For Worse or For Better

@ BBBibles

Thomas frowned as he watched his wife move through the kitchen after she had finished making breakfast, surprised that she had cooked for both him and himself. He followed her out to the dining room hesitantly, still holding his cup of water. He was surprised to see how much that she had made, taking a seat once she had taken hers, before helping himself to some of the breakfast that she had prepared. "Thank you, for breakfast, Lady Clara.. You didn't have to do this." He felt he needed her to know that he didn't expect this every meal or every day, not wanting her to feel like she needed to serve him. He dug into his meal once he'd said his piece, humming a little in satisfaction at the taste.

---

Eleanor jumped in surprise when he spoke, turning quickly to look at him with wide eyes. She stared at him for a moment before sinking down into a curtsey and keeping her head bowed, having pieced together who he was while she was waiting for him, having realized that he was more than just a nobleman, and was actually the prince, and that she ought to be more polite to him, especially after all of the kind things he'd done for her. "Yes, it is, my lord... Thank you, for your help.. The tavern keeper has given me work, and food, and I'm very grateful." She said softly, keeping her eyes down. She'd decided it was better not to mention the tavern keeper's threats, or what many of the drunkards who came in would say to her, feeling that it was better to keep quiet than to complain too much.

@ katahdin
Clara took her seat at the table before giving him her attention. Feeling a bit shocked by his appearance, wondering just what kind of man he was. This was the second time she’d witnessed him in dirty clothing. It wasn’t like she cared if he was filthy or not just that she didn’t expect it from a man of his stature. “I know I don’t,” she told him, before quickly making him a cup of coffee. “However it’s all I know. I was raised in town with the finest teachers, however my mother made sure I had a humble up bringing.” She offered him the cup and a soft smile. “And it helps me with stress.” She informed him, before turning to her food. There was so much she wanted to say to him, and ask him about. But she didn’t feel like she shouldn’t overwhelm him, or make this anymore uncomfortable.

---

William sighed as he watched her bow to him, “you don’t have to do that.” He told her knowing she was only doing what was required of her as a commoner. He hated the way it felt, like she was lowering herself for him. And he didn’t want that he’d liked the snarky woman he’d met on the streets. “Don’t lie to me either.” He told her in a harsh tone, before making his way to her. His hand moving to her face, cupping her chin he lifted her face. His brows drawn together as his anger displayed on his face. “If you allow me to believe nothing is wrong you put yourself in danger, is that what you want?” He asked, knowing he was caring for this woman far to much than he should. And if his father were to ever find out about her he’d never hear the end of her being a common whore. And that was the very last thing he wanted. He would hate for her to be labeled the one thing she was desperately trying to avoid.

@ BBBibles

He could feel her eyes on him as he ate, and he suddenly felt self conscious for being dressed so poorly. He felt out of place, just like he had felt growing up in his father's house, or yesterday all dressed up for their wedding. He hated the feeling, but didn't blame Clara for it, knowing she was just trying to do what she thought was best. "I'm sorry if.. if I'm not dressed properly, Lady Clara.. I'll try to remember to wash up before meals from now on." He mumbled, glancing over at her for a moment. "And I suppose you probably have questions about.. well, probably everything. I might not be able to give you the answer that you want, but I'll try my best to answer honestly."

---

Eleanor frowned as she heard him approach her, and when he grabbed her chin and forced her to look up at him and she saw the anger in his eyes, she tensed and grabbed his arm, trying to get him to release her as she looked at him with fearful eyes. She was positive he was angry with her, and she was terrified of what he would do to her if she didnt do as he said. Normally, she'd try to fight back, but she was in the prince's private room in the castle; all he had to do was call the guards, and she'd be executed. "Please.. I dont want to get anyone into trouble.." she began, casting her eyes away from him while she told the truth. "The tavern keeper keeps threatening me with what he will do once the guards stop checking in.. A-And the drunkards who I have to serve always say terrible things, and sometimes people try to get into my room at night, so I have to block the door to keep them out.."

