crown of sorrow

@ dezz

Amarille hummed tiredly as she felt him shaking her awake, her grip on his shirt tightening a little as she snuggled further into his arms before her eyes fluttered open as Caspian's nose brushed against hers, although they closed again as he kissed her, curling further into his arms as she returned his kiss. She felt so much better with such a simple little kiss, and she hoped that now that they'd both had some rest that they were both feeling better.

"Good morning, my love.." she murmured against his lips, brushing her fingers gently through his hair. "I'm sorry about last night, Caspian... I was upset, I shouldn't have taken it out on you.. I'd like to marry you, as planned.. If you'll have me.." she looked up at him through her eyelashes, hoping he wouldn't be upset with her for everything that happened last night.

---

Rainier froze when she admitted to loving him. This was everything he'd wanted, everything he'd plan was for. But as much as he was happy to hear that she felt that way about him, it crushed him, since he'd been lying to and deceiving her, and now he had to worry about her being taken from him by some asshole prince. He wouldn't let that happen though. Couldn't let that happen.

His arms tightened around her, practically lifting her off the ground as he held her securely against his chest, tucking his nose into her hair. "I swear it, Isolde. I won't let them marry you off to some prince you barely know. I won't let them take you from me.." he murmured as he looked down at her, gently brushing his thumbs over her cheeks to wipe away her tears.

Caspian was relieved to hear that after a good night's rest, Amarille was feeling better. Even more so when she mentioned still wanting to marry as planned. He had been sure that once Amarille calmed down everything would've worked itself out, and he was sure that at breakfast the girls would talk and that to would fix itself.

A smile broke across the princes' face and he wrapped his arms loosely around the small of her waist. "I suppose I'll have you," he teased, unable to keep a straight face as he chuckled. He kissed her again, but for a few seconds longer. Still hearing Amarille speak it that they would still get married in a months time had Caspian's heart fluttering. Gently resting his forehead against hers, he squeezed her hips gently, "And there's no need to apologize either."

---

Isolde slid her hands up his side, finding it was slightly easier to relax once Rainier promised again that he wouldn't allow it, that no one would tear them apart. A few more tears escaped and slid down her cheeks as he brushed them away. Her eyes burned again now as they had last night and her chest felt tight, to the point breathing felt like an exercise.

She was embarrassed to look into his eyes, completely ashamed to be crying in front of him, and for a second time now. Isolde couldn't do anything else other than throw her arms back around him and hug him tightly, sniffling into his chest as she tried to calm down. After a moment, she forced herself to step away, knowing, that even as a pit opened in her stomach, he needed to go. She didn't want to be alone, or without him, but soon more people would be showing up at her door if she didn't hurry and dress. "T-Thank you," she squeezed his hands again before swallowing hard, trying to hold it all in. "I trust you'll take care of it, but you should go before someone else comes," Isolde stepped away from him, wiped at her eyes some more as she moved towards the bathroom.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

Amarille's heart fluttered as he agreed, kissing him back happily as she curled further into his arms. She shook her head a little when he said she didn't have to apologize, her nose brushing against his as she gazed up at him. "I do need to apologize. I hurt you terribly, Caspian, I know it did. It wasn't right, and I promise I won't do it again." She murmured, pressing another kiss to his lips as her fingers gripped his shirt. After a few moments she smiled, tucking her head into the crook of his neck. "We're going to be married.."

---

Rainier held her close while she cried, brushing his fingers through her hair soothingly. He hated seeing her so upset, and when she pulled away still looking miserable he frowned, watching as she told him to leave before moving toward the bathroom. He caught her hand in his as she moved past him, pulling her back into his arms as he leaned down to kiss her deeply, hoping that perhaps that would show her that he wasn't lying to her. He pressed kisses across her cheeks and eyes, kissing away her tears before he finally pulled back, looking at her with a small smile. "I'll see you in the throne room, alright?" He said, kissing her once more before be pulled away and left her room, heading to his own.

