NOT YOUR PRINCESS

Rusty: I can't even see the vodka

Rusty: I think your use of the word 'urges' put me off

Cecily: good. Now I know what words to use to talk you out of it.

Cecily: thank you very much.

Rusty: Why are you making me sound like a hormonal teenager?

Cecily: haha, that was not my intention.

Rusty: Emphasis on ridiculously cheap.

Rusty: It's on sale.

Rusty: And it's my go-to brand.

Rusty: It's like somebody did this on purpose!

Cecily: Rusty don't do it.

cecily: think of how far you've come.

Cecily: Do you wanna throw all that away for a shit hangover?

Chris didn’t stick to talking about Antoni. He knew she was mourning his loss and he didn’t want to make her sad. He thought for a moment, “Earl grey or Green tea would be fine. Can I help with anything?” He asked not one to ask for staff to help. He was used to doing things on his own. He knew how to cook some things as well. He walked over to her and helped grab sugar. He smiled at her gently. “I love helping others, and saving lives sometimes. I used to be a firefighter but when I got told I might be king I transferred to EMT/paramedic. It’s what I enjoy best here in New York.” He said lightly.

Cecily was happy for the topic change. She was not inclined to continue talking about her late husband.”Earl Grey it is then. No no, you’re fine.” She smiled, steeping the tea bags. At this point in time Cecily liked catering to other people’s needs than her own. It was a nice distraction.”well that was probably for the best. Can’t have you getting hurt.” She murmured as she smiled up to him.

Derek shook his head, “definitely a long time. I haven’t ordered yet, I wanted to wait for you. I was thinking of ordering a chicken fried steak though.” He said grinning at her. He seemed more relaxed from the last time they met. “I asked Aelin and Jamie to move in with me.”

“You didn’t need to wait on me. You could have already ordered. A chicken fried steak sounds good but I have a bit of a sweet tooth today. I’m thinking some pancakes.” Cecily carefully looked over the breakfast portion of the menu, her eyes trailing up as he spoke once again. “yeah? I’m happy for all of you.” she smiled, happy to see that Derek was finally settling down.

Derek smiled at Cecily and laughed, “I remembered you probably haven’t had it in a while and you might want some. Also New York is cold so I figured you’d like the scarf. I got one for my sister, Aelin and my mom.”

“I would love a cup of tea and I’ll grab a change of clothes.” He said going to his car and grabbing a sweater that looked more comfortable. He changed in the bathroom and came out and cleared his throat. “I know you had Antoni and he was a good man.” He said gently, “I’m not in a rush to get married even if our parents want us too I want us to take our time.” He said hoping he made sense. “There’s no rush. I spent 6-7 years here in New York working for a living.” He offered and sat down. “And I’m good at helping others.”

Originally posted by chrishemswortth

“sounds great.” she replied, her smile becoming more genuine. Once he had left the home she set off for the kitchen, quickly putting the kettle on the dark haired girl sought out a mirror. Taming out a few bits of hair she fluffed herself up, not wanting the first formal impression of her new future king to be an unkind one to her looks. Cecily was still in the kitchen prepping a tray of tea for the two when she heard him clear his throat. Cecily knew Alice had house staff but there was something about doing stuff for herself that kept her mind from dwelling on her situation. The princess’ eyes fell as she heard her late husband’s name. “he was.” she said plainly, not wanting to let herself get worked up. “ I appreciate that there’s no rush. I don’t know if I’m ready for a quick engagement to marriage again.” she admitted, her eyes looking up to Chris for a brief moment as he took his seat. "would you like chamomile tea? Green? Oolong?” she questioned quickly as she poured the hot water into tea cups. “you know, that’s very admirable. What you do to help people. People you have no obligation to help. You could be some rich prince snob who just flaunts his status but you’re not.”

“I wanted to get you something. It’s nothing big but I thought you’d like it.” Derek said grinning at Cecily. He pulled out a small bag and handed it to her. “I hope you like it. It’s from home.” He said with a smile. When she opened it it was her favorite Danish dish and a blanket scarf.

