Detailed Roleplayers discussion
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McKensie and Lara III
Lydia helped Marcoyx with his wheelchair, she hated how upset he was and tried to comfort him anyway she could. They sat on the train as she removed her good she was instantly recognized.Lacey nodded and hugged her gently "of course...stay positive and strong, you are so weak and I worry..." She grabbed some meat and vegetables "need to stay healthy for Marcoux's arrival...you need to tell him the truth."
James sat with Lydia and Marcoux on the train. He couldn't see his friend, so he couldn't see if he looked happy or sad or anything else. But he had heard him yelling in the hospital, and he was worried about him. He reached over and squeezed Lydia's hand, hoping to get home soon and quickly. People were already starting to talk about the princess on the train. Illiana nodded slowly, wiping the last tears from her eyes. She shook her head when Lacey brought out more food though. "I couldn't possibly fit more." she insisted. "But thank you." She stood, dusting her uniform down again. "And I really do need to clean Marcoux's room." She said seriously. "I am a maid, and he will be arriving soon." She reminded Lacey.
Lydia flushed and sighed lightly "everyone is talking about me..." She whispered and squeezed his hand "Marcoux isn't the same...I don't know what has gotten into him...he's always angry."Lacey smiled lightly and shook her head "Maxwell and I already cleaned it Illiana...don't worry, do you want to come to the station with us?" She asked packing a few things to take to James. "Oh I'm so excited to see my brother!"
James grinned, then, turning his head in the direction of her voice. "You're famous, love." he whispered, happy for his girl. It was quite an honour to be the princess. Everyone knew her name. He was proud to be the one she loved. When she talked of Marcoux, he sighed softly. "The war does strange things to everyone." he said softly, as the train started to slow. "I just hope he can recover."Illiana beamed then. "Thank you so much Lacey!" She wasn't even sure how or why her friend had cleaned a room for her. A lady and a heir of the house certainly hadn't needed to get their hands dirty and work. She beamed then. "I'd love to come!" She exclaimed. "If that's not too much trouble… that is." she said softly.
Lacey and Maxwell got the carriage with Illiana as they rode to the station they saw the solidders exiting the train and running to their loved ones it was sweet and Lacey felt her eyes well with tears. "Do you see them yet?"Lydia and the boys were at the end of the train so that James didn't have to worry about the crowds and people bumping into them. Marcoux got on his crutches wanting to be as strong as he could though he didn't expect to see Illiana.
Illiana rode on the other side of the carriage, with Maxwell and Lacey across from them. When she got out, she scanned the crowds expectantly. And that was when she saw three very familiar figures down at the end of the boardwalk. One with a bandage over his eyes, and one on crutches and sporting one empty pant leg. Illiana waved to Lydia and raced over, her heart pounding. He was alive. He was alive and that was all that mattered. Illiana was short enough that she could fling her arms around Marcoux's torso beneath his arms that were hooked over the crutches. She was immediately sobbing into his chest, her frail body trembling. "You're alive…" She whispered. James only heard someone thundering down the boardwalk, and then the sobs of that new maid as she hugged, who he presumed to be Marcoux. He found himself smiling. So maybe she did love him after all. Or at least she cared a great deal about him. He looked around expectantly, hoping to see his sister. He had worried about her with her surgery, and missed her terribly.
Marcoux started to cry as he held her closer and kissed her hair cupping her face "Illi...I thought..." He didn't even care that he didn't have a leg anymore she was in his arms and she cared about him. "I love you Illi..."Lacey ran to James and hugged him sobbing "James...I'm so glad your ok, I missed you so much...are you ok?" She asked worriedly and cupped his face "I thought you were gone...mum is sick, and dad is so sorry he made you go."
Illiana clung to him, trembling with relief and emotion. "I was so scared that you might have… that maybe…" She shook her head, pressing her face against his shirt and just smelling him, revelling in the fact that he was alive. "I'm so sorry, Marcoux, this is all my fault. I'm so so sorry."James felt his sister's arms and he hugged her to him, tears in his unseeing eyes. "I'm alright." he said, kissing her hand. "I'm alright, Lacey, I'm ok." He assured, tugging her to him again so he could hug her tight. "I'm sorry I was gone so long. And you had a surgery!" he shook his head. "And Ma's sick?" he said, suddenly worried.
