The Ultimate Betrayal: Love VS Loyalty (May 2009)

[Myxti]

Don Juan de Balboa, Duque de Lerín, had been escorted to Stafford County to visit his daughter. This was the first time that he had stepped into England in a long time. The anger on his face was apparent, but he did his best to hide it.

Senor Lerín was an old fashioned man from a small area in the Iberian Peninsula called Navarra (modern day: Navarre, Spain). Family duty always came first no matter what. Marriages were not for love, they were a contractual agreement between families. If the couple could find love, fine, but it was not necessary. Courting was nonsense to him.

He and his wife Isabel had 3 children. Myxti was his oldest and his favorite. They called her Mixta but she never knew why. As a child, Myxti would make up her own names for people, she called herself Myxti and it stuck.

A few years ago, Juan made a great marriage match for his daughter. He married her off to John Howard, an Englishman. As a stingy man, Juan wanted most of his wealth and property to go to his heir in order to keep it with the Balboa name.

The contract stated that after a year’s marriage, Lord Howard could keep ½ of the dowry should anything happen to Myxti. After Myxti produced an heir, he would get the rest. The contract also stated that if Lord Howard died after an heir was produced, everything would be left to their heir. He had other children, daughters, so they would have been given little to nothing after his death. If no children were produced, after a year of marriage, Jane would be given a large portion of the inheritance.

Though Juan was stingy with money, he had no need to be. The true identity of Myxti’s birth father made him even richer. The truth was, Myxti was the product of an affair between a Prince from Navarra and Isabel de Navarra. Isabel was quickly married off to Juan de Balboa after this fact and he would raise Myxti as his own. The family was looked after quite well after the affair, and the secret truth would never be spoken. Myxti eventually found out the truth. But as far as she was concerned Juan was her true father.

Lord Howard died shortly after they arrived in England. It was less than a year of marriage and she never even got pregnant once. Jane was to come back to Navarra immediately so another marriage could be arranged, but she refused. She claimed that she was now English and changed her name from Juana to Jane. She became a common person working as a commoner. It disgusted her father. She was even involved in politics…a man’s job. As Myxti couldn’t afford to pay her servants, especially Sophia Flores, her nanny and nurse since childhood, Sophia interfered. Myxti and her father made an agreement: he would provide for her in England, but she would come back as soon as a suitable marriage was arranged. The latest news from Sophia, who secretly reported everything back, was that Myxti had gotten engaged to Kenrich Stewart. He originally got the blessing to court her from a kinswomen living in England. This angered him even more.

He was ready to drag Myxti back to Navarra by her hair if he had to. He sat and waited for his daughter to arrive.

OOC: For the purpose of this thread, there can and WILL be g-dmodding between Juan and Myxti throughout this entire RP. Further notices about this will probably not be mentioned.

[Myxti]

Myxti and Kenrich arrived together. They had recently become betrothed with the blessing of the URACE church. Myxti was happier than she’d ever been. She never once knew love until she met Kenrich.

Her life had changed dramatically after meeting him, and she knew that she would love him forever. Never would she agree to marry anyone other than him, even if it meant disrespecting her family's wishes.

Before they entered the room, Myxti squeezed Kenrich’s hand tightly and looked at him.

“Know that I love you, but I need my father’s blessing more than anything. Still, if I must choose, I will choose you. I might have to give up the life that I was living, but I would wear rags as long as we are together.”

[Myxti]

Kenrich stood with Myxti at the door, he looked at her as she spoke about needing the blessing of her father. He would walk through fire for her. He knew the importance of family and what she was doing Though himself a common man a soldier at that this was all new to him and her background all he knew was that he loved her and he would do whatever was asked of him as long as she was happy.

"I love you too" he said to her with a smile. "And do not worry im sure we will get through this and everyone will be happy in the end

[Myxti]

Afraid of what would or could happen, Myxti let go of his hand. She faced him and fought back the tears as she kissed him softly.

"Remember, I love you....no matter what he may say."

