A Kingdom in Turmoil (ThickLeaves x Sketchyequine)

Charles himself has always wanted to be a knight, the kingship wasn’t something that he deemed as a desirable life. Being captive to the throne, having to go to meeting after meeting, visiting nearby kingdoms. Charles, as vain as he was, was more interested in being a Knight, jousting with fellow knights and winning the approval of the common folk through entertainment. He practiced in the courtyard with the knights that served under his father, becoming an expert swordsman and eventually learning to ride. He knew that by the time he would be old enough he would ride in the vanguard, fighting his father’s battles rather than sitting on the sideline waiting for him to pass. Charles was an only child which only worried his chance as knighthood more and more. His father wouldn’t let house Alby die over a rebellious child who wanted fame and glory rather than fear and power. As soon as Charles learned to sneak out of the castle and into the stables, his father stationed more and more guards. His father knew the price of his jewels, and as much as he hated to admit it Charles was his prize jewel.

Princes Charles Alby had lived in Albion his entire life, the lands were luxurious and everything that a prince could want. The lands of Albion were prized for their rich sapphire and ruby mines. Ever since the establishment of the kingdom decades ago, they had control over the most prized jewels; making them one of the richest kingdoms in the world. The Kings and Queens of house Alby always had their disputes over land, making grasps for more and more at every turn they could. Albion started as a small castle whom no one could have pretended to have know, but under the rule of King Marcus, whom was Charles’ father, the kingdom flourished like never before. Marcus ruled over Albion with more than just an iron fist; diplomacy wasn’t within his vocabulary and when his advisors would recommend it, they would be removed from his council or worse. If nearby lands would refuse to open trade, then Marcus wouldn’t hesitate to march his troops across the borders. Albion grew at a rate that was exponential until they reached the lands that had belong to house Blackburn. The Blackburns were the only house that Marcus couldn’t overcome with ease, but he wasn’t one to back down from a challenge. War broke out between the houses without a vision of end in the near future.

The war between the houses raged on for what seemed like a decade; supplies were running low, and money to pay for the war was running even lower. The people were causing riots and revolts in the streets, and people weren’t in favor of the king’s actions. The wars always helped the kingdom but not until the rewards came in. Until then, they hated every aspect of it. Considering this war went on for longer than all of the past ones, the people had never been so against Marcus. Ground wasn’t being made on either side. Marcus didn’t gain leeway with his borders and neither did King Blackburn. Marcus’ council continued to advise for a political ending to this dispute, and every meeting Marcus slowly fell into the belief that it was the only way. He couldn’t think of something that either side would want that they didn’t already have, that was until Marcus remembered Charles. Charles always had dedication to the family, even if he didn’t seek for a political position within it. The advisers recommended a royal wedding, a unification of the two houses, bringing Alby and Blackburn into one giant Kingdom. Charles was merely a player in his father’s game, and of course he was forced into the marriage with nothing to say for himself other than “Yes Father”’ Soon enough with diplomatic meeting after meeting there was set to be a marriage between the eldest children of both houses. Although it wasn’t the typical marriage, the kingdoms would lose their current rulers due to popular demand, and the land now would be ruled by both the King and Queen.

The wedding between the two was rushed to have them jointed so the peasants and knights would stop their rebellions in the streets. Their parents left more than just a small mess for them to clean up, political rivals to be shut down, debts to be paid and most importantly, cities and towns to repair and bring back beneath the crown. Charles was far from ready for the plan before them, due to his wishes of being a knight he never attended the meetings the scribes and advisers held, and of the ones he was forced to attend he was busying himself by carving the tables or daydreaming of spending his days in the courtyard. So now the marriage and kingship being sprung upon him with no time to comprehend it was going to hit him hard.

Charles took a deep breathe in and then slowly exhaled, his eyes opening to look over the crowd before him. Of course every royal wedding needed an equality as extravagant royal celebration the following day. The wedding of two great houses was no exception to this, therefore the celebration was larger than any in the past. Nearly 100 lords and ladies attended and Charles wasn’t in the mood to speak to any of them, not even his bride. He rested his hands upon the table, the food before him never looked so unappetising. The expression on his face didn’t seem to change, the feeling of anger and disappointment on where he had ended up. He dealt with the tickle in throat by clearing it, turning his head to the side to face his wife with a groan. “Eliza.” He whispered under his breath but just loud enough for her to hear over the commotion. The pair have barely spoken, their marriage was minimal time for conversation and that was their first proper interaction. “I hope that our first declaration is no more gatherings such as this.” After the words fell from his lips a sour trail was left in their wake, almost causing him to reach for his goblet in an effort to wash it away. Sadly being kind to his wife to be was something he’d have to get use to, and alcohol wouldn’t suffice to tame it.

Eliza Blackburn was an outspoken and bullheaded young princess. She spoke out in times that she wasn’t supposed to and spoke unkindly to individuals that she had no business disrespecting. She was a spitfire, and she had a spirit that had yet to be even remotely tamed. She had, up until a few weeks ago, gone where she wanted, did what she wanted, and thought what she wanted whenever it was that she wanted to. She was her own decision maker, and she was as thick skinned as the cows that roamed the kingdom acreage. Because of all of this, she was the apple of her father’s eye. His most prized accomplishment, yet he had to give her up. The old man was devastated, but the survival of the kingdom was more important than maintaining the ‘ownership’ of his daughter- although he had never seen her as property.

Eliza had grown up very quickly upon learning what it was that would end this war. She was to be married to the eldest son of the opposing king, and their joining would combine the kingdoms as well as end the bloodbath. Eliza and her betrothed were the key to save hundreds more lives from being taken as a result of greed and honor. There was nothing that Eliza could ever contribute that would be as important as this action for the princess. Therefore, she agreed to the marriage and didn’t put up even the slightest bit of fight. She was willing because she believed in the kingdom her father had created. Not to mention the maternal instincts in the woman encouraged her to do anything possible to save the lives of innocent citizens.

Their wedding day had been unexciting for Eliza. After all, Eliza felt no type of affection for the man at the other end of the altar. Before that moment, she had never even seen him before. However, Eliza was relieved to see that he was a reasonably good looking young man and not an obese pig halfway through his life already. Eliza could learn to be physical with a man containing the appearance of her partner. As the pair made eye contact during the ceremony, Eliza couldn’t help but wonder what the man was like. She couldn’t help but notice his lack of enthusiasm over the affair, and it took her by surprise. No, Eliza did not love the man before her, but she was excited because this marriage meant the war would end and her father and people would be safe from harm for at least a little while. He did not seem to share even that enthusiasm based on the stillness of his face. What are you thinking? She wondered, her brows raising quizzically although no words slipped between her lips. Her expression had always been worth a thousand words, even as beautiful as she was she had never learned to be stoich.

The ceremony went by without a hitch, and soon it was all official although not entirely what the bride would consider memorable. However, it was technically official that she was a married woman- although the ‘bedding’ that consummated the marriage had yet to take place, and Eliza hardly intended on going about it any time soon. Her groom might have been disappointed, but a royal woman’s greatest treasure was not to be given out so hastily. He had her hand, he would have to wait and work for her body. Only in time would the king be able to make love to his queen.

After the ceremony, both bride and groom had a the next 24 hours to themselves before they were expected to attend the party celebrating their matrimony. Eliza had spent the time mostly roaming around the castle that she would now be a resident in. It had been decided that bride and groom would live in the Alby home, taking it as their own. The bride, dressed in purple silks with flowers entwined in her golden locks, wandered up and down the halls aimlessly the morning after the wedding. It was an attempt to learn how to get from place to place in the building that seemed like a maze compared to the much more humble castle her father had built for their family. The previous Alby king appeared to be one for riches, constantly taking over other kingdoms and making his own more grand. Eliza’s father, Joseph Blackburn, had had no interest in expansion. He instead used his time bettering his people, which allowed his army to be such an equal match with Alby’s even though they were fewer in number.

