Let's Get Makeb [Tmoxin Temi]

[Crix Meriet]

"Of course My Lady" Crix smiled, he had no intention of allowing Isis to pay for such a gathering. If [member="Vinatia Blackwood"] wanted a party to get her close to this Lord Avesta she could gosh darn pay for the thing. "Thais knows of a great many events planners all who carry glowing references ... It will be a party people will be talking about for years!" Crix added with Flash a smile. Crix loved a good party especially when the party was a front for an assassination plot.

Then he returned to his martini, his only real friend since Toby was off at the spa. He sipped the chilled alcohol slowly watching Thais with a nasty smile as she talked ... and talked ... and talked. He was going to hurt her, he was going to hurt her so very badly. For now though he would let her act out and sneer and talk as if she were still the princess. It would make it all the more fun when she was begging him for mercy. Let her make these arrangements to go serve at a court of her choosing her flight of fantasy would make the pain all the grater when Crix sold her off to some sleazy hutt somewhere ... or better yet Xander Blackmore, the man who left her to rot in jail.

One thing was certain she would not be getting some cushy position in one of her freinds courts.

"Your offer to foster Thais in your court is most generous Lady Blackwood , I will see if I can't make it a feasible option" That was basically, a thanks but no thanks. Then he went back to finishing his martini, he wanted to be back with his Toby and Draco seemed to have some more things to say to their lady host. Things crix would rather not hear.

"On that note my lady I'm going to take my leave of you, I will make calls and get things organised expect a call from me soon" Then he stood up "Thais you may stay here are return to the ship we are leaving in two hours" He spoke in an almost friendly manner to Thais, how nice he was being to give her choise.

Crix left two guards with Thais to ensure her behavior and unless otherwise molested he would take the rest with him to the spa. He needed his Toby Time now.

Once he reached the spa he swiftly tacked down Toby and requested anyone in the same room leave. Which they kindly did, no doubt the guards help. Then he sat down by Toby's sleeping form, it was nice for Crix to see his Toby truly relaxed it had been a hard month for his T between being caught up in a wedding massacre and dramatically revealing force ability his darlin' had been through the ringer. Crix made no effort to wake Toby opting instead to simply watch T sleep whilst he twisted his Darlins soft hair through his fingers. Blissful moments like this were a rarity so Crix was making the most of it.

"Gather Toby's things" He ordered one of the guards after a few minutes. Crix's hand trailed down to Toby's feet, they had been wrapped in cool cloths and crix was pleased to see that they were less red and angry now. He'd still be making sure Toby rested them though, Crix tended to coddle Toby when he experienced even minor discomfort. eventually the time came for crix to rouse his sleepy beau. "Toby Honey wake up , let's get you home and you can put your feet up and rest "
[member="Toby Meriet"] [member="Thais Kallisto"] [member="Darth Vulkan"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Thais's telepathy was good, but unwelcomed. <We will talk after all of this. I've had a change of heart. Help, Lady Blackwood, and take your leave.> Hope, it was cruel to give her that, but nothing was as bad as what Crix was doing to the poor girl in Draco's mind. That and he couldn't bear to see his daughter's eyes looking at him with Thais's face. This would be their last impromptu meeting.

His gaze turned to Crix, the storm behind the grey eyes visible as his mind reached out and grasped at the Slaver's, injecting his thoughts into the man. <Stop parading her around like a dog and get rid of her. I don't want to see her again. We will talk later.> The thought was much harsher than the one he had shared with Thais. She had brought this upon herself. Draco had tried to show mercy in the end. Seven years compared to execution was a great deal of mercy. He had even let the Princess of Isis pick her master and had kept her government from knowing the truth of her punishment and her crimes to avoid scandal so that she might be able to salvage her life when her seven years were up. She had been foolish in her choices, and now, Draco was no longer in the mood to face the consequences of his actions.

