Private Among Lesser Lights

[Aurellia]

“Ta'din Revali?”

Ki'la's voice broke focus on the landscape beyond the window. Evening had come, the sun seeking rest beyond the horizon and seven moons rising to take their place in the sky. Only the night was a suitable time for such ventures as she was slated. Wordlessly, Aurellia turned, an arched brow giving her advisor leave to speak. The study had been swept for bugs just yesterday - any conversation stayed between these walls.

“It is time to depart.”

“Any response from our guest of honor?”

“Not as yet, your highness.”

A frown accompanied Aurelia’s exit from the study. Uneasy could not have described the feeling evoked by considering crawling into bed with a criminal. Lack of response did anything but quell the worry. Making her way through bed chambers into a dressing room, Ki'la helped her strip the fine garb in favor of something more common. Donned in shiny black leggings, a synth leather corset, and a cloak of black, the woman made her way down halls of ivory and left the estate.

The land speeder made its way into the city, quiet country giving way to streetlights and building pressed too close together. After half an hour’s weaving through urban clutter, her driver stopped a block away from their chosen meeting grounds. Aurellia made the rest of the way to the on foot, heels clicking against duracrete.

Beneath its gleaming exterior, the Lilac Court trafficked in an age-old trade: bodies on display, skin and movement choreographed into allure. On Hapes, it lacked the shame other parts of the galaxy might assign such a place. Beauty, after all, was sacred. A well-trained body in motion was considered a form of high art - though those of noble birth were not expected to indulge with the public at large. Most kept their dancers private, discreet troupes performing behind closed doors in estate halls or luxury suites. She doubted any one of status would risk being seen here, which suited her perfectly. Neon haze and perfume clouded the air as she made her way through the lounge, nodding to the bartender whose eyes followed her. Passing through a silk curtain, she found a corner booth in the main room, and ordered something strong. All there was to do was wait and see if the woman came.

 

[Mercy]

Aurellia

Mercy arrived with great fanfare or perhaps it was more accurate to say that fanfare came with her.

A big personality, matching or even exceeding her large bulk, she stepped through the doors like she owned the place. Even though she had never stepped foot inside before. She took a drink from one of the plates being maneuvered around by hardworking employees. They took one look at her, realized they had to crane their head up just to see her chin and wisely decided to not make an issue out of it.

No, they even thanked her for allowing them to serve her.

They knew instinctively that Mercy was someone who could be easily appeased by having her ego well and properly stroked.

Predatory eyes, amber burning like a furnace, scanned the crowd and finally settled on Aurellia herself. She smirked. Then she wandered over, relaxed, lazily, not even preparing a pounce because such things weren't necessary for her. Until she finally plopped in the spot right next to Aurelia even though there was plenty of room in that corner booth.

Her arm went around the back of the seat, the eldritch one, liquid gold that shook and tremored according to designs unknown.

"You know, I must truly be lucky, to earn the attention of someone so... important." But the way her eyes had moved up and down briefly beforehand implied that was not the exact word she had been thinking of using initially.

She sipped from her drink, softly mm'ing to make a satisfied point.

"What can I do for you, darling?"

 

[Aurellia]

Despite intel painting Mercy uncouth, Aurellia was still not ready for the woman in all her glory. It was more than a lack of reservation or courtesy, but rather... a disdain for it. The notion was so starkly alien that any other day, she may have sat staring, unable to break free wonder. It was not any other day. Sheer presence of Mercy left Aurellia feeling a deer being stalked. That broke the spell. Honey locked amber sidelong, a wicked smile blooming across dark lips. One leg crossing, she leaned back to melt into Mercy's insisted intimacy.

"Luck is for those too asinine to craft their own way." Her gaze dropped to trail where their shoulders met. "I gather you are not the type."

Bringing a hand into her lap, her neck straightened again, observing the dancers on their platforms. Each moved perfectly in time with the music, unbothered by whatever took place in the boundaries beyond their stage.

"It's for that very reason I've asked you here. It is said you find a way - or forge one." Eyes flickered to view her guest without body to follow. "I have an... issue that needs dealing with, but the solution must be executed thoroughly on first attempt."

 

[Mercy]

Oh, it's one of those meetings.

