i dreamt about you nearly every night this week.

Sofia was sat at her vanity, pulling her hair back into a complicated plait before slowly placing her tiara at the crown of her head. Her window was open and letting all of the sounds of the town near the castle, a slight autumn breeze shifting in and making her summer body shiver. She rises from her seat and slipped on her shoes, making her way out of her room and towards the dining hall for breakfast. All of the palace's servants were busy in preparation for the ball tonight, one that welcomed in the season of autumn, a celebration of the King of Autumns coronation as well. Sofia was beyond excited, she loved talking to all of the different people that showed up from all of the different seasons. It wasn't long before she was at the dining hall, two guards opening the doors for her, and she gave them a nod as she entered, making her way over to the long table with assorted foods laid out for the royals to take. She got a plate and put what she wanted on it, keeping it minimum because she wanted to be hungry for the great feast they were supposed to have that night.

Rowan was located in his room, being fitted for his elaborate robes that he was supposed to wear at the ball that night. So many people were fussing over him that it was almost overwhelming, but he was used to it. He had a ball of nerves in the pit of his stomach that he didn't let show, because he was going to officially become King that night. He was excited and scared to begin ruling over the Autumn fae, especially because it was the beginning of their season, where they all shined their brightest. The windows were thrown open, and he felt entirely comfortable in the weather that the morning brang, feeling the soft cool wind brush over him as he stood in a frozen position, careful not to move because he didn't want to get poked with needles. It was around this time that he was starting to wonder where Roselyn was, as he usually would've seen her around at least once. He wondered if she was getting fitted for the ball tonight as well.

Roselyn rubbed her arm gently, still sore from her last fitting that morning. It didn't make sense though, as to how she managed to get pricked with a pin as her dress didn't even have sleeves, nor did it make sense that her arm still hurt as her fitting was hours ago. She would be lying if she said she wasn't excited for tonight, to put on her beautiful gown and see the look she would get from Rowan when he would see her. She was positive his jaw would drop, and gods, that was always her goal. Well, really, her goal was to have him fall in love with her, but she was positive he had some marriage lined up with some other pretty fae. Rose wasn't sure anymore if she loved the soon to be king, or if it was just the inevitable feelings emerging of a boy and a girl who had been friends for so long. Slipping through the kitchens of the castle, she managed to get an apple before heading up to Rowan's room, wondering if he had his things moved into the king's quarters yet. "Looking for the King, Lady Roselyn?" one of the guards asked as she walked nearer, "He's in the King's Quarters for a fitting," the guard finished. She recognized him as Sir Lucas, one of the guards that used to look after Rowan and her when they were younger and ran off out of the castle, trying to be sneaky. She thanked him before finding the room, knocking, and then entered when she heard approval to do so. "M'lord," she said, a smirk on her lips as she gave him a half-hearted curtsy. Normally, Rose wouldn't bother with such things, but it was just the two of them in the room and it was probably rude of her to not address Rowan as such in the presence of the tailor.

"I don't want to go," Tate repeated, his voice no louder than the past few times he had to repeat himself because his mother hadn't understood what he had said. "Tate," was all she said, and that was that. There was no use arguing. He knew that well. Tate could speak his opinion on the matter, but the Queen got whatever the Queen wanted, and she wanted him to attend the Autumn King's coronation that night. Apparently it would be rude if he didn't, even if his parents were going. He let out a long sigh, pushing a hand back through his hair. He was going to hate his life, mostly because he really didn't like the Autumn fae, nor the Spring. It didn't seem natural for a fae to like both warmth and chill at the same time like they did. Strange faeries, they were. At least he didn't have to waste a new suit, his mother would hate that the most, he was sure of that. "I'm just going for the wine," he said, before excusing himself from the table and heading back to his room. It was still too warm outside for his taste, and would be for a few weeks yet. Autumn held onto as much warmth as they could get from Summer before Winter would slink in slow and easy, snowing before anyone really realised that it had changed seasons.

