"Put on your #domino, dear!" Lidja said. "It's time for the masquerade."
"But I'm so tired."
"She'll be here momentarily!"
She helped Revin change and put on the cloak & mask. They finished as the Queen entered.
"I'll take it — and him — from here," she said to Lidja.
#vss365
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It was still dark when the airship returned. Revin arrived at the stable around first light and found Lidja asleep outside Bastard's stall.
"She just wouldn't #move," the groom said.
Keeping an eye on Bastard, Revin scooped her up, and carried her back up to his quarters.
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Revin & the Baron bore witness while soldiers dragged the chained & hooded figure of Lord Rail, bellowing curses & expletives, aboard the airship.
"He always was a #charmer," the Baron observed.
"Mercy!" pleaded Lady Rail.
"I'm sorry, Milady. I can only offer justice."
#vss365
I'm curious… Do people writing prose for #vss365 share actual parts of a WiP? Or are these unique, new, non-canon creations?
Two hours before dawn, Revin felt like a #zombie after 20 hours awake. From the airship, the Baron gave the signal and launched the assault. His men were through the gate before the alarm was sounded. In 20 minutes, they had control of the estate. The airship descended. #vss365
After leaving Lidja to treat Bastard's wounds, dispatching soldiers to secure the estate, & informing the Queen, Revin let himself #slump into a chair. He heard a knock & grunted. The Baron strode in.
"We know who did it," he said. "Are you coming?"
"I'm in," Revin said.
#vss365
The country house had become an #inferno. Revin saw armed men and considered his options when Lidja appeared. Bastard jumped the fence, somehow keeping Lidja on his back. They bore down on Revin. She reached down, pulled him up, and they charged the cordon of armed men. #vss365
At their new country house, Revin met the arrivals while Lidja mingled in the ballroom. The King & Queen arrived toward sunset.
"So, can you show me this vicious horse?" the Queen asked Revin.
"You'll need to ask Lidja, your Majesty," Revin said. "I'm not a #maniac."
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William looked longingly across the room at Michael. Close as kids, they had drifted apart. Michael was tops academically while William could barely pass. He wished he could walk up & greet him, but he wasn't #brave enough. Michael caught him looking & waved cheerfully. #vss365
"Was the #country house to the satisfaction of both you and your little horse girl?" the Queen asked.
"Yes, your Majesty," Revin said.
"The expense is worth it, as I get to keep you in the palace four nights a week."
"Only on alternate weeks."
The Queen's eyes narrowed.
#vss365