Marry By Choice Not Force

Edward laughed knowing that Margaret wasn't going to be a typical princess though that was something he was enjoying, not that he had even been around that many princess' in his life.

"You know, I could always accidently leave the stable door unlocked one night before the wedding day" He suggested before he looked around like he hadn't been the one to suggest anything, "You could ride off into the world and be in debt to a handsome stable boy, that you could repay with love and affection" His voice was light and playful knowing that a princess would never want to actually be with someone of his stature, but that didn't mean he couldn't still joke about.

-

Poppy had taken a small walk around the castle yard before she wandered back into the castle she was marrying into, she smiled when she spotted her husband to be though he didn't seem to be his normal happy self. "Hamish, what's wrong darling?" She asked but instantly stopped in her tracks by the cold look he gave her, she automatically thought that maybe he knew about her and Daniel.

She didn't find out as Hamish simply continued walking while she stood there in complete shock, if he did know than he surely would have said something to her. Cancel the wedding or shout at her or even both, using her hands she lifted her full skirt slightly so she could walk faster through the hallways as she needed to find Daniel. She wasn't even looking where she was going until she saw the familiar raven haired younger brother, she placed her palms onto his arm as she pushed him with all of her might. "What did you tell Hamish?" She snapped at him, "You better not ruin my wedding Daniel."

Daniel stumbled forward at the sudden shove he received from behind, he was about to spin and deck whoever had been rude enough to push him so hard. That was until he saw the blonde standing there a fierce look spread across her young, beautiful face. He was about to speak but her words cut him off instantly. She was mad, no she was beyond mad.

"I told my brother nothing, nor did I deny anything when he came snooping around. He knows about what happened earlier, someone must have caught us because they informed him. I, my darling Poppy, told him nothing." Daniel stated with a simple shrug of his shoulders. "Believe me ruining your wedding is not something I have in mind. It would make a good story, however, newly married Princess canoodeling with Husbands brother," he stated slyly.

~

Margaret stopped walking spinning and looking at Edward, her eyes staring deeply into his before she spoke. "You would do that?" she asked firmly wanting to know that the stable boy wasn't joking around. She would be more then in debt to him if he did in fact help her out of her horrendous wedding to Henry.

Edward's dark eyes slightly widened even the princess looked at him with a serious but still beautiful face, he was lost for words which didn't happen to him very often. "If that is what you want Margaret, though I would have to make sure that you keep it a secret. Henry would have my head for helping you escape" He told her knowing Henry would at least kill him so he could seem like he was grieving, his death would only play a part or an act.

"He really is that bad? You'd risk your life to get away from him, Maggie I'm not sure" He said letting a nickname just slip out from his lips, he hadn't even realised what he had called her. "I could easily get a job anywhere, but you will have to hide or travel to another Kingdom" He wanted to make sure she was safe at all times, Henry would pretend to look for her but after a few weeks he'd go back to his normal ways.

-

"And who's fault it that? You kissed me and I won't think twice about telling him that it was you who did all the kissing" Poppy threatened lightly as her blue eyes narrowed into a glare as she looked at the younger attractive brother, if Hamish asked her what happened than she'd lie and say that she didn't enjoy it. Her parents had worked hard to have this marriage happen, she couldn't disappoint them and ruin the life she could have at the castle.

"This stops now Daniel, I love Hamish and I will be marrying him" She told him although it didn't come out of her mouth as easily as it should have been, she wanted to love Hamish but deep down she knew that she didn't yet. She was forcing herself to have all these feelings for him, yet she was struggling which she shouldn't be this close to the wedding. She couldn't let Daniel swoop her up off her feet or charm her anymore.

Daniel listened silently as the blonde told him off, anger bubbled away inside. His hands curled into tight fists out of anger.

"Very well," he said firmly even though he wanted to snarl the words at her, he knew better then to get angry at her. There was a big possibility that she would run off to his brother sulking about the way he was treating her. "I'll stay away, but do you think you will be able?" he questioned her before turning on the balls of his feet and walking away from her his body hot with emotion, reaching up he snapped the top few buttons of his short off as he began to ascend up the large flight of stairs towards his chambers.