When the party began, Eliza sat quietly beside her new husband as she feast began. This was the first time she had seen him after the wedding had come to a close. Her hands were folded in her lap neatly and her back was as straight as a well-fired arrow. She was a picture of elegance thanks to her etiquette training- training she had not really taken seriously until she heard the news of her betrothal. She was a quick study. She nibbled daintily at the dishes of meats, breads, and vegetables, always taking a sip from her goblet between bites to keep it all washed down. Not to mention, the sweet summer wine that fills their cups was devine on the tongue. Truly a treat that, even as a princess, Eliza had hardly known. However, her husband was obviously not as pleased by the food and drink.

When he finally said her name, it sounded like it was a chore for him to even acknowledge her. It took everything that Eliza had in her not to roll her eyes at the man and just ignore him completely. However, impressions were important. It was far to early for a queen to misbehave alongside her king. She was going to need more wine just to tolerate him if he was going to be like this all the time. A drunken queen? Maybe.

“I quite like parties.” She whispered back to him, defying him with a sweet and whimsical voice. “I would never agree to any decrees of the sort.” She shrugged her narrow shoulders and pushed around a portion of potato with her fork. “I think the parties raise moral and let our citizens feel more welcome in our domain. The parties will stay; however youre welcome to just not attend them. With an attitude like this you aren't much wanted anyway.” She spoke coldly before she sood from her chair and smiled. She then took the hand of her father and lead him to the crowd of people who were dancing around and laughing with the jesters. The old man and his daughter both liked to have fun. This night would not be ruined for Eliza by her sourpuss of a husband. She would dance and laugh even if it wasn't with him.

With that, Eliza and her father started to dance, and the blonde girl’s green eyes lit up with a warmness her husband had not yet seen. Her father twirled her around in expert fashion and she giggled like a child all the while. It was obvious to everyone in the room who did not yet know them that they cared deeply for one another. This marriage was not what Eliza’s father ad wanted for his daughter, especially not after meeting the whiny brat he was handing his daughter over to. The least he could do was make this celebration enjoyable for the new queen. Just seeing his daughter finally lighten up again brought a sparkle to the man’s eye.

While Charles listened to his recently betrothed his fork continued to play with his food, similarly to how a child might. His appetite was lacking and that wasn’t exactly part of his common nature. When he looked to the dish it didn’t seem any more appetizing than a mud-pie might look. He took a bite here or there simply to keep up the appearance, but he suffered through the meal nonetheless. He took a small piece of the beef and placed it in his mouth, removing it from the fork and chewing it, all the while his mind continued to process the words she spoke. She was beyond straightforward with her beliefs, she wasn’t going to be a Queen that he could tell her plans or how to execute them, she was going to fight him at every turn that he could foresee. He couldn’t tell if the current attitude he had was towards the female specifically or the situation that they were locked in. She never did a single thing to him, they had never even met before the wedding, yet for some reason he had this spite for her. He couldn’t just hate her for no reason, whether the situation was a horrid one or not. He reached for the goblet, taking a large swig and savoring the sweet summer wine, letting it run its course at attempting to dull his senses.

While the comment he made was more or less a joke, he still meant it. When he was a child he wanted parties, and festivals, and gatherings all the time. But something about this gathering just wasn’t the same. He continued down the windy road within his head, believing that the hate must be towards everything. Whether he was proud to admit it or not, it must’ve been. “Well if that isn’t the sweetest thing I’ve heard you say I don’t know what is.” He muttered to himself as the female went on her way. While he certainly didn’t feel love and affection for the female, he still quite admired her. She seemed like an interesting noble,and she wasn’t the common princess that Charles expected to marry. He had expected someone who would do as they were told and sit back while the King worked with his council. Although at the same time he didn’t hate Eliza, she was tough as a bull and that was rare in princesses, a quality he admired.

Charles sat back at the throne, the fork dancing through the rummaged food as his eyes scanned the crowd. They seem cheerful, happy, content with the arrangement that had happened. With the war at an end, most of the people had the ability to go back to their lives, selling what they could, meeting with who they wanted, living their lives once again. This night proved that to be more than true, the lords and ladies danced and ate and drank to their heart’s content almost as if the war never happened, as if hundreds of people didn’t die for the feud between their houses. His eyes fell shut trying to stop his mind from racing with thoughts and memories. He knew the situation he was placed in was beyond miserable, yet he couldn’t do anything about it. He didn’t want to suffer through but his mind couldn’t help itself from realizing how his entire life was changed with nothing to say about it.

Charles’ eyes stopped at Eliza and her father as they were dancing and laughing, admiring their ability to see the light in the situation, the happiness in the situation even when Charles couldn’t help but feel everything was ripped away from him. His lips twitched for a mere moment, forming the smallest hint of a smile before he pushed it back away. The conflict within him seemed almost more intense than the one between Eliza and himself. He stabbed his fork into a carrot, raising it to his mouth and pulling it off the fork with his teeth. Halfway through chewing the food he dropped the fork, the metal utensil hitting the plate as Charles pushed the chair out from behind him. He rose from the chair and straightened his back. For some reason part of him assumed the attention would divert to him, like he was deserving or needing of it. He cleared his throat and then began walking around the table, making his way to where everyone was gathered and celebrating.

Charles approached Eliza, pushing through the nobles to reach her and her father. He wanted to understand and feel her ability to find the light, he wanted to enjoy the party on the same level that she was. Or at the very least try to see things the way that the Blackburns were, it wouldn’t hurt him. At least he didn’t think that it could, but he had been wrong in the past. The risk in this scenario seemed more than worth it, it could improve relations with Eliza, hopefully in turn with her father as well, and on top of that it could show the public that the pair were a true duo rather than two individuals who sat together.

A smile crept to his lips as he cleared his throat once again, this time with the primary goal to get the attention of the crowd, but most importantly his newly betrothed. “Eliza, my dear. May I have a dance.” His skin felt hot as the words slithered past his lips. He expected a positive response, yet part of him still hoped for a negative one. The tension between them would be rough, and he didn’t see an end to it in the near future, but he still hoped for happiness and peace in at least the public eye.

This particular princess had had all the makings of a great king, and that she would have been if she weren’t born with the wrong set of genitalia. While her father held her in the highest od esteems, the people just weren’t ready for a woman to rule yet. Any attempt to put her in a position of power or even train her in the arts of combat would start a riot that could likely lead to the death of the entire royal family. Marrying Charles was the only way she was able to maintain power. It just so happened that it was also her royal duty. It had all worked out the best way it possibly could have, and this was more than means for her and her family to celebrate. Her father was even happy to step down if it meant that Eliza would have opportunity for power. The previous king only worried that the new king would hold his prized daughter back.

The faces of every somewhat sober person in the room glanced toward Charles as he stood. Everyone in the room seemed to wonder what he would do seeing as he had been sulking all night. Eliza felt her own face fall in fears that he would attempt to call an end to this grand celebration. If he attempted it, she was ready and able to raise hell over it. He could sulk if he wanted to, but this had been just as much her wedding as his. He had no right to pull the rug out from under her feet without discussion first.

