Conflicting Castles (Closed)

@ BearGirl
Camilla sighed as his mother left. She slumped back into the chair and huffed. "What a mess I made." she said then frowned and turned to Nicholas smiling softly. "Thank you." Camilla stood walking over to him. "I really appreciate you." she said softly. Camilla came around and started to rub his shoulders. Now that they where alone she was able to. It was nice to have the contact. Her hands worked over his tight muscles. She really would need to get into their more often once they where married just to help him relax more often.

---

Felix turned hearing her voice seeing what he had heard in her voice and frowned watching her eyes move over everything again. He got off the chair and moved over to her taking her hand gently. "Charlotte I can't say exactly what happened but what I do know is that it seemed everything is still here. Which means they did not find what they where looking for." And though he didn't say it he knew that it meant she would be back. "I will get you a list of everything that was sent out for repairs and what will be replaced just so you can make sure." he said and pulled her in gently to him. Felix cupped her cheek. "Whatever it was will not be felt with easily but it will be. In the mean time you will be staying closer to me in the guest quarters in the hall by my room. It will be safer until your room can be fixed. We will increase your guards and your surface time with the people. He believed that the more the people loved you the more likely you would be to survive as a royal.

@ Jinx...
"I appreciate you too," Nicholas whispered back to her as he watched Camilla walk around to him and move behind him. He watched her, curious as to what she was doing. Though as Camilla's hand pressed down into his muscles, the prince quickly gave way to her work. His whole body slowly relaxed, his muscles un-tensing as Camilla pressed into him. It was nice, the contact, how she worked into him, though most of all, knowing that he was being cared for by her. For a while, Nicholas just enjoyed it, though once he felt thoroughly relaxed, Nicholas gently pressed a hand over one of hers. "Thank you for that," He murmured before gently tugging on her hand, wanting Camilla to move to him. "Come here,"

---

Charlotte gently gripped onto Felix's sides as he cupped her face. Uncertainty was rising in her as he spoke, as she continued to look around the room. There were so many reasons why this could have happened... but it was anxiety-inducing to not know specifically why and who. And if nothing was gone, did they not find what they were looking for? Or was this meant to scare her? Once he finished speaking, Charlotte dropped her head onto his chest, burying her face into his body. What she knew was that she needed Felix right now, needed him to hold her and protect her. She needed him to make her feel safe until she was able to bring herself back down to earth. "Felix... can we go? Please"

@ BearGirl
Camilla smiled as he took her hand and pulled her around to him gently. She slipped into his lap blushing looking up at him. "I am really glad we have a moment alone." she said. She knew they needed to talk about how to help the people but she really just wanted a moment with her fiancée. Camilla smiled at him lacing her fingers with his as she leaned into him closing her eyes. "I don't know what I would have done through all of this without you. When you where angry with me I felt so terrible." she said honestly closing her eyes. Camilla was amazed with how much she was falling for him, she knew as the years went on her love for him would only grow.

---

Felix nodded glad he came first. "Yes we can leave now." he said and took her out of the room towards her new room until hers was returned to its proper state. "I am sorry this has happened Charlotte." he said knowing her wellbeing was also his responsibility and this disturbed and upset him. He had a feeling what was going on here and he was hoping with all his might it wasn't but he would speak with his father in case that was the case that he was prepared for the outcome that would come of it. Felix sighed softly and walked inside the room with him. He sat with her in a large chair and soothed her back gently.

@ Jinx...

"I am glad that we are getting a moment alone today as well." Nicholas murmured to her. One arm wrapped around her waist, supporting her. His other hand was laced into Camilla's. He gave her a gentle squeeze as he ran his thumb along the back of her head. It was nice, finally things beginning to calm down, being able to just have her to himself. He pressed a kiss against her forehead softly, letting out a small hum before leaning back into the chair and letting out a sigh. "This is all I really wanted to do today." He whispered as he closed his eyes. This was all he wanted to do, but soon enough, Nicholas was going to have to go back to work.

