princess's "everyday" dress. A bowl of soup was placed in front of her and Liara was thankful to see that it was Thessian. The servant girl sat back and watched.
"My Lady if you don't mind me asking ... what made you faint yesterday?"
It wasn't exactly rude of the girl. There was no rule that said she couldn't ask questions especially since they were alone but Liara didn't know this maid and didn't feel comfortable telling her everything. "I was overwhelmed by painful memories that's all."
"Did the Prince show any interest in you?"
Liara narrowed her eyes. "That is out of line, servant."
"My apologies My Lady. I overstepped my bounds."
When she was finished she was led to the room where she was to have lunch with the Prince and King. A guard greeted them at the door.
"Miss T'Soni. A pleasure." The guard offered her hand palm up and Liara laid her hand in the stranger's. Another nameless faceless human, Liara thought until she looked down at the guard's face. Her eyes locked with a familiar set of green ones. Her gasp was met with a gentle kiss on the back of her hand.
"You ... You were at the barracks the other day. You caught me when I fainted." Liara was so stunned to be meeting the human here of all places she forgot to stay silent until asked a direct question. In her awe she let her hand linger longer in this stranger's grasp.
"I was and I did."
"Please, you must tell me your name so that I may thank you properly."
"Jane." The guard stood with Liara's hand still in hers. There was a kind smile on her face, "but you may call me Shepard."
"Very well. Thank you Shepard, for ensuring I did not endanger myself further. If you hadn't shown up ... well. I am glad you did."
"You're welcome Miss T'Soni. Now I believe someone is waiting for you." Shepard gave the hand in hers a squeeze before letting it go. Liara wished to stay outside and chat with this human a bit more but steeled herself and entered the room. The servant girl that led her here stepped back a pace clearly intending to stay outside the room with the guard. Before the door closed fully she heard Shepard offer her prayers, "may the Goddess be with you, Miss T'Soni."
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Liara saw her mother standing next to the King. "A perfect match for your intelligent son, King Harper."
Jack stood by Liara's assigned seat and pulled out her chair like any nobleman. He took the seat directly across from her. Benezia and King Harper remained standing a few yards away chatting in low tones. As soon as she was settled servants came through the back door setting plates down and filling glasses.
"Liara, I want to apologize for yesterday." Jack said as they finished the first course. "A lady such as yourself would obviously not welcome an audience with trained professionals. Even if they are her fiancée's most trusted men. I want you to know they are bound to me in oath and they would never do anything I had not explicitly ordered. Of course you had not known that until now. Please forgive my thoughtless act."
She could see her mother looking at her and listening to their conversation as she pretended to laugh at something the King had said. Liara smiled sweetly. She was starting to understand when to speak and when to hold her tongue when around humans. "There is nothing to be forgiven. You did not know how I was going to react. Let us both start over shall we?"
The second course was brought in. "Oh but Liara, I do not want to start over completely. I would like to remember our first dance. You were so beautiful."
"Or we could forget everything and we'll just have to arrange another ball and have another first dance."
Jack laughed. "I like the way you think Liara! Wonderful, let's start over, but I shall hold you to that second first dance." They reintroduced themselves over the third course and talked about meaningless things that neither interested Liara nor held her attention. Her thoughts kept drifting back to that guard outside the door. She felt comfortable around her unlike the rest of the humans she had met so far. She was intrigued by the guard who had invoked the Goddess. Liara found she enjoyed this human's company no matter how brief it had been.
During the last course when the conversation had lulled Liara spoke up. "Since I will be living here for a while I would like to explore the grounds on my own, with a small escort, if I may?"
Jack seemed to think. "Was there something you wished to see that I did not show you?"
"Not at all. I only wish to get to know my ... home. Am I permitted to walk around the castle freely?"
"You are. My home is now your home. I would like to see you safe though. I will assemble two of my best guards to escort you should you venture outside the castle walls."
All Liara wanted to do was sleep. She was tired of playing at intrigue and deception but there was one last thing she needed from him so she continued to play. "That is not necessary. A team of my commandos will suffice."
"Please Liara, it is dangerous outside the castle. Add my guards to your team of commandos."