The woman’s glassy eyes followed her husband as he twisted around the table and maneuvered through the crowd of people, most of whom were too busy drinking their wine and dancing to notice. She released her father’s warm hands and turned to the young king. He was her husband, yet he had paid less attention to her than anyone else in the room. For that, she felt a little sour toward the man. However, she was still one to offer second chances even if they weren’t completely deserved. It was part of the kindness in her heart.

When Charles cleared his throat the entire ballroom fell silent. Eliza rose her brow and gazed at the man, waiting for what it was he would say. Upon hearing it, her stern demeanor went much softer, and she allowed herself to take a deep breath. With a small laugh and a nod of her head she closed the gap between them by placing her hand in his. Her flesh was velvet soft in his touch, just like her lips had been on the day of the ceremony. She was traditionally very beautiful and motherly- exactly what the people expected of a princess.

“Of course you may have this dance, my King.” She spoke and curtsied politely towards the man- exactly the way a lady was trained to do before she stepped in closer to the young man. The band, as if on cue, switched from the merry, lighthearted music to something much softer and more romantic. After all, this was their first dance. This was a special occasion for the kingdom as well as for the couple. Eliza stepping in close, the fabric of her purple skirts pressing into the man’s legs as she wrapped her free arms around his shoulders. As per tradition, Eliza allowed Charles to be her frame- conforming her much smaller body to the stance he had adopted.

With one arm around his shoulders, one hand in his grasp, and her body so close to his that her breasts grazed his chest as they moved, Eliza gazed up at her husband. Her blonde hair cascaded down her back, and the fire shone off of it as if it were some sort of fine gold with flowers adorning its surface. As she gazed at him, the woman thought quietly to herself. This man was her whole life now. He would be in her bed every morning and night, and he would be the only one allowed to cross her. He had the ability to be her enemy or her friend, and she certainly hoped that his obvious attempts at trying to settle the water between them was an indication that he would choose friendship.

She wondered, as she stared into his eyes, if she would ever love him. And if she did ever love him, would it be a romantic love or the love one felt during platonic relationships. He was attractive and skilled, but that didn’t necessarily mean that she would ever feel a romantic connection with him. Her brows furrowed slightly in a moment of insecurity- would he see her as worth his affections? She had heard many stories of kings who found themselves uninterested and unattracted to their wives. Instead of bedding their queens, these legend queens would instead frequent brothels of the maid quarters. Would Charles be one of those men?

It was in that insecurity that Eliza found the means to keep her walls up towards the man. It was better never to love him, for then he could never hurt her. With the negativity in mind, the queen looked away from the eyes of her betrothed and to the other faces in the crowd instead. "I'm glad you've had a change of heart." She whispered to him, regarding his attitude toward the party.

Charles was admitinally very concerned with her reaction, he could say with certainty that she would allow him to have the dance, considering how much it meant to their relationship. But he was worried about the dance itself, whether she would make it into a whole thing or just let them share a nice and relaxing moment together. Now that they were both involved in the Kingship and Queenship, everything they planned to do had to be thought out to ever inch. A small yet warm smile found its way to his lips, glad that he could have the dance with his Queen, that they could sway their way through the ballroom and celebrate like they were meant to be celebrating. After all he had a fair share of danced back in his days as a young prince, and looked forward to having another but as a King, even if it meant his dances were confined to this one female.

Soon he stepped forward ever so slightly towards the female, taking her hand in his once again. His other hand slithered around her waist, hugging at the small of her back as he pulled her ever so closer, that was until he could feel her chest brushing against his. Charles wasn’t some giant muscular man but he wasn’t a frail scribe either, he pushed his broad chest out against the female’s. Their clothes and of course their bodies touching was nothing he hadn’t expected, eventually he was due to bed the woman, if he couldn’t handle it during a simple dance than he wasn’t fit to rule, let alone marry the woman.

A large breath came in, and soon after an equally as large one flew out and he nodded to himself. He tried to clear his mind of every thought that was streaming through. Trying to forget the past, stop himself of thinking of the future, and even trying to ignore parts of the present. He was trying to enjoy the female, not the party or the celebration or their current standings. He wanted to spend time with Eliza, whether they were married, separated, or mortal enemies. His eyes slowly opened and he looked upon the beautiful lady before him, the corners of his lips lifted a tiny bit more, widening his smile. “Thank you, my Queen, I was worried I’d have to end the gathering.” While he was clearly joking this time around, his comment from earlier made it unsure if he would go to that extent or not.

Charles had been so use to getting every little thing that he asked for through his life, whether it was a tangible item or just the love or approval of those around him. Him being the only heir to his kingdom made his father essentially serve him, rather than having it reversed like it was for most. So having Eliza refute him at what seemed to be every turn got under his skin, causing him to seek the approval of the female by any means, especially since they were destined to spend the rest of their lives together at this point. Charles was always the social guy, so he needed to get his wife to enjoy him just as much as everyone else had. Charles didn’t want the relationship between them to be completely made of victories against one another. Of course their marriage would have their own disagreements and arguments on matters, but in this case he didn’t think this should be their first. After all, despite his hate for the situation they were together in this. She was facing the same problem he was and he was still burning with hate over it, but at least his hate was developing into hate for the world and not her. Eliza was beginning to grow on him, he was impressed by her inner strength and tenacity.

His dark brown orbs stared into her own with a smile still glued to his face. “Well to be fair this is a gathering for the both of us, not just me. So sitting on the throne and brooding over it hardly seems appropriate.” Despite his stubborn and rough personality he male did realize this fact. He allowed his orbs to look over the female, having the seeming perfect view of the female, able to take in all of her features at once. She truly was fit to be a princess, and even more so to be the Queen that she now was. He was use to the nearby kingdoms having heirs and daughters that were far from being considered fair, but she was truly a maiden like no other. The way her silken locks perfectly fell, the complexion she had, everything fit together as if she was a gift given from the gods themselves.

His grip around the female’s waist remained, he squeezed the side of her body gently to keep the grip he had upon her. Slowly he shuffled his feet along with the music, moving their bodies through the floor. As their bodies continued to float across the ground he slowed the female, letting his hand move above her head as he tugged at her waist lightly, trying his very best to send the female in a small twirl. There was no chance that he would let her go, but he couldn’t spin the female completely without her assistance, after all dancing couldn’t be done on ones lonesome.

As he attempted to spin her his hand stayed in hers, slowly his fingers worked their way between hers, interlocking them without even thinking. His feet sunk into the ground, Charles was strong and there was no way that he’d allow her to tumble, and he didn’t want to even move her the wrong way in the slightest. The female was so perfect within his arms that she felt like a feather that he was prancing around with. As soon as the female finished her little spin within his arms he spun himself, taking the pair within a full spin rather than just her. He watched the female’s golden locks fly through the air as they spun, the whole sequence spurred a small chuckle from the male.

He might’ve enjoyed the female’s company and was doring a rather terrible job at hiding it. But at the same time it could have been the copious amount of alcohol that was flowing through his veins, that was causing his skin to feel hot to the touch. Even he found it hard to tell the difference, but at this point he didn’t care. If he was enjoying the moment then he wouldn’t hide it forever, but if he so desired he could blame the alcohol in a heartbeat. Afterall, who would blame a king for drinking to his heart’s desire after his wedding?

Eliza could appreciate her king’s willingness to hold her so close. The way he held her closely to him allowed her to feel the warmth of his broader chest, and she took a note of his fearlessness concerning a closeness to her breasts. His willingness to initiate such seductive closeness took Eliza somewhat by surprise, in fact. He had barely even looked at her prior- this would be the first time he really showed any physical interest in her besides the light peck he had provided on their wedding day. She had had half a mind prior that he was unattracted to her entirely, but this immediate closeness reassured her. Perhaps her king would be faithful and come only to her for needs of the flesh.