Isolde wasn't expecting Rainier to catch her hand, to stop her from moving away from him. All she had expected was to hear the click of the door as it closed, leaving her alone inside. It was much needed affectionate moment, feeling his lips flush against hers, a dominate pressure that softened when his lips ran over her face, planting little soft kisses as they went. Her hand lingered in the air where he left it, watching the door shut for real this time. The princess felt nauseous, feeling as if a tempest was violently raging inside of her. Loving Rainier made her feel like she was walking on clouds, but knowing what awaited her in the throne room made her feel like she was falling faster and faster towards her room.

After she was dressed, Isolde made a detour, stopping by her sisters room. Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest because she knew she ran the risk of Amarille just slamming the door in her face. While it might be a rushed apology, Isolde couldn't go meet her suitor alone, she hadn't made Amarille meet Caspian by herself... Surely her sister's grudge wouldn't keep her from being by her side.

"We are." Caspian smiled, though it faltered when he heard footsteps outside the door. They were light, but frantic, the young prince could tell it was Isolde and the uneasiness in her step. "It's your sister," Caspian whispered, before a series of panicked knocks hit the wooden door.

"Amarille? Please, talk to me! I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean anything, please open the door. I need you!"

Caspian pushed away from Amarille, his eyes trained on the door as he ran a hand through his blonde hair. Pushing himself to his feet, he began buttoning up his shirt and pulling his trousers on. He also hadn't expected for the girls to speak so soon, and while he was happy things were moving along rather quickly, he didn't like the way Isolde's voice sounded distressed.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

Amarille was content to remain curled up in her future husband's arms for the rest of the day, sharing little smiles and laughs between kisses, although when she saw Caspian's smile falter hers disappeared as well, frowning worriedly as she squeezed his hand in hers. "What's wrong..?" She asked softly before he mentioned her sister, the princess jumping a bit in surprise when she heard her sister's frantic knocks at the door.

She was surprised to hear that her sister had come searching for her, having assumed she would have had to be the one to search her out, although her tone worried her. She moved to sit up as Caspian did, reaching for his hand as he stood, although he moved away too quickly for her to get a firm hold on it. She wanted him to stay with her, knowing he'd help ground her and keep her from overreacting or saying anything upsetting, but she also realized that she'd probably be better off speaking to her sister on her own.

With a sigh she stood, grabbing her dressing robe and tugging it on, tying it around her waist before she stepped over to Caspian, pressing a quick kiss to his chin as she finished buttoning the last few buttons on his shirt, grabbing his jacket to help him into it. "I know you can't stay.. But I wish you would." She murmured softly, giving him a little smile before she moved over to the door, opening it for her sister.

"Isolde.. What's wrong? Is everything alright?" She asked worriedly, surprised to see her sister already dressed. It was still reasonably early, and with nothing special happening today, she'd assumed that they'd have both avoided breakfast and taken their meals in their rooms.

Caspian moved up behind Amarille, his hands moving up to linger on her shoulders for a moment as he pressed a soft kiss to the back of her head, his eyes flicking over Isolde for a moment. The princess nodded towards the prince, watching as he disappeared down the hallway. Isolde felt her heart in her throat as she watched the prince walk away, hoping her sister would be more receptive to what she was about to tell her with him not there to influence her. Grabbing her sister's hands, she pushed the two of them into her room, shutting the door behind her.

"There's a suitor waiting downstairs," Isolde hesitated, remembering the morning she had arrived at Amarille's door to notify her of Caspian's arrival. The two girls had both been distraught, devastated over their father, dressed in black as if still attending his funeral. This time was similar, the same sense of dread loomed over Isolde's shoulders, "for me." Isolde dropped her sister's hands, "And I know you're not happy to hear it, but I... I love Rainier, Amarille, and I am heartbroken...." Isolde's eyes flickered to the floor, feeling the tears that threatened to fall, burning her eyes horribly. Sniffling, she looked back up to her sister, "I accept Caspian and bless your relationship, and cannot wait for your wedding, so can't you please, accept this?" Her shaking eyes looked up at her sister, fearful of how she might reject. "I need you to come with me, I can't meet this strange man alone."

@ katahdin

@ dezz

Amarille turned to look up at Caspian as he came up behind her, resting a hand on his arm for a moment before he left before she turned back to her sister, letting her into the room. She squeezed her sister's hands, frowning deeply at how worried her sister looked. Her frown only deepened as Isolde began to explain, eyes widening at the mention of a suitor for her being there. The Council had assured her that her sister would not receive any suitors before she was married, and while they had assumed that that would be many months from now, it still shouldn't be happening just because her own wedding had been moved up.