Marcoyx shook his head "does not matter now Illi..." He rested into the wheelchair not being able to hold her up and stand strong. He put her on his lap and just held her "your so thin...have you been eating?" He asked wirriedly and kissed her head.Lacey shook her head "let's get you home...I'm alright, it's mum I'm worried sbout you need to see her...show her that you're alright..." She fingered the medal on his lapel "it's not worth your sight James..."
Lydia saw the guards and sighed not wanting to leave James, but then the Royal carriage appered and she was shocked. Her mother never went out in public! "Mother?"
Illiana helped him as best as she could to get into his wheelchair and strap the crutches to the back. She winced at his question, and closed her eyes. "Yes… I had some soup this morning actually." She said softly, kissing his cheek. "Can I push you?" she inquired, getting up taking the handles of his chair. James nodded, in agreement. "Let's go then." He agreed, taking cautious steps with his cane, and one hand on Lacey's arm to help guid him. Being blind would take a lot of adjusting. He sighed softly, pausing to finger the small medal. "I haven't ever even seen it." he said softly. "You know I never wanted to go." He whispered. He wished he had his sight still too.
The queen came out of the carriage, a look of stark fear and anger mixed on her features. "What do you think you were doing dear!?" She cried, hugging her tight. "You could have been assassinated on the streets of Paris and I wouldn't have been able to help you!" she cried.
Marcoux and nodded sighing lightly "yes you may push me." He said watching behind at her and squeezing her hand over the handle "I missed you...I can't believe...I just thought you hated me, I was scared to come back home..." He admitted and sighed "silly fear since that's all I wanted."Lacey nodded and sighed helping him to the carriage, she watched Lydia with the queen and it was still shocking that she was Royal. "I think Lydia wants to stay with you...but her mother is here..." She explained since she knew he couldn't see it.
Lydia hugged her back tightly "I'm fine mother, I found James...and that's all that matters to me..." She didn't want to leave him, she just wanted to be at his side always "I love him mother, you must know I woukdnt disobey for anything else."
Illiana was glad that the food issue and been dropped. "I never hated you Marcoux." she said softly, walking him towards the carriage. "I was afraid, yes, of loving again. But I never hated you, it didn't have anything to do with you as a person." she admitted, shaking her head. "If you hadn't come back…." She swallowed, not wanting to dwell on that. She knew it wouldn't have been pretty. James relied on Lacey's help and guidance to get into the carriage and he frowned in worry when she talked of Lydia. "Does it look like her mother is cross with her?" he asked, caring about what happened to his love. "I don't wish her to be in trouble because of me…"
She kissed her daughter's forehead and then stepped back again, surveying her state of dress. "Honey, we must get you home and cleaned up immediately!" She insisted. "I understand that you love him dear, but he has a family he must go home to now, I'm sure they're all worried about him. And you have your own duties to attend to at the palace. Like finding a replacement for the maid that dressed as your decoy."
Marcoux had her help him into the carriage, he pulled her in with him and sighed laying his head on her shoulder and taking her hand "can we love again? I don't think I can take being rejected another day Illiana...I love you."Lacey watched "she doesn't seem cross but Lydia certainly looks upset about something..." She knew that the girl was his love but she just wanted her brother home and tucked into bed. It was selfish but it had minths and her mother was so sick.
Lydia gasped shocked "no! I won't have any other maid but Emma! I wrote a note, I forced her into it...I won't let her get let go, she's the only maid I trust she's my friend...I'm not going with you unless you promise that nothing happens to her!"
Illiana helped Marcoux into the carriage, and then sat beside him. She was quiet for a moment, and then she nodded. "Yes. We can." She whispered. "I think we can." She reached over hesitantly and kissed his cheek, a small smile forming on her lips then. James frowned a little. "Upset?" he asked as the carriage started rolling. He had hardly had any time at all to catch up with Lydia, but he knew more time would come for that later. He just hoped she visited him.
Her mother frowned sternly. "There was no note dear, Emma assured that she had agreed to it of her own free will, and that makes her in the wrong. She's already been dispatched dear. I'm sorry but there is no other option. Your four other maids are eagerly waiting your return." She said seriously. "She is doing well. We made sure she had a good job, as we do with all our staff."
Marcoux squeezed her hand and nuzzled her kissing her lips softly "you make me the happiest man Illiana..." He said leaning close to her and holding her closely "I watched nurses care for me...I saw you in that role you'd be so sympathetic and good at getting them healed."Lacey squeezed his hand and smiled "I'll make sure she visits often when she isn't busy with her royal duties...when you marry her then you can always be together." She assured and smiled "there's been kings that had far worse problems.."
