crown of sorrow

@ dezz

Amarille was relieved when Isolde didn't run from the room screaming at the news, but she certainly did not like how excited her sister got as she declared she knew someone who could help. She knew they'd need to talk to someone about it, but she'd been hoping to avoid that, as she feared that anyone they told would betray them.

Her eyes widened at the mention of a witch, shaking her head quickly. "No. It's too dangerous. What if she makes it worse? Or causes him to turn into the monster permanently? Or what if she realizes who we are and tells everyone that the future king is a monster?" She frowned deeply as she looked at her sister. "I know that you trust her, but telling a fortune and breaking a curse are two different things... How would we even know she really possesses magic? I don't like this, Isolde..."

Isolde placed her hands on her sisters shoulders in a reassuring way. "What happens next full moon when he barrels through the castle again? What if he kills more than a couple of guards? What if he runs loose from the castle and attacks our citizens, Amarille?" She could tell all her sister was worried about was Caspian, a man she barely knew longer than a week. Isolde didn't blame her sister, knowing how head over heels she had fallen for him, but she had to try and keep her head level.

"You want a solution, you have to seek a solution." She stepped back and crossed her arms over her chest. "What's the harm in meeting her? I've known her for years. If you don't like the look of things, you don't have to take her help." Isolde could see the inside of the witch's hut now, her cauldron and all the potion bottles lining shelves, all the different ingredients... She was sure she had to have at least something that could help.

"Tonight. After dinner. You and I, how about it?" Isolde was sure Amarille could see she was more excited to just spend time with her sister, though knowing she could help the prince had her ecstatic as well. "It's like we're living a fairy tale," she giggled.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

"It's not his fault. I won't let him hurt anyone else, but I can't risk losing him." Amarille was quick to defend Caspian, frowning at her sister's words. "I know you think I'm being foolish, that I'm not thinking straight, like how a Queen should, but you don't understand. I love him, Isolde. He's the only good thing to happen to me in ages, and I can't lose him." She wiped a few stray tears from her eyes, swallowing past the lump in her throat as she considered her sister's proposal to go to the witch's hut after dinner, giving a little nod after a moment.

"Fine.. but I don't want to be out late. And if I don't like it, we're leaving." She knew her sister was quicker to trust people than her, and despite being desperate for a cure for Caspian she wouldn't risk saying too much.

Isolde was more hung up over the fact that her sister just confessed love for the prince she had just met, rather than jumping with excitement when she agreed to sneak out that night.

"Wait, wait, love?" Isolde furrowed her brow. She wasn't so much upset that her sister had fallen so fast for a stranger, rather she was surprised. Amarille had always been the more level headed one, more logic over emotion. So to see her sister nearly in tears at just thinking about losing Caspian...

She watched, wide eyed as her sister started again, explaining how much she loved the fair haired boy, at the exact same time, the door opened and walked the prince. "Speak of the devil..." Isolde muttered under her breath.

Caspian has quietly creaked the door open, his knock going unheard. A shiver ran down his spine as he heard the sisters talking, hoping he hadn't interrupted anything. He could hear Amarille talking quickly, sounding upset, but speaking about how much she loved him and didn't want too lose him. His blood ran cold anticipating that Isolde now knew his secret, but he also found his hands getting clammy hearing Amarille confess her love.

Caspian cleared his throat, trying to get the girls attention.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

Amarille frowned as Isolde's brow furrowed and she seemed confused about her admission that she loved Caspian, nodding. "Yes, Isolde, I love him. I know that it sounds crazy, especially after I just told you that he's the monster who terrorized the castle last night.. But he's the furthest thing from a monster. He's kind, and gentle, and loving, and I know he'd never intentionally hurt anyone, least of all me. He doesn't criticize me about my anxieties and fears, and genuinely cares about me and how I feel, which no one else outside of our family does. I'd given up on having any happiness in life after mother and father died, and the court members decided to marry me off, but now he's my only hope for any happiness, and I can't let anything happen to him.. I-"

Amarille tensed and fell silent however when she heard Caspian clear his throat behind them, turning quickly to look at him with wide eyes. If it was possible she seemed to pale and blush brightly at the sight of him, swallowing around the lump in her throat. She was relieved that he seemed alright, that he'd managed to get dressed and return without an issue, but now she was worried about how he'd react to hearing however much of what she'd just said. "Caspian.. I..." She couldn't form what she wanted to say properly, her words catching in her throat as she looked at him anxiously.

