The Wounded Soldier -- (Author) EliSorenson14

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Author: EliSorenson14
Timestamp: Feb 4, 2023 at 3:47 AM
Content: Hi everyone! I'm an aspiring writer. I'm currently writing a novel, but I decided to take some characters from it and write a personal story for you guys. I hope whoever reads this enjoys, and I'd really appreciate any feedback you have. I'm still learning in a lot of areas so if anything is confusing or comes across as offensive please let me know. Thank you very much and enjoy! P.S. the first chapter doesn't have any ABDL but it'll get there I promise

It’s the middle of the fall. Although short lived, it’s the most celebrated season of the year. The crisp air is soft to the touch, painted leaves waft through the vast blue sky, and every delicious scent tickles the nose. Nobles wear bright garments for their extravagant banquets; while commoners dance in the streets to lively music in every corner. Autumn is an expressive celebration. An instant of perfect love, warmth, and happiness before moving into a cold cold winter. As such, banquets are held by nobles desperate to enjoy every last second of the season.

One such is a lavish ball held in the kingdom of Vidaleon. Vidaleon is easily accessible for individuals eager to make a name for themselves. Dozens of families with titles, wealth, and fame flock in and out of the kingdom. That makes it easy to gain the finances necessary to fashion magnificent parties and events throughout the year. Especially during the Fall season.

Primrose is a rising noblesse as well as successor to the largest trading company in the world, Lovely Levine’s Merchandise. She’s also a prime figurehead of the small kingdom of Entor. During what was supposed to be a business trip to Vidaleon she gained the affections of the king of Vidaleon, Alatar. They are courting with the intentions of marriage. Recently he invited her to a ball as a chance to get out and explore the kingdom. An opportunity to gain connections and strength as the newest heir to her family name.

Escorting her is her personal guard, Cadmar. A name given to him by the Levine family. He has worn the name like a badge, and has served Lady Primrose her entire life. Cadmar always stands unwavering by her side with his steady golden eyes and strong frame. His short hair glows a radiant dark brown. Much to Primrose's dismay he cuts it himself without much regard to the appearance. He insists it is to better protect the household. She jokes it is to show off the jagged scar across his right cheek.

Currently he’s riding in the carriage with Primrose; both on their way to the ball. She sits across him gazing out the window excitedly. The kingdom’s lamps shine brightly into the night. Each one outlining the streets with beautiful light and color. Young couples walk gingerly together with their hands tied. Many of them enter warm shops filled to the brim with eager customers searching for fresh food and merchandise. Primrose won’t admit it, but she hopes Alatar will take her on a date through the bustling nightlife of Vidaleon.

“My lady, you look very lovely tonight.” Says Cadmar in his usual gruff manner.

She smiles softly, staring wondrously out the window. Her crimson red dress boldly outlines her distinctive red eyes and nightly black hair. The so-called “proper” women of Vidaleon don’t approve of her hair, of all things. It just barely brushes the top of her shoulders, and is shaved bare on the left side of her small head. Because she’s from Entor, where it’s exhaustingly cold year round, her skin is fair and sparkles in the night. Some have mistaken her beauty for a vampire’s. She’s been condemned for it all her life. Though with Cadmar by her side she’s always felt sure and safe.

The carriage comes to a careful stop. They’ve arrived at the venue of the party. A large manor overlooking the lake. Light pours through intricate windows framing the garden. Cadmar can already see the guests beginning. Many of them laugh as they dance and gossip.

Cadmar leaps out of the carriage. He stiffly bows, handing Primrose his hand. She very delicately takes it, and glides down the steps. “Thank you as always Cadmar.” He nods silently which provokes a laugh out of her. “I’m a little nervous tonight. Do you think Alatar is here?” She asks, searching with her eyes.

Cadmar offers her his arm. “He’s probably inside waiting, my Lady. I’ll escort you to him.”

She lets him guide her gently through the Manor doors. There’s a lengthy carpeted hallway ending with stairs heading up. On either side of the hallway are about half a dozen doors with their respective rooms. They climb the stairs where the ball is being held. They can hear the sounds of the gathered nobles on the second floor. Primrose begins to squirm anxiously. Cadmar grasps her hand. This brings her some level of comfort, and she breathes out the built up tension. Parties always tend to make her nervous.