Lydia sighed getting in the carriage "yes ma'am...I'm glad that I'm home and to see you." She looked out the window "I want an official part of my schedule that I get to see him everyday." She insisted and sighed thinking about him and worried about the trauma he went through.
Illiana smiled softly, leaning against his shoulder and allowing herself to relax. All the excitement had really tired her out, but she would never admit that. "I don't know if I could be a nurse, Marcoux. I would blame myself for every incident… every death." She admitted, thinking of how she blamed herself for what happened to him. James nodded, sitting back as the carriage moved. "The queen will never approve of a blind king." he sighed rather sadly. He loved Lydia, and wished to the heavens that he could marry her.
The queen thought about that for a moment as the carriage rolled away. "Alright dear. I'm sure we can work that in." She agreed, smiling softly. "Just as long as you manage to finish everything else as well." She said seriously.
Marcoux nodded in understanding "I see, well I truly believe you can be more in status then a ladies maid Illiana if you so choose." He smiled and sighed "I don't want you to think you have to be my nurse however...I am fine, and will learn to get around and participate in society..." He just hoped he'd never have any fits when around her.Lacey shook his head "your a war hero, your status is just as high as a prince's plus Lydia will be the one ruling the country not you and not until the queen's death. I think she made it clear by running off to France to find you that your the one she chooses."
Lydia nodded eagerly "of course! Thank you mother..." She said sincerely and yawned so tired from sleepless nights in France trying to find him and living in such poor conditions "I promised him that he would get a royal title with his purple heart title..."
Illiana nodded, then, glad that he thought so. However, when he said he didn't wish her to be his nurse, she immediately frowned. "Marcoux, I wish to care for you. I wish to help you in any way I can, if you'll allow me." She said softly, reaching over to gently slip her hand into his. James smiled softly, rejuvenated by his sister's vigour and hope. It was infectious, and he was hopeful that she was right. "I know she loves me." He agreed, leaning his head on the window. He wished he could see the passing scenery. "I love her too. I just hope this all works out."
The queen nodded her welcome, and she glanced out the window again. However, her daughter's next statement caused her to look up in surprise. "A royal title dear? What did he do to earn such a thing?" She asked, curious.
Marcoux took her hand and kissed her knuckles gently and smiled "I wish you to be my love not my nurse, I will need your assistance but I want to show you I can still be the man that cares for you and our future family...I'm not an invalid." He insisted and smiled watching James and Lacey.Lacey pat his back "it will...but I insist I get married first, I've had to wait months for you to get home for Maxwell to pop the question and plan for our August wedding." She said with a grin "of course he doesn't know of this."
Lydia looked back at her "he was a spy on enemy lines...he gained valuable information before being found and chased into the trenches where the mustard gas was supposed to kill him...He risked his life for our country. Though he had a choice he went with the noble one."
Illiana nodded then, leaning her head on his shoulder. "We will share the responsibility." She suggested. "But I know you are not an invalid. I just wish to help in any way I can, just as I help Lady Lacey, and the other members of this household. I wish to care for you, because I care about you." she explained. Then she smiled. "And don't worry, I'd love it if you cared for me too."James laughed then, shaking his head. "So he hasn't manned up and asked yet, hm?" he said, raising an eyebrow. "I'm sure he's' waiting for the right time to ask." He assured. "But you want your wedding in August, eh?" he asked. "Why that month?"
The queen listened to her tale and then nodded slowly. "Alright dear, it sounds as though he's earned it." She agreed, smiling softly then. "I'll let you bestow the honour. It can be a learning experience." She offered.
Marcoux smiled and nuzzled her and kissed her neck "if we were going to have a wedding?...what season would you want it at?" He asked wondering about their future he wanted their second summer home to become the new house to live.Lacey shrugged and smiled happily "it's a beautiful month before fall and then I'll have a spring baby!" She said eagerly and clasped her hands together "a May baby...then I won't be pregnant in the summer months!"
Lydia clasped her hands "parliament will have no objections of me marrying him then! He would have the ranking of a prince!" She said eagerly and huge her mother "thank you!"