Rowan had just shrugged off his shirt, as they had finished pinning it up correctly, as Rosyln walked through the doorway and presented him with a curtsy. He grinned wickedly, running his hand through his hair before letting it go back to his side, as he wasn't supposed to be moving much due to the tailor pinning up the sides of his pants. "M'Lady, it's nice to see you this morning. Were you caught up with tailoring things such as I am now?" He asked, his eyes glinting as his eyes raked over her body before reaching her eyes. Secretly, he had had a crush on her at 10 and ever since then, he had continually had feelings for her that never faded, not once. Since he was becoming King, he was expected to acquire a Queen within the first few months of his royalty. His eyes were nonetheless always on Roslyn, and he refused to take any other brides. Rowan had a plan to court her and propose within the month. She was a Spring fae, but if she agreed, it would be safe to shift her season to Autumn since they weren't extremely different, like summer and winter were. He only hoped that she felt for him the way that he did for her, but he was definitely going to try.

Sofia finished her breakfast and attended to several errands that she had to perform, even taking a visit into the town to distribute a few invitations of extended family that didn't reside in the castle. She greeted the townspeople warmly when they smiled at her, and it took up most of her day. Sofia returned in the late afternoon to meet with her parents, the King and Queen of Summer, to assure them that she was attending the ball that night before she went to her room to get ready. Her own personal servant was lounging on a chair waiting on her when she opened the door, and she smiled and rushed over to give her a kiss on the cheek and a hug. "M'Lady! Time to get you all pretty for the ball!" She said, and Sofia giggled as she sat down at the vanity, her servant pulling her hair into an elaborate style and tucking in jewels where they would catch the light.

Roselyn knew she couldn't stay long, he had to have some important things to do and make sure everything is okay before the coronation tonight. That still didn't really make her want to leave, especially with him standing there with his shirt off. It took her a moment to realise he had spoken to her. "Yes, but I don't believe my seamstress is as nice as your tailor; I have the battle wounds from fighting off needles and pins to prove it," she said. Gods, she was so excited and terrified to put on that dress tonight. It wasn't a spring colour, but a rich, burgundy red like the sweet wine of summer or the colour of the leaves during these few weeks before they all fall, made only by the finest of fabrics. It was one of Rowan's colours, with sewn on gems on the bodice and the skirt falling loosely to the floor before pooling at her feet. But Rose was terrified that it really didn't look good on her, that it was the completely wrong colour for her (even if it technically was, but her seamstress had only sighed when she heard she wanted a burgundy dress). Or maybe she would look too much like one of his fae and maybe Rowan didn't like that. "Are you nervous, m'lord?" She wanted so dearly to call him by name, but again, she wasn't one of his fae, and even though she was a noble woman, she doubted that it mattered. She needed to go soon, so she could get ready. Rose was positive her maid's were a mess right now.

Tate's laid himself down on his bed, the sheets cool to his touch. He didn't want to go to the stupid coronation tonight, there was no point. He hated everyone there and he was pretty positive that everyone hated him too. But still, he had to go. "Image" and all that unimportant stuff that he honestly didn't care about. Still, when his servants came to get him ready, he allowed them to do so without much of a fight. They styled his hair and fixed a few stray threads on his suit before he was able to really look himself in the mirror. At least he looked good in a suit. Tate pushed a hand back through his hair to fix it - because still, they didn't know how he liked his hair all sticking up in just the right way to where it looked like a good messy, before he headed downstairs to his mother.

He laughed, his head tilting back to expose his throat, the sound of it deep and rich. "Perhaps a new seamstress is in order, then," Rowan mused, and he smiled softly when she asked him if he was nervous. "I believe a bit of nervousness is in order when you're about to be officially crowded King, m'lady. But at least I'll have you by my side, yes? I'm sure you'll look beautiful in your gown, a sparkling little gem beside me," He continued, and once the tailor said his pants were pinned and ready for final touch ups, he sighed and clapped his hands once. "Alright, m'lady, I have to go run a bath. I assume you have to get ready as well? Id give you a hug farewell, but I am unfortunately all pinned up. I'll see you at the ball, Lady Roslyn," Rowan said, giving her a modified bow by just tilting his head slightly towards her with a smile, his eyes a glittering blue.

Sofia was clothed in an mermaid style glowing golden dress that hugged her every curve, with thin straps and a drooping neckline. She was adorned with golden jewelry as well, and at every catch of the light she shone and sparkled like the sun. She loved it, thought it appropriate for the event while still keeping her own bright, summer flare. Her skin glowed and her hair shone and as she slipped her feet into her heels, she felt excitement bubble up in her tummy. She bid her servant goodbye and went to her parents, accompanying them to the event. They left the room when they were both ready, leaving and gathering with others in the summer halls as they all made their way to the autumn part of the castle, where the ball was located.

