Close To Heaven

King Robert


Princess Natasha


Prince William


Prince Dominic (Older)


Princess Rae


Prince Erik (Younger)

It was cold, damp morning, rather early to be exact, and a certain young woman, who went by the name Natasha, was having trouble sleeping. There could be multiple reasons as to why she wasn't sleeping, however, there was only one particular reason that could come to mind. She had just recently found out that she was put into an arranged marriage due to the attack on her kingdom, and the only way for her people to survive. She knew that she couldn't argue with the decision on this for this was part of the life she lived as a princess, however, Natasha had hoped that she would have met her own Prince to fall in love with, rather than someone being focused to love her. Seeing that the marriage was to take place soon, the families had agreed that having the princess and prince spend some time together before their wedding was a delightful idea. So with that, Natasha found herself staying at Prince William's castle. When one of the castle's handmaidens walked up to her, asking if she was alright and if she needed anything, Natasha politely declined, telling her that she was just wanting to walk around and get some fresh air. As she strolled through the castle, admiring the beauty behind it, Natasha thought about the last couple of days that she had been here. She wondered aimlessly if this was going to work. Her conversation with Prince William had been good, but was it good enough. Were they actually going to fall in love? Many questions rose through her head. She finally stopped, telling herself that all would work out, and that this was going to be a good thing...she just needed to give it time.

--

Prince Dominic groaned as he felt the sunlight hit his eyes, shining brightly through the curtain of his bedroom. Just from slowly opening his eyes, he realized that it was almost time for him to wake anyway. Sitting up in his bed, Dominic looked around, slowly stretching and getting his body woke for the day. Today was the day, the day that he was going to be meeting his future bride. With the attack and fall of the princess's kingdom, Dominic knew that change was coming. The only question that reminded was were they ready for this change? Thinking abut the big day that was coming ahead for him and the family, Dominic finally rose from the bed, quickly getting dressed. Stepping out of his room. he started down the hall, knowing that his family would be waiting for him in the Dining Hall. Seeing his family sitting exactly like he figured he would find them, Dominic nodded to his father, mother, and younger brother. "Good Morning."

Erik had spend most of the morning outside. When he couldn't' sleep, he would sneak out of the castle usually going for a nice morning ride with his horse or a small morning hunt, if it was worth it. This morning though, he just found himself horseback riding through his favorite areas around the castle grounds, just enjoying the peace that was brought to him this morning. As daylight came more, Erik kept his spontaneous ride going. He truly enjoyed the outdoors and would stay outside in it as long as he possibly could. However, he knew that once shine rise took place, that meant his family would start waking up, which meant that he had to come back to reality. The reality that he had duties to handle as a Prince, and this week's main focus was his brother's future bride coming for the day. Everyone had been talking about it throughout the castle, and all that it made Erik do was roll his eyes. How could his family get involve in a arranged marriage settlement, and was that going to be the same thing for him when the time came. Shaking his head, not really caring about this at the moment, Erik rode his way back to the castle. Once his horse was back in the stable and he, himself, was back inside, Erik just smiled seeing his father and mother warming greet him a good morning as they emerged from upstairs. He bid both parents a cheerful good morning before gently kissing his mother's cheek, then followed them into the dining hall. Seeing that Dominic had not rose from bed yet, Erik couldn't help but wonder if they were going to see his brother at all that morning. However, he was clearly mistaken when Dominic strolled his way into the Dining Hall, a dashing smile on his face, and saying a friendly and cheerful good morning to each of them. "Good Morning Brother."

@ FlyAway;

@ Lil Miss Writer
Rays from the sun began to filter into the room that Rae would no longer see for quite a while. Having fallen asleep crying the night before, her beautiful verdant colored eyes were red and brighter. Shoving her dark hair away from her face, she slowly rose to her feet allowing the maids to help her get herself ready for the days journey. She decided on a white gown for the journey and day, seeing as it made her tanned skin to look healther and brightened up her eyes a little bit. She looked down at her baby brother giving him a tight hug and kissing him goodbye before bidding her parents goodbye, not missing the tears hiding within her mother's gaze. She watched as they faded away into the distance before sighing looking down at her hands willing herself not to cry as well. Around midday she was arriving at the castle. The view took her breath away. She noticed the queen and king standing outside waiting for her arrival as well as two men, but she had not been informed that the prince had a brother. Stepping off of the carriage, the sunshine illuminated her as she rose her head as she had been taught to do from an early age. "Your Majesty." She said giving a courtsey, feeling the stares of everyone on her. Feeling so out of place, messing with the folds in her dress was the only thing she could do to keep her nerves in tact.

