Duke Howlett is more than familiar with Lady Maximoff's well-appointed and oft-frequented stillroom, characterized by its heady smell of drying herbs that hang from racks chained from the age-blackened oak rafters of the lofty ceiling, and the precious glass flasks, tubes, and beakers that constitute her craft. The huge work table in the center of ( Read more... )

As the duke leaves, intent on the need to contact the king, Wanda offers a hospitable smile to the strangers. "Are you hungry? I can have Agatha see what is ready to eat in the kitchens, or you can sup later ( Read more... )

It is a clear and quiet morning on the Maximoff estate, staff moving about performing their normal duties with little fuss ( Read more... )

Summer is gaining a tenuous foothold on the Northern Kingdom, and with the warming of the countryside and the lengthening of the days comes a renewed fervour and interest in the affairs of court, as the months grow ever closer to the combined 16th birthdays of the Princesses. Once a month for the last eighteen months, men from all corners of not ( Read more... )

The Avenging Son, Lord Namor of Atlantis, Lord of the Seven Seas, the Sub-Mariner long ago, after the death of his first wife, decided to never again bind himself to any one person. Once he came out of mourning, he was approached by a number of noble ladies looking to help soothe his pain. In the begining, he turned down the offers, though slowly ( Read more... )

Another gunshot followed by the sound of glass shattering on the floor ( Read more... )

The fort's chapel is not overtly lavish, though it is well-appointed, being attached to the fortified residence of the Duke. Five days he was away from here; five days suffered amongst the talk of men and war, and throughout it all his thoughts never strayed from home. Even the King was hard pressed not to take note of his demeanor, and despite his ( Read more... )

This letter arrives for Madelyne some time later.

Dearest Madelyne ( Read more... )

The lady is sitting back in her carriage as they are heading from her estates into the palace. Her staff warned her not to take this route, that it was the most often trafficked by bandits and rogues. Not that they knew that but that was what she'd insisted. She could use a little excitement in her life that had nothing to do with her currently ( Read more... )

Duke Howlett is renowned for his patience and his diligence, keen wit and effectiveness. Respect is earned and given by him, trust won hard but loyalty unquestioned. He is a man who has stared death in the face time and again in battle, to come away unscathed even with uncanny wounds; but this night he faces a new kind of dread ( Read more... )