"Perhaps," Rose smiled, which only grew hearing him make sure that she would be by his side tonight. "Of course, m'lord, I wouldn't dream of any other place. Enjoy your bath," she gave him a little curtsy before turning on her heel and walking out of the room and to her side of the vast castle. She would always pass through the Winter part of the castle when moving to her Spring. Summer was a bit too warm for her blood. It made her feel like melting like some sort of Ice Queen. Her fae were on good terms with the Winter, they would keep the frost lasting until the last possible moment of Summer reaching in to warm things up. Rose liked that, the frost. The chill that came with the beginnings of Spring welcomed her. Back at the Spring, her maids handled her in her room, having a bath ready before getting her ready. They curled her hair and applied makeup, adorning her skin with pretty silver stones on silver necklaces, bracelets and rings before finally putting her in her dress and heels. Marvelous, they had said she looked, awe-inspiring and she thanked them kindly before going out to meet with her mother, father, and siblings.

After Tate was dressed, he made his way to his mother before they would head over to the ballroom, a commonplace among the seasons. Thankfully they weren't extremely early - it was awkward to be one of the first fae at balls and coronations. Awkwardly, he held the wrapped present in his hands, having the duty of carrying it around before placing it on the table with the rest. It was the Winter blessing Autumn for a nice long rule. Inside the cool packaging was a small branch of the paperbark maple tree they had in their icy gardens. It was a symbol to them, and one that would be a symbol of peace to King Rowan, at least for now. Winter was sneaky, and always got around every little rule that was put in front of them. For now, though, it was going to be a nice night. Everyone would be on their best behaviour.

Rowan slipped out of his pinned pants, sliding into a crimson colored silk robe as he walked to the bathroom, his tub already filled with scalding hot water and golden tinged bubbles floating on the surface. Once all of his servants left the chambers, he slid off his robe and stepped into the bath. Enveloping himself in the water, he tried to let all of his nerves melt away. He had prepared to become King his whole life, since he was the eldest of his siblings. Secretly, he had anxiously awaited this day for years, but it seemed incredible to him that it was already here. Rowan still couldn't shake the butterflies and the familiar ache that always accompanied his feelings that he had for Roslyn. He intended to keep her by his side all night, not exactly putting them in a position of a relationship yet, but perhaps the beginnings of one. He wanted everyone to know that he had his eyes on someone, and although she was a Spring, he could care less. He wanted Roslyn, regardless of her season. Just thinking about her made him smile so wide, she gave him the same satisfaction as seeing the leaves change colors in the trees. Rowan wondered what sort of dress that she was going to wear that night, and he knew that whatever she wore she would always look stunning. He hurried up his bath, eager then to get to the event so that he could see her, and finally become King. Once he was out of the bath, his clothes were tailored and ready, and he thanked everyone for their help while he slipped into them. They fit perfectly and comfortably, woven with the finest silk and golden threads, colored a warm auburn color that made his eyes stand out. A coronation crown was settled on his head, and a spicy, musky smelling perfume was dabbed at his throat and wrists. Once all the preparations were finished, he took a deep breath before exiting the room and going to find his father. They entered the ballroom once mostly everyone was there, all talking and eating and gathered in clusters along the ballroom floor. The guards announced their arrival loudly, and when he stepped into the room, he felt all eyes turn to him and look before an eruption of applause. He have everyone a bow before they continued their journey inside, and Rowan went through all of the motions of greeting all of the guests warmly. In the back of his mind, he was always searching for Roslyn, desperate to be near her.