She was about to speak her concern when Isolde continued speaking, her concern only growing when she confessed to being in love with Rainier. It was bad enough that he was considerably older than she was, but he seemed to be a bad person.

"Isolde.. Of course I'll go with you to meet him, but don't you think you should give him a chance?" She frowned, squeezing her sister's hands. "I hadn't wanted to meet Caspian, but you convinced me to go and give him a chance, and look how happy we are.. I know that you have feelings for Rainier, but.. but I just don't think he's right for you, regardless of how Caspian thinks of him." She explained, hoping that she wouldn't be too upset with her. "Let me dress, and then we can go to the throne room together."

"G-Give him a chance?" Isolde looked stunned as she turned, watching her sister move towards the bathroom. Isolde had been waiting for her sister to marry, so hopefully she wouldn't have to, but after their argument last night... Remembering how her sister had called her selfish, she couldn't find herself to remind Amarille. "Ams, don't you remember how upset you were when you thought I didn't approve of Caspian?" Her sisters voice was quiet, almost a whisper. "You don't have to approve of Rainer, but I can't deny my feelings."

She slowly crossed her arms over her chest, her fingers picking at the fabric of her dress, the spiral boning that decorated her torso. "I feel like I'm going to be sick, Amarille..." She moved to sit in a chair in the corner as her sister dressed. Isolde tried reminding herself she didn't need her sister to save her, surely Rainier would keep his promise. But what if he didn't? What if he couldn't? What if she was forced to marry some strange man? She'd have to leave her home, her kingdom, her sister, the man she loves... That was terrifying. She would have to leave. "I-I'm sorry, Amarille, but I c-cant. I can't give them a chance, I..." A few tears escaped, falling down her face.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

It didn't take too long for Amarille to wash her face and then dress, returning from the bathroom to braid her hair as she usually did, frowning as she listened to Isolde. She knew that she was upset that she was telling her to give her mysterious suitor a chance, but if Isolde had never convinced her to go meet Caspian, she wouldn't have met the love of her life. She moved over to sit by her sister's side when she mentioned being sick, squeezing her hands before resting a hand gently at her cheek when she began to cry.

"Hey, Isolde, don't cry.." she frowned, doing her best to comfort her younger sister. "I know you're scared.. but you have to meet with them, at least. Until I am married to Caspian and crowned Queen, the Council is in charge, and I won't be able to do anything to stop them from trying to marry you off.. But if you can just stall, just hold out long enough for me to become Queen, I'll send any suitor who comes for you away." She promised, squeezing her hands again. "Does that sound alright? I.. I-I know I'm not being the most helpful, but it's the best I can do.. I won't let you meet them alone, though. I'll always be at your side, just like how you were at mine when I met Caspian. And he'll always be willing to help, too."

Isolde looked up at her sister, bringing a hand to her cheek to wipe away the tears. Just nodding, Isolde did her best to dry up her tears. She wanted her sister to be there for her so she could attempt to come off stronger, not as a weak woman who couldn't stop crying because she was afraid. "Beautiful dress," she sniffed, raising her hand to run over one of the flowers around her collar. Dropping her hands to her sisters again, Isolde gave them a tight squeeze and forced herself to stand. It gave her so much relief just knowing her sister would be with her.

Still holding Amarille's hand, Isolde led the both of them out of her sister's bedroom and down to the throne room. Isolde was late, the prince already awaiting her arrival, speaking quietly among his own court he had brought with him. He turned when the princesses arrived, a large smile appearing on his face. "Ladies," he bowed, a devilish gleam in his piercing eye as he bowed. Isolde could only squeeze her sisters hand harder, unable to let go as the prince moved in front of her. Isolde wanted nothing more than to push the man away and run to Rainier, but she had to swallow her own wants. Nodding her head in his way, Isolde wondered how much trouble she'd be in for showing up late. "Your highness," the prince bowed to Amarille, acknowledging her first due to her soon to be title, before forcing Isolde's hand away from her sister and into his own.