---

Once they were settled in the new room, Charlotte wrapped her arms around Felix and buried her face into his body. For a while, she was just quiet, trying pull herself back together. She knew she couldn't remain like this, that she had to go back to herself by tomorrow for the meeting with the nobles. Charlotte knew she couldn't allow things like this to rattle her, but yet it did. And as much as she tried to stop it, her mind was still buzzing with all of the possibilities. After some time had passed, Charlotte slowly pulled her head away from his chest and looked up at Felix. "You shouldn't tell the nobles what happened." She whispered.

@ BearGirl
Camilla smiled as she ran her hands up his chest circling his neck with her arms and leaning into him. She pressed little kisses against his jaw. There was something special about a moment like this when there was a perfect break for both of them that allowed them a moment before the busy began again. She smiled and pressed her head to his chest hearing his heart beat against her cheek the steady thumbing soothing her. Camilla looked up at him after a while and cupped his cheek brining his lips to her own. Just one kiss as breathtaking as the day of the tournament was all she desired. Camilla sighed as their lips met and she let her lips move to his her hand running into his hair as her body came to life with sensations and pleasure.

---

Felix stood there letting her hold onto him as much as she needed to. It was a while until she relaxed. He smiled and looked down at her his smile dropping as she spoke of the nobles. He sighed and nodded. "I get the thought for it but tell me why you do not want them to know.. Do you suspect someone?" he asked rather her to be honest than to try to be politically correct to him. It mattered to him to have the truth over all else. Felix rubbed her back gently. He hadn't thought about telling the nobles but it was something to consider.

@ Jinx...

Nicholas wrapped an arm around her waist, holding her close to him as Camilla pressed her lips to his. He let out a pleasant little groan against her, pulling out for a moment to smile before moving his lips back to hers. His fingers slowly ran up and down her back. After a few moments, Nicholas pulled out and pressed another kiss against her forehead before looking down at Camilla with gentle eyes. A hand moved up and gently ran through her hair. "Camilla, I do need to go back to work now... Do you think you'll be okay alone for a little bit?"

---

"I don't know who it is but I think it would be wise to keep this in the family until we know who." Charlotte said as she looked up at him gently. "I think it would be best to investigate this discreetly at first... Besides I also do not think that it would be wise to allow the nobles and the people to know that someone was able to get into the castle and destroy my room without being seen." She looked up at Felix gently. "Though... also... I don't want the nobles to prey on me because of this situation. Think that they can take advantage of me because I have been thrown off." Her grip on Felix lightened up as she looked at him with soft eyes.

@ BearGirl
Camilla smiled feeling dizzy and glorious when Nicholas mentioned going back to work. she chuckled softly. "Yes of course I don't mind." she slipped off his lap. "If only your people knew how hard working and dedicated you are like I have seen in so short a time." she said and kissed his cheek softly. "Don't work too hard. Will I see you for dinner?" she asked.

Once they had finished taking she walked out shutting the door behind her when one of the guard came up to her. "Princess Camilla the King is requesting your presence." he said and she smiled softly. "Very well." Camilla said and walked down the hall with the guard through the corridors until they stopped at the Kings bedchambers. Camilla knocked and was let in. She approached the King and curtsies out of respect. He smiled softly and motioned her forward. She sat in the indicated chair. "My King thank you for your time. I was hoping to meet with you." she said softly smiling gently concern in her eyes. He was not looking well and it broke her heart for Nicholas and the Queen.

---

Felix listened to her reasoning and by the end agreed. He nodded and kissed her head. "Very well. I will allow you to control what we tell the nobles of this situation. I will be investigating just as ferociously as I would an attack on the kingdom mind you." he said and cupped her cheek. He loved her and wanted her to know she was apart of his kingdom. He wanted whoever had done this to know that when they attack his future queen they attack him and he will come at them with full force. He had to consider what to do if this was someone close to him though because at this point it seemed completely unlikely that it was an outside force.

