“Everything. I’m having trouble with everything; I hate this stupid class.” You say, lifting your head slightly to look at him.

He smiles and adjusts his glasses before clicking his pen and beginning to circle several problems on the page in front of him. “Why don’t we break it into sections, then?”

You roll your head to the side, your brain hurts, and the florescent lights are making your eyes water. “Why don’t I just jump off the roof instead, that seems easier.”

“Y/N.” Miguel sighs, running a hand through his hair.

You bite your lip, fatigue pulling at your bones, hunger gnawing at your stomach. You’ve been at this for hours and you still can’t crack it. You just want to go back to your apartment and lay face down on the floor until you feel better. “I can’t do it, this is just not my thing, I’m going to fail, I’ve accepted it.”

“Look, it’s easy, you just need to give it another try.” Miguel urges, the words coming out too fast, too insistent, and they sound harsh, as if he’s annoyed with you and you start to spiral.

He’s annoyed with you, you’re annoying him, because you’re annoying. Stupid and annoying, and honestly, probably not even that pretty so you can’t even coast on your looks because who wants an ugly, annoying, stupid girlfriend? Which is probably why you don’t have a boyfriend, why Miguel would never date you. Stupid, stupid y/n, why did you even think you could do this? Why would you drag him all the way out here when you know you’re not smart enough? And now you’ve wasted so much of his time, and he’s realizing you’re not the fun, pretty sorority girl who just needs a little help. Just a little, enough to be cute and make him feel like a man, but not enough that it burdens him, but now you’re dead weight, an annoyance.

You sit up and start to gather your things, hands shaking as you blink back tears. “Sorry, I—I gotta go, I’m so sorry, I wasted like four hours of your life, I’m just going to study at home and—”

Miguel’s hands catch yours, gently forcing them to still. “Y/N, it’s okay.”

A sob works its way up your throat, escaping past the prison of your tightly pressed lips. “I’m sorry…”

“No, no, hey, hey, why are you apologizing?” His hands are gentle, he’s always so gentle, as he turns you to face him.

“I just—I—” You can’t even get the words out.

He turns your hands in his, rubbing circles into your palms, then the inside of your wrists. “Don’t cry, y/n, it’ll be okay, so what if you don’t do well on this test, the professor said he drops a major test grade at the end of the semester anyways.”

You hang your head, full on sobbing now, unable to hold it in. “That’s not it—it’s, you, you think I’m annoying, and stupid, and I’m not even pretty, and I’m never going to understand anything in this stupid class, so you’re just wasting your time with me.”

“What? Y/N, dulzura, no, no, you’re not annoying, I don’t think that, I’ve never thought that.” Miguel rushes to say, his hands hovering above your shoulders, unsure of whether or not to touch you.

“But I’m stupid, and I’m like average pretty, and I keep making you stay late in the library to help me study and—”

Miguel does something that surprises you. He laughs.

The sound startles you, makes your eyes flicker up to his face, vision blurred with tears as another sob wrenches itself from your chest. “And now you’re laughing at me.”

He cups your face with both hands, fingers spreading out, in your hair, resting on the sides of your neck, his pinkies smoothing over the skin of your pulse point. “You’re funny, you know that?”

You stare at him, confused and miserable.

“Y/N, you’re not stupid, not annoying, not ugly, and you’re not wasting my time.” He says soothingly, his voice low, his hands warm against your skin. “You’re so smart, remember when you won that trivia contest for your sorority? You beat every other team, by yourself. And you’re not annoying, you’re never annoying, I wouldn’t be here if you were.”

You nod weakly, your sobs turning into sniffles, a deranged thought taking hold. “Do you think I’m pretty?”

Miguel’s face tints red and his eyes drop to the floor. “Y/N come on; everyone thinks you’re pretty.”

“But do you?” You ask quietly, your fingers finding purchase in his faded blue sweatshirt.

His eyes meet yours, and they’re stunning, flecked with gold and green, warm, and intent, staring straight into your soul but shying away right before you all but shove it into his hands. He leans into your touch, a subconscious movement that makes your heart flutter. “Creo que eres la chica más hermosa que he visto en mi vida.” Trsl: I think you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.