Wanting to jump out of her skin, Isolde grimaced when his hand tightened around hers. "It's lovely to meet you," the way his smirk appeared on his face twisted Isolde's stomach.

"Likewise," her voice came out in a squeak, almost too terrified to be audible.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

Amarille pressed a kiss to her sister's cheek once she'd calmed down, giving her a soft smile as she helped her adjust her dress and hair. "Your dress it lovely, Isolde. You always look lovely, though." She hoped her compliments would cheer her up, giving her hand a squeeze as they left her room and headed to the throne room. She hadn't expected so many people to be there already, the prince and his court plus their own court members making up quite the crowd.

She forced a small smile as the price approached, politely curtseying as he bowed. "You're Highness. We're sorry for not arriving sooner, we only just received word that you were here." She apologized, hiding a frown when he forced Isolde to release her hand in order to take it himself, feeling rather anxious with all these people around.

"I'm sorry, but we were not informed your name. You are..?" She asked, and noticing how nervous her sister was linked her arm back through hers to lead her sister toward the thrones, taking her seat after Isolde took hers. She hoped Caspian would come soon, but until then she'd do her best to act as host.

Rainier had bathed quickly after leaving Isolde's room, dressing in his usual finery before heading to the throne room. He intended to keep his promise to Isolde: he wasn't going to let them marry her off to some no good prince, no matter their reasoning. He was glad to see that Isolde was already here with her sister, hoping that her sister was providing her some comfort, even if she didn't approve of him. They'd always been close, so he'd be surprised if Amarille was willing to have her married off.

Rainier moved through the crowd to stand off to the side, giving Isolde a reassuring look when he managed to catch her eye. He'd be rid of the prince in no time, use his magic to convince him that he had no interest in her.

Clearing his throat, the prince followed the girls to the throne, his right hand following behind him without a word. The prince ran a hand through his dark hair, his eyes narrowing as the girls took their seats in the throne. He wore a heavy dark robe lined with long black furs, his clothes underneath completely black, only hints of silvers decorating his coat. It was assumed he was from rather a cold kingdom and the thought of it made Isolde's heart sink.

"Prince Alston Black, son of Michaelis Black, Valmeny Kingdom." Isolde glanced up at the prince, her nails digging into the arms of the throne chair as she thought of Valmeny. Valmeny was settled right in the heart of the Ice Fields, up farther north on the continent where everything was blanketed with snow and ice. It was dark and cold and dreadful, the girls had visited once with their father. Glancing across the room, Isolde found Rainier and couldn't help the frown that grew on her face. It hurt worse now that she had admitted her feelings to him and now this was happening.

The prince had already been briefed on the young princess. How she liked to sneak out and had a stubborn head on her shoulders. Already he had plans to put her back in her place. Caspian arrived to the throne room, moving to stand next to the throne Amarille sat in. His outfit was simple, dark blues and browns, heavy boots and a cloak that swirled around his legs when he walked. "Good to make your acquaintance," Caspian spoke, taking a few feet closer to the prince to shake his hand. "Caspian Ellis," he introduced himself, thrilled to see Isolde had a suitor. Anyone to get her away from that advisor.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

Amarille knew her sister wouldn't be pleased hearing that he was from Valmeny, the two of them having been miserable when they had traveled there with their father when they were younger, and she couldn't see her sister being happy there. But perhaps this prince would want to stay here for part of the year, that way Isolde wouldn't be trapped in a far away land without her family.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Prince Alston. I hope your journey here was easy." Amarille said with a polite smile, her smile only growing when Caspian arrived, resting her hand against his when he arrived at her side before watching him step forward to greet the prince himself. She could tell he was pleased by the Prince Alston's arrival, and while she was glad that Isolde would be spending less time with Rainier, the prince was a bit unsettling to her, although she was writing it off as her being anxious about strangers.

"You and your court must be tired, please, feel free to spend what time you need in your rooms resting, we shall plan on meeting again for dinner." Amarille said as she stood, giving her sister's hand a pat. This way she could possibly spend time with Alston, but she could also avoid him for a while longer too, which worked out either way.

