Conflicting Castles (Closed)

@ Jinx...
Nicolas worked as quickly as he could, but still it started to seep into dinner. He let out a small sigh once he finished what needed to be done that night. Getting up from his desk, Nicolas walked into the dining hall, seeing that Camilla had already started with out him. "I am sorry that I am late." Nicolas told her as he sat down across from her. While they normally sat next to each other, it just did not make sense to do so when his family was away. He was quiet as the servants set down his food and then stepped away. "Did you do anything interesting after the ride?"

---

Charlotte gave Felix a sympathetic smile. She had not wanted to say anything since she knew that the cooks had trouble with it. Plus it was sweet of him to try to bring a little bit of her home here. "It is a tad bit off. Though, it is still quite good." She reassured him. With that, Charlotte let out a small hum, clearly pleased with what was happening. "It would be nice to know soon if we could go to Aldannia." Oh she desperately wanted to go back even if it was for a short time. Though she had no idea if they would truly be able to. "And you are right, your mother and I should start working on the wedding. But maybe you should let me ask her about it?"

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla looked up as Nicholas came in. She smiled as he apologized. "I understand. I am simply glad you made it." she said and waited until he started to eat. "I brushed my horse and saw to her care. Oh and I got a letter from one of my country men. We are having tea tomorrow at 3." she said and smiled. "I look forward to hearing how Aldannia is doing." she said and slowly ate enjoying their small talk. Though she was nervous about meeting the man she was not going to hide that from Nicholas. She wanted to hide as few things as possible. "How did your work go?" she asked guessing there was either a miscalculation of time or some complication arose.

---

Felix nodded. "Well I am glad that it is still good. Perhaps I can get one of the cooks to accompany us on our trip to Aldannia so that they are able to make you anything that you like while you are here." he said wanting her to have that comfort at least. "I will speak to my father." he assured her and smiled finishing his food and laying back looking at her. "Aww you being up an excellent point. It seems that it would be a good idea for you and my mother to talk about the wedding. But please do so soon. If we are going to Aldannia you should at least talk to her before then." he said. "But I will leave it in your capable hands." he said and then laid back looking up at the sky through the clearing in the trees.

@ Jinx...

Nicolas gave her a small shrug when she asked about work. "It was fine. Just took a bit longer than expected. Though to be honest I don't want to think about work at the moment." He gave her a small smile. "It's just taking over such a large part of my days recently that when I am out, I would rather just talk to you about anything else." Nicolas glanced down at his food before going back to eating. "I am glad that one of your own countrymen have come here. Even more so that you will be able to speak with him. It will probably be nice to talk about home with someone who knows it well." Nicolas assumed that it would be good for her. Plus, Nicolas knew that she didn't have many to talk to since she wasn't approved to speak to their nobles yet. Though that would happen soon.

---

As Felix started to lay down, Charlotte did the same. She moved onto her back, looking up through the trees at the sky. The sun was bright shine would often be hidden by the clouds that moved over them. The breeze was also nice, blowing her hair slightly and keeping her cool. Charlotte smiled lightly as she closed her eyes, just enjoying it all. "I will try to talk to your mother about it tonight. If not then, I'll ask her to have afternoon tea with me tomorrow." Charlotte knew it was time for her to make more of an effort with Felix's parents, or rather at least his mother. She had talked to them a few times, but haven't been able to have a more intimate conversation. "And if one of the cooks would be willing to go to Alddannia, that would be lovely."

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla nodded understandingly. She smiled as he said it would be good for her. He was so supportive. She was quite nervous about it actually but she would set it aside and do her duty. Camilla smiled again as she continued to eat. "Well I am very excited to meet with the nobles as well here soon though I am nervous." she said and decided something then. "Perhaps if you are not to busy by then you can attend a few?" she asked knowing she would like the company. When he answered she nodded before moving on to something she had been thinking about for a while. "Oh so for our honeymoon have there been any plans made?" she asked knowing the wedding was coming sooner than she thought. She and his mother had taken a break from the wedding planning since the queen was gone with the king.