King Robert gazed out the window of his study his hands clasped behind his back as he watched the leaves stir around on the ground beneath him. He seemed to be having an issue of getting Natasha's face out of his mind. She was gorgeous, that much was true, but they had had a pact that she would marry William, and yet, as a widow, he felt lonely and was glad that she seemed to be brightening up the castle. A small smile played at his lips. Ruffling his hands through his beard, he stroked it as he thought wondering what he was going to do. He looked up seeing William and gave him a nodded watching as he left to go find Natasha to have another conversation with her and hopefully erase some of the fears she might have concerning their marriage, or relationship, or whatever it was that might be troubling her. Sitting down, he sighed downcasting his eyes to read the papers in front of him grunting softly as he did so.

William awoke in the morning sighing as he noticed that it was particularly early, but stood up anyways, ruffling his hair a bit to get it away from his face and not feel as stiff. Walking over to his drawer, he picked a plain pair of trousers and a white shirt as he put it by his bed going into his bathroom and allowing his maid to help him bath. He laughed when she started to brush his hair and shook his head before getting his clothes on. Running a hand through his hair once more, he flashed her a mischievous smile before pulling his boots on and heading out of his room. He caught his father's eye and gave a nod before heading down the hall. Noticing a figure at the end of the hallway, he tilted his head before walking down surprised to see that it was Natasha. "Pardon the intrusion." He said before giving her a smile and taking her hand lightly planting a soft kiss on it, before returning it.

@ FlyAway;
Dominic carefully watched Rae, taking her beautiful. Sure, he wasn't completely sold about this arrange marriage idea. However, just seeing him made him want to get to know her a little better. "Princess." He said with a small charming smile, stepping down to her. He carefully and cautious picked up her hand, giving it a light kiss before letting it fall back down to her side. "We're very thrilled to have you here." He was hoping that with him telling her this that this would maybe ease down a little. He could tell just by looking at her that her nerves had the best of her, and he wanted to do his very best to show that everything was going to be perfectly fine. "Lets go inside and I can show you around." He told her, looking over at his parents, giving them each a small smile. Giving them this smile was his way over telling them that he was going to go through and try to make this work. Looking to Rae once more, Dominic gently picked up her hand once more, leading her up the castle's steps and inside. "So, Rae, I would like you to know that my family and I want to make sure that you feel comfortable here." He reassured her as they started to stroll down the long halls of his family's castle.

Watching as his older brother's face brightened up when the princess arrived caused Erik to roll his eyes a little. Watching as this all unfolded, Erik eyed his brother for a moment more seeing if he was being truly authentic or not, but wasn't going to read too much into it. He then glanced at his parents, seeing that they knew they definitely approved of this. He could see that his mother and father were happy that Dominic was being willing and opened with this marriage. As the princess gave a polite smile and hello to each of the family, Erik just smiled. When they both made eye contact with one another, Erik couldn't help but giving her a charming smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess." He said with a wink. when Dominic offered to take Rae on a nice little tour of the castle, Erik just smiled and moved aside. This was his brother's moment to shine...not his. He wasn't sure why but he was having to remind himself of that.

When she heard footsteps approach her from behind, Natasha didn't want to look for she wasn't really in the complete mood to talk with someone. However, when she recognized that it was Williams's voice, she knew she didn't have much of a choice. She turned to him, watching as her grabbed her hand and planted a kiss on it. Feeling a small spread across her face, Natasha knew that she did find the prince to be rather sincere and sweet. "You're not intruding at all," She reassured him as she slowly pulled back her hand. "I was just taking a nice little walk around the castle, getting familiar with the surroundings." She kept walking, this time walking a little bit slower since she now had someone who had joined her on the little stroll. "You know this is truly a beautiful place." She noted with a sweet smile, looking over to William from time to time. As they walked together, side by side, Natasha would occasionally look over, admiring William's looks and charms. She didn't have to think twice or wonder where he got his looks from considering how gorgeous his father looked. Hearing her own thoughts on this, Natasha mentally scolded herself. What did she just say? What was she just thinking about? She shook her head, trying her best to bring all her attention back to William. "So...William." She spoke softly. "Please tell me some more about you." She said, trying to get her mind focused around him...her future husband.