His grey eye's turned back to Lady Blackwood, his smile returning as she agreed to dinner with the barbarian king. Most people didn't know Draco had a softer side, a more romantic side he rarely showed to others. He pondered for a moment while She and Crix spoke among themselves. "Tonight, eight sound is good for me. But unfortunately I don't know any of the fine dining establishments on this planet. If it were left up to me I would simply pick one at random. I'm not too picky as to what I eat, more so as to whom I am with." With Thais and Crix soon to be made scarce with preparation for Lady Blackwood's party and with his job only to sit back and make sure she received the push she needed once the deed was done, Draco didn't have much to do but lounge around in Lady Blackwood's company. It would also look good for her politically to be spending time with the Foreman. And the man who owned half the mining rights to the planet.

[member="Thais Kallisto"]
[member="Vinatia Blackwood"]
[member="Crix Meriet"]

 

[Armand Temi]

Ah a little ray of hope in this otherwise bleak grey situation of other royals getting to freely act out their greatest fears and desires, with apparently no reprisals. Oh the hypocrisy!

But Thais was in no position to grumble or complain. At least you're learning to hold your tongue, girl, she thought, which was nothing either of her parents were able to teach her. Her court had been far too afraid of the Princess to ever silence her.

She titled her head and tried to put the most pleasant expression on her face. But her brows furrowed when Draco's words landed inside her head unexpectedly. A change of heart? Don't get too hopeful, Thais. You don't know what that means yet. In response, she nodded her head as if to say "message received."

But Crix had ordered her back to the ship. This put a small scowl on her face, which she quickly erased when Crix glanced in her direction before he ran off to find Toby. Draco appeared to manage a date out of Lady Blackwood. Great, just great, thought Thais. Everyone profits but me.

The life of a slave was tedium and tiresome, but at this point, she had no resource but to play along.

[member="Crix Meriet"] [member="Toby Meriet"] [member="Darth Vulkan"] [member="Vinatia Blackwood"]

 

[Ibby]

[member="Toby Meriet"] [member="Crix Meriet"] [member="Darth Vulkan"] [member="Thais Kallisto"]

Vinatia gave Crix a small nod as he took his leave, then sipped again from her glass.

It would be an understatement to say she was pleased with a lack of suggestions from the Foreman, in regards to restaurants. The late night would make things hard (apparently, as the sun went down so too did the brightness of the restaurants' lights, something both she and her mother detested) but the woman had an idea.

"How about the Krishal Lune?" She smoothed down the front of her outfit. "I have not yet eaten there, but I've heard many great things about it." And it's lighting -- bright enough for those of us with...certain drawbacks. "It is also but a short walk from here, past the spa." Vinatia sent him a dazzling smile, then stood up. "Let me know if that doesn't work." She slid him a small piece of flimsi with her holocom number on it. "In case you don't have it. Otherwise, I will see you there at eight. With this meeting concluded, I'm afraid I must attend to other things." I.e., notifying her mother. "Foreman, Princess." With a nod in both directions, she gave them yet another smile and then left, trying not to make a beeline for the door. She had precious little time to both prepare and fill her mother in -- only six hours.

--------​

​

Vinatia painstakingly slipped another pin into her hair, eyebrows raised as she tried to concentrate on listening to her mother and fix up her hair as well. Fortunately, she already had on her dress for the evening, though that was covered by a bath robe. She didn't want to get makeup on it. After all.

"...squint, it adds wrinkles to your eyes that only make you older."

"Mother, I know. That's why I chose a restaurant with decent lighting, though you shouldn't be worried. My eyesight is better than yours is, in the Dark."

Elysa sniffed haughtily, something Vinatia had yet to completely master. "It is still terrible, nonetheless. I told your father he should have had you checked out, but the fool was more concerned with your brother. Idiot." She paused for a moment, studying her daughter. Even as a tiny projection, Elysa Blackwood could command the attention of an entire room. "How did you secure this date again?"

