[ Well, it's more complicated than that. But he isn't going to do anything stupid, and they can't do anything to him. Anything they could say that would really get under his skin, that he hasn't heard a thousand times before, would be intensely undiplomatic if it were said loud enough for him to hear it.
And also? Kisses. That makes all of this so much easier. Normally, he'd bury his hands in Alucard's hair. Right now that's a little less practical because Alucard will need to re-braid the whole thing if he messes it up, but-
He pulls a few strands of hair from the braids, arranging them nicely. ]
Makes it look a little more convincing. Wash your face before you head out, too, so it looks like you've washed something away.
When you're not, I need you to tell me. Immediately.
[Kisses are important, but not as important as this. Alucard can imagine that Trevor's made himself numb to the worst of it, but it is never clear when someone else can think up something new and awful.
Alucard's nearly a blushing maiden when Trevor rearranges his hair. Smiles.]
The wine. If I comment on the wine, I need an excuse to leave. Theodora made me come up with a whole code before this thing.
[ She takes care of them, in her own way, even if a lot of it is disguised as teasing.
And he thinks, bringing up a hand to the side of his neck. ]
I'll pinch it, just a little, so around the bendage it looks redder, and- [ He leans forward, kissing Alucard again before catching his lower lip between his teeth. Only softly, but enough to apply pressure as he rolls it between them. There. ] Your lips get a little swollen, when you feed.
[ Was that to make it more convincing or just to bully a vampire? Who knows. ]
[But it's smart that Theodora did that. Alucard's more certain than ever that she's more Trevor's ally than his, but the situation calls for it. It's stupid, that Trevor has to be more protected, but in a way? Nice. Nice that they can be protected.]
Let me p--- oh! [Alucard doesn't squeal. It's a manly noise! That just sounds like a small squeal. One that's followed by a disappointed sigh as Trevor pulls away.]
Well, you're the expert on that. And I'll wait a few more days before checking to see if you're right.
[ Oh. Good to know. Mischief flashes across his face as he realises what that little manly squeal must mean. Maybe he'll put that to use later. He kisses again, normally. Softly. ]
Didn't want you to worry. Something goes wrong, Theodora can handle it better than either of us can. But I'll be fine. She just worries.
[ One last kiss, then- ]
I'll fetch the bandages. We have a lot of people to offend.
We do. And happily they're in the drawer that's under the coffee table.
[Alucard leans forward, opening said drawer. It means not having to pull away much from Trevor. Nimble fingers pick up the bandages, while Alucard's other hand guides Trevor to the correct angle.]
Theodora worries with good reason. Trantoul likes to be offended by this House's mere presence.
[ He lets Alucard guide him, and- he likes his part. The part that usually comes after feeding, when Alucard fusses over him and cleans and binds the cuts and- it's nice. He likes the being cared for, and this is one of the few times that his pride doesn't get in the way of letting it happen.
This is, sadly, going to have the side effect of him not wanting to do anything but lean against Alucard and be pulled close for the rest of the afternoon, but that's just how things are. ]
It's been a few centuries. They forget that this house has no connection to the man who killed their Princess. [ ...well. it does. but nobody here knows that right now. ] Time is weird like that, when you're mortal.
[ He moves a little. He has to, to look at Alucard's lips. Look at and touch, because he draws a thumb over his lower lip, making a big show of checking it. It's probably not a detail anyone is going to catch but- well, it's good to be thorough. ]
[It's a detail that Alucard notices, because of course he does. Because to him it's a terribly important one, and as Trevor withdraws his hand, he smiles thinly.]
Then let's go see how low key their scandalous reaction faces are, hm?
[ One last kiss, and he fusses with the buttons of his tunic as he stands. Not quite undoing them, but making it look as though they've been done up hurriedly and clumsily.
It's worth the effort, to see them try to hide the scandalised looks on their faces. It's worth it to see how Theodora's expression doesn't change at all until her mouth is safely hidden behind a slice of cake and when it is her smile still reaches her eyes. It brings few practical advantages, their guests already being wrong-footed as is, save for that it feels like it's something they can do to make Alucard feel more in control.