---

Felix smiled. "My mother would love to have tea with you even if you do talk to her tonight as well. She wants to get to know her daughter to be." he said and smiled looking over at her laying beside him. "I thought it would be nice if one was willing to go with us." he said and smiled. "Ready for your surprise?" he asked and sat up looking at her. He chuckled softly glad to have something for her that he thought was special and beautiful. It was a perfect way to end such a perfect time together.

@ Jinx...

Nicolas looked over at her with a small smirk. "Some plans have been made for the honeymoon." The nice thing about being royalty was that their honeymoon would be a month long. It was to give them a break from all of the nobles breathing down their back. Though the month was also for them to have a better chance of conceiving a child. It was important for them to have children quickly after their wedding. It would give the country a sense of security. "We will be taking a tour of the country for about three weeks and then spend a week and a half in yours." It was more important for them to visit different areas of the country they would be ruling. But they should go to hers so they would have a good relationship there. "Why do you ask?"

---

"I think that you are right. I'll just ask her to tea tomorrow. Hopefully she will have the time to." Charlotte hummed lightly. It was important for her to have a good relationship with his mother. Besides she really did need to start planning the wedding with her. Though all of this was quickly forgotten when Felix mentioned the surprise. She opened her eyes and sat up. "I am ready for it." Charlotte said with a bright smile, and curiosity in her eyes. She just really wanted to know what was in the box. Charlotte watched Felix closely as he stood up and grabbed it from his horse. What could it be? What did he get her?

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled softly. It would be nice to travel but she would just like to spend some time with him a lone really. "I was just curious." she said and smiled. "I have not been told yet if our wedding will also be the time we begin our rule..." she said hoping that they wouldn't need t do that for at least a year. She would like more time to get into the role that she had never thought she would be obligated to fill. Camilla knew she was asking some very forward things but time was short now to when the rest of the royal family would return and she needed to know. One thing she wanted to know that she could not ask over dinner was how their first night would be send as husband and wife. It was obvious they would need to consummate the marriage but she had heard horror stories about the consummation having to be public. That would be the worst for her.

---

Felix chuckled seeing her excitement and hoping that the little thing he had in this box would please her. He reached into the box and pulled out a glass jar. Inside the jar was a stunning butterfly flapping it's wings as it sat upon a brach in the jar. "This is one of the most rare butterflies in this part of the country. So when I heard you were coming I sent for it's caterpillar. And just the other day it hatched from it's cocoon." He said and set it in her hands. "I figured we could set it free together." he said and smiled hoping it was pleasing to her.

@ Jinx...

"Our wedding and our rule will be two separate events. It may even be years before we take over the thrown since it depends on my father's death or his old age. Though, God has granted him good health so should be some time before we receive the responsibilities of King and Queen fully. Though I suspect that after our marriage he will be expecting us to take on some of the load from him." Nicolas wished that his father would pass the crown to them before he died. It would be nice to have the coronation when his father was still alive. However, it was not a guarantee. Nicolas then set his fork down, having finished his dinner. The servants began to take the plates away and Nicolas stood up, offering her his arm. "We have a few moments before we should head to bed. Come to the library with me?"

---

Charlotte looked down at the butterfly in awe. The creature was beautiful and it was a shame that it was so rare. Though the more rare something was, often would contribute to its beauty. Charlotte's eyes fluttered as she watched it try to fly around in the jar. A warm smile came over her face and Charlotte turned to Felix. "You continue to surprise me." Her voice was soft, but there was a lot of emotion behind it. She thought that her time here would be completely different. Though consistently Felix welcomed her into his home and his life with great grace. And she was never quite sure what to expect from him besides never-ending empathy and warmness. "Thank you, Felix. I will treasure this moment." Charlotte moved onto her feet and moved next to him. "Where should we let it free?"

