Conflicting Castles (Closed)

@ Jinx...
One week later:

Nicolas leaned into the throne as he listened to the worries and issues of the commons and the nobles of Vieana. Since his father and mother had both left to visit the mountain towns of their country, they had left him to represent the crown while they were away. It was fitting for them to put him in charge. After all, Nicolas was of age to take the crown – if need be- , and it did prepare him for his future as king. But the job did, unforuantely, cut a lot of his time with Camilla over the past few days. He had to cancel on her twice and that did not sit well with Nicolas. He wanted to see her, and considering the early stages of their relationship, it was crucial for them to be building a relationship together. However, he couldn’t get away from the responsbilities of the crown, which weighed heavy. At least his parents shared these responsbilities. He was forced to handle them on his own. Camilla just simply did not have the knowledge to be assisting him yet. But he hoped that she would be soon since most of her time was spent with the tutor.
At least he was down to the last few groups at his open session. Camilla was surely on her way down by now, so he was hoping that these issues would have quick solutions. There was no way he was going to allow any more time to be shaved away with the Princess and he had ensured that nothing had been replaced with that today.

---

Sitting by the fire in her room, Charlotte was finishing up a lengthy letter. As she finished it up, Charlotte started to get ready as she consistently looked up at the clock in her room. She had to be sure to leave exactly at the right time. Once it was 10 minutes after one, the current guard would leave to check around the castle, which would be her opportunity to leave the castle. As much as she would have prefered to meet her correspondent during the day, Charlotte had realized that her main day guard was rather relentless. Which, of course, had threw a wrench in a lot of her main meetings. Though this just gave her something that she had to work around. After all, Charlotte couldn’t simply give up because of one small issue.
As she was finishing tying up her black cloak, the clock read 1:10. She pressed her ear against the door, listening as she heard the guard step away and head down the hallway. Quickly, Charlotte grabbed the sealed letted and shoved it into her Corest before quietly heading out of her room as fast as possible. Charlotte believed that she knew the castle well enough to get around undetected. Soon Charlotte had made her way into the garden. Now all she had to do was make it to the edge of the forest. Getting there and back undetected was going to be the most important part. At least if she got caught on the castle grounds there was some excuse she could give about not having her guard with her. But outside of the castle would probably just look too suspicious.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla had waved goodbye as Nicholas's parents had left the castle as she stood beside him. She could tell it was all weighing heavily on him and she was sure that her lack of ability to help was one of the concerns he had. It had only made her study harder and faster which was pleasantly surprising her tutor. When Nicholas had canceled on her twice it had been disappointing but she remembered her sister doing much the same thing when she had been left in charge. Camilla understood the reasons but it didn't make it any easier. So now that Nicholas had sent for her another day to have with him she was trying not to get her hopes but but just the thought of seeing him and talking with him again was thrilling her the closer and closer she got to were she was to meet Nicholas once he finished his duty to the people.
Camilla walked into the court having asked not to be announced. She had wanted a moment to watch Nicholas at work. She was already in awe at how he sat totally attentive to the speaker. Camilla pressed her back to the wall as she looked up at her soon to be king. Nicholas was a good man and she wished her sister could meet him and get to know him, then perhaps their countries no longer had to fight but could be united.

---

Felix was up late with a strategy meeting his father had called earlier in the night. Once the meeting was over he yawned and decided to take a small stroll through the garden to smell the midnight jasmine. Felix was looking up at the moon as he stood amongst the flowers thinking of all his father had said that night and thinking about Charlotte his mind moving back and forth from the two. Sure anything his father did now would affect Charlotte and him in the future and he thought about this and how they would deal with what ever ramifications there might be.

@ Jinx...

