Conflicting Castles (Closed)

@ Jinx...

Once Camilla was dragged back inside for her studying, Nicolas went back to his daily duties. Now that most of his meetings for the day, it meant that it was now time for paperwork, and keeping up with the nation's financials. While it was one of his most boring duties, Nicolas knew how important it was, so he took it seriously. Though after he was done, Nicolas headed into town, knowing that he had enough time before Camilla got away from her tutor.
He was seriously considering getting Camilla a horse as an engagement present. It was small gift, and Nicolas knew that he would also be giving her something else later. Though in the meantime, he thought that it would be good. It seemed that Camilla loved her horse back home and enjoyed riding. And even though there were plenty of horses for her to choose in the stables, it was more fitting that the future Queen had her own.
Just before dinner, Nicolas got back to the castle with the horse he was riding and one for Camilla. He quickly hid it in the stables, making sure to keep it a secret by coming in through the back entrance. Nicolas quickly got ready for dinner before heading into the dinning hall.

---

For the most part of the training, Charlotte kept her eyes on Felix. He was definitely one of the most skilled out there, though that was not surprising to her. While she was at the castle during the war, she had heard of Prince Felix and the other captain's skills. There had also been once or twice where Charlotte believed she had seen him on the battlefield when the battles were closer to home. Though she couldn't know for sure since she was so far away from the battle, Charlotte could barely see what was happening. Besides Felix's skills, Charlotte was also memorized by his movements. Plus she couldn't deny how attractive that he looked in his armor.
However, watching them showed Charlotte how skilled Embernia is, and how strong they still were after the war. If she was really going to fight for her country again, Charlotte was going to have to ensure that their moves were strategic. This just reenforced the need to spy on the Crosslakes and their allies. It also stirred up feelings of resentment and despair over the turnout of the war. While the decision to watch then train may help her in the long run, it didn't exactly help her emotionally.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla was released from her studying in time to get ready for dinner. She dressed and then headed into the dinning hall the guide showing her around. Camilla smiled as she walked in looking around wondering if the royal family ate separately as hers had often done. Her father had been to busy to be a part of their family. Camilla remembered her mother use to eat breakfast with her and Charlotte every morning before she passed.
Camilla smiled seeing Nicholas's eyes on her and she walked over to him and sat in the empty chair next to him. "Good evening prince Nicholas." she said. Camilla was hoping maybe he would want to take a stole after dinner and was working up the nerve to ask him. Normally she would never be allowed such privacy in the night time with a man, even her fiancee but she could see how different Veinna was.

---

Felix smiled as they finished their training. He went and unloaded his armor and then came out dabbing a cloth to his temples. "Princess Charlotte may I escort you back to the palace?" he asked. Felix wanted to get cleaned up before dinner but he also wanted to spend time with her. Felix hoped that watching him train hadn't been to much or a reminder of the war they had just been in. He could only assume it was a soft spot with how harsh she had been on their first night until she realized he wasn't as mean as she had perhaps thought he would be. Felix offered her his arm.

@ Jinx...

"Good evening Princess Camilla." Nicolas greeted as he prepared himself for dinner. The servants were coming out and setting food on the table for them, as his parents walked into the room. The King, Queen and little Prince Killian took their seats and settled themselves in. Killian sat down across from Nicolas and Camilla. Due to his young nature, the King and Queen ensured that they had time for family dinner, which led them eating together almost every night. With Killian finally being old enough to start learning manners, it was one way for the family ensured that it was being done properly. Though, of course, they also wanted to spend time with their family.
Once the servants had finished setting everything on the table, and everyone was ready to eat, Nicolas's parents began to speak of the affairs of the day. Nothing horrible had happened but since they both looked mainly at different aspects of rule, it was important for them to keep up to date on that. Killian looked up at Camilla with wide eyes. It was obvious he wanted to speak to her, but as most little children, he was slightly afraid of strangers.