Mercy smirked and her arm got bold, now moving to rest directly on her shoulders in response to Aurellia leaning into it.

"Mm, I have been known to break obstacles keeping me from my goals." It surprised her that the Hapes noblewoman came to her, she wasn't a scalpel, and the usual nobles Mercy knew would prefer something more subtle. Contacting Mercy was similar to picking up a bazooka to an honorable duel.

Surprise notwithstanding Mercy simply inclined her head a fraction.

"Tell me what you need, darling. I will let you know if its in my power to grant you." But looking the way Aurellia did, something told Mercy that she was used to getting her way.

Who could tell her no?

Except perhaps the Queen Mother.

 

[Aurellia]

Before Aurellia could muster the words, their cocktail waitress appeared, finally having noticed Mercy'c requisition of the single glass. Another lowball of emerald ichor joined the table, laid before the hapan. Nodding thanks, honey eyes watched the scantily clad woman disappear amongst the patrons. Hesitation artfully disguised itself in savoring the refreshment. A sip evoked warmth throughout her body, lending courage to cause. In truth, plans were already set in motion - but Mercy's assistance would be the stamp to seal the command.

"Surely, you wouldn't even let a word like impossible stop you?"

Laying her glass back upon the table, her now free hand floated to barely link their fingers together. The twist of her torso brought her face to float an inch from Mercy's cheek. A motion done just as much to blend as to toy the woman, it allowed her tone to hush without being drowned amongst the noise. Though a mismatched pair, they appeared to an observer's eye as many others in the place - two suitors engaged in a delicate dance of their own. It'd be a shock to know their exchange was not shifting to sweet utterances but rather radical insurgency.

"I need someone unaffiliated with court affairs - but someone capable, someone bold and daring enough to tear down a monarch and pave way for another."

 

[Mercy]

Aurellia

They discussed, they flirted and Mercy had the distinct impression the Duch'a was playing her, but there was nothing better than a beautiful woman playing with your heart.

It made you feel alive.

In the end they came to an agreement. Mercy would remove the Queen off the board and allow Aurellia to ascend to her rightful place. She agreed that the Hapes way needed to return. Men had to be put in their place, women had to take charge fully once more. In return Aurellia would become a worthwhile ally for Mercy, she'd allow her to move through the Sector unchecked and of course the usual 'riches beyond your dreams'. That part just seemed necessary to seal the deal.

______
​

Several weeks later it was a done deal.

Perhaps Aurellia hadn't expected it to go so fast or as violent as it had. But maybe she should have known better when to get in touch with someone like Mercy, her reputation proceeded her all the time. They agreed to meet in one of the farther flung places near Aurellia's new palace. It was a stable, Mercy believed.

But instead of being there on time they'd meet somewhere else entirely.

Several hours earlier when Aurellia was standing on the balcony of her new Queen's Quarters. Suddenly she'd hear Mercy from behind. "You know, being a Queen suits you, you are just radiating sunlight." Mercy drawled as she lazily settled against the edge of the balcony next to the new Queen Mother.

How she had managed to get all the way over here without any of the alarms being sounded was anyone's question.

"Does it feel as good as as you look?"

 

[Aurellia]

The voice made Aurellia jump - but she quickly settled as the red head came into view, cockiness almost palpable. The Queen Mother regarded her with a similar arrogance, playing up the compliments with a brandished tilt of her head.

"I wouldn't go that far," She teased with a smile. "But it is... better than I expected."

It was liberating. Aurellia had thought the crown would press heavily upon her brow - after all, how many necks had bent, or broken, beneath its weight? Yet, atop her head, it felt as though it had always belonged. The grumblings of men as their privileges were quietly pried from their fingers, the fall of their ancestral palace, the city still smouldering like a lover's first embrace beneath her balcony - all the price of her rule, and one she'd willingly pay time and time again.

"I would have had them fetch the champagne had I known you were coming. Could you not bear another moment without seeing the bounty of your harvest?"

To make her point, Aurellia drifted from the railing, the movement unhurried. She spun in a languid circle, letting Mercy drink her in. Her hair fell loose in silken waves, only a few delicate braids drawing it back from her face. Gone was the attire of traitors she had worn upon their first meeting; in its place, the lavish raiment of a queen.