Fighting back tears the door is opened and they walk into the room.

[Myxti]

Juan looked at the two as they entered the room. He frowned as his daughter curtsied to him. He wanted to slap her and when she started to walk forward to hug him, he put his hand out to warn her to stay back.

“Juana, leave now! I will talk to Sir Kenrich alone.”

Myxti looked at Kenrich with fear in her eyes. But she nodded and left the room without a word.

Juan stared at Kenrich for a few moments before speaking.

“I am told that you and Juana are betrothed. I will seek out the church and get this contract broken as soon as possible. You will never see my daughter again. She’s coming back to Navarra with me. I....will….give you some money for your troubles. Do you understand?"


OOC: Remember there will be some light g-dmodding between the 3 and some not so light g-dmodding between Myxti & Juan.

[Myxti]

Kenrich nodded to her again saying he loved her as they walked in, he could see a man there older, it must be Myxti's father, he speaks loudly telling Myxti to leave that he wanted to talk to him alone, he looked at Myxti and gave her a reassuring smile to let her know it would be ok.

"Kenrich was about to interduce himself when the man spoke first talking of seeking the contract with the church be broken and the man offered Kenrich money for his troubles. Kenrich could tell this was going to be most diffcult.

"That is correct sir me and your daughter are bethroed" he said standing there. Sir i do offer my appoglies for not seeking out your premission to marry your daughter, i hope that in time you can forgive me for that." he said.


When Myxti father said that she was coming back with him and he would never be able to see her again, Kenrich's stomach dropped, but he had expected this and was ready. "Sir if i may be so frank, Your daughter is happy here, she has done well for herself and has done alot for the town we both resides in, you should be proud of her" he said taking a breath. "Also i love her, and she loves me. I could never take money from you sir to get out of her life, i have too much honor for that" he said

[Myxti]

"Honor?" He thought on that word for a minute. He was impressed that Kenrich didn't agree to the money. Maybe he needed to sweeten up the pot. He didn't get this whole love thing. Though he learned to love Isabel, it took time. He couldn't imagine people dropping everything for love. What kind of world was this England. It wasn't the place he remembered.

"So you would what? Marry my daughter and have her live in a tiny dwelling with little to no servants while wearing rags......all because you love each other? Is that how you would honor her?"

He stopped for a second. Myxti was his favorite. He could afford though to let her go. He made extremely great matches for his two sons. And the Royal family had stopped their gifts now that Myxti was grown. He knew they would not be happy though and you don't want to anger Royalty. He would have to speak to Myxti. Not knowing that she knew the truth, he would have to make her understand that she was from noble birth and the King must have the final say with her marriage as it was required with her first marriage. He speaks again with a softer tone.

"Juana is very dear to me. Your family and you would let my daughter suffer in rags for love? What can you do for her? And more so...she is a citizen of Navarra. The King could demand her back if his Grace so wishes. As long as she didn't do something ridiculous as making an oath to the English Sovereign."

[Myxti]

Myxti listened from the door. She knew Kenrich would never take the money. He was honorable. But she was surprised that her father didn't actually specify how much money or even allow Kenrich to make a choice. The anger was apparent, but he didn't seem to do what he normally would do.

Silently, she prayed that Jah would soften her father's heart and let her go. Even if it meant that he cut all ties with her. And Ken did well for himself, it pained her to hear him talked down to like he was some sort of vagrant.

When her father made the sovereignty question, she made a small "Yes!" comment. She had given oath to not just the King but the Regent herself. She really was English now. Ken would surely mention this....she hoped.

[Myxti]

Kenrich stood there and listen some more, listening to every word the man was saying, he remained calm and cool, He understood that it was a father speaking and the concerns for his daughter so anything thing said was exuseable as to not get Kenrich upset.