"You could've said all of that earlier, madam." He teased her, pulling his hands behind his back as he rocked on his heels. His face, too, was burning bright red, a single stray blonde curl falling over his eye as he smiled. It was a major relief to hear Amarille confess her love, it made him feel much more relaxed, like nothing in the world could harm him now. As long as he knew the princess was by his side, through it all, he knew he would be fine.

Luckily, however, he did not hear a word about the witch in the woods or the girls plans. Stepping forward, Caspian brought his hand back out to grab Amarille by the arm, pulling her into his embrace. "I love you, too, Amarille Loradan." His smile was still stretching from ear to ear as he leaned down to kiss her deeply, his hands finding their way down to hold her hips.

Isolde's eyes widened even further, blushing herself, but out of embarrassment. Clearing her throat, she stepped towards the door and looked back at them, watching as they snogged. "I'd tell you two to get a room, but, I guess you have one." She laughed, looking anywhere else in the room but at her sister and the prince. "I will see you at lunch, unless you two can't untangle yourselves from each other's arms." It was just a tease, but Isolde slipped out of the room to give her sister some privacy.

Heading down the halls of the castle, she had her head stuck up in the clouds thinking about how fun it would be later that night when the two of them snuck away from their home. Turning down the hall she knew Rainiers chambers were, she skipped up to the door and knocked, wondering if he was inside.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

A small smile spread across her lips at his teasing, glancing away in embarrassment as she gave a little shrug. "I wasn't sure how to say it.." she admitted softly. It was true, she'd been so caught up in worrying about him and reeling in the shock of him admitting his love for her that she hadn't known how to tell him about her own feelings. She was only grateful that he wasn't upset with her for not telling him sooner, and for telling her sister before him.

Her gaze met his again when he stepped forward to pull her into his arms, her hands moving instinctively to rest against his chest, smoothing out a wrinkle on his jacket. Amarille's smile only grew when he said that he loved her, tilting her head back to gaze up at him adoringly. "And I love you, Caspian Ellis." She murmured before his lips met hers, her fingers gripping his jacket lightly as she lost herself in his kiss and embrace, barely hearing her sister dismiss herself.

---

Rainier had taken a much needed bath upon returning to his room, and was just finishing pulling on his trousers when he heard a knock at the door. He wasn't expecting anyone, least of all the princess, so he simply assumed it was a maid or something that had been sent to take care of his dirty laundry, or s courier bringing a letter. He was surprised to see Isolde standing on the other side of the door when he opened it, however, blinking a bit as he looked her over, running his fingers through his still damp hair, and cursing himself for not having put on his dressing robe or shirt before answering the door.

"Isodle.. Is everything alright?" He asked, glancing around the hall before his eyes settled on her with a little frown. He wasn't sure why she was at his rooms, and worried that perhaps something bad had happened to make the girl come looking for him.

Caspian pulled away, leaving his head resting gently against hers. He loved hearing her say it to him, I love you rolling off of her tongue. It was the sweetest sound he had ever heard. He felt so comfortable in her arms, like nothing could hurt him. He was safe with her.

"I could listen to you say that all day." He smiled, pressing his lips to hers once more. "We have a little bit of time before lunch, would you like to talk a short walk around the castle?" He stepped back, offering her his arm, "and then perhaps after lunch, we could come back here..." His eyes flicked over to her bed, a little blush rising to his face as his mind wandered with inappropriate thoughts. "or we could get lost in the labyrinth again, or the secret room you love so much... If you're still sure you'd like to..." He smirked.