Nicolas smiled softly at Camilla when he saw her walk through the door. He was glad that she had come down, and even more so that he was almost done with his hearings. Now he only had one more to go through, which hopefully would be a quick matter. So, wanting to get done quickly, Nicolas turned his attention to the noble who had taken the floor. Noble Easits began to speak of famine in the western part of the country. Due to a poor harvest, the commoners were beginning to starve. Nicolas frowned deeply as he heard of this news. It was never good to hear of people suffering. Not only because of their plight, but because unhappy commoners could cause riots, and mistrust in the nobles and the crown. The noble said that they had enough food in reserve to last for two, maybe three weeks, but would need supplies from the crown to last until the food that was harvested later about. Nicolas let out a small hum before nodding. "Open up the reserves that you currently have, and the crown will be sure to send additional food as soon as we can. With our other towns and the alliance we currently have with Aldannia, you will surely have you food sources before the reserves run out. Though make sure to keep digression until the food arrives. We do not want trouble from the people." With that Nicolas stood up and dismissed the hearing.
He then walked over to Camilla with a large smile. "Hello, my princess." Nicholas said as he lightly kissed the back of her hand.

---

Charlotte went through the gardens, making sure to stay on the outside where most guards didn't go during their rounds. Once she was as close as the forest as she could go, Charlotte pulled the cloak around her body and face a bit more, hoping to hide herself into the night as much as she could. With that, she ran towards the edge of forest. Once there, Charlotte walked a little inside and headed over to the side where she was meant to meet her correspondent. It was deep enough in where they could not be seen from the castle, but not so deep that she would run into bandits or anything of the like. It was unlikely for those types to be so close to the castle anyways. Maybe assassins but not thieves.
Once Charlotte ran into Henry, her correspondent, they talked for a little over 30 minutes. She handed him the letters that had to be sent out and she took the ones he had for her. They spoke about where to meet and when, as well as a few things that he had discovered while being in town. When they were done, Henry headed back to town and Charlotte shoved the letters he gave her into her forest. It really was the best place to put them. No one would look there unless they really wanted to search her. Which was unlikely due to her status. Then moving back to the edge, Charlotte took a few deep breaths before making her way back across the field and towards the garden.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled as Nicholas came over. Her shock of what she just herd was upsetting. Starving people. It wasn't something she ever wanted for her kingdom, or anyone else's for that matter. But as she thought about it the more she realized how dangerous that was for the crown and it was something she could potentially tell her sister. Camilla blushed as Nicholas kissed her hand. He had been stepping it up more now that they had set a date. It would be a wedding sooner rather than later not that Camilla minded. Already the nobles and the people in the castle were falling in love with her and soon she knew the commoners would as well. "What are we doing today Nicholas?" she asked softly. They had done away with most of the titles though Nicholas liked to sometimes call her his princess. It was sweet and she tried not to let it make her feel like he was reminding her of her responsibilities because she was sure he meant anything but that. Even as Nicholas started to talk the weight of what she had just heard was still weighing on her mind as she mulled over what to do in her head.

---

The castle was in an uproar. When Charlotte's guard had returned to his post he had noticed the door slightly jared open. When he went to make sure Princess Charlotte was safe he found her missing. Rumors flew faster than the feet of the guards searching the castle and the land. When Felix heard the news his eyes widened and he ran through the gardens making it closer to the forest as he went. He knew these grounds better than any guard and he was hoping Princess Charlotte had just gotten restless and decided to take int he gardens as he himself had. If his Princess had been taken an entirely different war would break out. Felix ran through the yard and stopped hearing soft foot steps. Felix moved through the garden finally coming upon Charlotte. "Princess?" he called softly confusion flooding over him. Could she not see the panic she had caused. Surely she would have looked for someone to tell them she was safe by now.

@ Jinx...