“My good sir, if you end the party before I give you your wedding present then I will just keep it for myself. What a shame that would be. Well… a shame for you.” She gave him a little wink before pressing slightly harder into him. While Eliza doubted him as a husband and a king, she couldn’t deny her attraction to his warmth. He was larger than her in side and bulkier than her even though he was far from being some sort of hulk. The size difference provided Eliza with some strange sense of protection by her king. Would he give his life for her at this point in their marriage? No, mostly not. However, he would be able to shoo away the hands of any drunken nobels should they reach for his queen. There was something enticing and comforting about that fact.

When he spun her, Eliza willingly separated her body from his and made quick work of her footwork so as to allow her spin to be completed in an elegant mess of flowing skirts and hair. The action caused a small laugh to escape between her pink lips before she pressed her breasts back into his chest as he commenced a spin in unison. Eliza tilted her head back and closed her eyes as she danced with her husband. When the moment ended, Eliza lifted her head once more and she looked up at him. The redness in his cheeks alluded to the fact that he had downed plenty of wine that night. Much more and she believed that she would have to put him to bed like a child. Not that it much mattered, the queen did not plan on allowing her king to indulge in her womanly pleasures quite yet.

Drunk of not, he was still her husband. In an affectionate moment, Eliza rose her head and moved her face in close to him. Her warm, sweetly scented breath tickled at his neck as she inhaled and exhaled so close to him. Soon, she let her eyes flutter closed and she pressed her lips into his neck just above the collar of his clothing. Her lips were soft and supple against him, like being kissed by an angel. She placed a trail of kisses, one after the other, from the hem of his collar up until the underside of his defined jawline. It was the first time she had shown him such affection, but it ended just as quickly as it had begun. Soon, Eliza pulled back and looked back up at his face with her light pigmented eyes. She gazed at him for the remainder of their dance, and upon completion of the song she broke both eye contact and the contact between their bodies.

“Bring in my Husband’s wedding gift!” She shouted, the room quieting the moment their queen rose her voice. She had a commanding ability, and people were seemingly very willing to listen to what she had to say. Without skipping a beat a young servant boy dashed out of the grand ballroom. Eliza took her Charles’ hand and began leading him out of the ballroom as well. All the men and women who had attended the party followed, making it seem as though a hoard of people were exiting the great castle. Eliza stopped only once they reached the grand garden, filled with flowers of many species, and even in the moonlight it popped with color. There she stood, staring towards the stables and urging Charles to do the same.

Soon the servant boy appeared once more, but this time he was not alone. Alongside of him was a massive grey stallion with tack and armor fit only for a king seeing as it was encrusted with jewels and shined until they could see their reflections in it even from their distance away. The animal pranced excitedly, almost dragging the frail boy along as it soaked up the attention it was provided by the crowd. The horse was handsome and also a very obvious fan of the insanity of large groups. He would do well both in battle and in arenas because he did not fear walls of humans. “I heard you are a fan of jousting and other nobel sports, my lord. This stallion is the best my family’s stables have ever reared. He is smart and strong. He will do well with whatever task you ask of him. I encourage you to call upon him for your every need.”

The gift was quite fitting coming from Eliza. Her father’s kingdom had been a leader in agriculture, and many of the beasts they produced were far superior to those produced in other kingdoms. It was part of the reason they were able to hold their own in battle against Charles’ kingdom prior to their arranged marriage. Although women were not typically encouraged to spend much time in the stables, Eliza had always felt at home there. She knew all of the colts and fillies that were born every year and she roe them often. In fact, she had even been involved in the breaking of the stallion that Charles would now be able to call his own. She had hand picked him as the best prospect mount for a great king. Now, as she gazed up at her king, she could only hope that he liked the gift.

Charles couldn’t help but let his curiosity get the better of him, after the comment that she made his mind was racing to what the present might’ve been. Of course he had gotten the female a gift of her own, but he wasn’t expecting her to get him one as well, let alone present it to him during their celebration. “I have a feeling that you would never keep the present from your King. After all if you specially had gotten it for me, then it wouldn’t do you any good. Now would it?” He retorted to the female with a rather upbeat attitude. The wine was more than certainly doing it’s fair share to lighten his mood, her and alcohol did the works on him. But at least it was only visible to the female, he wasn’t a mumbling, stumbling mess. Simply just a much sweeter and open man that he would normally be caught as. Although Charles had to confess to himself, that if anyone was to see this side of him it would be his wife, seeing as she would learn it in due time anyway. He still would of course keep up the brick wall and ensure that she didn’t think he was full of roses and daisies.

Charles let his arms stay around the female, hearing the music slowly come to it’s close he resumed a relatively still position with her, keeping their bodies against each other once again, simply swaying rather than throwing any fancy twirls or movements back into the fold. His gaze fell down to the petite female, feeling that his skin was still hot to the touch, he his hand hand cup her side gently, just keeping her close in the embrace. In the heat of the embrace and the moment his mind was racing, the drinks hadn’t completely altered his thought process, but he was beginning to realize that the female herself was nearly what he wished for. She was the most beautiful lady he might’ve ever seen, she wasn’t willing to roll over for any man that walked through, and most importantly, she wasn’t afraid to speak for herself. However that might’ve caused a problem for him, he admired it nonetheless.

The warm breath against the skin of his neck made his shiver ever so slightly, the female was of course dancing with him but such an intimate move caught him more than off guard. That was until her lips pressed to his skin, sending an even larger surge through his veins, the wine highlighting the feeling even more, certainly making it feel much more than it was. The hand that was wrapped around her waist tugged her ever so slightly closer, he was able to control himself in the moment, but he would be foolish if he didn’t heighten the embrace for them both, even slightly. The feeling lasted for what felt like a second, while it was pleasurable while it lasted he loosened his grip and took a small step back from the female, his gaze falling upon hers.

As the female’s voice roared over the room he smiled, curious as to what this gift would end up being, excited to see what she had gotten for him. He took the female’s hand and allowed her to lead the way, he felt like he was a child once again. Like his father was going to surprised him with a new birthday gift, even though the feeling of having things given to him was common, he still enjoyed it everytime, so he wasn’t a completely spoiled brat. His eyes drifted off as they walked, looking to the paintings on the wall, the pillars that supported their new castle, until they made their way through the back entrance. The smell of blooming flowers and visual of them filled his senses, the feeling of a child had never been stronger until they stopped in the field, looking to the large building and the boy that stood beside it.

The stallion came into view and Charles felt his crescents immediately form into a smile, almost a larger one than the one he previously wore. He listened as Eliza described the horse, listening to every detail the female spoke and hung on every word that she said. His feet began to march forward, seemingly having a mind of his own as his hand raised to the horse’s head, he stroked it’s main gently, a content hum escaping his lips. His eyes closed for a moment as he turned onto his feet, still touching the horse but hid body faced his queen. She is beautiful, she is perfect. A perfect gift from my Queen.” He admitted honestly, he couldn’t even pretend to keep up the stubborn nature that he held. The female might’ve gotten him something that he couldn’t ever imagine receiving a better gift. He stood in shock for a few more moments and sighed to himself, feeling as though the gift he prepared was far less fitting than the one she gave to him.

