duty is the death of love.

Catherine had heard horror stories of the man that she was betrothed to. She had never met him, had no idea what sort of man he truly was but she was certain that his reputation had to at least have some sort of truth to it. After all, rumors had to be partially true. James was a hard, cruel man who did not take lightly to even the slightest disobedience. The thought of devoting her entire life to a man like that had utterly terrified her but she had no choice -- her father had promised James her hand in return for the two kingdoms coming together against a common enemy.

James was a powerful king, with the second largest army in all of the lands. His aide would mean that her kingdom would manage to come out on top in the war, it would not be easy but they would win the war. It was almost certain.

Catherine was terrified even as she watched the gates of her new home come into view. Her wedding was set for the day after tomorrow, today she would be received by her betrothed and get to know her new home as much as one could in the first day of being here. Not too much later, the carriage came to a halt and moments later, one of her servants was pulling the door open. He held his hand out, helping the princess out.

Smoothing down the skirts of her dress, Catherine straightened as she squared her shoulders. Her head was lowered just slightly as she started up the stairs that led into the castle, not wanting to so much as risk finding out more about King James' infamous temper.

@ castle.
Being King brought a lot of pressure with it. People needed to know who was in charge or they'd walk all over you, push you around. It was because of that, that James preferred to cause fear to course through his devoted pawns veins instead of love. Fear was a stronger emotion, it made it less likely that he'd be killed off.

Drumming his fingers on the throne, James sat up a little bit straighter as one of his servants came into the room. Then, James watched at the man kneeled before him completely at his mercy before he started to speak. "the young Princess Cathrine has arrived, your Majesty." The man said, only being loud enough so that the King could hear him.

"Good, bring her to me. I wish to see how she behaves in the presence of a man." James said and then told the man to be gone and do as he was told. Marriage wasn't really something that was on James mind for the longest time. He was a strong man and commanded one of the strongest armies. Although, when an offer to destroy a pest arose, he knew he'd be an idiot to not accept it. Besides, it might not be so bad to bed someone other than the common whore every now and again.

A few moments later, James was leaning back in his throne. His dark eyes were focused on the young beauty that was making her way to the throne room. His eyes instantly moved to those perky breasts that were trapped by that dress of hers. An the way those hips moved was enough to drive the King mad. Oh, things were going to be quite interesting with this woman in his castle.

Catherine would be lying if she said that she wasn't utterly terrified as she made her way into the Great Hall. She knew that James would be inside and it would be the first time that they laid eyes on each other. She had no way of knowing that James would like her to do but she would rely on everything that she knew. To be seen and not heard, to only speak if she was spoken directly to. Never to raise her eyes as if she was the equivalent of a man.

Letting out a shaky breathe as her servants dropped to their knees in the entrance of the room, Catherine forced herself to continue forward. It wasn't until she was a few feet in front of James' throne. She did a deep curtsy, biting donw on the inside of her lip. It felt wrong to speak but it also felt wrong not to greet her future husband. Catherine couldn't be sure which was the way to appease James. She certainly didn't want to anger him before they were even married.

She kept her attention focused on the ground at James' feet, not brave enough to meet his gaze as she grasped her hands together in front of her. "My king," she greeted in a gentle voice. "Your lands are magnificent, it is with great pleasure that I am now allowed to call it my home," she added. Catherine's fingers tightened around each other to keep her hands from visibly shaking.

@ castle.
The narrow of his eyes, an arch of a brow that followed a few moments later. That was all that James offered as he watched the young Princess approaching his throne and heard her speak. He didn't really know what to say. Did he want to snap at her? Or, should he play mister nice and allow for her to greet him as they will be married in a couple of days.

It took only a few moments before James decided on his reply to her kind words. "Tell me something I don't already know, Princess." James replied, his voice giving away how bored he was with her words of praise as he rested his chin in a hand as he eyed her up and down. She had grace, and good posture, he'll have to give her that.

After a few more moments, a small sigh escaped from James as he stood. He took slow steps down from the throne til he reached the floor. "Come Cathrine, I'll show you around." He told her, not even looking in her direction as he past her by. Making his way towards the doors so that he could show her around the Castle, and not have to hear about how she was lost and had to keep distracting his servants from their work to give her directions.

