The throne room is official residence of Queen Lucina.
The throne room is unique as it retains the original decors from the days of Carlos III.The sumptuous room has gold garnishing with crimson velvet wall covering complemented by a Tiepolo ceiling, lit by a rock crystal chandelier.Adoring the room are huge mirrors, made in the royal glass factory La Garja.
The throne room have chairs and couple coaches with the tables and drinks for those who waiting for the audience with he queen Lucina.The empress made everything that people felt themselves comfortable within her throne room.
The chambers protected by the spells.No one,except the empress herself, able to use full amount of their powers.
Couple guards protecting the doorway to the throne room all the time so as a couple of queen`s personal guardians whom always keeping in eye on her from the shadows.
The throne room have warm and welcoming atmosphere...warm mostly because of thousand candle lights all over the room.
NOTE:
• Everyone welcomed in to the throne room.
• Follow the rules of Vampire Kingdom.
• No fighting or attacking members of royal family within the throne room.
Lucina`s laugh rang softly across the throne room at Sasha`s comment.Her emerald green eyes fixed on him with sparkle of amusement within them. "More than I wanna know huh? Well I tell you what.."
She leaned forward a little as she focused on his features trying to keep eye contact time after time. "If you think that being royal is cool..Your wrong..Yeah another thing about me but that I`m not like other royals and I still figuring out if its a bad or good thing but here what I want to tell you.The only thing I do...for centuries is sitting here and talking with my followers.Some people come and then go..some coming back and some not but it`s alright.I know everybody have their lives and busy..You want to know why I want to hear out your adventures? That`s because I barely leave this room.I think I forgot how my Kingdom looks like and I never traveling anywhere else.So when someone like you..coming in to my throne room, I always like to know everything about my followers.I like...hmm..let me correct myself.I love to listen to stories no matter if its going to be just about you or about the whole country.So, yes, I would love to hear more about you and the other cities.I would like to know how life in there is different from what I live in here and if my Kingdom is good place to live.."
She flushed him a smile and then quirked her eyebrow as the male asked her what she wanted to hear.It looked like he was eager to tell her anything she wanted to know and that pleased her.She leaned back and sank into red velvet of her throne as she thought for a minute.She crossed her legs and then her gaze captured his as she spoke softly. "You can start from the beginning...from where you are from and who your parents were."
She smiled kindly at him.She was always eager to listen though she had some stories of her own though that much and not anything really exciting.She felt like her life was like a very good drama though now she felt happy.
Her gaze moved from Sasha at Lucifer as he spoke to her.She was so distracted by Sasha that she even didn`t feel that Lucifer held her hand the whole time and only now she could feel slightly burning from their touch.Her deep green eyes focused on Lucifer as she looked at him in eye.Her heart sank within her chest when he mentioned their home within hell...She never had time to think about it like that..Not like she hoped to go in heaven but the thought of hell scared her somehow.She wasn`t ready just yet.She smiled and titled her head slightly when Lucifer brought his lips so close to her neck that she could feel his hot breath washing over the side of her neck.Her gaze stopped on Sasha for a moment and then she looked at Lucifer. "That`s sounds delightful...But let us meet somewhere else.I want to finish with Sasha.When I`m done I will come to see you so we could spend some time together.I also would love to go to my chambers and take a bath so as change my clothes before going with you."
Her hand brushed across his and she squeezed it slightly.Her gaze was loving and soft. "Where would you like to meet me? Just name the place and I will be there in hour.That should be enough for me to get things done."
She smiled softly at him as she waited for his reply.She couldn`t just leave right now because it would be rude to Sasha and she didn`t want to give him wrong expression about her.She needed people who would come to her time after time..someone to talk to and maybe hang out with.
OOC: Don`t worry about replies..I`m slow on replies myself.
Lucifer looked at her as she spoke to this male named Sasha, and once she had spoken to him, he said to her, "Alright, my darling Luce. I shall meet you within the formal tea area. Consider this as a date, so that I can show you a great time my love." He moved his hand up with hers, and kissed hers lightly before letting go, a smile on his face. He understood her need to speak with those of her court, and though he noticed of her expression when he mentioned of their home within Hell, he wouldn't speak of it. He simply moved from being next to her, and said to Sasha, "Be well, young one, but also be careful, for this is my most precious love." He hoped that the male understood of what he had meant by that, and smirked before then disappearing in flames, leaving to go to the formal tea room in order to wait for her.