@ katahdin
Clara furrowed her brows as he apologized about his appearance. "You mistake me. I don't have an issue with your clothing." She told him, before taking a bite of her food. "If you want to wear dirty clothes it's up to you, I'm just curious what it is that you do." She told him honestly. Knowing it was a bit rude to ask this of him, but at his wife she was entitle to know. But they didn't have to talk about it right now. "I didn't think this would be my life. But it is what it is, and I do have a lot of questions." She felt like her apatite had left her, but she still munched on her food. "Like why did you marry me? Especially if you don't want me." She stated, knowing it was not a topic either of them were likely to want to discuss. But it needed to be addressed.

---

William listened to her pleaded, though he didn't back down from inquiring about her treatment. When he heard that she'd threatened he dropped his hand from her chin. Gently brushing her cheek. He didn't know what had come over him, but felt the need to protect her, from every one. "Don't go back." He told her. Knowing that even if she did go back the tavern would be switching hands shortly as the man pissed him off and his life was now forfeited. "There's plenty of room here, and we can find something more suitable for you." He spoke about her attire, and things for her to do. He wouldn't be above teaching her as well. But he knew that he would have to keep her hidden from his father. He didn't do well when it came to charity to people.

@ BBBibles

Thomas frowned as he listened to her speak, sighing as he sat back in his seat, losing his appetite for the time being while he had to answer her questions. "I'm a farmer.. I had a small farm and a small plot of land that I was living and working on, but my father forced me into this marriage for the good of our family... I'm sorry that you were dragged into this, I truly am.. And it's not that I don't want you. I don't think it's right for me to force you to do anything that you don't want to do. I think marriage should be between two people that love each other, and I don't think it would be right to have children or anything when our marriage isn't what it should be." He explained softly, looking over at her, hoping she wouldn't be upset by his honesty.

---

Eleanor looked up at William nervously after she finished speaking, afraid that he'd be upset with her for complaining, although her eyes softened in surprise when he released her chin and stroked her cheek gently. She was even more shocked when he told her not to go back to the tavern, frowning as she listened to him list off all of the things that she could do within the palace. "But.. Your highness.. I'm.. I'm not qualified to do those things... I could work in the kitchens or doing the laundry, maybe, but I have to be honest.. Men won't stop harassing me just because I'm in the palace. Noblemen can be worse than drunkards, as they feel entitled to whatever they want, and there are no consequences if they do anything.." She admitted softly, fiddling with her fingers nervously. She was afraid that if she stayed at the castle, he'd expect her to give him whatever he wanted.

@ katahdin
Hearing his words she understood what he meant about how marriage should be between two people that love each other. However when he mentioned children her breath caught in her throat. She'd not thought much about the role of a wife. She'd never thought about having children of her own, or if she even wanted that life for herself. But here she was a wife none the less, and trying to stand beside her husband the best she could. But she was lacking in more than just knowledge but also courage. She wasn't sure she would ever be able to muster up the nerve to speak with him about children. But she did understand what marriage was, and it wasn't always going to be easy. "I don't disagree, however what's done is done." She started looking at her plate, not that hungry now. "However there is always hope for change. And even if we don't come to love one another, it'd still be best if we didn't avoid one another." She knew that she was partly to blame for that, as she wasn't sure how to act around a man. But he was her husband and she should at least try to get to know him.

---

William listened to her words, "you listen to me." He started his voice low and demanding. "What I say goes." He was simple with his response not giving her any room to complain or argue. He honestly wasn't sure why he was so focused on fixing everything for her. She'd been hateful to him their first meeting. And though he wanted to see her safe he also wanted to just see her. She was beautiful to say the least, so he could understand her concern about noblemen trying to have their way with her. But if he put her in his wing of the castle no one would dare to enter unless it was a servant. And they were all to afraid he'd kill them and their families, they wouldn't dream of touching her. And when he thought of her cleaning, cooking or doing laundry it didn't appeal to him. If any thing he wanted her to himself, she was different from other women. Not afraid to speak her mind. It made him happy he was seen as a man and not a prince. He was more than just a title. "You'll come to except this, it's a better opportunity for you than you think." He told her, not knowing what was going on in that head of hers.