@ Lil Miss Writer
Looking at the princes was very disorienting since she didn't know which was which. When she felt someone take her hand and kiss it, looking up to see Dominic, she knew that this was the one she was to marry and gave him a smile again and murmured, "Thank you for your warm hospitality." Glancing over as she heard Erik she smiled back feeling a blush spread onto her face, she bit her lip giving him a nod before turning back to Dominic a smile on her lips now. She glanced back at Erik for a moment before forcing herself to look at Dominic not wanting to be rude, even though she had a strange urge to speak to Erik more so than Dominic. "That sounds lovely." She told him nodding her head as she started to walk with him, pulling up her skirts with one hand the other placed in his hand. Realizing that she hadn't said anything to Erik, she paused turning around to say softly, "It was a pleasure to meet you and I look forward to many more encounters, Prince Erik." She nodded her head, her handmaid having told her his name. She gave a soft smile, her teeth barely appearing, but her dimples going showing on her cheeks as she did so. She turned back and started to walk once more with Dominic. "I appreacite the gesture." She assured him brushing away some stray hairs from her face as she did so, turning her face so that she was looking up at Dominic. Her head didn't quite reach his chin considering she was but a mere staggering four foot ten. "Your home is beautiful." She breathed looking up at the architecture surrounding her.

Robert attended to some matters at hand rolling his eyes as he saw the stupid things that he had to make a decision about. Surely there was someone else that could tend to these trifling things. It didn't need the approval of the king to be the smart option. He grew weary of things that he had to worry about. He took a break standing as he did so, watching as people that passed him bowed and courtsied. He got some grapes and started to eat them as he looked back down at documents. He saw a letter from Natasha's father, opening it and reading the contents, before grabbing a quill and ink starting to write a response to as she was adapting to life in his kingdom and how much of a joy she had been.

William gave her a gentle smile and nodded hearing her tell him that he wasn't intruding. "Say if I am, and I will leave you be." He told her with a knowing look. Hearing her words he chuckled and said, "Yes, I suppose it is all rather odd for you. I do apologize that you had to leave everything that was familiar to you to come to a stranger's home." He told her frowning softly before he let it walk away as he walked with her, his long legs able to keep up with hers rather easily. He turned his electric blue gaze to her and smiled hearing her words, "Well, I believe the architect that built this, would be rather happy to hear those words." He told her smiling. He laughed hearing her and debated for a moment, "Well, I rather quite like reading, though I don't know when I will have use for it, I enjoy to swim and horseback riding. I don't prefer to fight, but I will if it means protecting someone I care for." He said before asking, "What about you, Natasha?" He smiled down at her looking at how beautiful she was and admiring it. He hoped that, in time, the two of them could learn to love each other and become closer.

Dominic smiled to her, nodding when she comment about the home being beautiful. "It is truly magnificent." He smiled as he gave a little history about the building of the castle, and the architect history behind it. As they started to walk the castle grounds, admiring the continuous beauty of his family's castle, Dominic couldn't help but look over to Rae, noticing how beautiful she was. He knew that this all had to be rather difficult on her, considering that she had to think about her kingdom and it's people; and he knew that she had to be slightly terrified. So with that, he wanted to do his very best to make sure that they could get through this...together. If they were going to be a couple, then they needed to do things like one. And sure, it was going to be a little awkward at first, but he knew that over time things would get better. As they walked, Dominic kept an arm of his linked with hers, wanting to be close with her...but not seeming too overpowering or coming on too strong.

Erik had went about his busy. He went back to the stable, checking on his horse. At first, he was thinking about going out for a ride. He needed the fresh air again. He knew that he had just met Rae, but there was something about her that instantly attracted her to him. As he got ready to get his horse ready for another ride, Erik stopped himself. He wasn't going to ride, instead he was just going to go for a nice little stroll around the grounds, not thinking about the fact that he could run into Dominic and Rae. While he walked, he noticed his brother and just frowned a little. "Well...some much for that walk." He mumbled to himself, as he trailed back into the castle and started to roam the halls. He made his way into the library, pulling out one of the books off the shelves and sitting down in the chair closest to the window. He opened the book where he last left off; trying to get his mind off of the princess.

Natasha looked to him, listening to him go about telling her things about himself. She nodded with a small smile, and looked to him. "Well I love horseback riding as well." She started off. "I enjoy playing that piano and painting." She said as she looked to him. As she kept walking with him, she tried to start thinking what else she could tell them. "I'm not your typical girly-girl princess." She then said as she looked to him and laughed a little. "I love the outdoors, and I hope that I can continue to enjoy the great outdoors, even when I am here." She said, respectively of course. She then looked around, and couldn't help but wonder why William's father was. she felt like it had been quite some time since she last saw him, and she truly enjoyed talking to him as much as William, if not more, if she was being honest.