It works. For a few days, it works. It's on the last day of the talks that their guests ask to bring another man into the talks. It's a clergyman, tall and thin. He speaks rarely, and his voice is soft and calm when he does. ]
...the wine.
[ There's less than an hour to go before the talks are done. Trevor's been pale since the man arrived this morning. He's been quieter, too, trying less to get under people's skin, and his food is untouched. But he hasn't given the signal until now, stubbornly trying to manage.
By all appearances, he's talking to the staff, but the message is meant for Alucard and Theodora. He needs to leave. Now. ]
The wine is running low. Another bottle, for our guests.
[Alucard has been a perfect king the entire time. Tall. Saying little. Looking at the delegates with purpose. Letting Theodora and Trevor act as his mouth pieces most of the time, and so it has gone well.
The negotations are nearly done. They're so close to having everything perfect, all they need is to agree on a few finer points.
Then they bring a priest into the castle.
It's enough that Theodora nearly loses composure. They know it's an insult. They've done it behind her back, and she is going to have strong words when all is done. Alucard's anger is barely masked, and she tells him it must be buried further.
Alucard picks up the word. He nods.]
Trevor, why don't you go and see what would be best from our stores? I believe we have hours yet to go, and to uncork something in celebration would be pre-emptive.
[ There are eyes on him as he stands, slowly, as if trying to move away from a wild animal without provoking them. He can feel them. The excuse raises some eyebrows - they’ve hired staff for these talks, why would Trevor be sent on errands? A few take is as a sign that Trevor’s place here is lower than it might seem, and they seem satisfied by this. The priest doesn’t look at Trevor at all.
When the priest does speak, it’s about the people of the villages on the border. How recent weather has ruined harvests, and he and his church only wish to support the people in these hard times. He claims to be grateful for the opportunity to bring people’s plight to Alucard’s attention and promises that he will leave should the crown attend to their needs and make his church’s presence redundant. The last point offends a few of his own countrymen, though few seem to want to speak against him.
[Alucard's face is stone cold when the priest speaks. His eyes blaze with the same cold fury as his father's, although those looking very close will know it's an approximation of that anger rather than the real thing. Alucard trying his best to channel his father.
He nods to Theodora.]
We have already been working to address the harvest issue on our side of the border, sir. It is difficult and continuing work. You understand that from a political stand point, your actions are an insult to Us rather than charity, correct? Never mind provocation?
We appreciate your perspective. We do not appreciate your presence uninvited on the last day of negotiations.
With all due respect, my lady, I care nothing for the politics here. Only for the wellbeing of your people.
[ It’s a challenge. Whether the priest knows it or not, he’s being used to force Alucard into a corner. Kill him, a man beloved on the border towns, make him a martyr, start a war and spark riots among the people he’s served, or let the insult slide and prove himself lesser than his father. ]
I have said my piece. If you wish me to leave, I shall.
We will visit this issue after a half an hour break.
[Alucard understands that this is a challenge. If the priest is complicit or not is a different matter. For now, time.]
I believe it is an appropriate moment for mid-morning coffee and pastries. They are in the next room, if you would kindly adjourn yourselves.
[It is indeed a coffee, tea, and pastry buffet in the next room. One that Alucard does not attend, instead excusing himself and going to find the Belmont. Theodora is his representative in the next room.
Alucard doesn't know where Trevor is. He lets the castle guide him instead.]
[ The smell of bile hits long before he actually sees Trevor. He’s in his underthings on the floor of one of the washrooms with a tub of water and a washboard, scrubbing intently at his dress shirt. In a country of living corpses, he looks the most worn and deathly of anyone here. ]
[Alucard doesn't question anything he's seeing. He settles beside Trevor, offering presence without a stare. Lukewarm companionship, but only literally.
He's a sight, all finery and heavy rob against the washroom and Trevor's state of undress.]
[ He finally, finally, starts to wring the water out of his shirt. It's like he got stuck on repeat in the middle of the task, just continuing to wash the thing because he couldn't make himself move on to the next step, and Alucard's presence has knocked him out of the cycle a little. ]
Either I've taken ill or you wanted to give them the opportunity to speak to you in my absence. Let Theodora decide which works better.