"Jack how silly would I look with a crowd of soldiers trailing behind me!" She laughed. "However I see your point. You care for my safety. I cannot fault you for that. A truce then? I shall take one of your guard."
The Prince set his napkin down and the servants took away their plates immediately. "Agreed my lovely lady. One of my guard, I know just the one-"
"The one who saved me yesterday I think. She would be perfect for the job." Fell right into my trap, Liara thought. She didn't particularly enjoy politics but her mother had taught her how to play the game and Benezia was a master. The commandos weren't going with her but Jack didn't have to know that. She wanted time with Shepard alone.
Jack didn't acquiesce right away but Liara was confident he would eventually. She had played this game with other asari nobles and it was far more difficult with them.
"Shepard ... Yes. I suppose she can accompany you." The conversation steered in a different direction and before she knew it she was being led back to her room. She had looked for Shepard when they left the dining room but only the servant girl and an unknown guard were waiting outside for her.
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In the privacy of her room she addressed the maid. "What happened to the guard that greeted me at the door?"
"Shepard?" The girl sighed dreamily. "She said her shift ended and she had other errands to run."
Liara was a bit annoyed at the way the girl talked about Shepard. "Did she say anything to you?"
"Nothing of import My Lady. Trivial things, weather, accommodations, that sort of thing."
Liara hoped she didn't sound too interested. "She is to accompany me this evening around the castle grounds. What is she like? Friendly? Serious?"
"Different My Lady. Friendly, yes. Funny too, and may I say, quite pretty for a human."
"You may not."
"My apologies."
She took a small nap and worked a bit on her knitting before deciding to go out. She stopped a human serving girl with instructions to find and bring "the guard Shepard" to her as soon as possible. She only had to wait a few minutes before her human guard appeared around the corner. Either Shepard had been nearby or the serving girl she had flagged down was very efficient.
Shepard bowed. "Miss T'Soni. A pleasure yet again."
"Shepard, Jack has told you what is needed of you I expect?"
"To be your shadow until you tire of me, yes." Shepard smiled teasingly. "Although the Prince put it in more eloquent words I assure you."
"Good. Well I wish to explore the market. You'll have to show me the way."
Through the halls Liara followed Shepard. For the first time since she got here she began to relax. The human was in no hurry, leading Liara around at a leisurely pace, often stopping to point out something historical or say some interesting tidbit. She did not do any of the things Benezia had warned her about: stepping too close, touching her, and even encouraged her to talk without prompts and laughed when she caught Liara staring at her hair.
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Her guard stopped and turned to face the asari. "Then I will have to satisfy your curiosity so you will not have to apologize again." She dipped her head. "I, Shepard, give you, Miss T'Soni, permission to fill your growing need to run your hands through my hair."
Sensing Liara's uneasiness Shepard continued. "Go on now, I promise I don't have lice."
When Liara hesitated yet again Shepard offered her hand palm up, much like she did when she met Shepard before she had lunch with the Prince. The asari did not think twice and found her hand clasped in Shepard's moving over her head in a petting motion. Once she had gotten over her initial shock she found herself marveling at the individual strands and the way it shimmered in the light like fire.
"Is your curiosity quenched Miss T'Soni?"
Liara pulled her hand back swiftly her cheeks turning dark. "Yes it was quite an enlightening experience, thank you Shepard."
She flashed her a grin. "You're very welcome Miss T'Soni."
They toured the marketplace which happened to be right outside the castle gate. It was a bustling hive of activity, although people seemed to stop whatever they were doing whenever Liara walked by. Liara voiced her concerns to her guard. She didn't like the staring. It made her feel uncomfortable and just reminded her of her first dance with Jack. She asked to be returned to her room but the human would have none of it.
"Pay no attention to them." Shepard had said offering her hand again which Liara took and held onto like a lifeline. "They're just blinded by your beauty, Miss T'Soni." Her comment made the asari blush again in a way Jack hadn't been able to do and she completely forgot about the commoners gawking at her. Shepard distracted her further by buying her a few Earth trinkets and entertained her with an impromptu fruit juggling show. She hadn't realized how much fun she had with Shepard until after she was dropped off back at her room and bidden a good night.
