Her mind was busy, between trying to decipher Spencers words and then Rians' silent yet very telling way of addressing the situation. But again, Tate didn't know who to trust- much less lean on when things got rough here. It was times like these that she wished her father was around more. That he were here to tell her it was okay when they both knew it wasn't. Hearing the footsteps near her door is what had her pausing her pacing- though a knock never came nor did a brooding Prince. With a odd feeling she knew it was Spencer, it also irritated her that he was still here. After the event that just went down between them. Yet something in her still tugged at her to open the door and at least explain what happened and why.

Growing to herself, she swung the door open and turned her green orbs to find him sitting on the floor- her arms crossing over her chest defensively. "Look, I'm sorry." She sighed, going to sit next to him quietly. "Me and Rian were having a conversation, I wanted to escape for a while so we did. I know it's not an excuse, but I honestly just wanted to forget for a second that my life was in someone else's hands." She shrugged leaning her head against the wall as she drew in another deep breath. "I know your taking your job seriously, but for me this is all new. I've never had to watch my back all the time, or watch what I say around certain people. Or hell even tell people where I'm going; Im trying to learn. Im trying to be better, for you. Rian..Everyone." She uttered finally.

Another weight of her chest, but still she felt like she was sinking in cold waters. Failing. It was a new fear, one that had risen only days ago. "Are you okay? That seemed...Deeper." She added opened her eyes to look at him briefly then away at the wall opposite of them. "I know with the funeral and all, It's gonna drag old memories up. For me and you. I don't think I'm okay. I'm numb to it in fact."

Spencer couldn’t earnestly say he expected Tate to emerge from her room, but he didn’t bother with looking in her direction aside from a brief glance to see her change in attire. Though just as quickly he refixed his blue hues up to the ceiling. Something of a snort was what Spencer responded with to Tate’s apology- though it wasn’t exactly personal, he just felt any and all apologies were insincere. Sorry is a word, sorry doesn't fix things… he learned that the hard way. As she sat, Spencer only pulled his legs in closer to himself, no response other than the occasional blink as she spoke. He wished he didn’t understand that there was legitimacy to her wanting to forget the stressors in her present life- it would make her easier to hate right now.

At her next uttering of words, the prince relinquished a sigh, the act in itself communicating some semblance of his calmer understanding. It was difficult for someone subjected to this life for as long as they could remember to keep in mind how startling this life could be when thrown into it though. It’s certainly not everyday that someone comes to learn that someone else wants them dead either. Spencer, of course, knew what it was like to look directly into the eyes of people hell bent on cutting him down before he did the same to them though. But life was different on a real battlefield. He knew exactly who his enemies were there, but at the castle? It was an invisible battlefield- the enemies lurking in the places one would least expect. Tate surely understood that premise now.

Spencer snapped his eyes in a near act of defensiveness as she asked if he was okay. The blond would have coldly barked ‘he’s fine’ if it weren’t for what she said following it. For a moment he felt his gaze soften as he stared at her. She was well acquainted with loss, the same way he was. Her father was ripped away from her by a man she had to attend the funeral of- of course she wasn’t okay. Spencer averted his gaze down to his own feet, and though it was rather impossible for him to pull his legs in closer, he loosely wrapped his arms around them in a form of self-assurance. “No, I’m not okay.” He admitted with a tone of faint irritation directed more at himself, for even being so honest.

“My problem is that I feel things too much, too intensely, too deeply. I would give the world to feel numb. At least then I could pretend her death isn’t still killing me.” He mumbled, a twitch of what was nearly a frown pulling at his lips. “Tomorrow I’ll be in the same place I said goodbye to the one person I was never ready to let go of… and I just- I can’t let her go. Or the guilt. The grief.” Shaking his head, he looked back towards Tate. “And I look at people like you- people who have lost too, and I can’t fathom how you can look as if life just might be worth living in a world without who you lost. Do you remember what I said to you the first night you were here?” He smiled enough to reflect how forced it was before he continued. “I wished you told me that I was wrong. I wish you were the person to prove to me otherwise- but wishing is for children.” He fell silent, turning his gaze back to the feeling as he closed his eyes while resting his head back against the wall.

