Rosamond.

“Then you have my word–” And he grins before stepping forward with his right foot: the first step of the dance. “And you would step back, and then together, like… just like that. See, already you are a natural.” Eyes remain focused on her as they dance.

“They used to say I was blessed by the fae with grace and beauty, perhaps they were right!” Rosamond laughed as they danced, secretly the princess clung to her faith in the Fair Folk, even if it was considered blasphemies in this century.

“I empathize with you, truly, but that is a colossal request, and my army is in no position to take on such a large mission. The very moment that order any sort of attack, I pledge my allegiance to you, and I turn my back on anyone else who may be involved.” He pauses, watching her pace back and forth. “Alright. I appreciate how you have supported me and welcomed me to court, and for that, rest assured that I will do everything in my power in order to aid your cause, but I cannot order my people to advance until there is at least some plan of action.”

Clasping Henrik’s hands in her own, Rosamond looked at her friend. This was the fate of Adria they were discussing and it seemed that her fate was tied to it as well.

“As you wish.” He takes her hand in his and guides the other to rest atop his shoulder, while his hand lands softly against her back. “And then you follow my lead. The steps are quite simple. You should catch on quickly.”

“Shall we dance then?’ The beauty smiled, “I promise not to step on your toes if you promise not to step on mine.” Rosamond couldn’t help but tease her dear friend just a little.

“Pardon? And you are telling me, rather than your fiancé? What happened?” His smile, having dissipated, has been replaced with a mixture of concern and confusion.

“But Adria is my kingdom, and these are my people, tell me, my friend. Will you pledge fealty to me, and lend me your army so that I can reclaim my crown?”

cont. / @ofbriars​

“I do not think I can do this, I can’t marry him!” The words tumble out of her mouth before she could stop them.

“It is simple, truly. I have no doubt that you will catch on easily. Still, I would be more than happy to show you–” Smiling, he takes a step forward and offers her a hand.

“Please, show me.”

“Oh, please. Such a feat is impossible. You’ve nothing to worry about,” he says with a smile, charming as ever, “In the meantime, is there anything I can do to help?”

“Tell me about the ball again, it’s still so strange to me that there are all these new rules when it comes to dancing before, men and women never touched while dancing.”

wedding starters!! / @ofbriars

“Please, stay for a moment,” the former princess beseeched him, holding out a hand to him. “I could use a friend, besides they can’t start the ceremony without me.” 

❥❥

Looking over at her friend, Danielle blinked slowly, not quite sure what to say. “How on earth did you get so covered in mud?” This was going to be some clearing up to do. “We need to get you cleaned up as soon as possible.”

“I went riding...” the former princess murmured, not wanting to admit that she had run away from her responsibilities for the day.