“Bring out the Queen’s gifts as well.” He called to the servants that had been standing by. His hand trailed down the horse’s face, stroking it gently as his body moved back towards the female. “I had a few lackluster gifts prepared. Although a few are still in our chambers. Those aren’t exactly public gifts.” The last two sentences were a lower tone, words that were meant for only him and her, well and the servants that had them prepared. The servants quickly shuffled out, 3 gifts standing side by side with velvet pillows held out infront of them. His father had been known for their gems, and that was more or less all he could provide for the female. He gestured to each pillow, being a gift made of gold, sapphires and rubys. “A necklace, fit for the Queen of Queens. A custom made crown for the Queen, encrusted with rubys, sapphires, and even the largest diamonds. Finally, a scepter, one that no one could refuse it’s holder.” The gifts weren’t exactly fit perfectly for her, she was a beautiful women on her own, but he thought the gifts might seem appropriate, he was more concerned for the gifts that awaited in their chamber. While everything that the female was being given would be nothing short of perfect he was still concerned. The land of Albion was known for its mines, so the gems were not scratched in the slightest. They could hardly hold a torch to the beauty that the female had naturally possessed, but there was nothing more that he could provide for her, atleast nothing more at this moment.

“My Queen, the gift that you have given me is better than any king may ask.” He was impressed, none of that was part of a facade, however he might’ve been putting the slightest bit of a show on for the other nobles. He stepped to the female and rested both of his hands on her cheeks, cupping the flesh gently and leaning down, pressing his tender lips to her own soft plump ones. His lips lingered on hers, taking in the embrace in an effort to make up for their altar kiss, even if this might’ve been partly fueled by the wine. He slowly pulled away from her and let his orbs open, looking down to the stunning Queen before him.

Eliza smiled, watching as the man so quickly approached the stallion in masculine excitement. She stood back, her hands folded together in front of her body, and a light smile crossed her supple lips as he got to know the animal a little better. “He could sire wonderful foals too should you choose to start a line with him. My father could teach you all about that, and I’m not too shabby with it either.” She said, a little proudly. The gift had gone over exceptionally well with the king- better than she had hoped. Given that he had distasted everything from their wedding to the party, she had had low hopes that he would receive the gift well. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but his excitement seemed genuine and that gave Eliza just a bit of hope for the long marriage they had ahead of them. After all, a horse was a gift that the king would be able to use frequently. It would be good for all the mounted sports he had partaken in when he had hoped to become a knight, and if the kingdom ever went to war it would be the most powerful weapon that any man could ever have.

Eliza looked up at he commanded the servants to bring out her gifts as well, and she smiled just a bit more. Even in his anger, he had still thought to present her with a wedding gift. It was a sentiment that she had not exactly expected from the young prince. She looked back up to him as he began his explanation. She cocked one eyebrow quizitively at the mention of the gifts that he had stowed away in their chambers, and she felt her heartbeat increase within her chest. What kind of gifts could possibly be private? She wondered, staring at her husband as thoughts of the possibilities ran through her head. She couldn’t help but worry that it could be sexual in nature, and the young queen was unsure if she was ready to give up her virginity that night. Looking in his eyes, however, she was able to convince herself that she was overthinking things. A king and his queen were allowed to do things without a crowd from time to time. She could only assume this was one of those times.

When the gifts arrived perched on their velvet cushions, Eliza’s eyes were drawn away from her husband’s mug and to the sparkle that shone in the firelight. Upon seeing the pieces, the woman’s jaw dropped in momentary shock. These pieces were encrusted with so many jewels that she couldn’t help but wonder if the Alby family was far wealthier than the Blackburns. The horse’s armor had been decorated with sapphires and diamonds, but nothing in size or quality as compared to the diamonds that she was being gifted. She reached out, running her fingertips over the gems laid in the necklace before she looked back up at him, her eyes shining. Eliza was not usually one to dress in jewels as extravagant as these, but she would be a fool not to appreciate them, and she knew they would quickly be incorporated into her royal wardrobe. They were much more important than the vanity they provided.

Her eyes were drawn away from the gifts when he began o speak again and she felt his callused hands come into contact with her cheeks. The girl’s blue eyes stared up at him as he gradually drew closer, and her eyelashes fluttered closed as soon as his lips came into contact with hers. She kissed him back without any hesitation. Eliza’s lips moved softly over Charles’ as one of her hands came up to rest on his warm cheek. Based on the heat she could feel there, she knew that the wine was continuing to take its effect on the man, but she still believed he was being genuine. She had no reason to believe that as soon as they were behind closed doors he would adopt his cruelty once more.

As the kiss came to an end, Eliza took a moment to stare back into the eyes of her king. Her eyes traveled over all of his facial features, studying him carefully as a scholar might do to a scroll or book. He was such an odd man, yet he was handsome and bold. To say the least he was already starting to grow on her- a feat she had believed impossible after their curt wedding and his bitterness toward this party prior. She nodded a bit to herself and then broke contact, her hand slipping from his cheek. “Enjoy our wine, goods, and musicians, my good people! It is time that my king and I retire for the evening!” She spoke loudly for the whole crowd to hear. Then, without a hitch she took ahold of his hand and started leading him through the garden to a doorway. Once inside, she walked with him through a series of hallways as they made their way to the royal chambers.

“They plan of having many more celebrations for our wedding, my king.” She nodding, paying close attention to where she was going. She did not know this castle well and she had learned quickly that it was easy to get lost within it. It would be quite embarrassing for her to get lost now with her husband in tow. “I have even heard a rumor that there will be tournaments in our honor starting tomorrow morn.” She let out a small laugh. “I’ve always enjoyed watching a good joust, although it will no longer be quite as it was before. When I was a lone princess, I used to daydream of which of the knights or nobles I would marry. Each round I would root for the one with the cutest face or best horse, and I would pretend that after he won the tournament he would ask for my hand. A young girl has to dream.” She said, letting out a little chuckle. She was unafraid of telling him these truths. Some men might frown about a woman noting her past ‘loves’ like this, but Eliza honestly didn’t give a damn. Charles was the one who now had her hand. Her previous heartthrobs were no longer of any value. It was simply a whimsical story to tell.

Soon, the pair successfully arrived in their chambers. Eliza opened the door and smiled at it. She had not been allowed inside the room previously- it was to remain a secret until after tonight’s party. The room itself was glorious enough to be one of the gifts that Charles had promised her. The Room was adorned with silks, furs, and artwork of the highest quality. Its massive size made it bigger than most houses for the lower class, and it was but all one room. The bed was large enough to hold four men even though it would only hold the king and queen. In the corner was a tub big enough for both to soak in at once. Wardrobes of considerable size were on either side of large mirrors- one for him and one for her. Scattered around were all sorts of valuable possessions, and it brought a smile to her face. The room was much better than she ever could have imagined.

Charles was still beyond fascinated by the stallion before them, he was the perfect gift for him and planned to use the stallion to the fullest. He would produce great feats at plenty of tournaments and if it came to it, it would provide even more feats in battle. He remembered his younger years, the jousting matches that he won, the tournaments that he strided through in the name of his father, but now they would be for himself and for his wife, rather than his father. The horse was a perfect gift, reminding him of the life he once had and that even as a king he would still be able to indulge in his childhood dreams. He couldn’t believe such a perfect gift could come from his bride, a women who didn’t know him before a few days ago, and the gift seemed to be so personal that he almost felt ashamed he hadn’t thought of something as genuine and perfect for her. He was a bit curious as to how she knew so much of his interests, but he wasn’t fighting it, she seemed to have done her research fairly well.