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled as Nicholas asked her to join him. She nodded and took his arm walking out with him. She bit her lip remembering earlier and how they kissed. A light blush tinted her cheeks as she looked up at Nicholas. "Was there something you wanted to talk about?" she asked as they started to walk the halls. Once they entered the library she turned to him and took his hands. She hoped he didn't feel like she was feeling rushed or anything because she was quite happy with Nicholas considering how strange their situation was to her.

---

Felix smiled and stood with her. "I am glad to please you Charlotte." he said and then looked around. "Well the pond is to dangerous for such a butterfly and so is the opening but it needs somewhere with flowers." he took her hand and wondered from the path for a while. When they came upon a gathering of wildflowers he stooped low seeing other butterflies fluttering around. "Aww perfect." he said and smiled at her. "What do you think?" he asked her.

@ Jinx...

Nicolas smiled down at Camilla warmly as he pulled her closer to him. He wrapped his fingers around her cool hands. "There was nothing specific that I wanted to talk about. I just wanted to spend more time with you." He told her before giving Camilla a quick kiss on the lips. Though he then wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling Camilla close to him as he walked further into the library. At one point he stopped and pulled out a leather bound book. He flipped through the pages before handing it over to Camilla. "I am sure that my mother has told you some about the wedding, and maybe your tutor has told you a bit too. Though this book contains all the wedding traditions here. Including certain traditions and responsbilities we have during the first year." Nicolas knew Camilla was nervous about the wedding, so he thought that it would help.

---

"I agree with you. It is perfect." Charlotte gave him a bright smile before glancing down at the jar. She looked at the butterfly a moment longer before twisting the top open. It took the creature a few moments before making its way out of the jaw. After flying around them for a few moments, it landed on Felix's shoulder. Charlotte let out a soft laugh as she looked at him and then down at the creature. "It seems that it does not want to you leave you. You must have been good to it." Charlotte told him before lightly blowing on the butterfly, causing it to fly off into the flowers with the others.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla smiled as he said he just wanted more time with her. She blushed kissing back as his lips meet her. She gasped and giggled as he put his arm around her waist and pulled her in. She wrapped her arms around his neck looking up at him pleased. When he handed her a book she looked inside and smiled as she read through a short part. "Oh Nicholas thank you." she said and kissed his cheek. It made her feel more relaxed that she had something she could read through to tell her about what was going to happen. Camilla set it down. "I will read through it later." she said and turned back to him her eyes bright with adoration for him. "You know I am finding it very hard to think of a gift for you. It seems like you have everything you want." she said thinking she would have to talk to the king for the one thing she was thinking he could want that he didn't have, a day off.

---

Felix smiled and looked at the butterfly. He had taken good care of it making sure to bring it the leaves it needed until it cocooned then making sure it was a good temperature until it hatched. He then made sure to bring it the nectar it needed and took care of it until this very day. He chuckled. "Well I guess so." he said. It wasn't anything different then what he would do for anything else under his care though. When Charlotte blew it away he smiled at her and took her hand standing. He kissed her hand and looked into her eyes. "Charlotte I am very glad you came out here with me." he said and gently lead her back to their blanket.

@ Jinx...

Nicolas chucked a bit when she mentioned his gift. "I would not worry too much about it. I am quite happy." He knew that it was customary for her to get him something too, but he did not want Camilla stressing out about such a thing. It was difficult since neither of them knew each other that well. But he knew enough to know that he liked Camilla. Besides, gifts would come more naturally the longer they are together. So he really was not concerned as to what she got him for their engagement gift. "I should head off to bed now. I have a busy day tomorrow and will not be able to see you until dinner." He pulled away from her slightly, offering her his arm. "May I escort you to your room?"