Lucina focused her gaze on Lucifer as he spoke to her.She wondered if Lucifer was in a way jealous towards another male at least in slightest way even though all she did was her duty.Her emerald green eyes sparkled softly as he spoke up to her letting her know about the place where they would meet.She didn`t remember to go in that place before so this is was a perfect timing.She nodded slowly at him. "Then I should be there in hour..."
She smiled at him. "And yes, that do sounds like a date."
She murmured in low sensual voice and her eyes fixed on his lips as he brought them to the back of her hand and kissed it leaving a warm burning spot over her skin from his velvet lips.She lifted her gaze just to meet his own and smiled back at him. "I`ll see you later, my love."
She murmured to him and sighed softly as he moved away from her.She quirked her eyebrow lightly when she heard his comment to Sasha.She lifted her arm to cover her mouth with her hand as she tried to hide her smile.It were just her own green eyes which looked amused.As soon as Lucifer was gone she cleared her throat softly and rested her hands on her lap as her gaze fixed on Sasha once more.Now it was just two of them which meant they could have private talk before she would have to go... "So...it seems that I would have to leave soon...I do want to know everything about your adventures but for now I believe just know where you are from and who is your parents are would be enough information for me..well maybe also what brought you right here and if there is anything I can help you with before I go..."
Small smile touched her lips as she looked at Sasha and waited for his reply.
Veronica walked into the throne room she thought she would never see again. A wicked grin appeared across her face as she looked around the place. It was somewhat of the same just little things have changed of course. Lucina was now Queen instead of Emperor which threw her off a little. As she continued walking down the aisle to the throne she thought of maybe why her title had changed. Was she fought for the title? Marriage? She did not know though in reality she did not really care much. It was not her problem nor her concern.
Veronica swerved her hips as she stopped at the throne and smiled that dark wicked smile of hers and did a little curtsey. "Hello Lucina it has been a very long time since I was last here. I am grateful for you to take me under your wing my dear. Hopefully you remember me." She winked and laughed darkly the laugh haunting and sinister. She crossed her arms across her chest and looked around. "This place seems to be the same as it used to be except you have some royals that are different and some that are the same as they have been. Tell me how do you fair my dear Queen?" Her voice cold and cool
After speaking with Sasha, Lucina left and then came back after a few hours.To her relieve she found that nobody was waiting on her in here which was a good thing for her and a bad one from another side.She moved straight to the window and stood there for a several moments just enjoying the view and trying not to think about anything else.For once in a while she wanted to have clear mind and stop worrying about everything because there were other people who could take care of all problems of the world.She looked away from the window and turned around as she heard someone heading to her throne room.She sighed and then moved towards her throne.She sank into her throne just in time before the doors burst open and familiar female entered her throne room.She remembered her but she didn`t remember her being so cold.Her heart sank as Veronica approached her and then spoke to her with such coldness in her voice like she was her sworn enemy.Lucina`s emerald green eyes studied female for a little bit while Veronica spoke and it also took for her couple moments to finally answer to her. "Greetings to you Veronica."
She said softly to her trying to keep her voice cool and her face emotionless even though she did frown slightly.She took a little pause before she spoke up again. "What a surprise.I didn`t expect to see you again.I must say..I thought you left for good but I guess I was wrong."
Her gaze pierced into female`s. "Yes, this place changed quiet a bit and my the most loyal royals still the same though I have couple new royals who are became a family to me.."
As she said that a faint smile touched her lips.She thought about Fatima and Rose.But her smile faded as her gaze focused on Veronica once more.Something wicked was about this female now.There was so much darkness around her. "Oh and I`m great.Things have been changing for me greatly, in good way of course.I have changed...and so do you.What happened to you?If you don`t mind me asking of course."
Her eyes showed a little concern and her voice held light notes of care in it as this woman, no matter how much she changed and who she have become wasn`t just a stranger to her.She was also troubled of the reason Veronica decided to come back and then come to see her.Was thst because she wanted some kind of revenge? That thought crossed her mind because of the way she acted and the way she spoke to her.It looked like Veronica wasn`t thrilled to see her and even made Lucina think that she probably would be happy to see her fall even though Lucina`s life just got better since from the time she have changed into a new person.