---

"Yes you may." Charlotte told him as she slid her arm around his, pressing her fingers lightly into his arm. Even with everything going through her head, Charlotte tried her best to separate her dislike for her situation from Prince Felix. It was difficult, but she had to remind herself that it was unlikely that Felix was the one who suggested the marriage, or even agreed with it. Just like her, he still had to do what he was told by his parents. Though his existence was part of the reason it was happening. The King and Queen had to ensure that their son had a Queen, and they must have thought Charlotte fit for some reason.
"I must say, you are quite impressive Prince Felix. There have been many rumors of your skill, but hearing of it is quite different from seeing it up close. It seems that very few people would be able to compare." She gave the prince a soft smile but there was some sadness in her eyes. It was hard to separate him from his country, just like it was hard to separate her from Aldannia. It was like they were one in the same. "Though I must say I am disappointed not to see horns come from your head while you fought as some of the rumors have suggested." Charlotte joked lightly, trying to keep her own spirits up about the topic.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled at Nicholas and watched the rest of the family come in. She watched the family interact with each other and how amazing it was that they were there to at least sit together for a meal. When she caught Killian's gaze she smiled at the shy young boy. Camilla leaned forward and spoke softly to Killian. "Hi you're Killian right?" she asked feeling it would be a little to much to call him Prince Killian. When he nodded she smiled. "I'm Camilla. It's nice to meet you again. Did you do anything cool today?" she asked truly interested in what Killian would say. Camilla thought it would be good to get to know Killian too since he was also a prince to Vieana and was Nicholas's brother. Camilla took a sip of her drink casually waiting to hear from Killian. She didn't want to spook him and the wine was really good.

---

Felix chuckled as she complimented him. "Well thank you Princess Charlotte. I seem to have acquired quite a reputation but I can promise you there are no horns." he said and placed his hand gently over hers on his arm. "I appreciate you coming today. I realize it probably was a selfish request of me." he said having caught the sadness that lay there but not really knowing what to do about it. He could only assume seeing him and the guard armored up had given her the reminder of the war. "Princess. I would like to be someone you can confide in, even if it was to berate me a little. I know this can not be easy for you. I at least get to remain in my home. And if I am reading you correctly you care and love just as much for your country as I do mine." he said softly and peeked at her to see if he was on the right track.

@ Jinx...

Killian smiled brightly when Camilla began to talk to him. He had been so curious about this strange woman since she arrived. And while the others seemed fine with her, he had been afraid until she had started being kind. "I got to go riding in the forest today!" He said before going into great detail about all of the AMAZING things that he was able to see, and how there were so many strange creatures. At one point he began to describe an animal, though from his description it was hard to discern if it had been a robin or a butterfly that he had seen.
Nicolas chuckled a bit when Killian really started going about his day. It was usual for this to happen once Killian really got excited. Though more importantly for him, he was glad to see that Camilla was taking an interest in his brother, and that she seemed rather good with younger children. While they were speaking, he managed to get a glimpse of his parents' faces, who were smiling softly. It was clear they thought Camilla to be a good choice.

---

Charlotte glanced over at Felix before looking out of the corner of her eye to the other side. With what he was saying, it was clear that Felix had been able to easily read her again and his words intensified unsettled emotions over the war and the engagement. It was different from thinking about it than it almost being said out loud.
"I wanted to come, but at the time I didn't realize what it would mean to me if I did." Her voice was quiet and soft, not having the usual command in her speech. And as she continued on, it was like she could feel her heart slowing down, feeling every beat as it did so. "I do love my country very much. And it is because of that love that I fear I haven't been very fair to you. No longer being home is not easy...And I will admit that it has been difficult to separate you from the war and my absents in my mind." Her grip on his arm tightened slightly as she slowly lifted her head to look back at Felix. She was afraid that perhaps she had said too much, or that he wouldn't quite understand. But on the same level, she saw this as a way to explain her current actions as well as her future ones.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled and chuckled while the boy talked. She was truly enjoying his excitement. "I love ridding as well. I bet this land is just as beautiful as the one I came from. You would have liked ridding there too. There are many hills and bunnies but my favorite thing is the butterflies." she said and beamed. "In spring you could ride through the grass and a hundred butterfly will rise up all at one into the sky like a butterfly cloud." she said and smiled sadly. "Maybe we could go out next spring into the garden and catch a caterpillar to watch it change. What do you think about that?" she asked him. Camilla placed her hands in her lap and then secretly took one of Nicholas's hands under the table and somehow she didn't feel so alone but in fact felt comforted by the presence of his strong grip. Camilla looked at Nicholas and then followed his gaze to his parents who she had now realized had stopped talking. She blushed and bit her lip squeezing Nicholas's hand before she looked down at her soup and took a bite. She smiled and looked back at Killian. Camilla didn't really know what to do here with all eyes on her but it helped to have a hand in hers and warm soup in her belly.

