♡ ♡ ♡

“if being a prince can’t get me some alone time, what can?” rik complained, half to himself. he had found very little places to sneak off too in this godforsaken country, and this was apparently not one he could add to his list.

“Aren’t they?” Maria smiled at the woman. She loved both of her brothers, but as good as their relationships were, each had their downs. Regardless, they were all here in Oscana for the same purpose. “I hope you get the opportunity. It’s a wonderful place.”

The two women began approaching the looming castle and Aurora figured it was getting close to the hour of helping Sylvia get ready for dinner. “I would love to hear all about Ryhule’s beautiful lands. Perhaps over afternoon tea one day,” she grinned softly as they stood at the castle entrance. “I believe I will have to be parting ways with you here, your Grace. Thank you for accompanying me on my stroll today. It was lovely chatting with you,” she bowed her head politely before heading down the corridor.

Emmett raised both of his thick eyebrows. “More than satisfactory? The last I heard, the rumors only said that I spent most of my time in the bed chambers.” Snickering, Emmett noticed the way Aurora was looking at him. Though it hadn’t been his intention hadn’t been to seduce her, he couldn’t help but feel like there was some kind of spark, even if it was just one of two lonely people who needed a night of companionship, between them. “I must have made quite the impression on one of the women here for that rumor to become such a positive one. I take it that you don’t believe much gossip then? You need your own proof?”

A soft giggle left Aurora’s lips and she was sure her cheeks were rouged a deep shade of pink by now. She thanked the gods that she was somewhat masked by the night sky. Although, it didn’t help that it was a full moon. She couldn’t help but feel something between her and Emmett; Or perhaps she was just naive and reading it all wrong. She wasn’t sure but she hoped it wasn’t the latter. “It certainly appears that you have,” she shivered slightly as a cold breeze blew by them and strand of her dark locks fell in front of her face.

“Why of course. I don’t believe anything without proof,” her wide eyes looked towards him, twinkling with curiosity. She was well aware that it probably wasn’t the best idea to flirt with an older man. Much less an Earl with a reputation such as his. But apparently Aurora was feeling a bit... bold. “Especially one’s abilities in the bed chambers.”

“I agree,” Jasper answered simply. He was nothing short of calm as he spoke, though his stomach was in knots. He had been obsessing over the rumors for weeks now, but hadn’t gone to Sylvia with his concerns yet. Before he approached her with such a harsh and potentially deadly rumor, he wanted to be sure there was some substance to it. “Unfortunately, even I am having trouble rooting out the traitorous people who have caused these rumors to circulate. More over, and I do not say this lightly or with any assumptions, but I do not know the younger Vidar princesses very well. You’ve grown up around them. Do you think that either of them would consider such a proposal? To take Sylvia’s place?”

Perhaps Aurora should not have been so surprised that some nobles wanted Sylvia off of the throne. Especially after her announcement about Jasper. A lot of them were quite traditional and most likely resented the crown princess for not going through with the treaty. The raven haired woman swallowed thickly and stood from where she was sitting, placing a hand on her torso. “Well, these nobles have to being doing their whispers somewhere... I don’t believe they would be so foolish to do it in the castle. Have any nobles been spending a suspicious amount of time together as of late?” she mused as she began pacing, a nervous habit of hers.

She bit down on her lower lip. “Truly, I don’t believe either Vidar sisters would ever consider such things,” and she honestly didn’t. Like Jasper said, she grew up with them and they were nothing but pleasant. “Rosamund hardly seems like she would ever desire such a responsibility.. And my little sister is one of Elisa’s ladies; she holds her to the absolute highest regard.”

“It’s not my King and Queen’s fault that your dearly beloved King Magnus and Queen Deirdre didn’t consult their daughter when agreeing to the previous terms. A deal was made, whether your future queen likes it or not. Ryhule had reason enough to go to war immediately, and yet, we spared you the bloody battle in hopes that your princess would see reason.” Roman ground his teeth - it was taking all of his will power not to pull out his sword as a threat. In truth, Roman didn’t want the treaty to work out. What he wanted was a good fight. How he got into battle didn’t matter as long as he ended up there - but this woman’s anger was infectious, and he couldn’t help but take his country’s side as they argued. “What will it take for Oscanians to see reason? Will we have to storm your shores? Invade your villages? Maybe you could put that supposed good aim of yours to use!” 

