The Beasts Inside Us

@ BadStreetBoys

"Enough to be a good hostess. At least, that was the original plan." Charlotte told him as she continued to set the chess pieces. "And I am sure you do but the forests and lakes won't be the same. Even the sky will be at a different angle." Once she had finished putting her pieces down, the woman folded her hands together and waited for Ivan to go. She assumed that he would just go first, as the guest. But instead, the man turned the white pieces to her and Charlotte moved her first piece, moving one of her knights forward.

While the woman wanted to lose, there also had to be some thought into it. After all, she did know how to play chess and while she was not some chess master by any means, she was a good enough player. Charlotte wanted Ivan to think that she was actually trying to win but make sure she fumbled some moves towards the end to gain her victory. After all, Charlotte wanted to leave the room while he was asleep. Getting out of the bed would make more noise and if he was sleeping on the lounge chair, she would have to walk past him. It was just easier this way to try to get what she really wanted.

"You are confusing stress for irritation, Ivan. I am irritated that I am spending my last night here stuck in a room with you. And there won't be any time in the morning tomorrow for me to enjoy my country before I am shipped off to yours." Part of what she was saying was true. Charlotte was irritated. Though she was also stressed. Stressed about not gathering the few protective items she had wanted before going to a country that just saw her as food. Stressed that she was forced to get married to a bloodsucker. And stressed that she was being sent away. Charlotte did not know what she had done to her father but clearly, it might have been something bad. Why else would he send his heir away for peace? What will the country do when he died and she had to rule from another castle?

Charlotte lifted her head and looked over his features for a moment before continuing on. "I do not understand why you are not more stressed or even angry about this situation. Surely this is not what you wanted at all. Unless you have a plan of some sort?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan looked down at the board as Charlotte moved a piece. He moved his pawn afterwards. He listened as Charlotte spoke. She was right. The views weren’t the same. Nothing was going to be the same. Their kingdoms were certainly different. He began to wonder about the different laws between their country, and the different ways they ruled. He wondered if her father was as controlling and strong willed as his own father. Ivan tapped his chin as he thought. “Yes you have a point.” He said quietly, coming out from inside his own mind.

Ivan’s eyes met Charlotte’s as she began to speak on her irritation. He couldn’t help but smirk slightly. He understood, he was irritated too. He didn’t want this. But he accepted it. He had heard a saying, long ago, that he had learned to live by. ‘You do not have to be okay with situations out of your control, but you have to accept them.’ “Well we can watch the countryside we we ride in the carriages.” He said and shrugged. Ivan licked his lips for a moment and watched her again.

As their eyes met, Ivan studied her. He was sure she was studying him in the same way. Though, he was sure their reasons for studying were different. She thought of him as an evil monster. He was just confused by her. Ivan laughed and waved his hand for a moment. “Oh I’m not happy at all. But I have a saying. Basically you don’t have to be happy about every situation, but you have to accept them.” He said and shrugged. After charlottes moved another piece he paused for a moment before moving his. “I’m not stressed because I have no reason to be. The marriage is out of the way. They want an heir but I’m not having sex with someone who doesn’t want to. They can’t force me to do that.” He tapped his ring on the table as he thought. “I’m angry sure. No use in taking it out on you. What have you done wrong?”

@ BadStreetBoys

As he mentioned watching the countryside, Charlotte gave him a small nod. She supposed that would be something to enjoy. Though it wasn't what she had wanted to do. If Charlotte truly had been able to do anything she wanted that night, it was doubtful she would spend her last hours in the woods or in the castle. No, she would want to go down to the city. Enjoy her time in the city she loved, with the people she would one day lead. In a place she knew and felt safe in. It was unlikely she would be safe doing such a thing in his country.

