The noble didn't know how to react, that was perhaps the most unusual outcome she could have expected. Did the alcohol suddenly do something else to her? She really did end up in the custody of a psychopath.
It was incredibly humiliating to be in this position when she wanted to appear independent, her dignity slipping away further and further as she was subjected to Enma's caressing.
— You've kept my family away as a captive and a hostage for years, You've killed my ship's captain in cold blood, degraded me and you're saying you're doing all this to return my family to power?
Her intonation was less than pleasant, but not completely evident. She wanted to try avoiding upsetting the woman as much as possible, knowing she was really easy to upset. Nevertheless, she wanted to get out of this situation and be left alone, so she tried to gently rise back up.
Loyola would just keep stroking various parts of Claire's body to her liking. If she began doing that it would make weak to stop it right now. Things Claire have said are on the surface, Enma was wondering if there's anything beyond that. If there is, it's something deep and personal. Nevertheless, the girl is speaking the truth, though, it means that there's a certain lack of fear. This can be fixed easily, it would be better for everyone if Claire accepted rules of the game by more or less her own will.
— Oh, Your Highness, I am doing everything that is within a realm of passability to save you and your sister from harm. It wasn't exactly I who captured her, but I did everything so she does not end up as a luxury slave on the market. Your captain was leading your right into the hands of people who were killing millions to get your dethroned uncle dethroned. I know that you want full loyalty to you and your family. But in that case, I will lose tools to actually help you out.
Enma's hands stop moving, but still holding Claire in that position, it still feels good and Claire is not protesting it that much. Maybe closer contact will generally help Claire to jump over untrust and hate barriers between them.
— What I should've done differently, considering my position? And how would you like me to act in the future, Your Highness? As a vassal, I need to know the opinion of my sovereign's relative. I can't promise that it will be done, but I will try to get things as close to your liking as possible.
She sighed, knowing this is the best opportunity she will have to establish a more even field. It seems she felt a lot softer than usual, despite having an aggressive conversation with the Bretonian minutes prior. She knew what she might be risking from experience, but she can't stand to be degraded like this and treated like a child, especially by a Sirian. It would only get worse as time went on, so it was time to make her concerns clear.
Still wrapped in the blanket, she pushed herself up and turned to face the woman. The determination in her eyes was visible as she mustered up the courage to return back to her normal self, if for a few seconds.
— I'm no child, Outcast. As a vassal, you should be respectful to my uncle and his family, and that includes me. If you want to know how to act, then treat me with the respect I deserve. Do you think he'll be happy with you after he finds out what you've done to Charlotte, captain Renaud and myself? That he'll still give you the position you dream of? I've agreed to come with you after you threatened to kill every single Royalist I had direct contact with. We can still cooperate on equal terms. I might be willing to turn a blind eye to what happened in the past should you correct your attitude and treat me like an equal, and not the baby you seem to think I am.
She's even surprised herself with the determined message she's delivered. She gambled that the voice of authority wouldn't cause the woman to go into another spout of rage, but knowing that there was an armoured man looking after her eased her concerns.
Just calling her an 'outcast', not by name, not even by the family name. That for some reason hurts, Enma was investing herself here, and there's no sign of Claire being thankful. Enma wanted to know what girl really thinks by being soft, though she did not say anything that Enma would not expect to hear. Still sad to be born on a shitty planet like Malta. She could be a fully recognized noble in Gallia or Bretonia, but as an Outcast she constantly has to prove anything to randoms. Hopefully, it will get fixed sooner than later.
On the other hand, Claire is saying about being equal? Enma wouldn't buy it, why out of the sudden an 'outcast' as she was just called would be equal to royalty in her eyes? Loyola is nodding to herself in her imagination, it was a good attempt on Claire's side, it's worth to give her that and the girl is learning, which is good in the long run. Claire really needs to learn fast and grow, because she will potentially need to play a much bigger role than she did before. Hopefully, royal genetics is not a myth and she got talents to learn fast.
— Oh, Votre Altesse, be sure you are never considered as a baby. You just looked like a person who needs emotional support and someone strong to back you up. I will make sure to deliver my pardon appeal to His Majesty as soon as he appears public. I sure hope for your support in that one, otherwise, I am in trouble. But I am here to guarantee that you are not getting into trouble much earlier.
Enma extends her hand to reach a glass, after taking a sip, putting it right back. She for some reason gets a wide smile at her face. Everyone in the room could figure out that this means something. Loyola herself was thinking of something rather distant and unrelated to the things discussed, then starting to speak slowly.
— You know, since you have been mentioning baby, family relations I thought a bit of my own. My wife, Eliza Valdez, has left me and this wounded my heart. I trusted her, but she betrayed me like many others. You now probably feel a taste of betrayal as well, since there is a lot of treason happening.
Enma looks at the shiny wedding ring at her ring finger at the right hand, clearly enjoying how her hand and nails look. Maybe it made sense to move on after all a lot of time has passed and Valdez does not seem to be coming back. With a somewhat shaky hand, she's pulling off the ring, then turning to Claire.