---

Charlotte wrapped her fingers around his as they started back to the pond. She had thought about putting her arm into his, but it simply wasn't possible to do with how small the forest path was. But she stayed right behind him as they walked. "I am glad too." Her voice was smooth and warm as she spoke. "I would like to like for us to do something like this again." Every gesture, every word, every glance that Felix had made today had caused Charlotte to fell like she was slowly being lulled into his charm. He had managed to wipe away her worries for a while, and he was making her more sincere about enjoying their time together. It was no longer feeling partly like a responsibility she had, but something that she looked forward too completely.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camila chuckled and shook her head as he told her not to worry about it. She would still be trying to find things that would be good to give to him but for now at least she had a game plan. "Please." she took his arm tucking the book under her other arm and started to walk back with him to her room. It was nice just to talk to Nicholas. "Thank you for today." she said more than happy to have spent time with him when she knew it was so valuable. Camilla smiled as they walked up her her room and she stopped just before it. She turned to him and looked up into his eyes. "I hope you always remember these first weeks fondly." she said hoping when she gave her sister the information that she would not loose Nicholas. Camilla smiled as he looked into her eyes. She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling his closer. Her heart pounded in her chest at her unusual actions. She leaned up on her tippy toes as he leaned down. She cupped his cheek her other hand on the back of his neck and she ever so lightly pressed her lips to his. Camilla kissed him gently the pounding of her heart beating so loudly that she was sure he could hear it as well. Camilla leaned back and smiled softly. "Good night Nicholas." she said and smiled before she slipped into her room and closed the door leaning back on it and holding the book to her heart as she prayed that it wouldn't beat right out of her chest.

---

Felix smiled and nodded. "For sure." he said and then took them back to the blanket. "We may steal a few more minutes from the day then I should go see my father about our business." he said and smiled at her wanting nothing more than to offer that trip to her as a part of their engagement present. Felix sat on the blanket and sipped from his glass looking at her. He found himself thinking more and more about kissing those lips of hers. He wanted to do it only if she would enjoy it. Felix was not going to push himself on her. Even after the wedding he knew that he would not push that on her. It was entirely up to her when and how much they had the moments. For he was sure if out of nothing else she would seek him out for it out of obligation to birth a son.

@ Jinx...

Nicolas managed to keep his composure until Camilla closed the door. Though once she did, he couldn't help but let his goofy smile move over his face. He started heading down the hallway, doing a little skip as he did so. Having her kiss him absolutely blew him away. After all Nicolas knew that she liked him, at least he knew she did a little bit. But Camilla was so shy and reserved about this type of thing so he was elated that she would even kiss him so soon. It was really beginning to feel like they were meant to be. On the way to his room, Nicolas stopped a servant and told them to send Camilla flowers from him in the morning. It was a small gesture but one that he hoped she would appreciate.

Once morning came, pink Lilys were sent to Camilla bedroom soon after she woke. Though with the flowers was another letter from the noble. It seemed to be a gentle reminder that he would be waiting for her for tea this afternoon. Though it really was quite insistent. The noble knew Nicolas was gone in meetings all day, which made this the preferred time to meet. The servant who brought both items assisted Camilla with anything that she needed before making her way out.

---

Charlotte laid back down against the blanket once Felix said they had a few moments longer. She looked up at the clouds in the sky before closing her eyes. It was almost too nice to go back. Though both of them had quite a bit of work to do. She was sure that Felix still had meetings to go to and Charlotte needed to learn more about his country. Once she knew a bit more it would be time to ask Felix to set her up with a few meetings with his nobles. While she had talked to a few in passing, Charlotte knew she would need to start learning much more about them. But this was not a priority quite yet since she first had to talk to his mother about the wedding. It would need to be a mix of both of their traditions and Charlotte had a feeling that would be difficult to do. As much as she hoped everything would be done with before she had to marry him, she needed to at least make sure everything was done correctly if it all fell through.