Charlotte glanced up at the man for a long moment as he spoke. It was an interesting saying to live by, and to a degree it was true. Though it was not how Charlotte wanted to deal with every situation that came around. Sometimes accepting and moving on was the right thing to do. But other times, one must dig their heels in and fight with everything they had in them to change it. And Charlotte was sure as Hell going to dig her heels in to get out of the marriage and out of vampiric country. But she did need to consider just how much she was willing to give, or lose, to make that happen. She was surprised that Ivan followed such a saying as a warrior himself... Sounded like something a loser would say. "Good words to live by," Charlotte told him, not wanting to indicate that she was going to fight this.

"Glad to know that you won't force me into having sex with you." Charlotte said as she took her next turn on the chess board. It was a nice thought, but she wondered if that would change if they pushed him hard enough. How much would Ivan be willing to lose before he decided raping her was the better option? It seemed to her the Kings were going to be hell bent on that heir. They had been able to convince her to marry him but a child was the hill she was willing to die on. "I have done nothing wrong. I suppose who have not either."

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan shrugged slightly. “I guess they are.” He told her and his eyes shifted to look at Charlotte. “I don’t really live by them, I guess.” He paused. “I didn’t explain that well. Most situations that’s something you should go by. This is one. But not all. If you can change ti, then try.” He told her, talking with his hands. “Like in battle with my men, if it looked as if we had no way out I wouldn’t just accept that and give up. I’d fight until I was dead. But this.” He shook his head and sighed. “I can’t fight this unless I want to give up my rights to become king. And I won’t do anything to risk that.” He explained, hoping this explanation was better.

Ivan moved his chess piece and looked over the board carefully. He wanted to plan his next 3 or 4 moves. He thought of chess like a battlefield tactic. Always be one step ahead of the enemy. He glanced up at her voice again. “I’m not a rapist.” He said plainly. Ivan didn’t want her thinking of him as a monster, and though he knew she thought he was one because he was a vampire, he didn’t want Charlotte thinking he had no morals. He nodded in agreement.

Ivan waited until Charlotte finished moving her piece.he tapped his chin as he looked over the pieces,and after a moment moved another piece, capturing one of her ponds.”I’d think you’re trying to let me win with a move like that.” He said and laughed slightly. “Tell me, Princess Charlotte.” He said and glanced across at her, licking eyes with her. “What are we going to do about this?”

@ BadStreetBoys

As Ivan started to talk about the words he sometimes lived by, Charlotte provided a few small nods in understanding. It was interesting but she did not think she would find it particularly useful information. Would knowing Ivan in that way help her? Probably not. At that particularly moment, it didn't seem like either of them would have much say in this relationship. Surely their respective parents would continue to butt in on these matters. Who she really needed to figure out was his father.

A little sigh left Charlotte as he told her plainly that he was not a rapist. She picked up a rook, taking a long moment to look at it as she responded. "I do not think that you are, Ivan." She spoke, her voice gentle. The woman hesitated for a moment, wondering if perhaps it was best to leave it alone where it was. Though she always had a hard time leaving things be. "But, if you... find yourself in a situation where you feel that you must force me. Perhaps, the threat of your rights to king taken away if no heir is produced. A warning would be appreciated. Even if it is only an hour."

Charlotte set the chess piece down where she wanted it. She was not foolish enough to think that the rulers would not try to force this issue of an heir. Though a hybrid human-vampiric child was something she would not give them the satisfaction of. No child of hers would become some monster. What kind of cruel fate would that be? That truly was the one thing she would be willing to kill herself to stop. Everything else could be worked around. Even this marriage Charlotte could get out of. But a child born like that would always be like that. "If you do that, I will try my best not to blame you for the brunt of it. Since you would have been forced into it as well. I make no promises though."

At least if Ivan gave her a bit of warning, she would have some time to consider her options. A last ditch effort to run away? Perhaps she would think it possible for her to kill him? Or ensure that it would not happen and no child convinced by ending herself? Who knew what other options she might have as well at that point. Depended on how long it would take for the Kings to stoop that low.