Veronica stared at Lucina and sighed softly, she could not help her cold heart now. She met Lucina's eyes and gave her a smile that was true and calm. "I am sorry for coming off so cold. I am not here to cause trouble. I have changed greatly. Heart broken and I have been almost killed. Nailed to a board and cut in several places where I bled a lot. I am glad to see you are doing well. I left when Jade left. She is my kin my sister and at the time we felt we were being mistreated. But yes I came back, came back to where my life first started to get good. I maybe thought that I could get better here and not be so cold, so heartless. I wanted to be under you because we look ago had such a wonderful connection. I thought you might be able to help." Veronica blushed lightly but as quick as it showed she made it disappear just as quickly.
She looked around as she listened more to Lucina she did not know if Lucina really cared or if she was just merely asking she hoped she cared that was the reason she came back was for Lucina to help her. She did not trust any of the other rulers at all nor liked them. She heard things from when Dimitri was around here and he was one that told things bluntly. "I am glad that you are finding people the trust again. Trust is a very hard thing to come by now and days so I know how that feels. Dimitri who is Jade's twin told me of the new royals that are here so I know of all the royals here. Your place seems to be expanding quite big I must say." She smiled lightly and looked at the chair. "Do you mind or would you like to be more comfortable else where. You know you do not need to be so formal around me." She winked and laughed lightly this time with beauty and serene in her laugh.
Lucina smiled back at Veronica as she noticed her true and calm smile.Now she could recognize the girl she have known a long time ago.She shook her head lightly as Veronica apologized to her. "It`s nothing.I know that things between us ended not so well and I would understand if you still upset with me about that.I just couldn`t do anything about it at that time and I`m sorry that you and Jade felt betrayed.I hope that wont happen again."
Her smile was sincere but it faded as soon as she heard Veronica telling her what happened to her.She frowned.It looked like life was tough not just for her though she wasn`t afraid of dying anymore. "I`m so sorry for what happened to you, my dear.But I`m glad that you are still alive."
Small smile touched her full lips after Veronica told her that she hoped to get better here with her.Lucina rose from her seat and moved towards her gracefully.She stopped as she approached her. "I will do everything in my power to make you feel more happier here than before...or at least try."
She said softly to her and then studied her features as Veronica told her that Dimitri told her everything which made her chuckle lightly. "Huh? Looks like you do have good connections then.That`s good."
She murmured to her and then nodded slowly at her when female offered to go some place else.She thought about it for a moment and then leaned in and hugged Veronica softly. "I`m glad that you are back.And yes we can go some place else as long as you promise not to hit on me.."
She pulled back then and laughed softly at her own comment.Her emerald green eyes shimmered. "Where would you like to go though? Is there is any particular place you have on your mind?"
She asked her and waited for her reply.
ooc: Hit on her?! lol what gave you the idea that Veronica would do such a thing lmao
Veronica hugged Lucina and smiled calmly and happily. "Thank you Lucina for opening your arms to me and accepting to help me in this journey and problem I have. I am so happy that you would agree to help me. I just can't bear this burden on my sister. Our Kingdom is growing and I cannot let her be stressed about little ol me. She will just blame herself for not getting to me in time..." She lowed her head and looked around. She thought about the new place that was built within this kingdom and smiled at the thought that they would be able to be act more casual. "Why don't we go to The Boulevard? I heard it is new. Also Lucina why would I hit on you my dear? What ever happened long ago between us was fun but that was the past. Though I am lonely I would never hit on someone that did not want anything to do with myself in that way. You are fine we are just friends. I will tell Jade that you are sorry. She was here for a small time but she needed to get back to her own home so she could not stay. Shall we go?" Veronica offered her arm as she looked towards the door wondering if the place she picked was to Lucina's liking.
OOC: LOL She was kidding! That was the reason she laughed after her comment.Lucina trying to be funny but it doesn`t work to well...obviously.She would do better next time.
IC:
Lucina`s gaze focused on Veronica as she spoke to her telling her that her sister still feel bad about what happened. "What`s done is done. Bad things happen to people all the time. She need to let it go.All is matter that you are still alive and now when you are here I`m going to take care of you and make sure that nothing bad will happen to you.If you wish you even can stay at my home for a while as my guest..But that if you would want to of course."