Charles was worried about the way she would receive the gifts, whether she would truly appreciate them or just accept them as they were. They aren’t the cheapest of gifts to come by, they encrusted with more jewels that Charles had been gifted through his life, although he wasn’t one much for the flashy jewels in the first place. However his gift was more of a symbol then a present, it showed that the two were one now. The horses that her family has, and their military strength, while his family was richer, holding the more luxurious items rather than the stronger necessities. He couldn’t stop his lips from forming a into a smile as she ran her delicate hands over the equally as delicate stones, happy to see that she at least seemed to cherish the items. He let a deep breath out knowing that at least he could have done worse, so he didn’t mind.

Charles enjoyed the embrace while it lasted, his skin being hot to the touch and the alcohol still allowed for him to appreciate the female and her touch. While she was strong on the inside she was still a delicate, soft female who melded well with him, despite the visual comparison they had. They must’ve seemed like a crazy due together, on the inside and the outside. The only real similarities they had were their stubborn persona along with their royal status. One that now they shared together name and all. He slowly let his hand fall from her cheek, letting the embrace diminish along with her. He allowed her to speak, letting her make the crowd aware of their departure, he let his hand find hers once again, interlacing their fingers with a smile still tugging ferociously at his lips. Occasionally his free hand would reach out, letting the pads of his fingers graze over the marble and other decorative objects they passed, taking in the castle that now belonged to him, well him and his bride.

Charles listened intently as his bride began to speak, hanging on every word, especially after the mention of the joust that would be held. “Well of course, the marrying of two great houses can simple not be accommodated by one gathering. I suspect there will be many many more to come out way, but I trust that you will enjoy them. You’ll just need to ensure that I enjoy them, before they come to a close.” The tone of his voice was teasing, it was more of a conscious joke the the last ones, however he still was able to blame it on the alcohol. He let out a deep sigh and then nodded his head slowly, preparing himself to make a small comment for his bride. “If it makes you feel any better, I was just upon the opposite end of that. The prince who would attempt his very best to find the most ravishing princess of them all. I’d say that I made off fairly well in this instance.” He admitted from the heart, however they had their differences they were slowly beginning to get over them, that and he couldn’t stop himself from being truthful with the female, that and he saw no reason not to compliment her. She was nearly the perfect women, and if he was at a tournament, who he gave his rose to would be no contest with Eliza nearby.

Charles stepped into the room and looked around to all of the surrounds, the decorations that filled the extravagant room. Even he had not been allowed to see it, this was purely set up by the nobles, lords and ladies that had came to see the wedding. The only thing he knew would be within the room would be the Queen’s special present, one that he feared she might not enjoy more and more by the moment. Charles pushed the door closed behind the pair, stopping the flow of cool air from the balcony through the door. His hands rose to his collar, slowly working down the front of his overshirt, it was constricting and of course far to heavy, He slowly pushed it off and felt the cold air blowing in from the balcony, flowing through hsi under shirts. He ran his hand through his hair and looked to the bed, his eyes falling to the chest at the foot of it.

A small sigh escaped his lips as he walked towards the chest at the end of the bed. “My Queen, you are stronger on the inside then maybe people I have known. From what I’ve heard you have the spirit of a warrior and a fighter rather than a Princess who marries to save their family.” He explained before flipping the locks and then grabbing the lid, slowly pushing it open. “I know this might not mean as much to you, but I think that a Queen such as yourself should have it.” He reached inside and grabbed an object from within it, his hands slowly raising with a sword. The sword was of course encrusted with many jewels along the hilt, but he was realistic with the object. “I know you’ve more likely than not never had to handle one, but a strong Queen should know at least how to wield it along with the basics.” Charles was more of a manly man, but in this instance they would be spending their lives together and he felt as though she should be able to embrace the warrior within if she so desired.

He slowly stepped towards the female, having the hilt end of the sword facing the female, allowing her to reach for it and not injure herself before she even started. “Of course if you’d rather a knight or myself have it I’d understand. But I believe that you’re a strong and capable women.” Charles was speaking from the heart more and more through the night, and the sword showed that it wasn’t a decision he had made under the influence of the alcohol. It was a plan he had set forth long before their dance or his drinking, it was something he set out on as soon as he heard of the female. Beyond all of that the sword was something he created on his own, wishing he could always be a knight he knew the basics of being a blacksmith. He stood before the female holding the weapon waiting for her to take it, that or her to decline the gift and him find an alternative use for the weapon.

Her pale eyes watched carefully as he closed the door behind them, and it made her think of all the times they would close it. They would share this chamber until death did them part- as stated in their vows. That would stay closed while they slept, argued, and made love. For this point on, they belonged only to one another- even if it may not be what either of them had initially wanted. Eliza ran her finger tips over one of the oil painting that hung on the wall. The sheer beauty of everything in this room was breathtaking. She had never lived anywhere as extravagant as this palace, and the idea that this was now her home with her new husband was almost overwhelming. The transition was sudden, and it was definitely taking some adjustment, but the more time she spent with Charles the more she was able to convince herself that their marriage wouldn’t be completely miserable.

She turned and allowed her eyes to linger as he began to remove the flashy clothes from his body. Her instincts told her to look away, but the truth was that she wanted to see. Her and charles had only ever been together during flashy events full of royal extravagance. She had never seen him in anything as simple as his undershirts, and seeing him like that brought a bit of a smile to her face. He looked to much more desirable like that in his undershirts. Less like a stuck up king, and more like a man. There was something raw about it, and it almost made Charles more ehuman to his wife. This quality allowed Eliza to admit to herself for the first time that she was, in fact, sufficiently physically attracted to her young husband. The wind rustling his hair and the fabric of his clothes only reassured that fact.

Her eyes followed him as he approached the chest at the foot of the bed, and she smiled as he started to speak. She knew he would be presenting her with her gift and the secrecy of the item had her reeling just know what it was that he couldn’t present to her in from of their people. She listened intently to his words and her eyes searched for his. How could he have known these things about her prior to meeting heer? Eliza had not been the only one doing research prior to this event. He knew of her masculine tendencies: including her refusal to back down. When he pulled the blade from the chest tears welled up in the young queen’s eyes. These were not tears of sorrow or remorse, but instead of positive nature. The sentiment was beyond anything she had ever expected of the man.

With shaking hands she reached for the weapon, wrapping her hands around the hilt and carefully relieving her husband of the weapon so as to not injure him with it. She shook her head at his mention of gifting it to another if she didn’t want it. Eliza choked down a sob as she held the weapon in front of her allowing the polished metal to gleam in the candlelight. The light reflected off of the mirror-like surface and shone on the woman’s face- lighting her up as well. She gazed at the beauty of her husband’s gift in silence for some time before to finally managed to tear her eyes away from it. She glanced at the man as a tear streamed down her velvet-soft cheek before looking back to the sword. Eliza ran her thumbs over the jewels on the hilt and paid close attention to all the care that had been put into crafting it before she finally laid it carefully on the bed.

Wordlessly she closed the distance between herself and Charles before placing a single kiss on his lips and throwing her arms around his neck. She squeezed him tightly as she buried her face in the junction between the man’s neck and shoulder. The tears dripped quietly down her cheeks, and gradually came to wet the fabric of his shirts as she held him. For some time, she stood just like that with her body flush with his as she just held him. He had given her something that was well above and beyond what she had expected. He had given her freedom. Queens and princesses, women in general really, were not allowed to learn to fight. It was not the way of the world. So, even with her spunk, Eliza had never been taught the art of combat- not matter how many times she had begged as a child to go out at clank sticks with the noble boys. Perhaps it was because she was too precious, but that was one line Eliza’s father had never let her cross. Placing a butterfly light kiss on his neck, Eliza finally pulled back once tears had finally ceased flowing.