---

Felix nodded and walked slowly. "I see. I can not deny that your presence has been unsettling for me as well. I worry about our future and what having you as my queen will do for my country but more than that I also think what you will do to protect your country. I can really only offer that we unite the land and armies together once we are wed but I fear your people will not accept me as their king because they like you cannot associate me with anything more than taking their queen and the war. I want to help you with your country whether that is by combining our lands or something that I have perhaps failed to see. My father has commanded our union and I believe it is because you are as stubborn and dedicated as I am myself besides the obvious resources your country has to offer. I can not do a lot of things that I would like to yet but how we react to them is up to us, if we want to build the future together I believe we have to start now and find some resolution. I do not believe this will be easy by any means but I want you to know I am in this marriage as much as I am in my country..." he said hoping that one day he could say our country. Felix hoped he addressed all her concerns and then resolved what he could but also left open the lines of communications for further discussions on the important matter.

@ Jinx...

Nicolas heart warmed when Camilla reached for his hand. He had been surprised but still it had been very welcomed. His fingers wrapped around hers, squeezing her hand softly as he did so. Nicolas was already beginning to adore Camilla, and it was clear that his family was already too. Once Killian started talking again, his parents did the same thing. His brother seemed excited about being able to go out in the garden with Camilla in the spring. And he was glad that Camilla already seemed to be fitting in well, and enjoying her new home.
When dinner had ended, Nicolas slowly let go of her hand to stand up from the table, and to pull Camilla's seat out. His parents and Prince Killian were heading out of the room, leaving the two of them alone. He smiled at Camilla once she had stood up. "If you aren't quite ready to go to bed yet, I would like to show you something." Nicolas hoped that she would accept, since he was rather excited to show her the gift that he had gotten early that day.

---

Charlotte slowly untensed as she listened to Prince Felix speak. A small smile came onto her lips as she looked him in the eyes. While this conversation would ultimately change nothing, it was a huge wave of relief to see what Prince Felix really was the kind, fair man that he was showing himself to be. It almost made her forget about her plan to fight back against him and his country. "I don't believe I can truly explain how much of a relief it is to hear you say that. And I know that it solves nothing, but to hear that you have the same concerns, and want to work on it too makes me feel much better. This is something that we can work on together, and ultimately find a solution to it in the end, one that would benefit both us and our countries. Like you said, it will be difficult, but it will also be worth it." She gave Felix a soft squeeze on his arm. "Also, Prince Felix, I know that my people will see you as so much more than both those things. I have only been here for two days, but I already see that you are fair, kind and strong. You will be a great leader someday and people will always admire great leaders. They will accept you, like I hope that your people will accept me here."

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled as Nicholas pulled out her chair for her. He asked her to join him and she nodded happily. "I was hoping we could take a little walk." she said and smiled as he started to lead her out of the castle. "Killian is a very sweet kid. He will make a very bright man." she said and chuckled wondering what his future held. She could only guessed e would go marry some Princess somewhere and become a ruler. That is what men did anyways. "Thank you for today. I don't remember if I had gotten a chance to thank you for getting me out of the castle and talking with me." she said and smiled at him. Camilla walked along side him completely relaxed letting him guide her were he wanted to go. "I was thinking earlier that I should get a tour of the castle sometime. It would be nice to know were things are instead of being lead there all the time. "Maybe if your not busy one day you could show me a few of your favorite spots." she said and smiled at him hoping he wouldn't mind spending more time with her.