@ BBBibles

Thomas nodded a little in agreement at her words, knowing that she was right, and that they shouldn't be ignoring each other. "I apologise for ignoring you, Lady Clara.. I wasn't quite sure how to react around you, and I didn't know what you thought of all of this.. But I'd be happy not to avoid you, although I'm not sure what you expect that to mean." Did she want to only eat meals with him, or did she want him to keep her company at other times as well? Did she expect him to only exchange pleasantries, or did she want to have hour long discussions with him about who knows what? He hoped she'd know, or at least give them a place to start, as he hated how awkward it was between them.

---

Eleanor frowned deeply as she listened to him, her eyes filled with fear as she looked at him, although after a few moments the fear gave way to anger as he stated that eventually she'd accept what he was proposing and come to like it. "This life you're trying to give me is no better than the one you're taking me from." She started angrily, stepping forward to glare up at him. "You're just like every other man, no better than the drunkards, all you want is to use me, to make me your palace whore, and as soon as you're done you'll throw me back out onto the streets. You're pretending to act out of kindness, but you're only acting out of selfishness." She spat, her fingers starting to unlace her corset, although she was trembling terribly and kept knotting up the laces, tears welling in her eyes. "Let's just just get it over with, why put off the inevitable. Take what you want from me and let me get back to my life. It may be shit, but at least I can have a say in what happens to me."

@ katahdin
Clara nodded hearing his apology, “it’s not something you have to apologize for.” She told him, not believing the courage she was displaying. Though he didn’t seem like the type to be assertive, so she had to. It wasn’t something she was overly fond of, but they had to at least try to make this marriage work or they’d end up being two strangers having children together and she dreaded having to lay in his bed with out some sort of feelings for him. “Its fine really, we don’t have to go out of our way to make the other happy, but if having meals together works then we can start there.” She told him. Knowing that he’d been late getting in last night, so she wasn’t sure how he’d feel about giving up doing some work to spend time with her. “Of course we can also work up to that and just do breakfast together.” She offered.

---

Williams hand reached out and grabbed her corset strings before he could stop himself. He wasn’t sure why he was intent on helping her. But he didn’t want anything to happen to her either. He fumbled around untangling the knot she created. And once the strings were free he quickly tied them back up. He didn’t think he did it right but he wasn’t about to let her think he was after her for his sexual desires. “I know it’s hard for you to understand, but I’m not looking for a whore to warm my bed.” He told her before cupping her cheek and wiping her tears away. “You misunderstand, I have been kind because I feel the need to be, maybe it’s because you’re a woman or maybe it’s because I happen to be in the right time and place to help you. But I will not tolerate being spoke to like that again.” He warned her. “Leave if you want, but know my help ends here, I cannot protect you outside these walls anymore.” He told her knowing that the option of staying was hers but if she went what did she return to? William turned from her and headed to his bed placing himself down on the lowseat at the foot of his bed.

@ BBBibles

Thomas frowned as he listened to her words, shaking his head a bit. "I want you to be happy, Lady Clara... I'll do anything I can to ensure that you're happy in this marriage, all you have to do is ask." He assured her. If it would make her happy, he'd do anything for her, whether it be giving her children or tearing the house down. "I'd be happy to have my meals with you. But I'll need to know what times they will be served so I can be presentable for you... Is there anything else you want to talk about?"

---

Eleanor tensed when he reached out and grabbed her corset, afraid of what he'd do once he had it opened. But she was surprised when he began to retie her corset instead of opening it like a normal man would have given the opportunity, frowning up at him as she stared at him with wide eyes. She relaxed a bit as he cupped her cheek and wiped away her tears, shaking her head a little. "You don't want me to speak that way to you, but you don't want me to bow and curtsey and call you "my Lord" and "your Highness," so how am I supposed to speak to you?" She asked with a frown, crossing her arms over her chest self-consciously as she watched him sit down. After a long while of thinking she finally spoke. "I'll work in the kitchens or as a maid where I belong, I won't pretend to be someone I'm not for your sake."