@ FlyAway;

@ Lil Miss Writer
Rae smiled softly finding Dominic right off the bat charming but...well, boring. Something about him just bored her to death and she hoped that she could see past that, but she was more the adventurous type and the way he described the castle just didn't give it any kind of imagery. She smiled softly looking up at the castle before noticing the time knowing she needed to rest from her ride before dinner otherwise she would more than likely fall asleep during the long dinner she knew was to come. She looked over seeing Erik and frowned seeing him walk away. "Have I offended your brother somehow?" She questioned turning to look at her betrothed her eyebrow quirked softly as she did so. With the sunshine hitting her eyes it was quite easy to see the little gold flecks that lied within the gorgeous sea of green.

Robert sent the letter off before standing up and stretching figuring he would go for a walk. He allowed his hand to go through his hair before his hand dropped to his side. For a moment he kept his hands at his side, before getting tired of them being like that and gently clasped them together and put them behind his back. His footsteps were quiet on the cobblestone path laid in front of him. He looked up at the sunshine his eyes betraying him in showing that he was indeed tired.

William smiled hearing her and said, "Would you like to join me for a ride one day?" He gave her a smile listening to her speak a smile on her face. "Would you mind playing for me sometime? I adore the piano." He told her softly as he watched her and laughed nodding listening to her. "Well, i'm rather glad to hear that as I am constantly outside swimming whenever I can and just exlporing. Though, I have to sneak out to do so." He told her secretly with a nice smile. He nodded as he walked and told her, "Well, I do hope you'll enjoy your stay here and I hope to make it more bearable if I can." He told her kissing her hand softly.

Dominic looked to Rae when she asked if she had offered his brother, "I don't think so. I don't see any reason why." He said, being honest about his brother. He looked at her, feeling like he was over pressuring her with things about the castle and such. "I'm really sorry for being so boring." He frowned a little, feeling completely awful. "Listen, I know you would probably like some time to yourself. Get settled in and such." He looked to her, giving her a sincere smile. "If you need anything, you can have any of the handmaidens get me." He said before picking up her hand. He softly kissed it then took her to his room. "I hope this is good enough for you. If it's not, please let me know and we can set you up in another one of our rooms." He said as he opened the door to reveal a enormous, gorgeous room.

Erik shook his head as he kept reading. Trying his best to distract his mind from the gorgeous girl that was roaming the castle with his older brother. As he read the book, Erik looked out the window, seeing Dominic and Rae still talking and walking. He sighed to himself as he got up form the chair, marking his book once more. He decided that he was going to go roam the castle for a little, even see if he could talk with Rae a little....just not too much. When he saw Dominic taking Rae towards the bedrooms. He just watched them, keeping his distance. Once Dominic left Rae's room, Erik walked over to the door and lightly knocked on the door.

Hearing William invite her to go horseback riding with him, Natasha smiled a little. "I would like that idea a lot." She said as she looked up at him and couldn't help but smile. When he asked about her playing the piano for her some time, Natasha nodded with a sweet smile. "Sure, Id love to." She replied as she kept walking with him. She just smiled brightly to him. she nodded to him. "I think I'll enjoy my stay here." She said as she blushed a little when he kissed her hand. She then looked around before looking around for a clock. When she read the time, Natasha looked back to William once again. "If you don't mind, I'm going to go get ready for breakfast." She said. "Thank you for the wonderful tour this morning." She said as she leaned up and kissed him on the cheek before heading down the hall to get freshened up for breakfast then made her way down to the Dining Hall.

@ FlyAway;

@ Lil Miss Writer
Rae nodded hearing his words. "Alright, then." She laughed and smiled at him figuring she was just being stupid. She looked up hearing him and laughed shaking her head. "It's not you. I'm sure I would be more interested if I wasn't so overwhelmed." She explained watching him and nodded. "That sounds lovely." She admitted watching him before seeing his smile and softening and gave him a smile back before blushing feeling him kiss her hand and bit her lip and looked inside her eyes widened. "Oh my goodness. It's more than alright." She told him. She kissed his cheek lightly. "Thank you." She told him sincerely before going inside and when he walked away she sighed slouching a little and falling on the bed. Hearing a knock on her door a couple of minutes later, she opened the door finding that it was Erik. She leaned against the doorway softly. "Well, looks like you don't hate me." She smiled.