She said softly to her and small smile crossed her lips.Sometime she wished she could change some parts in her life..Like come back and change what she did but there was no way and so she had to pay for the rest of her life for her own mistakes.Her emerald gaze focused on Veronica as she spoke to her once more and she nodded slowly. "Boulevard? Hmm...I haven`t been there myself yet.I do think that a nice choice."
She murmured to her softly and then laughed as she asked why she thought she would hit at her.She shook her head lightly and tapped her shoulder lightly. "I was just kidding my dear. I hoped to bring smile to your beautiful face but I guess I choose wrong joke.And I would very thankful if you would tell Jade that I`m sorry.I know just sorry wont change anything but that could be a start you know? Now when my great great grandfather Arsen are emperor..my duties are not so high so I actually have time to relax.I wonder sometime...how he would react if I would start to call him grandpa?"
She giggled and then chuckled. "Well..since nobody really needs me here, I think we should go and check new place out."
She smiled softly and then flames burst out around Veronica and Lucina from the stone floor.Flames didn`t burn but just caressed their skin gently.Lucina`s black long hair lifted lightly and her eyes began to glow.The flames rose even higher till they covered both ladies and then both of them along with flames vanished into thin air.
OOC: Next post at Boulevard.If you want you can post first, if not then I would..probably not tonight though but I will try to do that tomorrow. (:
Hilmin slowly sauntered into Lucina's throne room, taking time to admire the red velvet walls, elegant mirrors, and fascinating chandelier. The place seemed quite deserted, but he noticed an inviting chair set next to a table topped with aromatic beverages. 'Might as well make use of unwarranted hospitality,' he thought as he sat with a smile. He found himself bringing a goblet of wine up to his nose, inhaling the scent. It was odd, he could normally decipher ingredients by odor alone, but there was something unique about this drink he couldn't quite place. Just to be safe, he gingerly set the goblet back in its place on the table. He did anticipate that someone would arrive soon, as he could never imagine anyone wanting to leave this place for very long. His life, being led mostly secluded in a forest hut until recent years, had left him with a flourishing appreciation for the finer, affluent articles of society. His only hope was that when he was finally met by the resident of such a fine hall, he wouldn't terribly embarrass himself. Still, he took measures to hide his nervousness behind a mien of dignified nonchalance.
Selene moved down the hall towards Lucina`s throne room.It was a long time ago when she visited her queen and she actually supposed to help her.Selene sighed softly and slowed down as she was getting closer to the door.Her heels clicked against the surface softly as she moved down the corridor.She actually didn`t mean to be gone for so long but it couldn`t be helped.She had to see her brother and since her way back to France was forbidden, she had to meet Nate at some place else.She stopped before the huge oak doors and sucked in a deep breath before she pushed the doors open and stepped into the throne room.She was a little bit surprised and relieved at the same time when she saw that queen wasn`t in there and she also noticed that new follower seemed to wait for Lucina.She flipped her silver almost white hair behind her shoulder and lifted her heavy skirts as she moved towards her seat which was beside Lucina`s throne.She stopped though as she approached male.Her curious gaze slipped up and down him and she smiled faintly at him. "Hello.My name is Selene and I`m queen Lucina`s first lady.Welcome.Is there is anything I can do for you? "
She asked male in melodic voice and then glanced around the room.Her gaze caught a shelf with drinks.She glanced at Hilmin. "Would you like something to drink? I`m not sure when Lucina will back so you either can wait for her here or come back later though if you have any questions about the Kingdom or anything else..i`m available right now."
She murmured softly to him and then strode towards the shelf with drinks.She grabbed bottle of fine white wine and wine glass.She filled glass and then settled bottle back at the shelf before picking up her glass.She then turned to face Hilmin and quirked her perfect shaped eyebrow at him wondering if he would accept her offer to drink and perhaps stay here for a little while or if he would just leave.
Hilmin was taken by surprise at the sudden appearance of another presence in the throne room. He was relieved, however, that he was not alone. He still felt out of place when his surroundings were so elegant, and was more than comfortable when he realized the woman seemed amiable. "I'd love a drink. Thank you, m'lady." He took the glass up to his mouth and sipped gently. He realized that he had not yet introduced himself. "My name is Hilmin. And no - I don't think I have any questions about the kingdom." A thought crossed his head - "Unless, of course," He continued, "if you can think of any services Queen Lucina - or her first lady, I might add - would like me to perform." He flashed a smile, trying to keep himself composed. Whenever in the presence of high ranking nobility, he always had the tendency to feel the need to prove himself. He tried not to exude his inner sense of discomfort. He felt like a fish out of water, being surrounded by the beautiful throne room, and the equally beautiful first lady.