@ katahdin
Clara couldn’t help but feel joy from his words, even though they were forced into this he still wanted to work on them. Smiling softly she tucked her head not used to the attention from a male. Lifting her gaze to him she shook her head, “you don’t have to change on my account.” She said, knowing that she’d be happiest if he was happy too. “I’ll make sure tomorrow to be prepared. For today we can settle for dinner.” She told him. She knew that he enjoyed working and was anxious to get to it. She was holding him up, and she had a tone of things to do today. First thing was to get lunch and dinner prepared next was to get settled into her new room. She’d been so upset yesterday she been unable to even focus.

---

Rolling his eyes he knew couldn’t believe she was that daft, though he’d chalk it up to her hysterics. “I don’t give a damn how you address me what I mean is I will not stand for you belittling me and never will you take that tone with me.” He sighed out hating having to explain himself. Hearing her words of working in the kitchen he shot her a glare, “you want to be a mans toy don’t you.” He scoffed before standing. “Here I am offering you a better life, a chance no woman would ever turn away, let alone get. But you’d rather be a whore.” He shook his head knowing there was no way to please her or help her get away from the greedy men in this place. “For my sake.” He scoffed, shaking his head. “If it was for me you’d be on my bed, and you’d be unable to do anything other than service me.” He told her knowing that it wasn’t what he wanted. “But that’s what you want huh, you put on an act and make me feel sorry for you. Not going to work, I don’t need a whore not do I want one.” He told her. He wanted to be a better man then his father and seeing how the king took women into his bed had hurt his mother he’d never stoop as low as his father.

@ BBBibles

Thomas nodded a little, finishing his breakfast before standing. "Alright then, I'll see you at dinner. Have a nice day, Lady Clara." He murmured as he moved to bring his dirty plate to the kitchen, pausing as he passed her to lean down and press a kiss to her cheek before continuing on his way. He'd be foolish to deny that his wife was beautiful, but if she didn't want him he would live with an empty bed rather than forcing her into something she didn't want. Once his plate was in the sink he headed out the backdoor and into the fields to work.

He returned an hour or so before dinner, taking a long bath to scrub the grime and sweat and dirt from his skin before changing into something more presentable for dinner, heading downstairs to the kitchen once he was finished to see if Clara needed help, his hair still damp. "Clara? Do you need help?"

---

Before she could stop herself, she'd stepped forward and slapped him hard across the face, glaring up at him with tear filled eyes. She didn't care if he threw her in jail or had her executed for it, he was being cruel and manipulative and it wasn't fair. "I am not a whore. Just because I don't want to live with you constantly watching me and telling me what to do doesn't make me a whore. Having to live with someone telling you what to do constantly isn't a better life. I never did anything to make you feel sorry for me, I've told you again and again that I don't want your help, you're the one who keeps forcing it on me." She frowned, glaring up at him, trembling a bit in fear. "So go ahead, do what you want, because you're the Prince and I'm just some whore, right? You get whatever you want, no one has ever told you no, and you're just a spoiled little boy, just like all the other men in this palace and this city. You're just the same as them, so stop trying to act all Noble and just take what you want from me and let me be."

@ katahdin
Clara couldn't stop the blush that pulled at her cheeks when his lips touched her. She'd never expected that they'd be able to agree on something this quickly. And receiving a kiss from him was the last thing she'd ever expected. Shaking off her embarrassment she quickly ate her food. Knowing that it wasn't going to do her any good lazing around for the day. She needed get things started for dinner. Placing her plate in the sink she offered the head maid a sheepish smile as she looked at the mess Clara had made. "Tonight Thomas and I will have dinner in the dinner room." She told her, knowing their was no use in explaining herself. She could already tell that the woman didn't particularly like Clara. "That's fine, shall I make sirs favorite dish?" Asked the woman, she'd worked for Thomas' father for year, and had served the family enough to know everyone's like. "That would be lovely, thank you." She said before turning and exited the kitchen. A sigh she thought over what she could do for the day, but hanging out in the kitchen with a women that didn't like her wasn't her idea of fun.
After spending a day sorting through her closet and getting everything to her liking she headed down stairs to see how preparation for dinner was going. Entering the kitchen she noticed the cleanliness of the room and that dinner was almost done. She was exiting the kitchen just as she encountered Thomas. A soft smile pulled at her lips as she took noticed of his appearances. His wet hair not escaping her notice. "Dinner should be done soon." She informed him, before grabbing his arm and leading him up the stair to her room. Settling him down on her bed before grabbing towel, "you shouldn't be roaming around with wet hair." She warned him, knowing it wasn't smart. Running the towel over his head, she started to dry his hair. Not about to let him catch cold from his carelessness.

