[Center][h1][color=8D3B72]Kalliope[/color] & [color=Lightsteelblue]Cassius[/color][/h1][/center]

[color=8D3B72]Location:[/color] Kalliope’s room —> The Beach
[color=Lightsteelblue]Time:[/color] Late Morning
[color=8D3B72]Interactions:[/color] Charlotte [@princess], Sjan-dehk [@Apex Sunburn], Layla [@Potter], Farim [@Lava Alckon], John [@Conscripts], Roman [@ReusableSword], Lorenzo [@FunnyGuy], Ariella [@Tpartywithzombi], and Olivia
[color=Lightsteelblue]Attire:[/color] [url=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1065027714953793578/1136090447433973860/2023-08-01_17_16_43.525-0700.jpg]Kalliope[/url], [url=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1065027714953793578/1138619964304142417/Cas_Beach.png]Cassius[/url]

[hr]


The grand castle halls echoed with the sound of Kalliope's determined footsteps as she stormed through the corridors, her frustration barely contained. The meeting with the oblivious King Edin had been just as infuriating as she had anticipated, and dealing with his pompous demeanor and mispronunciation of her name had worn her patience thin.

Finally reaching her door, she flung it open with a huff, not caring about any potential onlookers. As she stepped inside, she slammed the door shut behind her, the noise reverberating through the room.

[color=8D3B72]"That pig-headed fool!"[/color] she muttered under her breath, her voice filled with disdain as she began to pace back and forth.

[color=8D3B72]"I've had quite enough of King Edin's antics for one day. He truly is insufferable, an absolute pig in a crown!"[/color] She hadn’t even looked to see if Cassius was even still there and frankly she didn’t care. She would vent to the air around her if need be. [color=8D3B72]”It would have been so easy to impale a dagger into that oversized gut today, but no. I’m a good little girl, obedient and loyal as ever…”[/color] Her eyes fell on Cassius, lounging comfortably in her room. A soft smile formed on her lips at the sight of him, a welcome sight amidst the turmoil of her thoughts.

Without wasting any time, she started to unbutton her shirt, her movements both determined and slightly distracted. [color=8D3B72]"I need a distraction,"[/color] she said, her voice tinged with frustration as she pulled off her shirt, revealing a lacy bra underneath.

She tossed the shirt aside and turned to face Cassius fully, a glint of mischief in her eyes. [color=8D3B72]"And who better to provide that than you?"[/color] she added, her voice low and sultry.

Cassius had stayed undressed from the night before. Even after Kalliope had left the room to go meet with the king himself, Cas had remained comfortable in his most natural state. It had been some time since he had the luxury of staying in a castle, and he enjoyed lounging about and meandering around Kali’s room as he awaited her inevitable return. 

He thought of the night before, and how wonderful it had all been. She had proven herself to be his equal in every way, and the two of them truly had an enjoyable time exploring each other’s company and letting the lust that had built throughout the night take over. Though, there was one moment that overshadowed it all.

Cas was not usually the type of man to feel shame, nor did he find himself easily embarrassed. He was confident, brash, charming, and some may say egotistical…perhaps even [i]dickish[/i]. He was bold and allowed the waves of the world to wash over him as they saw fit; malleable and unbothered by it all as he pursued his desires and explored the beauty of the world. So, to say that he was embarrassed by the climax of last night was an understatement.

Never once, in all his years of dealing in the arts of pleasure, had he ever muttered the wrong name in bed. It was so unlike him that it left him confused and irritated with himself. He had not let it ruin an otherwise blissful night with Kalliope, but still it festered as his mind wandered to that name once more. [i]Lady Charlotte Vikena[/i]. The neighbor girl that he had only just met…why was it her name on his tongue, why could he not get her out of his head? 

His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden flinging open of the door and Kali’s abrupt, albeit enticing entrance. Cassius listened to her words with an endearing smirk as he laid sprawled out on her bed, the only thing covering him was the corner of a sheet barely draped over his manhood. As she began to undress and faced him fully, he patted the bed playfully as an invitation for her to come to him as he took in the absolute beauty of her form. 

[color=Lightsteelblue] “Oh darling…I have been known to be [i]quite[/i] the distraction. Come here and let me help you work through some of that frustration.”[/color]

Kalliope's frustration slowly melted away as she gazed at Cassius, his playful invitation beckoning her closer. She could feel the intensity of his eyes on her, a magnetic pull that drew her to him. With a playful glint in her eye, she sauntered over to the bed, each step exuding confidence and allure as her hips swayed.

The weight of the morning’s frustrations began to fade into the background as she climbed onto the bed, joining Cassius in an intimate embrace. The tension that had gripped her slowly gave way to a different kind of tension, one of desire and longing.