"Sir Yes i would, i know i don't have much i am a common man and your daughter would not have the servants she is use too but we have done both ok money wise. I am the commander of the Stafford mitia and also on the council for the county of Stafford. I would never let her live in rags of any sort sir" he said to the man. "Sir i honor her every day that she is with me, she is very speical to me and a gift i believe from Jah." he said. "My family is very dear to me and we are not a very important family in England but we are well known in the Relam. We are very close with one another and have always been there for our own, when ever the needs ariase. I assure you sir your daughter would not live in Rags, i would never let that happen. " he said then the man mentioned the oath. "Well sir she has done just that she has taken a oath to this Relam and her Regent. I understand that she is your daughter and you only want the best for her, but isn't her happiness what you want, that she is happy. I believe she is here, she has many friends here and she has done a great many things for England you should be proud sir.

[Myxti]

Juan was furious when he heard that she took an oath of alligience to the King and Regent of England. She really was English now. But then Kenrich mentioned happiness. Though he was a harsh man, this was the ways things were. He loved his daughter greatly and only wanted the best for her. He was Duque de Lerín even before he married Isabel, but after Myxti's birth he was granted so much more by the Royal Family. Still, he loved his daughter as if she were his own flesh and blood, perhaps even more. He always felt that he was not good enough to be her father. He feared that the Royal Family could take her away at any time and he'd be helpless to do anything. They did just that when she was born. Thankfully, she was given back. They just wanted to see her. Had she have been a boy, he was sure she'd have been taken away.

Arranging the perfect marriage was not just for political reasons and wealth, he wanted her to be secure. His fortune would be left to his son, his heir.

Kenrich hit that one soft spot with him. He wanted Myxti to come back and have the best life she could have, but it seemed that she felt her best life was with this man and in England.

Juan remained quiet thinking for a long while. Trying to decide what to do. The royal family would probably be irritated, but she was a bastard daughter, they wouldn't be too upset to do anything about it. His wife was dead....

After a long while he whispered something into a servant's ear. The man nodded and went to obey his orders.

"Sir Kenrich, I do want Juana to be happy. When she enters I will speak to her and we will find a compromise. Do not think that I am happy with this. Juana is my only daughter and if I were to not give her the most beneficial marriage, well, what kind of father would that make me?

[Myxti]

Myxti was listening at the door when she heard her father mention her coming back in. She stood away from the door JUST in time as the servant opened the door. He told Myxti that her father wanted her to go back into the room. He then left the building. Myxti took a deep breath and walked in. She looked at Kenrich who appeared to be fine. No violence occured and she thanked Jah for that.

"Father.....I know you may not approve but I love him. He makes me happy. If you care for me, he will give me the best life that I could have. I would be poor and in love over miserable and rich any day. But I wouldn't be in rags anyway. Kenrich is successful...he's my everything."

She saw her father's face change. He knew she was listening at the door. She started to cry and this was Juan's final breaking point. He walked over to her and hugged her.

Juan: "Mija...I guess I can't drag you back now. Negotiations for the marriage will have to be made. I will agree to the marriage, but there will be a contract drawn up. I have sent Carlos to send for Sir Kenrich's family head. Since you are both adults, the four of us will negotiate."

He let go of Myxti and looked at Kenrich.

Juan: "Is this satisfactory, Sir Kenrich?"

Myxti started to cry even more. Her tears of sadness turned to tears of joy and relief.

OOC: Combined the posts to save time and bandwidth.

[Myxti]

Kenrich stood there listening to the man for awhile, the range of emotions that build up in him it was like a rollercoster. When Myxti father finished, he spoke

"Sir i can tell you love your daughter very much and only want the best for her, had i thought for one second that i could not provide for her and treat her like the gift she is to my life, i would walk away now" he said. "You have my word that i will never let any harm nor misfourntune fall upon her." he said then he mentioned speaking to Myxti now, with that Kenrich nodded and stepped back as so they could speak. He saw myxti come in he gave her a reassuring smile, to let her know everything was going to be ok. After they spoke for awhile he heard that Liza would be called upon as to draw up some sort of contract of marriage, Myxti Father asked him if that would satisfactory. Kenrich Nodded. "Yes sir, that would fine.".