"What places would you like to see first? The garden, the library or shall I show you to your room first?" He asked, trying to seem nice, when reality he was a little annoyed that he didn't think of just having a servant draw up a map for the Princess to follow instead.

Catherine was taken aback by James' words. She swallowed around the lump that formed in her throat, blinking slowly. She resisted the urge to look up at him, deciding that James had only meant his remark in a bored manner. That he didn't actually want her to say anything else. She lowered her head further, trying to ignore the uncomfortable feeling in the pit of her stomach. Catherine was sure that it was her fear but she wouldn't dare voice that to James or any of his men.

When James stood, Catherine lifted her head enough that she could see his chest. Her eyes scanned over his arms - even though they were covered in his clothes, it was evident that he was strong. The thought might have been thrilling if it didn't scare her that much more. She lifted her hand in anticipation that James would offer his arm but when he didn't, Catherine's lips parted slightly. Oh. Catherine dropped her hand, gathering her skirts in her hands so she could lift them to follow after James.

"Wherever you would prefer to go first is fine, my king," Catherine's voice was even, quiet as she walked a pace behind James. She was not his equal, even if she was to marry him in just a day's time. She forced a smile to her face. "Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to show me around," she added softly, glancing toward him out of the corner of her eye.

@ castle.
"A woman who could not decide on things by herself is quite useless," James mumbled, although he did so loud enough so that the young woman could hear him. They were to be wed in a days time, and if she was to be so meek and uninteresting the whole time, James honestly didn't see them lasting long. Rather he got bored and asked for an annulment, or he found a way to silently kill the wench, he didn't care. He just needed something to interest him.

Not saying anything else, James led Catherine towards the gardens first as they were the closest things. He Stopped at the entrance and glanced at the young woman for a moment before looking forward again. "This is the main garden, we have a few smaller ones, but this one is the most used for public gatherings on nicer days. You'll probably be able to find visiting nobles wandering around here on occasion. The smaller ones are for the use of royalty only."

Then, without saying anything, James started to enter the garden. His hands clasped behind him as he slowly walked through the garden. His eyes looking around and taking everything in. "The gazebo where you can have some tea, as well as whatever girls do in their little gatherings." He motioned with his head towards the fancy-looking gazebo that was a few steps away from the main path. "Across from it is the small pond that was put in for my father. He was quite fond of koi fish so you'll find quite a few in the pond."

As they reached the edge of the garden and just before they entered another part of it, James stopped walking and turned towards Catherine. "Any questions about the garden?" He asked, arching an eyebrow. He didn't know how dumb or smart this girl was he was giving her ample time to ask anything that she'd care to ask while he was in a decent mood.

Catherine felt the color drain from her features as James spoke to himself. She opened her mouth to reason with him, to tell him she had only wanted to please him in whatever way that she could. She had thought he would prefer to choose where they went but she decided not to say anything, realizing that it was quite unladylike to argue with him. Especially when they weren't even married yet.

She followed after him, trying to ignore the nerves that had settled in the pit of her stomach. Catherine lifted her gaze, looking over the gardens as her face lit up. She wanted to begin exploring them because it was absolutely breathtaking and all she was doing was looking over the outside of it. But she opted not to, deciding to follow James' lead. Catherine nodded along to his comments when it was appropriate, starting after him as he moved.

Catherine hesitated for a moment, looking up to James for the first time. Her eyes widened just slightly. "Your grace.." she trailed off, swallowing quickly. She couldn't help but blush, dropping her gaze from his after a moment longer. "Forgive me for being so forward but your eyes are even more breathtaking than your gardens," she complimented. She knew that it was a bit much but she had been caught in the blue of his eyes, her heart had skipped a beat and she had to take a moment to collect her thoughts.

She could feel her cheeks heating up. Catherine cleared her throat, shaking her head as she looked around the gardens. "No questions, my king. That's all I have to say."

@ castle.
An arch of a brow was all that James was able to give Catherine as he heard her outburst. It wasn't something that he was expecting to hear from her. She was so naive and quiet, so to talk about his appearance was something he thought that she wouldn't be thinking about.

"You're a strange woman." James murmured once more before slowly turning his back towards the woman and started to once again move through his castle. He didn't say much as he showed her around a few more areas of the castle. Like, the Kitchen, dining room and the ballroom, there wasn't much to be said about them. The title of the room was a give away from its self after all. An if not, then this woman was even dimmer then he had originally thought that she was.