---

Felix smiled and nodded. "Thank you Princess. It is a relief that you believe that about me. Now don't you worry about the people. We will show them that you will be the most mighty queen they could have ever hoped for. I can already tell you will be more my partner than a queen. My country would be safe in your hands." he said and smiled at her. Felix chuckled. "Now that we have that settled if you wouldn't mind I would very much like to get to know you on a much more personal level after all being rulers is only half of who we are. You have a sister yes? Indulge me please, tell me what you think she would say to me if she were trying to describe you." he said as they got into he castle. "If you need time to think about it please take all the time you need. You could always tell me over dinner." he said and smiled headed towards her chambers.

@ Jinx...
Nicolas took Camilla’s hand, leading her outside. “Well, after we could take a little walk.” He said with a smile, though he had a feeling she would not want to do that once she saw what he had for her. “And there is no reason to thank me to do such a pleasant job.” Nicolas felt like he would always be happy to spend time with her. It was just a matter of whether or not that he would be able to. “But I am afraid that I wouldn’t have the time to give you a full tour of the castle. That would take quite a bit of time, and should proabaly be done soon. Though before the tour, I could show you a few of the places in the castle that I prefer.” He wished he could show her around but that would take almost the whole day, and with the war finally settling down, and the engagement things were busier than usual.
“And I am glad that you get along with my little brother. My parents also seem to think that he will be quite bright when he is older.” Nicolas chuckled. He then walked her over to the stables, letting Camilla inside. “This is what I wanted to show you.’ He said before walking down the stables and going to one of the end stalls. Nicolas opened up the stall and let out a beautiful chestnut horse.

---

“I do have a sister; her name is Camilla.” Charlotte told him. “Though I will need that extra time. I know that there is a lot that she would want to say about me.” Her smile grew as she thought about Camilla. She missed her sister, but thinking about her cheered Charlotte up. “Though while I am thinking about that answer, I think it is only fair if you start thinking about what I should know about you.” Charlotte wanted to learn about him just as much he wanted to know about her.
Once they got to her chambers, Charlotte let go of Felix’s arm. “I will see you soon.” With that, Charlotte headed into her room. Before dinner, Charlotte got ready by changing into a more appropriate dinner outfit. Once she was finished, Charlotte headed out of her room and went off to where she was going to meet with Felix. Her head was filled with thoughts on what she should tell Felix exactly. She wanted to get to know him better, and she wanted him to feel like he could trust her. In the end she was going to need him to trust her.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled as Nicholas spoke. "Well I am glad everyone has accepted me here." she said and nodded as he said he was busy. "Oh yes that is all I meant. I know you are far to busy to take me all around the castle." she said and smiled. The came to the stables and she smiled remembering she had told him about her horse. When he opened a stall and brought out a house she grinned. "Oh how beautiful is she." she said and ran her hand down the course's back. She smiled as the house made a happy snort. Look at her coloring." she said and ran her hands down her legs and pulled her hoof up looking at it and nodded. "She's strong I bet she's fast." Camilla said patting the horse's neck and looked at Nicholas. "Who's horse is she?" she asked wanting so desperately to ride again.

---

Felix smiled seeing her start to look happier than she had been since he had seen her. Perhaps he should see if he could get the young princess and her prince to stop over other honeymoon. It would be good politics too. She said she needed more time and that he needed to answer a similar question and he chuckled. "Yes my princess." he said and kissed her hand letting her go to get cleaned up for dinner. Once he was done he went out to the spot he had set up were the sunset would be over the garden. He sat sipping his drink as he waited when Charlotte came he stood. "My you look lovely." he said and pulled out her chair for her. He smiled as she sat and he sat with her. "In a few minutes you will see one of the most stunning places on the castle grounds." he said and sipped his drink looking to the sky as he continued to mull over her question and just enjoyed her presence in the beautiful evening air.

@ Jinx...