When she slept she dreamt of Shepard and how the human had broken through her insecurities so easily. Shepard had become more than just her guard-she was a friend. Liara had only asked to go to the market to get to know the human better but she found herself captivated. She wanted to spend more time with her.
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Love all the updates! Love it Love it! They're so cute. Shepard is just awesome and easy going. I kinda sort of dread what would happen when Prince Jack/TIM finds out.
And I vote for cheezy happy endings of marriage and old age for how this can end ^_^.
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Like this a lot!
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"A human museum. You do have one other than the one in the castle here don't you?"
Shepard just laughed. "Follow me Miss T'Soni."
This time they had to take a carriage. The museum Shepard wanted to bring her to was almost two hours away by horse and they spent the long ride playing silly Earth games Shepard was fond of.
"Truth or dare?"
"We have been playing this game for over an hour." Liara was running out of (admittedly not very humiliating) dares to give Shepard. "What was that other game we played? I believe it was called I Spy."
"Alright, I'll go first. I spy with my little eye ... a farmer's butt crack."
"Shepard!" Liara laughed.
The historical significance of many of the objects caught Liara's attention. Shepard made her more interested in learning about humans and they spent the almost the whole day there. It was quiet with few people, of which Liara was grateful. The artifacts in the castle were all somehow or another related to the Harpers. The museum gave Liara more exposure to different noble families and even objects that did not belong to any noble at all. All in all it was quite fascinating. Shepard seemed a bit bored but listened to her questions and tried her best to answer them.
That night she was surprised to see Shepard guarding the door to the dining room. It occurred to Liara that this was only part of Shepard's rotation and not special preference. As she walked by arm in arm with the Prince, Shepard whispered only so Liara could hear, "truth or dare Miss T'Soni?"
Jack mistook the laugh as a response to his horribly corny joke.
--
It was still too early for dinner to have concluded. She guessed the royals were only now being served the main course. Another soldier arrived to relieve Shepard from her shift. He called out to her as he was walking up. "Saw you the other day with the Princess. Taken a fancy to her Shepard?"
"I'm showing her around."
"Around where? Her bedroom or yours?" He snickered.
"Oh everywhere. We may have even paid your room a little visit." At his horrified expression she let out a laugh. "Not the time to jest, Taylor. Do your job and watch the door."
"I understand. Guarding the Lady is your assignment, what you do with her is your business and yours alone. My lips are sealed." He mimed pulling a zipper over his mouth but Shepard didn't see it. She was already walking away; troubled by the emotions she was feeling from impure thoughts.
--
The next day Shepard insisted they visit the stables. They had horses on Thessia but the ones on Earth were larger, bolder, and wilder. The majestic animals exuded a feeling of strength, power, and ferocity long lost in the Thessian breeds. She had seen a few tethered to market stalls and of course when they went to the museum in the carriage but now she had a chance to see them up close. Liara was surprised even their animals had an abundance of hair.
"Do you ride Miss T'Soni?" Shepard asked while she threw a saddle over a black horse with a golden brown almost red stripe starting from its forehead and ending at its lower lip.
She watched her guard slip the belts over and under the animal expertly. "Yes, my mother made sure I learned, though it was for travel and show purposes only." Shepard insisted she try riding an Earth bred horse. Assuring her the spotted horse Liara was now sitting on was the tamest one of the lot. A few hesitant trots around the pasture and she was galloping alongside Shepard like an expert. They stopped to admire the sunset casting reds and oranges across the sky.
"I forgot to ask you Shepard. That day you met me outside the dining room ... You prayed the Goddess be with me. I did not know you followed Athame."
"I don't."
"Then why ..."
"Because you believe Miss T'Soni. You seemed very nervous. I thought you might need the reassurance. Was I wrong?"
"Yes you were out of line." Liara tried to say seriously with a straight face but cracked and couldn't stop laughing.
"Miss T'Soni, I thought I had really done wrong for a moment." She winked.
"It seems you cannot do any wrong Shepard."
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