---

William felt the sting to his face, and shock rocked him to his core. He'd never been struck in this way before. He's training had never prepared him for direct hit like that. But there wasn't any use crying over it, but that didn't stop the tear that slip from his eye. Panting out his anger he looked at his door refusing to look at her. "Fine, deny my help." He told her, knowing there was no use trying to talk to her. The bartender was more than likely already removed from his position. And if she was going to go back there then it would be with out his protection. And it would likely be the last time he seen her. But he hated those thoughts, he knew it was for him and not her that he'd been pushing. And it wasn't till she'd slapped him did he notice. "But I wasn't telling you what to do, I was suggesting a new life. Studies, art, maids, the works. It's not what you want, then fine, go." He told her, knowing that if offering her this life didn't make her want to stay then nothing ever would. She didn't owe him anything, and even though he wanted to give her everything she never had. He couldn't force it on her.

@ BBBibles

Thomas was surprised when Clara grabbed his arm and led him upstairs to her room, chuckling a little as she scolded him about his wet hair. "You sound like my mother." He teased lightly as she put the towel over his head and began to dry his hair. With the towel over his head he couldn't see well, and to steady himself he reached out and rested his hands on her waist, hoping she wouldn't be offended or take it the wrong way. He hummed a little to himself as she dried his hair, absent-mindedly brushing his fingers along her side. After she pulled the towel away his hair was dry, but now a tangled mess, and he smiled sheepishly up at her as he moved one of his hands away from her to run his fingers through his hair to try to get out the knots.

---

Eleanor stood frozen in front of him, waiting for him to call the guards or simply hit her himself. The last thing she expected was for him to turn away and let her go, and she frowned when she spotted the tear on his cheek. After a moment she moved over to a cold pitcher of water on the table, dipping a handkerchief into it before wringing it out and returning to William, frowning as she looked up at him. "I.. I'm sorry, William. I shouldn't have hit you. Here, this should help.." she offered, hesitantly raising the cold cloth to press against his cheek where she figured it stung the most. "Please don't be upset, I'm not worth getting upset over. Maybe... Maybe I could come here a few days a week, and you could teach me how to read? That wouldn't be too bad, right?" She looked up at him with a small smile, trying to get him to cheer up. She didn't know why she hated seeing him upset so much, maybe because she knew it was her fault, and she wanted to make him happy, even if it meant doing something she was nervous about.

@ katahdin
Clara was about to snap back at him, but when his hands rested on her waist she couldn't help but pull in a lung full of air. This was the first time he'd touched her in such a way. It was startling to her to say the least. They were just now starting to work on making their marriage as something more than just being in each other's presence. "Well maybe if you listened to your mother then I wouldn't have to take over on scolding you." She told him, trying to make light of the situation. When she was content with his hair being dry, she pulled away. Stepping back she moved to hang up the towel. Her eyes linger over to him as his fingers ran through his messy hair. Grabbing her brush off her dresser she walked over to him, offering him the brush. She'd been partly tempted to brush his hair as well but she knew he was more than capable of doing so.

---

William felt the cool cloth being pressed to his face, and his couldn't help but lifting his eyes up to meet the beautiful orbs. He furrowed his brows when she said she wasn't anything worth getting upset over. Listening to her offer he shook his head. "You coming and going would draw to much attention." He told her before standing up. He looked down at her. "But you're not worth getting upset over, so why bother." He told her before he brushed past her. He moved to his door before holding it open for her. "I don't think I need to show you the way out, do I?" He asked, if she didn't see herself as anything important and didn't want his help then he couldn't force it on her. And as much as he wanted to make her stay he couldn't force her to be his. No matter what he tried, she still wanted to leave. And if she wanted to leave then he couldn't stop her.