— Allow me.
Gently taking Claire's hand, Enma is barely kissing it before the groom placing a wedding ring on the princess' finger. Outcast then looks into Gaul's eyes with a clear fire in her eyes. Enma is enjoying herself, as she clearly won't treat Claire as a baby anymore. Captured prince would be more preferable of course, making her 100% legitimate Enma DeFrance. She will need to ask Eliza to return the other ring as well.
— Well, I suppose I cannot treat you as a child if we are engaged? I am hoping that my feelings won't be denied.
Enma turned around at the people, making her voice louder, now it's more apparent that she's just a little bit drunk. Maybe forceful engagements like this is a bad taste but at this point, Claire was still calling her an 'outcast', so why not. It is to make her cry for a couple more weeks for sure... Maybe hating Enma until the end of her life as well. But oh well, life is short and it's not offering a lot of chances like this one. Why she didn't think of doing this with Charlotte? This is a genius.
Gabriel was most certainly watching, but he didn't seem to care. And his continued blankness in response to the call for witnesses just solidified the fact that he didn't feel it was necessary for him to participate. It was also not in the scope of his job, and if he wasn't being compensated for it, then he wasn't going to do it. The most he contributed to the situation was a mildly amused smirk, taking note of the profound influence of alcohol on his current employer. Later taking a brief glance at Claire to see how she responded, while of course having the benefit of intuition on that matter.
Claire stared confused as the woman kissed her hand and slid the finger on, confused as to what she was trying to do. Her expression changed to pure surprise when she mentioned engagement, completely mortified with the thought. She looked at her lackeys, but they weren't even intent on budging.
She moved her hand away and stood up, clutching her ring finger with the other. Slowly taking it off and handing it back to Enma.
— I have no intention of being married to you! Nobody would agree to this, not even the Roi. You've got quite some nerve to even consider this!
Even the mere thought of getting married to a Sirian slaver and having the name of Loyola made her sick. There was no way she would just let this happen. Dying at the hands of the Council, or even the Outcasts themselves was a better alternative to this. At least then she would have died like the rest of the DeFrance family, serving the Roi, instead of losing all dignity and respect left.
— We're here to restore the Crown, not lose any legitimacy there is. I'm sure your wife's leaving caused you harm, but I'm not a replacement.
— I can be an eyewitness, but I highly doubt that would work out in your favour. Or maybe a character witness in this case?
Keiko was late by all accounts, then again she was told to only show up if she was in the area. Which she happened to be, passing through this patch of space to grab some supplies/stolen goods. As per usual, she was wearing a black jumpsuit, with orange linings on it's sides. That was her usual attire when doing these glorified fetch-quests. Paired with an equally bog standard pulse pistol holstered on her hips. She would glance at Gabriel once entering the room, clearly not too glad seeing him here.
— What kind of shotgun wedding is this anyways? I thought those went out of style like twenty years ago.
She really did not like whatever the hell she was unlucky enough to wander into. Gabriel in half a suit of armour, with a weapon no less. Enma slightly boozed up, with a girl who seems more distressed than a Liberty cop with a soggy donut. And then there's a Bretonian in the picture for some god forsaken reason too. If she hadn't known better, she'd think it's a fever dream.
Gabriel was just being Gabriel, was just standing there in the corner, silent and isolated. Tracking everyone's movements. At least he's a professional.
— You work just fine, Keiko, you are Kusarian which makes you somehow unbiased.
Enma would laugh at Keiko's comments if the situation allowed, but it's going not in the best way possible. Enma is sobering up, Loyola needs to get herself under full control first if she wants to restore control for the situation. That was a little bit rushed and brutal way to present this. But if she started it, it needs to be pushed until the result she wanted. Otherwise, her image and reputation are going to suffer and Claire will get more confidence to resist the influence. As much as this situation that she made is strange, it gotta be finished and one at her terms.
It's even somehow good that Claire stood up because now it can be the much more cinematic and proper scene to make. For now, she indeed managed to sober up in extremely short terms, showing miracles of self-control. Graciously sliding from the sofa and bending one knee before the princess. Maybe it's the time to be a little bit romantic, which should impress after all of the brutality she has demonstrated before.
— Thank you for being so truthful, Votre Altesse, but I kindly beg you to reconsider. But it just an engagement. Of course, the exact date of the marriage cannot be set without Roi's allowance in this situation. And if he will indeed oppose this, then it shall be canceled. I just propose we both state our honest intentions.
Loyola is gently taking Claire's hand, placing her former wife's ring back. Forming a first of Claire's hand and holding it firmly, just so she does not attempt to remove it anymore. At least not right now.
— And if I will play a major role in restoring the Kingdom and glory of your family, wouldn't it be at least partially deserved? Even common folk can be rewarded for significant contributions to the sovereign's cause. And I am far from being a commoner, Your Highness. My family line is ancient and glorious as well as the Outcast family can be. For my talents, I was employed as Guildmistress of the Core and even foreigners to Malta were praising me for my work.