Sofia had been socializing with her friends in Summer, giggling over boys and nibbling on pastries. She had departed from her parents a couple of minutes after arriving at the party, not wanting to get swept up in all of the formalities. Although she was a Summer princess, she didn't always have to introduce herself to everyone. Just the important people, which her parents made sure of. When the music started up, she was dragged by her two friends to the dance floor, getting twirled around to the joyful sounds of flutes and drums, and she spun herself around and let her body move accordingly to the music. She had always been complimented as a lovely dancer, but then again, most Summers had the gift of dance. Something about the sweet heat and the flexibility of the energetic fae just helped contribute to the gentle but beautiful way their bodies moved when music played. She could feel the eyes on her and her friends but she didn't mind it, in fact, she enjoyed the attention. On another spin, her eyes caught on the entrance of the Winter Prince. She had only heard of him, never seen him, since he never really left his wing or came to parties, but she felt herself falter in her dance when she saw him. Though the very look of him made you feel a shiver run down your spine, she knew it wasn't just because he was a Winter fae, a Prince at that, with more power. It was because he was beautiful, the most handsome fae that Sofia had ever seen in her life. A winter, nonetheless. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes traveled along his body, before she realized what she was doing and threw herself into a graceful spin, playing the few seconds of her entrancement off. Her friends grabbed her hands and they whirled around each other, breathless, and she tried to shake the swirling feelings in her head, and her stomach.

At the coronation, Roselyn found a waiter serving the wine the Summer fae had given for the celebration, and held the glass in her fingers. She chatted with fellow Spring fae who complimented her on her dress, saying that she didn't look like they did, and that terrified her. What if Rowan wouldn't be able to find her because of the stupid dress? What if he didn't like it, or her in it? Rose could feel her heard pounding in her chest and just drank the wine faster, grabbing another glass when it was empty. What seemed like an eternity later, Rowan's presence was announced and she turned to watch him walk in and down the stairs. She waited for him to get through enough greetings before making her way over to the soon to be king. Ducking her head, she gave him a curtsy, "My king," she said, voice just loud enough. Slowly, she tilted her head up to look at him, fighting back any fear to run off. She promised him she would be at his side tonight, and gods, she meant it when she said there would be no other place she would want to be. She brought her glass to her lips once again for a drink, needing the alcohol in her to have some form of courage in this dress.

Tate could feel the eyes on him, everyone looking his way as it wasn't usual for the prince to be out of Winter's Quarters much at all. Still, he was required to be at such frivolous events. He scanned the ballroom, seeing only one person that even semi-interested him: a pretty little Summer fae, dark hair and moving in ways he didn't think quite possible in a tight golden dress. Well, Summer was blessed with wonderful dancing. Picking up a flute of champagne, Tate made his way over to the dancing fae, a smirk on his lips. He hadn't realised until he was there upon her that she was the princess. "May I steal you away, Princess?" he asked, voice rich and smooth. It wasn't much of a question, he was used to getting his way.

Rowan had passed up on the alcohol, he was waiting to get tipsy until after he had been crowned King. Once he had gotten through a good amount of people, he glanced over and it took him a second to recognize that it was Roslyn walking up to him. He was sure his mouth hanged open for a second before he closed it, absolutely taken aback at how stunning she was. When she raised her head to look at him, it took everything in his power to not grab her and kiss her silly right then. "M'Lady," He cooed, reaching out a hand to place it on her wrist, bringing it up to his lips so that he could kiss her hand. "Roslyn, you are unbelievably gorgeous in that dress. You're wearing my colors, oh you beautiful gem of a girl! Please, stay on my arm all night, I'd be so proud to have you by my side anytime, but especially with you in that." He said, realizing he was rambling a bit, but he didn't even care. He just had to let her know how good she looked and how happy it made him to see her in his colors, the ones of his family and the one that was his favorite. His eyes kept taking over her body, more and more impressed by the minute. Rosyln had always been beautiful to him, but seeing her looking so much like she belonged in Autumn just completely shocked him, and made him want her even more.

When she heard a voice behind her, she twirled around with a smile, her friends twirling around each other nearby when she stopped dancing with them. She raised an eyebrow at the sight of the Winter Prince that had made her falter, and he was impossively more attractive up close. Smoothing her hands over the curves of her dress and taking a breath, her lips shifted into a smirk. "Steal me away? Well, I suppose so, my Prince," Sofia replied, offering the Prince her arm to take.

Roselyn felt like she was glowing, cheeks a pretty red, though she wasn't sure if it was because of his reaction to her dress or if it was the wine. "Of course, my king, it would be my honour to be by your side tonight," she replied, before tacking on in a whisper, "I think I've had a little too much wine to be wandering around on my own anyway." She couldn't afford to embarrass her parents tonight, not that she did so often - it was just a very important night. Already, her feet were slightly aching from her high heels. She wasn't that small, a modest five foot six and a half, but the extra few inches of her shoes made her that much closer to Rowan's towering build. "So you like my dress, my king?" Rose wouldn't stop calling him that until the night was over. At the coronation, she had to be proper and call people by titles, but after this all she really had to do was first address them by their titles and then if they were close enough after that she could call them by their names alone. Thinking about it, she wasn't that close to anyone else on the court besides Rowan. She knew her mother would eventually fix that when trying to find her a proper suitor and marrying her off.

