Conflicting Castles (Closed)

@ Jinx...
It was true that Camilla’s answer was not exactly what he wanted to hear. However, he saw hope in what she said. After all it had only been a week, and he had to understand that Camilla had to give up everything that she knew when she was forced to move here. It was probably just a matter of time for Camilla to get used to being here with him. And Nicolas thought that he would be able to make her glad to live with him. At least she never seemed to be truly unhappy. And she was always able to put a smile on his face.
Though with Camilla’s question, he went quiet. It was a bit difficult for him to answer, considering there were a few people that he really did trust. Though with everything? That was a bit harder. He trusted his parents, but Nicolas did hide a few things from them, like the few times that he snuck out of the castle. Though there was one person in particular that Nicolas trusted with everything. “My friend, Phillip.” He said with a grin. “Others call him Lord Jacobs. His estate is pretty close to the castle so he comes here often. He is most likely to be my Lord Chancellor.” Lord Chancellor was basically the king’s right hand man. The guy that the king trusted the most, and would be in charge when the king could not be there. “You haven’t met him yet, but he should be back in the country in the next few days.”

---

Charlotte set down her fork and knife once she was finished with her food. She continued to be pleasantly surprised with the cuisine. It was really quite good, which she was very grateful for. “I only have my class this morning, so I think that I can make before lunch work.” She joked lightly. It actually gave her some time to get work done before going to the stables. If she was able to get enough done, she might even be able to go early to spend some time with the horses. Charlotte really did miss being around animals. They had such a calming effect on her. Her family even used to have hunting dogs, but they died before the war. Once her plate was taken away, Charlotte stood up. “I need to head to my class, but I am looking forward to seeing you later. Have fun at your meetings.” She gave him a warm smile before heading out of the room.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled as he finally spoke again. She had been worried that she had caused his silence with her answer but it seemed he had only been thinking. Camilla listened as he talked about his friend who was the closest to him. "Wow I am sure he will be honored to have that title." She said and smiled as he said he would be back. "Does that mean you would like me to meet your closest friend?" she asked softly hoping he would want to introduce them himself. Camilla was kind of glad that the person he trusted most was someone like Lord Jacobs. She would have to try and remember to address him formally. Camilla wondered if she could ever hold a spot like Phillip did within Nicholas's heart. She could tell that his friendship meant more to Nicholas than any other he had. That made her hope for a meeting between her and Phillip to go well for it may depend a lot of how they ruled together and their relationship.

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Felix smiled. "I am pleased to hear so." he said and smiled as she was dismissed. "I will attempt to have fun..." he said chuckling lightly at her use of words. "If you will try to do the same." He said and watched her leave. Felix sat back thinking and hardly touching his food. His father looked at him and smiled. "Aww son I am pleased to see you making quite the effort. Can I assume by the creese on your brow that it is going rough?" The king asked. Felix shook his head. "No father it is going quite smoothly and that is what is bothering me. I have a lingering feeling of dread." he said and frowned at his words. The king nodded. "Listen to your instincts but also know when to let the situation play it's self out." he said and Felix nodded at his father's words of wisdom. He finished his food and left to go to his meetings.

@ Jinx...

“Yes, I think that Phillip would like that position. Though you should not be telling anyone that I said so. It is always best to keep information like that to oneself until the choice has to be made. Besides, the privy council also must agree, and it is possible that they will want someone…with more experienced I guess is the best way to describe it.” Nicolas told her, he spread his fingers a bit against her waist. It was nice to be able to hold her this close to him. “And I would like you to meet Phillip. You probably would have already if it were not for that fact that he was gone, helping with the last aspects of the war. Though Phillip will probably be back in a few days, and I will be sure to introduce you two when he arrives to the castle. I think that you will like him, he is quite friendly.” Nicolas grinned widely. He saw no reason for them to not get along. Though he was not sure what he would do if they didn’t…