"I told you, Mother. The Foreman proposed it. He wishes to discuss payment for his help. Mere credits won't suffice." Vinatia sat back, staring at her hair. Truthfully, she could have gone to the spa and had her hair nd makeup done, but the only two people Vinny trusted with delicate matters like that were herself and her mother. "Meriat and the Princess were not forthcoming on payment, but I suspect our pockets will be lightened significantly by the gala they're planning. But, I gave Meriat a treat for his slave, so it ought not be ."

"Any credit is worth it if my daughter is able to take her first steps towards total power." The older woman clasped her hands together, smiling at her daughter. "My little darling, all grown up and preparing for an assassination. I couldn't be prouder!" Vinatia smiled at the comment.

"I couldn't have done it without you, Mother. You're the only true ally I have here."

"I know, darling, I know." Her mother blew a kiss. "Well, I have things I need to attend to over here; your father's estates still need sorting out. Let me know if you need any more advice. Enjoy your date, love. Perhaps there'll be something gained out of this, hmm? Something even more...benefiting?"

She knew where her mother was going, and she gave her a look. "Mother!"

"What? I can't help it if I want my daughter to climb the social ladder." Elysa winked. "Let me know when everything begins. Ta ta!" The hologram cut out, and Vinatia sat there, shaking her head. Mother was a cunning, manipulative woman who thought next to nothing about offing her own husband and child, and yet she also managed to make her daughter feel embarrassed.

Deep down, it sort of troubled her that her mother was so cheery about the deaths, as if they weren't real. Oh, Vinatia would have done it again in a heartbeat; but she still missed the good old days, when her and Fenri were playmates. But Mother? Nothing, as far as she could tell.

The woman shook her head. "Enough of this," she muttered. "I need to finish getting ready."

 

[Laira Darkhold]

After Lady Blackwood took her leave of the pair, Draco left shortly afterward. Being left alone with Thais was not on his to do list after everything that had happened. He left her a holographic picture of an infant Abigail smiling and laughing as she played in the floor with him sitting near her. It was the only picture he had of her, and so giving Thais a copy was the least, and the most, he was willing to do to reassure her. Hopefully seeing Abigail being well taken care of would be a comfort and not cause her pain that she was not present.

The large barbarian warlord sat in his room, wearing his black three piece suit. Despite having made a gold suit for the laughs, he found the thing ridiculously gaudy for normal company and outings. "I'll be fine Gorran, I think I can handle myself against a noblewoman. Its just a date." The wookiee growled and grumbled a bit but relented. "Besides, she needs me right now, so I don't have to worry about her poisoning me tonight." Draco knew she was planning one assassination. His own might not be far in the future, but for now he should be safe.

Straightening his tie, he slipped the large bowie knife and tucked it into the sheath under his arm pit. Draco basically never went anywhere without some kind of weapon, and a Kal-Fett knife was always a good choice. Draco doubted he would need it, but better to have and not need.

About a half hour before eight he arrived at the restaurant, the Krishal Lune. It was nice, brightly lit. Being unaware of her heritage, Draco was unaware of her preference, and only looking at the bright lights with a bit of a disappointment. From his experience, a candle light dinner, starring into each other's eyes had always felt more intimate.

Approaching the Maitre de he spoke calmly, making his requests for the arrangements. "Yeah, dinner for two, a table near a window preferably off away from the rest of the folks here." Draco paused for a moment, thinking. "Actually, give us the whole back area. I don't want anyone but a waitress to approach us. See if you can play some nice classic rock ballads for background noise too." This close to the spa and living areas, Draco had decided to walk there, and he intended to walk back with Lady Blackwood.

