The moment their horses broke through the final line of trees of the King’s forest, the castle exploded.

Servants seemed to trickle out of every entrance, window, or crack as shouts of the Princess’ return filled the damp air.

Yes, the rain had stopped… ten minutes before they arrived at the castle, but it didn’t appear to be for long as the skies above rumbled ominously.

“A fitting end to my first and last time sleeping outside,” Alina had muttered while lowering her hood, then casting Brendan an apologetic smile, shook her head and said, “Gods, make sure you take a hot bath the moment you step foot in the castle.”

The man was completely drenched, his eyes with their usual dark unwavering calm fixed ahead at the servants rushing towards them. He was so focused on the hoard drawing nearer, however, he failed to notice Alina reach up and gently wipe away several errant raindrops from his forehead before swiping his soaked hair so that it parted to the side.

He jerked back in alarm as though she had pricked him with a needle.

“S-Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. You just look a little drowned is all.”

Brendan faltered for a moment and cleared his throat. Alina wondered if she saw a faint blush on his face...

“To think the man who teased me by almost kissing me would be so prudish…”

His face colored deeply and his gaze dropped to his horse's mane.

The Princess couldn’t tell if he were angry or trying not to smile, but there wasn’t time to find out before the servants had finally reached them.

“Princess! Are you alright?! We had no idea where you were! What happened?!” Ruby, the elderly Head of Housekeeping, demanded as the nobility gradually began to exit the caste- they weren’t in as pique condition as the serving staff when it came to running.

Alina straightened in her saddle and began to open her mouth, when Duke Iones stepped forward.

“The Princess had been requested to spend some time with His Majesty the Troivackian King in light of their recent discussions,” Duke Iones interjected, his imperial tone immediately shutting down anyone’s inclination to question the riding party unprompted.

Lord Harris turned and looked to the Princess, and gave the Daxarian monarch an encouraging nod of his head.

“Did you want to do the announcement now, or after warming up?” Brendan murmured to Alina while sweeping his dark gaze over the servants and growing number of courtiers before them, making the crowd pause their trajectories towards them.

She sighed, and for the briefest of moments leaned back into his chest, and took as much strength as she could from that touch. What surprised the King in return, however, was that he felt as though she had indeed taken some of his own fortitude with a strange jolt of weakened disappointment surging in his gut once she pulled back away from him.

“Us riding like this is rather telling, but even so… it’d be best to try and follow the court standards as closely as possible. I’ll call for a formal hearing in the throne room. My father may be annoyed later that I did it without him… but I’m hoping that Lord Ashowan will be able to-”

“I will speak with your father about the circumstances.”

Alina’s gaze grew wary. “Are you going to have my friend exiled from court after all?” she asked softly, her hazel eyes already filled with quiet hurt.

Brendan felt his chest tighten.

He wanted to rat on that irritating redhead more than ever- it was clear as day that she needed discipline and to begin learning the more serious consequences to her actions, but… truthfully… Brendan had started having his own plans for his future wife’s best friend…

“No, I won’t. I’ll think of something, but for now you should address your people.” Brendan’s soft gaze turned then to the sea of eager faces awaiting their Princess’ next words.

Blushing prettily when she realized she had completely forgotten about them, Alina turned to face the people, her hands already gripping the reins nervously and sending her shoulders straight back into Brendan’s solidness once more.

Yet just like before, feeling his iron existence behind her had the very liberating effect of what she might call gumption.

“I will be more than happy to share what has transpired; however, I will do so after we have all bathed and dressed, and these horses fed and watered. Before we dine tonight, I will address my father’s vassals in the throne room. No one is harmed, but explanations and questions will be addressed in the proper setting.”

It was short, awkward, and no one moved despite her words, that is until Brendan stirred his horse forward and made the people blocking his path shift away and finally break the tenuous silence.

Once they were free of the curious gazes and whispers, the Troivackian drooped his head towards Alina’s ear again, his breath tickling her ear. “You did well. A bit of practice and you will command them like the Queen you are soon to be.”

“I’ll need a great deal more practice if I’m to command Troivackians, not just Daxarians.”

Brendan chuckled, and because of how close he was to her ear, Alina felt herself shiver.

“Yes, it will take time, but you will bring them to heel.”

A pleased, flushed smile spread over the Princess’ face as she unconsciously straightened at his words.

She failed to see the Viscount’s studious gaze behind him, or Katarina’s puzzled frown, or even Lord Harris’ waggling eyebrows towards Finlay Ashowan as he gestured with his head to the couple.

***

Alina was where she had dreamed of being the entire bug-ridden night and soggy morning…

In a hot bath.

As she eased the blasphemy that was the outdoors from her person, she did her best to ignore the fervid whispers between her maids, and agitated remarks from Marianne.

Only, the remarks were gaining volume, and vehemence.