"Now why would I want you to win?" Her eyes finally looked up to meet his. "Do not be cruel and say that my playing is so bad that it looks like I am trying to throw it. I never said I was good." Charlotte gave him a small shrug in response. "Try to find a way to live with each other, I suppose. What else can we do at this point?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan kept his eyes on the chessboard at the two spoke. He wasn’t worried for his safety. If she tried anything his reflexes would be much better than hers. “I’ll promise to earn you if you promise me something.” He said and his eyes shifted up to hers, meeting hers for a brief moment. “You won’t try to kill me.” He said. He wasn’t stupid. He knew the thought had crossed her mind. But if she wanted any promise of safety from him he needed one back.

Ivan smirked slightly, rolling his eyes after they met again. “I’m not saying you’re bad. I’m saying you’re playing down. Come on give me a challenge. You’re a smart royal woman. I know you can play better than this.” He said and moved his piece. “Right now it’s checkmate in five for me. And I know damn well we should not be this close.” He told her and looked back down.

Ivan was intrigued by the Princess. He didn’t understand why she would throw the game. He didn’t understand much about her at the moment. They were both stuck in the same situation and handling it was going to be interesting. He wondered what time they would be leaving in the morning.

@ BadStreetBoys

The young woman could not help the laugh that came out of her when Ivan asked her to promise not to kill him. Although it was something she had let cross her mind as a possible option, it had not been a serious plan of hers yet. Though hearing him say it out loud, well it sounded ridiculous. Charlotte was not a killer. And it was hard to take the idea of her first kill being a vampire seriously. Especially one that was a prince and a leader during the war. Sure, Charlotte felt like she might be smart enough to do it but she certainly wasn't strong enough and, at the moment, she had no plan and no weapons to get the job done. "Why? Scared of a little human princess?" Charlotte teased him as she started to come down from her laughing.

"Very well then. I promise I won't try to kill you but I expect the same back from you then. After all, your ability to do so is higher than mine. I'll even make the other promise I want from you in return but sweeter. I promise I won't make any attempt to rape you. No need for a warning in that scenario." Charlotte picked up one of his pieces she had gotten during the game and started to twirl it around in her fingers as she looked him in the eyes. It seemed that this little game might have been worth it after all.... Even if his word ended up being trash, at least an attempt was made. And if he was the type of man to honor it, then she was safer than she had been before. "Just make your promises and we have a deal, Ivan."

As he started to talk of the game again, Charlotte let out a long hum. She thought she had been careful. After all, Charlotte took pieces when she was able... it seemed she was stretching her mind too thin at the moment to focus on throwing in a way that wasn't so obvious. But did it matter as long as she got what she wanted in the end? "I think it would be fair to say that my heart is not in it." Charlotte said as she moved her next piece, ensuring he would not end in five now. "I agreed to play the game but it's not what I actually want to be doing right now. And I simply made the bet because I have no intention of sharing a bed with you. Though where I sleep matters little to me at this point."

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan raised an eyebrow at her comment and laughed. “Oh, sweetheart, there isn’t much I’m scared of. Let alone you.” He told her and moved another piece. He laid his hand on the table and began to tap the table with his fingers. “If you tried to kill me. I would defend myself. And I’d really rather not kill the human princess, now my wife.”’he told her nonchalantly. “I also don’t feel like being known as the guy who killed a woman.” He said and rolled his eyes slightly.

Ivan raised his eyebrow as she spoke. A small grin came to his lips and he laughed. “Oh I’m so glad you won’t try to force yourself on me.” He teased. “I promise the same. Although if things get dicey I will give you a warning. Who knows how far our fathers will be willing to go with this whole charade.” He said. Ivan picked up one of the captured pieces and tapped the table with it. “One last thing.” He said and looked across the table at Charlotte. “Dont call me a monster. Not to my face. I can’t control your thoughts or your venting to friends or anything. But do not say that to me.” He told her and shrugged.