Your voice is barely above a whisper, afraid to ruin the moment, to shatter whatever lays between the two of you right now. “I don’t speak Spanish, Miguel, you know this.”

“Yes, dulzura, I think you’re pretty.” He admits, using his thumbs to wipe away the last of your mascara tainted tears.

“I think you’re pretty, too.” You say, biting back a smile when he short-circuits, his eyes darting around the room.

“Thank you…” He stutters out, leaning back suddenly, as if he’s just now realized how close together the two of you are.

Your stomach growls, the sound echoing in the small room.

“Do you want to get food?” You ask, pulling out a compact mirror from your backpack and trying to rid yourself of the remaining mascara stains.

“Sure, I could eat.” He says, his body is turned from you, but you can feel his eyes lingering.

Needless to say you couldn't sleep. The initial thrill had turned into a myriad of things surfing through your mind. He had accepted your invitation without much hesitation.

Although your vision and ambitions for the future had been shared along some personal tidbits, the prospect of getting to know him on a deeper level was simply beyond excitement. So far, King Miguel had been nothing but kind to you. Despite the initial clash between the both, your walls had mellowed enough to stablish a good camaraderie.

But sitting in the first line to witness his work and dedication for his lands, had made your heart dance and prance with joy. You were ready to learn from him, and hopefully he could learn a thing or two from you.

And the lab.

Your arms hugged the pillow as a dreamy sigh escaped you. He had given you a lab completely for yourself, one of your dreams fulfilled to a full term and all thanks to him.

You wanted nothing but to hug him and you were about to, however the rational side of your brain prevented you from such thing. Regret remained jared inside, maybe if you had done a more personal and physical approach things would've been different.

Would it be too soon though? Would it be too bold? You certainly didn't want to spook him or make him have a desperate concept of your persona. But he gifting you with things that only nurtured your soul proved it hard to restrain your blooming affection.

Physical attraction was measly compared what he had to offer as a person. Not that his beauty wasn't alluring, but his intelligence, diligence and devotion towards his people had completely captivated you. And today you'll offer to return a bit of his own kindness.

He was always busy, duties prevented him from being a normal person and enjoy simple things in life. Your task for the day was to find out those little mundane things that he relished in, so maybe ahead in your future you could join him when doing so.

Unable to remain in bed any longer, you rose and prepared for the day. Instead of the usual lavish attires you were always dressed in, you went for a more casual set.

The trips in the city had given you the sight of a perfect spot nearby the castle. The ideal place to have your adventure of the day.

Once you had bathed and dressed up, you headed for the kitchen. Cooking wasn't something you excelled at, and even though the occasion was special, his favorite meals were a mystery to you. Miguel didn't seem like a picky eater, but he did favored fish and birds.

Obviously a man his size and weight needed larger amounts of calories. His musculature seemed something that was forged through the years, another thing to marvel about.

Before your brain could get lost in the many qualities he possessed, you kindly asked the chefs to prepare a little portable feast to put in a hamper. Appetizers, a few bits of meats and fruits along some wine and desserts.

In the meantime, you headed for the lab, Peter joined you midway, a little out of breath.

"Your highness"

"Good Morning, Peter."

With a little smile you acknowledged his presence before going to the herbal side of the place. A couple of black roses were pulled out, along some mint leafs. You prepared a little concoction before serving yourself and Peter a cup.

"Drink this. You look exhausted."

Peter hesitated for a second, but again, the smell was too fragrant and good to let go. He drank as you did.

"Do you think the king shows up?"

"He must."

A little chuckle escaped your lips while you finished your tea.

"I know. But, there is always something showing up. I hope it's not the case."

"I'll make sure he's there. Is everything ready?"

"Not yet. Cooking is not my forte, sadly. I wanted to prepare things on my own, but I'm afraid I'd be accused of a murder attempt with my seasoning."

Peter choked on his tea but quickly coughed it away with a lithe laugh.

"I'm sure it's not that bad."