@ Jinx...

The King was still in his bed as he did not have the energy to get out of it. Though he was pushed up slightly, sitting up as much as he was able to, which admittedly was not very much. His body looked quite ill and not in good shape. It was clear that he really was moments away from death. However, his eyes were clear and very much still filled with life. There were still things that he needed to do, and damn it The King was going to get them done before he died.

"Camilla, I am glad that you had time to come." He said warmly. The King was very aware of Camilla's situation, and had been worried that things were going to go south. Unfortunately, with his current state, his Queen had ensured that he kept his hands out of it. Luckily, it seemed that Camilla had made it out just fine. "I wanted to speak with you for a while, do you have any pressing matters to attend to?" Even though he was king, and her father in law, The King was not going to demand her time - at least not yet.

---

Charlotte relaxed her head against the palm of his hand, closing her eyes for a moment. Felix had such a calming presence about him. Slowly, Charlotte leaned back into him, pressing a light kiss against his cheek before laying her head back against his shoulder. "Thank you, Felix." Charlotte whispered to him before taking another deep breath. Now she was beginning to feel a bit better, no longer having the fear on the forefront on her mind. Though it was still swimming around there as she tried to think of who would do this and how they were going to catch them. "Lets just relax for now then?"

@ BearGirl
Camilla sat with the king. She knew his time was not far and even if she did have pressing matters she would put them aside for this moment with the king. She really did not have much time with him since she arrived and she wanted to gain as much wisdom from him about his country and ruling as she could because in his care his country had thrived and that was all she wanted for them. "I have nothing that can not wait for you sire." She said and smiled softly at him. "I am glad you called for me. I really was wanting to see how you are." she said softly with compassion. She was eager to listen to what he had to say but knew that the more they talked the less energy he had.

---

Felix nodded. "It is time to relax until you can sleep." He smiled and picked up Jace and placed him into her arms. The puppy kissed her face and he chuckled loving that Jace loved Charlotte so much. He went to a chair and sat down with a yawn. In the morning he would bring this to his parents and get their opinions on how to proceed but he was no fool. He had a feeling what was happening but no proof yet and he would need it. Felix ran his hand through his hair and looked up at her. "Tell me about Aldannia." he said knowing it was something he needed to know and something she would enjoy talking about.

@ Jinx...

The man gave Camilla a nod and a small smile at her words.Despite many of the things he had heard over the last month or so, The King still believed the princess to be a good woman with a kind heart. It seemed that was the case. "I wanted to speak to you, ask you how things were going." The King said, looking over at her with soft eyes before he continued. "I want to know how you feel about running the kingdom, and to answer any questions that you have. It is...unfortunate that you will have to take this position soon. We thought you would have more time, but please, Camilla, let me know if there is anything I can do to aid you."

---

Once Felix moved into a different seat, Charlotte allowed herself to lounge in the chair with Jace. She held the puppy close to her, a little smile as she felt his gentle kisses, until he too started to relax on her chest. Charlotte closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Felix was right, she needed to relax and head to bed, eventually. Laying her head back against the cushions, Charlotte gave a little nod and started to speak. "Aldannia is wonderful." She whispered. "And so beautiful. The land is covered in forests and mountains. Unlike here, we do not have a lot of fields, but half of my edge of my land meets the sea. A lot of our villages and towns are next to the ocean or the mountain forest region. But everywhere has a beautiful sight to see..." Charlotte let out a small hum, the fields were beautiful her, especially the ones that were filled to the brim with flowers, but she did miss the feeling of the Ocean and almost monstrous mountains. "Our capital is besides the ocean, but the castle is up in the mountain for additional protection. Though the capital is rather safe with the mountains shielding it on one side. And most of our food is fish and hunt base, we do not farm as much as you do. Any fields we have, most likely used to be a wooded area." Charlotte smiled softly. "It would be covered in snow now though, our winters are so much worse than yours but, to be honest, I love the snow."