[member="Vinatia Blackwood"]
[member="Thais Kallisto"]

 

[Ibby]

[member="Darth Vulkan"]

Smoothing down her violet dress, the Lady Blackwood primly stepped out of the speeder cab and began to walk towards the doors of the restaurant. The large clock that was projecting from the side of the building told her it was five til 8. Her silver heels clicked on the pavement, and the valet on hand opened the door for her. Giving him a slight smile, the woman walked through the door, casting an eye in the mirror that hung on the wall. She did not break stride, satisfied that her hair was still perfect.

Once inside, the woman was quickly directed to where the Foreman was sitting, surprised to find that the entire back area was empty of everyone except him. Speaking of, the man looked rather ravishing in his black suit. He clearly knew how to clean up, but then, why shouldn't he? Half the battle of keeping your power was keeping up with appearances, after all.

She walked up to the table, a coy smile on her lips and a slight sashay to her hips, just like her mother had taught her. The two slender silver bracelets on her wrist jangling slightly, Vinatia purred, "Foreman, I hope I didn't keep you waiting. You look handsome tonight." And well lit. There were no shadows to play tricks on her eyes, no pockets of dark that were nothing but blackness to her.

Even though the window looked like a black maw.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

When Lady Blackwood arrived, Draco stood respectfully meeting her at the table rather than remaining seated. His eye's met hers and she spoke, words about something having to do with him. In truth he wasn't paying close enough attention to her words, a bit taken aback by her appearance, the sway in her hips, and just her general attitude. Snapping back after only a fraction of a second he spoke with a smile, "Lady Vinatia, you look simply breathtaking. There must be many a heartbroken man left in your wake, and I must say, I wouldn't mind joining them." Remembering his manners, he bowed slightly, dipping to eye level with the woman.

He brushed over her compliments, not commenting on them as her words didn't register with him as he had been distracted. "Please, please. Call me Draco, I'd rather us be a bit informal tonight if that is alright." He moved over, approaching her, "May I help you with you chair, Lady Vinatia?" He said, his voice deep and baritone as he stood only inches away from her. The restaurant was nice and well light, supposedly boasting an amazing chef. A quiet dinner between warlord and would be princess was a nice concept in Draco's mind. He stood to lose most of his holdings on the planet if she succeeded, otherwise she would inherit a planet her predecessor had sold off for scraps in the hopes of appeasing corporate giants.

Inside the brightly lit room was quiet and mostly empty, a waitress standing off in a corner waiting for the pair to take their seats, and music played softly in the background. White table cloths, silver chargers and silverware sparkled in the light. Outside were bustling city lights, their privacy kept at bay by the heavy tinting of the windows, and a pair of Draco's warriors sat across the street, keeping tabs on their master.

[member="Vinatia Blackwood"]

 

[Ibby]

[member="Darth Vulkan"]

Like Draco, Vinatia simply brushed over the returning compliments, but for a different reason. She was used to such flattery, so while it earned a smile from her, that was it. Besides, she had to keep a steady head and play carefully, for she had no idea what would happen if the Lady made one wrong step.

"Yes, thank you, Draco." Vinatia sat down with an elegance born of many, many practices. As strange as it seemed, there was as much of an art to sitting down without embarrassment than there was anything else. Once she was settled in, the Lady then turned her grey eyes onto the well-built Foreman. "And please, just call me Vinatia, since we're on a first name basis now." The corner of her mouth curved upwards, hoping to take out any sting that might have been present.

This would be hard. Vinatia liked to manipulate people, to play them against each other and use them to fulfil her needs. But she also had to remember that this was the Foreman, and he might not take too kindly to her attempting to play him like a fiddle. So, she decided she would not only be nice, she would also be up front with him. Lady Blackwood suspected that if she wanted to have good relations with her "boss", so to speak, a good first step would be to not lie to his face.

Well, not completely.

"I hope the lighting doesn't bother you. It's a bit brighter than most other places but..." Vinatia flashed a small, demure (and somewhat sheepish) smile. "Well, the Dark and I aren't exactly friends, I'm afraid."