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Charlotte headed off to her tutor. Luckily her classes were not too intense, considering she had already been studying to be queen before this. For her, it was more about learning about the culture, laws that differed, and some of the lesser known nobles. She already knew a bit about the country because of the war. It had been important for her to know all about the big players, and the history of their old wars. So now she was just filling in some pieces that there used to be no use in knowing. Once she had finished with her studies, Charlotte moved onto her work for Aldannia. It was just normal work that she had to do, so nothing she really needed to hide from Felix. She might actually need to start teaching him about her country at some point if they were going to rule together. Though it was definitely a lot harder to get done when she was so far away.
Once it was a bit closer to her ride with Felix, Charlotte changed into her riding outfit. She then headed down to the stables, making sure to get down a bit early. Once she went down, she talked to one of the stable boys to figure out which horse she would be riding. When she knew, Charlotte headed over to the horse, starting to pet and get the horse ready for the ride. While she could get a servant to do it, Charlotte preferred to spend the time herself. The whole time, she was smiling brightly. She really did miss animals.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled and nodded as he spoke. The more she thought about it though the worse she feared he was trusting her to much which made her heart heavy. She did not want to loose Nicholas's trust. "Well I am quite excited to meet him." she said and leaned her head on his shoulder gently as they stopped a moment to look out at the ocean together. "I am very grateful to you Nicholas. I had never thought I would have such a chance here to..." she blushed and looked at him. "A chance to fall in love." she sighed content and watched the waves roll in. Camilla bit her lip not caring for a moment how unladylike it was. Camilla grinned. "Alright. I am curious now what these woods look like." she said though was was sad she would have to put her shoes back on. Camilla was a wild one whenever she could be. It had been much to the dismay of every one of her governess.

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Felix finished with his meetings and the paperwork attached to it. After a debrief with his father Felix headed down towards the stables. He walked down to see Charlotte taking care of the horse. He smiled and walked towards her grabbing a brush and his horse and coming up beside her starting to brush down his horse quickly. "Charlotte. It truly is a pleasure to see you so relaxed." he said and smiled as his horse snorted with delight at the attention. He looked up at Charlotte seeing he had caught her slightly off guard and he liked it. Felix chuckled setting the brush down and putting on the blanket. "Been here long?" he asked as he put on the saddle. Felix started to buckle it up efficiently. Once he put on the ridding reins he held up some oats for his horse happily giving it a little snack. He obviously had a warm bond with his horse who after finishing the snack nipped at his hair playfully until Felix pushed his head away. He patted the horse's neck rubbing lovingly as he watched Charlotte.

@ Jinx...

Nicolas watched Camilla pull her shoes on with a goofy grin on his face. Everything she said, everything Camilla did just felt right to him. And while he knew that he was not in love yet, Nicolas did know that he was falling hard for her. And there were so many things that he wanted to say, but knew that the moment had passed. So instead he walked up to Camilla, and wrapped an arm around her waist as he walked her back to the horses. It was unbelievable how lucky he had gotten when she was shipped to him.

Once they got back to the horses, Nicolas helped her on before getting to his own. He knew she didn't need the help but he wanted to give it anyways. "Follow me closely again while we head up the cliffs.' Nicolas told her as he made his way to the forest. Though all the while, he just thought about how he wanted to press his lips against hers.

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Charlotte had been a bit startled when Felix came in. She had assumed that it was just her in the stables, and that it would be a while longer until he came down. It must have been there longer than she had thought. But once she saw Felix, Charlotte began to relax again. She was beginning to no longer mind Felix's company but actually like it a bit. There was something about Felix that made people want to be near him. She just wasn't sure what it was yet.

"I have been here for a while. I came down as soon as I could." Charlotte said as she set down the brush. She grabbed the saddle and set it down on the horse. With ease she was able to get everything set up for their ride. "As for being relaxed, animals have a calming effect. Or rather they have always had that effect on me. I think it's why my father always tried to fill the castle with hunting dogs." Charlotte told him truthfully. She knew she was not the most laid back person. Even on her day off or having fun, she was not this way. Lightly, she pressed her hand against the horse's long nose before moving up onto the saddle.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled as Nicholas helped her on her horse. She could tell he just wanted to be close to her. She followed him closely as he went up the cliffs. Once they were safely back on level ground she rode up beside him liking that he was happy to be equal with her. They rode softly towards the forest. "Alright so now it's your turn." she said as she waited for him to ask a question. She was sure it was obvious who she trusted with all her secrets. Her sister was the only person that knew her entirely.
When they got into the forest Camilla looked up at the leaves and smiled. It was beautiful with the fall colors weaving through the leaves. "Wow." she said and smiled at Nicholas as she rode with him through the forest. Camilla realized then how she could be seen as defenseless. She knew she wasn't but that wasn't something she went around announcing. Camilla wondered why Phillip had been more involved with the war then Nicholas but perhaps he had been involved and just returned sooner.