His eyes explored down Amarille's frame, over the many pink and red flowers that adorned her dress, but mainly focusing on the way her body curved and her supple breasts. He couldn't see much, but his imagination was all he needed.

---

Isolde blushed, her eyes instantly skimming down his chest, admiring how it was still glistening with a few water droplets. She cleared her throat and nodded, "Yes, everything is fine, uh... Do you always answer the door like this? Lucky maids." She teased him.

"I was just with my sister and the prince interrupted us, so, I was just coming to see if I could walk with you to lunch. May I come in?" She hoped she wasn't overstepping any boundaries or pushing herself on him. The last thing she wanted to do was come off as overbearing or suffocating, but she couldn't help it. She had a crush and just looking at him had her heart skipping a beat.

Isolde held her hands behind her back, looking up at him with a smile. He was absolutely adorable with his dark eyes and his wet curly hair.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

Amarille closed her eyes happily as he rested her forehead against hers, her nose brushing against his gently as she smiled, laughing soflty against his lips as he said he loved hearing her say those three words, kissing him back gently. "Well lucky for you, you'll get to hear me say it for the rest of your life." She smiled, pressing another kiss to his lips. "But that means you also have to say it to me in return." She giggled, looking up at him as he pulled back.

She blushed as he asked if she wanted to go for a walk, and then went on to ask about what they'd do after lunch, linking her arm through his so that he could lead her out of her room. "A walk sounds nice.. So does getting lost with you after lunch." She offered him a faint smile, although she was still blushing brightly, especially as she noticed his eyes roaming over her frame. "Although, I think it depends on how lunch goes, and if we manage to convince the Parliament members to move up the wedding day.. If we only have to wait a few weeks, we should be able to wait."

---

Rainier chuckled at her teasing, smirking down at her as her eyes wandered over his chest. "I'm usually dressed when I answer the door. You just happened to catch me after I finished a bath." He said stepping back from the door to allow her to enter the room, shutting it behind her. It wasn't as extravagant as the princess's rooms, but they were still large enough and suited for someone in his position.

Moving across the room he grabbed the towel he'd left on his bed, using it to dry his hair a bit more and wipe the last of the water from his chest before moving to his wardrobe to pull on a shirt, smiling over at her. "I'm flattered you decided to waste your time here with me rather than roaming around the halls or spending time with your sister... How is she?" He asked curiously. He wondered if Amarille knew about the prince's secret, and if she did he wondered if Isolde now knew.

Caspian's smile didn't falter. He didn't care either way if she gave herself to him today, in a few weeks, or a few months. He wanted to make sure she was positive that she was ready when the time came, he wouldn't force her into anything. "We shall see how it goes." With their arms linked together, Caspian patted her hand with his free one, before leading her from the room.

The castle was bustling to life again, servants and staff passed them in the halls with smiles and waves, going about their many chores and duties and every room they passed seemed to have something going on inside. Caspian loved his new kingdom, even if it truly wasn't his yet. It was so lovely and alive and all of the residents seemed to love Amarille. It was hard to find one person with a smile not on their face.

"So, what are you thinking for our wedding? Big? Small? Thought of any color schemes yet? Or where it will be? Inside, outside...?" He rambled on and on. "I think I'd look snazzy in blue." Caspian chuckled, looking down at her.

---

Isolde looked around the room, letting her fingers run over the dresser as her eyes swept over every small thing, wondering what she could learn about him from his possessions. Glancing back over at him, she bit her bottom lip, watching as his shirt fell over his torso. "She seems happy." Isolde nodded, returning her eyes to explore the room. "Very, very eager to get married," she laughed, remembering how wrapped up in each other's arms they were. She almost mentioned how in love her sister looked, but new Rainier probably didn't care to know. That, and she felt a sinking feeling in her chest when she thought about it, wondering if she would ever find a love like that.

Forcing the thought away, she noticed a few odd crystals and runes littered across his desk and she wondered what he could've been doing with those. The runes looked familiar, and Isolde remembered how Karina, the witch in the wood, had told her you could ask them questions and receive answers.