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Having helped her into her seat comfortably, Draco moved and too the seat directly across from her with a smirk. She was beautiful and in the light, he could inspect her properly. "Very well Vinatia." The waitress came over took drink orders and then made herself scarce as possible as soon as they were brought out. She kept an eye on the glasses, but she stayed away. "And no, they don't bother me. The lighting makes it easier to see your radiance." Draco was capable of turning up the charm when he wanted to, but despite everything, he didn't trust Vinatia.

"So, as you may not know, your predecessor sold off all the mining rights to Makeb, for a very long time. Half to ATC, and half," he smiled widely, "To me. As you can understand, if you plan on making a fortune off Makeb, I stand to lose. Millions, at the very least." Draco's mind buzzed, how much was half the planets rights worth to the would be princess. "And, well, I could be convinced to relinquish control of my holdings here, as well as see your plans come to fruition."

Only a fool couldn't see that the Foreman had very little to gain monetarily from placing a power hungry hapan in control of the planet instead of the complacent, easily controlled Avesta. A political alliance was on the table, but for how long?

[member="Vinatia Blackwood"]

 

[Ibby]

[member="Darth Vulkan"]

Vinatia's face remained the same, but inwardly she was grimacing rather unattractively. She'd been an idiot not to realise there would be finance talk involved with this. The Lady Blackwood was by no means a heavy spender, but she wasn't the number one thrifter, either. That was what assistants were for. I will have to request Mother to tutor me in those areas, she thought, even as she was mentally cringing about how inexperiened and reliant on her mother she was.

But, Vinatia was a smooth talker, and she learned quickly. Perhaps there would be only slight mistakes made before she caught the hang of things.

So, even as her mind whirred with plans, the woman lightly rested her chin on the palm of her hand, studying the Foreman with a slight smile. "It would be rude of me to cheat a powerful benefactor such as yourself, Draco. Very rude, and very stupid." Good, good. Eliminating (or trying to) any suspicions of a betrayal or whatnot on her part. The older Lady Blackwood would be pleased. She was also stalling slightly, still trying to think of a way for her to get the most out of this. But frustratingly enough, her mind was drawing a blank. I guess I can't always be in control, she thought with a mental sigh. "But yes, I'll admit, I do plan on getting more than an honorary title from this planet. What is it you have in mind? And what should I do about ATC?" Ms. Arceneau was a woman Vinatia had never met, but had certainly heard of. And admired enviously. Thus, she was sincere when she requested the Foreman provide advice.

He did, after all, have many more years of experience under his belt. It would be foolish of her to not take advantage of it.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco smiled. Vinatia was kind of at his mercy for the time being, and while she was he was going to get what he wanted out of the woman. "Well, with miss Arceneau, you'd be best advised to ask her to renegotiate her percentage, perhaps try and purchase some off her. For me, well. I'm prepared to relinquish them to you for pennies on the credit." He reached across the table and held his hand upwards. "I'm prepared to sell them to you for the cost of construction. I no longer have need of mining the substance as I can synthesize it, and maintaining the mines costs money that could be allocated elsewhere. Its resources and employees I have to expend to keep it going. Pay for the buildings, and they are yours." The mines were still fertile, despite the numerous areas that had been extensively hammered for use in Firestorm Reactors and advanced Hyperdrives. While all that was true, he could still easily sell them for a massive profit.

His smile became more roguish, that of a young man trying to charm a woman, less devious business man. "But, that is enough business. You needed to know that without me you would be taking a title not a fortune, but I didn't ask you here for business alone. I was hoping to learn about you, to get to know you a little better. So, tell me. What made this beautiful flower I see before me become so vicious and dangerous? What is it that made this rose grow such sharp thorns?" His voice was low and quiet, deep and melodious. His grey eye's looked her over with a quick glance and studied her physique through his peripheral vision, remaining focused on her. Thorns or not, she was attractive and young, and soon to be a royal. And perhaps not to her knowledge, he was getting ready to retire from many of his positions, which would leave him with a steady income and free time.

