Forbidden Pleasures

[Sophia Beckett]

A long time ago in a kingdom that went from sea to sea, there was a ruling family whom were very close. The people were often happy, though life was not always easy. The main city was located in the heart of the kingdom, and the castle there towered above the trees in a beacon to welcome or warn approaching visitors. A market and lower town filled part of the area, as well as some local farm land. As you traveled further away from the citadel, there was other smaller villages, and farms that lived within the kingdom. Each village or farm was near a noble's estate, with the noble over seeing the area in the name of the king.

It is in one such village that our story begins. The village near the area under the noble Lord Cavender, where the rules were not always upheld as strict as they were in the capital. Here where our story begins, we find a maid on the run from a different noble's manner, who finds herself in a dangerous position for a woman traveling alone.

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Sophie knew that she had been warned about life on her own before, and it had been one of the main reasons that she had waited so long before fleeing her step-mother's house. Yet after a mistake that had ended up with her locked away--again--Sophie had no choice yet to flee. To leave before her step-mother could punish her in a more dangerous manner.

If seeking out on her own had been a hard choice, being on her own felt harder. While she no longer lived in fear of her step-mother, she now lived coin to coin, and was trying to get far enough away that no one knew her.

It was how she ended up serving drinks as a maid in the noblemen; Lord Cavender, and found herself apart of a party where their were many (many) shocking things happening. In attempt to make it back to the village, three men had found her. She demanded they let her leave. The laughed at her, seeing a maid as an easy target.

_{Tagged: Prince Benedict Bridgerton}

[Benedict Bridgerton]

Tag: Sophia Beckett

i' m    n o t    b o u n d    b y 

THE RULES OF SOCIETY

Prince Benedict was not fond of Lord Cavendar. The man was too, entitled with his rank and the village that he oversaw had many complaints about his treatment. It was why Benedict had come here to begin with; to gain some understanding and then report back to the king. Cavendar was hosting a party that was so far from Benedict's own liking.

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The ill treatment of others, the over indulgences ever so present . . . the prince remained only long enough to be polite, but decided to swiftly make his leave well before the night was over. He would need to journey back to the capital and report to his brother about his findings. As well as aid in devising a plan to better this area.

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Upon his departure, not getting too far, he heard some voices to which instinct told him to follow. Sure enough, his eyes lay sight to a young woman, Cavender and two other noblemen who . . . seemed to be giving her rather unwanted attention. Benedict was not the type to play hero yet at the same time, he could not leave in good conscience.

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Having four younger sisters had certainly caused him to develop a protective nature over women and seeing her evident distress, made it impossible to turn away. Stepping into sight, he further made his presence known through words. "What have we here?" He questioned, the authority in his voice not from rank, but from his position as a man who disapproved from such actions.

[Sophia Beckett]

Sophie again demanded that they let her pass. She knew that it was pointless, so instead she began to talk around them--only to be stopped. Turning she made it a few steps back toward the estate--only to be stopped. Her felt her body hum with the telling feeling that she needed to run. The knowledge that she could not out run them. The fear of knowing what might happened next if she did not at least try. And the hopelessness of knowing that sound not stop it.

They taunted her, as if they wanted her to run and they to chase. At least until a voice came from outside the group. One that made them all turn toward. When everyone was looking toward the new man, Sophie attempted to dart the other way, only to have two of them catch her, one holding each arm. "Oh, oh! The little deer tried to run before we could take her to the party." Some of them seemed to stare into the darkness at the other man, as if trying to discern who it was--or if they knew then they were still because of who he was. "Let me go!" She demanded, once again.

She would have given more thought in this moment had she not been scared, panicked, and desperate. She might have wondered who they would stop for--yet to Sophie, she only knew they were distracted because of someone. That they men here, took notice of the stranger with a voice she could never forget.

_{Tagged: Benedict Bridgerton}

[Benedict Bridgerton]

Tag: Sophia Beckett

i' m    n o t    b o u n d    b y 

THE RULES OF SOCIETY

Seeing them grab her caused any hope of resolving this through calm conversation quickly vanish. This was not just simple empty threats or playful teasing that they would let go of. They were determined, keeping the woman against her will, against her wishes as she demanded they let her go. The fear on his face telling enough that Benedict was not going to leave this scene unless she left with him. Or anywhere that would set her far from the path of these vile men.

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"Release her this instant," he demanded, his voice strong and spoken in a tone that one would not dare defy. It was not his rank as prince that held the strength it; it was that of a man determined to protect a woman in the midst of such nefarious company. "Or I will cut each of your hands off." He did not have his sword on him, but nor did they question his words. Benedict stood there, expectantly.