Then finally, they arrived at the library. The guards that were in attendance of the room hurriedly opened the door for the two royals. "If you can't guess, this is the library." He said, glancing over his shoulder at her before looking forward once more. "There are many different types of books here. Things ranging from books to read for pleasure, to those that indicate the history of this Kingdom." James made a gesture with his hand as if to say the list goes on and on.

"Feel free to have a moment to look around," James said as he sat down in a chair and propped his feet up on an automin. One ankle crossing the other as he watched Catherine explore the library. His eyes once more taking in the appearance of the woman. Wondering how she'd perform in bed.

@ castle.
An arch of a brow was all that James was able to give Catherine as he heard her outburst. It wasn't something that he was expecting to hear from her. She was so naive and quiet, so to talk about his appearance was something he thought that she wouldn't be thinking about.

"You're a strange woman." James murmured once more before slowly turning his back towards the woman and started to once again move through his castle. He didn't say much as he showed her around a few more areas of the castle. Like, the Kitchen, dining room and the ballroom, there wasn't much to be said about them. The title of the room was a give away from its self after all. An if not, then this woman was even dimmer then he had originally thought that she was.

Then finally, they arrived at the library. The guards that were in attendance of the room hurriedly opened the door for the two royals. "If you can't guess, this is the library." He said, glancing over his shoulder at her before looking forward once more. "There are many different types of books here. Things ranging from books to read for pleasure, to those that indicate the history of this Kingdom." James made a gesture with his hand as if to say the list goes on and on.

"Feel free to have a moment to look around," James said as he sat down in a chair and propped his feet up on an automin. One ankle crossing the other as he watched Catherine explore the library. His eyes once more taking in the appearance of the woman. Wondering how she'd perform in bed.

Catherine wished that she could read James a bit more than she was able to. She couldn't tell if she was pleasing to him or not and that thought alone was enough to make her skin crawl. She wanted to please him, she wanted to be the sort of queen that would be able to make him happy but she wasn't sure she would be able to do that. At least not right away when he didn't seem to want to have a conversation with her.

She had so many questions that she wanted to ask him but she didn't think it was appropriate, especially if James wasn't offering anything up himself. Catherine straightened when they approached the library and she spotted the guards. She bowed her head slightly in thanks before following James into the room.

Catherine spun in a slow circle, taking in the wonderment of the library. The one from her home castle had been grande but it still did not comapre to the one that she stood in now. "May I take a book to read at night in my chambers?" She asked quietly, finding herself in the history section. Catherine knew a few things about this kingdom but she wanted to learn as much as she could. When James agreed, she plucked the first book that she touched from the shelves. She would be here for the rest of her time, she had enough time to read every book in the library.

She turned toward James, chewing on the inside of her lip. Catherine wanted to apologize for having upset him by not making a choice but she decided not to. If James brought it up, she would be quick to do so. "Do you.. read often?" She asked quietly, deciding that it couldn't hurt to broach the idea of a conversation with him. After all, they were to wed soon. They would have to get to know each other at some point.

@ castle.
"Hm, go ahead," James mumbled quietly as he examined his nails on his right hand. Seeing if he had any disgusting dirt under the nail bed or a chipped nail. Cared for nails were important when one wields a sword, one small thing to interrupt the grip of a sword can change the whole tide of a battle.

Glancing up as Catherine decided to speak more than once word, James arched an eyebrow in interest at her question. He wasn't sure how to respond to such a question. Did she want an honest answer to her question or did she want him to give yet another sarcastic reply? Well, not many cared for his sarcasm so he was safe to assume that she wanted an honest answer instead.

"On occasion." He sold her, after releasing a small sigh. "If I have too much on my mind, I'll read a few reports to help lull me to sleep or read about countries that I've been working to make alliances with," James said, seeing no point in lying to her or brushing her off. They were to be wed, so why not give some non-important information to her?

Slowly, James licked his lips as he looked over Catherine and took in her appearance as she faced him. She looked a lot better facing him instead of just looking at her backside the whole time. "How comfortable are you with yourself?" James asked as he wondered if she'd offer up anything interesting to go off of.