Their lips met in a heated kiss, fueled by the electricity that surged between them. Kalliope's hands explored his sculpted body with a gentle touch, savoring the feel of his skin beneath her fingertips.

[hr]

As their passion reached its crescendo, the world around them faded to black, leaving only the warmth of their bodies pressed against each other. In that moment of intimacy, they found respite from the turmoil of their lives, basking in the afterglow of their shared connection.

In the quiet stillness that followed, Kalliope smirked at Cassius as she glanced up at him through her lashes. [color=8D3B72]”Good job at not saying the wrong name this time.”[/color]

Cassius reveled in the pleasure of the moment as he laid next to Kalliope, his breath still heavy from their rather lovely [i]distraction[/i]. It all replayed in his mind as he lounged in ecstasy. The way that their bodies intertwined, the intoxication of the passion they both shared…it had been wonderful to spend this time with Kali. He had needed this after such a whirlwind of recent events, and he was glad to have stumbled upon her glory in the training grounds. 

She was truly a beautiful woman, just as fierce and skilled as himself. The absolute grace and the control over her body and technique displayed in every stage of their evening had impressed him, as did the fact that she knew exactly when to surrender that control in order to take full advantage of the thrills of the moment. Truly, it felt blissful to be in the company of a kindred spirit such as her. They both knew exactly what this was, and there was always something beautiful to be found in that.

He admired her allure as she glanced up at him, and even as his own smirk formed in response to her cheeky little jest, he could not help but appreciate her natural beauty. He turned away from her briefly, obviously feigning shock and awe at her insult. He brought his hand up to his uncovered chest and pressed it over his heart dramatically. 

[color=Lightsteelblue]“My, my…You truly cut me deep, love. Will I never live down the one and only mistake Cassius Vael has ever made?”[/color] He laughed in jest as he rolled suddenly on top of her once more. [color=Lightsteelblue]”At least you were not so insulted by my error that you would deny yourself from using me a little longer. That would have been a true shame, because it’s clear just…how…much you enjoyed using me to make all your frustrations melt away.”[/color] 

Cassius looked down at her with a seductive smile as he moved to kiss her, stopping himself just before their lips could meet. [color=Lightsteelblue]”And oh how I have enjoyed being used by you Kalliope Arden. A warrior with a name fit for a goddess…one worthy of being remembered.”[/color] Finally, he allowed his lips to press against hers sweetly. [color=Lightsteelblue]“Truly, I apologize for my error. I am a prideful man, but I am never beyond an earned apology. It was unlike me, and I do not take it for granted. It is a mystery to me why this woman pierces her way into my mind when I least expect it, but I was with you and you deserved my full attention. I’m glad I got the opportunity to make it up to you this morning.”[/color] 

Kalliope chuckled at Cassius' playful response, appreciating his ability to take her jests in stride. As he rolled on top of her, she met his gaze with a sly grin.

[color=8D3B72]"Oh, I couldn't resist using you a little longer,"[/color] she replied, her tone teasing. [color=8D3B72]"After all, you are quite the enjoyable distraction, Cassius Vael."[/color]

His words of apology and admiration washed over her, but she couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment. In Kalliope's mind, he was a good friend and a pleasurable companion, nothing more. She had no intention of letting any romantic feelings entangle their dynamic. She valued their connection for what it was—fun, liberating, and entirely physical.

[color=8D3B72]"No need to fret, Cassius,"[/color] she said, offering him a reassuring smile. [color=8D3B72]"I’m sure I can forgive you…after a day of teasing.[/color] That reassuring smile quickly turned into a mischievous smirk. [color=8D3B72]Besides, it's in the past now, and we've got a beautiful day ahead. How about we get a move on to the beach? I'm sure there's more fun to be had, and we wouldn't want to miss out on the waves and sunshine."[/color]

With that, she playfully pushed him off of her and got up from the bed, starting towards her closet to gather her swimsuit. Her mind was already shifting to the prospect of spending the day at the beach, the carefree moments and laughter that awaited them. For Kalliope, that was all that mattered—the present, the enjoyment, and the camaraderie she shared with her new adventurous friend.

There it was. That familiar look; the one that normally found itself deployed in his own gaze, but this time it was looking back at him for a change…a look of detachment. For a moment, he wondered if she had misinterpreted his gesture, but thought better of it. He was not usually one that felt the need to apologize, but it had been important to him that she knew he hadn’t meant to be disrespectful to her in that way. Still, the detachment that glazed over her eyes just enough for him to notice made him laugh to himself and wonder if he had been as good at hiding his own version of it the many times it had crossed his expression. 