Tate's couldn't help his eyes wander over her frame for another moment. He was very impressed for a Summer girl. "Ladies," he said with a smirk of his lips to her friends she had been previously dancing around with as he took the princess's arm and lead her away. "Princess Sofia, correct?" he asked, making sure even though he was versed with who was on the royal court of every season. He didn't often talk to those outside of Winter, and sometimes those in Autumn. "You look quite exquisite tonight."

He smiled wide at the sight of her rosy cheeks, the wine in her system making her almost glow. "I love your dress, M'lady," He told her, offering her his arm and then once she had taken it, leading her around with him as he met people. At a point where he couldn't take it any longer, he led her outside on the balcony to get a breath of fresh air. It was getting closer to his coronation, and he was beginning to feel nerves bubble up in his stomach. Rowan leaned over the railing, looking out among the clusters of buildings and homes of the kingdom, sighing deeply. "I'm ready for the coronation to be over so I can be drunk," He said with a laugh, looking over at her, his eyes lingering on her features illuminated with the moonlight.

She hummed, nodding her head when he got her name right. She tried to think of his name, going through all of the Winters in her head and trying to think. For some reason, it was leaving her, and she felt incredibly embarrassed. Sofia hadn't been this close to a winter in awhile, and she could feel the coolness radiating even through his suit, as he was pressed close to her side. She held back a shiver, looking over to him when he complimented her appearance. Grinning, she nodded her head towards him, "I could say the same for you, my Prince," She returned, her eyes glittering as she met his.

Roselyn walked around with him, greeting everyone with a polite smile until they made it out to the balcony. She rested her forearms on the railing, resting. "It'll be over soon and you'll be king and before you know it you'll be very drunk and having a wonderful time and possibly embarrass yourself," she said, laughing just at the thought of him doing just that. It was a slim chance, though, he knew how to compose himself, probably better than she did. "You'll be fine, Rowan, really. I will stay by you until the ceremony begins and then return to you right after and we will drink loads of wine and find some of the really good liquors and run off and have fun on our own." She wasn't sure if he would be able to run off anymore after the ceremony, or even if he would be able to drink with her afterwards with the possibility of being dragged off immediately after being crowned king to go do kingly things. Rose was sobering up slowly, and the thought of him not being able to be with her as much now that he would be king was frightening. She didn't want to be alone.

Tate didn't think anything of being so close to a Summer until he could really feel the heat of her skin, making him a little uncomfortable, like a melting snowman. Still, he wouldn't move away, refusing to be seen as weak by such a gesture. "Please, princess, call me Tate," he said, offering her his name. He wasn't sure if she refused to say it just to keep titles, or if it was because she had forgotten his name. The latter seemed impossible as he was the heir to the Winter throne and his name seemed to be on everyone's tongue because of whatever mischief he managed to get himself into.

He laughed at her prediction, nodding as he agreed with her. "I do want to get very drunk, and do silly things with you because I am. And I want to run off and do our own thing. It's like our tradition," Rowan said, looking over at her, and he frowned at the face that she had, almost like she was sad. "Roslyn, love, what's wrong?" He asked, and he turned his body towards hers, his arm resting on the balcony and his other hand reaching out to rest on her arm. Rowan realized how close he was to her then, being able to see deeply into her eyes, the little flecks that were there. He was jolted out of it by the sound of a guard calling out to them. "Prince Rowan, it is time for your coronation. Please, make haste, everyone is ready for you," The guard said, and Rowan called out his affirmence. "I'll be there shortly!" He said, and he looked back to Roslyn, giving her a gentle smile. "C'mon my Princess, you ready to see them make a King out of me?" Rowan said with a little laugh, taking her arm and leading her back into the ballroom, and he was soon swept away. He blew a kiss to Roslyn as he was led up to the stage they had set up, grinning. It wasn't long before he was there, and his father made a speech before he was blessed and then, the crown was placed on his head. The crowd erupted into cheers, and Rowan was smiling so broadly, he was so happy. No longer nervous, he was excited to finally be King, and he hugged his Father and Mother with the tears in their eyes. Giving the crowd a bow, he gave a short promising speech before announcing that the real party was to begin now. He then left the stage, looking around for Roslyn, eager to be with her again, and to get drunk, though he was being stopped with many congratulatories from all of the different seasons.