~

Margaret liked the way her nick-name sounded falling from the stable boys lips, it made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Looking at him she stated with a firm voice.

"I would swim across the ocean to get as far away from him as I could..." she went to say more but she heard her mother calling out her name and she knew she had to go. "In five days, I will come to you, be ready." was all she said before turning and hurrying toward her mother.

Sarah frowned having seen her daughter talking to a commoner, "Was he lost Margaret?" She asked her daughter in a snobby tone of voice, she wasn't going to let some stable boy charm her daughter by any means. Margaret needed to marry a Prince, she needed to continue living in luxury like she has since she was born. She was a Princess, soon to be a Queen and Sarah was going to make sure that happened.

"Be careful around those type of people, they could easily steal from you" Sarah warned her daughter, "Lunch will be served soon and you need to clean up" She said firmly before she started guiding her daughter back towards the castle, not wanting to leave in case that boy decided to come back.

-

Poppy frowned as Daniel walked away from her, though she too spun on her heels and walked in the opposite direction. She was taking slow deep breaths to calm herself down, she found herself walked towards Hamish's chambers. Her knuckles gently knocking on the wooden door, she looked up when the door was opened to reveal the handsome Prince.

"I hope you aren't upset with me" She gave him the most sweet and innocent look, her blue eyes looking into his own as she took a small step towards him. "Do you honestly think Daniel and I would be going behind your back? I can hardly spend a full dinner with him, we just don't seem to get along" She explained making it sound like Daniel was the last person she'd want to be near, "Whoever told you this must have seen something that wasn't happening".

Hamish heard the gentle knock on his door but made no move to answer, instead he let the door creak open before Poppy's soft voice spoke. He was still angry and confused, but when she spoke telling him that her and his brother didn't get along, he couldn't deny that truth. Sighing the future royal got to his feet turning and looking at the blonde who stood just inside his room. She looked worried and scared. Striding up to her he wrapped his arms around her small body pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head.

"Perhaps Claudia was jealous," he spoke of the chambermaid who had always had an eye for him.

~

Margaret picked up on the snobbiness of her mothers tone and instead of lying for the young man she stated the truth, "No, I enjoy his company." with that she moved past her mother. "Believe me it would be a relief for him to steal me away from the hell you have burdened me with." Margaret stated which earned a furious look from her mother, the royal raised her hand to strike her daughter due to her attitude but Margaret was quicker, grasping Sarah's wrist she glared at her mother a fire had ignited in her eyes. "Be careful who you strike mother." with that she let go of the woman's wrist and walked away.

~

Daniel stormed into his sleeping chambers ripping his shirt off and throwing it to the other side of his room pacing up and down infuriated at what had just happened. There was a gentle knock on his door.

"Enter," his words were harsh so when Lucy, a young chambermaid walked into his room he quickly softened his tone. "Lucy."

"My Lord," she curtsied gently "Supper is to be served soon," she spoke her words soft but her eyes did not meet him. Looking at her he saw stray blonde curls of hair that had fallen out of her cap, the freckles that dusted her cheeks and a smile spread across his face. Walking toward her he grasped her chin gently as he tilted her head back so her blue eyes met his.

"Why do you not look at me? Do I make you uncomfortable?"

"No, My Lord... I... I... uhm..." she stammered her cheeks flushed, Daniel chuckled.

"Hush," he whispered as he inched his face closer to the young woman's. Lucy closed her lips looking up at the male who was smiling down at her. She was astounded when he pressed his lips to hers, quickly she pulled away flustered she quickly curtsied and hurried out of the room and down the hallway. Daniel now looked forward to supper.

Sarah couldn't believe what had just happened between herself and her daughter, she let her daughter walk off as she stood there shocked. Once she had regained her composure she began walking back towards the castle, she needed to wash up before supper was served for them all.

-

Henry was in his chambers and had cleaned up like he always did before eating a meal, stepping out he walked along before seeing the red headed princess.

"Supper will be served soon, better clean up. I would hate for you to make a horrible impression on more people, my Queen needs to be proper and do what I say" He looked into her light green eyes as he walked closer to her, he stepped right in front of Margaret so she couldn't get around him.

