Post by vastrix on Feb 8, 2022 6:28:59 GMT -5
At last Long Beach, California is in sight. He had arranged for a parking lot for one of the beaches to be used as a landing pad. As the new airship slowly descends, he can see Esmeralda von Krauss in the distance. She stands by a limo with the crew she borrowed from him. Hehehe, Hahaha, Sir Monocle, and Sticky.
She is in a yellow sundress and wide brimmed hat and his heart both flies and sinks at the sight of her.
As the ship readies the stairs for Esmeralda and her crew to get up to the ship, Armand speeds through his Egyptian cigarette.
He flicks the cigarette butt over the side of the ship as she clears the top step with a winning smile.
Esmeralda von Krauss: Hello, dahling.
She is in a yellow sundress and wide brimmed hat and his heart both flies and sinks at the sight of her.
As the ship readies the stairs for Esmeralda and her crew to get up to the ship, Armand speeds through his Egyptian cigarette.
He flicks the cigarette butt over the side of the ship as she clears the top step with a winning smile.
Esmeralda von Krauss: Hello, dahling.
A resounding smack is heard across the deck, causing even Tarrasque to look on in sympathy as Armand is backhanded by Esmeralda. Her gaze is fiery, accusing as she looks at Armand.
Esmeralda von Krauss: You! How DARE YOU! You would have an affair with that trollop, Sunshine? And LIVE on television?!
Now while it is true that Esmeralda struck a mighty blow, leaving a cut across Armand’s cheek from her diamond that is oozing a dark blood. His reaction is one of far more pain that one would think by the standards of that blow.
Armand’s hand goes to the wound and he swallows hard.
Armand von Krauss: Now, Esmeralda. Honey. I don’t know what came over me. I really don’t.
Esmeralda pokes Armand in the chest, causing him to retreat and seem as if he is shrinking in on himself, becoming less and less his brutish self.
Esmeralda von Krauss: You knew exactly what came over you. That woman’s loins came over you! She couldn’t even have the courtesy of being a natural blonde!
Armand von Krauss: Well, I suppose she did-wait just a minute! How do you know the color of her loins? Have you supped at the silver chalice that is Sunshine as well?
Esmeralda von Krauss: Wovon zur Hölle redest du? Silberner Kelch?
Esmeralda has her silver blade out and pressed against Armand’s chest.
Esmeralda von Krauss: Tell me how the whore I hired to bring you to my level is such a silver chalice?
Armand blinks, caught between guilt and anger.
Armand von Krauss: I mean that she is a silver medal when compared to your golden glory, my love. But, you hired her to bring me down to your level?
Esmeralda withdraws the blade and stows it away with a predatory grin.
Esmeralda von Krauss: You sat there in SWAT, all high and mighty. You judged me for my affairs while I work to get what I deserve! Now who has had an affair? Was it me, dahling? No. How many times have you met with Sunshine since leaving SWAT?
Armand clenches his fists down at his side, looking down at the deck.
Armand von Krauss: I can’t believe you did this to me.
Esmeralda strikes up a match, lighting a fresh Egyptian cigarette in her foot long holder.
Esmeralda von Krauss: The first time was me. The other times. That was all you, dahling. However, if you are willing to fill the closets with the finest clothing, I may forgive you. In the meantime…
Esmeralda goes for another backhand, but Armand catches her by the wrist and holds her hostage with his glare. His glare quickly softens though and he releases her.
Armand von Krauss: If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, that is enough.
Esmeralda von Krauss: Good.
******
Esmeralda von Krauss: Sinclair Godfrey. You know that you’re my lesser in all things, right? You are lesser than Donzig and I defeated him already. And wise up, he’s never going to feel for you what you feel for him. I can see it in your eyes as plain as day. Anyone who is anyone can see it. It will never happen. In fact, he’s more likely to use you up and throw you away than actually care for you.
You think you’re going to come into this match, defeat me, and then claim two plates. I’m afraid that I am not quite the pushover that Dakota Jennings was. I am better than you in all ways. You might be a Baroness, but I am…well, I entertained royalty before the founding of your family house.
I’m not saying that this won’t be an epic battle. It will be something to write home about, but in the end. You know what’s going to happen. I’m going to crush your dreams and then go on to finish my collection of the plates to become the first almighty champion of this place. It’s inevitable that this should happen.
Though, I am surprised that you haven’t spoken first. This is normally your way. Spreads yourselves too thin? Maybe. A little Sinclair does go a long way. After I finish you, you’ll be wanting to get long away from Reign.
So, see you soon, dahling.
******
Once Esmeralda finishes cutting her promo, she looks at the patiently waiting Armand with a smile.
Esmeralda von Krauss: Shall we do a tour of the ship as it takes off?
Voice: Not so fast!
Esmeralda von Krauss: That voice…how?
Esmeralda turns to see that “Zolothach” Tabitha Osborne has boarded the airship while the stairs were still extended. She looks angry that Esmeralda has survived.
Tabitha Osborne: Miss me?