He said far more than he had ever intended to. Spencer wished he hadn’t, but he wouldn’t admit that he had been waiting a very long time for someone to ask if he was okay… and he’d been waiting just as long to say the peace no one had cared to hear. No one wanted to hear the pities of the person whose fault it is the Queen is gone- his father certainly didn’t, and neither did Rian at the time. It was horrible to be reminded how highly Spencer had idolized his older brother, how highly he looked up to him from the pedestal he sat on in his younger eyes. Other than his mother, Rian had been his world- but there truly is a fine line between an intense love and burning hatred. But the prince was not the one to have drawn that line between them, he was merely abiding by the one that had been placed.

In all honesty Tate was feeling everything but not at the same time, her own emotions wagering a battle that neither could win. But each word she spoke to him looked like it was slowly breaking down his walls, inch by inch. "Your talking about your mother." She hummed mostly to herself then anyone else as she listened to what he was saying. Her own heart constricting in pain- for him. For Rian. For the whole kingdom. Though she didn't know why his mother passed, there was many rumors as to what happened- but again; rumors. She wanted to ask, but it wasn't the time nor the place- especially with him looking so..broken.

It was his admission that had tears springing to her eyes, her eyes finding his again in the dimly lit hallway, "Nothing I say will ever make her death be okay. Nor what anyone has to say. Losing someone so...instantly- it's a different feeling. And I wish I could tell you that one day it won't hurt as much, but it will always hurt. Every time you think about her, the memories you shared- It'll hurt and there's nothing you can do to make it better. But Spencer it does get...easier. As time goes on, and even If it doesn't for you..."She sighed, grabbing his hand and squeezing it, "Then we can cry silently together. Talk about the good times till the hurt goes away for a while. I didn't know your mother, but from what my father had said about her; being here...She was the best thing to happen to this place." She sighed, "And he told me how much she adored her sons. How much they were loved by her." Tate added quietly.

"Your father may have been a complete..arsehole but your mother loved you. She wouldn't want to see you so broken after years of her death. There's no way to fix it, hell it there was I'd fix it for you. Just to see your real smile, and hear a real laugh. Spencer you may think you don't deserve that, and whoever told you that needs their butt kicked. You deserve happiness and peace, even if only for a while." The truth, it was spilling out of her like a dam- yet it was those same words that she needed to hear herself. Tate had spent her whole life angry, always wanting revenge and screaming at her cousins when they stepped over the line. Not that they hadn't deserved it with the things they would say, jealous of the love that her uncle showered her with. If only they understood what it was like to loose everything in a blink of an eye they would understand.

Noticing she still held his hand, Tate let go placing her own hands in her lap as she leaned her head against the wall again. A heavy sigh falling from her mouth. "And for what it's worth, Your father is going to rot in the ground for eternity- while our parents are dancing on his grave." She teased lightly, though a dry laugh followed afterwards. "Your mother would be proud of who you are as a person. Yes, You have your ways but that stems from your father..and brother. From what I see, No one was there for you... it's time that changes yeah?"

If the prince was being honest with himself, he was ashamed of his inability to just simply move on. It’s so much easier said than done though. He was a grown man -mostly- and he was still clinging to the mentality of a lost teenager. The events following the Queen’s death only worsened the vast craters of growing imperfection that began growing within Spencer. It’s why he adored the moon so much. The moon was the one thing he had come to form a connection with- it was just as lonely, cratered, and forever condemned to reign in the dark.

Spencer turned his head enough to the side to allow his eyes to comfortably rest on Tate as she began to speak… and it hurt. Feeling his chest tighten with a slight hitch in his breath, he knew painfully well that every word her lips shared with home was true. It would always hurt. There were days that everything reminded the prince of the mother he no longer had to lean on. He didn’t believe Tate when she said it would get easier, perhaps he wanted to, but he couldn’t. Being stuck in the same place for years makes any brighter outlook appear bleak though. Watching Tate reach her hand out before taking a hold of his and squeezing wasn’t an action he had expected, but he shifted that hand enough to offer a squeeze of appreciation in return. It was weird to hear from someone else how much his mother had loved him, but it was also something he didn’t know he needed to hear.