Nicolas took her hand in his as they started down the hallway. "Well I can't go too far away from the castle because something might happen. Though I don't want to be stuck here anymore so I thought that would would ride our horses through the forest and maybe head down to the beach if we have time to go down there. As long as someone knows where we are, we should be okay." He glanced down at Camilla and noticed that she wasn't really paying attention. There seemed a look of displeasure on her face. Lightly he pulled her over to the side, taking both of her hands in his. "Has something happened Camilla?" He asked her, keeping his voice low as he did so. Gently he squeezed her hands. "I'll try to help if something has. And I am sorry for not being around a lot and having to cancel. Though when my parents come back, then we should have more time together again." Nicolas was concerned since he hadn't really seen much of her. He had no idea what has been going on, and he felt bad for leaving her alone in a new country.

---

Charlotte almost jumped out of her skin when she heard her name called. She turned her head to see Felix, which caused her heart to race a million beats per minute. This was close to the last thing she wanted to happen, but thank god she was back in the castle. Hopefully he had only just seen her in the garden instead of walking up from the woods. Though they were deep enough into the garden that it was unlikely he saw much."Prince Felix." Charlotte said, giving him a warm smile, pushing the hood of her cloak down as she did so. "You scared me for a moment there. I had thought I was in the garden by myself. I couldn't sleep so I headed down here." She made her way over to Felix and she was beginning to be able to see the look on his face. Her eyebrows furrowed together as her face begin to fill with worry. There was something wrong and Charlotte could only pray that it had nothing to do with her. "Are you alright? You look completely torn. Has something terrible happened?"

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled softly at him. His concern only made it harder for her to do what she had promised her sister. "Please Nicholas." She said and squeezed his hands back. "I am alright. I understand why you had to cancel and I have had my studies to focus on. It has been quite productive, in fact my tutor is quite pleased and you know how hard it is to please her." she said and chuckled. "I am simply feeling inadequate to help you. I wish that I was able to assist you now and I fear that I will not be ready for rule before our marriage in the spring." she said and sighed looping her arm in his as she looked at the floor and started to walk. She needed to move. She had been idle to long and it took it's tole on her. Camilla knew it wasn't the entire truth but nothing she told Nicholas was ever a lie. Camilla was torn between her loyalty to her sister and her country and her loyalty to Nicholas and his country. Camilla smiled at Nicholas trying to shake the thoughts out of her mind. She would have plenty of time to think about this later. For now she needed this time alone with her fiancee. "But please Nicholas I don't want to spend our time together talking about this. Let's do as you suggested. I do need to get out of the castle for a small spell." she said and thought about Cinder which made her smile. She had gone down every evening to take a small ride with a guard and then to brush her mare.

---

Felix watched Charlotte turn to him. He listened to her his confusion only growing more. "Are you displeased with your guards?" he asked. "Because princess I see no reason for you to be out here alone this time of night without one. It's dangerous and foolish and puts the entire castle in an uproar." he said and ran a hand through his hair struggling not to let his fear of loosing her turn into anger for her naivety. Felix sighed and sat down on a near by bench a group of guards running towards them. "She's been found." he called and sent them away. Felix looked up at her. "Sit with me a moment Princess." he said and looked out at the forest. "How do you like the gardens?" he asked. Felix was unsure what to make of her. Was she being honest and out to find sleep or was she out here with an altered motive. Felix was unsure how to find out but he had a sinking feeling in his gut telling him what he didn't want to believe.

@ Jinx...

Nicolas was about to say something about what she had expressed, but closed his mouth when she expressed that she did not wish to talk about it. With how little time they had together that week, he was pleased to let it go in light of having some fun. Though he would be sure to keep what she said in his mind for later. This might be something that they wanted to speak on later. Nicolas leaned down, giving Camilla a soft kiss on her head. While he had not kissed her on the lips, he had been trying to be more intimate with her. It was just that he was taking things slow with her. Nicolas didn't want to push her, and he thought he had an understanding of how slowly people moved in her country. "Then lets go to the stables."
Nicolas lead her down to the stables. He had already sent someone down to ready their horses so when they got there, both were saddled and given to them. "Do you want to head down to the forest or the beach first?" He asked her as he got up onto his horse. Nicolas rode knight out of the stables and over to the side. Nicolas waited for Camilla to come out behind him. He smiled widely at her once she did.