Ivan nodded. “That’s fair. Let’s finish this game. No bet needed.” He said and waved a hand. “You’re the lady you can have the bed. I don’t really care.” He said and shrugged. “We sleep but not like you humans do. We don’t really need it as much.” He told her. Ivan grinned as she began to play. “Good.” He said. “I didn’t think you planned on sharing a bed with me anyways. Like I said. It’s fine.” He moved his next piece. “So how involved have you been, as a royal?” He asked. She obviously knew he was a soldier in the war. But his younger brother had absolutely no part in the war between the specifies. He had no part in royal life besides being a royal. He just existed. Ivan wondered if that’s how Charlotte was. He thought if she had been more involved she may understand his passion to cling to his warrior side.

@ BadStreetBoys

A low hum left the moment as he explained why he asked for that promise from her. Ivan wasn't afraid of her. It was quite clear that he thought she would be easy enough to handle in that regard and the only reason he didn't want to kill her was because of his reputation. How nice. His honesty made Charlotte less inclined to follow up on her promise. Though she was a woman of her word and she would not go back on that unless the worse were to happen. Then all promises were off. But, for now, Charlotte would keep him alive in any plan that she tried to pull together.

"I won't be so mean." Charlotte told him with a small frown, her eyes lifting up to meet his. Although she was trying to play it off as though she could never say such a thing about him, the truth was that it was just stupid to do. She was going to his country, surrounded by his people. Charlotte wasn't a fool to say such words there. Besides, she didn't know what friends he thought she would vent to once she was there. Charlotte had no friends in his country. "Is your request an indication of your own fears or what you think of me?"

Once Ivan removed the bet and offered her the bed, Charlotte was quick to turn her glaze away. She thought herself quite good at hiding her feelings, of putting up her walls but after the last 24 hours she had gone through, Charlotte was struggling with hiding the disappointment in her eyes. So she found it best to look down until she had put the façade back up. It was really too bad to hear... he barely slept and it would be harder to get out. Charlotte would still try but she had not wanted the extra barriers. "That is kind of you. Thank you." Charlotte told him softly.

"I rather not talk politics." Charlotte told him, deciding it was best to just avoid his question altogether. Now she had lost what she really wanted, she needed to focus on winning the game. She was behind at this point but even so, she had a chance.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan noticed the frown. The change in demeanor. How she looked away. Everything changed in an instant and he didn’t understand what had happened. Maybe he had insulted her by insinuating she couldn’t kill him? He frowned to himself. He wasn’t happy about the situation but he didn’t want to cause her more pain than necessary. “We could run away and never look back on these kingdoms.” He said, trying to make a joke and lighten the mood. But he was unsure if that would work.

Ivan clenched his jaw slightly as he thought. “I don’t believe either of us are monsters.” He told her and looked down. “Does the lion think the tiger is a monster?” He asked, rhetorically. He had nothing against humans as a species. They were fine. It was the war that caused so much discomfort. Ivan bit his lip for a moment as he thought. What separated them and made them different. Obviously the bloodlust and superhuman qualities. But they looked the same and acted the same. It was like a race war, unnecessary.

“Have I upset you, Princess charlotte?” He said, again noticing her features changing. “I mean if you don’t want the bed I won’t force you to sleep.” He said with an almost nervous laugh. He wasn’t used to making women upset or uncomfortable and he didn’t know how to act in the situation.

Ivan raised an eyebrow as she dodged his question. He wouldn’t pry, for now. He moved his next piece and grinned. She was trying to win now, he liked it.

@ BadStreetBoys

A hand slowly moved through Charlotte's hair as she turned her head to look to the side, staring at the doors as she did so. It seemed she had done no good at her attempt to hide her displeasure. It was one thing to make him think she was upset about his monster comment but she certainly had not wanted Ivan to try to piece together the pieces of her displeasure about the bed.

Plus she could tell that her change upset him...perhaps upset was not the right word but the prince was uncomfortable? Confused? Perhaps it was better to leave him that way. Which Charlotte figured wouldn't be all that difficult since she was genuinely upset. And she was ready to move on from this. Their game and their conversation.