A faint hum of agreement on what she had referred to her father resonated from the prince, but he averted his gaze downward… Tate was right, he could imagine the heartbreak that would claim his mother’s expression to see him so torn apart. Looking back up at Tate, he searched her eyes for any sign of false amity- because everything she was saying was working a very gripping hold over him, and he couldn’t afford to have his more vulnerable self toyed with or risk opening himself up to someone that was willing to tear him down. But Tate just wasn’t someone he could see being malicious and using this moment against him in some way or another. As she took her hand back, Spencer unfurled from himself and allowed his legs to slowly stretch out, offering a thin smile to what Tate said. He could envision his mother dancing on his father’s grave.

Drawing out a breath as Tate added on, he smiled just enough for her to know that he had let her in- that he was trusting her, just as much as she was trusting him at the moment. “My mother would have loved you,” he said after a moment. “I think if your father was here, he would love the person you’ve become just as much.” Spencer moved his gaze to the foot he began to lightly shake. “I know a large part of you came for answers, and maybe some form of resolution to your own father’s death- I want you to know that I’m serious about helping you find those things. You deserve to have the same happiness and peace I do, and I’ll go to any length needed to give that to you.” Spencer stated, but helping Tate was the only way he knew how to express the gratitude he had for the person he found a connection through understanding with.

“I didn’t mean to lay such a heavy conversation on you before you went to bed- I was planning on brooding in silence out here,” he spoke again with a light chuckle as he glanced back at her, “I won’t say I’m sorry for what happened in the dining hall -because I’m not, I’m too prideful to be- but I will say I wasn’t angry with you, I was angrier at myself. I can’t believe you took my drink right from my hands though, and I’m pretty sure you scared the maids.” He chuckled again, but he could recall seeing looks of confliction in their eyes at Tate demanding to not cater to Spencer. It was actually kind of funny, looking back anyway.

Tate offered her own smile, shrugging "They are probably laughing now up there together where ever they are." She hummed, sighing. Her pwn heart swelling with the thought of her father being proud of her- something she often thought of but differently. To her, she was failing and from the way that Spencer was acting now he felt the same. And for both of them it was furthest from the truth- they were good souls; who lost people to young. Her own laugh following after his did eventually- her own vision of her father dancing on his grave amusing. And not surprising. In fact she was sure he threw a party.

What he said next though is what caused her to blush, heart stuttering. Would his mother approve of her? Especially with her conflicting feelings about both of her sons. Whatever it was. Though it was probably something she'd never admit openly to anyone. "Thank you. That means..A lot to me. I think I needed to hear that. Lately I've been feeling like a failure to both him and my mom. I mean- Im stuck in a marriage of inconvenience- something I'm sure Rian doesn't want himself. My mother would have wanted me to fall in love- but that's life." She hummed, rolling her eyes as she sat forward herself.

"Well you deserved it, the way you were acting reminded me of my cousins." She laughed, jabbing his side playfully before standing. "And They would do best to listen to me. One more drink and I would have probably thrown you out the castle for a few days." She shrugged laughing. But again, reality came around when she noticed how comfortable she had gotten around Spencer- something she often found with Rian too. Sighing, she looked down at him, then toward her bedroom door, "I suppose we should get some rest. It's going to be a long day tomorrow." Tate mumbled as she headed toward her door- turning once more to look at Spencer, "Goodnight." She whispered before disappearing into her own room closing the door behind her.

--Time Skipping to next day--

Like Tate had promised Rian she had woken up early- her maids already bustling about in the room. Not that Tate had slept through it, rather pretending to be asleep. But eventually she dragged herself from the bed, groaning as she was ushered into the bathroom for a quick wash of her hair- then being sent to the vanity's chair to get prepared by the maids again. It was already an annoying morning, the maids brushing through the tangles and then wetting it again to let the curls shrink back up. Apparently they decided it was best she left her hair down today, creating a more...regal look. Like they had for the diner with the council, they dressed her quickly in a much fancier gown, this one puffy and Black. A color she was growing to hate quickly. "Your all ready My Lady." Sophie replied before walking out the doors along with Jen the other maid.