[Myxti]

A carriage pulls up bearing the Stewart family coat of arms. A coachman climbs down and opens the door, handing his hand up to Liza as she descends. She smiles a thank you and looks up at the driver. Please bring in that crate, carefully, she says to him. Before proceeding into the building, she takes a quick look at herself to make sure she was presentable. This was important to not only her favorite cousin Ken, buy Myxti as well, who had become not only family but a good friend. Wanting everything to go well and not sure what to expect from her father, Liza was a bit nervous. She lifts her head and takes a deep breath before ascending the stairs.

Liza stands at the door as her driver knocks. It is opened by a man, presumably the servant of Don Juan de Balboa, Myxti's father. Liza gives him a somewhat haughty look. I am Lady Wolf. I believe I am expected? The man nods and steps aside. This way, Mi'Lady. Liza enters, her driver carrying the crate behind her. She enters a room and the first thing she notices is Ken and Myxti, Myxti's face streaked with tears. Liza's chin sets with anger and her eyes harden as she turns to the man standing with them.

She tilts her head a bit and gives him a somewhat cold smile. Greetings, Your Grace. I am Lady Lizabet Stewart-Wolf, Kenrich's cousin.

[Myxti]

Juan sees a woman enter. She was very beautiful. When she introduced herself, he was shocked. He expected a man to be the head of the family. He walked over and bowed slightly to her.

"A matriarch? You must be very well respected to head a family." He pauses. "My lady, I have agreed to the marriage. I must admit, that I am not well pleased. Juana is my only daughter and I want her and her children to be well off...as well as my sons will be. But as my daughter has sworn allegiance to the English crown, she is now an Englishwoman and guess that I will have to settle for her happiness....if that is all that she wishes."

He gestures to a table.

"Lady Wolf, Juana, my Lord, please have a seat. I would like to start negotiations as soon as possible. We have a dowry to discuss and conditions."

He sits down as do Myxti & Kenrich.

OOC: Light g-dmodding with permission.

[Myxti]

Liza nods graciously, his words mitigating her anger somewhat at seeing Myxti in tears. She takes the seat offered and looks to her driver, still standing near the door carrying the crate. At her nod he enters the room and places the crate near the door before withdrawing with a slight bow.

Before speaking Liza gives Ken and Myxti a reassuring smile then turns to her father.

Your Grace, I understand your feelings well. As a parent myself I appreciate your desire for your children to have only the best. I feel the same for all the members of my family. She glances towards the couple and smiles again. In the case of my cousin Kenrich, I believe he has found it with your daughter. We have all become quite fond of her. Now what can I tell you to put your mind at ease? That she will be well cared for goes without saying. We Stewarts, though not noble, are a very secure, well respected family and your daughter will want for nothing.

Liza settles back in her chair and folds her hands demurely in her lap as she waits for his response.

[Myxti]

Juan was a bit snobbish when it came to the Commons. He had met very noble, very wise commoners, but he would still prefer Juana to have made a really high match. However, Jah saw to making things this way and seemed to bless this union. He could not argue with the will of Jah, no matter how much he wanted to. This wasn't another case of a child run off needing to be taught a lesson. He had no control in this in many aspects. And he would not cut off his daughter, he could not just cut her off.

Some ideas came to mind...some with ulterior motives, should the marriage not last, but others with nothing but the wellbeing of his daughter in mind. Call him whatever you want, but Don Juan was brilliant when it came to this....and if this marriage didn't make it, she would surely come home. If the marriage worked, she and her heir would surely benefit.

"My Lady, it is a comfort to know that my daughter will be cared for and is loved here. And while titles are great, especially the lands, wealth, and prestige that come with it, I have met several honorable men of the knightly class richer and more honourable than some of my peers. I believe Sir Kenrich to be one of these most honourable people. I have no doubt that if we can find a suitable agreement, I will be fine with leaving Juana here. If we cannot, then I will have my King contact your's to have her safely brought home.