The princess leaned against his bed, crossing her arms over her chest as she returned her attention to him. She wondered if Rainier had used his magic to find out who the werewolf was, and then wondered if he knew it was Caspian. She wondered if Rainier could be trusted with such knowledge, but still, she would keep her lips zipped.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

Amarille smiled as they walked through the halls, finding comfort in Caspian's presence. It also helped to see everyone bustling about in the halls, smiling and greeting them as they walked by. It seemed like everyone approved of Caspian, and she hoped that he would be a much loved King once they married.

She blushed as he began to ask about their wedding, resting her head against his shoulder as she hummed in thought. "Hmm.. Ideally I'd like a small wedding, but I know that that might be impossible, given that we'll also be crowned King and Queen." She teased, giving his arm a squeeze. "And the weddings are always held in the cathedral in the city, with the reception held here in the castle. As for colors, all I know is that I'll be wearing white, and I think you'd look very handsome in blue." She laughed softly, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Have you put anymore thought into what wing of the castle you want our rooms and your study to be?"

---

Rainier chuckled as she mentioned how eager her sister seemed to be married, shaking his head a little as he ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm surprised to hear that. I had assumed your sister would be miserable being forced into marriage, and that she'd try to delay it as long as possible." He felt a pang of guilt as he thought about his plan to take the crown, and how it would result in Amarille and Caspian's deaths. He wasn't sure why he felt guilty, he didn't care for either of them, but despite wanting to ignore the fact he did seem to care about Isolde, and he knew she'd be heartbroken if anything happened to her sister... But the crown was more important, and she'd learn to live with it.

"Do you think you'll feel as eager if you're ever in her position?" He asked curiously, tucking his shirt into his pants before buttoning it up, leaving the top few loose as he moved to sit down at his desk, straightening some papers and putting things away, including the gems and rune stones, along with anything that could possibly hint at his plans.

Sometimes Caspian forgot how rooted in tradition Amarille's kingdom was as he thought back to all the weddings he had attended in his own. His brothers had all let their brides plan their weddings, and only one had chosen to marry in the cathedral in the middle of the kingdom. He suspected their wedding would be very structured, every detail planned out by the court. He wished Amarille could have more control over her special day, like getting the small wedding she wanted, but even he knew that would likely not happen.

"Once we're married, why don't we have the abandoned wing cleaned up and restored? We could make your favorite room our actual room." Caspian gave her hand a squeeze as he suggested it, "unless you'd prefer to keep that a secret." Caspian glanced down at his betrothed once more, imagining her in a pristine, flowing white gown, and then he began to wonder what her dress would really be like. If it would be flashy and over the top, or something much more toned down and simple. Either way, he knew she would look gorgeous.

---

"I don't think so." Isolde laughed, feeling anxiety at just the question alone. Glancing down to her feet, she thought about being in her sisters shoes and she immediately forced the thought from her head. Whenever Isolde imagined her own wedding, it was a secret elopement, with a fictitious man who had no ties to any crown. Glancing back up, she watched as he had sat down at his desk, rifling through his belongings and quickly hiding things away. It only made her more curious about what he could've been using the runes over.

Isolde wanted to step up behind him and ask, wondering what he would think if he knew that she knew what runes were used for. But she didn't. Isolde was trying not to pry into his business, unsure of if it would upset him.

"I suppose my sister is very lucky, actually liking the suitor the court picked for her. I doubt I'd be so fortunate." The princess held her hands behind her back before sitting down at the little table next to the window.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

Amarille looked up at him in surprise when he suggested they move into the abandoned wing of the castle, a slow smile spreading across her lips as she tried to hide how excited she was over the idea. "Really? That'd be lovely... But I'd want to have a reduced staff in that area.. I'd miss being able to wander the halls and not see another person.. not that I don't like the staff, it's just nice to be alone sometimes, not hear everyone working or whispering about something or other." She spoke softly, looking up at him again after a moment.