His large hands rested on her waist as he pulled her closer to him, he pressed his lips to her's roughly for a kiss. He grinned smugly when she tried to get away from him, "You'll learn to love me" He spat at her rather harshly, his hand sliding down over her dress, before he took a hard grab of her bottom.

A smug grin on his face was plastered on, he gave Margaret a wink before he stepped aside to let her go.

-

"Claudia spoke to you about Daniel and I?" Poppy looked at Hamish and she wasn't going to hold back any longer, it was obvious she was more than annoyed by her face. "You listen to her and believe her over me? Your future wife and Queen. I have told you more time than I care to remember that she has been attempting to have you for herself, you dismiss what I say every time" She said clenching her jaw as she looked at Hamish.

"You see the good and trust everyone, but when it comes to me you'd listen to a chambermaid. A chambermaid over me, why don't you go marry her. She has wanted you from before I arrived here" She narrowed her blue eyes at him, she was still hurt that he had believed Claudia, someone who had been trying to kick her out from one day.

Turning around she stormed out of his chambers, she was furious that Hamish unknowingly was letting Claudia get between them. This is what the chambermaid wanted to happen but Hamish needed to do the right thing now, she saw Lucy was rushing along the corridor coming from the direction of Daniel's chambers.

Daniel didn't get a chance to object Poppy before she had stormed out of his chambers. She was seething and as much as he wanted to chase after her he knew it would be better to just let her take time to cool down, it will also give him time to confront the chambermaid about what she had told him. Running his fingers through his hair he cleared his throat trying to keep his composure. Claudia had always been good to him, but the soon to be King knew that she had wanted him for her own for a while now. Surely she wouldn't lie to him to get it though. Falling onto his bed he thought about everything.

~

Margaret fumed with anger at the way Henry had just treated her, like she was nothing more then a prostitute, the way he forced his lips onto hers attacking her mouth with his, the callousness of the royal to grope her so inappropriately. He looked at her with malice that her stomach knotted in disgust. The red haired princess couldn't wait to rid herself of this future. She would escape with Edward. Hurrying toward the chamber she would be staying in she closed the door before sitting down on the freshly made bed thinking to herself.

~

Daniel walked over to his wash basin cupping the warm water in his hands before splashing the water on his face. Grabbing a towel he began to pat his face dry smiling to himself.

Henry was more than pleased with himself after how he had just treated Margaret, actually he was pleased he had gotten a touch and kiss for himself. He knew how crudely he had just treated her, it would only fuel the fire that she was building in the pit of her stomach.

Continuing to walk towards the large room where supper would be served and where many parties have been held, he was early he knew as he sat down on the wooden chair that he always sat on. He wouldn't be surprised if Margaret didn't show up for supper, he did enjoy seeing the angry and fire in her green eyes because it meant that he was getting under her skin.

He was simply just a jerk like that, neither of them wanted to be with the other. If he could make her leave him than he'd play that to get what he wants, he could pretend to be hurting to get women to throw themselves at him because they didn't know the real him.

-

Poppy made her way to the large table that would be set out with supper shortly, she stood by one of the windows and gazed out to the garden below them. Hearing hushed voices of Lucy and another maid, she listened to Lucy tell the other woman about how Prince Daniel had kissed her lips.

Hearing that only caused more emotions to flow through her body, she was angry that Daniel would kiss someone else so easily and soon enough spending time with her. She was upset because he had wanted to kiss someone else, she was hurt because she was getting replaced with chambermaids.

-

She had no idea that Claudia had gone to 'check up' on Hamish, she used her innocent face on him and batted her eyelashes when she was accused of lying to him. "I have not lied my Prince, however if you are worried than perhaps the wedding should be postponed. I could help" Claudia spoke to Hamish wanting him all for herself, if she could she would have already kissed him to show him that she was who he deserved to make Queen.

Hamish looked down at the chambermaid as she batted her lashes at him. Sure the male was mad and confused but post-pone his wedding? Never, what would he tell his mother and father? No, this wedding was going to happen, he loved Poppy. He knew that deep down inside he loved her and he never wanted to be with anyone else. When Claudia invaded the space between them he took a step back.

