The peace that formerly reigned in Terra Nova has eroded, now little more than a memory. War ravages the continent. Disputes divide kingdoms; ideals divide families. The quest for power consumes absolutely and indiscriminately. None are immune to its allure.
Who will rise and who will fall? Only time—and ambition—will tell.
UPDATES
05.26.2023
2 month character creation hold for all existing members begins 6/5/2023. Ended 8/5/2023.
10.29.2023
Change in how times flows. Was 4 IC seasons, now only 2 IC seasons per 1 OOC year.
5 whole years of Heir Apparent goodness! When I started the site, I knew I was hunkering down for the long haul, but I never could have predicted the numerous twists and turns this roleplay site has seen. Hundreds of plots, characters, and members have come and gone, all leaving marks on the site. I am so very thankful for those who have invested. Because you keep coming back, keep getting on, and keep writing, Heir Apparent has the legacy it does today. Three cheers to us!
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Cassian had had copious amounts of business with the Captain Commander of late, and this was just another thing. They had a very reliable business relationship, all work and no play, but both of their lives were anything but dull.
Hadrian was coming to see him for a very particular topic, one Cassian hadn’t disclosed with him beforehand. The Captain Commander would find the king at his desk, hands laced, expression severe. More severe than usual, if such a thing were possible.
Post by Hadrian Usher on Dec 17, 2023 15:00:40 GMT -5
Hadrian’s suspicion of the king had become both professional and personal. It was Alys that was at the center of it all, but that was hardly were it started and began. Regan Lassiter was allowed to attack one of Nevermere’s most steadfast servants without consequence. If the king conceded on this point, what else was he willing to overlook?
But Hadrian was a seasoned commander, as the gray in his hair evidenced. He could put matters to the side for the sake of professionalism. It would do neither him nor Alys any good for him to let on anything was amiss.
He’d enter, efficient as always, noting the king’s severe expression. Hadrian’s chest clenched, every worst-case scenario running through his head and being checked for probability.
“Your Majesty.” Hadrian bowed and tucked his hands behind his back.
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Dec 21, 2023 11:35:53 GMT -5
”I wanted to personally reject your proposal to have Lady Alys Delaney assigned to a post in Arynn Frey.” Cassian skipped the political bull and dove right in. Oblivious to Hadrian’s suspicion, having trusted that Alys knew to keep pack things between the pack, Cassian had deliberated the proposition and found it unwise.
Post by Hadrian Usher on Dec 22, 2023 16:51:30 GMT -5
Hadrian’s brow furrowed just for a moment, just enough to betray his disappointment. It smoothed out soon enough and he stood up a little straighter as if to compensate for the blunder.
“May I ask for your reasoning, Your Majesty?”
If it were any other assignment, any other person, Hadrian would have accepted the king without question. The fact he was sent now…well. Perhaps yelling in a way Hadrian didn’t intend.
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Dec 29, 2023 3:34:58 GMT -5
Cassian noticed, of course, but he gave no indication. He was consistently flat and direct.
“Of course.” Cassian allowed, an unnecessary response but intended to communicate that he would not give answers he had no backing for.
“A post of that nature becomes a representative of Neveremere to Arynn Frey. Lady Delaney is in no position to do so. Or haven’t you noticed?” Whether Hadrian read between the lines or not, Cassian had just disclosed that he knew about her time spent at his manor. Adrian’s reputation as a womanizer, preceded him. Cassian didn’t need facts to know what he knew, though he also had them.
Post by Hadrian Usher on Dec 31, 2023 0:57:58 GMT -5
Hadrian’s lips pursed as if he were holding back words that threatened to spring from his tongue. The king was right, of course, and Hadrian loathed that it was the case. Perhaps when he’d written the letter he’d thought she’d be able to have her feet underneath her, at least the appearance of it, but there was no way to defend now that Alys was operating at her full capacity.
The implications of his last comment did not escape Hadrian. It wasn’t surprising that the king knew of Alys’s recent closeness to him—after all, it was his business to know what was happening in his kingdom, particularly among people as senior as Alys and himself. But the partial acknowledgment of it did add another layer of caution to be taken.
