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Return to Ichares

Author: seasonaltherapy
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

Orlov rode the horse at an alarming speed, desperate to return to the city. The empress was barely hanging on, her arms loosely wrapped around his neck. Behind him, he heard the sound of horses approaching. 

Of course they’d send pursuers. These people must really want the Empress dead. Orlov was in no position to stop and fight. The Empress needed medical attention, and he needed to protect her. His neck depended on it! 

The pursuers were already neck to neck with Orlov. He released his only hand on the reins of the horse to grab his sword as the pursuer on the left slashed at him. His partner mirrored him, giving Orlov little time to defend from both sides. His boot kicked the horses back, forcing it to slow down. The pursuers ended up clashing with each other in an almost comical manner. Although Orlov was able to regroup, the pursuers were a

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  • Where Loyalties Lie   The Empress' Return

    Ursa spent the next few days recovering. She stayed in bed and barred visitors, even the Emperor. Mostly because she was embarrassed about her face. A noblewoman’s biggest asset was her physical appearance, and Ursa had almost ruined it.All the way across the palace, a certain Emperor was bouncing his leg, shaking with anxiety. Why would Ursa not allow him to visit her? He had tried to bring gifts over to her, in hopes of lifting her spirits, but he was ruthlessly turned away by those blasted handmaidens! All Ivan could do was wait for her to get better. Even though he promised to stay by her side…“Your Majesty,” Orlov said as he knocked, “It’s time for morning court.” Ivan grumbled as he got up and followed Orlov to the throne room. Court had been pretty boring without Ursa to look at. She was the prettiest di

  • Where Loyalties Lie   Out On the Town

    The weeks that passed after the revelation of Ursa’s five year plan and her visit to Lady Tatya were blissful. Either Lady Tatya learned her lesson, or she was plotting something for later, she stayed in line. Of course, she was also not invited to future tea parties hosted by the Empress.To the public, Lady Tatya was bitter towards Empress Vasil because of her quick rise to power, and Empress Vasil felt distaste toward anyone who defended the poor noble lady who got executed for masterminding a scheme to get rid of the Empress.Of course the kidnapping was never made public knowledge. Even the nobles were told a slightly different tale of what happened. Only those involved knew what really happened.But all that was moved to the back of Ursa’s mind. No one picked a fight with her for weeks. Inste

  • Where Loyalties Lie   Who Is Ivan Vasil?

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  • Where Loyalties Lie   Ursa Confronted

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  • Where Loyalties Lie   The Story of Leila I

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  • Where Loyalties Lie   The Ghosts of Wruclas

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  • Where Loyalties Lie   Sibling Crime

    The Poplov townhouse was located in the upper echelons of Ichares. The streets were clean, the houses were opulent and luxurious, the architecture a crude copy of the palace. It was not hard to break into the house, seeing as there were so many windows and not enough guards-- though this criticism could be shared with the palace.Ivan noted this.Aisha and Ivan were both dressed in black clothing-- Ivan in a black poet shirt and tight dark trousers, while Aisha wore a skin tight turtleneck with matching trousers. At present, they sat in a tree, watching the windows as light passed through the dark hallways, a maid checking the corridors.Aisha bounced her leg anxiously, causing the branch to sway with her. Ivan sent her a withering glare, instantly freezing any movement from her leg. They had been sittin

  • Where Loyalties Lie   The Duel

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  • Where Loyalties Lie   Respect, A One Way Street

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  • Where Loyalties Lie   Poplov's Numbered Days

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  • Where Loyalties Lie   The Tetsi Trial

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  • Where Loyalties Lie   Big Reputation Brings Bigger Enemies

    Ursa returned to her chambers after a quiet dinner with just Ivan and Aisha. It was a nice and gentle dinner, where the only mention of Orlov was Aisha excitedly announcing she would be helping. Otherwise, the dinner was the perfect glimpse of a life without Orlov constantly breathing down Ivan’s shoulder, and Ursa enjoyed it. But even Ursa could admit, a piece of Ivan was with Orlov in his home, eating dinner alone. Ivan would smile and joke with them, but his gaze was far off, not even in the room. It burned Ursa. It burned Ursa even more to know that a part of her also felt deeply while staring at the empty chair next to Aisha. Once upon a time, Ursa thought that she and the prime minister were friends. Friendly rivals, intellectual equals, and respected colleagues. She missed the mirage.

  • Where Loyalties Lie   A Handmaiden's Tale I / The Princess

    Ursa’s lunch didn’t end up being as peaceful as planned, as the second Vasil barged in on her meal. “Sister, I hear you’re heading the Orlov Investigation!” Ursa put down the little bite sized sandwich Cecily had prepared for her as Aisha made herself at home in the chair across from her. “You heard correctly.” “I want to help.” “No.” “Please?” “This is a delicate political matter, Aisha. My apologies if I don’t think you’re quite ready for such a complex matter.” Aisha slid down her seat, crossing her arms. “I can handle it. I’ll be covert. No one has to know we’re working together.” Ursa smirked as she put he

  • Where Loyalties Lie   She Who Does Not Break So Easily

    Ursa dropped a bag of coins into the maid’s hand, and the small girl scurried out of the library. After more than half a year at the palace, Ursa learned who could be bought and who could be swayed to join her cause-- her cause being keeping her in the loop of things she otherwise wouldn’t be. That just happened to be any and all court matters, seeing as Ivan specifically kept her out of political matters. “You’re still recovering, Ursa! I can’t have you getting all stressed about these matters when your health is so fragile!” But her health has been ‘fragile’ for a little more than a month and a half. Physically, Ursa was already back in her original form, and more than capable of delving back into court. But the most work Ivan had even let her see had only been the preparations for the upcoming annual Royal Hunting Trip, renamed to the Imperial

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