"There is no point in running away," Charlotte finally said as she picked up her Queen. She hesitated for a moment, thinking of what to say to his question. But she determined if might be best to leave him wondering why she was upset. Perhaps Ivan would be too busy thinking and sleeping to pay any attention to her sneaking out. The woman then set the piece down, essentially putting her King in a checkmate for Ivan, allowing him to win. With that, she stood up. "I am going to take a bath." Charlotte headed to the bathroom and closed the door behind her. Hopefully, Ivan would have laid down by the time she came out.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan sighed and watched as she moved her queen. He knew she was done with whatever they had going on. She had just tried to start winning snd then threw it away. He took her king, winning, and sighed. “Yes, Princess.” He said as she said she would be going. He picked up the pieces and put them away neatly before he put the board away where he had seen her grab it.

Ivan moved towards the bed, he grabbed his sword and took it across the room. He sent the sword down before he went into his small suitcase. Ivan pulled out a rounded smooth stone and finally sat down in a chair. He ran the stone along his sword, effectively sharpening it. He slowly and methodically worked on the sword for quite a while. He did this to keep himself from overthinking and worrying when he was in battle or preparing for one the next day. It allowed his mind to go blank.

Ivan looked up as he saw the Princess come out of the bathroom. “You can go do whatever it is you’ve been waiting for. Whatever it is you wanted to do to avoid this.” He said as he looked back down and continued to sharpen the sword. “I’m not stupid. Why do you think I insisted we spent the night together? Because I could tell there’s something, maybe someone, else on your mind. I was being petty and wanted to annoy you. My apologies for that. I won’t say a thing if you go.” He told her, turning the sword over in his lap and running the stone along the other side.

@ BadStreetBoys

As Ivan started to talk, Charlotte felt mixed feelings rise up in her. Annoyed that he confirmed that he purposely being an asshole when he insisted they stay the night. She had thought he was trying to upset her without this confession but...well Charlotte had not known that he managed to see through her quite that well. Which was a little scary. Certainly not what she wanted to hear at that point. Though another part of her was thankful that he wasn't going to stand in her way or get her in trouble. It certainly made sneaking out easier.

Charlotte quickly wrapped her hair up in a bun. "For the record, I would like to talk to you more, and play a real game of chess with you...." The woman went over to the doors that lead to the balcony and pushed them open. "Though as to what you said, my response is both thank you and fuck you." With that, Charlotte got up on the railing of the balcony, taking in a deep breath before getting onto the ledge and moving onto the next balcony, at which point she slipped inside the room there. Even though she didn't have to sneak for Ivan, Charlotte wasn't stupid enough to not think that her father had someone watching the room.

Now that she was safely away from their 'honeymoon suite', Charlotte was able to move around the castle with greater ease. She still had to sneak and look out for guards but she didn't have to climb anything anymore. And it did not take her long to find the three protective items that were hidden for her. The man had been smart enough to put them in low guard areas. Although the items she had gotten to protect herself from the vampires were solely to defend herself, she did think it best not bring them back to the suite where her vampire husband was.... So she had to make two more stops. The first was to her bedroom, where she hide the items inside the lining of her suitcases. Charlotte also took a necklace and put it on. The second stop was down to the garden, deciding that she had time to do one of the other things she wanted to do before she left.

When she came back, it was an hour and a half later. And this time around, the woman struggled on the ledge, having to jump last second to catch the ledge and pull herself over before falling to a hard death. Though when she came in, Charlotte had a gold necklace on and a small flower bush, roots and all in her hands. Her hands, arms and knees were covered in dirt. And parts of her face had dirt swipes as well.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan looked up from his sword as she spoke again, a small smirk coming to his lips. “Oh you wish sweetheart.” He purred and watched as she climbed down the balcony. He was impressed that she was so agile and nimble. He was glad she didn’t fall to her death or he would have some explaining to do, he shook his head at the thought.