“Spending the night in the woods is not what a Princess should have to endure,” came the Lady-in-waiting’s first audible comment.

The Princess decided not to respond as the maid poured a goosebump inducing pitcher of warm water over her hair.

“Then riding in on the Troivackian King’s saddle, of course we all assume grave injury, but no… the Duke and Viscount show their humble beginnings by thinking such behavior is acceptable to nobility.”

At this, Alina’s eyes opened and her mouth pursed.

The Lady-in-waiting was treading on very thin ice.

The maid washing Alina’s hair tensed at seeing the rare sight of the Princess’ obvious displeasure.

“Honestly, I knew those Ashowans were troublesome. Not to mention the questionable lineage of Lord Harris… My father is still appalled that just because the Viscount was a witch he was elevated from peasant to Lord. Not to mention a bastard between a peasant and the former Duke Iones taking power.” Marianne fumed while shaking her head. She then noticed the maids selecting Alina’s dress, and was immediately distracted. “No! Not the blue, the white! We need to remind the court that Princess a pure, simple young maiden who was merely duped by Katarina Ashowan to-”

“You are formally dismissed, Lady Marianne Dobbs.”

The room stilled.

The Marquis’ daughter turned, a quirk of humor on her lips but calm understanding in her eyes. “Very well, I shall retire for the evening and return for your schedule reading tomorrow morn-”

“No, you are fired.” Alina stared at the woman and was grateful her hands rested on the edges of the tub, as she felt herself tremble. She had never once in her life stood up for anyone or anything in such a way… the political ramifications were always on her mind… but…

The response earlier that day when she’d tried to command people was itching her confidence fiercely. No one respected her enough to take her seriously, and she was damn well sick of it.

Marianne let out a long breath and smiled wearily down at Alina as though she were a child throwing a tantrum.

“Princess, I understand I may have been speaking a little freely, but you must admit the Ashowan and Iones families are not-”

“I did not ask for a defense. I said you’re dismissed, now leave!”

There was a brief flat expression on the woman’s face before she curtsied and walked towards the door, her eyes rolling to the ceiling as she went.

“See you in the morning, Your Highness.”

“Marianne,” Alina called, her frantic anger rising in her.

The Lady did not turn around, hedging her emotions even higher.

When the woman left the room with a swish of silk skirts, her noble superiority wielded in front of her nose, Alina’s inner politician drowned.

She stood up from the tub, stepped over its ledge, and moved swiftly to the door despite the gasping maids lunging for towels.

She held a hand stopping them in their place as she strode forward, naked.

For some reason, she’d never felt self conscious of her figure, and in that moment, she used it to her advantage.

Stepping into the corridor, her guards spluttered, then turned wordlessly from her body.

“Marianne,” Alina called again to the noblewoman who was several feet ahead.

The woman’s back stiffened before she turned slowly, and gazed in open horror at the Princess’ shameless display of wet nudity.

“Good, I have your attention.” Alina ignored the chill rushing her damp skin as she took several steps towards the maid, her hazel eyes glinting as the suds in her hair rustled down her locks.

“Lady Marianne Dobbs, you are dismissed. Not with a kind recommendation, but because you have been openly disobedient and disrespectful. There are countless staff members who will corroborate this. If you should try to return tomorrow morning, I will have you thrown into a cell and prolong your release as long as possible so that the news of your insolent behavior reaches far and wide.”

The Lady grew pale, but her spine stiffened as though about to threaten the Princess with political consequences.

She never got to explore those threats, however.

“You disparaged Duke Iones and Viscount Ashowan, when they have saved our kingdom from utter ruin. You have undermined my judgment countless times, and ignored my orders. Were I a vindictive being, I’d have you charged.”

Marianne faltered back from the Princess.

Despite her confident words, Alina still was trembling… and beginning to grow a mite cold...

Yet why in the world she felt stronger in that moment than she ever had in her life, she’d never know.

“Now, pack your bags, Marianne, and hope your betrothed doesn’t hear of this before you are to marry.”

Marianne greened.

Alina stared firmly at her, the puddle at her feet widening with every moment.

‘If I’m to be a Queen of Troivackians… I need to be stronger…’

“Guards, please see that Lady Dobbs is packed and removed from the castle premises before the dining hour.”

For a moment Marianne opened and closed her mouth as though torn between wanting to argue, and being sick, but Alina didn't bother spending any more time around her to find out. She only hoped no one could guess that her slight shivering was from fear, not the cold...

Turning her back from the woman who had passively bullied her for months, Alina retreated back to her chamber, and hoped that the tub remained as hot and comforting as it had been moments before. A strange peace and steadiness was building in her belly as she moved that somehow made her feel a little bit better despite the confrontation. She only hoped that given time to think about the impulse, she wouldn't come to regret it.