Rainier attempted to give her a reassuring smile, but it was hard with the dread filling his stomach as he looked at the prince. Something seemed off to him, and he wasted little time in sending his magic out to start it's work on manipulating him and convincing him to leave. He was shocked though when he felt Alston resist his magic, but was quick to hide his shocked expression, not wanting anyone to realize what he was attempting to do.

Isolde felt her blood run cold when Amarille stood, feeling her hand pat hers before she moved towards Caspian. Isolde was glad she hadn't eaten that day yet, or she was sure she would've thrown up by now, feeling disgusting as the prince looked over towards her. "Yes, or you know, the gardens are lovely, perhaps the two of you should enjoy them. That's the first thing I did once I arrived here." A large smile grew across Caspian's face as he urged the princess and the prince to spend some time together.

The prince opened his mouth, but whether it was to oppose the suggestion or not, Isolde was quick to shake her head. "I-I shouldn't. Perhaps after dinner?" The dark haired princess couldn't help but let her voice tremble, rising to her feet as she shot a narrowed look towards Caspian, wishing for the prince to keep quiet. "I have a few things I need to tend too..."

"You could at least show him to his room-" Caspian tried arguing, but it was too late. Isolde had disappeared through the crowd of people and out of the throne room. "My apologies," Caspian turned to Alston, before calling over a member of the staff to show their guests to their rooms.

"It's quite alright, she's nervous. I will see you at dinner," Alston politely bowed before leaving with his court.

Caspian turned back to Amarille, linking his arm with hers as he led her from the room himself. "Well, that was quite rude of your sister?" He frowned, pulling his brow together as he looked down at Amarille. "I've had lunch called to the courtyard for us."

---

Before disappearing out of the throne room, Isolde had snaked her way through the crowd of gathered noblemen and women until she had found her way to her adviser. Grabbing him by his jacket sleeve, she pulled him out of the room, into the hallway that led down the east side of the castle. The hall was open and brightly lit, the windows carved into the walls overlooked the ocean and just glancing out at it, Isolde could almost begin to cry imagining being in an icy barren land with that prince.

"I can't..." Isolde crossed her arms over her chest, walking alongside Rainier as they headed down the hallway. She knew better than to keep a hand on his arm as they walked openly through the castle. "There's something weird about him, he makes my skin crawl."

@ katahdin

@ dezz

Amarille frowned as she watched Isolde run off, noticing that Rainier seemed to disappear after her, but she didn't mention it, knowing that he'd likely be a comfort to Isolde at the moment. "I apologize, your highness. We are still grieving for the loss of our parents, and with my upcoming marriage and coronation, everything has been a bit overwhelming for us both.. Please, make yourselves at home and don't hesitate to ask for anything you need." She offered politely before the crowd began to disperse, linking her arm through Caspian's as they left the throne room.

"Don't be too hard on her, Cas. She's upset, and rightfully so. When we first met, I wanted to run away too." She pointed out, giving her fiance's hand a squeeze. She's got a lot going on, and we need to support her.. Neither of us want to see her with Rainier, but I'm afraid that pushing her toward Prince Alston will only push her closer to the advisor." She sighed, resting her head against his shoulder as they walked. She smiled when he mentioned lunch in the courtyard, giving his hand a squeeze. "Have I told you today how wonderful you are? And how handsome you look?"

---

Rainier quickly followed Isolde when she tugged at his jacket, following her along the hall before taking her arm and pulling her off to the side by one of the windows, unfurling the curtain to hide them, along with using his magic to make them even less obvious. He pulled the princess into his arms, cradling her against his chest as he kissed her forehead

"I know.. I don't like him either. I tried to use my magic to start the process of getting him to leave, but it didn't work. He resisted it somehow." He sighed in frustration, gently brushing his fingers over her hair. "I'll find a spell that works, don't you worry. I won't let you marry him."

"I don't think we could push your sister and the adviser any closer than they already are," he argued, feeling himself growing angry just at the thought, but he couldn't blame Isolde. Amarille had tried to run away, and he had followed after her, practically forcing her to spend time with him when all she had wanted was to lock herself away in her room. Prince Alston could've tried to stop Isolde, but he didn't, so what could he be upset by?