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Felix smiled as she started to relax again. He watched her get the horse ready to ride. He liked that she could take care of it herself. "Hunting dogs huh?" he asked knowing he had to get some kind of an engagement present and he still had no idea what would please her. Felix moved onto the saddle himself and looked at her. "Did you go hunting in your lands?" he asked curiously. Dogs were great but they were meant to have a purpose, that's how he had been raised. Felix made a note though to think of getting more animals though he wasn't sure how to go about that. Felix knew they could take more rides though for sure and it was something simple they could do together. Felix took the package from a servant and secured it safely on his horse smiling as Charlotte gave him a curious look. "A surprise." he assured her and then gently nudged his horse to go forward. They could take it slow for now.

@ Jinx...

Nicolas gave Camilla a small nod when she reminded him it was his turn. He had actually forgotten that they were doing questions. It had been easy to do so when Camilla was able to get him so wound up. So he took a couple of moments to think as they made their way to the forest. In a strange way, Nicolas felt like he knew Camilla so well. Her personality shined through so brightly that it was hard to miss. But, of course there was a lot of things the he did not know that he really should. Nicolas smiled lightly. "Can you tell me a bit about your family?" He asked as he moved his horse to ride besides her. "You have met mine, but I haven't met your father or you sister." Nicolas already knew that her mother had passed away many years prior. So he was curious about how her family lived. And also why her father never remarried. It was quite uncommon for a king to stay widowed for so long.

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Charlotte shifted in the saddle a bit until she knew that she was stable in it. It wasn't the saddle that she was used to, but it was still rather easy to ride in. As Felix headed out, Charlotte had her horse move forward too so she was besides him. They weren't going very fast but it was a good speed for talking. Though at some point Charlotte was going to want to really ride. It would be quite fun to race through the forest once she knew it well enough.

"My father was a bigger hunter than I. Though I would often join him and the party since it was rather fun. It was never difficult to find something to hunt." Charlotte wasn't a great hunter but if she needed to live off of it, she knew that she would be able to. "Is hunting a big sport at the castle?" She was rather curious as to what activities the castle normally engaged in. Maybe they didn't hunt but did they hold a lot of tournaments or other events? "What events happen in Embernia?"

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla blushed and smiled. "Sure." she said wondering were to start. "My family is very different from yours. My sister and father were so focused on ruling the country it was like we hardly ever had time for each other and since my sister was to take over the country my father spent most his time teaching her. He believed in her most of all so I didn't really get a lot of time with him but Charlotte believed in me and that my contribution to the country would be essential in her reign." she said and frowned. "I miss her so." she said softly and sighed shaking her head smiling again. "We were inseparable once my mother died. It was like Charlotte knew if she wasn't there for me no one would be and she took that upon herself to take care of despite all the other things she had to take care of." Camilla relaxed as she talked. "So I guess that's the basics really. My father was quiet around me and mostly talked about politics with Charlotte even when it wasn't perhaps the best time for it. Charlotte was more like a mother than a big sister and I grew up with more freedom than well..." she shrugged. "More freedom than most consider healthy. But it made me strong and opinionated in ways that make me odd to most nobles." she said and chuckled looking at Nicholas. She felt like she was talking on and on but Nicholas seemed to listen to every word with enthusiasm.