They both knew what they were getting themselves into. Cassius was used to this kind of [i]casual[/i] arrangement, and honestly Kalliope had proven to be the perfect partner for such a dance. He admired her and cherished the night…[i]and morning[/i] they had shared, but it was clear to him the very moment they started their evening that it was all just for fun. Exactly how he preferred it. He answered her comment about just how great a distraction he had been with his usual, cocky smile and agreed that it would be fun to hit the beach. 

It made Cassius chuckle a bit as Kali pushed him off her playfully and rose to get ready to leave. He admired her alluring form a little longer as she made her way to the closet before he rolled to the opposite side of the bed, turning his back to Kalliope as she dressed. Draping his legs down to the ground, he lifted to a seated position and brushed his fingers through his hair. 

Cassius once again let his memories transport him to the doorway of the Damien estate where he first laid eyes upon Lady Charlotte. Everything about him that evening had irritated her. Normally, all that would matter to him was that he made an impression, but it was obvious that she had been having a difficult night and for some reason he found himself feeling bad about how things had gone down. Yet, everything about her had left a very different impact. It was baffling the way that tempest in his mind eased the moment he saw her…and how it raged once more as soon as she walked away. The imprint of her face lingered in his vision when he closed his eyes the way the light of the sun does if you stare directly into it. He didn’t know what it was about her that plagued him so…but he knew that he would have to see her again in order to find out. 

Standing and spreading his arms into a wide stretch, Cas let the sheet fall from his body leaving him fully uncovered once again. He meandered his way to Kali’s washroom and freshened up a bit before returning and pulling on his pants and boots. As he worked his shirt over his head he addressed Kalliope with a smile.  

[color=Lightsteelblue]“Truly, this has been fun Kali. If ever you feel the need for a diversion coming on, you can always call on me to earn that forgiveness of yours a bit more.”[/color] He stated with a cheeky wink and a grin, appreciating her choice of swimwear. [color=Lightsteelblue]“But alas, all those poor souls at the beach are being deprived of our beauty and charm…and we simply cannot allow them to suffer such a fate any longer.”[/color]

With their playful banter exchanged, Kalliope gathered her things, slipping into a sleek blue-black bikini that perfectly complemented her figure and was perhaps a bit more revealing than necessary. As she moved around the room, pulling on a loose white button up shirt that may have been a mans and leaving it open, she couldn't help but notice Cassius going about his own preparations. His playful remarks brought a smirk to Kalliope's lips as she adjusted the straps of her bikini. [color=8D3B72]"I'll be sure to keep that in mind,"[/color] she replied with a wink, appreciating his unabashed confidence and the way he seemed to fully understand the nature of their arrangement. With a final look in the mirror to make sure her hair was in place, Kalliope shot Cassius a grin before leading the way out of the room.

[hr]

Soon the vibrant scenery of the beach came into view and the scene was accompanied by the sounds of laughter, waves crashing against the shore, and…a scream? Well that certainly wasn’t unusual at the beach, but it also wasn’t something one came to expect to hear right away. Kali just pushed it aside as she stepped onto the sand.

Her eyes immediately zeroed in on a certain figure by a blanket and chairs—Sjan-dehk. Her heart gave an almost imperceptible flutter, a sensation she hadn’t realized had been happening almost every time she saw the man. But she quickly shifted her attention, her keen senses picking up on a tense scene unfolding nearby. Layla's confrontation with Charlotte was impossible to miss. The years she’d spent practically living with the Alidasht royalty and spying on them for a certain uncle of theirs, had her knowing the extremes Layla could go to.

Kalliope's lips curved into a knowing smile as she strolled over, her presence commanding attention despite her casual demeanor. [color=8D3B72]"Layla, dear, do try to remember that we're in public,"[/color] she remarked with a mockingly sweet tone, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she knew the woman would likely be shocked to see her there. [color=8D3B72]"It's quite entertaining, though, watching you add drama to the beach scenery. You always were quite good at causing all sorts of drama to hide all of your own flaws. Bravo, really."[/color] Her words were delivered with a sardonic edge, her confidence unwavering as she stood her ground.

Cassius took in the various sights and sounds of the beach, letting his eyes wander and peruse the beauty of his surroundings. Such an enticing place, full of laughter and joy…a true melting pot of people doing what they could to unwind and simply enjoy themselves and one another. He could feel the eyes of others land on Kalliope and himself as they made their way onto the sand. Nothing about that surprised him, given how very few people here probably knew who they were at all and the fact that they both absolutely radiated such magnetism. 