"I will not post-pone the wedding, Princess Poppy is to be my wife and your future Queen. If you insist on spreading false rumors I will have you removed from the castle and thrown out into the street," with that Hamish bowed before exiting his room leaving a seething Claudia standing in his wake.

~

Daniel straightened himself up, throwing on a new shirt and running his fingers through his still damp hair. He chucked on a long coat before walking out of his sleeping chambers and heading toward the dinning hall. He knew he had ruffled a few feathers but he couldn't wait to see Poppy's reaction to the news of his shared kiss with Lucy. He was so excited that a laugh left his lips, quickly he composed himself as he walked into the large hall where his mother and father sat at each end while Poppy sat in her normal seat waiting on Hamish to arrive. Taking a seat opposite the blonde he couldn't help the smirk that spread across his face.

"Princess," he greeted.

~

Margaret sat in the room mulling over her thoughts. Tonight her parents leave until the wedding. Henry would be busy with his parents making arrangements for the wedding. Tonight was the night. Sure she had only just met Edward but he said he would help her and the red head couldn't dare to spend another day in this castle.

Once her parents have left and she retires to her sleeping chamber, she would sneak out the window, she would strip her bed and use the blankets and sheets to get her onto the ground where she would race to the stables and find Edward.

A mixture of excitement and dread filled the red head but she knew she was going to do it. She was going to get out of here.

Smiling to herself she got to her feet and made her way to the dinning room where all she had to do was pretend to be in love with Henry for a few hours and then she was gone.

Henry smiled as he stood up from the chair he was sitting on once his parents entered the dining room with Margaret's parents, they were busily talking and barely even noticed him. However he continued to smile and stand until after the ladies had sat down at the table, he sat back down as they just needed to wait for Margaret to join them though it wasn't long before she walked into the room.

"Princess" He greeted her with a smug grin as she took her seat beside her Mother, the King raised his hand and motioned for the servants to bring dinner out to them. Food was soon placed in front of them all and it was a feast, wine was poured before the King made a little speech about family and welcoming Margaret to the family.

Henry raised his glass as the servants served dinner and conversation filled the large room, he wasn't in any mood to talk to Margaret so he didn't though she didn't seem to be bothered about that. He cut into the food on his plate and ate, he just wanted to finish dinner and get back to his sleep chambers so he didn't have to be around anyone.

-

Poppy stopped herself from glaring at Daniel when he sat opposite her at the table, "Prince" She murmured softly even though she wanted to slap him across the face and yell at him, however that wouldn't be ladylike or how a princess should act and especially not in front of the King and Queen. So she kept her mouth and thoughts to herself as she waited for Hamish to join them for supper.

It wasn't long before Hamish sat beside her and the delicious food was served for them to eat, normally Poppy would be talking non-stop with the King and Queen but she had gone through a lot that day and she wasn't in any mood to start up a conversation.

She knew Hamish would probably want to speak with her about what Claudia had told him but she was still upset with him, she was also upset with Daniel for kissing Lucy after he had kissed her in the lake only a few hours beforehand.

"I am tired, I will see you tomorrow" Poppy excused herself after they had finished eating supper, she stood up and smoothed out her dress before she swiftly walked out of the room and into the hallway so she could head to her chambers.

Hamish rose to his feet when his blonde haired bride-to-be left the dinning room, retiring to her bed chambers. Sitting down he wiped his lips before excusing himself.

Hamish needed to talk to Poppy before she retired for the night. He needed to apologize and tell her that he would never speak to Claudia again. He would tell her that he said to the chamber maid that if she ever tried to spread a vicious rumor about his beloved again she will be out on the street quicker then she can say 'God save the King."

The dark haired Prince raced through the corridors until he spied the blondes' chamber. Taking a deep breath he walked toward the door gently knocking praying that she would allow him to enter.

~

Daniel watched as the blonde retired to her room, she had been quiet all evening which was different for her. Normally she would strike up a conversation with his mother. Normally about the wedding. Not tonight, tonight she was silent as she ate her meal before leaving.