William grinned hearing her and nodded. "Maybe tomorrow." He offered with a shrug. "Or whenver you want." He laughed before smiling hearing her words. "Yes!" He said goofily and gave her a grin before nodding. "I'm glad to hear that." Laughing, he ran a hand through his hair messing it up lsightly before smiling at her blush. "Alright." He nodded. "You're very welcome." He told her holding the place she had kissed before smirking and going into his own room and grinning letting the maids get him ready for his day.

Robert hummed softly as he finished up the last of the morning documents and sighed happily glad that he finally had some free time. Running a hand through his graying hair he looked out his window before glancing at the clock. Seeing the time, he stood up heading down to the dining hall. Once there, he sat down in his chair and stood up once Natasha was there beckoning her over. "How is your morning?" He asked kindly his eyes crinkling slightly at the corners as he kissed her hand gently before sitting down with her, looking up when his son came in and greeting him.

Erik smiled charmingly when Rae opened her day, he chuckled at words, shaking his head a little. "Of course not. Why would I hate you? Especially since I just met you." He smiled as he stood there, looking past her to see that she was settling well in her room. His eyes made their way back to hers as they made eye contact once more. He couldn't help but smile once again. "So, I saw that my brother took you on a tour of the castle...how lovely." He said with slight sarcasm. "But I feel like you're the girl who would want to do something different...something more adventurous." He noted as a smirk danced across his face. "What do you say to going for a ride with two of the kingdom's finest horses across the countryside." He suggested. "Unless there is something else in mind that you would like to do...and I would more than happy to do that, I'm up for anything." He smirked, waiting to hear what she wanted to do.

Once Dominic left Rae in her room to get settled in, he had made his way to find his parents. He wanted to talk with them about her. He really liked Rae and he just wanted to do whatever he could in his power to make her feel welcomed. He figured while he was letting Rae settle in and such, Dominic decided that he was going to go practice some of his archery lessons. Having some of the castle help follow him, they quickly got Dominic set up, allowing him to start his practice.

Natasha smiled sweetly as she walked into the Dining Hall to see William's father, King Robert, sitting at the table. She nodded to him as she watched him, hearing him as her how her morning was. "It's good." She spoke softly as she watched him pick up her hand and gently kiss it. She couldn't help but blush a little as she watched him. There was something about him that she found to be a little intriguing about him, even though she was still getting to know him. "I got to take a nice little walk around the castle, which was nice." She said as she sat down at the chair to the left of him. She nodded to the kitchen help when she walked in, greatly her with a friendly good morning before placing fresh hot tea in front of her. When William walked in the room, she just smiled. How did she get to be so lucky to be in a castle where her future father-in-law was just as attractive as her future husband.

@ FlyAway;

@ Lil Miss Writer
Rae gave a gentle shrug hearing his words and responded, "Why else would you walk away without saying a word and creep in the darkness?" She teased for a moment before sighing as she opened the door more knowing that it wasn't princess like but she figured since he was the Prince, why bother? She sat down and offered him a seat before looking up hearing his sarcasm. She tilted her head with a small smile shaking her head hearing him. She laughed softly. She stood up looking at him and murmured, "While, an adventure does sound more interesting, I'm not here for pleasure. I'm here for my Kingdom. Forced to marry the future King of your kingdom." She looked up meeting his gaze watching him gently. Running a hand through her dark hair she watched him her emerald eyes gleaming in the light streaming through the windows. "And of course, it would not be seen as lady like for me to go on a ride across the countryside with another man." Her lips twitched at the corners as she did so.

William gave Natasha a smile softly hearing her and his father speaking. He decided to stay quiet and just listen to them as he got some food and slowly ate knowing he had to do a lesson with his tutor soon and was going to ask Natasha if she would like to join, but figured that a boring lesson would not be up her alley. He considered it in his head, becoming slightly in la la land as he did so. He smiled back at her before wiping his mouth and asked, "I do apologize, as I have lessons soon, but if you would like you are more than welcome to join me." He smiled at her.

Robert smiled at her and nodded. "I'm very glad." He replied his voice was deeper than William, the signs of age not apparent on his face even though he was in his fourties. He ran a hand throguh his beard gently and watched her and nodded his head as he ate speaking with her throughout bites. "I'm pleased to hear that you are enjoying your time here. Your time here is not meant to be a prison, and if it ever feels as such, I wish for you to tell me so I can do something to make it far more enjoyable." He told her smiling at her before looking up hearing his son speaking and nodded his head in approval about how he had worded that. He knew his son would be a fine king and just smiled.