“Will you teach me, Charles?” She whispered, and finally let out a little chuckle as she pressed her hands flat on the man’s pectoral muscles. “When you’re not too busy drinking or pouting at parties as is your kingly duty, will you hide away in the garden with me and teach me how to wield such a weapon?” Her eyes just searched his hopefully as she asked him for such lessons. “I’ll be a hell of a student. I know I will.” With a snort of laughter, she blinked away what was left of her tears and looked away at the sword on her bed as she stayed close to her husband. “I’ll even dress as a noble boy if you’d like. Might even beat you while covered in dirt.” She teased as she looked to him once more. This was a lightheartedness that she had yet to offer to Charles alone. In that action alone, she had decided that she was indeed starting to fall for the man even though he had been so prickly before. She just hoped he would stay like this.

“Thank you.” She whispered before lifting onto her tiptoes to plant another kiss on his lips.

Sketchyequine said:

Her pale eyes watched carefully as he closed the door behind them, and it made her think of all the times they would close it. They would share this chamber until death did them part- as stated in their vows. That would stay closed while they slept, argued, and made love. For this point on, they belonged only to one another- even if it may not be what either of them had initially wanted. Eliza ran her finger tips over one of the oil painting that hung on the wall. The sheer beauty of everything in this room was breathtaking. She had never lived anywhere as extravagant as this palace, and the idea that this was now her home with her new husband was almost overwhelming. The transition was sudden, and it was definitely taking some adjustment, but the more time she spent with Charles the more she was able to convince herself that their marriage wouldn’t be completely miserable.

She turned and allowed her eyes to linger as he began to remove the flashy clothes from his body. Her instincts told her to look away, but the truth was that she wanted to see. Her and charles had only ever been together during flashy events full of royal extravagance. She had never seen him in anything as simple as his undershirts, and seeing him like that brought a bit of a smile to her face. He looked to much more desirable like that in his undershirts. Less like a stuck up king, and more like a man. There was something raw about it, and it almost made Charles more ehuman to his wife. This quality allowed Eliza to admit to herself for the first time that she was, in fact, sufficiently physically attracted to her young husband. The wind rustling his hair and the fabric of his clothes only reassured that fact.

Her eyes followed him as he approached the chest at the foot of the bed, and she smiled as he started to speak. She knew he would be presenting her with her gift and the secrecy of the item had her reeling just know what it was that he couldn’t present to her in from of their people. She listened intently to his words and her eyes searched for his. How could he have known these things about her prior to meeting heer? Eliza had not been the only one doing research prior to this event. He knew of her masculine tendencies: including her refusal to back down. When he pulled the blade from the chest tears welled up in the young queen’s eyes. These were not tears of sorrow or remorse, but instead of positive nature. The sentiment was beyond anything she had ever expected of the man.

With shaking hands she reached for the weapon, wrapping her hands around the hilt and carefully relieving her husband of the weapon so as to not injure him with it. She shook her head at his mention of gifting it to another if she didn’t want it. Eliza choked down a sob as she held the weapon in front of her allowing the polished metal to gleam in the candlelight. The light reflected off of the mirror-like surface and shone on the woman’s face- lighting her up as well. She gazed at the beauty of her husband’s gift in silence for some time before to finally managed to tear her eyes away from it. She glanced at the man as a tear streamed down her velvet-soft cheek before looking back to the sword. Eliza ran her thumbs over the jewels on the hilt and paid close attention to all the care that had been put into crafting it before she finally laid it carefully on the bed.

Wordlessly she closed the distance between herself and Charles before placing a single kiss on his lips and throwing her arms around his neck. She squeezed him tightly as she buried her face in the junction between the man’s neck and shoulder. The tears dripped quietly down her cheeks, and gradually came to wet the fabric of his shirts as she held him. For some time, she stood just like that with her body flush with his as she just held him. He had given her something that was well above and beyond what she had expected. He had given her freedom. Queens and princesses, women in general really, were not allowed to learn to fight. It was not the way of the world. So, even with her spunk, Eliza had never been taught the art of combat- not matter how many times she had begged as a child to go out at clank sticks with the noble boys. Perhaps it was because she was too precious, but that was one line Eliza’s father had never let her cross. Placing a butterfly light kiss on his neck, Eliza finally pulled back once tears had finally ceased flowing.

“Will you teach me, Charles?” She whispered, and finally let out a little chuckle as she pressed her hands flat on the man’s pectoral muscles. “When you’re not too busy drinking or pouting at parties as is your kingly duty, will you hide away in the garden with me and teach me how to wield such a weapon?” Her eyes just searched his hopefully as she asked him for such lessons. “I’ll be a hell of a student. I know I will.” With a snort of laughter, she blinked away what was left of her tears and looked away at the sword on her bed as she stayed close to her husband. “I’ll even dress as a noble boy if you’d like. Might even beat you while covered in dirt.” She teased as she looked to him once more. This was a lightheartedness that she had yet to offer to Charles alone. In that action alone, she had decided that she was indeed starting to fall for the man even though he had been so prickly before. She just hoped he would stay like this.

“Thank you.” She whispered before lifting onto her tiptoes to plant another kiss on his lips.

Click to expand...

Charles watched the female’s reaction to the weapon and was certainly happy of the way she felt. He was fearful of the reaction it would spur from her, unsure if she would like it or hate it. If she would think it was something to fill the gap of no present, or realize how much it truly meant to the both of them. His dark brown orbs scanned the female and watched, waiting for her to speak about the gift. He could tell that she must’ve liked it, she held it lightly. Making sure that she wanted to take good care of it. His gaze fell to the female’s eyes and watched the light glisten that hit them, he noticed the way she held back her tears, almost making a small tear of his own roll down before he was able to resist it. Seeing the joy in her eyes, along with the tear rolling down her cheek couldn’t have made him any happier, he didn’t expect such a reaction from the gift.

Charles watched how delicately she handled the weapon, placing it back in the sheath and onto the bed. His orbs never left the female’s figure as she made her way through the room. As she approached him once again a small shiver surged through his spine. Almost instantly her lips pressed against his own along with her body. He leaned down to the female and returned the peck for the brief moment that it lasted. His arms slithered around the female’s back, holding her body against his own and his hands gripping the copious amount of fabric that covered the female. Her dress, however elegant it was was certainly the dress for a Queen. His hands rested on the female’s back and his eyes fell shut, something about having the female so close to him was so relaxing. He didn’t want the moments with her to end, the connections of their lips, of their bodies, being around her was something that he truly didn’t expect.

The tears that were erupting from her eyes covered his undershirt, the light moisture touched his skin and caused another smile to find its way to his lips. One of his hands found its way up her back and to her golden locks, his hand slowly sifting through the luscious locks. The feeling of her silken hairs between his fingers was relaxing, every bit of her presence was easing him, although part of him still wanted to blame the alcohol within, he knew that it was just the female herself having the effect. As the female pulled away to reveal her visage he smiled down to her with a wide grin. His hand moved from her locks and to her cheek, cupping the flesh gently. His pointer finger extended to a sole tear that ran down her cheek. Scooping the tear along with the trail he smiled to Eliza, genuinely as his hand went to the back of her neck, cupping it gently continuing his caring gaze.