Aurora felt as if she were speaking to a wall and at this point, she would end up only reiterating words she had already spoke. Obviously, their paths had crossed by mistake, or perhaps the universe was just having a bit of fun with the poor girl. Whatever it was, Rora was quite done with it. She was dumbfounded how all of this began because she had fallen out of a tree; a simple mistake with seemingly stark consequences. She made a mental note to be extra careful the next time around.

“You are a terribly hard-headed man who is only able to see red. Why must it always resort to war? Have both sides not seen enough bloodshed over the years? It is time for a change and my crown princess will be that change.” She shook her head, brushing her skirt off before letting out a huff. “I believe that has been quite enough conversing between us for today. I do hope our paths never cross again. Good day, sir.” And with that, she strode off past the grumpy guard. She needed a hot bath to calm herself after all of that.

“Oh certainly, if I were not so sure of their safety I would have been home at first light. Other people or expectations be damned.” Mal said with a small chuckle as she moved alongside Aurora quite happy to have linked with her. “It was lovely, very different from what I was expecting really. Are they all as lavish?”

“And I would certainly expect nothing less from you, Mal,” Aurora let her own chuckle leave her lips as she strolled down the path with Mallory. She always admired her fiery spirit and headstrong personality. The archery field was not too far away and they were soon approaching the area. “Oh, usually, yes,” the raven-haired woman nodded, “I suppose some of them are even more lavish, if you could even imagine that. I’ve grown quite accustomed to them over the years.”

Jas wasn’t sure how Aurora really felt about his relationship with Sylvia, and it unnerved him. It was clear that she did want Sylvia to be happy - but whether or not she was pleased that Sylvia was happy with Jasper was yet to be known. “No, I’m afraid everything is not alright, Lady Aurora.” Carefully, Jasper shut the door and took a seat in one of the lavish chairs he knew so well in Slyvia’s room. If there was anyone in the world he could trust with this rumor, Jas thought it was Aurora. It was so very evident that she cared about Sylvia and did not want harm to come to her - no matter who the threat was. “I’ve heard some very troubling rumors as of late. There are whispers that some of the nobles wish to replace Sylvia. That perhaps one of her younger sisters is better suited for the throne.”

Aurora was confident in every decision Sylvia made and she would continue being the crown princess’ number one supporter until the day she was dead. Jasper was one of those decisions, whether she liked it or not. Baron Windsor always spoke in favor of the treaty and was devastated at Sylvia’s recent announcement, but Rora believed she would not have wanted an arranged marriage even if Jasper wasn’t in the picture. She furrowed her brows as her eyes followed Lord Grey until he was seated in front of her. Admittedly, she was beginning to grow anxious about whatever he was going to say. And it appeared she had good reason to be. Regardless, she certainly wasn’t expecting the next words that left his lips. “Well, that is treason,” her tone was hushed and she felt her stomach churn. “We must find out which nobles are against Sylvia and put an end to such whispers!”

Emmett chuckled knowingly. His reputation wasn’t false. He did like to sleep around and his favorite activity was getting rowdy with his friends. However, more than anything, Emmett followed his heart. He did what he wanted, when he wanted to. Sometimes, that entailed partying for a week straight. Other times, it meant asking a woman to take a stroll by the pond or talking to his family. “I’m a man of many talents. I do wonder, if you weren’t aware of this particular talent of mine,” Emmett placed his elbows on his knees and leaned forward to press his chin into his hands. “What sort of rumors have you heard and believed about me?”

The corners of her lips curved up into a soft smirk as she listened to him speak. She reached a hand up, moving her fingers through her dark hair. It would have been a lie if Aurora said she hadn’t heard what the other woman said about Emmett. She also would have been lying if she said she didn’t somewhat wonder if what they were saying was true. She bit down on her lower lip, shrugging her shoulders as she continued gazing over at him. “I suppose I’ve heard you are ... more than satisfactory in the bed chambers ...” She mimicked his actions, resting her own chin in her hands as she leaned forward. “Unfortunately, I do not very easily believe rumors, my Lord.”

xenia felt herself drawn to aurora’s sparkling gaze and easy smile. it was a look not many at court shared, and she very much appreciated the lightness of her interaction. “well, if you are ever in need of a climbing companion, you may count me in,” she said with a laugh. “that sounds wonderful. i hope to stay a long time. my mother… disagrees.”