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Felix smiled as she asked him a question. "Well my mother has added lots of social events in our country but we still hold a tournament of strength every fall." he said and smiled. "Every noble including the royal family is allowed to participate as long as they are of age." he said and smiled not having to state that it was a male only event. "Though in the spring my mother throws a carnival of sorts that is about welcoming in the new life. It is very colorful and lovely. And during the winter we open up the castle to a ball. But durning summer there are so many events with the nobles and their families they might as well live here and some families send their daughters and sons to stay here and make connections to other nobles. It's all a lot more political than it sounds but there is still fun in it." he said. Their country was very fortunate. "What were the events like back in Aldannia?" Felix asked.

@ Jinx...

A small frown came across Nicolas' face as he listened to her family life. It didn't exactly sound ideal to him. Plus he was getting the feeling of how hard it was for Camilla to no longer be with her older sister. It really did sound like Charlotte was pivotal in her life, and now she no longer had her around. Though it didn't sit well with Nicolas that it seemed like she didn't have a great relationship with her father. But that was common when there was only one heir to focus on. He glanced out into the trees before looking back to Camilla. "I would like to meet them both one day, especially your sister. It would be nice to if we were able to before the wedding." Nicolas honestly did want to meet them, but it was hard to determine when all of them would have the time to do so.
Once they were surrounded by trees, Nicolas slid off of his horses. He tied him to a tree before walking over to Camilla and offering his hand. He could feel his heart beating quickly as he started to get nervous about what he was going to do.

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"The winter is rather quiet expect for the holiday celebrations. But those do not last too long. We have large hunting competitions, once during the fall and again in the spring. Though in the spring and into the summer is where we hold most of our tournaments. We also hold sailing tournaments during the summer on the river and ocean. I think that you would actually rather like sailing tournaments. Anyways, our busiest time is actually the fall, where we have our harvest carnival and our largest ball." Both of their countries sounded very busy. Though it was necessary for the castle to continue with large events since it made the people happy and gave the nobles an opportune time to speak to others and the crown. Charlotte smiled brightly. "I am excited to see the events here though." She hoped something was coming up soon.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled as she got off her horse to walk with him. She beamed thinking of seeing her family. "Do you think there will be time?" she asked excitement rising in her and it was obvious through her voice. "I would love for them to meet you. I know Charlotte was nervous about my future." she said wondering if there was any way that she didn't have to betray Nicholas. If Charlotte could just meet him she wold see that he was no threat and then Camilla could actually focus on a marriage to a wonderful man. Camilla knew she was excited to actually rule beside him too. "Nicholas I am not sure you know just how much that would mean to me and you could see Aldannia and meet my horse..." she said and blushed knowing she was getting a little carried away. Camilla could hug him again with her excitement. She wanted to squeal.

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Felix nodded and smiled. "I hope we will be able to attend some of the Aldannia events to once we are married. I think it will be good exposure. I would like to eventually have the people of Aldannia accept me." he said and smiled. "I am sure as long as my mother and father rule we will have plenty of opportunity to visit Aldannia for such events." he said and smiled gently. "If you would like that is." he said. "Oh how did your classes go this morning? I have not asked how you are doing in them." he said. "I know we have some odd customs sometimes in comparison to Aldannia." he said having read up a little on her culture as well.

@ Jinx...

Nicolas smiled widely at her, and he couldn't help but chuckle a bit He loved how excited Camilla was getting and it was like her energy was never ending. "I hope that there is time to do this. I believe that you and I will at least be able to go to Aldannia before the wedding. Though I can't promise that your sister will be able to go at the same time we are. But even if I can't meet her before the wedding, I will meet her soon after." He loved how happy Camilla was, but he didn't want her to get her hopes up. "I can talk to my parents, and once they say that we can leave for two weeks, you should message your sister to see if she will ever be available."

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"Well they are a little odd, but I am sure that some of Albania's customs are strange to you too." If they were to be married, it would be important for them to find a good mix of their customs. It just wouldn't be feasible for them to consistently do everything together. "And I would love for us to go to Aldannia, and for you to meet the people. Maybe we could even go before the wedding." Charlotte said, glancing over at Nicolas. She had no idea when their wedding was, and it had never occurred to her to ask. She was too busy trying to set everything up to get out of it, that she had never thought about what the actual timeline was. "Have your parents decided on a wedding date by the way?"