Daniel watched as Hamish hurried after his bride-to-be. He couldn't help the jealousy and anger that began to form inside him. He swallowed it down before bidding his parents good night and walking toward his chambers. He needed to see Poppy, he wanted to talk to her. He wanted to know if she had any feelings for him or if what happened earlier today had been nothing but an experiment.

~

Margaret walked into the dining room silently. She bowed before her parents and Henry's before taking her place next to her mother opposite Henry.

"Your highness," she greeted softly as she sat. Her meal was placed before her. She ate in silence while both parents lost themselves in conversations.

Once dinner was complete, the red haired Princess bid her parents goodbye giving each of them the tightest hugs she had ever given them and plastering a smile across her face. She felt an arm wrap around her mid-section and she tried not to turn and slap him. Instead she smiled and waved as her parents disappeared in their coach.

"If you will excuse me your highness. I am feeling rather tired. I am going to retire to my bed chambers." she smiled at the Prince who was looking down at her.

As soon as Margaret's parents had left and his parents left to go back into the castle, his arm dropped from around Margaret's waist. "As long as you stay away from me Princess" He said rudely as he turned around and walked through the castle towards his chambers, Margaret could do whatever she wanted because he honestly didn't care what she did.

She could go to her chambers or not, he really should take her to her chambers but he wasn't as lovely as he pretended to be around the locals. If she became lost than she'd have to find someone else to help her, he wanted to relax in his chambers and may even sneak a woman in with him for some fun.

Fun that Margaret wouldn't give him, he highly doubted that she'd give into his needs after they get married. Even though that is what she's here for, all he needs her for is to bare his chicken.

-

Poppy hadn't been in her chamber for long until a knock sounded on her door, sighing softly she opened the thick wooden door only to see that it was Hamish knocking. "Yes?" She looked up at him already knowing that he was there to speak with her, so she stepped away letting him enter her chamber if that's what he wanted.

She kept her back to him, "You will be getting another chamber maid. If she speaks of me like this again, I want her gone for good" She told him wanting to see just how much he'd do for her, Claudia wouldn't stop if she stayed there near Hamish. She looked at him over her shoulder so he could see how upset she was with him still, not just him was she upset with as Daniel had gotten on her nerves as well.

"She's trying to get you away from me so she can have you to herself, you're too kind and caring to notice Hamish" She told him and sat down on the edge of her bed, "If you are having second thoughts about marrying me. Please tell me now" She looked over at him.

Hamish nodded his head understanding her wishes, "of course my love. If she so much as lifts her voice to you I will kick her out into the street." the brown haired prince nodded his head. When she looked over her shoulders at him he saw the emotion in her light eyes and was instantly on his feet hurrying over to her and wrapping his arms around her.

"I know that now my love, but her advances will not get far because I feel nothing for her." When the blonde moved out of his arms seating herself on the side of her bed he arched one of his dark brows at her actions.

"Poppy, no I am not having second thoughts, no I love you and I want to marry you. I want you to be my wife more than anything I have ever wanted before." he declared before kneeling in front of the blonde and taking her face in his hands locking his eyes with hers. "This wedding will happen and it will be a glorious wedding, one that will be remembered for centuries to come." Hamish declared to the emotional Poppy.



Margaret watched as the Prince left her standing in the hallways his charming demeanor falling away only to be replaced by the rude, cruel child that he truly was. The red haired woman curled her lip before walking back through the castle heading outside.

Once she stepped into the garden lit up by the moonlight she instantly felt better. A sigh left her lips as she allowed a smile spread across her face.

Weaving through the roses and bushes of lavenders she headed toward the stables her mind set on one person.

Edward was brushing out one of the many horses that he looked after, a flash of red in the moonlight caught his attention from the corner of his eye. Turning his head a wide happy smile spread across his face when he saw Margaret rushing towards the stables. He opened the side door so she could slip in without anyone seeing her, however most people were already home for supper.

"Princess, I did not think I'd be seeing you this soon. I am glad however" He smiled once he shut the door behind the beautiful red head princess, "Is everything alright?" He asked noticing that her stunning eyes weren't holding the happiness that he had seen in them before, earlier in the day.