[member="Vinatia Blackwood"]

 

[Ibby]

[member="Darth Vulkan"]

Vinatia nodded when Draco suggested negotiating with Ms. Arceneau. It was what she'd figured, but having the Foreman himself point that direction solidified her thinking. Of course, her mother might very well have to advice her on that one.

The little thought made her slightly uncomfortable, though she didn't show it. Vinatia realised how her reliance on her mother might seem to outsiders, but the mixed woman knew how much of a pup she was when compared to the older Blackwood. Tutoring, in the end, was not the same as experience.

As for his negotiation...The raven-haired pretty tilted her head slightly, as if thinking over the offer. She did not yet know how much the construction cost would be, especially with employee upkeep...But considering how valuable the isotope was to those who lacked the synthesizing means, she figured it would more than make up the cons. "Deal. After the coup d'état, we can start working out the total."

She picked up her glass and sipped the liquid contents. It was a type of blood-red wine that had a melodious name and a fruity, almost husky flavour to it. And yes, obviously, it was alcoholic. But Vinatia was wise, at least in that respect; alcohol was fine to drink, but when there was important business nothing more than a tiny sip here or there was allowed.

Like tonight.

Vinatia's deft eyes caught the subtle shift in Draco's smile, how it became flirtatiously waggish, if just a little. And even without the Force, she could sense the charm in his words.

That was alright. In fact, it made the evening that much more enjoyable; for what better way than to test her strength against a giant, if not through the art of charisma? In her mind, she was already envisioning it as a sort of game between skilled duelists, even as her smile became coquettish. "Who's to say I wasn't born with them? After all, a rose without thorns is no true rose at all, wouldn't you agree?"

 

[Laira Darkhold]

The wine was excellent, a deep red. Granted Draco wasn't especially fond of wines, always a little more apt to order whiskey or moonshine brewed from a local still, but he did enjoy the wine. Every now and again he drank a healthy bit from the glass, needing a refill far more often than Vinatia, but then again he was a lot larger than she was and was used to drinking fairly heavily. So far he had some extra color in his cheeks from the alcohol.

"I guess you are right Vinatia." He said after a short moment of contemplation and looking the raven haired soon to be princess over, studying her features some more. Draco wasn't one who particularly enjoyed politics. He often found them grating, irritating, and often beneath him, but he was aware a good politician was someone who could start and end a war over dinner. And they were good to have on your side.

Draco smiled as food was brought to the table, small portions, but truly excellent food in his opinion. "But, please, you don't have to be so uptight with me. You can cut loose some. I didn't ask you out because I wanted to posture politically. I asked you on this date because I found you enchantingly gorgeous and I was attracted to your willingness to be ruthless to get what you wanted. I asked you out from genuine attraction, and nothing more." Not entirely true, but mostly. Getting to enjoy a nice night out was rare for Draco, and given the chance with someone like Vinatia, he wouldn't pass it up. But he didn't trust someone who was planning an assassination.

[member="Vinatia Blackwood"]

 

[Ibby]

[member="Darth Vulkan"]

She looked down at her plate of tiny proportions in order to hide the small flash of indignation in her eyes.

Vinatia was not uptight. She was coy. She was mysterious. She was seductive. Not uptight. Servants who knew they'd displeased her were uptight. Easily intimidated people were uptight.

The Lady Vinatia Emeryle Blackwood was not uptight.

She took a delicate bite from her small sirloin steak. Then again, though, the gentleman did say he admired her. So perhaps all was not wrong.

Her anger dissipating as quickly as it appeared, Vinatia gave Draco a slightly amused look. "Well, if that's the case, then..." She patted daintily at the corners of her mouth. "My mother might have lived with us on my father's estates, but her heart was always at Hapes. And when Lord Blackwood deemed his incapable son to be a worthy heir..." The woman smiled again, though this time it was laced with slight bitterness. "My mother did not like that. So, she decided to exert a large majority of her time tutoring me for when I would be able to take my rightful place."