Selene smiled faintly at him before handling him a drink and then frowned slightly as he said that he had no questions.Though she felt relieved at that since she was afraid that he would ask her something she didn`t know about.Her gaze swayed around and then she focused on Hilmin as he introduced himself. "It`s a pleasure to meet you, Hilmin.Would you like take a seat with me then? I hope you are not in hurry because I would hate to keep you here then."
She said in soft melodic voice as her electric blue eyes stared into his.She then nodded at the couch a few steps away from them. "Come.."
She said and then moved with the grace of the queen through the throne room till she approached a couch and then sank into it.She took a sip of wine from her glass before setting it down on the table.She smoothed long skirts of her dress lightly and then rested her hands on her lap as she looked at Hilmin.She heard him asking if there was any services he could do for her or Lucina on what she shrugged her shoulders lightly. "I don`t think there is anything you can do for me and I`m not sure what queen needs though I may say that she need some people around.If you are a good warrior and will prove yourself to her, she probably would make you her knight but that probably would take time.You see some people just come and then go..and if you really desire to be at queen`s service then you should prove not just your strength and that you are good at heart and will protect her and her land with your life but that you will stick around long enough.So if you patient and will be around for a while then I assume your services would be appreciated."
She said to him and then grabbed her glass of wine just to take another sip and put it down on the table.She crossed her legs and her elegant fingertips drummed soundlessly against her lap as she thought for a moment.Her dreamy gaze focused on male once more and small smile crossed her lips. "May I ask you what brought you here? Was it just random place to stay at or you are looking for something more? Like place you belong to...a place you could call home perhaps? "
She asked him curiously. He actually was her first visitor.She got her position of first lady some time ago but the queen remained in her throne room most all the time so there was no need of Selene to be around..and besides she had a few things to do and now when she was back she was glad to actually do something.She was afraid to stay in her own chambers again and spend all days and nights by herself.She shook her thoughts away as she focused her gaze on Hilmin.
Hilmin smiled at Selene sheepishly. "The Queen needs warriors, then?" He sighed. "I'm afraid I'm not that... durable. Though I must say-" he paused, conjuring a small fireball in the palm of his hand "I do have other talents." Hilmin chuckled slightly as he tossed the orb of flame into the air. as it floated back into his hand, it transformed into barely visible wisps of wind. He lowered his hand, and the wind was sent off in all directions, a particularly lively gust blowing past Selene, gently caressing the skin of her face and readjusting a lock of her hair. The suddenly charged air shook the drinks on the tables, but not a single drop was spilled.
"As for what has brought me here; I'm not entirely sure myself. I suppose it was by chance I found this place - though I must say, I am always looking for a place to belong." Hilmin looked into her eyes, as he saw she was gazing at him. "I do feel rather lost quite often, as of late."
OOC: I'm terribly sorry it took me this long to respond. There was a rather unexpected death in my family, and I haven't really had much gumption for my internet responsibilities.
Selene quirked her perfectly shaped brow as Hilmin said that he was not that durable and then she watched with interest as he played with the flame.She smiled softly.For one single moment she felt like a little girl with magician who showed her pretty cool tricks.It also brought her a good memories of her and her brother when she was a child and he tried everything within his power to entertain her..at least at times when he was around.She shook her thoughts away and concentrated at Hilmin once again.Looked like this male pretty powerful even though he didn`t want to admit that. "Hm...impressive. So you are fire user? That`s interesting because Queen Lucina is fire user as well.You might just get along together. I`m an air and an ice user."
She said to him softly and with graceful move of her hand she brushed strand of her hair out of her face tucking it behind her ear.Small smile touched her lips when he answered on her question and she nodded lightly. "Well I hope that you would like it here.I actually do like it here even though I got in trouble before.I think no matter where I go I always getting myself into something bad.Well, that doesn`t matter now since I really like this place and I`m sure not going anywhere any soon."