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla squealed. "I am sure it will all work out!" she said and hugged him. She giggled and then slowly pulled back. "Thanks Nicholas." she said and then took his hand again and started to walk again. "Where is your favorite place in the forest?" she asked. Her and Nicholas alone for two weeks. It excited her and made her onerous. She was sure that her father would be to busy to spend much time with her but it wold still be nice to see him and if she got an early enough warning she could hopefully see her sister. "Charlotte has a way about her that makes people want to do what she asks." she said suddenly and giggled. "I was just thinking that she would probably be able to find a way to at least see us for a little while." she said and smiled. "Sorry I can't stop thinking about it." she said beaming. "So you use to play in the forest as a kid?" she asked.

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Felix nodded. "Indeed. Like your courting practices baffle me." he said and chuckled. "I think if you like a girl she should be the first to know not her father or her keeper." he said and shrugged. "I will happily talk to my father about taking some time to go out to Aldannia. I am sure if I pose it as political then he will think it rational and necessary." he said and smiled at her. "Aww the wedding. "Well yes by the end of the year or close to it. I was thinking a winter wedding might be fitting." he said. "But they left it up to what you wanted stylistically. my mother is really excited to plan the wedding with you. She will push flowers on everything but she is really sweet." he said and chuckled. They rode up to a clearing with a little pond in the middle. "Aww here we are." he said and stopped. "Shall we have lunch?" he asked and opened the package on the back of his horse pulling out a basket.

@ Jinx...
"My favorite part of the forest is the right side where it ends. The forest actually ends on a cliff that overlooks the ocean. So while it is a little dangerous, it is a beautiful sight to see. Also there is a small waterfall that goes into the ocean on that side, which is also nice to look at. And I actually did play in the forest a lot when I was younger. Though, I also spend a lot of time here now. Plus the castle has activities that happen in the forest." Nicolas then suddenly stopped and he lightly turned Camilla. "Do you see that?" He asked her before pointing out the butterfly in front of them. Once she was in awe, Nicolas looked down at her, smiling before leaning down and gently kissing her lips. He just hadn't been able to get that idea out of his head.

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"Please talk to your father about visiting Aldannia. I would like for both of us to go back before the wedding. I think it would be good for my people." Charlotte smiled brightly when she saw the clearing. "This is a lovely little place." Charlotte said as she slid off of her horse. She tied the horse to one of the trees, giving her a sugar cube before going back to Felix. As she helped him lay out the blanket and unpack the food, her mind was stuck on the wedding. It was happening sooner than she had expected. Not by much, but it still was sooner than she planned for. Charlotte had assumed that the wedding would be in the spring or the winter. Though she supposed it made sense for them to want to have it all settled this year. It just meant that she would need to move a bit faster. "A winter wedding would be nice. Though spring would be too. And if it's spring, your mother really could put flowers everywhere." Charlotte joked lightly, giving Felix a large smile.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled listening to him talk about his childhood and the forest. She turned towards the area he described. When he pointed out a butterfly she beamed. "Wow." she said and smiled watching it fly in the sunshine peeking through the trees. Camilla loved that even though it was becoming cold the butterfly was still alive and well. She was just about to ask him what events they held in the forest when suddenly she felt Nicholas's lips against hers. A rush flew through her and she put a hand on his chest grabbing his shirt lightly. She closed her a small gasp of surprise escaped her as she kissed him back gently. It was her first kiss and she wasn't really experienced but it felt so nice. She ran her hands up his chest and wrapped them around his neck as she moved closer to him. Her belly twisted in jumping knots that tightened and unraveled. She didn't understand the sensation but it was also nice in a torturous kind of way. Camilla let him lead because she had no idea what to do anyways and it was nice. Her head began to spin and her legs grew weak and she had no idea why.