@ FlyAway;

Frowning on the inside, but keeping an understanding smile on his face, Erik simply nodded to the princess. Of course she would say that. Not wanting himself to become angry or mad, he simply had to remind himself that she was right. She was here to save her Kingdom, not play around a castle. She was here to marry his brother Dominic, not go gallivanting her way around the countryside with him. "You're completely right, milady." He spoke with honesty, letting the disappointment stay hidden in his voice. He watched her for a moment, noticing the gorgeous color of the princess's eyes, but quickly focused on elsewhere. Keeping that same charming smile upon his face, he finally made eye contact with her once more, this time not letting his mind get the best of him. "Well, Princess, I just thought I would come and say hello, and make sure you were well secured and settled in your room." He nodded, pushing off from the doorway. "If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. Treat our house like its yours." He reassured her before turning on his heel to leave. He then stopped, glancing back at her once more, "And if you do happen to change your mind, and would like some sort of an adventure, you know where to find me." He smirked before going about his business.

Dominic was lost in his lessons with Archery when his eyes caught his brother coming from the direction of Rae's room. Curiosity struck the young prince as to why his baby brother was in that direction, when the young boy should be off horseback riding somewhere. Shaking the thoughts and ideas from his mind, Dominic's attention drew back to his bow. "Don't let him get to you, Dominic. You know he's NOT worth it. You're just letting your mind play tricks on yourself," He mumbled to himself as he pulled back the bow's string, quickly and firmly releasing it, watching as the arrow soared its way right to the bullseye. Smirking at his accomplishment in hand, Dominic nodded to the castle's workman, watching as they moved the target further back. Taking one deep breath in, he held it, refocusing his mind, letting go of all the worries, especially the ones that just slipped in. Drawing back his bow one more time, the same accomplished smirk finagled its way back on his face seconds later. Releasing his breath, Dominic moved, stretching out his limps, looking back to the direction of Rae's room, hoping that she would come down and join him.

---

Hearing his invitation, the young princess knew she had to respond. "Oh wonderful, that sounds lovely" Natasha said with much delight as she quickly took a bite of food. Spending more time with William was definitely her focus and main task. If she was going to live a somewhat happy life with the young man, she would have to get to know him more. See what his days consisted of. Found out what he thrived to do in his youthful days. Even see what irked him. Taking a sip of the fresh poured tea, Natasha's dark colored eyes glanced up to met with William's browns. "Remember, you have to impress him. She could hear the sound of her mother's voice mentally scolding her. Taking a slightly small deep breath, Natasha just smiled at the prince, thanking him for the invite. However, was that was she really wanted to do? Bother him during his lessons - No. Making the decision that she could spend more time him once his lessons were done, Natasha decided to politely declined. "William, as much as I would love to join you, I think it would be best if I left you to your lessons on your own. I don't want to be a bother, by any means. However, please don't think I am not wanting to spend time with you, because that's not the case...I promise." She gave him a reassuring smile as she looked him dead in the eyes. Her voice was soft and her eyes were soft as well, but there was this look in her eyes that said something more; something that would have to be really read into to understand or even notice. Quickly coming up with an idea, her eyes lit up. "How about later this evening, you and I take a stroll down to the lake." She suggested hoping that would suffice.

@ Lil Miss Writer
Rae watched him carefully already figuring out that he didn't particularly care for rules but knew she wasn't here for that. Her kingdom was in danger and she was the only person that could fix that and she knew she had to, no matter what she wanted to do. "I have a kingdom to protect. I can't go making decisions for myself. Sadly, I do not have that luxury and it appears I never will." She told him softly, speaking more to herself than him. Sadness filled her eyes, but she forced it to leave knowing that she did not want, nor did she need his pity. She clasped her hands in front of her watching his handsome face noticing the slight disappointment in his eyes but just gave him a gentle smile. She was surprised when he met her eyes and lost herself in his sapphire gaze for a moment before pulling herself out before she drowned and gave a nod. "Well, it's not home, but it's far more than I deserve." She laughed softly her laugh was light and a gentle sound to listen to. "And if you happen to change your mind about only wanting to get to know me by means of an adventure you know where to find me." She responded before watching him leave. She leaned against the wall biting her lip before scolding herself shaking her head. She was betrothed to Dominic and needed to keep fantasies about Erik away from her mind.