"Still, I rather stick to pills and potions. That I can do. Even blindfolded. But enough on it. I'd like to ask you something."

"Yes?"

"Is there anything that the King wouldn't rather to discuss? I really wouldn't like to make him uncomfortable if I pry too much."

Peter's eyes were filled with understanding.

"His health. He doesn't like talking much about it."

Your face turned concerned, something that Peter offered a little comforting gesture by holding his hand up. Stopping your thoughts from running rampant.

"He is alright. Not terminally ill or any sort of tragedy. If that's what you're concerned about."

"How could I not see this before?"

"Don't blame yourself, your highness. If you didn't see it, it's precisely cause he takes care of himself."

"Well, he has me... My help now, I mean."

Peter chuckled while putting the saucer away, exhaustion leaving his body.

"I know. I'm sure he'll put those skills to a good use."

"I hope so. I'd like to... help him. Ease his kingly duties, I am the future queen of Arachne after all. It's only fair I help him out."

"You're already have done so, your highness. But I'm glad you think that way."

Miguel wasn't wrong regarding you sharing his vision, and for you to help him was plainly endearing for those within his most intimate circle.

You instructed Peter to help you out with a little infusion. A gift for Miguel.

A little ground coffee beans and other herbs all tucked in a burlap pouch. Then it was all reduced into three vials. Similar to the ones he used for his medicine.

"What is that?"

Peter eyes both curiously and suspiciously the dark colored infusion, you just chuckled while sealing them with a lid on.

"An energy boosting drink. Whenever he finds a headache, he should drink this."

"That smells like coffee?"

"It is. But more concentrated."

"Ah."

"You still believe me capable of harm the king? That wounds me so, ser Peter."

An awkward titter came out of Peter's mouth, "Of course not, your highness. He's just wary."

"I know. I have my own precautions as well, but, If I am to stand next to him in whatever years lay ahead upon us, the least we can do is to trust each other. And I want to surprise him with something."

"I understand. I'm sure he has no doubts regarding you."

"You think so? I hope you're right. Is there anything else I should know?"

Peter's grimace furrowed and became solemn for a moment. He was about to warn you about Lord Darko and his tactics, including Dana when Margo approached.

"Your majesty, the chefs are ready. Should I get your horse?"

"Yes, please."

"We'll continue this talk later, alright?"

"Of course."

With that Peter just watched you leave. He knew prying into personal territory was a bit too dangerous even for him, but since Miguel either forgot often or he didn't want you to know, someone had to do the nasty job of warning you.

But now that you had wormed your way into Miguel's head and heart, maybe the truth would spill out his lips without much trouble. He could only hope for the good. He was the king, but also, his friend.

----

You didn't expect to see Miguel at the main gates, both of your horses ready to depart. In all honesty, you'd think that he'd send either Jessica or Ben to excuse himself for the day.

But seizing him, in a more casual yet practical attire to fight, made your heart to jump leaps. He was there, like he said he would. He didn't excuse himself this time.

His eyes narrowed softly at the sight of you, the gleam in them upon taking in your features made your skin crawl underneath the long sleeves. You approached and he readied his horse, making sure the seat was adjusted correctly.

A friesian black stallion that neighed softly as Miguel caressed in between it's ears. Perfect for battle and running in case a retirement happened.

You hopped on the horse, Miguel on his and the basket was attached to Jessica's. She was only there to see the location and bring the basket to then leave you both alone.

"Are you ready, my lord?"

"Lead the way, Princesa."

With a gallop, you settled the pace and soon, the three of you marched away. Leaving a lithe gust of wind after the horse's trotting.

Jessica gave Miguel subtle glances, which he replied with a mildly annoyed scowl. The non verbal communication had been perfected by both over the years, a clear sign of mutual respect and trust. And an even clearer 'Get over it. It's just a lunch'.

Jessica's smug smile stretched when he rolled his eyes and trotted next to you.

The wind blew over, playing with the scattered leaves in your wake, ruffling the different textures of your hairs, it took you some minutes to leave the castle behind, and some more minutes to arrive to the pond.