---

Charlotte was a bit taken back when Felix snapped at her. She felt anger begin to rise up in her, mixing in with the fact that she was already afraid. Which became two fold when the guards ran up. Now there was a clear understanding of what had happened. While she had no idea how they found out, it was clear that they certainly did know she gone. And that they had been searching for her, and with the way Felix was, they must have been searching most of the time she was gone. Charlotte looked back at him as he beckoned to her sit. Though for a moment she stayed where she was, waiting for the guards to leave before speaking.

"Well as a matter of fact, Yes! I am displeased with the fact that I have a guard following me around all day and night in a guarded castle. It shouldn't be so dangerous and foolish for me to walk around alone in said castle! And I don't see you walking around with a guard, Prince Felix. Even now, despite the fact that it is now 2 o'clock in the morning." Charlotte gripped onto the skirts of her dress. As much as she did feel the things she said, she was more so hoping that Prince Felix would believe it. She did then head over to Felix and sat down next to him on the bench. For a moment, Charlotte let her princess self slide away. She rubbed her face and let out a small sigh before speaking softly to him. "I couldn't sleep so I wanted to head down to the gardens alone to think about things. I didn't know that doing so was going to cause a panic throughout the castle. I'm sorry for the trouble I caused."

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla blushed as Nicholas kissed her head. He was truly trying to move forward respecting her traditions. She honestly thought it sweet and wonderful the way he kissed her and it made her wonder what his lips would feel like against hers. Camilla had been finding herself thinking about it the longer she was with Nicholas. She walked down to the stables with him hand in hand.
Camilla smiled as Nicholas asked were she would like to go first. Camilla knew that if she went to the beach they wouldn't be going into the forest. She loved the water and the sand. "Let's go to the beach. I have wanted to go since I got here." she said as she brought her horse up beside him. Camilla smiled at him. He really had a way of making her feel like this was her land to and she wished she could just believe that it would work out like that but she was afraid that she would betray her sister who in some ways was more like a mother to her.

---

Felix sighed as she finally sat beside him having yelled at him about their inequality. He nodded. "You're right you shouldn't have to walk around with a guard in a guarded palace but the fact is Princess that many of the nobles don't trust you and I don't trust them not to act on their fear and do something to you. I don't want that kind of war for my people or yours and I don't want that grief for your country or family either. So until we can get you to be accepted by the nobles and those closest to the palace I am trying to keep you safe. Perhaps though it is excessive. Maybe instead we might bargain that you will get more personal training for self protection in exchange for less guarding." he said and looked at her wondering if she would be willing to bargain with him. Felix felt that the dangers to her were real and he hoped she could see that as well and understand that he felt he had no other choice. "And Princess when you leave the walls of the castle will you at least tell someone?" he asked. "I really would like to avoid another panic in the castle." he said and gently placed his hand over hers. "Please forgive my outburst and forwardness but you are simply to important to my country and to me to be lost."

@ Jinx...

"I'm that case make sure to follow me closely. The way down to the beach can be a bit dangerous if you don't know where to ride." Nicolas said before beginning to head off. The beach was not too far away from the castle, however there were some cliffs between them and the ocean. It was easy enough to get down, plenty of room to ride as long as one know which way to go and what part of the cliffs were safe to ride on. But with Camilla close behind him, Nicolas had nothing to worry about which made it a very pleasant ride down to the beach.
Once they finally reached the sand, Nicolas stopped when they got close to the water. He slid off of his horse and grabbed Knight's reigns. "Make sure the horses don't drink any of the sea water. It's not good for them." He said once Camilla was only down on the ground. "And when we get near the water you won't want to get too wet. The ocean gets cold during this time of year so it won't be as nice as a swim as you may think."

