The Prince had returned from his walk with Aster and escorted Ianthe away in the time Chammielle had gone and then returned. What she'd told the girls earlier was clearly being passed on to Aster as she took her seat once more. Her yellow dress fluttered around her as she hopped up and down in her seat. It was Chryssia's turn to hush her.

"Quiet! He might hear you!"

"Nonsense, the garden is dampening, not acoustic. The wall was built by a master stone mason for that purpose to promote serenity."

Aster had a point, but Chammielle wondered if the stone mason had foreseen such exuberant royal candidates. Most likely not.

"So, does this mean one of our names could be on the royal wedding invitation...? Oh just picture it! Announcing the marriage of His Highness Prince William IV of Garten and Lady Kuchen..."

Her hands were stretched out in front of her like she expected such words on a large banner instead of a stamped and sealed invitation. Chammielle laughed quietly at her youngest half sister's antics. What did they do during their expensive tutoring sessions?

"No, I'm afraid not. The bride is not announced until the day of the wedding."

Chryssia looked particularly puzzled at that. But Aster wasn't so far removed.

"Have you not been paying attention in Garten history?"

Chryssia looked to her sister at the same time Aster looked at her. They stared a moment before returning their gaze to her expectantly. It was very like them when they were little and wanted to hear a story.

"Goodness... Well, when it comes to the royal family, princesses are often married to eligible princes of other kingdoms as a matter of diplomacy and strengthening friendships to promote international peace. But a prince of Garten chooses his own princess from the noble families of Garten, not the queen. But as far back as two hundred years, the announcement has been hushed due to the death of Prince Amond II's fiancee. So, as a tradition, once the Prince has returned from his visits the ladies are all invited to the palace one week before the wedding. They remain there, and it allows the royal family to really test the girls' character. At the end of the week, the very morning of the wedding, the prince's choice is announced."

The girls seemed shocked as they processed this news. It was understandable, their penchant for intrigue and mystery was not as strong as their desire for romantic stories. Not knowing you're getting married until the morning of fell within the lines of mystery rather than romance. But it was for a good reason, she could see that.

"How..."

"Yes, um, very..."

They were struggling with this. Chammielle sighed and decided to lighten the mood. Despite her misgivings.

"It's one week we'll stay in the palace together and meet the Dowager Queen and have tea parties in the perfectly manicured royal garden."

The girls gripped each other's hands and hopped up and down squealing together. The noise was shrill and grating, but at least they didn't have any misgivings any longer. She smiled at the seventeen year olds, so obsessed with all things related to luxury.

The creamy white tulle of her gown with deep pink dianthus embroidery was more extravagant than anything she would choose for herself. But it did feel nice. She only hoped she could wear her usual chemise and skirt at the palace a few times during the week. They must have some sort of downtime. Otherwise these tightly laced bodices might be the death of her. Not that she wasn't used to a bodice, but oh the feel of bursting.

The triplets had all had their walk around the garden with the Prince. It was expected of course that Chammielle would also receive an invitation to take a turn about the flowers. Still, she wondered if he'd even bother. He had the right to refuse a candidate after all.

Ianthe was expounding in great detail just how dreamy she found the Prince to be when she heard him and Chryssia returning. Chammielle naturally changed the subject to the baked goods she wanted to make, asking the girls what sorts they'd like to try this week. As they approached she got the feeling Prince William had understood she'd changed the subject on purpose. But it didn't matter. Propriety demanded their good behavior.

"Thank you for that lovely talk, Lady Chryssia. ...May I borrow your eldest sister? I'd like to show her something."

Chammielle smiled. He was very polite. She moved to stand and found his hand holding her gloved one to assist her. A quiet giggle from her sisters had her shooting them a look, and she felt a little warmth in her face. Once she'd stood she took a side step from him, and used the hand he'd held to bring out her fan. It had to be the afternoon sun.

"Lady Kuchen..."

He made a half bow and she curtsied, walking on quickly so she did not have to see whether or not he was offering her his arm.

"You have quite the vigorous gait compared to your younger siblings, Lady Kuchen."

She thought she heard some amusement in his voice. He'd noticed. At least he wasn't offended.

"You are mistaken, Prince William. I am merely taller than them. But should you find it tiring I will gladly slow to match his highness."

She could see him in her periphery as he came alongside and shook his head. That lopsided smile was directed at her, he wasn't even looking ahead. She kept her eyes on the path with small glances at him as she spoke.

"You have quite the way with words, my lady. Tell me, does that tongue of yours ever slip?"

"If you mean in ways of gossip, the answer is no. But my ears hear plenty."

She smiled a bit at that. Perhaps she could interest him in the things she'd heard of him. Distract him from prying too much into her. Even if it was for the sake of tradition.

"Oh? And what do they hear of me?"

She did her best impression of a stuffy old codger and a twittering maid as she told each of their stories.

"'The Prince is a very stout youth. He has excellent swordsmanship, and the last hunt he bagged five bears and a lion!' ...'Oh the prince is more handsome than any man in any kingdom surrounding, and his words are so like honey...William the fourth is sure to be known as William the Sweet for his speech and beautiful face!'"