Nicholas took a step back, watching Camilla face. He smiled as he noticed the desire in her eyes. It was clear that she wanted to ride again so Nicolas was glad that he could do this for Camilla. "Well let me tell you a little story about that. Today I was listening to my beautiful fiancee talk about her perfect day at home. And while doing that I realized how much she had to give up to come here. So I thought about what was in her story, and if there was anything that I could do to make her happier while she was here. After finishing up my work, I headed into town and met with the best horse breeder in town, bought a horse and brought it up to the castle to surprise my fiancee with." Nicolas handed Camilla the reigns. "The horse is part of your engagement present. I hope you like her."

---

Charlotte sat down into her seat, placing her napkin on her lap. She took a sip of her drink and set it down. “I was thinking about how my sister would describe me if she was here, and I have to be honest she would probably have a lot to say.” A warm smile came from her as she moved her hands together. “But I have thought of a way to condense down to the important things. Camilla would tell you that my was stubborn, difficult to argue with and that was wit was sharp enough to physically cut. And she would assure you that she had tried to change my mind when I was set on something, which was impossible." Charlotte let out a small laugh before continuing. "And she would tell you about all of the trouble I used to get us in. But she would also tell you that I was warm, strong and trustworthy. That I was her best ally when she really needed one. And considering that you were my fiancee, Camilla would finish off by telling you to keep on eye on me to make sure that I wasn't only working, which I do sometimes tend to do."

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla blushed as Nicholas told her a story. "Nicholas!" she said forgetting to be formal. She tossed her arms around him and hugged him before pulling back her face bright red but she was smiling so big. "Thank you." she said and rubbed her horse again. "Can I brush her?" she asked wanting to do something for the horse now. She was so beautiful and she had to come up with a name too. Camilla was so happy she didn't know really what to do with herself and she was sure she had startled Nicholas with that hug. Camilla was just feeling so attached to Nicholas. When she was handed a brush she started to brush the horse. "I must admit though I have no idea what to get you now though." she said and smiled at him not knowing how she would get anything anyways. "And I really can't thank you enough." she said. Camilla knew this horse wasn't going to replace the horse she had at home but she could still love this horse too.

---

Felix smiled listening to Charlotte describe how her sister would talk about her. He chuckled and nodded. "I do not think I know anyone would would ever speak so bluntly about me. My sister likes to talk in riddles about other people. She has always had a way with words to turn them around and get you to say what you want to hear." he said and chuckled. "I would describe myself as strategic, observant and stubborn. Though not many people know about my soft side my mother would not hear of me keeping it a secret from my fiancee. I guess I am a romantic and I a bit loyal to a fault." he said and shrugged. "But when I've been crossed it's hard to win me back." he said. "What do you think? Do you know more about me now?" he asked.

@ Jinx...
Nicolas was quite surprised when Camilla lunged forward and wrapped her arms around him. Though he was quick to pull her into him, hugging her back. It was actually rather nice for them to be this close. Once she pulled away, Nicolas handed her the brush. "Of course you can brush her, she is your horse now. Though if you want we could go for a ride around the castle ground. We can't go too far because it is dark but a small ride we can do." Nicolas was glad that he was able to make Camilla so happy. Seeing her that way even made her mot beautiful.

---

"My sister happens to be very honest. Almost to a fault." Charlotte told him before he started describing himself. She listened carefully, beginning to feel more at ease as she did so. He wasn't the monster that she had made him out to be in her mind, which she was thankful for. But now she was considering that he would at least be friend. "I think that I do know more about you now. Though to be fair I didn't know you very well before this. And I am beginning to think that you are someone that I could get along with. Though I think that our stubbornness may be an issue at some point." She joked lightly. If he was really anything like her in that in that regard, it was a garentuee that they would have some long fights.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled. "I would like to go for a ride even a small one." she said and smiled as someone came forward saddling up her horse. Once they had got the horses ready Camilla got on easily. She didn't care if she was in a dress there was only one way to ride a horse and besides it was nearly dark anyways. She headed out of the stable with her horse and smiled as she looked back at Nicholas waiting for him. "You coming slow poke?" she teased grinning with a mischievous look in her eyes. Camilla didn't care were they were ridding. They could ride around the stable for all she cared. One thing she loved about riding was how she could get away from the guards. As long as she stayed on royal grounds they had always left her alone but she doubted that would ever happen here but she could hope.