“I’d agree that she’s doing well. She’s staying with Chris in Brooklyn. I’ve got a penthouse in Manhattan. I’ll see you soon.” He replied heading for the diner from Chris and Jackie’s place. “I got a late Christmas gift for you.” He said cheerfully.

“I’m sorry I’m probably over dressed, I haven’t been to functions usually. That’s Derek’s thing. I’m used to working at the firehouse.” Chris said quietly looking over to her with a small smile. “I do have a change of clothes in my car that’s more my style than this suit.” He felt like his parents ambitions had caused this set up. He moved to grab a rose from his pocket and offered it to her. “For you.” He said kindly.

Originally posted by itsletalestrange

“no no, you’re fine. I promise.” she said with a forced smile. Cecily really hoped she didn’t look like a total wreck. The girl hadn’t looked in a mirror yet today so she was sure her hair was askew and her eyes slightly puffy. “if you’d feel more comfortable then by all means you’re welcome to change into them.” She said plainly. Although Cecily was no happy with the arrangement she had no qualms with Chris. He was as much of a pawn as she was. She watched as he pulled the rose from his pocket, she appreciated the gesture. “thank you, Chris. It’s very beautiful.” her voice quiet as she brought the flower to her nose for a quick smell. “can I get you anything? Would you like some tea?”

Christopher stood awkwardly at the door. After a long talk with his father he was given news that he’d court and marry Cecily. The woman had been his friend’s fiancé, no wife, he thought quietly as he finally knocked on her door. They had talked about going to a function together and then somewhere to talk.

Chris hadn’t talked to anyone about what was happening. He always did what was asked even when he wasn’t thrilled. He knew Cecily as Derek’s girlfriend and Al’s younger sister. Alice’s sister. He saw her open the door and he flashed a small smile, bowing slightly. “Cecily.” He said in his low voice. He had cleaned up his beard and wore a suit for the occasion.

@ffscecily

Cecily had heard the news from her parents that she had been pawned off on yet another crown prince like she was some prized mare being traded for breeding. Cecily was still grieving her lost husband, something she never thought she’d have to do. The girl knew though that life goes on, she couldn’t wallow in her own self pity forever. Cecily was lounging in the front room when she heard a knock at the door. Out of pure habit the dark haired girl rose from the Boudeuse sofa and answered the door. She was surprised to see Chris on the other side. “Chris.” she nodded, her voice short. “please come in. Sorry I’m a bit under dressed, I would have looked...more presentable if I had known you were coming.”

“A diner that’s off the beaten path. I found it with Aelin and Jamie.” Derek replied finding a booth for them. “I’d love to see you Cece.” He said her pet name and smiled knowing she couldn’t see it. “My sister Jackie moved to New York.” He added.

“Oh you know, adjusting to this new mom life.” She gave a blush at Cecily’s compliment. “I’m actually just moving here. To be closer with my brothers, Chris lives here full time and Derek is thinking about it as well.” She smiled wide at the mention of Hope. “She’s at home with the boys. They wanted me out of the house for a few hours. I hadn’t really left the house alone since she was born. Oh you should come over! I know I’d love for you to meet her.” 

Cecily smiled sincerely as Jackie talked about her ‘mom life’ her own baby fever coming out. “Oh is that so? I guess that means we need to make a day for us then. Girls night out?” Cecily suggested, her hands folding in front of her as she spoke. “Well that was awfully nice of Chris and Derek. They must be loving being uncles, no? I would love to come over sometime!”

“Well, because it is one!”, Liam repeated, staring down at the drink in front of him to avoid her face. “Yeah, right.. she mentioned that..”, he finally mumbled when the brunette mentioned her dispute with Alice. Even though right now he didn’t really remember the exact reason. Probably something he wouldn’t understand anyway. But as she didn’t seem like she was going to continue to blame him for being here, the man finally lifted his head. “Whisky, want one as well..?”

Cecily took in a sharp breath. She wanted to defend her sister but she didn’t know how things were going at home with the two so she decided to keep quiet. “I’m surprised she even mentioned me. She hates me right now.” Cecily said with a roll of her eyes. “I would love one.” She mumbled, waving over the bartender ordering a double whiskey for the two of them.