"You don't have to take those rooms just because it's what I want, you know.. I'm more than happy to go wherever you want me to." She squeezed his hand. She loved the fact that he wanted to make her happy, but she also worried about his own happiness, and that if he kept trying to do everything that she wanted he'd end up unhappy as a result.

---

Rainier frowned a bit as he listened to her answer, taking a few minutes to finish organizing his desk before standing and moving over to her. He reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear before leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. The idea of her marrying some asshole suitor enraged him, and he gave her hand a little squeeze as he laced their fingers together.

"Then don't let the court pick your suitor." He said, surprised by his own boldness. He knew he wouldn't be able to do anything if the rest of the nobility decided to find a suitor for her, but perhaps she could use her sister to her advantage and convince her to not let parliament marry her off to some stuck up prince.

"To me, it's just a room. I don't have any sentimental attachment to your home..." He looked up around the halls, admiring it's beauty before adding, "yet." Caspian glanced down at her again, running a hand through his hair as he gave her a smile. It was enough to make him happy just seeing how lit up her face was at the idea of moving into the abandoned wing. "We will put up keep out signs." He laughed, before stopping in his tracks, noticing the hall they were in was completely empty.

Caspian pulled Amarille over to a window, pressing his back up against the wall before he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I will be happy where ever you are happy." Truthfully, all Caspian wanted was to be a good king, husband and father and live a long, prosperous life. He wanted to turn his back on his hideous secret and be a king and man that his subjects, wife and kids could look up to.

---

"Don't let them pick..." Isolde repeated the words under her breath, laughing slightly at the end. She looked up at Rainier, raising an eyebrow to him. "I'm crossing my fingers that they ignore me long enough until my sister is queen. And then hopefully, she will grant me some freedom." Isolde rested her head against his hand that was still placed from fixing her hair, wondering for a moment, if these feelings for Rainier grew, that maybe she could marry him... But that was getting far, far ahead of herself.

"If they don't, and they do start bringing suitors to the castle for me, you know eventually I'd have to settle for one." She remembered his promise about not letting that happen, his promise of making sure she wouldn't have to marry some wicked or spineless prince. Isolde hoped he remembered that promise.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

Amarille blushed as he mentioned setting up signs, giggling as he pulled her off to the side of the hall when he noticed that they were alone. She turned to lean back against the wall as she smiled up at him, reaching up to gently brush her fingers over his cheeks and through his hair.

"I'm always happy when I'm with you.. So as long as we stay together, we should both be happy all our lives." She grinned, standing up on her toes to press a gentle kiss to his lips, her hands resting on his cheeks. She'd always dreaded the thought of getting married, having always thought that it would only be a political match, that she and her future husband would never feel anything for one another. So to have a fiance that she not only loved but who loved her in return was more than she could ever have hoped to wish for.

---

Rainier nodded at little as she spoke. It would be easier for Isolde once Amarille was Queen, although it was a bit unfortunate that the girl's sister wouldn't be Queen for very long. He'd have to get rid of her sooner rather than later, before the prince convinced her to remove him from his position as advisor. He'd have to come up with a plan to get rid of them both as soon as possible, while also making it seem like an accident.

He shook his head a little when she mentioned settling for a suitor, squeezing her hands before pressing another kiss to her forehead. "You don't have to settle for anyone, princess. You're the Queen's sister. Once she's crowned, you won't have to do anything you don't want to." He explained, smiling at her reassuringly.

Caspian brought his hands up to cup Amarille's face, deepening the kiss that she had intended to only be a gentle peck. Before pulling his lips away, he pulled his hands back, resting them over hers that were laying softly on his cheeks. "I will never leave your side," he whispered, his breath tickling her lips, "I will not let anyone, or anything come between us. I swear it." He pressed a shy kiss to her forehead before putting some distance between them, hearing footsteps from further down the hall.