Catherine eyed the book that she had selected. It was on the history of James' kingdom and she thought that it was a good place to start. She would live here for the rest of her life, she needed to learn more. She didn't want her people thinking that she did not care or did not want to adapt to their ways. Looking up at James' answer, she gave him a small smile as she nodded. "I love to read, when I have the chance to," she spoke, keeping her voice quiet. She wasn't sure if she should be speaking so much but it didn't seem like James minded too much.

She clutched the book to her chest, a slight frown forming on her lips. Catherine looked down herself before she shifted her weight from one side to another. "M-My king?" She was far quieter as she spoke this time around. Catherine could feel her cheeks heating up as she tried to sort out what he was asking.

"I am afraid that I do not.. understand your question," Catherine answered. She hated that she couldn't simply answer him without thinking twice about it. "Comfortable with what?" Catherine asked, looking up to him slowly. She met his steely gaze for just a moment before she dropped her head again, realizing just how uncomfortable she was under his gaze. James was a powerful man and his eyes showed proof of that.

@ castle.
It was kinda cute how Catherine was getting so nervous over a simple little question. Well, at least James thought it was simple. The way that the young Princess' cheeks were turning such a pretty shade of red caused James dick to flinch a little bit, wanting to see more of that pretty color coating her cheeks. Especially when he had her riding his dick in the middle of the night after she sucked him.

"How comfortable do you feel with your body?" James repeated his question, wanting to hear whatever answer popped into Catherine's pretty little head. "Are you shy about your natural appearance or do you accept yourself for who you are?" James asked, arching an eyebrow as he stayed in his relaxed position, not caring to move from his spot on the chair.

Slowly, the king licked his lips as he not so subtly looked her pretty little body over. "When we consummate your marriage, are you going to be blushing as red as a tomato like you are now, or are you going to be more interested in the act it's self?" James asked, changing his question up a bit, thinking that it'll give her a clearer understanding of what he was talking about in the first place.

Catherine's eyes widened even more at James' question. Her lips parted as she jerked, trying to put together even some sort of response. She had no clue what James wanted to hear but all she could think about was just how unprepared she was for their wedding night. She knew what sex was, she knew it was when a man and a woman lain together and it was what created babies but after that, she was clueless.

"I...I don't.. know, your grace. I.. I just know that I am to let you do as you please. I am to make your happy in whatever way you want me," Catherine answered. She was staring down at her feet now, her heart racing so quickly that she was sure it was about to beat right out of her chest. She clutched at the book in her hands as if it was the only thing that was grounding her.

"I want to be a good wife," Catherine added. She toed at the ground in front of her, hoping that her added admission was enough to please James. She only knew that she could expect pain but that it was important to make sure James... finished. The thought alone was enough to make her shiver. What would James require of her?

@ castle.
A small snort escaped from James as he listened to Catherine. A small bout of amusment flashed across his eyes as he listened. She was such a naive girl, then again, she was a princess and she would be completely useless to him and any other noble man if she was already deflowered by who knows who.

"Good girl Catherine." James praised her, it wasn't very often that he said such nice words. They may even sound a bit mocking, but he was honestly giving her some words of gratitude as he stood up and walked over towards her. Slowly, he reached over and cupped her cheek, running his thumb over her cheek as he examined her pretty face that he'll be staring at for who knows how long.

Then, he slowly pulled his hand away as he started to move towards the door once more. "Remember those words that you've just uttered. You want to be a good wife, you want to make me happy." He recited a few of her words as he pushed open the doors. "Come, Catherine. It's getting late and we have a long day ahead of us." He said as he started to lead her towards the chambers she'd be using for the night to rest before they were wed.

Catherine's heart skipped a beat at James' praise, nodding her head just slightly. There was no hiding how nervous she was but if James was happy with her, that was all that really mattered. She looked up to him, hesitating as she made eye contact with him. She leaned into his touch. She wanted to shy away from him but she wasn't about to do that, James seemed to want to be close to her. That was all that she could ask of him.

"Of course, your grace," she uttered, nodding her head hurriedly as she turned to follow after James. Catherine wondered if she would ever be able to speak his name but she wasn't about to ask him. That was far out of line, something that she wasn't willing to go. They were outside of their chambers, Catherine was always to abide by proper etiquette.

