An Unwelcome Arrival

*Left momentarily to his own devices, Nicholas occupies his private study engrossed in one of the many tombs that inhabit the towering bookshelves. He closes the volume, intent on leaving the confines of the study to inquire on the where abouts of his Wife when a servant enters the room wearing a look of profound apologie *

Forgive my interruption Your Majesty but a gentleman has just arrived who insists he must speak with you immediately about matters of grave importance. When I hesitated to admit him he declared to be of a relation to you.

I have none …

*The words are cut short as a man bursts with in the room, nearly knocking down the servant in his effort.*

Surely you were not about to stand there and deny my existence my dear brother *the man bellows*

Leave us *Nicholas demands to the servant who makes a hasty retreat.*

*The man now standing in his chamber unwelcome is every bit his opposite. He is tall and broad of shoulder, his body robust and well muscled. His hair is fair in color and his eyes are of a cold slate grey. His skin is not the pale complexion of death as is that of Nicholas, but a golden brown. He is handsome, and he carries himself as someone who is well aware of the fact. His demeanor is charming, but where as Nicholas processes honest traits and qualities, his brother is slippery and clever. *

Richard, for what purpose do you darken my door?

*Richard offers up a laugh* My Dear Brother, would you leave me to rot in the ruins of our family home and not share your new found prosperity with your only living relation?

*Nicholas scowls* If our family home lay in ruins it is by your own hand.

Perhaps *Richard smiles as he begins to pace around the room. He takes up a crystal figurine and fingers it briefly before replacing it back on its shelf.*

Why are you here? *Nicholas asks again, using great effort to force his voice to remain cold, impassive. *

Are you not pleased to see me? *Richard smiles coyly* I suppose not. Are you afraid I am here for revenge my brother? Tit for Tat as they say … you bed my wife now perhaps I shall borrow yours? *his smile turns to a scowl* Oh do not look so shocked, do you think me stupid? It was no wonder to me how my wife became with child while I was away and she was left in your care.

*He lets those word hang in the air as his anger fades away as quickly as it had come*

Relax brother dear that is not why I have come. But still, if I were you I would tread very carefully, I would hate to be the one to bare the news of any future transgressions on your part to your new wife.

*Nicholas glares at his brother in disgust* Unlike you Dear Bother *he hisses the words* I am faithful to my Queen.

Which one? *Richard bellows a great laugh, then his face turns most sinister.* The one who has placed you on her throne here as a puppet or the one you would slink off to England to meet in secret during the dead of the night?

*Nicholas keeps his expression impassive, save for a slight widening of his eyes that of course was not lost on Richard*

Struck a nerve did I? *flashes a charming smile* I have no intention of causing you any inconvenience or ill will.

What is it you DO want? *Nicholas asks once again, a sense of dread washing over him.*

For now? *Richard smiles* simply a place in your court is all I require.

*Nicholas frowns knowing he has been left with little choice. He hopes and pray’s Richard’s sudden appearance at his court is merely his seeking shelter from creditors or other enemies and not something more sinister*

You can remain, for now *Nicholas holds him in a penetrating glance * If you cause any trouble in this court or make any indecent gesture towards my wife, Queen of this realm, I will have your head.(OOC: it seems he learned something from Elizabeth while at her court hehehe)

*Richard laughs* Do not be absurd, you have not the stomach to condemn me. You are a sentimental fool and a coward, always have been. I fear our dear dead mother did suckle you too long at her breast, she made you weak.

*Nicholas visibly stiffens*

Fear not Brother dear, I shall play nice if you do *Richard chuckles before twirling around suddenly and retreating to the chamber door with a great sweep of his cloak. At the portal he pauses but a brief second to turn back to his brother.*

Oh …and I do look forward to meeting your wife.

Nicholas? *Marie walks in, looking for Nicholas, because her son is begging for a raised allowance and she wants you to discipline him. She looks startled when she sees you alone with a handsome man who bears little relation to you, and assumes that you are cheating on her with a man*. Who is this man, who shows up un-announced, without bowing?

(OOC: always thinking the worst of the poor guy lol)

This man *using the term loosely* is my brother Richard. *he then looks to Richard* Richard may I present ....


There is no need for introduction, for surely only the Queen of this realm could possess such beauty and charm *Richard bows and paints on the most charming of smiles* The pleasure is mine Your Majesty

(OOC: Well, both of Marie's last husbands were bisexual guys, so she's kind of suspicous).

Nicholas ... the Prince wishes to see you, while you're gone Richard and I shall get acquainted *whispers* If you hear me scream, take James and run.