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Felix smiled as they sat down talking about the wedding. He chuckled. "There are many winter flowers she would be more than happy to teach you about and they are just as beautiful in their special way." he said. Winter suited them in his opinion. It was strong and stunning. She reminded him of a crisp winter morning with the sun gleaming and a cold fresh bite in the air. He liked that stillness about her but it also unnerved him was he waited for the approaching storm. He poured her a drink and then set the food upon the plates. "It is ultimately up to you but I thought that I would give you my opinion and the option." he said and smiled softly. "I also agree that it is important that your people get to know me sooner rather than later." he said and smiled. Suddenly he was moved by her beauty and he stopped what he was doing. "Charlotte you are beautiful." he said completely serious. It was a fact but it was also how he felt.

@ Jinx...

Nicolas led throughout the kiss, making sure to keep is sweet and loving. His arms wrapped around her waist, one hand on the small of her back and the other on her neck. She made his heart sing with joy. And the fact that she was truly kissing him back made his mind go blank. How he got here and why made no sense to Nicolas but he was thankful for it. Nicolas just wanted her, wanted all of her. Camilla's sweetness and her honesty. He wanted the sad look she had in eyes sometimes and the bursts of joy that overcame her. He wanted her slightly strange mind and at some point he wanted her whole body. Though for now Nicolas was ecstatic with just having her lips and her hands. Slowly he pulled away from her, pressing his forehead against hers. Nicolas couldn't help but let out a low chuckle. "I hope you didn't mind. I just couldn't stop myself any longer."

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Charlotte immediately stopped what she was doing as those words came out of Felix's mouth. Her cheeks turned a warm red but a small smile also came across her face. It was so odd that Felix would just suddenly say that. Though it did make her feel strangely warm inside and jittery at the same time. Hearing him say that raised her so high while also terrifying her when it made her heart beat so quickly. What was it about Felix's compliments that made her feel this way? And Charlotte had thought it wouldn't have thrown her so off guard the next time. She glanced to the side for a moment before looking at Felix. "You are so strange, Felix." Charlotte said though there was a clear warmness in her voice as she did so. "I don't understand how you are able to do this to me." She said as she pressed a hand against her red face. Did Felix know how he made her feel when he just gave her these unexpected compliments? This certainly would not happen if she was dating someone from home.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla sighed content as he rested his forehead against hers. She kept her eyes closed and gently bit her bottom lip. She smiled and giggled softly but breathlessly. He said he hoped she didn't mind and she giggled again her fingers playing against the back of his neck mindlessly but still she could feel the way every touch sent a thrill through her like lightning. "No I don't mind." she said softly and let her eyes flutter open when her head slowly stopped spinning. She smiled and then blushed deep red. "I liked it." she said not able to say much about it really hough if she were to explain how much he would probably do it again and she didn't know if her body could take another kiss now. Camilla stayed in his arms just a little longer getting her balance and the strength in her legs back. "Thank you." she whispered. The way Nicholas made her feel was special. There was hardly another way to put it. He made her feel special because he saw her and wanted her. "Honestly it was perfect." she confessed and giggled a little nervously. Her family had never made her feel special like this. As much as she loved her sister it had always been obvious between them who was special and important and it had never been her no matter how hard Charlotte had tried to tell her she was. Here with Nicholas she was truly needed and desired. Camilla decided that after she fulfilled her promise this once to Charlotte she would completely devote herself to Nicholas.

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Felix smiled as he watched her face burn red and he hoped he would always be able to do that to her. He leaned over and gently brushed his fingers over her cheek then tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. "Aww sweetheart you don't have to understand why. Just enjoy it. Sometimes strange is what you need." he said and gave her a playful wink. He leaned closer and kissed her cheek before placing the plate infant of her. "So here we have a mother delicacy from my home and a desert from yours. I do believe the cooks spent forever trying to figure it out." he chuckled. "I heard it was quite the adventure so I hope it turned out well." he said and then took his utensil and started to eat as if nothing major had just happened though he was fully aware.

@ Jinx...

All of this was just working out better than Nicolas had ever imagined. He was glad that she actually liked it and that Camilla seemed that she would want him to do it again. Though he knew that was enough for now for the both of them. "I'm glad that the kiss was as perfect as you are." Nicolas told her with a sweet smile. He couldn't help himself. Once they got back to the horses, Nicolas helped Camila get onto hers before hopping onto his own. "We should probably head back to the castle now. I have some work before dinner and I am sure that you would like to rest a bit beforehand."