On the third floor the stairs open into a substantial sized room. A professional orchestra sits in the far corner playing music for the couples to dance to. On the other side, a door reveals a lounge with couches and candles. A space to relax and chat quietly. Rows of double doors open out to the balcony where tipsy old men go to clear their heads. Tables lined with mouthwatering food surround the dance floor. Three grand chandeliers shower the noblessess with light. Allowing them to show off their colorful dresses and glamorous accessories. A pompous display of each family trying to top the other.

Once Primrose gains her bearings; she notices Alatar striding in their direction. The biggest smile imprints dimples in his cheeks. He always carries so much joy wherever he goes. His copper eyes gleam with the charisma of a leader. He’s wearing a strapping admiral blue suit that flows nicely with his braided hair and rich brown skin. Rare in the sea of privileged white nobles. His mother was from the kingdom of Drophus where their ancestors learned to adapt to the hot volcanoes that rage through the year. They all have deep dark skin unique to each person. Drophus is a safe haven; open to all ethnicities and cultures. His father, on the other hand, was the king of Vidaleon. Where prejudice still remains. His father and mother married as a means to bridge a gap between the two opposing kingdoms. Long after their deaths, Alatar, their son, is making steps to finish that bridge.

Alatar beams, grabbing her hand and kissing it. “You are exquisite Primrose. Thank you for joining me.”

Cadmar takes Primrose’s bag and shawl. “I’ll take this to your table, My Lady.” He nods at Alatar respectfully and walks away.

“It’s good to see you too, Cadmar.” Alatar laughs.

This makes him sigh. He detests the attention. He quickly finds the table where Alatar’s younger sister, Aurora, is sitting. She’s wearing a bold orange dress. Close to the shade of a blazing fire. Her eyes are a mysterious hazel gray. They hold so many levels of curiosity and vigor. Her smooth skin is a warm umber. A bit of a cooler red than her brother, who spends all of his time in the sun.

She gestures for him to come over. She’s sitting at a mostly empty table like usual. Many of the nobles are either intimidated or disgusted by her. It’s openly known that she is in love with women. She is confident in herself, and is never afraid to be who she is. Attraction of the same gender is not widely accepted in most kingdoms, but she wants to change that alongside her wife, Jezebel.

Jezebel is next to Aurora with a drink in one hand and a mace in the other. Every time she takes a sip her arm flexes, nearly ripping her shirt. Her muscular form fits well in her battered armor. Her desert tan skin is dotted with aged scars from years spent in battle. She served a lot of time in the military before meeting the Princess. She carries the pride of a soldier, but complex trauma makes her aloof at times. There’s only a select few she likes to open up to. One of those being Cadmar. Likely because they relate in many ways.

“Come have a drink with me Cadmar!” She roars enthusiastically.

Aurora giggles. “Let’s do that another time honey. Cadmar is probably looking forward to seeing someone special.”

Cadmar grunts, taking a seat beside a particular maid. The Princess’ personal maid, Sela. Natural curls fill her brunette hair bouncing and bobbing every time she moves. She has faint coral skin with pastel pink undertones. Her creamy white eyes look like they have a film over them. She was born blind. A part of her she’s learned to love. People may pity her, but she will never allow them to underestimate her. She’s honed her skills to a point. Now she personally serves royalty. Wherever she is, she has an air of assuredness to her. One of the many traits that in her words “seduced” Cadmar.

Cadmar never considered dating before. Serving Primrose was the only life he needed. Things changed once he visited Vidaleon. Sela was kind to him. Instead of being intimidated or afraid of him she understood him for who he was. After getting to know each other Sela sought him out, and they secretly started dating. It wasn’t hidden for very long though. Surprisingly, he’s not very good at concealing his affections for her. Something she finds very endearing.

She intertwines her slender fingers with his calloused hand. Touch is somewhat foreign to him. When he was younger the only experience he had with it was pain. He avoids it if possible. The exception being Sela and Primrose.

He clears his throat shakily. “I’m not one for parties.”

“Well then it’s a good thing I’m here isn’t it?” Sela teases softly.

The simple yet embarrassing word “yes” is all he can manage to reply. From then on they are content, sitting in silence together, waiting for their respective masters to tell them when it’s time to leave.