---

As Felix placed his hand over hers, she turned her palm against his and wrapped her fingers around his hand. It was weird to hold his hand, but Charlotte felt like he needed the assurance almost as much as she did. Plus it was comforting to be able to be this close to someone since she had been feeling scared, angry and alone since she had left her home. "I understand the mistrust that the nobles and a lot of your people have in me. And it's not even wrong for them to think that way after everything that has happened. So it is going to take me a while to earn their trust and show that I intend to do my best both for them and their Prince. So I know that in the meantime I will need a guard around some of the time. Though I shouldn't need one following me around all of the time. So I am willing to make a deal with you about the training." Now that Charlotte had felt safe that her mission wasn't comprised, and that Prince Felix calmed down, she was able to speak softly and think more rationally. "Though yes, the next time I leave I will make sure to inform someone of where I am going." Charlotte hesitated for a moment before lifting up her skirt a bit and reaching down to pull out the dagger that was attached to her leg. "Also, if it makes you feel better at all, I didn't leave my room completely defenseless and yes I know how to use it." Charlotte said as she showed him the dagger. It had been the one that one of her nobleman gave her before she left. Charlotte always made sure to have it on her.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla followed Nicholas slowly and carefully. Once they got to the beach and he hopped down she joined him and took Cinder's reins. "Alright so swimming is out but not this." she said and sat in the sand a moment and took of her shoes. She sighed as she put her feet in the sand. She giggled as she wiggled her toes. Camilla looked up at Nicholas and chuckled standing and tying her shoes onto the saddle. She looked out at the ocean and it's ferocious crashing against the sand. "This is beautiful." she said and was half tempted to also take her hair out of it's braid but decided against it. Camilla walked with Nicholas closer to the water and she dipped her toe in as the water came up towards her. She chuckled and shook her head. "Burr." she said and then slipped her hand easily into Nicholas's. "I am really glad you could take a break to hang out with me." she said and looked up at him. "I... I missed you." she said softly a blush brightening her cheeks. "So tell me how have you been? Anything interesting happen?" she asked.

---

Felix chuckled as she showed him the knife. He shook his head. "I never should have expected any less from you Princess." he said and shook his head. "Still I would rather you be lethal with more than just a knife and a bow because there may eventually be a situation were you will need it. "I know my people and the nobles will come to see you in a bright light. I am only sorry you had to come here in this situation. But please know my only intentions are to keep you safe, happy and to make sure both our countries prosper." Felix kissed the back of her hand softly. "I truly want you to be happy. I know it probably isn't the happiness you had planned for yourself before you came but I will do anything within my power to assure that you find happiness with this new life." He said and smiled softly at her. "I only ask that you stand beside me true as my queen." he said softly.

@ Jinx...

Instantly Nicolas felt a warmth go through his chest. He reached down, lightly brushing his fingers against her cheek. "I've also missed you too. And I am sorry that I had to cancel on you this week. Things have just been so busy and I couldn't get away. Though I can assure you that I was just as disappointed about it as you were. I enjoy seeing you everyday, so not being able to was unfortunate. Though at least we are together now." Nicolas then smiled back at her. He squeezed her hand lightly after he intertwined their fingers together. It was great that Camilla was now taking his hand too. It was just another reassurance that she really did like him too. "And for this week I was just talking to a lot of nobles and the people about business that needs to be taken care of. The kingdom is stable besides the small food crisis. But since that will be easily taken care of, things are good and the work isn't too bad. How is the studying going? I hope that you are learning a lot."

---

Charlotte smiled softly at Felix as he kissed the back of her hand. "I want that too, for both of us. I want both of us to be happy and for our counties to prosper. And I want to do what I can to make you happy too. Though it's odd because this is not what I wanted for myself and I am sure that it is also the same for you." Charlotte turned her body so she was facing Felix more and she leaned in closer to him. Her voice lowered as she continued on. "But within only a week, I already have a better relationship with you than I thought we would have in a lifetime together. And I already consider you to be my friend." Even though Charlotte did plan on breaking the alliance, Charlotte did truly mean what she said. Felix had been kind and considerate to her. He clearly cared about her and he tried to help her transition. Because of that Charlotte was beginning to grow feelings for him. And she wanted him to live a happy life and prosper. But the fact of the matter was that Charlotte did not see the alliance as a great benefit to her or her country. She wanted her nation to stand strong alone. And she did not love Felix. "Considering that, I would like to be more informal with you. I don't think it is necessary for us to use our titles anymore."