Short and green grass cracked under the horse's hooves, the smell of wild flowers and soaked earth filled in your lungs with pure air, skin soared in delight when another gust of air blew over the both. The tree's leafs joined in the waltz. You gave Miguel a smile.

"We've arrived."

You hopped off the horse with ease. The chirping songs of the birds nested within the big oak tree made it all feel like God had turned one of his whims into reality. A couple of deers had escaped as soon as they heard the horse's gallop. The faint noise of the water before you and the smell of pines made your thoughts even more enthusiastic.

Jessica left her horse for a bit to put the hamper near the tree and with a final salute she returned back to the castle.

It was only you and Miguel. The latter took the basket and ventured deeper within the curtain of leafs and climbing plants nature had claimed a certain branch of the tree. Like a private room in nature, a perfect getaway from prying eyes.

You took the linen and put it on the grassy and moss textured floor, Miguel helped by moving the basket on the middle of the fabric and then you sat down, patting the space adjacent to yours. He obeyed and rested his back on the tree, just like you after the shoes were removed.

"My trips to the city made me aware of the many lookout spots the castle has. And I found this one. Do you... like it?"

"I do."

His voice contained unsure undertones, cause in all honesty, he rarely left the castle and when he did was either for war, or to patrol. Miguel had never minded to take his time into admiring his lands, that held not only power, but beauty within.

Just like you.

His eyes darted towards your profile, appreciating the landscape when he noticed the shy dimple in your cheek. His eyes raked over your lips, the brief wonder of their taste popped in his mind. The sun rays filtered through the leafs, gently basking within your eyes.

As if the sun had found a lovely place to rest for a moment. His brows twitched upwards yet discreetly. The ally eyes were gone, leaving room for the man he was to take over and be in awe of your beauty. If this was the sight he'd wake up to, he'd gladly become an art connoisseur.

He didn't know what to blame. His pent up stress that begged him for relief, or your mere existence in the same space. Breathing the same air, inches away from him looking like an artist's opus magna materialized into flesh and bones.

"So..."

You mumbled and cleared your rasping throat.

"So."

"Are you hungry, my lord?"

"Please, call me Miguel."

You blinked once, then twice before a bashful smile bloomed on your cheeks.

"Are you sure of that?"

"We're soon to be wedded. Even though nobility is picky regarding titles, I couldn't care less."

That earned him a sheepish chuckle from you, but you nodded.

"Then, it's only fair you call me by my name as well."

"I'll stick to Princesa."

"Isn't that my title?"

"It is. But in my other tongue means something good."

Lovely even

His lips twitched in a little impish and borderline childish smile upon seeing you flustered.

"But if you want, we could go back to-"

"No. I mean... I like when you call me that. Your other language sounds rich and captivating."

"Does it?"

Your head bobbed nervously and his hands reached for the wine bottle to serve on two goblets.

"How much of it do you understand?"

"Barely a thing. But it's your tone that gives a bit of context. I can tell when you mean something good or bad."

"How about this? Te ves tan encantadora cuando tratas de aprender más sobre cualquier cosa." (You look so lovely when you're trying to learn more about anything)

Your throat gulped and your eyes casted away from him for a brief second before exhaling gingerly. Flush blooming in your face.

"Sounds like I'm doing something good."

His smirk deepened.

"And what have you learned so far?"

"Some little phrases, a few greetings and your title."

"My title?"

"Yes, mi rey."

His heart was nothing but a thump-a-thump inside his ribcage, the way you had pronounced such thing had his self control to hold you in such a fine thread that could snap if you ever said something like that again.

My king.

Your king. The idea of being called like that after your wedding made him secretly beg time to go faster. He had so much to teach and show you, your eagerness only made it better.

But he was also learning from you.

You called him by his given name, and oh his heart nearly jumped out of his chest. His lips stretched involuntarily at your voice, calling him.

"Yes?"

"I've gotten you a gift."

"A gift? Why?"

"What do you mean why? I'd like to honor you too with gifts as you've done. Is it wrong?"

Your hands reached for the velvety pouch containing the vials, filled in with your caffeinated concoction.