William smiled softly hearing her words giving her a nod before continuing to eat his food. He looked back up hearing her and laughed shaking his head. "Don't worry about it, Natasha. I wouldn't want to go to my lessons either." He teased before continuing, "no, I understand. A stroll down to the lake sounds wonderful." He promised her flashing her a kind smile nodding his head. "Though, if you need something, don't worry about bothering me, you can come and ask and I will do my best to help." He told her seriously. He didn't care if his tutor got interrupted for a moment or two so he could make sure Natasha was okay. He gave her another sweet smile before continuing to eat his food, his eyes catching his father's as he saw his eyes shining with pride and was happy that he made his father proud. It was what he strived for.

Robert watched the conversation between his son and his future daughter-in-law. He smiled softly nodding his head at the way William handled it before laughing softly and said, "I think that's a splendid idea." He told them before seeing his advisor come into the room. He sighed rolling his eyes slightly. "If you two will excuse me. It appears, they need to torture me with more pointless paperwork." He barked out a laugh kissing Natasha's hand once more before nodding his head. "Excuse me." He told them. He stood and swiftly left the room his advisors scrambling to follow his fast paced footsteps. He took the paper work skimming over it before frowning and going into the throne room. He got onto his throne before looking down hearing the conflict between two people shocked to hear that one was claiming the other had beheaded his wife and daughter and had stolen his cow. He took a breath before looking back at the defense.

Erik went about his own business, knowing that he needed to clear his mind from his distraction. Going out to the stables, he walked to his horse, walking the horse out, so that he could go ride it again. When he got on the horse, he started riding out, noticing his brother practicing archery. He rolled his eyes a little, feeling a little jealous towards his brother with Rae. However, he was going to let it go. As he rode, he cleared his mind.

---

Dominic stuck with practicing his archery a little more. When he saw Erik leave the room, he couldn't help but wonder what he was doing in Rae's area still. He wasn't going to let it bother him, however, he knew it didn't need to get the best of him. When he shot the area, he nodded to the castle help. He was done with this now. He figured he would go check on Rae, see how she settled in, and see if she needed anything. Walking to her bedroom, Dominic kept thinking about how his brother was in this area. But he wasn't gong to assume...yet. Making his way down the hall, Dominic got to Rae's room, gently knocking on the door, waiting for her to answer.

---

Natasha smiled to William. She was really liking his charming attitude and smile. It was definitely breath-taking. She stayed quiet as she continued eating her food. When Robert was interrupted to go take care of some kingly duties, Natasha nodded to him, sipping her tea. Once she was done, Natasha got up from the table. What was she going to do as William did his lessons. She walked into the castle's library, just admiring all the books on the shelves. She smiled as she read the titles before pulling out a book. Getting comfortable on the couch, she started to read. As she sat on the couch, reading the book in silence, Natasha ended up falling asleep. As she slept, the storyline of the book she was reading was transformed into her dream. But the issue was the person she was kissing in her dream wasn't William, but his father, the King. "Robert..." She breathed in her sleep.

@ FlyAway;

@ Lil Miss Writer
Rae shook it away scolding herself for thinking such things before helping her maid to unpack her clothing and setting it out so she could put them up. She laughed hearing her maid tell her she was lucky and agreed before hugging her and thanking her for coming here with her. Her maid just smiled and gave her a loving nod. Hearing a knock at the door, she looked up sighing exasperatedly thinking it was Erik again. She opened the door surprised to see Dominic but kept that off of her face as she smiled brightly at him. "Hello." She told him giving him a curstsey as she did so. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" She questioned pushing dark curls away from her face.

William nodded at his father speaking with Natasha a bit longer before kissing her hand bidding her farewell for the moment. Once in the his tutor's room, he gave a long sigh as he watched him explain things, but he could barely think about his lessons at the moment. His thoughts were with Natasha at the moment and looked down at his paper as he did so. He looked out the window looking back up when his teacher started to fuss at him for having not been paying attention. He laughed and asked him to forgive him before chasing the thoughts away and looking back to the things he was supposed to be learning.

Robert was rather confused at the whole situation before carefully saying, "Unless you have a witness in this whole event, sadly I cannot reprimand him just by your words alone. I need a sort of evidence." He told the farmer frowning softly hoping he understood the situation. When the farmer said he had a witness, the king blinked looking over seeing another farmer nod his head stating what he had seen and he became disgusted before barking, "Guards! Take away this man and lock him up. He shall thus be labeled a murderer and thief and he shall be executed for his crimes against this farmer." Turning to the farmer, his eyes softened as he said, "I do apologize for this and I know no matter my words, the loss is still the same."