@ BearGirl
Camilla smiled at the king. He was a kind man and a smart one to she could tell. "I really wanted to meet with you so I am glad you sent for me. I wish I had more time to learn from you. I am grateful to the Queen but there are some things only you know." she said and bit her lip. "I want to be the kind of queen your kingdom needs. I fear my lack of training and experience will cause many mistake to be made and I hope through learning what others have done I might avoid making some of those mistakes." she looked worried and smiled at him. "And yet I am so excited because I know Nicholas believes in me and the passion I have for your country." she said her eyes glistening with her emotions but she stood tall smiling sweetly. "So I guess any questions I have are ones that you would teach a young royal when they are in line to take the thrown. I want to know how to inspire the people. I want to know how to be strong even when asking for help. I want to know how to work with the nobles and not play the game for the better of the people." She placed her hands in her lap. "I just want to be what everyone believes I can be." she admitted.

---

Felix smiled as he listened to her. Yes his lands were more inland but part of the outer edge of his kingdom let out to the ocean as well. He smiled softly as she spoke of her kingdom with pride and love. He was excited to go and see it as well. There was something in the way she spoke of it that made him believe he would find beauty in the lands as much as she did. He chuckled as she spoke of snow. They didn't have a hard winter for more than a couple months here. He couldn't imagine what it would be like to not be able to be out on the land because of the weather. He wanted to see what her people did during the winters to survive then. He wanted to know her country as much as he knew his own and they would get a chance. Felix was looking forward to it in a way he could not express. He reached out and took her hand gently his thumb rubbing over the back of her hand. He looked over at her. "I am excited for you to see all of my land as well. I think you will like the coastal region, it might help remind you of home and give you some comfort." he said softly.

@ Jinx...
The King looked up at Camilla with gentle eyes as she spoke. It was clear to him that she had every intention to do right by the kingdom. The unfortunate thing was it was not an easy task and even those with knowledge and experience could ruin it all. The man cleared his throat a bit once she was done. "Mistakes will occur, no matter what you do dear. Some of them will be from our own hands and others from someone else..." The man let out a cough before continuing. "I believe the first thing I taught Nicholas was - well, the importance of listening to others. And then the second thing I told him was how to listen to your gut and fuck other's advice. Dear, the hardest thing you will do is trying to figure out when you should listen to advisors and when you need to listen to your gut. Everyone has an agenda but there will be genuine people who want to help and do the best for the country. But there will also be people who are just interested in themselves. Some nobles you will find will need to be played. Most of them you can work with, in one way or another."

---

As Felix took her hand, Charlotte gently squeezed it before wrapping her fingers with his. She did feel a lot better now, felt a bit more relaxed. Though there was still a stirring sense of unease in her. There was so much about the attack that Charlotte wanted to know about and - if she was honest - she didn't feel completely safe anymore. "I look forward to it." Charlotte murmured, giving him a light smile. It would be soon enough that they would have to tour both their countries. And it would certainly be nice to get away from all the work. "I hope we can visit both countries soon. I am excited to see more and meet your people." 

@ BearGirl
Camilla listened as the king spoke slowly the weight of his diagnosis obviously making it hard for him. It pained her to know just how bad the king was but she was glad getting to know him and take his advice now. She smiled as he told her in essence to trust herself. It was the kind of advice she wasn't expecting especially after screwing up so badly and hurting his country. "Thank you Your Grace." she said softly. "It truly mean so much to me that you take the time to teach me your wisdom." she was glad to have Nicholas there for her as well. His advise would be invaluable and she knew there were somethings she would need to stand alone upon but she knew that he would be there for her if ever she needed to talk. "If I might ask another question. Your wife is truly in love with you I can tell. I want to know how you made a loving relationship under all of this political strain?" she asked.