---

Felix chuckled. "I never said I was unreasonable Princess Charlotte. If you make a good case for something I will most likely support you but if you fail to make a good case then I will do my best to win you over to my side." he said and winked at her. "I'm pretty good at convincing people." Felix grinned. "And if you're comparing me to your sister whom you love so much then I think I have a fairly good shot at getting a spot on your good side." Felix said and then looked up as their food was brought out to them. "I made a special request for tonights dinner. I had them cook something I think you might perhaps know." he said and the food was uncovered. It was one of the staple foods served in her country. "I figured you would like a little comfort food." he said and smiled. "I hope it is good to you." he said and took a bite nod.g He liked the strangeness of the food.

@ Jinx...

"Well princess, your horse was saddled first! Doesn't seem very fair to call me slow." Nicolas joked as he grabbed the reigns of his horse. It was completely black, its mane and skin seemed to shine as the moon light hit it. He jumped up onto the saddle and road up to Camilla's side. "Follow me," Nicolas said with a grin before pulling at the reigns. His horse rode off onto the open fields in front of the castle. He was going to make sure that they stayed close to the castle. It was too late to be riding off too far and soon they were going to have to go in to sleep for the next day.

---

"I think that you will find that I am quite good to convincing people too." She joked lightly, letting out a small laugh as she saw his wink. Though once the trays were set down on the table, Charlotte glanced down at the food as it was being uncovered. Immediately the smell was reminding her of home. "I am beginning to think that you will be able to get on my good side too." She said, giving him a smile. "Thank you Prince Felix. This was very considerate of you." With that, Charlotte started to eat the meal. It was almost exactly like the chicken parmesan that was made at home. For a moment, Charlotte looked up and over at the scenery of his country. "What do you do with your free time?"

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla giggled as he rode up next to her. "Aww well there is that." she said and turned her reigns so that her horse followed him. She smiled as they went into an open field. She wanted to ride around in circles just to feel the wind in her hair. Camilla sighed relaxed as she rode along side Nicholas. "This is amazing." she said trying to think of a name for her horse. "Aww I have it!" she said and giggled. "Cinder." She said and patted the horse's neck. "What do you think?" she asked and looked at Nicholas. Camilla wondered about this man who seemed to be so perfectly kind. He had to have another side to him and she wanted to know it before it snuck up on her. He looked like a white knight on his valiant steed in the moonlight but no man was that pure, nor was any woman. "Nicholas?" she spoke softly looking down at her horse. Camilla didn't know how to ask him what he was like when he was angry. She worried about that now when suddenly she realized how vulnerable he was out in the plains with her. Nicholas was so trusting with her and she was feeling the weight more than she had thought she would of her sister's request. Camilla didn't want to hurt him even if she did want to save her country just as much.

---

Felix was feeling quite confident now that he had made her laugh. It was quite a pleasant sound. "You're welcome Princess. I have a feeling we will be trying more of the cooking from your country. Perhaps you can tell the cooks what you like." he said. As he looked at the setting sun's brilliance he paused as she asked her question. He smiled and looked at her. "I study and train to become a better leader. But when I am not doing that... I guess I garden and venture into the woods." he said and pointed to a patch of trees quite a ways off. "What about you Princess. What did you normally do?" he asked knowing her hobbies would change here just ever so slightly but she would find something she liked eventually. "When your sister makes you stop working that is." he said and chuckled liking having that bit of information.

@ Jinx...

Once they began to slow down, Nicolas had his horse back so he was riding besides her rather than in front of her. He took a thoughtful look at the horse that he had given her before nodding. "Yes I think that Cinder will be quite a good name for her." He really was glad that Camilla liked the horse, and that the horse seemed to be doing well with riding. Nicolas hoped that would continue because he would have hated to have to given her a stubborn horse. Though Nicolas came out of his thoughts when he heard the tone of Camilla's voice. He had a feeling that something was wrong. "What is it Camilla? Is something bothering you?"