[He nods once, and carefully. The crown on his head can't be knocked askew, and nodding has an awful habit of upsetting the careful balance just ever-so-noticeably.
Alucard breathes out, knowing he can't do anything more at the moment.]
[ His trousers are still splattered with vomit, and there's a slight sheen of sweat over his face. He probably needs a bath once he's done with cleaning his clothes. ]
Whatever comes of this, I'll fix it. I just need you to do this part without me. I'm sorry.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ Fine, FINE. He pulls himself up onto sofa, and it's squishy and not as solid-feeling as florr. But there's a boyfriend here so that's nice. ]
Don't let them get under your skin. They want you angry. This? This is better.
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[Because that's what's happening right now, Trevor Belmont.
Alucard leans over, lips light against Trevor's own. He doesn't dare move forward, but one hand rests on Trevor's chest. Plays with the fabric.]
You're okay being around them?
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[ Well, it's more complicated than that. But he isn't going to do anything stupid, and they can't do anything to him. Anything they could say that would really get under his skin, that he hasn't heard a thousand times before, would be intensely undiplomatic if it were said loud enough for him to hear it.
And also? Kisses. That makes all of this so much easier. Normally, he'd bury his hands in Alucard's hair. Right now that's a little less practical because Alucard will need to re-braid the whole thing if he messes it up, but-
He pulls a few strands of hair from the braids, arranging them nicely. ]
Makes it look a little more convincing. Wash your face before you head out, too, so it looks like you've washed something away.
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[Kisses are important, but not as important as this. Alucard can imagine that Trevor's made himself numb to the worst of it, but it is never clear when someone else can think up something new and awful.
Alucard's nearly a blushing maiden when Trevor rearranges his hair. Smiles.]
Anything else you'd recommend, director?
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[ She takes care of them, in her own way, even if a lot of it is disguised as teasing.
And he thinks, bringing up a hand to the side of his neck. ]
I'll pinch it, just a little, so around the bendage it looks redder, and- [ He leans forward, kissing Alucard again before catching his lower lip between his teeth. Only softly, but enough to apply pressure as he rolls it between them. There. ] Your lips get a little swollen, when you feed.
[ Was that to make it more convincing or just to bully a vampire? Who knows. ]
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[But it's smart that Theodora did that. Alucard's more certain than ever that she's more Trevor's ally than his, but the situation calls for it. It's stupid, that Trevor has to be more protected, but in a way? Nice. Nice that they can be protected.]
Let me p--- oh! [Alucard doesn't squeal. It's a manly noise! That just sounds like a small squeal. One that's followed by a disappointed sigh as Trevor pulls away.]
Well, you're the expert on that. And I'll wait a few more days before checking to see if you're right.
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Didn't want you to worry. Something goes wrong, Theodora can handle it better than either of us can. But I'll be fine. She just worries.
[ One last kiss, then- ]
I'll fetch the bandages. We have a lot of people to offend.
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[Alucard leans forward, opening said drawer. It means not having to pull away much from Trevor. Nimble fingers pick up the bandages, while Alucard's other hand guides Trevor to the correct angle.]
Theodora worries with good reason. Trantoul likes to be offended by this House's mere presence.
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This is, sadly, going to have the side effect of him not wanting to do anything but lean against Alucard and be pulled close for the rest of the afternoon, but that's just how things are. ]
It's been a few centuries. They forget that this house has no connection to the man who killed their Princess. [ ...well. it does. but nobody here knows that right now. ] Time is weird like that, when you're mortal.
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The gauze winds around and around. Covering a phantom.]
Historical memory is a strange thing.
[But there. It is done, and with that, Alucard presses his lips to the bandage.]
Check my lips, please?
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[ He moves a little. He has to, to look at Alucard's lips. Look at and touch, because he draws a thumb over his lower lip, making a big show of checking it. It's probably not a detail anyone is going to catch but- well, it's good to be thorough. ]
Perfect.
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Then let's go see how low key their scandalous reaction faces are, hm?