---

Felix grinned. He really did want to just go with her now to tour their countries but they had a time line for that and their marriage, it was excepted, but he was considering after this attack looking into a weekend trip near the coast to give her some time to relax and more time to connect. He would bring it to his father a long with some of the other things that should happen to continue to build Charlotte's presence in the court. "I hope that as well." he said relaxing with her. He needed to go soon but he did not want to leave her until she was ready. Felix pressed his lips to her hand holding it supportively.

@ Jinx...

A chuckle came from the King at Camilla's question. "It is not always easy." He told her honestly. "There have been things that my dear wife and I have not agreed on. It is hard not to let it all not affect you and your relationships. And it probably will. Though there is one thing that has kept us united through everything, and that is our desire for what is best for the country. Even when we disagree, it is because, in the end we want the same thing... I have also found that spending time with her, even when she is angry with me over a decision, tends to be what is best. Gifts do not hurt as well." He let out another laugh. "Just continue to take care of each other and everything else will follow suit."

---

Charlotte smiled at Felix, looking at him affectionally. Gently, she held Jace closer to her chest before leaning up and pressing a kiss against Felix's lips. Her face did turn a light pink as she did so. It was odd to Charlotte how natural it was beginning to feel, just being close to Felix. She enjoyed it and Charlotte really liked him. After a long moment, Charlotte pulled away, looking up at him. "Thank you for staying with me but you should probably be heading to sleep now."

@ BearGirl
[Sorry I have been having a block and I am working on clearing it still.]
Camilla nodded. It was all she though it to be and it would be work to maintain their relationship but she was glade everything was out in the open now. She and Nicholas could be completely honest and open to one another and that was going to be what would bring them closer through everything is their ability to be honest with teacher even if it has to be saved for behind closed doors. It was true thy both wanted what was best for the country and she hoped that the people would see that in her soon enough. Camilla was glad to have this time with he king and she knew he was supporting her to believe in herself and her abilities to be queen. He had not yet said a single thing she had known she would need to come to do. "Thank you your Majesty." she said and looked down. "Is there anything else that you can impart your wisdom onto me?" she asked him knowing his time was not only short with her because he would need his rest but was also short on this earth. She was hoping that she was wrong and he would make a full recovery but she knew better deep down.

---

Felix nodded and stood. "Very well and you should as well. I do not want to leave you without knowing you will try to get some rest and feel safe enough to do so with my guard and myself just down he hall and outside your door." he said and cupped her cheek looking her over before placing a gentle and tender kiss to her lips.

Felix stepped back knowing it was time but he could see it in her that she wasn't through yet with all of this. He ultimately was worried about her safety. It was important that his future queen feel safe in their home and he knew right now she did not feel that way. I became his job to make sure that she did. Felix finally let her hand do willing to let her usher him out the door for he seemed to no want to go another way. When he stood in the door he looked her over and took her hand. "You will tell me if anything happens right? I need to know my future queen is safe and confident in my ability to take care of her before I leave for the night." he said his voice pleading hoping that everything can go back to normal, well as normal as it got around here.

@ Jinx...
(I understand! )

"Yes, there is one more thing before you go." The King said softly as he laid his head back down on the pillow. His eyes were starting to glaze over as exhaustion set in again. The mere conversation was taking a lot out of the man. It was clear just how much this illness had taken a toll on the man. And a miracle had to happen for the physicians to be wrong about how much longer he had to live. Though, despite it all, there was still a warm smile on his face as he looked to his soon to be daughter in law. The man felt lucky in his choice for a future Queen and match for his son. 

"There is a book of fables down in the library. It holds the myths and legends of our culture. And there are some children's fairytales in there as well. I think you will find it interesting, as well as a good insight into our culture and our people." The King said before he let out a large breath of air. He needed to rest. 

---

Charlotte laid Jace on the floor before following Felix off to the door of the room. He was hesitant to go, which she felt as well. He needed to leave, needed to head to his own room and rest. Though, Charlotte wished he stay with her - despite how improper it was. She knew she would feel safer with him close by. Felix was only down the hallway but it felt much father now she was worried her life was in danger. There would be a guard outside her door but a random guard didn't feel as secure as Felix. 