"It is all thanks to you, after all. How do your new titles feel? Mercy, the queen slayer. Mercy, the queen maker. I've half a mind to add another to the list."

 

[Mercy]

Aurellia

And oh, Mercy was drinking it in, alright.

Once she finished the spinning flourish, she'd realize that Mercy was suddenly much closer to her than she had been a moment ago. "No, I could not, I had to see the triumph for myself." She whispered softly, a little bit heated perhaps. In truth it had little to do with Aurellia herself. She was beautiful, yes, but Mercy knew a thousand beautiful women and would know a thousand more.

No, it was the fact that Mercy had guided her into this new role and that it fit her so perfectly. Aurellia had been Aurellia before, sharp, bold, wit. But Mercy had shaped the role of Queen Mother for her by taking out the old one.

"And truly, you were born for this, weren't you?"

Another step, if Aurellia didn't step back, they'd be practically nose to nose now.

Queenslayer, Queenmaker.

Oh, that was like honey in her ears, wasn't it?

"Do you now? I have half a mind to listen very closely." She teased in return, taking one more step forward.

 

[Aurellia]

A coy smile formed on her lips as Aurellia took a step back just before they made contact. Heels carried her half a turn, pressed against the balcony with the skyline behind her. Mercy's words fueled a daring boldness.

"I was born for it." Either hand gripped the sides of the railing. "You, too. Not for a crown, maybe... but surely to rule more than criminals?"

Aurellia was still teasing, but her words hinted at a suspicion. Despite her edge that loitered on vulgarness, Mercy carried herself with something Aurellia had curated her entire life. It was not something that could be easily faked, nor easily hidden. The charisma she dressed in depravity was still elegant.

"The traitor left behind a rather sizable estate, now yours. It'll make you a lady proper, all the funds and property and permissions with it. I've already sent to have a sculpture of you erected in the garden - for your heroic service to the crown."

In truth, the plaque would speak of her bold attempts to protect the late Queen Mother during the raid. She'd save that bit of delicious irony for Mercy to find upon visiting.

"Of course, there's always a Ducha title... but we'd have to make room for you among the houses."

Sixty-three worlds, sixty-three great houses. Aurellia proposed the extinction of one as flippantly as she would suggest disposing of a stained dress.

 

[Mercy]

Aurellia

"You, too. Not for a crown, maybe... but surely to rule more than criminals?"

Mercy smirked but Aurelia had already turned her back to her. It always amused her when people made assumptions. The Duch'a turned Queen Mother would have been in for a shock if she found out that her partner in crime was Tionese royalty. But Mercy didn't want people to find out, that part of her life still disgusted her.

Instead she settled in next to Aurelia. Too close for comfort, not allowing any space as one elbow settled against the balcony's railing and her body was turned towards the Queen.

"We are all criminals, darling." Mercy purred softly. "What is a noble if not a descendant of a particularly exceptional killer who washed their reputation clean with a sea of blood?"

And what is a crime lord, if not royalty by criminal decree? But that was a thought Mercy didn't want to think too much about.

What came next completely baffled Mercy however. Making her blink, something that few people in recent history were capable of doing. So much so that she didn't immediately reply. Even though she was infamous for her quick-tongue and wily sharp words. Squinting softly to try and figure out if the Queen was joking with her.

"Of course, there's always a Ducha title... but we'd have to make room for you among the houses."

She licked her lips without realizing it, if she had, she would have torn her tongue out for the treasonous gesture.

"I... didn't ask for such honors." Mercy said quietly, watching her closely. "We agreed to riches, fame, direct access to your lovely persona..." And there Mercy reached out to tuck an errant strand of hair out of Aurelia's face and behind her ear.

"What would a killer like me do with a title like that?"

Oh, yes, her eyes were growing feverish with hunger, indeed.

 

[Aurellia]

"What do any of us do with a title like that?" Aurellia countered.

The hook had served its purpose. It was power, which was oh-so more enticing than anything else that had been agreed upon. The desire was evident.

"You scheme, and plot, and make use of the treasuries. Terrorize your peasants, and order around your vassals."