Illiana thought about that for a moment. She had only known him in the summer so far. They met in the summer. So it made sense to have a summer wedding. "July." she answered. "Because it was July that brought you here, to me." She said, smiling softly. James nodded then in understanding, though all this talk of babies was getting him stressed. His sister, pregnant? No way. "Alright then…" He said, fidgeting. "But please no kids too quickly, ok? You're too young…" he complained.
The queen looked a little surprised. "You want to marry him, darling?" She inquired, not expecting that. "He's blind…" She pointed out. "He'll hardly be able to walk by himself… let alone run a family." she said, being completely serious.
Marcoux smiled and kissed her hand "July it is, I assume you mean of next year...weddings take preparation and such but whatever you want of course...I'm happy no matter what." He assured and pecked her lips.Lacey sighed "I am not! Mother was younger then me when she was pregnant with you. You wouldn't think twice of Lydia wanting children." She reminded and smiled "we are grown up, no more childhood day dreams..."
Lydia blinked surprised shed even say such a thing "of course I do! I won't marry anyone else, he will learn and he walks fine...grandfather had epilepsy and ruled the country having seizures every hour...he will be a great father and support of me..."
Illiana laughed softly. "Yes, silly. Next year of course. We couldn't fit a wedding in in the next week." She shook her head, her smile bright. "But thanks for being accommodating." She said seriously. "I hope July is alright with you?"James huffed and shook his head, still not liking the idea. He couldn't even imagine Lacey with child. "Says the girl who swore she would never marry." he teased, kissing her cheek. "I'll try to get used to the idea, but I doubt I ever will."
The queen nodded slowly as it was easy to see that Lydia loved him. But she still wasn't convinced. She wanted a man to take care of her daughter, not a man her daughter would have to take care of. "Well I'm sure you'll both love each other very much." She said, trying to be supportive.
Marcoux nodded and smiled "July is perfect...by that time I'm sure Maxwell and Lacey will be living in my old mansion and raising their family we'll be able to focus on us." The carriage arrived and he got back into the chair grinning as he saw his best friend "I guess I was wrong about the kids!" He teased glad to see him.Lacey smiled and helped him out of the carriage "I've got you...father James is home!" She called into the house with a smile "nothing is changed...maybe muscle memory of the house will help you." She offered leading him with touch to his room.
Lydia smiled and nodded "it will be..." She assured her and smiled thinking about it "he'll take care of me, as only he can...by being my support and safety, that didn't change when he lost his sight. Plus there are doctors every day developing new surgeries to restore sight."
Illiana smiled softly, loving that idea. Little kids, and her friend Lacey the mother! It was a lovely image. "Sounds wonderful." She said, just as Maxwell entered the carriage and they drove off. Maxwell grinned, shaking his head. "I couldn't propose, let alone have a wedding and kids with you and James gone. It didn't seem right to do it without all of you there to see it." He said honestly. "Lacey does love her brother so."
James nodded, using his cane to reach out and find the bottom stair, and the edge of walls, slowly learning where everything was again. It was taking work, and it was oh so frustrating to not be able to see, but he was getting it slowly. "Thank you, Lacey, for your help." He said, just as their father rushed in and embraced James, tears in his eyes. "My boy."
Her mother nodded then, a little more happy about this marriage. "Alright then. As long as you say he'll be good for you. I only want the best for my daughter." She said gently, kissing her forehead.
Marcoux nodded and hugged his friend "better pop the question soon, from what I was eavesdropping on...she's already planning the wedding in August." He chuckled "and spring babies, I would start to worry if I were you."Lacey smiled and nodded she watched her father and sighed going to her mother's room and taking her hand "James is home...he's alright...he's a hero mother, but he needs you to be well we all do..."
Lydia smiled and nodded "I kniw mother thank you..." She sighed as they arrived at the palace "I'm starting to finally see this as home...we should have a ceremony to give the solidders their tiltles and medals...maybe a ball after?"
Maxwell ran a hand over his eyes and groaned. "Well thanks for the heads up. Looks like we'll be busy." He shook his head, a small smile creeping over his features. "She sure doesn't waste any time." he shrugged. "Guess I'll have to find a ring and plan a proposal then."Her mother looked up slowly, opening her eyes. "James?" she asked softly. She propped herself up on her pillows, eager to see her boy. "Where is he?" She asked softly. "Can I see him? Is he alright?"