Speaking of home, Lady Sophia tells me that Sir Kenrich has been living with his cousin, the Viscountess, in her castle. Where will you two live? Will you live together in Juana's manor? I'd suggest this. The manor shall go into Sir Kenrich's name. You don't need to stay there, but you will have a home. Any objections so far?"

Myxti looked at Kenrich, but she shook her head no as to say that she had no objections. If Kenrich had a problem though, he'd speak up. He always spoke his mind, but always in a kind way. That's what she loved about him.

Juan watched Myxti, but then noticed a man enter with a crate. He left before he could ask the man to identify himself. Curiosity delayed any further mention of negotiations. He looked to the matriarch and asked.

"Do you know that man?"

[Myxti]

Liza glances at the retreating back of the man. She turns to Duke de Lerín. Yes, that is my man Charles. He has brought something at my request. I had thought to wait until the successful conclusion of our negotiations but perhaps now would be a good time after all.

At Liza's wave, Charles returns to the room and opens the crate. Liza rises and moves towards them, leaning over slightly and pulling a bottle out. She holds it up to the Duke for his inspection. A case of our finest whiskey from our estate's cellar, she says with a slightly self-depreciating smile. Though I'm sure it is not up to the standard you are used to, it is fine whiskey nonetheless, and I do hope you enjoy it.

Liza gives Charles a look and hands him the bottle back before returning to her seat. He opens it and taking four crystal glasses from the crate which had been packed carefully with them and pours them out each a measure. As he hands Liza hers he bows slightly. If there is nothing else, Mi'Lady. She smiles her appreciation. No thank you, Charles, not at the moment.

Liza waits until the man leaves the room, pulling the door closed discreetly behind him. She then turns her attention back to the assembled group and raises her glass. Holding Duke de Lerín's gaze over it, she smiles. Shall we toast to true love, then? she asks with a slightly raised eyebrow.


OOC: I will be gone for most of the weekend, I'm sorry!! Please feel free to god-mod me as needed.

[Myxti]

Juan looked at the whisky and took a sniff. He smiled and raised his glass.

"To happiness."

He took a sip and enjoyed the burn as it ticked his throat.

"Sir Kenrich, I have a proposition for you that I think will be most satisfactory for yourself as well as Juana."

He watched as his daughter wiped away her tears and sat up straight.

"I was recently granted some land in La Roja. I will give it to you Sir Kenrich as the dowry. If you move there, you will be able to do as you see fit and profit greatly. If you choose to stay here, I will run it in your absence and have a portion of the profits sent to you. The other condition is that you may choose to move there at any time to receive full profit. The land will pass on to any child produced from your union. If any are a boy, the oldest male will get it. If you only have girls, the oldest female will get it. Any children produced outside of this union are not eligible for the land. Should no child be produced, it reverts back to my Balboa heir or his heir. None of the previous profits need to be returned should Juana die childless. And should Sir Kenrich pass on childless, Juana you must return home to Navarra. What do you say, Sir Kenrich and Lady Lizabet?"

[Myxti]

Myxti was shocked, The profit from that land would be huge. Sure, they'd only get a small portion living in England, but it was something. Her father...he was quite the master of negotiation when it came to getting his way. Tons of money for them to come to Navarra or some money so she wouldn't be poor and her heir more than likely would decide to move to Navarra to receive full profit. All this while his own wealth would increase daily.

She almost immediately said yes. This was guaranteed money no matter what. It would not be a lot staying in England, she was sure, but it would be enough. And it would protect her future heir. As she started to utter the words 'yes,' she stopped herself. This was ultimately Kenrich and Liza's decision.

[Myxti]

Kenrich had been sitting there when is cousin arrived He was happy to see her, he gave her a smile as she came in and sat down. Kenrich listen to Myxti's father as he spoke for awhile about the Dowry and the propostion. Kenrich was not used to this type of thing as it was all new to him, but the offer seemed to be more then generous to say the least, he looked at Myxti then back.


"Sir i have no objections to the said offer and believe it to more the suitable and generous of you" he said. Looking at his cousin for her response.