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled leaning her head into his hand as his fingers brushed over her skin. Camilla nodded and shook her head. "Don't be sorry. It was because of your absence that I had so much time to study. In fact I think I might have even gotten my tutor to finally relax that I can learn everything I need to." she said and frowned a moment looking down not feeling that way herself. She shook her head and then smiled as she thought about what else he had said. Camilla thought of how the nobles and his people must respect him. "Nicholas I was wondering when I might be able to meet with the nobles?" she asked. "I feel that I need to get to know them and it won't take you away from your duties for me to sit with one to talk at some point. I feel it is important they know me and I know you are so busy so I think this is the best way to start..." she said and looked up at him wondering what his option was. Was Nicholas nervous for her to meet with the nobles? It had seemed to her during the feast when she had arrived that it would not be to terrible to meet with those nobles but she could be mistaken.

---

Felix smiled softly. "Very well Charlotte." he said softly and smiled. As much as he wanted to believe they had just taken several steps forward in their relationship he couldn't help but feel that something was a miss and he would feel betrayed by this woman at one time or another. Felix was determined though to not let those feelings determine how he felt for her or treated her. Felix was going to go into this marriage being truly himself and seeking the love he hoped they could find in each other. "I am honestly very glad you care for me more than you thought you would and I hope that continues." he said and then sighed and stood. "Let us return to the castle. I will escort you back to your room. Tomorrow I will see to it that your training begins and the guard lightened." he said and helped her stand slowly walking with her.

@ Jinx...

"She is a rather hard tutor until she can ensure that her pupil cares. So the fact that she is already has calmed down just proves that you must be a good student. If you keep it up like this you may be able to take on more duties and less studies before the wedding." Nicolas said with a grin. He was rather proud of Camilla and how serious she was with she studies. Though he took a pause when she asked about speaking with the nobles. It wasn't a bad idea for her to start meeting them, and it had been something his parents were already speaking about. Instead it was more of a matter of ensuring that Camilla had a strong foundation from her education first. But since she was doing such a great job with her education. Nicolas let out a small hum. "That was something that was being considered. And there is agreement that is something that will be done soon. But your education is more important at the moment." He told her honestly. "However, if you were to meet with them over lunch and dinner, I am sure my parents will agree to key you start seeing them immediately. This way it doesn't take away from your tutor time but still allows you to start the relationships with them."

---

Charlotte took his hand as Felix helped her up onto her feet. Heading back to bed sounded wonderful. She was tired at this point and laying her head on a pillow sounded absolutely lovely. "Thank you Felix. It will be nice to walk around without a guard even some of the time." Charlotte said with a warm smile. It was nice to drop a bit of their formalities. And she wondered if in the future they could still be friends after what she would do to him. But that was something she would need to figure out after the fact. Charlotte wanted him to be happy but she wouldn't sacrifice her or her country's wellbeing for it. "I hope that you could see me as a good friend. I want to gain yours and the noble's trust." Once they had reached her door, Charlotte turned to Felix. "And Felix, I am truly sorry for tonight. I never meant to cause such a panic. And I am sorry that I scared you."

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla nodded. When he said immediately she was suddenly nervous about meeting with them. "Right." she said and looked out at the ocean. She knew it was something she should do alone and get to know them and find some allies that will help her and her sister but she didn't want to do it alone. She wanted Nicholas there. The more time she spent with him the more time she wanted. "Alright well that is something to consider. Now enough business." she said chuckling finding that she was always trying to get out of business. "Let's see do you have any more questions for me in mind?" she asked already trying to come up with a few of her own. Camilla looked up at him and stopped a moment. She sighed and searched his beautiful eyes. She had thought of a question but she wasn't sure how to ask it. Camilla wanted to be closer to Nicholas physically more than she had ever thought she would want to be with a man. She had never really been in love but she was finding that she was with Nicholas.