@ BBBibles

Thomas chuckled a little as she scolded him further, sitting quietly while she finished drying his hair. He found that he enjoyed this, the teasing, the closeness, and he hoped that she did too, as he'd be more than happy to have their marriage be more like this. When she moved away to hang up the towel he watched her, running his fingers through his hair to try to detangle it. He grinned a bit when she offered him her brush, thanking her as he took it and began to brush his hair. "Maybe it's a good thing we're not rushing to have children like our parents want.. I'd hate to make you have to take care of two infants." He chuckled at his own expense, handing the brush back to her once he was done.

---

Eleanor frowned a bit as he stood, watching him worriedly as he walked to the door and told her to leave. She hadn't meant to upset him, but her entire life she'd been fighting to keep herself safe, and had been told not to trust anyone, so it was no surprise that when a genuine offer was given to her she threw it away like it was an empty promise. She paled a bit as she realized what she'd be going back to once she left, sure that she wouldn't be able to keep the tavern keeper from forcing himself on her for much longer, and once that happened she'd be forced to sell herself to survive..

The thoughts overwhelmed her, and before she knew it she was sobbing into the prince's chest, gripping his shirt lightly in her hands as she stained it with her tears. "I-Im sorry... I-Im so sorry.. Please, please don't make me leave... I-I don't want to go back, th-they'll do horrible, horrible things, I-I know it.. Please let me stay.." she begged weakly between sobs, terrified that he'd turn her away.

@ katahdin
Clara couldn't help the blush that pulled at her cheeks, his words brought forth the realization that she was married to this man. This wasn't some guy that was just staying with her family till business ends. No this man was who she'd grow old with, and eventually have children with. Most women were subjected to being impregnated their wedding nights. But she'd been rather lucky not to have been forced by him. Which she found odd, yet was thankful for. Though he did mention it often. She wasn't sure if it was suppose to be a warning or a reminder. However she couldn't forget it, no matter how much of a day dream she'd been in. "I suppose not, though I wouldn't say infant, no." She smiled back at him. "Maybe toddler, can't seem to stay clean." She jested back. She did enjoy the fact he was some what her age. She couldn't imagine being married off to an old fart. Placing the brush back on her dresser she turned back to face him. She wasn't sure if they should head down for dinner or not. They'd run her out of the kitchen a few times.

---

William felt his grip on his door faulting, and he knew that he wasn't going to be able to keep up his ruthless facade much longer. Hearing her apologizes were bad as it was, but the moment she started begging him he couldn't help himself. Wrapping his arms firmly around her he held her to his chest. He wasn't sure what to say or do. But this was what he'd wanted, he wanted her to except his offer and stay with him. It would calm his mind more. Even if he wasn't able to be with her all the time. Just knowing she was safe in the castle was enough for him. And he wasn't about to let it slip that the tavern keeper was more than likely dead. He just cradled her and let her cry herself out. It was something that he knew she needed, after having to fight of her survival for so long. Admitting defeat was the hardest thing she'd ever have to do. When he felt her relax in his arms he stooped down and swooped her up into his arms. Walking out of his room he started down the hall. Moving a short distance away, before entering a rather grand room. This room would eventually belong to his betrothed. And it would serve as the perfect place to hide someone. Setting her down gently on the bed. He stood back, "this will be your room." He told her stepping back and allowing her the chance to breath freely. "No one will bother you here." He told her, knowing the maids would be the only ones roaming this part of the castle.

@ BBBibles

Thomas let out a hearty laugh as she called him a toddler, shaking his head a little as he stood up. It was the first time he'd honestly laughed in quite some time, and it felt incredibly nice to be around someone who he could joke around with, even if they sort of had to be around each other by force. "That's a good one, my Lady. Now, shall we go to dinner? I promise I won't make a mess of myself." He grinned as he offered her his arm, although he wasn't expecting her to take it. He still felt nervous about the whole marriage thing, especially since neither of them had wanted to marry the other. And although he kept bringing up having children, it was mostly because that was the one thing his father had stressed he take care of during their marriage; that he and Lady Clara have many, many children, which would only solidify the marriage. But Thomas wasn't about to go and force himself upon Clara, as he wasn't that kind of man. He'd rather have children with someone he loved, and if he and Clara never felt that way about each other, he'd lie to their parents and say that they'd been unable to conceive.