Enma then kissing her hand once more, standing up, now feeling herself humiliated. This was too much, this girl can just project her ego to make Enma believe that there's something behind her. But the truth is, without Loyola she would not be feeling so confident and humiliating her in front of her own employees. It's hard to talk loud and sound things in Republican's prison or in the coffin where she would most likely be by now.
Loyola then got to DeFrance's ear, even aura around her got dark and suppressing. And whisper she makes after feels powerful despite being the least powerful form of human verbal communication. Claire could even feel how slow and heavy was her breathing. Just making sure no one else would hear, keeping it between them.
— Understand that without me you are nothing. You are not brave and strong like Charlotte, you cannot even pilot a ship. You were crying like a little girl, even causing me to feel a lot of empathy. The absolute majority of the Sirians hate and blame your family for what was done to Leeds, even Corsairs. I am one of the very few influential people who welcomed it. You are just a girl that will be wanted by literally everyone anywhere you go. You are even wanted in Gallia, the one you love so much. I will treat you like a princess and you will have your little kingdom around you. And I was telling the truth about help, I am really going to invest to restore Kingdom. For the real, incredibly risky investments of literally all I have I ask for a simple formality and a chunk of your pride. And you shall not worry about your legitimacy, despite all efforts I am not able to have illegitimate descendants with you. On the bright side, you won't feel so lonely, I am not that of a terrible person. Stop playing a proud princess when I ask and you will have a chance to play her 98% of your time.
Enma moves back from Claire's ear, giving her an honest and pure smile. By that, it's clear that she does not intend to do any harm if the stuff goes her way. It then slowly transforms into a sadistic grin as Enma's eyes were literally burning and undressing her. Starting to say it quite loud in public, so anyone could hear.
— I understand that this decision needs to be made in no rush and it would be wise to give you time to consider and value the situation. I think I will ask for an answer in a few days. I am begging your highness to be kind to your servant and honor me with your positive reply. I am sorry for causing this vanity as Your Highness was resting, please sit. I will make sure that bedrooms will be prepared if your highness did not change her mind about having dinner.
Loyola is sounding pleasing a humble, just to demonstrate Claire the different options on how the situation may develop.
This ordeal ceased being mildly amusing and had instead become mildly annoying. A marital dispute made his job unnecessarily complicated, and Gabriel hated complications, unless they were the fun kind. If what he just had to watch was a successful proposal, then what he'd do next was a preemptive divorce. It was likely quite ill advised, but he put himself between the two women, taking Claire's hand if only to remove the ring again. He had no respect for the item itself, and it was unlikely that the owner did either. It seemed fairly obvious to him that if Claire felt distressed enough then she would try to escape with any means at her disposal. And if word got out that he couldn't properly secure some royal brat, then he might as well kill himself to avoid the ensuing lack of employment.
— You've had perhaps too much to drink. And causing a dispute due to personal insecurity would make it difficult for to ensure the secrecy of Her Highnesses' presence. It also renders her distinctly less inclined to cooperate, which I require in the event of unforeseen complications. Do you want this back or shall I place it somewhere for safe keeping?
He held the now displaced ring in his hand, offering it to his employer, while his free hand tensed slightly in anticipation. His face might as well have been hidden, there wasn't the slightest hint of an emotion on it. Claire would be obscured behind him, a deliberate act of positioning. This entire situation was incredibly awkward, and he hated the fact that he found himself being the apparent voice of reason.
Enma only sighed when a helpful idiot rushed into the action. He would make an iconic idiotic everyday hero, at least from her point of view. She shook her head and let him know that he's an idiot with her stare. She would take a ring, slightly pushing him away.
— Your task is security from external threats, if you fail to understand what that means, you may go outside and hold the perimeter. Or just go to talk to Keiko or Zoe or something. But this is none of your business, you did not react when I called witnesses. You aren't hired to police me. This ring is a special thing for me and I want to gift it to her highness. She is having a hard period in her life and certainly does not require things being pulled off from her fingers. Now don't stand here, Her Highness and I need a private space.
She would even punch him if he wasn't all armored. Too bad. He can still be fired if anything. However, this diss-subordination is no good for the overall impression of Claire. And it is getting more and more bothersome to micromanage everything.
As Claire sat down on the sofa, Enma somewhat kneels again to get a ring on her finger again. At least he wasn't coming in as she was delivering the most important part.
— I am sorry for his misconduct, Claire. Maybe general Crown policies towards the Outcasts were right.
It wasn't quite clear if she was serious or not. Enma then wanted to see if Claire really complied with what she was told.
— Still, I am pretty sure that you understand me better now than the first time we met. And don't worry, everything between us will be just fine, we have to give it time. So shall I order to prepare the bedroom for you or maybe us? I am concerned that you haven't eaten anything.
Enma was barely stroking Claire's hand with a ring. Worrying for it not to be removed for the third time. Also, thinking where the fuck is Zoe now?