***

Brendan stood passively on the edge of the dias of the throne room. His hands clasped behind his back as whispers rushed by him.

He had never noticed Henry’s absence so keenly as gazes he couldn’t quite decipher probed his being.

The feeling of being the subject of the harshest of judgments seeped into his skin.

Despite his calm expression, he had to admonish to himself that it had been many years since he had been before such a hostile crowd that didn’t openly fear him.

Still, regardless of how it made his hand itch for his sword, he stood waiting for the doors to open.

The Princess would come.

They were going to announce the betrothal in front of everyone, and even though there’d be hell to pay when the King would return… Brendan knew he’d think of some way to lessen the blow… In fact, he already had one or two ideas that could make the Daxarian ruler all too happy to overlook any recent follies...

That is… if the Princess came.

Worry began to tighten the Troivackian’s chest as he stood before a room full of judging nobles, and wondered if Alina had had another breathing episode, or if perhaps worst of all… she grew too afraid to speak up and follow through with the plan.

‘If she chooses to wait until the King arrives, I will understand.’ Brendan tried to convince himself while the Ladies of the court began whispering amongst themselves and eyeing him in a different manner than he liked.

Still, he stood like a statue.

Then, at long last, the doors opened, and there was the Princess.

Only, she looked… different.

Dressed in a black dress with a long white vest with gold edging, she strolled in smoothly. Her hair was partially swept back in a style that somehow made her appear older, and she wore a crown upon her head. A delicate piece made of gold with emeralds and diamonds fashioned into its points.

The crowd shifted as Alina strode forward. Her breaths were beginning to grow rapid, and the Troivackian noticed the slight tremble in her hands at her side.

Before he knew what he was doing he had moved forward a step, his eyes burning as they called her gaze to him.

As soon as they locked eyes, relief filled Brendan’s chest and he watched her breath come out slower. The hint of a smile warmed her face.

The Troivackian King’s eyes softened as he nodded at her assuringly as though they had just shared words of encouragement with each other.

Once she reached the dais, he bowed to her, offering his hand, which she accepted and turned to face the room.

At seeing the large crowd, Alina tensed yet again, but Brendan’s grip turned a little firmer around her hand, and suddenly she felt like the strongest person in the world.

“Lords and Ladies, I thank you for coming on such short, informal notice. I want to apologize for worrying you all as there was a miscommunication on my schedule the past few days,” Alina began with only the slightest hitch in her voice.

“We had wanted to wait until my father had returned from the hunt to make the announcement: however, given the trouble caused, it is unavoidable.”

Glancing briefly at Brendan, her cheeks beginning to turn pink, she felt more than a little anxious when she noticed his gaze was remaining fixed on the nobility before them.

To everyone in the crowd, the King looked impenetrable, but to Alina... she could see the flicker of emotion on his face when he said the words, “I have requested marriage from Princess Alina Reyes, and she has accepted. We are betrothed to be wed.”

Brendan’s voice carried effortlessly as his gaze turned dark and swept around the room, daring anyone to object.

There were several gasps and the whispering grew worse, but before Alina could try and placate the growing surprise, the Troivackian King had once more taken her hand, and arm in fact… and was guiding her back to the doors.

Smiling, Alina managed to murmur through her teeth to the man who was walking briskly from the room.

“Shouldn’t we try to answer any questions or concerns they have?”

“It isn’t up for discussion with them, is it?” Brendan asked as they cleared the throne room doors, yet he didn’t release her arm or slow his pace as he put even more distance between the room full of nobles and themselves.

“N-No, but-”

“Not to mention the fewer answers they have, the more they will grow obsessed with the news and forget your absence yesterday.”

“That does make sense,” Alina admonished after a brief moment to catch her breath. “Please stop or slow down, otherwise you’ll be dragging me down the hallway.”

Brendan halted immediately, his gaze fixed ahead as he took a near imperceptible breath in, his heart pounding in his chest as he turned to face the warm hazel eyes of the Princess.

“You were scared, too?” she asked quietly, her hand pressing his gently.

Brendan grit his teeth and said nothing. He couldn’t tell her about the times he had faced crowds of people screaming at him, the times they threw things… The assassins he’d met after gatherings like the ones they'd just faced…

Then, her soft voice coaxed him from his memories, his focus sharpening on her at once.

“I feel better knowing that even you were a bit nervous about that meeting… should we go get some food that wasn’t made over a campfire?”

The Troivackian King’s features relaxed as he allowed himself to be comforted by the Princess’ nearness and soft voice… though he couldn’t deny his heart was still racing to a near ache in his chest.

“Very well. Your Viscount did promise me the best meal of my life.”

Alina’s smile brightened at his reply until it blazed brilliantly, and despite the rain and mist outside, Brendan was relatively certain that in the years to come, he would remember it as a sunny beautiful day for some strange reason…