Putting the horse brush aside he wiped his hands on the dark brown pants he was wearing, a small piece of straw had gotten stuck in his short dark hair though he had no idea. "Is the Prince really that horrible?" He knew Henry was a bad piece of work, but he had never met the prince so he didn't fully realise how horrid the man was to others.

"I would offer you a bed for the night, though I would be captured and dragged to the dungeons" Edward also didn't want the princess to rough it when she was used to luxury, he didn't have any luxury to give her.

-

Poppy gazed into Hamish's blue eyes, she gently rested her small hands on his forearms. "This wedding will only be glorious as that is what is expected of us, our parents wouldn't have it any other way. I really just need you" She told him softly as she ran her fingertips lightly over the warm skin of his forearms, the soft hairs tickling her skin.

"I will be keeping an eye on Claudia, I have a feeling that she won't stop until she has you for herself" She didn't care if Hamish wanted her to watch Claudia or not, she was only up to trouble and it seemed like only she could see that.

It was frustrating but there also wasn't much that she could do, she could tell Hamish that she wanted the maid to leave however she didn't want to put Hamish in that position. He was too nice and only saw the good in people, until they proved him wrong.

"I apologize for my horrid manners at supper, I was not feeling the best" She relaxed into his touch as it was very similar to Daniel's touch, though Daniel's was more direction and made her feel safe.

Hamish nodded his head understanding Poppy and her intentions. He couldn't agree more with her, their wedding was going to be extravagant, a celebration for the ages. As for Claudia the future King knew it was only right that not only Poppy but himself included keep a watch on the chambermaid and her actions towards both him and his bride to be.

"Darling, It is understandable," leaning forward he pressed a gentle kiss onto the top of her head, "but alas I will bid you a goodnight and see you in the morning ready for our morning horse ride." Smiling he pressed another kiss to her curls before turning and walking out of the room.



Daniel snuck through the shadows of the castle, when he saw his brother leaning Poppys' chambers he quickly snuck inside a smile spreading across his face at the oblivious blonde who had begun to retire into her night dress.



Margaret nodded her head, "he is a vile creature, I cannot stand to be in the same castle with him let alone in his presence," the red haired princess admitted as she looked at the brown haired stable boy who was covered in dirt from his hard days work and the few pieces of straw that were stuck in his hair caused her to smile.

"You have something in your hair," she giggled taking a step toward him reaching out her right hand and gently brushing the golden sticks from his fringe. "There," she smiled stepping back and looking deeply into his dark eyes.

Edward instantly felt self conscious when he realised just how dirty he was and when the princess brushed the straw from his hair, he felt like the biggest fool letting her see him like this. "Thank you, Princess" He lightly bowed his head to her, even if he was embarrassed still.

"Is there anything that I can do to help you?" He asked hating that Margaret had to be around the Prince, she didn't deserve this although he was somewhat sure that if her parents knew what Henry was like then Margaret wouldn't be marrying him. However he also didn't know her parents and would never personally know them, royals didn't care one bit about him.

"There isn't much that I can do to help, but please tell me and I will do it" There was just something different about the red head princess, she seemed to like him enough that she snuck out in the evening to see him which no one has ever done before.

-

"I will see you in the morning" Poppy spoke quietly as she watched him exit her chambers, exhaling a long breath she stood up from her bed. She untied her dress and placed it on a hanger for the maid to take for cleaning the next morning, her undergarments slipped from her body as her back was facing the door.

She stepped into her night dress and was pulling the fabric up to cover her body as she turned around, a loud gasp escaped from her lips and she quickly covered up her body when she saw Daniel standing in her room.

"What are you doing in here?" She snapped at him as a frown settled on her pretty face, instantly her mind went to what Lucy had told another chambermaid. The kiss that the younger prince gave her, she shouldn't be upset or jealous about it but she was and she couldn't help herself.

"Shouldn't you be spending time with Lucy?" She asked looking at him with her clear blue eyes, she didn't know if Daniel saw something in Lucy or if he just kissed her to annoy her and get a reaction.