[Myxti]

Myxti listened to Kenrich answer. As he spoke, she felt so much love inside of her. It was something she couldn't understand. But to understand love leads to true madness. Should would not focus on the whys, she would focus on being the best lover, friend, and wife that she could be.

Silently, she prayed her thanks to her beloved Jah. If it was the will of Jah for her to go back to Navarra miserable, it would've been so. But it was His will to soften her father's heart and allow His faithful servant to be able to spend the rest of her life with the only man she has ever loved.

There was much that they knew about one another: her secret place, her Eden, that she goes to to become one with nature and forget all and any troubles; the lovely medallion that his father gave him that he never takes off; the way one can calm the other down when stressed out from political and/or military issues; her favorite flower (white rose); the man the Kenrich is and will be, but he is often too humble to notice; etc.

While she knew these things, there was so much more that she couldn't wait to find out. How it felt like to hear his heart beat in the morning while embraced? What he would choose to break his fast should they be out of bread? What type of tapestry would he choose for the walls?

She thought.....

OOC: Unless Kenrich wants to reply, we can wait for Lizabet to get back whenever she is able to.

[Myxti]

Liza listens while slowly sipping her whiskey. There are several things about the proposal that bothers her but she can see from Ken and Myxti's responses that they are pleased with it. Knowing quite well what it is like to be in love and want to marry under any circumstances, she understands how they feel. However she has a duty to them both. She is quiet for a moment phrasing her thoughts before speaking. Finally she leans forward and sets her glass down on the table.

Your Grace, there are a few questions and concerns I have. For one, you say that if they choose to live here in England you will work their land for them and send them a small percentage. She tilts her head slightly and arches an eyebrow. What exactly do you consider a "small" percentage? If the land is indeed theirs, they should be entitled to more than a small percentage. Perhaps, say, 75 percent?

Liza picks up her glass again and sips, letting her words sink in.

[Myxti]

Juan smiled. What a women she was! The head of a family and a negotiator at that. He was impressed, not happy about it, but impressed.

"75%? No. As I am in Lerín, I will have to hire others to do what I do there. Then I would have to frequently travel there. Travel can be costly especially when I then have to watch my business from afar. Shipment of money to England is another matter. You need to hire a trustworthy person for an amount to make sure he stays so. The there is the travel, safe passage, and other expensives. I would normally say 15%, but since you seem to be concerned about them, I could say 25%. Much more than that is costing me even more money. And I have given away the land so, I have already lost quite a bit of revenue. Would that be to your liking, my lady?"

Truth was, he was lying. It would be expensive, but he could easily make it a little more without it hurting his pocket more than losing the land had. But he felt that since he had little to gain until they had an heir that he or his sons could manipulate, he felt that he was being more than generous. Juan wasn't a bad man, this was how he was raised. This was how all high nobility were where he came from.

[Myxti]

Liza lifts her glass and swirls the liquid about it, watching it as her mind turns. She takes a sip and lifts her eyes to Duke Lerín.

I would agree that 50% would be a fair amount. The corners of her mouth turn up in a slight smile. After all, the land will become Kenrich's upon their marriage as Myxti's dowry, to do with, and run, as he sees fit. Of course, it would be to his advantage to keep it under your supervision, but that is a decision that he will need to make.

As far as heirs, once this union produces one the percentage would increase to 75% upon the birth of a son, to 60% upon the birth of a daughter. This would be to safeguard your grandchild's future, as I'm sure that is as much a concern for you as it is for me. This is, of course, only in holding until that child reaches his majority and can take control of the land for himself, or herself, as the case may be.

Liza leans back, beginning to enjoy herself despite the circumstances. She was finding the Duke to be a very sharp, intelligent man and in spite of herself feels her respect for him growing. She carefully schools her features to keep a severe look upon her face.

[Myxti]

Myxti was quite impressed with Liza. She put her hand under the table and held Ken's hand. Things were going to be fine, at last.

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