She opened her eyes, gently looking at Felix. Charlotte could see the way he looked at her, and she couldn't help but smile a bit. While she only understood a part of what it meant, seeing him like that instantly made her heart sing. Though quickly she feel a pang of guilt, causing her to front a bit and look away. Why did he have to be like this? It would have been so much easier if he just was the monster she needed him to be. She let out a small sigh before looking him in the eyes. "Felix," Charlotte wanted to be candid about so many things with him but she knew she couldn't. But there were a few things she could ask. "Is there anyone that you would have wanted to marry?" Charlotte knew Felix would hate her actions and her for separating their countries again...But maybe she could find a way for this to be good for Felix too.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla woke in the morning to a surprise of flowers. She beamed and set them by the window smelling them and giggling. "They are so beautiful." she said and bit her lip happily. When the servant asked if she needed anything she let her assist in getting her dressed. Once Camilla was dressed she sent everyone away. Camilla sat at the desk and pulled out some stationary to write to her sister a letter she knew wasn't dangerous to write down.

My Dearest Sister,

I am write to you to tell you how much I long to see you. Each day makes it harder to be apart but still I find myself in good cheer. My betrothed is a wonderful man. Prince Nicholas is kind and thoughtful but also smart and strong. He is more perfect of a betrothed than I had ever pictured myself with before him. I miss Aldannia but Vieana is beautiful land with the sea only a ride away. Even now that the king and queen are away from the castle and my time with Nicholas is short I find myself only anticipating more time with him. My studies have been vigorous but I am thoroughly enjoying them. I am still quite nervous about many aspects of my rule and how the people of Vieana will accept me but with Nicholas beside me I know there is no need for such worry. I so wish for you to meet him. Nicholas is planning to talk to his parents upon their return to see if there is a way to visit Aldannia before our wedding in the Spring. I know you are capable of persuading anyone into something you truly believe in or desire. When the king and queen have given Nicholas and I more information I will contact you again to see if there might be a time we might see one another again. Sister if only you could meet Nicholas you would understand my rapidly growing affection for him. I hope to hear back from you speedily for I wish to know what Embernia is like and the man whom you are betrothed to as well. Sister I can not portray how much I love you and Aldannia, or how my heart aches for missing you still I finally feel as if I have found a place that I belong. Sister please understand how much I am falling for this land and those who reside inside of it. The only thing Vieana lacks is you but if I might see you my heart will be content.

With all my adoration and my hopes for new and bright futures,
Your Sister
Camilla

Once Camilla had sealed the letter away she rose hoping her sister will understand her meaning. Camilla sighed and then sent for a maid to take the letter and see that it was delivered to those that could see it to her sister. Camilla then went on with her studies having breakfast in her chambers as she absorbed herself in her books.

---

Felix smiled as he lay back and thought about what she asked him. "Hmm. There were many fine women I looked at trying to see if they could fit the needs of my country and satisfy my heart but no there was not just one that I could name off. I am sure if it had come to it I might have been able to find such a woman." he said and shrugged. "But now that you are here there is no need and I am pleased. You will be a mighty queen and I suspect a dutiful wife. I am grateful to you and our circumstance for that. And you princess? Was there a one whom you would have wed?" he asked and peeked over at her then returned his gaze back to the sky as he watched some birds flying south. Felix wondered if that was why she was so hard to get to know because there was another who held her heart. Felix hoped it wasn't the case because it would hurt him to know that her heart would never meet his. Once the heart loved there was no other love quite as strong.

@ Jinx...

Lord Harold Jemins sat down at the table that he had set up for afternoon tea. He glanced around the table before looking at the garden that surrounded him. It did seem best to do it outside of the castle where it was harder for nosy people to hear. But still it wasn't as preferable as Harold had hoped for. A private room wild have been best....Though Princess Charlotte not having him do this would have been best. Harold glanced down at the present by his side. It was for Camilla from Charlotte, at least that was what the future Queen told him. However, Harold was not a fool and knew that something strange was happening. He just wasn't sure what. But the faster the princess came down to collect her gift, the better. Once Camilla had it, it wasn't to him to jump on the fastest ship out of there. He didn't want to be part of the execution if whatever was in the box was found out.