Daniel was at a loss for words he wanted to retaliate with something but the words stuck in his throat as his eyes trailed down her body, he wasn't entirely sure of what to say so he did the next best thing. He stalked across the room gripping the blondes face and smashing his lips against hers. Her skin was smooth under his calloused palms, warm and smooth, her lips were soft as they danced with his. Wisps of her blonde hair tickled his fingers as he held her face close to his. Slowly he allowed his hands to trail down the sides of her neck and across the curve of her shoulders.

Slowly he pulled away resting his forehead against hers his breath coming in short pants. Feelings for the blonde haired Princess were stirring inside him. "I just wanted to give you that. Lucy means nothing to me why would I spend time with her when I have you wandering around the castle?" His words were a whisper, his dark eyes staring into her light blue ones.

---

Margaret smiled at the brown haired stable boy and the kindness he was showing toward her, he was so obliging and willing to help her. However at the moment all she wanted was someone to talk to. Some one to spill all her feelings and emotions to. She wanted to express her feelings for the engagement she had been thrust into with such a beast of a man. She wanted to fantasise about her dreams and what she truly wanted and the red haired royal thought that this stable boy, Edward.

"I just want someone to talk to... I have bottled so much up that I think I may burst... if you are willing to listen that is.

"Of course, um... take a seat," Edward offered but it came out as more of a question, he offered her a bail of hay to sit on as it was all he had. "I apologize, I can go find a chair" He told her as he wouldn't let her sit on the dirty floor, the hay could be comfortable as he has fallen asleep on it before. He followed her lead and sat on a bail himself, his dark eyes not leaving Margaret.

"Tell me whatever you like," He told her as he liked that the Princess came to him, although he guessed that she hadn't met anyone else yet aside from him. However he didn't let himself think that way, he liked thinking that Margaret came to him because she liked him. He sat there eager to listen to her and what she had to get off her chest, he wasn't good at giving advice but he'd give it a go if she asked him. Though he'd probably just tell her to met him at the stable and he'd have a horse ready for her escape, it was easy for him to suggest that.

---

Poppy found herself not wasting any time as she returned the kiss, her lips moving with his warm ones. Her hands resting on his shirt covered stomach, her heart was racing as he pulled back only for her breathing to pant from the kiss alone. She kept her eyes closed for a few more seconds as she enjoyed Daniel's touch, the touch was innocent enough but it still drove her crazy and she wanted to feel his hands in places that caused a blush to form on her cheeks. She gazed into his dark eyes as a small smile appeared on her face, "We both know that Lucy wouldn't be able to keep up with you" She whispered to him.

"I better be the only one that you watch," She knew it was wrong but it felt so right, "What if someone sees us? Claudia has already tried to tell Hamish about us, I barely managed to make him believe that she was lying" She needed Daniel to know in case anyone did see them or anything happened, "Why are you making me feel this way?" She moved her hands up to his chest, her fingers trailing over his well-built chest as she wanted to explore his body.

Daniel ran his hands down the curve of the blondes neck before cupping his hands around staring deeply into her eyes he couldn't help but smile. "I'll think of something." he stated before pressing his lips against hers again this time more gently and not so urgent.

"Believe me Princess you are," it was true the dark haired prince couldn't deny that even when the two didn't get along his eyes were always locked on her as she walked past. She was a thing of beauty, she was what sculptors and painters would base their work off. Her big, blue eyes, delicate facial features, her lips were a work of magic so soft to touch and perfectly curved. That was just her face alone the rest of her body, he could spend hours admiring.

---

"Have you ever been in love? Like truly, deeply and madly in love with someone?" the question slipped from the red heads lips before she could stop it. "I mean... when you love someone aren't you supposed to be happy. Supposed to feel like nothing in the world could stop the love that you share? Henry..." she trailed off thinking about the royal. "Henry does't love, he is incapable, he just uses, he destroys their innocence and then sends them on their way with a baby in their belly.

'I don't want that, I want love, I want to share a life with someone, to make love, to create a new life out of love not force!" the red head spilled everything out, she hadn't intended to but it just came tumbling out of her lips.

"Sorry," she apologised looking down at her hands she had clasped in her lap.