Her eyes widened at the mention of his name, and she can't believe she didn't recognize him. He was the heir to the Winter throne! She shook off the embarrassment quickly, though, not wanting to give herself away. "So, Tate, where are you taking me? Hopefully something involving your clever antics?" Sofia asked him, suddenly becoming interested in the fact that he had chosen her, out of all the girls at the party, to approach her. She raised an eyebrow at him, very intrigued by how this meeting could go. In the back of her mind, she hoped that something could come out of this tonight. She had mingled in different seasons before, and even if it got a little bit too cold for her liking, everything else was worth it. Sofia got tired of Summer boys all of the time.

Rowan had always had her figured out, even if she didn't know what was going on with her. Before she was even able to tell him that nothing was wrong a guard came to retrieve him. "Of course, my king," she smiled, allowing him to lead her back into the ballroom before himself walking up to the stage and blowing her a kiss, which she had to make a big deal out of catching and keeping close to her fast beating heart. Roselyn picked up another glass of wine and drank, watching Rowan throughout the ceremony. He would make a wonderful king, a fair ruling king that any fae would be proud to have. SHe kept drinking flute after flute, feeling too sober for the occasion now as she waited for the ceremony to cease and allow her best friend to go out and have fun once again. Still, the fear of him unable to do so anymore worried her.

Tate smirked at her mentioning his tricks. "Embarrassingly enough, I haven't really prepared anything to do tonight. I just thought of stealing away a pretty little fae and just having fun," he answered her, glancing to the summer princess. "Unless, that is, you have something you have been dying to do, princess?" he asked, a gleam in his eyes and smirk growing. She would be a good one if she had any ideas of a trick or any bit of trouble they could get into. Summer fae were mostly well behaved, but he wouldn't be at all surprised if she had a trouble streak of her own. The royal's had a knack for brewing troublesome children.

Rowan found Roslyn soon enough, sitting at the Spring table and drinking from a wine glass. He slid in next to her with one himself, filled up high with his favorite apple cider, taking a good long drink before speaking. "You look even more beautiful every time I see you, love," He commented, leaning back in his chair and sighing as his eyes met hers. "After this, we have to sneak off and go do something fun. I might just whisk you away now," Rowan said with a smirk, before downing more of his drink. He was going to need quite a bit more alcohol before getting properly drunk, but he was on his way to getting pleasantly buzzed.

She shrugged her shoulders at his proposition, though she felt something stir at the sight of his smirk and the gleam in his eyes when he talked about tricks. "I would've been happy having just a bit of fun, but we can fool around." Sofia hummed a bit, thinking, before pulling him towards the balcony, and once they were there, she leaned back against it. Her elbows rested on the railing behind her, and she had his hip out to one side. It accentuated her curves and showed off her body, and she gave Tate a raised eyebrow and a smirk. "What do you think, my Prince? Anything come to mind that you wanna do?" She teased, licking her lips.

Roselyn had been pleasantly chatting with other fae when Rowan sat himself down beside her, shooting her another compliment that made butterflies swarm into her stomach like a lovesick puppy. She couldn't help herself, unable to feel anything but adoration for the boy. "Shall we just take a bottle or two of the lovely summer wine and head off?" she asked him, surprisingly forming words and sentences with her mouth. She didn't think it would happen with all the wine she's ingested, Rose figured it would just be all smiles and hums of words to Rowan. She was proud of herself, she could do coy, and string together some words that sounded a little bit like a tease. The usual Roselyn.

Tate's smirk grew, "Fool around, eh?" he asked, letting her pull him out onto the balcony. They were the only ones out there, everyone else inside probably congratulating the new Autumn King. "Not too bad out, yeah, we could fool around out here," he looked to her then, just then realising that she had asked him what he wanted to do. He kept himself from saying something like 'you'. "Do you, uh, know where the stars are? Like names of constellations and where they are?" he blurted out.