"Here. If you ever find yourself with a terrible headache, drink one."

"I'm afraid I'll need more than these." You chuckled and leaned in a bit closer to him.

"I will prepare as much as you need."

He poured the wine, and handed you a goblet. You sipped it almost right away, nerves wrecked you, but speaking so closely to him made your blood rush hapzardly in your cheeks and butterflies to twirl in your stomach.

"I also wanted to ask for something, away from the council's ears."

His brow arched softly "And what is that?"

"I beg you. Please let me ease your kingly duties. Let me help you."

It was always a Lead the way, sometimes a You need help. others a You can't do it alone. but never precisely that. A let me help you.

"I know that I'm already helping, according to you. But I'd like to do more." You took a small slice of fruit, "That way, we could spend more time knowing eachother. Either through work or... like this."

"What else would you like to do?"

He gestured you while he popped a grape into his mouth, you ate the piece and talked once you swallowed

"Let me take charge of the arts and social agendas. I will improve them. Your people have so much talent. You could size it."

"Then, let's make a deal. You're not to abandon your medical duties, I need you on the front."

Your head nodded eagerly.

"But, I'll assign you a schedule, so you can balance both. But if it's too much, you'll let me know. Understood?"

"Si, mi rey."

Maker's mercy.

You were killing him, his restrain was kept in check and control. You ate and drank in silence, too nervous to ponder about eachother, but the letter he burned into ashes came to his mind.

"Have you had many pretenders before me?"

A cringe worthy nod from your end made his nose flare in an airy chuckle.

"Really?"

"Yes. Though I barely remember about them now."

You shrugged and Miguel could only stare at you.

"Did they ever sent you letters?"

"They did, until I decided to ignore them."

"Why?"

His eyes changed to a more curious and keen gaze.

"They were simple."

"Simple?"

"Yes. You know, when beauty is everything they see. I like deeper minds."

Miguel's chest heaved with excitement upon your words.

"For being a pair of royals that were brought together under political circumstances, we do have alot in common."

"Indeed. May I know more about yourself, my lord?"

"More about me?"

"Yes. What do you like doing in your scarce free time, favorite things and the like."

"And what do I get in return for sharing such information?"

"More of myself to you. And possibly me enjoying such activities with you."

"That's fair."

A small smile appeared in his lips.

You both shared, your own part of the story. Your birthdays, favorite foods, drinks, activities, flowers, upbringing and raising ways.

He was a simple man when it came to things, nothing too extravagant as you had thought. He didn't enjoy hunting. He disliked formal and big events, even had thought of escaping to his room after he had been crowned.

He had found a way to brew his own sort of wine, reducing the importing costs, he was an inventor, and spoke multiple languages. Miguel enjoyed tinkering with machines that were out there making the life of his citizens easier.

His upbringing was everything but easy, since the expectations were put in him in such an early age. Another reason of his premature scowl.

He told you about his first battle and how scared and angry he was. You shared about the loss and mourning of your brother. How it impacted on your parents, your dad specially. And how your mother took charge for the both to prevent the kingdom to sink even deeper in the rickety luck that seemed to tuck in Theleria.

He had his temper and has kept a silent rivalry against Kingpin. However his surprise was much when finding out you were about to marry Kraven in a desperate attempt to keep a bit more of territory. One of your father's suggestions.

"I'm grateful it ended up being you."

Your mother had played her cards well. You had even explained some customs of your country. The mistresses topic was unavoidably brought up, but sensing you tense after explaining the why, he was the one that seemed deep in thought.

" I apologize if my traditions have hurt you in any way."

"It's complicated, cause I really want to understand everything related to your kingdom, I know no nation that is perfect. But I accept your apology."

"Still, I'm sorry for making you feel disrespected, Princesa."

A little smile appeared on your lips. You itched to know if he kept them around, but that bit of solace was enough, you didn't want your dark thoughts to ruin what has been achieved so far.

"Do you wish to return to the castle now?"

"I'd be a liar to say that I don't. But my priorities are others at the moment."

You.

-----

Baron Drako dragged Dana to a secluded room and sighed. Dana could only stare at him, expectant.