---

Charlotte's eyes followed his off into the sun set. It was a lovely night already, and she did believe that it was a beautiful land. Maybe soon she would be able to see more of it than just the road and the castle. But when he started speaking again, Charlotte smiled at Felix softly, almost a hint of a smirk on her face. It was actually rather nice to be eating alone with Felix. He was already showed her his kind side and his consider side. She was actual rather curious to see what he would show her next. "My sister and I like to go riding quite a bit. So I also like venturing off into the woods." Charlotte said, teaching Prince Felix lightly. "Though besides that I enjoy archery, reading and art." Maybe she would be able to go onto the archery fields tomorrow.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla frowned looking down. She shook her head. "Naw. Everything's fine." Camilla said looking up at Nicholas and forced a smile. She said not knowing how to say how she was feeling. Camilla patted Cinders mane and looked back at Nicholas. "Thank you." She said and looked up at the sky as the first stars started to peek out. "We should start heading back." She said and turned Cinder around. Camilla couldn't betray her sister to a man she was starting to fall in love with. She looked at Nicholas and smiled. "Race you back. Ready? Go!" She giggled and raced off.

---

"Aww I like archery as well but that is more of a duty for me. Maybe we can shot together sometime." He said and smiled. He could see just for a second how great their life could be if they let it. Felix knew that if Charlotte wanted they could be happy. All it took as as much effort as he put into their relationship to put it back. Felix smiled. "I am glad you like going off into the woods. We could truly have an adventure." He said. Once they had finished dinner he leaned back sipping his wine. "If out are able I had the cooks make our most famous desert."

@ Jinx...

"If you are sure, Princess." Nicolas had a feeling that Camilla was not being completely honest with him. Though unlike her, he understood why she may feel the need to keep some things to herself. Well, at least in the beginning of their relationship. He did hope in time that Camilla would feel comfortable with being completely honest with him. When he was lost in thought, Nicolas didn't seem to notice the race starting. But once he knew what was going on Nicolas immediately started right after her. His horse was quite fast, and Nicolas felt like since he knew his horse, he would be able to win this competition.

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"I would like that. Maybe I can come down to the field sometime and show you how it's done." Charlotte teased lightly. She was actually quite good at it though. It was one of the few ways she had to learn how to defend herself, if it ever came down to it. Though when it came to that training, she always preferred archery over the sword or poison. As their plates and the other dinner food was being taken away, one of the servants sent down two plates in front of them. It was dessert that Charlotte had never seen before but it did look amazing. Once the servant stepped away, Charlotte took a bite of food and her eyes widen in delight. "What is this?"

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla bit her lip hoping that she would figure out what to do with these conflicting emotions. If only she could just talk to her sister this would all be so much easier. Camilla laughed as Nicholas started to catch up to her and she leaned in more to Cinders and rode faster. She sailed into the barn and brought Cinder around and she laughed as she looked at Nicholas. "Hey you should pay attention more. I like races." she said and winked at him. Camilla chuckled and got off her horse waiting until his saddle was off then gave her horse another quick and precise brush down. Once Cinder was put back into the stall she sighed and stretched. "Thank you again Prince Nicholas." she said and moved to his side. She bit her lip wondering how in one day she had been so bold as to grab his hand, and hug him. It astounded her and yet she was still finding herself with the desire to have her hand in his.

---

Felix laughed. "I bet you could show me up at least a round or two." he said. "I think it would be good for you to get more self defense training anyways." he said and took a bite of their desert. He chuckled when she seemed to look at him with glee. "It's Suspiro de Limeña it's roughly translated as the sigh of a woman." he smirked. "Although I will say it is one of my favorites, since my mom has been here the Basbousa is also a desert in our country that is well loved. But we will have to try that another day." he said and took another bite and sighed with delight. Felix was glad to share with her some of the things he loved and to see she could enjoy them too. He hoped that some day she would come to love them too.