Aurora’s eyes brightened and she gave her an eager nod. “Oh, I will certainly take you up on the offer!” A soft laugh left her lips as she looked down at the other. Not too many women at court would be so open to climbing trees and Rora decided then that she quite liked Lady Xenia. “Oh no,” she frowned slightly at her next words. “Why is that?”

“Well, thank you very much – I simply cannot wait!”  A hint of a smirk appeared on Rosamund’s lips, one eyebrow raised in interest.  She did not miss Aurora’s slight blush.  “Magical, was it?  That sounds quite enviable indeed.  My own evening was merely pleasant.”  Rosamund had very rarely had a bad time at a party, but truthfully, this one had not been among her favorite events, even before the night ended the way it had, and she could not say why exactly that was so.  “I did share quite a few dances with a variety of people, and only one of them stepped on my toes.  That was certainly exciting.  There have been several balls where my feet ended up completely bruised by too many ill-trained dance partners by the end.  Is there anything worse?”

“Oh, absolutely not,” she let out a soft laugh, her dainty hand moving to cover her lips as she did so. “I am quite delighted to hear your feet were spared, your Grace.” She thought back to all the balls she had attended during her many years at court and there were far too many terrible dancers to even remember. Especially back when she was younger. She was sure Rosamund would agree with that statement as well. “As tragically as it ended, I believe most people thoroughly enjoyed themselves. And if I may be so bold, some of those Ryhulian noblemen were devilishly handsome.”

Maria did her best to be kind to everyone she met. Sometimes it didn’t work out so well and she could be a bit too blunt, but a bit of pleasant conversation wasn’t likely to steer into that territory. “Oh, how wonderful. I always wanted a sister when I was little. Instead I got another brother,” she chuckled, shaking her head. “I am glad you have her here with you. It must have made the transition a bit easier.” She could only imagine leaving her home for a new place full of responsibility. “Yes, I am. It’s been refreshing, to see everything here. And to learn more about your beautiful country.”

“Brothers are both the best and the worst,” Aurora followed up with her own chuckle. As much as she expressed disliking her own brother’s protective nature, she knew she would be lost without him. Both of her siblings meant the world to her. Taking a deep breath, she gazed around her. The weather was favorsome at this time of day and Rora was thoroughly enjoying her stroll with the princess of Ryhule. “Oh, that’s wonderful to hear,” she smiled softly. “I would love to visit Ryhule one day.”

“Well I don’t know about that. Sometimes I think you might be even stronger than me,” Sylvia smiled, grateful that she had someone to remind her that someone believed in her. When she mentioned Arlo, Sylvia glanced around, forgetting for a moment where he had gone. “Oh, I think Jasper took Arlo with him –” she stopped, stopping short when she realized what she had just admitted to.

“When he came by… this morning, early, very early, this morning, he came to get the dog for a walk.” She pressed her lips together, flailing for an explanation as to how Jasper had gotten the dog that wouldn’t scandalize her oldest friend. She knew that Aurora didn’t exactly love her paramour, and it was sort of her fault, but she wasn’t sure how Aurora would feel if she knew that Jasper slept here most nights.

When Sylvia came out with the news about her and Jasper, it did not come as much of a surprise to Aurora. She was the princess’ oldest friend, after all. Furthermore, it wasn’t exactly a secret that Lord Grey wasn’t the lady’s favorite person at court, but as long as Sylvia vouched for him, what else could Rora say on the matter? She was first and foremost loyal to her crown princess and she always would be. She flashed Sylvia a knowing and teasing look; she, of course, had sort of an inkling about where Jas spent his nights. Not that it was any of her business. In fact, Rora thought the sneaking around was ridiculous at this point.