All the things she had so enjoyed before ascending the throne. Her head turned sidelong to glance upon her domain again. Megos, one of their seven moons, glinted in a pale crescent on the blue sky.

"You deserve such an honor. The reward should fit the task, and you went above and beyond in your execution. Oh, and just think of the stir we would cause in court."

An outsider's presence would certainly ruffle feathers - the claim they would fabricate would only be a paper shield. Everyone would see it for what it was, especially after the coronation ceremony had been crawling with deviants and crime lords. So be it. Dissent would easily mark loyal and those who needed to be disposed of. Aurellia's amber gaze fell back to the redhead.

"Would you really deny the Queen Mother her gift to you?"

 

[Mercy]

"You scheme, and plot, and make use of the treasuries. Terrorize your peasants, and order around your vassals."

Little would Aurellia know that these things desperately bored Mercy. If she craved such things she would have stayed the Royal Princess on Tion, pampered, spoiled and in control of everything except her own body. But Aurellia could only guess at her origins, that there was more to this brute of a woman standing so close next to her.

"Oh, and just think of the stir we would cause in court."

"Oh, but I do like to cause a stir." Mercy murmured as the Queen asked her if she'd really deny her. Something told Mercy that Aurellia might enjoy it if she was the one denying her, except maybe not in this gift.

Her hand reached out, this time not to tuck her hair behind her ear as before, but instead those finger tips rolled along her neck. Such a gentle gesture from hands forged for violence alone. The impressions were still on Aurellia's skin.

"He truly is a brute." Mercy murmured softly and she didn't have to say who he was in this instance. "My heart goes out for you, sweet Queen of mine. The burdens you take on your shoulders to continue your lineage. They call me strong, but perhaps it is you who is truly the strongest of us all." And then Mercy leaned in and her lips brushed the Queen Mother's cheek for the softest of kisses.

A mere glance of air almost, another impression of gentleness that was such a contrast to the brutality she kept inside of herself.

 

[Aurellia]

Action, word, and demeanor froze Aurellia in an unusual state of ambivalence. It was all she could muster to drag her eyes away from where the warrior touched her, rolling down defined trapeze and past the red mane. Fury and indignation would swell in the force with the mention of her betrothal, intensified by the ghost of pain that haunted discolored skin beneath Mercy's hand.

Both emotions were dwarfed beneath a dance of envy, admiration, and yearning. It was that passion that finally seized control of her faculties, sending her mouth sideways in search of Mercy's lips. Delicate exploration sent an arm to snake around the other woman's waist, embracing the lack of space between them.

"I will do my duty," Aurellia finally whispered, breaking the temporarily lock she had forged. Still, though, she lingered, close enough to close the gap in a second. "For as long as is necessary. We both know how it ends after, and it changes nothing behind closed doors."

Uncharacteristic, certain truth without a hint of the usual manipulation that would beg it's need. It was a fact the queen had carried with her since departing the Vahlan mothership, though one she had attempted to hide from conscious thought. It was only with Mercy she would utter the words aloud. A gift of trust, to accompany the others.

"No, that perseverance doesn't match what carried you through the kaggath. If it did, I would make simple work of him."

There slithered cunning's return. Still flattering, still sowing the suggestion of chaos.

 

[Mercy]

Mercy smirked against Aurellia 's lips once the kiss had temporarily run its course. She ran her nose against hers, breathing her in slowly.

"I am glad to hear it. I'd have been saddened to learn our developing relationship would be aborted so soon after it blossomed." She murmured softly against queenly lips. Again a hint of what Mercy truly was, because what common criminal talked like that?

It was almost amusing to hear such flowery prose from a tongue so coarse.

Mercy slowly pulled Aurellia in even more, as if the mere gesture could protect the sharp woman from the realities of the cruel world around them. Or perhaps it was simply to claim her with every little gesture made.

A temporary claim, that could only subsist in private, a solitary moment shared by the two of them.

"Mm, I see what you are trying to draw out so subtly, my darling..." Chuckling softly, kissing her again but a bit less passionate and a bit softer.

"Perhaps we can retire and you can elaborate in the privacy of your private chambers, hmm?"

Even as Aurellia was subtle and refined, Mercy was anything but.

It was quite clear what she was suggesting here.