(OOC: Yes I know )

*Richard grins from ear to ear while Nicholas frown lengthens*

Of course *he replies, clearly not happy.

*To Richard* I shall return directly to see to your lodgeings

*fore his depature he calls for two guards and instructs them to ensure that Richard and the Queen remain in thier sight under penalty of death.*

So, Richard, if I may call you that, 'tis wonderful to meet the only family my dearest fiance has. 'Tis also wonderful to meet a man whom I can look up at, instead of stooping like an old crone! *Laughs beautifully*

Well, technically no. In order for it to be legally binding, we must be hand-fasted, which has not occured yet. *Quickly sees that Richard could make something out of this that would hurt Nicky, and changes the subject*. So, Nicky has told me so much about you, tell me a little about yourself. I want to hear it first-hand!

(OOC Perhaps you could make an account for your brother and use both? it's sort of confusing)

(OOC: I was thinking I would ... but it wont let me )

Thank you, Richard. *Is almost positive that Richard is looking at her breasts, but whenever I look, his eyes are right at mine*.

I see, you came to make amends, for what? *smiles at how clumsily he fell into a trap of his won making*.

(OOC: ok so I have a new account for Richard but it wont give me the activation key ... so it will just have to be confusing for now lol)

*grins* Well I am not sure how much of his past he is told you, and I hate for you to get the wrong idea about him. But he had an affair with my late wife, it is nothing so scandouls as it sounds, he knew her first I later found out, but the point is that I think poor Nicholas wrongly assumes I hold some ill will towards him and that is not the case. I simply want to let bygones be bygones and re-build my relationship my my only kin.,

I see. 'Tis most noble. I must say, you are much more of a man than Nicholas, if a woman had to choose between the two of you, it shouldn't be difficult.

*All of this rings falsely to anyone who knows Marie, especially Nicholas, but Richard doesn't know Marie well enough to tell*.

*Richards lips part in a wide smile but before he can speak a word the sound of someone clearing their throat sounds from behind them. Nicholas stands in the doorway. Richard smile broadens*

*to the guards* Show my brother to suitable apartments, and make sure he has everything he requires. *adds in a whipser* as far away from the Queen's apartments as possible

Richard I shud like to visit longer but I know you must be weary from travel. These men will show you to your accomidations

*Richard grins* Thank you brother, perhaos once I have rested your FIANCE will honor me by giving me a tour of the grounds *he looks to Marie but follows the guards out before Nicholas or she can answer*

*once they are alone Nicholas looks at Marie with a mock scowl*

So you find my brother more appealing do you? You think him more of a man than I ?

*Nicholas pulls her roughly into his arms into a passionate embrace, crushing his lips to hers*

Perhaps I need to prove myself ? *laughs beneth a raised brow*

Ha! He's more manly than you, I shall not lie. He matches you when it comes to looks, charm and confidence. He's sorely lacking your culture and intelligence though. I"m sure he wants me to grant him a title and an enormous amount of money, though.

*Nicholas frowns*

I imagine he wants that and more *he replys gravely*

I do not like his presence here, nor do I want him anywhere near you

What does he want, Nicky? *Looks at you with the naive look of a kitten, which, if you have a brain, shouldn't fool you for one second*.

*raises a brow*

You do not fool me for a moment my darling *smiles*

I imagine he wants protection from creditors and perhaps a few enraged husbands, he needs money, and most assurdly he will want you.

I shall give him some money, a title, and a beautiful French bride to infect with syphilis, and then he will be out of my hair. Out of our hair. However, he will probably come to court tomorrow, and we will have to hear him, because it's proper.

*Nicholas is not happy but nods his agreement*


I hope he will take it and leave quickly. But I am affraid he is liken to stray mutt, if we feed him he will keep coming back. Marie I am sorry he has burdened our household.


*pouts playfully*

But I still cant believe you think he is more manly than me

I do.

I hate to mention it, but you:

Recite poetry.
Are thin, not muscular.
Don't pinch my ass whenever you walk by.
Are civil, and use good manners.
Aren't obsessed about money.
Are only 5'7", while I'm 6'0".

Sorry, but 'tis true!

And he isn't a burden truly, anyone who's related to you, is good with me.

Because I act as a cultured gentleman, treat you like a lady, and just happen to be of a smaller stature, this makes me less than a man? *it was meant as a joke at first but he seems to be hiding a quite wounded ego now*


Ah but I do so welcome your understanding of his presence here, it makes it more bareable

No,, that's not what I said! I said it made you less masculine, not less of a man. Nicholas, please don't fight with me about this!

I can't believe your brother hasn't tried to come back yet, you must have asked the gaurds to poison him! *laughs, but with an edge*.