Erik smiled at Rae when she opened the door. Hearing her say hello and curtsey at him, just put a small smile on the young man's face. "Well I just wanted to come see you." He said, this time giving her a cheeky grin. "I wanted to make sure that you were all settled in, and I wanted to see how things were going for you." He looked over her with his eyes, just admiring the beauty that she held. He couldn't help but think of how beautiful she was. Just from talking with her for a couple of minutes, Erik knew that Rae had such a beautiful soul. Peeking his head into Rae's room, he could see that she was clearly settled in.

---

As she kept dreaming, Natasha woke up. She woke up, realizing what, or more like who, she was dreaming about. She shook her head a little. Where did this come from? Shaking her head, Natasha sat up more on the couch, focusing back on her book. After a little while longer, Natasha marked her page in the book, quickly closing the book. A small smile danced crossed her face as she got up from the couch. She decided that she was going to go see what everyone else was up to, and see if maybe she could do something.

@ FlyAway;

@ Lil Miss Writer
Rae looked up at Dominic giving him a smile. She saw his own smile, but noticed it was small and wondered if anything was wrong, but chose to bite her tongue, knowing that men did not like snooping. Hearing his words, brought a smile onto her face blushing slightly and gave him a sweet smile. "I'm getting there. They are alright. Just trying to get used to the fact that I am in a new place." She admitted to him. She noticing him peek in and gave a soft laughed before she just spoke with them. She wondered when dinner would be, because she was honestly hungry but knew she didn't want to come off as impolite.

Robert was quite disgusted at the scene he had just witnessed as well as the fact that someone in his kingdom was doing such awful things. He would feel better knowing that the scoundrel would no longer be doing such terrible things and that he would be locked up. He stood up once court was over and done with, walking down the corridor. He was surprised to see Natasha walking as well. He smiled at her gently, eyes crinkling, before murmuring, "Well, you look rather bored." He teased her more than anything, but something was telling him that he was correct in his assumption.

@ FlyAway;

(I didn't forgot about this. I just got busy irl, and never had a chance to reply. Thank you for your patience.)

As he watched her, Dominic's eyes were soft. He was truly intrigued by her beauty and wanted nothing more than to get to know her a little more. Nodding as she told him that she was getting there, Dominic peeked into the room before looking at her once more. "Well that is good." He said with a grin. "Like I've had before, if there is anything that I can do to make your settlement better, please let me know. I want to make sure that you only have the best." He grinned. "I was actually coming up to you because I wanted to know if you would like to walk down with me to the Dining Hall? Dinner should be served soon." He grinned.

---

Natasha was still in her own little world when she heard Robert's voice. Pulling herself out of her own little thoughts, she looked up at the older man and just smiled. "I don't mean to seem rather bored...I just don't know what to do. Even though I've been here for a couple of days now, I am still trying to figure out what all I can do." She said and sighed softly to herself. "I would go see what William is doing, however, I already know what he is doing and don't want to disturb him." She blushed a little as she played with the sleeve of her dress.

@ Lil Miss Writer
(You're fine! My life has been crazy tbh)

Rae wanted to know what that look was for, and why it made the hair's on her arms stand straight up. She bit her lip softly unable to contain her nervousness at the moment. She blinked and chuckled shrugging, "Even if it isn't the best, I will do what I have to." She replied softly meeting his eyes hoping he understood what she was implying. Chuckling, she gave him a soft nod. "That would be lovely." She smiled before closing her door stepping out into the hallway. Pushing away dark locks from her face, she started to walk with him, following him more than anything since she still hadn't quite figured her way around yet.

Robert chuckled giving her a nod. "Well, you are in a unfamiliar place and until you get used to it, it will seem liek you can't do anything, though to be honest I can't think of anything that you would do that you wouldn't be allowed to do." He informed her, arms behinds his back clutching once another as he did so. Chuckling once more, he smiled seeing her blush and replied, "Well, I am glad to see that you and my son are getting along well. He might not be the best and seeing things in front of him, but he truly means well." He told her softly taking in her beautiful features.

@ FlyAway;

((I have not forgot about our RP, I've just been really swamped with work. Currently I have projects, remodeling projects, going on at may job as well as some serious upcoming ones; which meant that I haven't really been in the mindset of roleplaying. However, I am looking to reply to this thread within the next couple of days. Thank you for your patience, and I apologize for being M.I.A.))