---

Eleanor was grateful when she felt his arms wrap around her securely, sobbing weakly into his chest. She couldn't seem to stop her tears, even though the tried, and soon enough she'd cried herself out, relaxing in his arms as her legs gave out, although before she could move away to sit down he'd scooped her up into his arms, carrying her who knows where. She tucked her face into the crook of his neck with a sniffle, her arms wrapping around his neck to hold onto him, afraid he'd drop her if she didn't. Once he set her down on the bed she sat up to look around the room, rubbing the last of the tears from her eyes as she looked around the room in awe. She'd never seen anything so grand, and she couldn't believe that this room wasn't already spoken for by some princess or duchess who lived in the castle. "It's beautiful.. Surely someone else must live here, I couldn't take their room from them.." She frowned a little as she looked up at him. She didn't want to seem rude, like she was rejecting his kind offer, because she definitely wanted to stay with him, but she was hesitant to draw too much attention to herself. And living in this room certainly seemed like it would draw attention to herself.

@ katahdin
Clara couldn’t stop the laugh that fell from her lips as he promised he wouldn’t make a mess of himself. Reaching out she place her hand on his arm, almost like it was the most natural thing to do. Most of her reservations about him slowly started to waft away. She knew it was to early to say things would work out fine, but he seemed easy to get along with. In her early conversations with him she’d felt he was a bit of a pushover, a pleaser. She didn’t know how to gauge him rightfully, but now she was starting to see that he was really in fact just a humble man. One who didn’t care about the basic necessities of life, but had a passion for his own things. She just yet to understand what it was. As he’d left most day to go work, coming back filthy. Farming may have been what he was calling it but she couldn’t imagine that it was solely it. “Why farming?” She quickly asked, deciding to get it out of the way quickly. She knew he had every opportunity given his stature in life. But he chose farming so she wanted to know why. Though she knew it couldn’t be to different than gardening, and she never understood why her mother enjoyed it either. But she was willing to learn everything about him, as they would need to know these things for when their parents chose to visit.

---

A soft sigh left his lips, “it is vacant for the time being.” He told her honestly, and if someone else should ever needed it we’ll deal with it when the times comes.” He knew that should his family ever choose a bride for him he’d have to move Eleanor. Though he hoped that day would never come. As his sights were set on someone, and being force to marry someone else would be unbearable. “My room is the next room over.” He pointed at out the direction, “a tour will be given later.” He told her, “for now you’ll have to wait till I can arrange for someone to accompany you.” He told her, hoping that she wouldn’t roam around on her own. He’d hate it if she some how stumbled upon his father. And speaking of the man he needed to attend a meeting with him, one I. Which he hoped to sway the man to allow him time off. Maybe then he could take Eleanor and they could escape to one of Estates and there they could really get to know each other. Hopefully it would be something she’d want too. Gently cupping her cheek he wiped a stray tear off. “I need you to stay put for just a little bit.” He pleaded with her. A soft smile on his lips as he was thrilled she was here to stay, though his fear of her running still plagued him. Leaning down he place a soft kiss to her lips, it was something he wanted to do the moment he saw her in his room.

@ BBBibles

Thomas grinned a bit as she laughed, happy that she seemed to be happy here, despite the circumstances. He led her down to the dining room, pausing beside her seat to pull out her chair for her, pushing it in once she was seated before taking his own. Despite offering to live a simple, humble life, he still valued the manners that he'd been taught. He looked over at her in surprise when she asked about his farming, waiting until she had begun to serve herself from the family-style set up on the table before serving himself, doing his best to put reasonable portions on his plate, despite wanting to pile on the mashed potatoes and lamb. "I don't like being idle," was what he decided to start with, giving a little shrug as he helped himself to some roasted vegetables. "It keeps me busy, and I feel like it's a better use of my time than gambling and smoking and drinking and doing whatever it is my father would rather have me do. Besides, what I don't keep for myself, which isn't much, I give to the local villages, who need the produce and meat more than I do when they have bad crop yields and can barely afford the taxes." He shrugged again, looking over at her. "I know it's.. odd.. and you probably think I'm disgusting because of it, but it's what I feel I need to do, at least for now."