He finished his drink by the time she had finished her sentence, and he hummed at her proposition. "I think that sounds like a lovely idea, Roslyn," Leaving his glass on the table, he got up out the chair, a bit wobbly on his feet, before balancing and offering her his hand. "We're going to have to be sneaky, but I'm sure we can do it," Rowan said, and once he had her hand in his, he laced their fingers together and led her to the bar. "Could I have two bottles of the Summer wine, please? Oh, and perhaps a bottle of Autumn's cider?" He asked one of the bartenders, who quickly complied and gave him what he asked for. Rowan have a bottle to Roslyn to carry and he took the other two, moving away from the bar and keeping his head down as he followed the wall and slipped out into the corridor. He checked to make sure Roslyn was behind him, huffing out a quiet laugh as he led her outside he castle and into the gardens. He grinned back at her once they were out there, the air feeling brilliant on his skin. "M'sure there's a blanket out here somewhere from the last time we were here," Rowan mumbled, looking around the trees to see if they had hidden one like he thought he remembered. He always loved coming down to this spot with her, because it was so entangled with trees and bushes and flowers that no one could ever find them there. It felt like a secret little hollow that they could reside for hours without worrying anyone would see or hear them, which was sometimes, the very best thing. Rowan enjoyed being with Roslyn because he could truly be himself around her, and never had to be worried that he was being watched. Being alone with her was his favorite thing in the world.

She giggled a bit at his words, sounding as if he had blurted something straight from his head. "M'not too well versed on constellations, no. But the stars are very pretty tonight," Sofia answered, stepping away from the railing and towards him. She offered him her hands, giving him a nod. "How about a dance, then?" She tried, and she knew that the music was fainter outside, but it was still there, thrumming in the background. Sofia wondered if she made him nervous, and if she wasn't being clear enough with her intentions. Her eyes glittered nonetheless, she was eager to get to know this mysterious boy.

Roselyn nodded her head, able to be sneaky, or thinking that she could. She stood, taking his hand and making her wobbly way to the bar, taking the bottle of whatever he had handed to her. She followed him outside, a giggly mess, kicking off her shoes as soon as they made it far enough away. At least she wouldn't be as wobbly now. "There's got to be one," she agreed, occupying herself with trying to open up the bottle of cider she was carrying, but that wasn't working out too well causing Rose to pout. They were able to find the blanket still laid out from before, only straightening out the corners a little before sitting themselves down. "Would you be a doll?" she asked him, holding the bottle out to him. She didn't care what they drank, needing only some kind of alcohol. Being alone with him made her nervous anymore. They weren't children. He was a king. What if she messed something up? What if she said something to make him hate her?

Tate took a moment to compose himself, only then, she was taking his hand and asking him to dance. "Yes, of course," he answered, placing his hands where they needed to be, humming along lightly with the faint music to help keep pace. He knew he could get a bit quick with the steps if he wasn't careful. Another moment or so passed before he spoke back up, "You know, I could point them out to you some time. They aren't that hard to find." The stars were his passion. He loved them and everything to do with them, even having a magnificent telescope in his room for late nights he couldn't sleep, or the nights where he didn't want to sleep.

Rowan straightened out the blanket, and when he looked up to see Roslyn pouting, he grinned and took the bottle. He opened it swiftly, and took a good sip before handing it back. He shrugged off his fancy coat and unbuttoned his shirt halfway down, feeling more free, and kicked off his boots before relaxing down onto the blanket. Rowan captured the other bottle of wine and opened it, taking a swig and laying back on his elbow, his body facing Roslyn's. "I'm glad we left the party. I always like being alone with you, Rose," He murmured, following his words with more wine, his blood starting to feel syrupy in his veins, his voice like warm silk on his throat. His eyes were staring at her lips, how pink and full they were, and how much he ached wanting to kiss her right now. He must've been so obvious, but he didn't even care anymore. The desire for her was becoming overwhelming.

She smiled as Tate hummed, and when he mentioned the stars again, she raised an eyebrow. Sofia danced for a few more seconds before spinning around, stopping their movements as she turned her head up to the sky. She leaned back against him lightly, their hands still entwined from their dance and resting on her hip. "Point them out to me now. They're so clear and beautiful tonight, aren't they?" Sofia said, blinking her eyes up to the night sky, feeling the chill roll off Tate in waves, sinking into her hot summer body and making her shiver. It wasn't uncomfortable, a delicious sensation that she didn't experience often.