Once he took her hand, Charlotte held onto it tightly. The events of the day were making her feel unlike her self. The princess felt unnerved and anxious. And the idea of sleeping that night didn't seem possible. However, she wanted one of them to feel well rested tomorrow and Charlotte was sure it would not be her. "I will tell you if anything happens, I promise. And I will try to get some sleep tonight. I know you'll keep me safe." Gently, Charlotte squeezed the prince's hand before letting it go. She knew she would be in for a rough night but, hopefully, Felix would sleep well. "Please sleep well."

@ BearGirl
Camilla smiled as he told her about the book of fables and tails and she stood nodding. "Thank you your majesty." she said standing and making sure he was comfortable fixing his pillow and blankets. She gave him a sip of water before she left to let him rest. She looked back as she stood in the doorway and at the king grateful for his guidance. She knew his love for his kingdom and his son was great. She closed the door as she left and bit her lip. She turned to the guard there. "I do not think the king will appreciate me asking this but I would be appreciative if the physician could come and just make sure he is comfortable." she said and the guard nodded once in a slight bow and she headed down to the basement where he said the fables were. She walked in to the royal library and found the worker there. "The king sent me for a book. He said it was a book of fables that hold myths and legends of the culture here. I would very much appreciate to borrow it." she said to the worker there and waited while the worker walked off. She felt so very sad and her worry was for Nicholas. She knew he must be heartbroken.

---

Felix sighed as Charlotte said good night. He did not want to leave but she seemed very concerned about him getting a good nights sleep and he knew she was right but did not think he would be able to for worry of her safety. Felix kissed her hand before she let go and watched her close the door before turning and heading to talk with his parents.

After several hours of talking with his parents he forced himself to return to his room after stopping by Charlotte's room once more to talk with the guard. He walked into his room stripped down and fell asleep. He slept hard walking as his man's servant woke him in time to quickly put himself together for his duties. He ate as he walked through the palace to the thrown room.

@ Jinx...
The worker came back a few minutes later with a large, thick book. The cover was beautifully designed with gems and gold along the spine and the cover. The side had little images carved into it of men and beasts. Even the edges of the pages seemed to be dipped in gold. As for the book itself, each beginning tale had a painted image of the tale before it. 

Once Camilla took the book from the worker's hands, the man bowed before slowly standing up and clearing his throat a bit. He kept his head down before speaking. "Princess Camilla, this book has been in the family for several generations now, and each time a new tale is heard, it is added to the book. Though it is, of course, your right the books in the library, it is my duty to ask that your highness take great care of it while it is in your possession. When returned, please bring it to a bookkeeper as it must be locked away."

---

Once the knock on the door to her room came, and her maid in waiting came in, Charlotte let out a sigh of relief. She had not been able to sleep throughout the night, having been too afraid that whoever ransacked her bedroom would come back. Though now that day had come, the princess felt much safer. There was much more going on during the day, more guards about and it would be harder for any one person - or group - to act now that the security was heightened.  

After getting ready, Charlotte made her way to her office to study, guard in tow as she did so. She wanted to be in a nice quiet place for a bit. The night had been so frightening. Once in her office, she told one of the servants to let Prince Felix know that she wasn't going to come down for breakfast, and instead would be working throughout the morning. As much as she wanted to see him, it was probably better that way. Charlotte didn't want him to see how exhausted she was. 

@ BearGirl
Camilla looked at the book her fingers delicately touching each element. She looked up as the man cleaned his throat. She reached out and gently touched the man's hand looking into his eyes with soft eyes. "What is your name?" she asked softly. Once he told her she smiled sweetly. "Zac, thank you for keeping such good care of all the books here but especially this one. I will heed your words and take good care of this book." she took her hand back and held the book with both her hands. "I will bring it back personally." she said and then turned and headed out of the library. She headed up to her room. Just for today she wanted to do something that would inspire her. She loved the legends of Aldannia and the children but here in Vieana this was her home and she wanted to get to know both of those elements.