His own eyes did not linger on anyone long, as subconsciously they were already searching for a specific individual. The subject of their interest soon came into his view. There she was…that neighbor girl with the melancholy eyes, Lady Charlotte. The very woman whose presence had crept into his mind and persisted despite the company of even someone as beautiful and seductive as Kalliope Arden. 

He took in the sight of her, admiring her figure in that simple but elegant floral dress that was just sheer enough to hint at the blue bathing suit beneath it, and appreciating the way her hair looked tied back in the pretty little lace bow that only enhanced her natural beauty. She looked happy, surrounded by a group of friends. It was a very different mood from how she looked the other night, and that part of him that felt bad for adding to whatever it was she had been going through reared its head. He watched as she helped hand out smoothies to a few of the people around her, and his eyes started to take in the sight of them all as she interacted with each. 

First he noticed the man dressed to the nines. He appreciated the commitment of a gentleman who would choose to suffer such heat in a dress vest. 

Next, his attention was pulled by the large man with tan skin. Cassius was rather tall himself, but this man was at least a couple inches taller. Given the tan and build of the man, he wondered if the behemoth had grown up working a forge.  

With them, there was the gentleman with the straw hat. Something about the man emitted a warmth and gentle nature even though Cassius could tell he was a competent warrior just from the way he carried himself. Looking over momentarily, Cassius noticed that Kali’s eyes were firmly planted on this man. [i]Interesting.[/i] He smiled at the thought of why that might be. 

As Charlotte moved to a couple more people, Cassius took in the site of a rather princely looking man with features that drew his mind to the Alidasht. He was wearing a form fitting swimsuit that accentuated his nice physique. The girl near him was wearing a pretty green dress, and her reddish hair was held up by a pearl accented clip. Both of these individuals seemed rather familiar with Charlotte, as did the next two on her journey to hand out smoothies. First, there was an older man with a neatly groomed mustache and then there was another read-headed beauty with a simple but fashionable white beach dress. 

As his eyes found Charlotte once more, Cassius wondered about all of these people and the roles they played in her life. Perhaps they were friends, perhaps some were family, and most curiously he wondered if any of them were her lovers. His thoughts, however, were interrupted as what had seemed like an otherwise peaceful situation quickly got out of hand. A sun-kissed woman with a sheer black dress covering a stunning swimsuit approached Charlotte with obvious tension. 

As he and Kalliope continued their natural approach, he began to hear a bit of what the woman was saying, but he was shocked at the way the woman removed Charlotte’s lace ribbon and subsequently dumped her own smoothie on her. Cassius felt his blood begin to boil. He wasn’t sure why such an anger began to grow inside him, but it didn’t matter as immediately Kalliope quickened her advance and began tearing into the spiteful woman with reckless abandon. All the while, the beginnings of a skirmish threatened to break out amongst the group as the man in the form fitting swimsuit had his own words for the woman whilst he dispatched a few of her guards. Then there was the matter of the man with the straw hat drawing a firearm. There was a rage in him Cassius had not quite expected. Very interesting indeed. 

However, the altercation thankfully seemed as though it was going to end almost as quickly as it had begun…and Cassius let his view return to Charlotte, who was now covered in smoothie as the man in the straw hat retrieved her ribbon and offered his tunic to her in kind. The way he reacted and his clear desire to take care of her made him wonder about the nature of their relationship. Then again, he remembered the way Kali was looking in the man’s direction just a moment ago. He could not help but be intrigued. 

Cassius focused his attention on Charlotte’s eyes, and the way that her expression was so different from how it was when she was handing out smoothies. He didn’t know the woman who assaulted her so, nor did he know the nature of their disagreement…but Cassius could not help but feel vitriol in his heart for the woman who did this. He was almost angry at himself for not being able to get there in time to stop it from happening at all, even though he never could have made it in time. 

As he looked towards Charlotte he wanted to approach her and ensure that she was okay, but it was clear that she was being taken care of. Multiple people were acting in her defense, and the truth was that she probably wouldn’t have wanted him to insert himself in her business…especially after the events of the other night. Speaking of that night, he remembered the fire she displayed. That spark of anger and passion that she pointed in his direction. None of that was present in this moment. Just confusion, disappointment, and obvious sorrow. Cas could not help but hurt for her. It almost didn’t matter what she might have done to elicit such a reaction from the spiteful woman, he would feel for her all the same. 

Cassius found himself hanging back a bit as the whole situation played out, moving a little closer to Kalliope to make sure that she wasn’t in any danger. He knew she could handle herself, but that recklessness reminded him a little too much of himself…and that did not bring him any comfort. Even so, his eyes continued to find themselves to Charlotte as he scanned the area in hopes that the worst of the situation was past them, his hands never  far from his axes just in case.