As they came to a stop in front of her room for the evening, Catherine hesitated. She turned toward him, biting down on the inside of her lip. "May I.. ask a question?" She felt uncomfortable even doing so but she hoped that James didn't mind too terribly much. It wasn't as if she was asking something too crazy.

"Are we to share chambers after we are wedded?" Catherine asked quietly. She knew the freedom that kings often preferred; queens had their own chambers so they were free to bring mistresses in without worry. Not that a Queen would ever be brave enough to speak up. "I am.. simply curious. I am sorry, my king."

@ castle.
As they reached Catherine's chamber. James was sure that it'd be the end of the night. He didn't want to spend more time with the timid young girl anymore then he had to. She was scared of her own shadow and that honestly wasn't very fun. He had decided that he wouldn't be bothering with her time tomorrow when he could start to show her the more fun things in life. Make her feel things that she's never gotten the chance to experience before.

Stopping mid-step, James turned his head and glanced towards Catherine. An arch of the brow the only indication that he had heard her request. An when she spoke her question, a small smirk tugged at the edges of his lips.

A small hum escaped from him as he raised a hand to gently rub at his stubble for a moment before speaking. "We won't be sharing a chamber except for the first week. You will be moved to my room once the wedding is over and we will consummate our wedding as well as have some fun with each other for the rest of the week as we get to know each other. Then, after that, you will be coming back here until I feel the need to release myself. Or to play with you." James said his words so casually like they didn't faze him in the least bit.

"Now, is there any other questions that you would like to ask me?" James asked as he turned back to face her, his hands moving to rest in his pockets as he looked at her boredly. Not really in the mood to talk to her very much at the moment.

Catherine had been foolishly hopeful that perhaps she had been wrong about all of the things that she had heard about James. That he was a cruel, heartless man. She had hoped that James would want to share their chambers in hopes to get to know each other more, to grow to genuinely care for each other. Her face fell slightly at his answer but she was quick to wipe the look from her face. She gave a nod of her head, biting down on the inside of her lip.

She was left wondering if she proved to be a good wife to James, that he wouldn't force her to live separately from him. She had heard romantic tales of waking in a lover's arms and she'd dreamed of it. Wondered what it would mean to be so very lucky. If Catherine hadn't been so worried to upset James, she would have told him that. Right then and there. Instead, Catherine swallowed the lump that formed in her throat.

"No, your grace. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to show me around," Catherine spoke gently, hoping to keep the emotion from her voice. She was to marry to strengthen her kingdom. Not for love. Catherine had understood that long ago but it didn't stop her foolish girl dreams.

Turning to face James fully, Catherine curtsied. "Good night, my king. Sleep well," she murmured, giving a tiny nod of her head before she spun and entered her bedroom. Catherine was quick to begin undressing, thankful to have a few moments to herself. She changed into her night dress before moving to curl up beneath the covers. Catherine was exhausted from her long day of travel and she wanted nothing more than to sleep; she didn't think it would suit her very well to be falling asleep in the middle of her wedding ceremony so she knew that she had to get a decent sleep.

@ castle.
Restless, that was the best description to describe how James slept last night. His mind was crowded with thoughts of Catherine, the treaty that was signed, of possible ways to conquer the Kingdom that's been bugging him for years. That's been killing his men and taking his money without so much as a true word of war. Anger surged through James, he wouldn't tolerate the onset of troublemakers, starting tomorrow, he will be able to command an army that will make any Kingdom fall within seconds.

Now, here he stood. At the front of the alter. Waiting for his beautiful bride to come down the aisle. To fulfill her duty as his soon to be bride. To help make sure that both Kingdoms take over the one Kingdom that's been a license for the past few decades.

Hearing the doors open at the end of the grand room, James raised his dark gaze and looked out towards the doors. In walked Catherine, his beautiful wife to be. All dressed in white and looking as beautiful as could be. Ready to be ravished by him, to be dominated. She was such a young and naive girl, oh. James could not wait to have her withering under his touch, to feel him causing her such pleasure that she didn't know could be felt.

As soon as Catherine came to a stop in front of him, James turned towards the priest that would be conducting the ceremony. The old man wasted no time in starting his rather long and boring speech. Uniting them for the rest of their lives, or, until James decided to take another woman or his wife past.

(I was wondering why you've not replied to this. -.- Turned out I never his the reply button... Sorry.)