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[ One last kiss, and he fusses with the buttons of his tunic as he stands. Not quite undoing them, but making it look as though they've been done up hurriedly and clumsily.
It's worth the effort, to see them try to hide the scandalised looks on their faces. It's worth it to see how Theodora's expression doesn't change at all until her mouth is safely hidden behind a slice of cake and when it is her smile still reaches her eyes. It brings few practical advantages, their guests already being wrong-footed as is, save for that it feels like it's something they can do to make Alucard feel more in control.
It works. For a few days, it works. It's on the last day of the talks that their guests ask to bring another man into the talks. It's a clergyman, tall and thin. He speaks rarely, and his voice is soft and calm when he does. ]
...the wine.
[ There's less than an hour to go before the talks are done. Trevor's been pale since the man arrived this morning. He's been quieter, too, trying less to get under people's skin, and his food is untouched. But he hasn't given the signal until now, stubbornly trying to manage.
By all appearances, he's talking to the staff, but the message is meant for Alucard and Theodora. He needs to leave. Now. ]
The wine is running low. Another bottle, for our guests.
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The negotations are nearly done. They're so close to having everything perfect, all they need is to agree on a few finer points.
Then they bring a priest into the castle.
It's enough that Theodora nearly loses composure. They know it's an insult. They've done it behind her back, and she is going to have strong words when all is done. Alucard's anger is barely masked, and she tells him it must be buried further.
Alucard picks up the word. He nods.]
Trevor, why don't you go and see what would be best from our stores? I believe we have hours yet to go, and to uncork something in celebration would be pre-emptive.
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When the priest does speak, it’s about the people of the villages on the border. How recent weather has ruined harvests, and he and his church only wish to support the people in these hard times. He claims to be grateful for the opportunity to bring people’s plight to Alucard’s attention and promises that he will leave should the crown attend to their needs and make his church’s presence redundant. The last point offends a few of his own countrymen, though few seem to want to speak against him.
Trevor doesn’t return. ]
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He nods to Theodora.]
We have already been working to address the harvest issue on our side of the border, sir. It is difficult and continuing work. You understand that from a political stand point, your actions are an insult to Us rather than charity, correct? Never mind provocation?
We appreciate your perspective. We do not appreciate your presence uninvited on the last day of negotiations.
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[ It’s a challenge. Whether the priest knows it or not, he’s being used to force Alucard into a corner. Kill him, a man beloved on the border towns, make him a martyr, start a war and spark riots among the people he’s served, or let the insult slide and prove himself lesser than his father. ]
I have said my piece. If you wish me to leave, I shall.
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[Alucard understands that this is a challenge. If the priest is complicit or not is a different matter. For now, time.]
I believe it is an appropriate moment for mid-morning coffee and pastries. They are in the next room, if you would kindly adjourn yourselves.
[It is indeed a coffee, tea, and pastry buffet in the next room. One that Alucard does not attend, instead excusing himself and going to find the Belmont. Theodora is his representative in the next room.
Alucard doesn't know where Trevor is. He lets the castle guide him instead.]
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Adrian. [ His voice is small and raw. ] Sorry.
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He's a sight, all finery and heavy rob against the washroom and Trevor's state of undress.]
He's caused problems before, hasn't he?
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I'll- once they're gone, I'll talk about it.
[ Sorry, Alucard. He doesn't trust you to not start a war just because he's a little bit upset. ]
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[There's no way he's forcing Trevor to remain here.]
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[ He finally, finally, starts to wring the water out of his shirt. It's like he got stuck on repeat in the middle of the task, just continuing to wash the thing because he couldn't make himself move on to the next step, and Alucard's presence has knocked him out of the cycle a little. ]
Either I've taken ill or you wanted to give them the opportunity to speak to you in my absence. Let Theodora decide which works better.
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Alucard breathes out, knowing he can't do anything more at the moment.]
Very well. I'll see which one she'll accept.
Will you be okay left alone for a few hours?
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[ His trousers are still splattered with vomit, and there's a slight sheen of sweat over his face. He probably needs a bath once he's done with cleaning his clothes. ]
Whatever comes of this, I'll fix it. I just need you to do this part without me. I'm sorry.
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