---

Eleanor nodded a little as he explained the room was currently vacant, looking around in awe at the grandness of it before slipping off her shoes so that she could sit back on the bed, not wanting to ruin the beautiful blankets with her dirty shoes. She looked up at him again when he said she'd be given a tour, although she frowned a bit when he said it would be with someone else. "You won't be coming with me?" She asked, a bit worried that she'd be alone with someone else in such an unfamiliar place. She was distracted from her worrying when he cupped her cheek in his hand, meeting his eyes as he wiped the last of her tears away from her cheeks, nodding a little as he told her to stay here. "Alright.. If I need anything, can I come to your room to ask for it?" She asked curiously, not feeling comfortable asking a servant to bring her things when she was poorer than them in the first place. Eleanor squeaked in surprise when he kissed her, though, a bright blush heating up her cheeks, although after a moment her eyes fluttered shut and she leaned her head into his hand, hesitantly returning his kiss. She'd never kissed anyone before, and she was surprised that he'd want to kiss her, but somehow it felt like the right thing to do, especially with the way her heart was beating a mile a minute.

However, after a moment she pulled back quickly, looking up at him with wide, fearful eyes as her eyes watered again as she began to panic. Why would he kiss her if he didn't want something from her? And locking her away in a room only he knew about didn't seem safe either. Although she wanted to trust him, desperately, especially considering the way she realized she might feel about him, but she couldn't stop the cautious voice in her head telling her not to trust him. "I..." She started, looking down at her lap anxiously, picking at a hole in the fabric that she'd been meaning to patch. "You shouldn't do that.... You'll get in trouble if someone sees. Besides I'm not.. We couldn't..." Her cheeks flushed red as she tired to figure out what to say to him in the least embarrassing way, but saying that they couldn't marry because she was a commoner and he was a prince sounded ridiculous, especially when he probably didn't care about her that way. He just wanted to use her for a while, and then once he was tired of her she'd be discarded. Or at least that's what she decided to tell herself.

@ katahdin
Clara smiled at him sweetly as he pulled out her chair for her, "thank you." She said before she started serving herself. She watched as he made himself a plate before she started to eat. Her eyes lifted to his as he started to speak about why he wanted to farm. Nodding her head along with his word she felt like she was getting to know more of him. "What?" She said placing her fork down looking at him like he'd grown another head. "I honestly think that it's amazing of you to care about the people around you." She said reaching her hand out to place it on top of his. "My great grand father got his fortune by being a pig farmer." She told him, "he was a great man, one who catered to the needs of all men." She smiled at him before realizing that she'd yet to move her hand away. Pulling away she returned to her plate, doing her best to mask her embarrassment. "Being humble is very admirable." She added, hoping he'd understand that she was amazed by him instead of disgusted. Taking a bite of her lamb, she caught a glimpse of the cook and maid standing in the door way of the kitchen. Both were discreetly trying to leave as if they'd walked in on a moment.

---

William couldn't help but let out a soft laugh when she said he'd get into trouble if someone caught them. It was true, only if the king himself caught them. "I can do whatever I want, that is if you want me to." He said smiling down at her. "Besides I don't think I'll see you for the rest of the night." He let his smile falter. "I have an audience with the king, and they tend to take a while." He told her honestly. "However I can stop by after I'm done, if you'd like me." He offered her, knowing he wasn't going to force her into spending time with her. Besides it wasn't necessarily gentleman like stopping by a woman's room at night. He didn't want her to get the wrong idea, but that didn't mean that he wouldn't stop by just to see how she was settling in. After all he wanted her to want to live here happily. And if he can get his father to let him choose his bride he would then push for her to be more than just his guest. But if she was to ever be his wife they'd have to do this the right way and not allow themselves to fall into the temptation. As the princes' wife needed to be pure. "Also when every I'm not in my room you may call me, any of the servants can summon me if I'm needed. Though we can go over my schedule tomorrow so you're aware of when I'm with the king and can't be disturbed." He offered, knowing this was going to be a lot for her to take in. But at least with this she'd know when was the best time for her to come to him. As he'd always be more than happy to help, accompany, or see her.