Soon after Ivan finished sharpening his sword and carefully put it back in its sheath. He decided to follow in his wife’s footsteps and shower. He grabbed some pajamas from his suitcase and made his way into the bathroom. Ivan showered for a while. Allowing the hot water to seep into his skin, it felt so nice. It even made his skin a little pinker, as if he wasn’t part of the undead. Ivan shaved his beard down to a 5 o’clock shadow before he finally stepped out. He rubbed himself dry and wrapped the towel around his waist before stepping out into the bedroom. He figured. Charlotte wouldn’t be back for a while and he could change in the bedroom.

Ivan raised and eyebrow and turned as he heard her return sooner than he had thought. He looked down at himself, red from the hot shower and in only a towel. “I didn’t think you’d be back so soon.” He said casually and turned away from her, though he looked over his shoulder at Charlotte and raised an eyebrow. “We’re you out burying a body?” He asked and laughed to himself.

@ BadStreetBoys

The woman glanced over at Ivan as he spoke. Once she did so, she took a moment to take in the fact that the man was only in a towel, her eyebrows slightly coming together at the sight. Of course fate would have it that she would come back when he was mostly naked. At least he was not all the way naked. Though attractive or no, Charlotte was not letting him in five feet of her. Plus she was still annoyed with his antics throughout the day, so she turned her glaze away and let out a little 'hmpf'. "Well wouldn't you like to know, vampire boy." Charlotte said condescendingly.

Although part of her actions while she was gone, Charlotte certainly did not want him to know about, Ivan knowing about why she was covered in dirt was not one of them. In fact, it was probably more in her interest for Ivan to know about the flower bush she had dug up so he could help her find a place for it once they were in his kingdom. Though Ivan had irritated her and she refused to turn this into a relationship where he knew what she was up to 24/7. She was under no obligation to answer all of his questions.

Charlotte grabbed one of the potted plants in the room and pulled it into the hot, steam filled bathroom. "Well, go ahead and get dressed, I won't be in here for long." The princess said before she closed the bathroom door behind her. Charlotte took the time in there to rip up the current plant in the pot, replacing it with the one she had technically stolen from the gardens. After she watered it with the shower head, the young woman took the time to wipe all of the dirt off of her before changing into a new set of PJs. At which point, she came out.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan couldn’t help but raise and eyebrow and laugh at her comment. “Vampire boy.” He repeated and laughed again. He was amused. Was she trying to get under his skin like he had? She didn’t realize just how mean soldiers were to one another. Basic training was basically all insulting one another. It was hard to get under Ivan’s skin. Though her vampire hunter friend certainly had. “I’m not boy, Princess. Trust me on that one.” He said with a wink.

He watched the Princess as she went into the bathroom. He was curious about the plant and figured it was just something she felt like she needed to do before leaving. He finished getting dressed, wearing long pajama pants and a loose tee shirt to sleep in. Ivan moved over to a bookshelf in the room, looking at the choices. He picked up a book and sat down in one of the lounge chairs.

He looked up at the Princess as she came back out. “Were your adventures successful, Princess?” He asked. Ivan opened the book and began to read. He wondered how his kingdom would take the news. How his men would take it. He worried about them not being able to overcome the hostility. Ivan didn’t like the arrangement either. But she was his wife now and he felt like he had a duty to protect her.

@ BadStreetBoys

Walking out of the bathroom, Charlotte's attention turned back to Ivan. Now that she was back safely in their room, clean, and it seemed the night had been successful, she felt a little less annoyed at him. The flower bush seemed to take the transfer well too. "I suppose they were." Charlotte told him as she took off the necklace and laid it down on the bedside table. She would need to wait until tomorrow when they arrived in his castle to see if all of her plans that night had been successful. But that was not something she could do anything about now.