The queen smiled proudly, nodding then. "It does grow on you." she agreed. She clasped her hands together then. "Oh a ball would be lovely dear! What a great idea." She squeezed her hand. "Would you like to plan it?"
Maxwell chuckled "your lucky she loves you so much, she's not wasting anytime now that James is home your her main concern. Do you know how you are going to ask her?"Lacey nodded and led James in carefully "here he is mother...he's alright just, lost his sight...but he's well other then that..." She saw her father and still refused to speak to him it had been months.
Lydia smiled "I'm afraid I don't know how to, but I will plan how id like it...do I have to wear the Royal jewels? They are so heavy!"
Maxwell laughed then. "I suppose so. Though I had no idea she was already planning." he admitted. Then he smiled softly. "I hope to propose on the beach." He admitted. "For our first kiss was on the beach." He explained. James followed Lacey in where she directed. His mother teared up, watching her blindfolded son slowly touch the covers, feeling his way to her hand which he grasped. "Mother." He whispered. "Lacey tells me you are unwell."
She smiled softly. "No longer, my son. No longer." She lifted his hand and kissed it. "It heals my heart to see you well and alive."
Her husband, as he had many times, sent a pleading look Lacey's way.
The queen laughed softly. "There are no set rules. It is simply a ball! You get to choose the music and food, if you wish, and invite who is to come." Then she smiled a little deviously. "I do have a set of lighter simpler jewels I like to wear to balls and out around town." She admitted. "You could wear those if you wished."
Marcoux smiled "that will be nice..,and women plan weddings since being girls, it's the most important event to them and once she meets the man she wants it's even more elaborate!"Lacey started to cry pulling her father to the hall so it just was him "why was it so important?! He has the medal are you pleased now? I feel like we are never good enough for you..." She said honestly just wanting her daddy back.
Lydia smiled "I want everyone in the kingdom to come! It will be an elaborate occasion for everyone to enjoy, I want to have a special dance with James though...."
Maxwell chuckled softly, nodding. He knew weddings were important to women, and he didn't want theirs to be lacking in any way. "I hope I can keep up with it all." He admitted sheepishly. "It'll be a lot to plan."Her father didn't say anything. He merely stared at his daughter, his tears breaking free and rolling down his face. He pulled her close, hugging her tightly. "I'm so sorry." He whispered, clutching her against him. "I'm so so sorry."
The queen chuckled softly as they entered the palace together. "Sounds like you have some good ideas dear! You better get a plan together so you can have the cooks and musicians notified early." She advised. "It would be good for them to have at least a week to prepare."
Marcoux smiled "you will, and I know it'll be perfect how ever it happens...imagine 4 months ago you didn't know anything if lady Lacey and you enjoyed just being a footman...while I ran away every other week hating that life."Lacey sobbed in his arms and held on tight "I'm so sorry I just...I hated that our family was splitting up...and he's hurt...mum is so sick..." She whimpered and sighed "I love you daddy I know it's not your fault...just need something to blame..."
Lydia smiled and nodded making a list of food "can we have big band? I love that new age sound it's so...bouncy!" She said excited and started to try a new flapper dance smiling "I just...I want to look so beautiful for Janes but he won't know the difference..."
Maxwell nodded then, hoping his friend was right. He chuckled softly. "Yes. Neither of use quite knew what we were getting into when we came here." He agreed. "And look where we are now…" he breathed, shaking his head. Her father held onto his daughter tightly, loving her as he always had. And he felt so badly for everything that happened. "It's my fault, dear. It is my fault, and it is right to blame me." he said softly. "I love you and I just want the best for my family."
The queen smiled softly. "A big band would definitely be new…" She admitted, shrugging. "but that might be fun. I'll trust your instinct." she smiled. And then her smile grew gentle. "He has not lost his hands or his ears, darling. He can still tell the difference, just in a different way." She assured.
Marcoux nodded and smiled as Illiana rolled him inside "I wouldn't want it any other way." He admitted honestly and smiled loving to be back in the plave he was starting to think of as home. He heard the yelling upstairs and winced "maybe let's go out to the stables?"Lacey hugged him tightly "I know daddy I know...I just had to let it all out its been a traumatizibg few months." She sighed looking in the bedroom "is she going to get better?...or what do the doctors think?"
Lydia smiled lightly and nodded feeling so much relief and love from her mother in that one sentence "thank you mother..." She said honestly and smiled "I'm going to go plan and then I'll go see him...later tonight, he's had enough time with his family...I hardly got to talk with him in Frabce."