---

At his response, Charlotte felt a strange mixture of ecstatic and disappointment. She wanted there to be a reason why her betrayal would help Felix too. Even if it was tiny, she wanted there to be something. Anything that could help clear her conscious even a little when it came to Felix. But still Charlotte couldn't stop the feeling of relief that went through her when Felix confirmed he wasn't in love with another. And she couldn't stop the smile that came over her face when Felix complimented her and said he was grateful for their circumstances. Charlotte hated having such mixed feelings, especially since one brought her up so high and the other pushed her so low. "I had many suiters, but there unable to peak my interest. None of them were fit for me or my position." Charlotte sat up slightly with one arm that held her up. She shifted a little so she was hovering over Felix slightly and looking down at him. She sat there for a moment before giving him a gentle smile. "I don't want to but I think it's time for us to go."

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla walked into the garden right at tea time. She smiled and greeted Harold warmly. "Lord Jemins." she said and curtsied. When they sat the tea was served then she sent the staff away. She looked him over seeing how upset he was. She reached out and gently touched his shaking hand. "Please do relax." she said and sighed. "I understand your discomfort and I myself am also feeling the same. That is why this business between us won't last that long." she said and then took her hand back and started to drink her tea. "Now tell me about home. How are the people doing?" she asked truly wanting to know. Camilla knew it wasn't particularly what he wanted to do now but she needed to know.

---

Felix looked up at her and smiled. He reached up and twisted a strand of her hair around his finger. "Aww you're right but your answer my lady begs a question that I can not help but ask. Have I peeked your interest?" he asked and sat up sitting supper close to her. He looked into her eyes then his eyes traveled down to her lips. He smiled and looked back up into her eyes. Felix was fascinated by her and how much she was hiding. He wanted to know her. Felix hoped that there was some spark there between them. He couldn't create a spark between them and if there was one then there was hope for their future one day.

@ Jinx...

Harlod seemed to pull himself together slightly when Camilla started to comfort him. While he was still the same level of scared, maybe he could at least look like he was pulled together. With a clear of his throat, he pressed his hand against the cup of tea to force himself to stop shaking. "Aldannia is still mourning the fact that they lost both of their princesses. They are awaiting the days for when one of you may visit. Though the people are happy the war is over despite the loss. It has given them a chance to regroup and start regular life again." He looked at Camilla with gentle eyes. "Though the king is especially fraught over the whole thing but some of the nobles are doing their best to comfort him."

---

Charlotte looked back into Felix's eyes, noticing the curiosity that swirled around. She felt transfixed in his glaze and the way he took a strand of her hair. Her heart felt like it was trying to burst out of her chest as Felix moved in close to her. It drove her insides wild bit in a way it was addicting and it was strange to think but Charlotte wanted more of whatever it was. Though she knew she shouldn't. Since she got there, Charlotte was trying her best to look like she was trying her best for their relationship on the outside but really keep him at a distance on the inside. But somehow Felix was beginning to find his way in. So she stayed there as he moved closer, and Charlotte even answered him honestly. "Yes. I am not sure how, but you are the only one who has. And have I peeked your interest?"

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla frowned as he began to speak. She instantly felt guilty for enjoying her time here with Nicholas. Her people suffered even though there was peace in her land. She looked down as he said her father also suffered and she doubted that it had much to do with her though she knew her father loved her he adored Charlotte. "I hope to be returning before the wedding but I will be coming back during my honeymoon for sure. I hope this news brings some joy and hope to the people and my father." she said and smiled softly. She wished there was more she could do for Aldannia. Camilla sipped her tea though it turned in her stomach and she wished that she didn't have to keep up appearance and keep drinking it. "Has there been any word from my sister?" she asked knowing it would help lead him into the reason they were meeting her today and would allow this to end quicker.