She tossed him a smirk. His reaction seemed amused and shocked. Perhaps rumors were kept from him.

"I had no idea I was seen as such a man's man or a flippant womanizer! My but I must keep my own tongue in check."

She laughed at that, "That handsome face of yours would make any maiden blush and think a comment on her state of upheaval was a marriage proposal. Think nothing of it your highness. People talk."

It was silent a moment and she could hear the birds singing once more. Her eyes closed and she stretched her neck upward, just reveling in the symphony of nature. A breeze picked up suddenly and pulled at her shawl. It slid from her shoulders.

"Such hypnotic markings..."

She was pulled back to reality and gripped the shawl, trying to pull it back in place. It seemed to be caught on something. The Prince was holding it.

"You have no need to cover yourself before me. I find them quite intriguing."

His eyes grazed over her shoulders and she shivered. She felt warm and yet somehow chilled. Perhaps she was coming down with something.

"Your highness can look at whatever he pleases. Though I am not used to staring."

They came to a corner of the garden where the next season's plants were awaiting their place. Shoots of green and billowing leaves waiting to become another color as late spring and early summer came along. Everything was young and expectant.

"Here, I'd like to show you my favorite flower."

He knelt down and it was so natural she found herself kneeling in the mulch herself.

"These, though they cannot know what they will be, when they bloom they will be beautiful whatever they are. Until then, they are potential."

"The green buds? These are your favorite? Your highness I do believe it is you who is the poet."

She turned to him and didn't realize just how close they were. Her nose brushed his and her eyes went wide. His breath smelled of the citrus and floral tea they'd had earlier, and something more salty.

Chammielle's eyes shuttered open and close and she leaned away from him, landing in the dirt.

"Are you alright?"

"Quite fine. Thank you. It must be the sun. My complexion...I'll freckle even more."

He helped her up and she dusted off her dress. The mulch hadn't dirtied it much, but the palms of her gloves were soiled. She stripped them from her arms and hands, her spots in full view.

"Are they everywhere?"

It seemed a valid question. But the intimacy of his query had her reeling.

"Your highness!"

A devilish grin was on his face for the smallest moment. Her eyes went wide at him, and she saw the change as he decided to hide his thoughts. Then he made himself seem apalled.

"I am terribly sorry. I had no intention of asking such an invasive...I only meant...no...forget it."

He had a roguish streak to him. Many rumors of royals often spoke of their exploits and taste for indecency. There had been none of the Prince whatsoever. They'd been the opposite. But now she'd seen it for herself. A tendency towards mischief.

"Your highness, a lady is allowed her privacy and her secrets. Please do not use your status to unearth such things so indiscreetly."

He seemed genuinely surprised. It seemed apparent he thought she'd let him get away with it. But she stood her ground, staring him down. He dared ask and show his hidden colors, then she would dare reprimand him and be in the right.

"I believe it is getting late. Your highness ought to be heading back to the palace soon so you are not caught out after dark. I hear there are highwaymen out at night."

She stepped past him, head held high. She was well within her right to end their walk and conversation with what had just happened. There was no reason to stop her.

"But then shall I keep your notebook?"

She whirled around, seeing her most prized possession in his hands.

"Are you a thief of the literal kind now?"

"Not at all. Of any kind I should hope. I was there when the maid brought it and you were away. I simply wished to hear you read something."

She composed herself. It seemed he wanted to prolong their time together. He made no sincere apology, but a false one. And now he wanted to act like he was the same charming royal that had been so poetic before. Well, she'd show him just how she felt of that.

She stepped forward, her eyes meeting his unwavering, and with a small smile took the book in hand gently. Then turned the page.

"Oh the plight of scoundrels

Their role in the hollow of our hearts

For like inconsiderate vandals

They mar the walls and rosey ramparts

Their work is vile

And still they smile

They drain the treasury of propriety

And work the deeper evils of mischief

They create chaos within good society

To an end they shall fall as the kerchief

Their end they fail to see

And gentlemen cease to be

But what price can they pay to sate their crime?

Who indeed have they harmed by thoughtless ire?

Still the bells of justice rings the time

And cumupunce comes by worldly or holy fire

Take heed all

Or else to fall

The thoughtless too shall die

But where their souls shall fly?"

Chammielle closed her book, her poem done. Prince William stood, shock on his face. It was daring of her, insulting a royal, but they were words he needed to hear.

"Lady Kuchen...I have been quite thoroughly reproved. Thank you for your words of wisdom, there are not many who would have spoken them to me. I apologize for my behavior towards you."

He bowed low and it was everything she had not expected of him.

A prince? Bowing to the bastard daughter of a Lord? Surely he knew the truth. But his sincerity was vivid, and she suspected she'd done something to him with a few mere words. Still...

"I am glad simple prose can move you so, your highness. Yet I must also ask forgiveness. Perhaps I was too harsh, though the outcome is both encouraging and mortifying."

She lowered her eyes once more to the ground. This was her place. This was where she ought to be. Clearly beneath him, and not worth his time. He had far more suitable young women to seek out.

And Chammielle knew she was no Queen.