palace Marton

[Takes place just after family breakfast.]

Anna slowly walked into Marton's rooms, hoping she had missed the family breakfast. As much as she wanted to see Christian, right now she just wanted to see her Father. The way he had looked when he had to tell her... She found him in his office and stood in the doorway for a minute, watching him. He looked so tired. Anna bit her lip. It was the first time her Father had ever looked old. Unable to keep from cursing under her breath, she got herself back in control and walked in. ( Without speaking, she walked up to him and gave him a big hug. )

[Warning- this fic contains violence, character death, and disturbing content. If you are not in a headspace to read that, please don't read.]

Follows Johnny's return to Palace, which happened later in the day after Christian was chosen.

Striding down the corridor toward his bedroom, Marton was already loosening his shirt, unbuttoning the cuffs, starting the process of getting changed for dinner. He was, as usual, running late, tonight of all bloody nights, the Councilors had chosen to form an impenetrable circle of congratulations around him, making it impossible for him to get away in good time. Now he had less time than he needed and Jake, who he'd asked in his email that morning, to come up early, would be here in a few minutes. He'd just have time to... the lift pinged. Dammit! Marton turned smartly around on his heel and headed back to the lift.

( Jake strolled towards the lift, a pleased smirk across his face. )