Slender fingers coursed through waist length crimson curls, gently pulling apart the tangles before a soft brush followed. A soft strain of music filled the air, along with the heavy scent of Ithorian orchids. Pleasure pulled at her senses and she closed her eyes, pausing to simply savor the moment. Tentative steps intruded on her awareness, bidding the Empress to open her eyes and cast them towards her most loyal servant. The young woman bowed her head and approached upon being acknowledged.
"Asha, my dear...what have you for me?" the woman purred and reached out with one hand to touch the dusky cheek before turning her attention to the fine lacquered box she carried.
"A gift, m'lady, from your Lord husband." the soft voice offered, waiting with infinite patience as Invicta pulled upon the silken ribbon and lifted the top of the box. Resting within, on a bed of blood stained silk was a single, rusted key.
Invicta's lips curled into a smile that spoke of malevolent hunger, fingers withdrawing the key from its' vessel.
"Thank you, Asha. That will be all, my darling. See to your lessons and make sure you eat something. You are still recovering and you need your strength."
The young woman smiled softly and bowed her head again, setting the box on the nearby table amidst the others before retreating to do as she was bid. The Empress waited until she had retreated to rise from her seat in front of the the sprawling vanity within her suite of rooms. The rusted key on the blood-stained silk meant that there was a prisoner in the dungeons, kept in a separate cell, awaiting her pleasure. The black lacquered box meant it was a traitor, to the family, to Panatha, or to the Empire...but given that they were on Bastion, she had her suspicions that it was a traitor to the Sith.
Stiletto heels clicked as she made her way through the cavernous halls of the Imperial Palace, acknowledging those she passed with a slight nod. Most stayed well out of her path, save for those few of her personal guard that formed a loose cordon around her. It was...entirely unnecessary, but something she allowed for the sake of propriety. They escorted her as far as the first dungeon level, waiting for her there as she went further inside, humming softly to herself.
She sauntered slowly through the halls once more, steps carrying her to the throne room Kaine had taken as his office. A gesture dismissed her guard at the door, and Invicta stepped inside, letting it close softly behind her. She watched him from the shadow-filled entryway, silver eyes dark as the ebon threads of corruption within pulsed to the beat of the dying heart below in the dungeons. His agitation was palpable, and it added to the sweetness of the energy and blood she'd consumed mere moments before.
Skin flushed with the warmth of stolen life, Invicta stepped forward, fingers smoothing out the impeccable tailored
ebon vinesilk gown that clung to her voluptuous form. Loose crimson curls shifted and moved behind her as if stirred by a breeze, falling down to her waist as she paused beside her husband's chair, perching gracefully on the padded arm.
"A kingdom for your thoughts, my darling...you look distressed." she purred softly, head canted to the side as she regarded him carefully.
[member="Darth Carnifex"]