“I do not deny it, Your Majesty,” He said, uttering the words with the tone of one admitting defeat, “Lady Delaney has endured much since her return from Dresmond. I thought perhaps a posting abroad would help clear her head and return her to her full capacity. It was misguided to recommend a post of that importance. However…” Hadrian paused, “I do hope you’ll consider what opportunities away from Nevermere might be available. To provide her distance to heal.”
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Jan 10, 2024 12:53:27 GMT -5
Cassian understood Hadrian’s request to be sincere, intimate care for the woman. Perhaps he would take her as his bride next? No doubt Alys would welcome it. She had chosen stability in the past. Though it was the past and Cassian had tried to lay it to rest, there were still some weeds springing up yet. The slight burning he felt didn’t make it to his eyes or expression.
“Have you asked Lady Delaney herself if this is what she desires, or are you deciding what is best for her?” He hesitated only a beat before adding, “Does this have to do with what you know of her ability?” Cassian hadn’t forgotten their conversation where Hadrian had asked to study Alys.
Post by Hadrian Usher on Jan 12, 2024 8:43:24 GMT -5
Hadrian considered his next words carefully. No, he wasn't entirely sure what Alys thought, but surely she agreed the castle was a dangerous place for her to be. Surely she agreed...no. Hadrian wouldn't fool himself. He hadn't asked Alys, for he did not think her capable of making such decisions for herself. Not in her current state, where grief and pain clouded her judgment. All that mattered as that she was safe. And here, she wasn't.
"I do not believe Lady Delaney in a place to be entirely sure of what is best for her. But she recognizes she is exhausted, and that she needs rest." Or at least, so he thought. At the mention of her abilities, Hadrian stiffened a little.
"No," Hadrian said honestly, "Lady Delaney's abilities merit further investigation, but I do not believe now is the time for it. Perhaps when she has recovered her strength, the matter could be revisited. But with her current injuries...I would not want to compromise her health." Curse-making was a nasty business, and Hadrian could only imagine what pulling one apart would mean. Alsy's burns were evidence enough that she could not withstand it--not now.
But the curse was no longer his primary interest. All that mattered was getting Alys away from Regan and the king until further investigation could be done, or Alys recovered her strength.
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Jan 13, 2024 12:01:30 GMT -5
Cassian was gradually putting the pieces together. It didn’t take a rocket scientist. Alys was sleeping with Hadrian, thus likely sharing details from her life. Why would Hadrian suddenly be interested in getting her away from Nevermere? It seemed he felt she needed to recover, yes, but with the burns on her face he either thought she had done them to herself or someone did them to her. Consider what Cassian knew of Alys’ ability to keep a secret of late, it wasn’t hard to summize that she had told Hadrian something. What, exactly? But clearly Hadrian, though lacking trust in Alys’ mental state, had concern.
“Let me ask you something, Captain Commander.” He began slowly, making sure he had Hadrian’s full attention. “Were you there when Lady Delaney dueled Lady [enter Sabine’s last name here)?” It was a sincere question, as it was very possible that Hadrian had been on a ship at the time. Still, he had to know the rumors. The King’s Witch had gone up against a royal guard and been defeated. Sabine would never fully recover from that shame, and Alys’ fame then began.
“Were you aware that my Witch, whose role was shortly taken, required days in the infirmary before she was able to stand and move about once more?” There was a point being made here in a roundabout way. Cassian paused then, giving Hadrian the opportunity to catch on or play the fool.
Post by Hadrian Usher on Jan 14, 2024 10:30:22 GMT -5
Hadrian’s features remained stoic, though inside he felt frustration building up like toxic acid. Dueling realities crashed against one another: the witch that Cassian spoke of, and the one Hadrian had been holding night after night at his estate. The one who’d been betrayed by those who were supposed to protect her—most notably, the king standing in front of them. The one that both of them had given everything to serve. But for the first time, Hadrian discovered there was another set of dueling characters in his mind: the seasoned Commander who had no choice but to trust in Cassian’s leadership, and the other a man who had grown to care for a woman with secrets that made the king a villian in his eyes. Who was he to be? Who was he to trust?
“I am well aware, Your Majesty,” Hadrian said with equal measured care, “And my understanding of Lady Delaney’s power made me all the more concerned when she came to my estate for refuge. For if she has reason to fear…” Perhaps Cassian would hear the question. The uncertainty, almost a hope to be corrected.
