"Dear, my cousin died so pitifully. I really must meet this Chammielle person and thank her for wrapping her up so nicely for me. She even dressed her in my favorite color. Like a present."

Earl Victor Forsyth smiled at his young bride.

She was so cute when she was happy. She was cute when she pouted because she wanted something, too. Unlike other nobles, there's was a marriage of love. No one understood him better than she did.

"I shall have to have her brought to the throne room tomorrow. She's resting now. Her husband was murdered right before her eyes today."

Her glassy eyes went wide and her red lips pouted.

"Oh that poor poor thing. Perhaps I should wear black for her tomorrow. I can't appear to be too insensitive to her situation."

He smiled and lay a kiss on her rich black hair. His own pale blonde looks such a contrast to her. His steely eyes taking in the deep red of her gown.

"Such a shame. You look lovely in red. But I shall wear black as well for the occasion. My own cousin is dead after all."

He walked to the bedside table and opened the drawer. An old diary, a book on poverty, and a music book were tucked inside along with several pink pieces of jewelry. It must have been her side of the bed.

"Dear, what do you think of this brooch?"

"Oh, how lovely. Shame it is pink."

"Yes, best to get these things back to her I suppose. From what I hear she has a deep love for music. It should help her through this time."

"And Godfrey, too. He'll wipe that man from her mind in no time, I'm sure."

He peered around the room. Everything was just too bright. They'd need curtains. Heavy velvet curtains. He eased his hands around her waist, his fingers not quite bending well due to an old injury.

"Anemone, what do you think of red velvet for the curtains in our room?"

"Oh! How romantic! Might we ask for blankets to match?"

"Anything to keep you warm at night, my sweet."

He kissed her neck and she cooed at him. That precious little mouth of hers he could just eat.

"Earl, Princess Violet II and Princess Tulip have gone to Melstra. They left two days ago to meet with the eldest princess's future husband. Were quite certain once news of your coup has reached the other nations they shall most likely seek assylum there."

He peered at the man and sneered.

"Shame...I should have liked to meet that woman's children."

"The Archbishop has been found. We can crown you both King and Queen whenever you're ready."

He looked to the door and realized they'd left it open. Their tender moment, he'd seen it all. He kissed his wife on the top of her pretty little head.

"Dear, aren't you embarrassed? That man saw us being so affectionate."

"Oh Victor, it's fine. If you want to do something feel free. It's your kingdom now."

He looked back to the dark cloak the Lord was wearing and decided against it. Ralph had been so loyal to him. And not for nothing. He'd made Lord Cicero quite wealthy for allowing him access to the hotel cellars for his business. No, it was best not to upset the nobles more than they already would be come tomorrow.

"I only think of you, darling. Come, let's go meet this archbishop. And the woman who hid my aunt's death from the world."

She took his hand and together they strode from their new suite.

No more hiding in the dark. Today he would wear the crown he was born to wear. And his adorable wife would finally step into the light among the living.