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"I do not wish to fight, but I assure you that I will. And these three to one odds do nothing to frighten me." He led the kingdom's knights; was trained in combat since he was a young boy. But alas, all one needed was the honor and determination to oppose injustice and crime. That, was where his motivation and certain success would come from. That, is what would drive him.

[Sophia Beckett]

The men kept a watch on the new man, and Sophie tugged again, only they did not let go. After a moment the man spoke up again, his words strong and demanding--and threatening. No one had ever defended her like this before, and it caused her to pause in her struggles to look at him as well. He was threatening nobles! Drunken, and foolish ones; and low ranking ones, however nobles still! Even if they were toads.

She could hear her rapid breathing for a moment, as they all seemed to pause for a extended moment. Then, one man claimed she was not worth the fight. The other two pushed her away, and she stumbled forward--and then ran toward the new man, not stopping until she was beside, then behind him. Turning to look back at the men, they stood there and watched them, before making another crude comment and heading back toward the party inside.

It was only when they were gone, that Sophie was able to let loose the breath in her lungs. Her hands shook, but she kept them tucked in her skirt to prevent others from seeing the weakness. She stared up at the back of the man's head, until he turned to look at her. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice shaken but strong despite her near . . . . experience.

_{Tagged: Benedict Bridgerton}

[Benedict Bridgerton]

Tag: Sophia Beckett

i' m    n o t    b o u n d    b y 

THE RULES OF SOCIETY

Benedict was truly not hoping it would come to any sort of combat. While he would stand by his words, not about to let these men take advantage of the woman . . . he often preferred to find non violent solutions. Ironic, for a man who led his brother's army. But such was the truth. Where violent could be avoided, he would strive for such an option. After all, the use of his rank had not crossed his mind. Honor should outweigh all else. And moral conscience of course.

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Fortunately the men did not give further challenge as they made remarks and began to go back towards the nobleman's residence. Benedict kept his eyes on them to ensure they were out of sight, so not to suddenly reappear. When he was satisfied that they were far enough, he turned to the young woman who had positioned herself behind him. Taking in the sight of her, Benedict had to admit . . . she was quite beautiful. Soft and delicate features that . . . would make anyone find difficulty in looking away. He offered a small smile in her gratitude. "I am sorry that you had to endure such a thing." Apology, because his family was responsible for all citizens in the kingdom.

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Even if she was not aware of that. The guilt and responsibility remained the same . . . and he would not let these actions go unanswered. If Cavender did this to her, Benedict hated to think whom else he had tormented in such cruel ways. "Where were you traveling to?" He asked her, assuming she was going home but then . . . he hadn't the slightest clue. She was but a stranger after all. "Should you like some company, I can escort you there?" Meant more for her own safety and security; offering his protection so ensure she reached her destination safely.

[Sophia Beckett]

Sophie was still attempting to catch her breath, as he apologized for them. Or for the situation. Odd since none of it had been of his fault. She was still trying to figure out his role in this, but her mind was still too shaken to take in more in his neat and clean appearance, and his well made clothes.

Then he asked about where she needed to travel toward. For a moment, she did not know to what to reply too. In truth, she had not destination beyond a room tonight. She had no idea to where she needed to head, other than escaping from the reach of her step-mother. Deciding it best not to admit to her dislocation, Sophie kept it simple. "I took lodging in the village for the night. I was attempting to leave for there."

"I fear it might be out of your way. Since they have gone, I should be safe walking there. Thank you." And she meant it. He had not been forced to come to her aid, but had stood up to the sons of the local nobles. While she knew they were not high ranking men in the scheme of the kingdom--She had never met anyone ranking higher, and out here there was none who would. "And yourself? If they tell their father, it would be bad for you,"

_{Tagged: Benedict Bridgerton}

[Benedict Bridgerton]

Tag: Sophia Beckett

i' m    n o t    b o u n d    b y 

THE RULES OF SOCIETY

Benedict listened to her response as she stated that she had taken lodgings in the village, excusing his offer to accompany her. Though, Benedict knew these parts and was aware that the village was still a bit of distance away. "Perhaps you can indulge me then," he began to say. She seemed either confident that she could make it on her own, or -- as she said -- did not wish to inconvenience him. "For I always find it far more enjoyable to travel with company." Thus, making it sound as if she would be doing him a favor by allowing him to join her -- or with the way he phrased it, asking her to join him.

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"For we are of a similar destination." If it was in fact the nearest village she set sight upon. If not, then he could merely use the excuse of charm for his words. After all, who did not wish to charm a beautiful woman. "I am not concerned as to whether they speak to my father," he continued. Mainly, because his father was gone from this world . . . and if they took the complaint to Anthony well, they would be the ones made to suffer. "Any risk involved was well worth it." To ensure her safety and that she remain unharmed -- his attempts to charm a bit less subtle with this statement as he looked at her with a smile.