"What's going on?"

Darko paced frantically before her, "The king..."

"What about him?"

"He's out. With the princess." He seethed, "They left since this morning!"

Dana's expression soured. Her anger boiled, but fury would do little to solve the evolving problem. You. She needed to think straight.

"Is that so?"

"How can you be so calm?! The crown is being taking right under your nose-"

"Father"

She interrupted while raising a hand. The single motion alone was a clear understanding between the both.

"Tell me you have a plan. You can't... You can't let that Thelerian to be crowned as queen. You are the one and only worthy to be on Miguel's side"

"I know. But don't you fret. Miguel always returns to me. He knows what I am capable of."

Her fingers took her chin, and her eyes narrowed. She'd definitely had been slacking, not cause she wanted. Her own family matters had kept her at bay from the main stage.

But she had seen you both. The glances Miguel gave you, the way he itched to hold your hand, to lay a finger on you. Just as he had longed for her all those youngling years ago.

"Let me handle this."

"What are you gonna do?"

Dana's lips twitched in a wretched and cold smile.

"I think it's time to introduce myself to the princess."

-----

Miguel's hand took yours as you ventured in the shallow parts of the pond to soak your feet.

Despite the day being nice, the humid weather of Arachne always made you itch for a cold bath during the day. Sometimes you dreaded the materials for the wedding dress, but it mattered little when clothes were bound to be discarded through the night.

You swallowed and casted a discreet look his way. His feet submerged in the cool and crystalline waters, pants rolled up to his ankles, and his shirt to his elbows, leaving strong and sturdy forearms bare to your sight.

Would he like to consummate the marriage? Probably. Would he notice your total lack of expertise in bed? Definitely.

The more you thought about it, the more red your cheeks grew. But it was impossible to not think in such things when the behemoth of a man next to you was looking to the horizon, deep in thought about something you didn't have access yet.

His skin glistened under the sun, but his lips were the main attraction to your now not so discreet ogling. He smirked upon catching you red handed, a hand of his raked through his curls on purpose, making his muscles flex and be outlined underneath his shirt.

His whole frame offered you solace from the blazing sun, but also granted him enough to see your flustering.

His eyes softened and his shoulders slumped, relaxing within your presence.

Eyes studied you for a moment before they stopped at your lips.

By instinct, he took your hands. Your fingers grazed his palm softly in a shy caress.

"It's been a while since I've taken a break."

You smiled and his eyes mellowed.

"I'm glad I was able to distract you from your duties, even for a bit. We all deserve to rest."

"Now you sound like Peter."

With a giggle you pulled him deeper to the pond, letting the hem of your skirt to soak lightly.

"Well, he is right. The more you take care of yourself, the longer you'll live."

Hand in hand your feet wiggled underneath the water. He stood next to you, gazing at your hand in his.

His heartbeat steady, despite pounding in his ears by that touch alone.

"If I'm honest, I didn't want a marriage initially."

"I know. Neither did I."

His grip tightened slightly and you looked up at him.

"It's funny how life weaves it's threads, isn't it?"

"What do you mean, Princesa?"

"Well, neither of us wanted to, yet, neither opposed greatly." A faint shrug of your shoulders, "I might have given a little tantrum. But we just agreed because of our duties."

His eyes casted down briefly before speaking again

"If... circumstances were different, would you still agree to a marriage?"

That was a question you weren't expecting.

"With you?"

He nodded

"Certainly."

He was definitely holding onto you tighter.

"Why?"

"Quite curious you are, my lord."

He chuckled and you grazed your thumb on his warm flesh.

"But, it's because of your kindness and consideration"

"Sorry to disappoint but I'm everything but that."

"Towards others perhaps. But to me... You're not the bloodthirsty man everyone makes out of you. You're more than that."

A faint pained look came across his features.

"Bad habits are hard to kill."

"My lord. Tell me something."

"Hm?"

"From all the times you've waged a war, was your land under threat?"

"Yes."

"Was your kingdom sovereignty at stake?"

"It was."

"Do you love war?"

"I don't."