Feeling the gentle squeeze Amarille gave his hand, he brought hers to his mouth, kissing her knuckles as he led her out into the courtyard. "You haven't, but that's alright, I'm not mad," he teased, dusting off his shoulder before looking the princess up and down. The pinkish color of her dress complimented her skin tone and he couldn't help how his eyes roamed her curves, "You look absolutely stunning, of course." He smirked, leaning his head down to kiss her cheek.

---

"What're you-" Isolde fought, before she realized he was trying to hide them away. The princess melted into his arms, feeling like she might start sobbing into his chest. His magic wasn't working? What if he couldn't get the prince to leave and then what if her sister forced her to marry? She wasn't happy with the thought of Isolde being with Rainier, but would her sister do that to her?

Isolde didn't want to press Rainier, to question why it wasn't working or what he was going to do. She didn't want to agitate him or make him feel like she doubted him, but, she was nervous... "I trust you," she sighed against his chest, her arms wrapping tightly around his chest. Tilting her head up, she kissed his jaw, terrified she wouldn't be able to kiss him for much longer.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

Amarille sighed, knowing that Caspian was right. "I just don't want to push her.. she's already so upset, I don't want her to feel like I don't support or love her." She explained softly, smiling as he raised her hand to his lips. She laughed softly at his teasing, blushing faintly as she noticed how his eyes roamed her curves.

She nudged him lightly in warning, although she was clearly joking. "No undressing the princess with your eyes. That isn't supposed to happen until after we're married." She blushed, smiling up at him as he pressed a kiss to her cheek. "You always think that.. I'm not sure if you're blind or lying." She teased, moving to the table that had been set up in the courtyard for them. "What will we do after lunch? Maybe I could show you around the abandoned wing of the castle, that way you can decide whether or not you'd actually like to live there, and if you do we can begin the process of having everything cleaned and refurbished.

---

Rainier held her tightly against his chest, sighing a bit in frustration. He could tell she grew more nervous when he confessed that his magic hadn't worked, and truthfully he was nervous as well. He'd never had this problem before, and he worried that he wouldn't be able to find a spell or a way to convince the prince to leave magically, and that he'd have to outright threaten him or worse.

He relaxed though as he felt her lips against his jaw, closing his eyes briefly as he relaxed back against the window, savoring just holding her. He couldn't wait until she was Queen and he was King, then they could kiss and hold each other like this without the fear of being reprimanded. "I won't let him take you from me, Isolde.. It might take time to get him to leave, but I won't allow you two to be married." He reassured her, looking down at her as his fingers brushed over her cheek.

"That actually sounds lovely," Caspian agreed, pulling out a chair for the princess and then pushing it in for her once she had sat down. The prince had requested a light lunch for them, a board of fruits and cheeses had been set aside on the table and played before them was a roasted duck with lemon and a fresh salad. It was the perfect lunch to enjoy outdoors, the wind lightly brushing through their hair as they sat together.

"I have only seen the one room, after all. It'd be good to see what else is there, get ideas about how to bring it back to life." He leaned back in his chair and plucked up a few of the grapes. Caspian was more than ready to be married and take on everything that would be thrown at him. Helping Amarille run her kingdom, the castle renovations and changes... He could do his best to unseat most of the court, starting with that brooding adviser... His light eyes found their way back to Amarille, the sight of her washed in the sunlight enough to bring a smile to his face. "We could lock ourselves away in your favorite room for a little while...?"

---

It calmed Isolde to hear Rainier promise again that he would handle the new prince, one way or another, he assured her they would not marry. Her lips lingered on his jaw, his slight facial hair feeling scruffy against her soft skin. I won't let him take you from me... the words sent shivers down her spine. "You better not," she agreed, her lips traveling up to his ear, placing soft kisses as she went. "He has to leave, because if I'm going to be forced to marry at all... I want to be with you," She whispered into his ear, hoping it wasn't too much. She didn't see herself ever marrying but if she did, she want it to be with Rainier.