Last Edit: Jan 14, 2024 10:30:32 GMT -5 by Hadrian Usher
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Jan 15, 2024 13:12:06 GMT -5
Cassian had always liked Hadrian. He never said it and never would, but the sentiment was present. Hadrian wasn’t rash and foolish; he was thoughtful, careful, and wise. His almost question was a testimony to that.
“I am not afraid.” It was a simple statement. Cassian was no witch. He couldn’t hope to stand against Alys should she turn on him. The same was true for Regan, who had bested Alys, and Hadrian well knew that she was regularly in his shadow. Yet he was not afraid. It was a commentary on Cassian, perhaps, but also on Alys.
“Lady Rhangal does not fear Lady Delaney.” So, was it Regan who was unhinged, or Alys?
Post by Hadrian Usher on Jan 15, 2024 13:25:30 GMT -5
Hadrian was quiet for a moment. He took Cassian’s comparison of Lady Rhangal to Lady Delaney as a confirmation of what Alys had told him: Regan was to blame for her state. Hadrian found himself far more uncertain now than he had been walking into Hadrian’s office. It was true—Alys had once inflicted damage on one of their own in the name of power. Had his judgment been clouded by his affection for her? There was so much he still didn’t understand. Alys’s curse, Regan’s reasons for attacking her…the impulse to protect Alys was still strong. But Hadrian, as he saw it, had two choices: to continue to serve his kingdom, or not. Logan was presented with a similar choice and chose to leave his position. Hadrian would not. He had no wife, no children, no legacy without service to Nevermere. And to serve his kingdom, he had to trust his king. Proceed with caution, but ultimately trust.
“There is much I still do not understand,” Hadrian said slowly, carefully, “And I believe the more I know, the better I can serve you. I will not deceive you, Your Majesty, I remain…apprehensive. However,” Hadrian straightened, “I recognize there are some things which I am not to know. And if I ask a question to which no answer can be given, I will accept that. I only ask, Your Majesty, that answers when given are true, and that you’ll allow me to ask them.”
Last Edit: Jan 15, 2024 13:27:24 GMT -5 by Hadrian Usher
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Jan 16, 2024 11:10:16 GMT -5
Cassian didn’t have to hear Hadrian say he was apprehensive; he could see it. Still, the words served as a vote of loyalty. One Cassian didn’t take lightly. Now he also had a decision to make: would he continue to keep the Captain Commander out of his loop, or would he give some intel and trust the man, bringing him into his inner circle?
“You pose an agreeable arrangement. I will oblige you.”
Post by Hadrian Usher on Jan 17, 2024 8:28:32 GMT -5
Hadrian paused, trying to sort through the enormity of questions he’d accumulated since he’d first learned of Alys’s curse. All the promises he’d made for secrecy crumbled when presented with the opportunity to have those questions answered. Hadrian was tired—tired of facing threats without, and far too overwhelmed by them to manage threats within. It was a relief, in most ways, a guilt in others. Aus had asked him to stay out of it, to let her handle things…but if Alys was to remain in Nevermere, secrecy would erode her safety, not ensure it.
“Regan Lassiter.” It was a statement, but seemingly a question in and of itself. “First she attacks you in the training yard, then she attacks Lady Delaney. How can you trust her?”
Last Edit: Jan 17, 2024 8:31:01 GMT -5 by Hadrian Usher
In possession of a magical necklace that wards off offensive magic attacks against him, a ring that allows him to suppress magic, and can turn into werewolf at will.
Post by Cassian Rainecourt on Jan 19, 2024 13:21:36 GMT -5
Cassian didn’t hesitate to respond, giving his answer unflinchingly. He was either a perfect liar, or he was telling the truth.
“There isn’t a person in all of Terra Nova that I trust more than Regan Lassiter.” He gave pause to let the enormity of that statement sink in. Whether Hadrian could understand it or not, her loyalty had proven truer to the king than any other.
“Consider a faithful canine, Lord Usher.” Surely he had hunted, a pastime of noblemen. “You may not trust it not to bite another, not even a child, but you know when you give the command that it will obey. She struggles with control, as she possesses something even more fascinating than Lady Delaney’s not-so-secret secret, but what she does not struggle with is loyalty.”