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Charlotte's face seemed to get redder when Felix kissed her cheek. That was just the first time he had done that. Plus with what he said she couldn't help but blush. Though while Felix seemed to just move on so quickly, Charlotte couldn't help but sit there is a bit of shock for a few moments. She could feel her heart pounding in her eyes and her stomach twirling. How was that even possible? Though after a few moments, Charlotte picked up her plate and started to eat. Felix was such a odd one. He got her so worked up and then just dropped it like it was nothing. "Some of the desserts are quite difficult..." Charlotte said before taking another bite.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla blushed and giggled lightly as he said she was perfect. She wished it were true. She smiled gently and touched his arm before taking his hand again. They walked back to the horses and Nicholas helped her on. She nodded as he said it was time to go back. It was sad but she understood. "Alright." she said and smiled as they rode together out of the forest. Once the stables were in view she looked at him. "Want to race?" she asked excitement glowing in her eyes. She only had a little time left with him and she wanted to make it count. When he agreed she grinned. "Alright go!" she said and laughed as she spurred her horse and took off. She raced with Nicholas until they got to the stables. She giggled as she got down and took her horse's reigns. She stood with him a moment. She was going to take care of her horse while he went to his business. She touched his arm again in farewell. "Thank you for today." she said softly. "I enjoyed myself entirely." she said and then watched him go before going into the stable to brush down her horse and clean her hooves.

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Felix smiled and nodded. "Well I am excited to try them." he said and looked at her. He moved on quickly when they took steps like that because if he didn't he would move much to fast for her comfort. He was always careful to let her have the time she needed though. Felix enjoyed the food as he looked over at the pond seeing a fish jump out. He smiled as he finished his meal waiting for Charlotte to do the same before he brought out the dessert. "Here we are." he said and then took a bite freezing. "Wow." he said after he swallowed. "That's amazing." he said and smiled at her.

@ Jinx...

Nicolas glanced back at Camilla for a moment before heading off to the castle. It had been a nice ride but now he had to go back to work. Though if he finished fast enough then he would be able to have dinner with Camilla. As Camilla had finished in the stables, one of the servants brought her a sealed letter. The letter read:

Dear Princess Camilla,

Matters of trade have caused me to travel from Aldannia. Though, while here, I hoped to gain a private audience with you to pay my respects. Would you be available for afternoon tea? If you are able, meet me in the gardens around 3:00.

With Deepest respect,
Lord Harold Jemins

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Charlotte took the dessert from him, a small smile coming over her face as she tried a bite. There was something off in the dessert, not exactly like the one made in the castle at home. However, she had heard how much trouble they were having with it so it was understandable. "It is difficult to make, but worth it." She told him as she continued to eat. Once she finished, Charlotte set her plate down and looked out over the pond. This was a beautiful place to be and she was glad that Felix had brought her here. "It would be nice if we could stay here for the rest of the day." Though, for a moment, Charlotte's eyes flickered to the box that Felix had brought. She couldn't help but be curious as to what was in it.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla took the letter and opened it hoping it was from her sister and read through it frowning. She sighed knowing that she should write to her sister and when she was given the code she would write to her another time out of duty. The problem was that Camilla did not know how to explain to her sister how she was falling in love so quickly. The only think Camilla could think of was to have her meet Nicholas. If she could just meet him then she would understand. Camilla sighed and shoved the letter in her dress then walked into the castle to write a reply then to dress for dinner. She hoped to see Nicholas there again tonight but she realized he was very busy and she had already taken much of his time this afternoon.

---

Felix smiled and nodded. "It's off though isn't it." he said having watched her carefully when she took her first bite. "Sad but at least they got close yes?" he asked. He smiled and relaxed the looked around she she voiced her opinion. "Aww yes sometimes I feel the same way but i would like to bring the matter to my father before dinner. I know how quickly the wedding is approaching. And it seems I need to have my mother meet with you on the subject as well." he said. He watched her look at the box and he smiled. There was indeed one last surprise in there that he hoped would delight her.