Her arms loosely unraveled from around his waist, her hands barely resting against his sides. Her heart was thumping wildly inside of her ribcage, it always did when she was around him. Hiding her face in the crook of his neck, she almost expected him to push away from her. Isolde always feared rejection from him for some reason.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

Amarille thanked him for pushing in her chair, smoothing out her dress before taking in all the food that he'd had prepared for them, smiling when she noticed some of her favorites. He must have spoken with the cooks about what she liked again, and she found herself once again thanking the gods for bringing them together. She helped herself to a slice of apple as she watched Caspian lounge in his chair, offering him a smile as she listened. "It's the smallest wing of the castle, also likely the oldest that remains. There's the room I showed you, and then nine more smaller bedrooms, two or three rooms that used to be studies, a small library whose books are long gone or rotten, the old throne room, and then the old gardens I showed you." She listed off the rooms that she could remember, picking at another apple slice before moving on to her salad. "Structurally the rooms are in good condition, they just need to be cleaned and some of the furniture replaced. The gardens would need a lot of managing, and the library, studies and throne room would need major work, but it'd be doable within a months time."

Her cheeks flushed red when he suggested they lock themselves away in her favorite room, smiling at him sheepishly. The sun reflecting off his golden hair and skin made him look heavenly, and she knew that it wouldn't take much convincing for her to agree, but she knew that they shouldn't. "We could... Nothing too intimate, though. We have a little less than a month to the wedding, and I don't want to risk getting caught.." she glanced up at him sheepishly, offering a faint smile. "I wouldn't mind hearing about your ideas for our wedding night again, however.."

---

Rainier cradled her close, his hand moving to cup her cheek as he looked down at her with wide eyes after she confessed that she'd want to marry him. "I can't tell you how relieved I am to hear that.." he murmured before leaning down to capture her lips in his, holding her flush against his chest. His plans were moving along smoothly, but he was happy to hear the news for another reason. He'd realized he'd come to genuinely care for her, and marrying her served his political ambitions but also would make him incredibly happy outside of them. He really would have it all soon enough.

He pulled his lips from hers after a moment, resting his forehead against hers. "You'll have to spend some time with the prince, I'm afraid.. I'll do my best to snoop around and see what I can do about getting him to leave, but it's impossible for you to avoid him completely."

"Oh, now the princess is afraid to be caught?" The blonde haired prince couldn't help but tease, his mind rather running off with different thoughts. He thought about perhaps getting a few gardeners to go ahead and tend to the lawns around the abandoned wing, and perhaps a few men to begin cleaning the halls. Thinking it would be nice to surprise her on their wedding night, with a stroll through a beautifully restored and opulent garden on her favorite side of the castle. He lowered his gaze to hers, smirking when she wanted more details of what he had in mind. "No, no, we can't tempt ourselves, darling." It was hard to not tempt himself, though. The two of them had already gone so far, yet not far enough and Caspian doubted if he could wait the month out for their wedding.

Plucking a few grapes from the fruit tray, Caspian leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over his knee as he stared across the table at his love. He couldn't peel his eyes away from the princess, feeling absolutely enraptured by her beauty. Amarille was being lit, her skin glowing in the sunlight. The prince could feel his breath being taken, having to force himself to take a breath before he could speak again, "I love listening to talk about the old wing, I could listen to you speak all day. Would you just like it restored, just as it is? Or would you like to change things?"

---

Isolde's face was burning, she was sure that her cheeks were colored a rosy pink, Rainier's lips pressing against hers again doing nothing to help. Again, though, her heart sank to her stomach when she was faced with the reality of the situation once more. She would have to spend time with the prince, she would have to entertain him and probably hold a conversation or two... The thought of it made her sick to her stomach. "I know." She finally whispered, closing her eyes so she didn't have to look at him. She wished that she could disappear or hide forever behind this curtain, at least then she wouldn't have to ever see the prince again. Still, knowing Rainier did seem to love her back, it made her feel a bit braver in the situation. "I'm seeing him after dinner tonight, in the gardens, thanks to Caspian..." Isolde couldn't help but grit her teeth, cursing the fair-headed prince in her head.

"But," she swallowed, looking up to Rainier, "there's time before dinner and I'd like to keep my mind off of the prince until then. So, I think I'll bother you for a little while." Isolde bit her bottom lip before pushing up a little on her tiptoes and pressing her lips to his again.

@ katahdin