---

Felix smiled as she said she was sorry for scaring him. He knew it had been obvious and he sighed. "Aww I do not see any problem with that being the case and much more in our future." she said and kissed her hand again. "Good night Charlotte and sleep well." he said and then watched as she closed the door. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Felix turned from her door and then headed to his own chambers. It was much to late to see if he could prove his suspicions yet. Felix sighed and fell into his bed. He closed his eyes and found himself asleep almost immediately. Felix dreamed about Charlotte in two ways that night, as a mighty queen pulling beside him and as a snitch who made him run after her as she stole his crown in a maze. In the morning Felix woke with a start and knew that if he did nothing the later would most likely be the case but what could he do to change her mind?

@ Jinx...

Nicolas turned to Camilla as she stopped walking down the beach. He noticed the way that she was looking at him, and it only peaked his curiosity. It seemed that there was something mulling around Camilla's head, and he wondered what she was thinking about. Did it possibly have something to do with what Camilla was thinking about at the castle? Nicolas wanted to know what was going on through her mind, but he wanted to make sure that he wasn't pushing her. Nicolas felt like he wanted so much from her, he wanted everything he could get from Camilla. So he had to keep reminding himself that it had only been a week, and that he didn't want to push her too hard. "I have a couple." Nicolas said smoothly. "Though I am mostly wondering what you are thinking about."

---

In the morning, Charlotte was woken by one of the servants informing her that it was time to wake. Charlotte dismissed her before getting ready for the day. Normally she would be awake before her morning call, but due to the late night she had Charlotte managed to sleep in a bit later than usual. Once she was ready, Charlotte glanced at the time, seeing that she still had a few minutes before she had to leave for breakfast. Going to her hiding spot in the room, Charlotte pulled out the letters from last night. She had not gotten the chance to read it the night before. Two of the letters contained delicate information about her country. Without her there it was difficult to get the information she needed about her country in order to properly be ready to take the crown. As for the other letter, it was information about Aldannia. She had some people around the country to get a feel for the culture and the commoners who lived here. Once she was done, Charlotte shoved the letters back to her hiding place before heading down to breakfast.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled and nodded. "Right well I know we have only known each other for a week but you see I have never been this close to someone before. Honestly I have never wanted to be." She said and looked out at the ocean. "So I guess my question is of a personal matter. We have a duty to be of a particular way with each other but we also have a choice. So I was wondering just how close you would like to be to me." She said and looked down at her feet as she wiggled her toes under the sand. Camilla waited a pause and peeked up at Nicholas. She hoped that her advances wouldn't dash her dreams of their future.

---

Felix woke to his man servant opening the blinds. Felix groaned and rolled out of bed getting ready for the day. He had just managed to go back to sleep when his man serve the had woken him. His dream had kept him up for to long. Felix knew today was going to be long and hard. Felix headed down to breakfast and smiled at his family. He sat and looked up as Charlotte entered the room. "Good morning Charlotte." He said. Felix wanted to spend some more time with her. Felix started to eat and then turned to her after she seemed settled in. "Might I request some time with you today as well?" He asked deciding a ride might be refreshing for them."

@ Jinx...

Nicolas shifted a bit uncomfortably once she asked that question. He knew that Camilla liked her but he didn't know how much. And with what she had told him about her and her country's traditions with engagements he was trying to be respectful of that. But he also wanted to be honest with her, especially since that was also important to Camilla. "It's okay if you don't feel exactly the same way as I do yet. But I do want to be much closer to you, Camilla. I want us to be as close as we can be. And it's not out of duty but out of the fact that I actually really like you. And I am looking forward to our future together. And at some point I want us to be in love. I hope that you will feel the same way."