Camilla spent the day reading and learning of the myths and legends of her new home. She looked up as her chamber maid came in and cleared her throat looking timid. Camilla smiled. "Yes Leia." she said softly. "I am sorry to disturb you my lady but dinner will be soon. Did you want me to help you get dressed?" she asked and Camilla blushed and looked out the window. "Oh my I hadn't realized the time." Camilla stood and placed the book under her pillow. "Yes pease do." she stood. "Leia I must ask for you to stay and make sure no one disturbs the book which I leave in here. I simply can't take it with me to dinner but I don't want to leave such a treasure alone." she said and smiled. Leia smiled. "Yes my lady t will be my pleasure." Camilla smiled. "You are good friend Leila. Thank you." she said and Leia helped her get ready for dinner. "Have a good dinner my lady." she said as Camilla headed out and towards her room.

Camilla arrived at the dinning hall and realized she had skipped lunch and was hungry. She walked in greeting Nicholas and the queen. "I apologize for my tardiness. I was absorbed in my readings." She sat and smiled at Nicholas sweetly. Dinner was served and she took a bite humming as her belly grumbled in relief.

---

Prince Felix received the news swiftly and he frowned. "Tell me truthfully Glen, how does she look?" he asked and the servant thought for a moment. "She looks sleepless my prince." Glen said and Felix nodded. "Very well thank you. Please make sure food is brought up to Princess Charlotte." he said and the servant bowed then left for the kitchen.

Felix sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He did not sleep much himself. Felix had not wished so much that their wedding would arrive so that he might keep her closer without all the proper procedures. Felix sighed and ate his breakfast alone. He then went to work on the investigation for a while before needing to see to the countries needs.

The day went on and he hoped Charlotte would take the time to rest some time today because he was sure that the night would not be kind to her for a while despite his desire and efforts to make her feel safe and keep her safe. Without moving her into his room with would cause a candle he could do no more. Felix talked to the maids and other servants to see who they had seen in the halls around the time of the incident. He asked them to be truthful of course but there was a worry in their eyes. He could not shake the feeling that the culprit was right under his nose.

@ Jinx...

"And may I ask what you were reading?" Nicholas asked her, a grin on his face as he did so. It sounded like Camilla was having a rather good day, and he hoped that was the case. He knew that she had gone up to see his father and had been a bit worried that she would look downtrodden when she came to dinner. Of course, the sight of his father affected him more than Camilla but still it was not an easy sight to see nonetheless.

Nicholas took a few bites of his dinner before continuing on. He didn't really want to ask but the man asks felt as though he needed to know. "How was my father when you went up there?" He asked, his voice lowering a bit as he did so. The prince knew that it would not be long until they were in mourning but he still desperately wished that was further off than what it seemed. "Did you two talk about anything interesting?"

After a moment, Nicholas cleared his throat a bit before forcing himself to focus on his food once again. The man took a few more bites as he waited for Camilla to start talking. He really hoped that the princess had a good day and that she might be able to tell him about it.

---

While quietly working away in her office, Charlotte started to feel a little better about where she was. Her room at night was frightening but her offie in the middle of the day felt like a safe place. The windows there were not large enough for anyone to fit through and she had a guard directly outside of her door. If someone wanted to get through her, they would need to walk through the castle in the middle of the day and get through the guards that were told to keep everyone away. Even the servants needed to come inside with a guard at their side.

She hoped that all of this nonsense would be behind her but that was hard to believe that might be a possibility. There was a possibility it was just a bad thief... unlikely since nothing was stolen but it was possible. All she could really hope for now was someone was just trying to scare her and nothing more to it, but only time would tell.

While Charlotte was working away in her office, there was someone with ill intentions moving throughout the castle. They made their way to Felix's room and stabbed two pieces of a Queen of Hearts card to the door. One piece was the head and the other was the body. On the back of the card, written expertly was A Foreign Princess will NEVER be a Queen of Ours.