The prince intended to do his best to keep his promising, feeling a sense of dread at just the thought of losing his love. He never wanted to be anywhere but where she was, and he would always need to know if she was safe and okay. Looking over his shoulder, Caspian saw a few guards heading their way, undoubtedly doing their patrols. Linking their arms again, Caspian swiftly lead the pair down the hall, towards the feast hall. He placed his free hand on his stomach, feeling it grumbling. "I can't even remember the last time I've eaten..." He cleared his throat, his brow pulling together as he tried to recall. Everything from before his transformation was such a blur, like it had all been a dream.

---

"That's hopeful thinking." She smiled up at Rainier, hoping he was right. Isolde could only dream that when her sister was crowned she would make a lot of changes around the castle, continue in her father's footsteps as a righteous ruler. She was sure her sister would grant her permission to come and go as she pleased, the freedom to fall in love with and marry whoever she wanted, the freedom to just pursue her own happiness... Only a few more weeks, months at the most and she would have her answer.

Squeezing Rainier's hands back, she couldn't help but blush, not only from his soft kisses, but also just at what they were doing. Speaking about her future, especially the subject of marriage, as he was holding her hands and planting sweet kisses on her skin. "Are you ready for lunch? I am starving..." She laughed, noting how she had skipped out on dinner the night before to sneak away from the castle, and breakfast this morning hadn't happened either.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

A little gasp escaped her lips when he deepened the kiss, humming happily as she pressed herself closer. Her forehead rested against his as he swore to always be at her side, moving to lace her fingers through his as she held them between them. She smiled a little as his breath tickled her lips, lifting her head to press one last kiss to his lips before he drew away, linking her arm through his as he began to lead them away from the window and toward the feast hall.

She laughed a little as his stomach growled, pressing a kiss to his cheek as she squeezed his arm. "We had a late lunch yesterday, so that was probably the last time you are since you missed dinner because of your.. illness." She murmured softly so that any nearby guards wouldn't hear their conversation.

---

Rainier chuckled as she mentioned lunch, nodding as he pulled her to her feet. "I'm famished. Let me finish dressing, then I can escort you to lunch?" He asked as he squeezed her hand one more time before stepping back. He tucked his shirt into his pants before tugging his jacket on, buttoning it up as he turned back to her with a smile.

"Ready, my lady?" He asked, bowing teasingly as he held his hand out to her. He was happy that she didn't seem as upset anymore. He was glad she seemed happier, and was a bit worried that her being upset would lead to her doing something foolish, like sneaking out or running away. The last thing he wanted was for anything to happen to her.

Caspian couldn't help the way his body tensed when she called it an illness. It wasn't because of what she called it, but rather, just the fact of it being brought up again. He knew he would never be able to openly speak about it without gritting his teeth until it was no longer a problem. They passed by the guards and Caspian gave them a polite head nod, watching as they stopped to salute out of respect. "Well, I am ravenous." He forced himself to calm down, tilting his head slightly as he laughed.

He led Amarille down the grand staircase, before leading her into the dining hall, seeing most people had already gathered around the table. It was still a tad bit early, but perhaps everyone else was just as starving as he was. Rounding the table until they were at the head, Caspian pulled his arm away from the princess, only to pull her chair out of her. "Ladies first," he teased, motioning to the open seat so he could scoot her in.

---

Isolde caught herself staring as Rainier finished dressing, watching as he tucked his shirt in and meticulously buttoned up his shirt, watching as his fingers brushed over the fabric. She had to force herself to look up at him when he looked up at her with a smile, feeling a blush burning her face. "Ready." Isolde couldn't help but giggle when he bowed, finding her hand meeting his quicker than she anticipated. She wanted to feel his touch again.

The princess followed the advisor out of his room, being sure to close the door securely on her way out. It didn't take long for the pair to make it to the feast hall and Isolde eyed her sister as she was taking her seat, seeing the empty seat on the opposite side of her, where she usually sat, but she found herself taking the seat next to Rainier, wanting to eat next to him. "Is it okay if I sit with you?" She chewed on the inside of her lip as she looked up at him.