---

"Good morning Felix." Charlotte told him as she sat down in her seat. Soon food was placed in front of her and Charlotte began to eat. She started going over the day's agenda in her mind when Felix began to speak. "Yes you may.' Charlotte told him, giving him a soft smile. She wondered if there was anything in particular Felix wanted to do or talk about. "And I do have quite a bit of free time today so we could certainly go do something. Did you have anything in mind?" Luckily today Charlotte only had a class in the morning that was fixed in her schedule. After that she only had to get work done but it didn't matter when she did it.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla blushed and smiled. It didn't exactly answer the question but it made her glad that he felt the same way she did. Camilla hugged him and pressed her ear to his chest. Camilla sighed and relaxed into him. "I want that too." she said and then pulled back slowly. "Thanks." she said and then tucked her hair behind her ear. Camilla started to walk down the beach with him again. She was relieved that Nicholas wanted the same thing she did. Still though the knowledge that she had of everything she had to do later. Camilla only hoped that Nicholas could forgive her eventually.

---

Felix smiled. "Well I was thinking that we could take a ride into the forest." he said and smiled at her. "I was thinking it would be refreshing and perhaps would help with the lack of sleep." he said whispering the last part and gave her a playful wink. Felix took another bite of his food and then took a drink. Felix was really looking for some way to get Charlotte to open up a little. She played everything so close to the chest he wasn't sure what was really how she felt or not.

@ Jinx...

Once they started walking, Nicolas wrapped his arm around her waist. He lightly pulled her close to him. From her question, and reaction, Nicolas assumed that Camilla did want to be closer to him. It was just difficult to figure out what to do and when because he did not want to make an ass of himself. Though now he was just beginning to assume that Camilla would just tell him when it was too much for her.
He glanced over at the ocean for a moment before looking back down at Camilla. "Okay, since you asked me a question, I now have one for you." Nicolas said with a smile. "Are you happy here?" It had only been a week, but Nicolas was hoping that she was.

---

After taking another bite and sip of her food, Charlotte smiled warmly at Felix. "I think that would be a lovely idea. It would wake both of us up a bit more." She was already looking forward to their ride. It had been a while since Charlotte was on a horse. With everything that had been happening, it had been difficult to just get away to do whatever. Though since Felix was the one who wanted to go, that made things a bit easier. After all she was expected to spend time with him. Not that she really minded it. Felix was so easy to get along with. "When would you like to go?"

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla leaned into Nicholas and sighed content. He asked his question and she frowned. Camilla quietly walked with him for a while before she spoke. "I'm not unhappy. But I had a vision for what my life would have been like and I am sad for the loss of that. I miss my home and my sister the most. I am not sure what I would give to see her again. Please do not get me wrong though I am excited and very hopeful for the life I will have here and I very much enjoy your company and your country. But to answer your question, not yet." Camilla looked at him knowing it wasn't the answer he was hoping for but she was hoping that it would give him hope for the future together and she hoped maybe someday he would understand what she had done what she was about to do. Camilla wondered what would happen between them after this. She only could assume they would be married before her sister could return them both home and Camilla would have to think about what to do next.
"Alright I have a question for you. Who is the one person you feel you can tell anything to?" she asked. Nicholas seemed to hold himself so together and she wondered if one day perhaps she could be the one person he could tell everything to. She knew it would be a long time after breaking his trust.

---

Felix smiled. "Well I have a couple morning meetings to deal with but right before lunch we could meet up at the stables." he said and smiled already thinking of the perfect little spot to have a lunch at. Felix was surprised with how much he was wanting this to work out and how hard she seemed to be resisting him even now when she was agreeing to spend time with him. Felix could just somehow feel it like the gut instinct that she was going to betray him at some time or another. Felix tried not to let it affect him and he honestly believed that if he did enough she wouldn't be able to betray him. Felix was willing to put in the work and to find ways to get her to open up if only he could get started somewhere, he just needed some clue.