Illiana had helped him out of the carriage and into the wheelchair, enjoying feeling purposeful as she pushed him up into the house. But she nodded then. "Sounds good." She agreed, quickly exiting the house again and pushing him down the path and into the stables. Her father nodded, kissing her forehead. He knew this better than anyone. "I know baby." he whispered, looking into the bedroom as well. "She was just too stressed, it was wearing on her. She should get better now that James is back again." he promised.
The queen nodded, glad she could help make her daughter feel better. "Have fun dear. And don't be back late." She warned sternly, smiling as she walked off to tend to the duties she had to take care of.
Marcoux smiled seeing Bronsen and petting him down, he felt a bit of sadness realizing riding was near an impossibility "don't worry...I'll still come out and take care of you boy..." He promised and pet his muzzel gently "Just can't ride you like we used to..." He said softly starting to feel a fit starting but pushing it back he didn't want to scare Illiana away.Lacey sighed in relief "good..." She said softly and sat in the chair in the hallway. "He is going to get a royal title thanks to Lydia...that will bring our name up in social situations, though I don't see the reason for it..."
Lydia smiled and waved as she made arrangements with her ladies maids about the ball "I want to have the most beautuful dress...something elegant and delicate to the touch.,.imagine being blind and create beauty with the other senses please."
((posts won't be regular for the next week or so. At a family reunion :P ))Illiana watched him with his horse and she chewed her lip, sighing sadly. She hated to see him so forlorn, and she still blamed herself for his disability. She swallowed, deciding to try and help him if she could. "I heard there are these special saddles…" she started. "That allow you to ride a horse even if you… you… can't use you legs… or don't have them." She said softly. "Maybe you could try that?"
Her father nodded, huffing out slowly as he raked a hand through his hair. "I'm happy for him… but it really doesn't matter to me anymore. Never again will I do something to our family for the sake of power." He promised.
The maids giggled and whispered among themselves, knowing full well why she wished a dress like this. Then nodded, deciding it would be an adventure coming up with something. "I think we can do it miss. Would you like lace? Or satin?" They asked. "Or maybe silk? Velvet? There are many soft cloths."
((Have fun!))Marcoux listened and smiled feeling hope start to grow "they do? Oh that would be so wonderful...we could ride again together ole' boy!" He said the fit decreasing from the boiling point he smiled at Illiana "I do hope that we can ride with you Illi, do everything I used to you'll be a lady like Lacey. Fancy dresses and parties..."
Lacey smiled and nodded "I'm sure he appreciates that father...can we not afford the best doctors to try and restore at least some of his sight...he'll miss so much, it isn't fair..." She said softly hearing him and her mother speak.
Lydia closed her eyes pretending to be blind "light silk...flowing and easy to twirl in...with lace sleeves maybe...just short ones that drape off the shoulders...I want him to...feel comfortable...oh please stop whispering just speak to me directly!"
((Thanks :) ))Illiana smiled then, glad she had gotten his spirits up once more. "I would love to ride with you Marcoux." Then she bit her lip, looking up at him hopefully. "Parties?" She repeated. "I've never been to anything fancy." She admitted. "But that would be a lovely new experience…."
Her father nodded slowly, thinking that over. "I'm sure we could look into it, as long as he agrees. I know not all methods are proven yet, and he could be risking even more than his sight. But it also might restore it completely. Why don't you ask him if he would like to try?" He offered.
One of the maids piped up, smiling. "We just think it cute that you are so in love, Miss Lydia." She admitted. "And…. well we've never sewn a dress to be beautiful to a blind man before." She admitted, shrugging. "It'll be rather a new adventure."
Marcoux smiled "I would teach you, you already have the manners and elegance of a lady that cannot be taught. You are beautiful inside and out..." He explained and caressed her rosy cheek "anything you desire I will supply."Lacey nodded and gently pulled James out and squeezed his hands "James...father and I were speaking, there are doctors coming up with new methods to restore sight...they are experimental of course but any hope...would help."
Lydia showed them his picture "this man, I'm so in love with this man...he needs to still think I'm beautiful...I'm going to marry him. I just want to be beautuful for him..."