Caspian found himself frowning as he took his seat, staring the younger princess down. He had watched them walk in together, seeing how they had been holding hands through the door. They had quickly pulled away from each other as if trying to keep it a secret, but he had seen them. "Why is your sister sitting with Rainier...?" He couldn't help but bring it up, bringing Amarille's attention to it.

@ katahdin

@ dezz

Amarille felt Caspian tense next to her when she brought up his curse, doing her best to hide her frown until they were past the guards, squeezing his arm reassuringly. She was a bit relieved to hear him laugh, but knew he was just trying to hide how much the curse hurt him. Pausing at the top of the staircase she grabbed his arm to get him to stop with her, glancing around quickly to make sure no one was around to see them before standing on her toes to press a loving kiss to his lips. "I love you for who you are, Caspian Ellis. Curse or no curse. We'll find a way to cure it or control it, I promise you, and no one will ever make you feel unwanted again." She promised softly, her lips brushing against his as she spoke before pressing one more kiss to his lips before turning back to lead him down the stairs to lunch.

She was surprised to see most everyone was already at the table, although considering they all likely skipped breakfast like she had it wasn't that surprising. She blushed as Caspian pulled her chair out for her, pressing a brief kiss to his cheek before she sat down, not caring if her advisors saw or not.

---

Rainier chuckled at her blush and linked their arms, leading her out of his room and through the halls until they reached the dining hall. He expected her to take her usual seat at her sister's side, bit was pleasantly surprised when she kept hold of his arm and asked if she could sit with him, blinking in surprise before giving a nod. "Of course, your highness.. You may sit wherever you wish." He grinned, pulling her chair out for her before taking his own seat. Once seated he turned to speak to a few of the nobles seated near him who were discussing the monster attack the previous night, wanting to hear what they had to say about the beast and what to do about it.

Amarille had been busy folding her napkin over her lap when Isolde first walked in, but she looked up when Caspian drew her attention to her and Rainier, a small frown gracing her lips at the sight of them sitting together. "I'm not sure... Perhaps he asked her to? She did mention spending time with him yesterday and the day before, but I'd assumed it was a one time thing."

Caspian squared his shoulders, pushing in Amarille's seat before he took his own. He was unable to stop himself from glaring down the table, though. "I don't like it, Amarille." His voice was harsh and low, barely above a whisper, but loud enough for his love to hear him. He had never spoken in such a rugged tone, especially not to Amarille, but he needed her to know just how serious he felt in the moment. "Something doesn't feel right about this." He tensed up, peeling his eyes away from Rainier and Isolde, forcing himself to return his gaze to Amarille. He knew her sister was old enough to make her own decisions, but he knew something was off about the advisor and he was worried that perhaps he was manipulating her.

He swallowed around a lump in his throat as the doors to the kitchen opened and a couple of men and women were quick to bring a pitcher of wine around the table. Once his own goblet was filled, Caspian quickly picked it up and took a large sip from it, staring at Rainier from underneath his eyelashes. Just sitting at the same table as the man was enough to have the prince on edge, and knowing the princess was falling into his clutches... He knew there had to be some sort of trickery afoot.

The nobles around the table were whispering about the monster, mainly asking if everything was safe now or if they should still feel threatened. One of the tenured court members cleared his throat and shook his head to dispel any rumors, "No one needs to be worried. The monster will be found and dealt with, it was a full moon last night and one of the guards that witnessed the beast while returning Princess Amarille to her room confirmed it to be a werewolf. We are safe at least until the next full moon, but let's not sour our dinner with such negative talk."

Caspian felt his mouth drying up, his hands shaking nervously knowing that they were aware of what the monster had been. He couldn't risk breaking free again on a full moon, he would have to be restrained. If he kept murdering innocent people every month, he was bound to either be found out, killed himself, or worse, soon there would be no more residents left in the castle. He cleared his throat, to gain the attention of the table, looking over towards Amarille before speaking, "I know something much more pleasant we can discuss." The thought of mentioning their wedding had his fears and nerves melting away, a slight blush appearing on his face. "Princess Amarille has agreed to be courted, and we would like to set a date for the wedding."

@ katahdin