The words that slithered between Eliza’s lips rang against Charles’ ears, causing his smile to brew up a small laugh. The question itself was funny, not to most but he just thought that fact that she had even need to ask was a tad bit humorous. The thumb of his hand that remained on her cheek grazed the delicate skin slowly. “Of course I will teach you dear Eliza. I wouldn’t trust any trainer with the Queen, that wouldn’t be very proper or kingly of me. Now would it?” He returned with a questioned even though it was clearly a rhetorical one. “But you won’t be practicing with that. Can’t have you ruining the steel so soon.” He whispered under his breath before hearing her teasing, causing another snicker to escape his lips, as his arm around her tugged her a tiny bit closer to himself. “I hate to brag, but I’m one hell of a swordsman. The day you knock me into the dirt is the day that I forfeit my Kingship.” The comment was clearly a teasing joke that he was making back to her, but at the same time he wasn’t exactly kidding. Despite the strength inside and out that she possessed, she shouldn’t be able to strike him down anytime soon.

As she pushed herself onto her tiptoes he leaned down, not wanting to make her to all the work for an embrace that wasn’t merely just for her. Rather than making it a quick kiss to his lips he tugged the female closer, tilting his head to the side ever so slightly to deepen the embrace. The hand continued its light grip on the female’s cheek, moving her head along with his own for the sake of the embrace. His skin heated up and felt even hotter to the touch, causing her to certainly feel it. His hand must’ve felt like a fire against her cheek, although her cheek wasn’t exactly the coldest surface in the world either. At this point he knew that his heat wasn’t solely from the alcohol. There was a mixture of reasons for it but he wouldn’t tell her, he still needed to preserve some sort of masculinity to the female, or more that was what he thought.

After the few moments that seemed like an eternity, Charles pulled his lips away from the females. While he wished the moment hadn’t ended he still felt like for some reason he needed to. To just let everything sink in for a minute until he dared to steal another kiss. His eyes opened and the dark orbs instantly found her visage once again, looking upon it with that same devilish smile back on his lips. “It was my pleasure Eliza. I hope that we managed to put it to a good use. Well you more than I.” He elaborated as his hand ran through his short brown locks. He stepped past the female and went towards the sword that remained on the bed, grabbing it from the hilt and slowly making his way towards an empty part on the wall. It was a weapon for the Queen, but it’s beauty and perfection was similar to hers. While it’s purpose was far from decorative, it was impossible to not present with the utmost beauty. “I hope you don’t mind if I rest it here while it’s not in use.” The words didn’t really sound as if they awaited an answer, he was going to display it in their room either way but he didn’t want to be stone cold about it.

As the sword was gently placed on the plaque he turned on the heels of his shoes, finally keeping his eyes on the female one last time. “Thank you for your gift as well. I can not begin to explain how much it means to me. Truly, my Queen.” He expressed his gratitude and his hands both reached for one of her own, placing it between his own and letting his fingers graze over her knuckles gently. “I plan to use your gift well, and win in my fa- our family name.” He corrected himself and felt bad for the mistake. He didn’t mean for the slip up and it was their name now, not just his. “I hope that we can get you to use the gift I got you sooner rather than later.” He whispered under his breath as his finger continued to graze the soft hands the female possessed.

Eliza let out a small squeak in response to him pulling her in more just as she moved to break the kiss. He wanted more than just a peck, and it became apparent to the female when he didn’t allow her to pull away so soon. She moved easily within his embrace: almost as if she were puddy for his molding. Eliza wanted to be a good wife and a good lover. So long as Charles’ requests were reasonable she would surely abide like a good woman would. However, she wouldn’t be afraid to stick up to him if the situation called for it either. A kiss was a harmless request between a man and his wife, so she happily gave it to him. Eliza’s lips moved harmoniously against her husbands. The velvet touch deepened to something more passionate, but there was still an edge that left something to be desired for the man. Eliza wasn’t going to give him her all so easily even if she was expected to. When the kiss ended she simply looked up at him as he continued to hold onto her waist.

Eliza let out a breath she didn’t even realize she had been holding in when he released her from his grip and stepped around her to put away the gift. She watched and listened as he moved the blade to its new home on the wall and she nodded. It truly was a beautiful weapon and it looked quite at home on display. She had no reason to refute the idea. She smiled when he turned back to her and spoke his thanks. Her eyes watched as he took her hand into his own and she smiled. “It is he only gift I could think of that suited a king. I hope that the pair of you win every competition that you chose to enter in.” She nodded, watching as his thumb glided over her knuckles. Charles’ hands dwarfed her own and they were so rough and calloused in comparison. Charles had obviously spent his life studying combat and the art of war. His entire body screamed that he had transformed into something quite noble and, more importantly, lethal. His grisled appearance reminded Eliza of her own father- a man who was more lethal than anyone else she had ever known.

When the moment was over, Eliza pulled her hand away and cleared her throat a bit awkwardly. “I suppose that we should both get some rest now.” She nodded as she deliberately broke eye contact with the man. “It has definitely been quite a day. I had fun and you were a big grump…” she teased, “We both need rest after such exhausting times.” She offered him a wink before she stepped away. To her relief there was an elegant divider in one corner of the room near the pair of wardrobes that belonged to the newlyweds. She would be able to slip out of he gown without his wandering eyes on her. Now, usually Eliza would have servants that helped her in and out of her dresses, but she thought it silly to call upon one now. First of all, everyone in the castle probably would have expected that the king had already helped her out of her gown. Secondly, it was easy enough for her to undress herself without stealing the time of one of their servants. Quietly she ducked behind the privacy of the divider and began to unfasten the buttons that went along her back as she kicked off her shoes.


The seamstresses had gone all out both on Eliza’s wedding dress and the dress she was to wear to that night’s celebration. There were probably two dozen separate pieces that she had to remove individually and the entire process took quite some time. When the young queen finally emerged she wore only a night slip. The gown was cream in color and it covered her from her collar bones to her ankles in soft, flowing fabric that only clung to certain curves of her body. The thin fabric allowed any audience members to be able to examine the natural shape of her breasts and rear. Eliza had a highly desirable form that she hoped would pique the interest of the man without getting too much of a rise out of him. She wondered silently if Charles had ever seen a naked woman besides his mother and milk maids as an infant. Most men had many partners before marriage, and some even fathered bastard sons, so it would not be a surprise to Eliza. But she herself was still pure- her flower still intact for her husband’s taking. Just… not that night. Silently she climbed beneath the wool and silk blankets after blowing out the candles that lit the room and closed her eyes. That was enough festivity for one day.

***

Before the sun even rose Eliza awoke just as she did every day. She slipped out of the bed next to her, assumed, sleeping husband and disappeared behind the privacy barrier once more. The queen slipped out of her nightgown and instead into a slip that she quickly covered with a very modest gown: suiting only to a commoner. The greys and beiges were considered ‘boring’ to nobles and royalty, but it was the only item suitable for Eliza’s morning ride. There was no use in getting dressed up not to be seen by anyone- especially since such gowns were quite restricting and uncomfortable. Silently she slipped shoes on her feet and fled the bedroom upon seeing Charles not stir in the slightest.

Eliza flat out ran through the hallways and down the stairwells. Her horse would be there now, and she was excited to explore the new territories. With skirts flowing, Eliza fled into the stables and grinned when she finally found the beast tethered in its stall. “There’s my Firebird.” She whispered as she laid a soft hand on the chestnut mare. The mare was quite a contrast as compared to the stallion she had gifted to her husband. Eliza’s mount was small and limber rather than large and muscular. The mare was lean and built for speed rather than strength. Her coat gleamed bright crimson in the daylight and it was no wonder how she was named. The beast truly looked as though she were foraged in a blacksmith’s fire.

Without hesitation Eliza began to groom and tack the animal herself without the aid of the servants who were already busy feeding the horses and mules.