She said and then brought glass of wine to her full lips and took a small sip before setting glass down on the table.Her electric blue eyes focused on Hilmin once more. "So, is that trick with fire is the only thing you can do? Or there is more talents you have? "
She asked him in soft melodic voice and her eyes sparkled curiously as she looked at him through her long lashes.Selene was beautiful and delicate female and no matter where she went at, all gazes always were on her.She just had that thing about her though she had a reputation of an Ice Queen since she never really showed her true feelings and many thought because of that and cold look within her eyes that she had a heart made from stone.Just her brother Nathaniel knew true her but for everyone else she was like a rose with sharp thorns.Selene`s gaze never left Hilmin`s as she waited for his reply.
OOC: That`s perfectly fine.I have pretty busy schedule so sometimes I`m slow on making replies.So it`s alright.Just reply when you can.I dont mind (:
Hilmin's hand strayed through a lock of his violet hair. His eyes were locked onto Selene's, staring into the icy pools of her irises. For a moment, he thought he saw something there other than pure civility. He thought it was... Wonder? He dispelled the thought from his head, as he realized Selene was asking him questions.
"Yes, I'm an elemental mage; though my skills leave much to be desired. I'm most comfortable with fire, and I've been using lightning for a while... Though, I'm still new to a few of the elements. And up until now, I've avoided the subject of light and dark magic entirely. I do rather enjoy studying wind and air, perhaps you could teach me sometime." He smiled, though a veneer of nervousness was still noticeable, if only barely, on his visage. After all, Having lived most of his life in the forest, human interaction with new people, especially with females, wasn't and all-too-familiar undertaking for him.
Hilmin was about to continue into a long harangue on his elemental misadventures, when he realized something Selene had said. This small phrase, whether it be coincidence or not, had caught his interest. "You say you've gotten in trouble before?" Hilmin smirked, "I wonder why." Hilmin stepped closer to Selene, closing what little distance there was between them. He stood not three feet away from her now. "Surely something that would drive a first lady to openly implicate herself in a quandary must be of the utmost value." Before she could answer, he stepped back once. "But surely, that is not my business, and I would suppose you may wish to retain a certain amount of privacy on such a matter. Though I do believe I haven't answered all of your questions." He chuckled, then turned serious.
"That... 'trick'," he emphasized "as you call it, is certainly not the only thing I am capable of. I believe I've recounted my elemental skills earlier - though I must say, I never intended to study magic at all." He smiled a soft grin, trying his best to be inviting. A hand went up to his shoulder-length violet hair, as his voice turned much less severe, almost inviting. "My true passion lies in two other fields. Medicinal healing, and material alchemy are my two true callings."
]
+13500 posts
Lucina`s laugh rang softly across the throne room at Sasha`s comment.Her emerald green eyes fixed on him with sparkle of amusement within them.
After speaking with Sasha, Lucina left and then came back after a few hours.To her relieve she found that nobody was waiting on her in here which was a good thing for her and a bad one from another side.She moved straight to the window and stood there for a several moments just enjoying the view and trying not to think about anything else.For once in a while she wanted to have clear mind and stop worrying about everything because there were other people who could take care of all problems of the world.She looked away from the window and turned around as she heard someone heading to her throne room.She sighed and then moved towards her throne.She sank into her throne just in time before the doors burst open and familiar female entered her throne room.She remembered her but she didn`t remember her being so cold.Her heart sank as Veronica approached her and then spoke to her with such coldness in her voice like she was her sworn enemy.Lucina`s emerald green eyes studied female for a little bit while Veronica spoke and it also took for her couple moments to finally answer to her.
Selene moved down the hall towards Lucina`s throne room.It was a long time ago when she visited her queen and she actually supposed to help her.Selene sighed softly and slowed down as she was getting closer to the door.Her heels clicked against the surface softly as she moved down the corridor.She actually didn`t mean to be gone for so long but it couldn`t be helped.She had to see her brother and since her way back to France was forbidden, she had to meet Nate at some place else.She stopped before the huge oak doors and sucked in a deep breath before she pushed the doors open and stepped into the throne room.She was a little bit surprised and relieved at the same time when she saw that queen wasn`t in there and she also noticed that new follower seemed to wait for Lucina.She flipped her silver almost white hair behind her shoulder and lifted her heavy skirts as she moved towards her seat which was beside Lucina`s throne.She stopped though as she approached male.Her curious gaze slipped up and down him and she smiled faintly at him.