"Sometimes hard choices must be taken. We might not always like it, but someone must do it." You inched closer to him and entwined your fingers gingerly in his.

"And those who chose to do the right thing, even in pain, are the bravest souls of all."

His hand enveloped yours in a tender hold. Words like a reassuring balm to his aching soul. Fingers secured tightly yet gently on yours.

"And, I'll be honored to be brave with you. If you'll allow me, that is."

The urge to clutch at his chest only grew the more you spoke. You could kill him out of joy and you wouldn't even know.

"My words might be clumsy, I'm rather a man of action. But believe me when I tell you, Princesa."

His eyes looked into yours.

"Regret regarding this, had left me a long time ago."

----

You way back to the castle was quiet, yet comforting. It was safe to say that you had came closer, not only as royals, but as two individuals bound to share their lives. Obligation was no longer a word that hovered over both, willingness had slowly seized that spot.

You wanted the same, and he could have you. There was no hidden truths behind, no second guessing or intentions. Nothing that made him suspect. Just raw and utter admiration from you. And something else.

You understood with little. He was bad with words or anything that involved feelings, but the urge to prove his blooming affection and admiration for you was greater than anything, sometimes even from his own duties.

But that kiss on the back of your palm was more than enough for you to know your advances weren't in vain.

A chaste, yet loving kiss that made you understand that the acquaintance and friendship threshold had been blurred and crossed.

You weren't afraid of the intensity of how your emotions displayed, and hoped that he wasn't spooked away by them. But it was unerring that your temporary escape had brought to light so many things hidden by fears and insecurities on both ends.

You settled for another outing within the following days.

Upon returning to your chambers, and another kiss on your palms as a temporary goodbye, you prepared for your evening activities. Meaning, you'd be back to the lab and instruct your new subordinates, ready to prove and honor your words.

Peter however followed Miguel to his war room to deliver a report. The sight before him made him chuckle. Slumped against his chair, a lazy smile on his peaceful face.

"If escaping your duties with the princess leaves you like this" He gestured to a slumped and lazy smiling Miguel, "Then I'd have to ask her to keep you for herself as long as she wishes."

He could have you.

The realization upon you saying such things filled in his body with many things he couldn't understand completely, but was no longer wary and mistrusting to explore.

"The wedding is a month away. Many things have changed."

"Sounds like you're eager to get married."

"Not for the reasons you think." One of his bushy brows quirked, mildly annoyed.

Peter rose his hands in defense, "I haven't said nothing"

"Good. Prepare Dana's family for a trip."

"What?"

"I'll send Baron Darko a-"

"No, I heard you. Really, Miguel?!" An exhausted and cloy sigh came across his lips, "I'm getting tired of you playing this childish games. That wretched woman is dangerous."

"I know."

"Then why you keep her?!"

"Cause I'll kill her myself. But not within my castle."

"I don't believe you."

"Not my problem. Don't want her blood stain this fortress."

"... Miguel-"

"In two days. Tell Commander Reilly to prepare the east manor."

His personal slaughter house. Peter's eyes remained on him, there was no lies behind his dark ruby eyes.

"Understood."

-----

You had taken dinner in your room, too excited to keep your thoughts to yourself. A flurry of entries where added to your diary.

A scholar having a crush was nothing compared to how you felt.

Everything seemed to be finally be on its way, but something didn't belong in there. You had been too eager to start your teachings that completely ignored the letter left on your desk, placed by an intruder.

The bright red wax seal captured your attention. A letter written in an impeccable scribbling, not as refined as yours. The seal was broken, initial joy vanishing upon reading its contents.

A letter that undoubtedly, had all the intentions of harming with a simple message:

"Your majesty. I believe it's time for us to meet. Join me at the rose garden after midday tomorrow.

-D."

Another council member you didn't know about? No. You've already met Baron Darko. Who could it be and why such pithy words filled you with anxiety and dread?

You put the letter in the desk where you found it, and headed to your bed. The memories shared with Miguel today were far too bening to let the intrusive thoughts to win over.

Sleep came easier when the last thing in your mind was Him and the events of today.

-----

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