Illiana blushed softly, and nodded, "Thank you." She whispered, taking his hand and squeezing it gently. "You have been far more good to me than I deserve." She whispered, avoiding looking down at her leg as a bout of guilt gnawed at her. James took in this new information and frowned softly. Experiment on his eyes? That sounded a little scary. "I… I don't know." He said softly. "Have any of these methods actually worked?" He asked.
The maids all collectively sighed. It was nice having romance around the castle, especially when it was the princess, and a royal wedding could be involved. "He's handsome miss." One said. "You'll have to keep him close, or you'll have other takers." Another winked. "Blind or not."
Marcoux tilted her head to kiss her softly and smiled "this had nothing to do with you Illi. I love you..." He promised and took her hand squeezing it "I could get a wood leg, or something like that...so that we can still dance and have midnight walks together..."Lacey nodded "on many cases! I worry too you know, I'm scared to let you,..but I'm more scared you'll miss out on the most important things. I didn't stop you from the war and I could have...please let's try?"
Lydia laughed lightly "better not be catching any of you eying my man...I'm going to marry him, and he will be living here as well." She said wistfully and smiled "now please, help me get ready to go to his house tonight."
Illiana looked up at him as he kissed her and she bit her lip, swallowing. "But…" She backed up, shaking her head. "You left, and I couldn't help but think I pushed you away." she said softly. "And you went to war… and I thought… I thought…" she shook her head. "I don't know what I would have done if you died… and now… your leg…" She swallowed. James swallowed, thinking about that for a moment. He didn't want to miss anything either. but he also didn't want to risk anything. But his sister was asking… how could he refuse? "Alright." he promised. "I'll try it." His smile was soft.
The maids all blushed and looked sheepish, nodding together. It wasn't in the maid's nature to not gossip and fawn over people of the house, but they respected her, and so they nodded. "Of course." One girl got up, opening her closet. "What would you like to wear?"
Marcoux sighed "what can I say to help you understand that this isn't your fault...it was a shrapnel wound...I caused the anputation trying to carry James."Lacey hugged him tightly and smiled lightly "I think Lydia is here...go meet in the gardens, she's incognito."
Illiana looked up slowly, chewing her lip. "I just…" She looked down at her feet. "I'm sorry Marcoux, I really am, for all of this." She whispered, wiping at her eyes which were starting to tear up. James smiled then and nodded. "Thanks Lacey." he said, hugging her. He then felt his way through the hallways and down the steps, out into the garden. He leaned against the trellis and smiled softly, as he could hear her in the garden. "Hi pretty girl." he said softly.
Marcoux pulled her onto his lap and held her tightly "shh I've got you, don't worry angel..." She whispered and nuzzled her soft hair "there's nothing to be sorry about ok? I hate seeing those pretty brown eyes fill with tears...can you give me a smile?" He asked hopefully not knowing how else to comfort her.Lydia turned and smiled hearing his voice "it would be really awkward if I was the garden boys or something..." She teased and went into his arms holding him tightly "Mmm I missed you...things are so much calmer when I'm with you..." She whispered and kissed his chest.
Illiana curled up against him, her face tucked against his neck. This was her fault that he was suffering. And she never had felt so pained in her life. She kissed his neck, trying to make this better. "Is there anything I can do to help, Marcoux?" She asked softly, not looking up. A smile? How could she smile right now. The seriousness of his injury was only just hitting her. James chuckled then. "I was really hoping it was you." he agreed. "And I am very glad that I was right." he said, smiling softly as she came over. He hugged her gently, inhaling the smell of her hair. "How's life at the castle?" He asked. "Your mother alright?"
Marcoux sighed "there is one thing...stop blaming yourself Illiana, I mean it. It doesn't help me and it certainly doesn't help you to feel guilt that is not yours to own. That's what I need, no more forlorn looks or tears...I need you to be me strong support through this."Lydia smiled and nodded nuzzling him softly "I'm glad too my love..." She sighed "mother is mother, she was actually surprised that I plan on marrying you...but I talked some sense into the situation of course...and I'm planning a grand ball after I give you the Royal status mother calls it a learning oppertunity im nervous I'll mess up..."
Illiana nodded slowly, sitting up again. "Thank you." She said softly, glad that Lacey had interfered and helped her eat and feel better again. She hadn't wanted it at first, but now she was glad that she did.
Maxwell nodded, walking in through the doorway. "I already called the train station. They said they had tickets and were scheduled to arrive at any moment." He confirmed. "They'll be here soon." He smiled softly.