---

Felix smiled as she said yes. He grinned even more as she asked if he was interested in her. He ran his hand up her arm and then gripped the back of her neck gently and he pressed his lips to hers his kiss passionate and yet sweet demanding nothing and giving all. When Felix finally pulled back feeling a bit breathless he looked at her and smiled seeing she felt much the same way as he did and he enjoyed that look of surprise and contentment. "Yes my dear there indeed is interest." he said and chuckled. "Whether it is your strength and composure or the sneak peeks of your unguarded self you have captured my full attention. I do not expect our road to be smooth but I hope in the end we make it together and I hope to convince you of that enough that you will drop your guard with me and let me in." he said and caressed the back of her neck before he leaned back letting her take in a deep breath as he waited for his body to calm down so he could stand. After a moment he stood and offered her his hand.

@ Jinx...

Harlod seemed to stiffen up when Camilla asked about her sister. "Yes, there has been." He said, giving a small bow with his head. With that, Harlod leaned down and picked up the wrapped gift that had been set besides the table. It was about the size of a book though the blue wrapping hid its contents. "Princess Charlotte has asked me to deliver this to you. I have been told that there is also a letter for you on the inside from her." Once Camilla took the gift, Harlod's hands began to shake a bit again. While he tried to stop himself it did no good. "Probably best to open it in private, Princess." Harlod basically whispered to her. He was trying his best not to look suspicious but Harlod truly was terrible at this.

---

Charlotte was in complete shock as Felix grabbed onto her and kissed her. Though while she was caught off guard, it only took her a few moments to follow his lead and begin to kiss him back. His lips were warm and inviting, and she was loving the way he made her feel. It caused her to try and catch her breath, as Felix pulled away. However, it was difficult to as Felix stole it away again with his small speech. And now that they had pulled away and Felix spoke, Charlotte was all too aware of the way Felix had made her feel. Her face was warm, and she was sure that her cheeks were bright red, and her knees felt so weak that Charlotte was beyond thankful that they were already sitting. But even so, Charlotte couldn't stop from herself smiling brightly. Once he stopped speaking and his hand slipped off of her, Charlotte looked away to try and calm herself down. Once Felix was up, Charlotte took his hand and his help getting up. After all of that, she was completely speechless, but Charlotte hoped Felix knew that his advances were welcomed even though she could not find the words to say so.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Camilla looked at the man quivering in his chair and she nodded. "Quite so Lord Jemins. Thank you for delivering it safely." she said and sighed and finished her tea wanting to spit it back out but swallowed roughly instead. "As always it was a pleasure to see you again and I think you for your loyal service to my sister and Aldannia. Please have a safe journey. If you will excuse me I am quite anxious to hear from my sister before I must return to my studies." she said and stood seeing him visibly relax as she curtsied in a farewell. She paced the package in her dress and made her way back into the castle to her room. She closed the door dismissing her maids and looked at the flowers from Nicholas. She set the package on her table and then sat on her bed looking from the package to the flowers. Camilla dropped her head into her hands and she sobbed for the first time since she arrived.

---

Felix smiled as she took his hand. He held her to him until he knew she was stable then he walked er over to her horse and helped her on just to be sure she was alright. Felix kissed her hand and then got back on his horse. "Again thank you Charlotte for such a wonderful time." he said and started to lead them back towards the stables. He liked the look about her when she was thrown off of her plans. Felix believed it was the only way to truly get to her as well he was only thankful to his father and mother for sharing that bit of advice with him al his life. Perhaps that was why he wasn't to worried about his marriage to Charlotte even before he meet her was because it was almost like an unspoken agreement that his marriage would be arranged though he had never been discouraged from mixing with other women int he kingdom. Felix smiled as they leisurely rode back onto the grounds.