"And did you enjoy your alone time?" Charlotte asked him as she slid into the bed. While she was still irritated at Ivan for making things much harder than they needed to be, she did not want to be downright hostile. She was annoyed, yes, but she wasn't an asshole. Though the princess did hope that he was more willing to get out of her way now. There was no need for him to cause such trouble.

The young woman moved in under the blankets of the bed before laying her head down on the pillow. It had been a long night, and she was exhausted. It was into the dead of night now and the castle was quiet. Though she supposed Ivan still would not sleep anytime soon. Apparently, he did not need it... But Charlotte did and at this point, she just needed to get the sleep she could get. There was no way they would let her sleep in tomorrow.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan nodded slightly as she spoke, he closed the book but kept his hand in his spot. “I guess. I’ve had too much alone time at times.” He said and laughed softly. He was trying to be a calm and caring person. He didn’t want to fight with Charlotte or hurt her. That would make things worse and messy, but he also was trying to keep his icy demeanor afloat. Being so aloof had served him well as a soldier and a royal.

He noticed how tired the princess was and gave a soft smile and nod as she laid down. He was tired as well, but didn’t need the sleep like she did. He could wait a few more days before he really needed it. He would consider drifting off tonight just for some normalcy. But he had no need.

Ivan read his book late in the night as Charlotte slept in the room. Once he had finished he slid the book onto the night stand besides him. Ivan allowed himself to fall asleep, slumped up in the chair. In the morning he woke to some servants knocking on the door. He had jumped up at the knock and had to calm himself down. Ivan told himself he wasn’t in battle. He wasn’t in danger. He went to the door and opened it as he looked down at the servants with a smile. “Good mroning.” He greeted, his voice deep and husky from the sleep.

@ BadStreetBoys

There were three servants who were waiting at the door when Ivan knocked it. One was pushing forward a cart of food, another was carrying clothes for the princess to wear for the day and the last one seemed to be the leader. They all bowed once he opened the door and soon, they were all standing straight and the first servant was speaking. "Good Morning, Prince Ivan." The woman said. "As per the King's instructions, breakfast has been brought for the both of you. For Princess Charlotte, her traveling clothes. Also, the King wanted me to remind you that the carriage back to your kingdom will be leaving in an hour and a half and he urges neither of you to be late."

When Ivan stepped aside for them, two of the servants headed in. The one with Charlotte's clothes laid it down on the dresser for the princess once she awoke. The other servant, who had the food, pushed in the cart and poured two water glasses and two mimosas. Once they were finished, they bowed and left the room, closing the door behind them.

Charlotte, however, had not made a peep during this interaction and continued to sleep soundly in the bed.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan’s eyes focused on the servant who was speaking to him. He didn’t sleep much but he hated being woken up when he was. Why did their families want them to leave so god damn early? They were royalty, they set schedules, why did it have to be so early. He just stepped out of the way and waved his hand. He wouldn’t argue or get in their way. He knew they were just doing their jobs. “Thank you.” He grumbled and stretched out his back. “Oh tell the Kings thank you.” He said and forced a smile onto his lips.

Ivan waited for the servants to leave before he looked at the spread they had left. He moved to the bed and gently set his hand on Charlotte’s shoulder. He didn’t want to wake her up by having her think he was trying to hurt her. “We have an hour and a half till we leave, Princess Charlotte.” He told her. Ivan moved to his suitcase snd picked out his outfit for the day.

Ivan moved to the bathroom and got dressed in a black suit with red accents. He wanted to look good as they arrived home, and greeted his people. He knew his military dress needed to be cleaned before he wore it again. Ivan came out of the bathroom dressed and running a hand through his hair. He looked at the plates of food set for them and raised an eyebrow. He didn’t want any of this. Though the alcohol was welcomed. He picked up the mimosa and drank it quickly. Ivan moved around the room getting ready. He made sure he was packed. He pulled his sword sheath on and placed his sword into it. He hated being late. Ivan opened the doors to the balcony and stepped outside. He stood at the edge and placed his hands on the railing as he looked over the land before him.