The little slip up went unnoticed by Vinatia, for in her mind it would have always been "when", not "if". Her idiot brother wouldn't have lasted long as head of the house, either way. At least this way, he didn't take the whole damned building with him.

"But enough about me. How did such a dashing young man like yourself rise to such a position?"

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco smiled at the woman, her opening up and little flash of anger both humanizing her to him somewhat, a comforting thought for the mandalorian these days. There were far too many people who were inhuman these days, so being able to understand her a little better was a comfort. She was ambitious, and Draco had long suffered a weakness for strong willed women willing to fight for what they wanted, and he had always allowed them to manipulate him at least a little. "Well, I was raised lower class on Eriadu. Went to public school with my sister until I was sixteen. Spent four years with the Defense force, but i didn't enjoy it. Then I was sold into slavery by the Hutts." He wasn't ashamed of his past, if anything he was proud he had come so far.

His smile changed to a wry grin. They were very different upbringings, and very different current circumstances. "Four years as a slave in the mines of kessel made me strong, pressed on by my own will. When Netherworld happened I was able to get free from my enslavement." Draco put his hands on the table holding his palms up, small scars lining them, thick calluses from years as a miner, smith, and warrior. His intention was for her to inspect them and perhaps hold them should the mood strike her so that he might inspect hers.

"I did whatever I could for money at first, working with the Republic, starting a company. It took some time, but my holdings became one of the most prominent in the Union. And so I asserted that to be the Foreman." His eyes stared back into hers. "I never would have thought that a slave would ever be influential enough to ask a princess to dinner. I'm glad for it though, I find you very intriguing, I only hope my humble origins don't embarrass you." He feigned a look of shame, as though his presence detracted from her somehow. No doubt she could use that information for her advantage, or perhaps she would be impressed rather than appalled.

[member="Vinatia Blackwood"]

 

[Ibby]

[member="Draco Vereen"]

Considering Vinatia wasn't really in a position yet to be appalled by anything, the only other choice was admiration.

Not that it was much of a hard choice, really. Vinatia was many things -- cruel, ruthless, calculating, vain -- but she wasn't (completely) arrogant. And she knew when to appreciate strength, even if it showed itself in the story of a slave-turned-warlord. What was that phrase her mother loved to bandy around? Boys are useless, but men are valuable. One of the reasons iit who easy to be rid of the male Blackwoods; one had gone from manhood to boyhood, while the other had never leftleft.

So when Draco began sharing a bit of his past, even the fact that he'd been born lower than her couldn't keep the woman from listening to him with sincere interest. Her own fingers, delicate and soft, traced lightly over the many calluses and scars while he spoke.

Vinatia had never worked a day in her life. At least, not physically. Menial labour was below her caste, thus she did not bother with it. And her hands clearly showed it, particularly when compared to Vereen's. She also marvelled at how smaller hers looked when next to him. Soft, feminine, delicate...weak. That last thought troubled her, though she took great care not to show it, and Vinatia slowly put her hands back on her lap.

"My mother's people despise lesser individuals, and care little for men outside of breeding purposes," she said finally, ignoring the look of shame he gave. The mixed-blood wasn't sure if it was completely sincere; only minutes ago, he'd shown great pride in his origins. But no matter. "And yet, you rose from 'humble origins' and now are in a high position of command and power. Fairly impressive..." Vinatia eyed him then, a slightly amused look crossing her face as she added, "...for a man."

Truth was, Vinatia did not completely adhere to her mother's beliefs. While, yes, the younger Blackwood was quick to back the belief that women were usually better than men, she did not believe that all women were better than men, or vice versa. Nor did she like monarchies; in her opinion, meritocracies were the way to go. They helped weed out weaklings, they recognized worth...and they were much more ruthless.