“Oh, yes. I did hear Lord Grey was quite the early bird. How sweet of him to fetch little Arlo for his walk,” a smirk played on her lips and a soft chuckle passed them shortly afterwards. “Very well then, Syl. Shall I escort you to today’s council meeting? Or you can skip it and we can go have wine and cheese by the pond,” Rora joked as she began lacing up Sylvia’s dress.

Jas was usually very good at controlling his expression, but he couldn’t help the sheepish sort of smile that crept over his face. Of course, he knew that for all of their efforts, plenty of people close to the princess and himself knew that they rarely slept apart. It didn’t take too much brain power to suspect what they got up to behind closed doors. “No..no, I was simply coming to meet her for breakfast. Hopefully, this charade will be over soon. Once Sylvia’s coronation has taken place, we can plan our wedding.” Jas was a patient man. If Sylvia decided that she didn’t want to get married, he would stand by her side as her lover for the rest of eternity. But..he couldn’t help but feel that sneaking out the servant’s hall was a bit much at this point, and if getting married would put an end to that, he was eager to walk down the aisle.

“Although, I have been looking for an opportunity to talk to you. Alone.” Jas glanced over his shoulder at the barely opened door, knowing that the guards were standing just outside. “Do you mind if I close the door? I promise I won’t take more than a minute of your time.”

While she remained indifferent towards Jasper, there was no hiding the very subtle hint of a smile that crept up on Aurora’s face at the mention of a wedding between him and Sylvia. She knew that would definitely hinder the alliance between Oscana and Ryhule even further, but the simple thought of Syl’s happiness was enough to discard those thoughts. She raised her dark brows and hummed in response to his words. “As long as Sylvia is happy, then so shall I be,” her words were simple but could not have been more true.

For a moment, she continued whatever it was she was doing. That is until Jasper mentioned wanting to speak with her alone. She eyed him up and down before shaking her head. “I don’t mind at all, my Lord,” she took a seat on the settee in the center of the room. “Is everything alright?”

“Nothing but pleasant?” Roman’s jaw dropped. Who did this woman think she was? Was she blind to Oscana’s rude cancellation of the deal between the two countries? Did she think he was a blithering idiot. “First of all, no country whose leader decides not to follow through on the terms of an alliance is pleasant. By the very nature of your crown princess’ betrayal, this place is anything but pleasant. Perhaps if I was here for a wedding and not to babysit the prince while he listens to everyone drone on about possible alternatives, I would be happier.” 

He crossed his arms over his chest, mirroring her anger. Two could play this game, and he was certainly just as worked up as she was. “Second of all, target practice? You couldn’t hit me with anything but that foot of yours even if you tried! Third, I’m the best guard the prince has. Why do you think I’m in this country, protecting him from all of the devilish women that reside here? You included! Do any of you Oscanians even care about coming to an agreement to stop war from breaking out?”

“Oh, thank goddesses that you can actually count,” she clapped sarcastically. Who did this man think he was? It was quite obvious that she much higher in station than he was, and yet his mouth spoke as if he were a king with no consequences. She was absolutely baffled but her anger was much more prominent than anything else. A cool breeze blew through her dark hair but she was still boiling on the inside. “First of all,” she challenged, mimicking his words and taking a step towards him. “Don’t you ever speak about my princess with such disdain in your tone. At least not in front of her most loyal lady,” she pressed her lips together tightly before adding onto her words. “And why is it on my future queen’s shoulders to uphold an alliance that was formed beyond her control? What good would said alliance do for our countries if two people are being forced to marry? Perhaps your king and queen need to realize that not everything will go as planned and that negotiations are certainly not out of the question. Keeping tradition is not always the right thing to do,” Aurora promptly rolled her eyes. While she had been conditioned to favor a treaty by her family, all of that went out the window the moment someone spoke ill of Sylvia.

“Second of all, I could shoot an arrow through an apple off the top of your head with my eyes closed. Though I’m fairly certain that, if ever given such a glorious opportunity, I wouldn’t be able to stop my hand from slipping...” There was a certain fire in her eyes that would not be easily tamed now. She scoffed rather dramatically at his last words. “Like I said before, alternatives have been given but you Ryhulians are not a very... Agreeable people.”