"Well." Tate huffed, blowing out a puff of air before walking out the bedroom herself.

(So sorry for how late this is, it's been a very long week ><)

Spencer had glanced up as Tate said their parents were dancing somewhere up there, although Spencer didn’t have much faith -if any- in an afterlife of any kind. It was one of those things that just seemed to be too good to be true. If a glorious place beyond the realm of the living did exist though- he was certain his mother would deserve to live out eternity there. Him? Not so much. But he was okay with that. In all honesty he didn’t want to really live for eternity outside of this life. He was tired now, he was just hoping death was the forever sleep he had envisioned it was. Somewhere dark, free from pain, and uninterrupted sleep sounded quite nice to him. That’s probably why Spencer didn’t fear death though, because he knew when the day came -whenever that may be- he would embrace it with open arms.

As Tate thanked him and began speaking again, Spencer angled his head a little lower with a furrow of his brows as he watched her. “I think you and I have very different definitions of what failure is if you think you’re one,” he stated honestly, “besides, love is overrated. In my experience anyway. You’ll either never find it, or just end up hurt.” That was life to Spencer. Whether Rian was pleased with the arrangement or not wasn't really one of Spencer’s concerns regardless though, and if it weren’t for Tate, he would be praying for a very unhappy arrangement for his brother.

A smile did find itself upturning at his lips again when Tate made the playful jab as she spoke, with Spencer replying with a scoff. “Rude… but who’s to say sending me away for a few days would be a punishment?” The prince childishly stuck his tongue out at the woman just to solidify his point. He wanted to believe that being forced away would be a comfortable experience for him, but for now he was strictly devoted to serving a duty. Returning the sigh, Spencer’s gaze drew further upward to meet Tate’s as she spoke the valid point of it being a long day tomorrow- though even that was a sore understatement. “Goodnight.” He replied, watching her until her figure disappeared behind the closed threshold. Tate didn’t really think he would simply get up and go to bed, did she? He is a highly stubborn man, and one that does not take the success of his tasks lightly. Which spurred his decision to at least remain in the area until he decided it was safe enough to abandon his post.

</////////////////////////>

By the very early morning hours, Spencer had found himself pacing -out of boredom, exhaustion, and maybe even anxiousness. Tate’s maids had arrived rather early, and it was only then that the prince decided Tate would be in safe enough company for him to leave. The blond may or may not have uttered a threat in their directions if they managed to fail in keeping a close eye on Tate… but that was simply Spencer’s nature. At the very least he could usher in an hour or two at the most of sleep, though he doubted that would be a very tangible thing considering the kind of day ahead of him.

Rian couldn’t help but to be mildly grateful for the fact that, after today, wearing black would be a choice. He couldn’t pretend life would be going back to how it had been prior to his father’s death, considering the wedding and official coronation to come next, but he could hope for the quality of his life to improve. The only difference in his own clothes today was the black cloak belonging to his father that he wore today. Rian would lay it over the coffin before it was lowered, as a final way to send the former King off. If only the damage he had done was as easy to bury.

The entire castle was awake earlier than Rian had anticipated, but he supposed most people wanted this funeral over with just as much as he did -the mourning out of respect was getting a bit old. The brunette walked through several corridors as he journeyed from one side of the castle to the other; catching glimpses of the fractured light blue sky beyond the windows he passed. It would rain. Or snow. Rian wasn’t sure which, but judging by the way the darker clouds were coming together to blot out the sun meant they would be facing some mild effects of the elements. If Rian could choose, he’d choose for it to snow though. It was a little less gloomy than rain. Ultimately the young King shrugged all of these thoughts off as he realized they were simply filler thoughts to keep himself occupied and free of nerves.

Rian had just turned a corner towards Tate’s chamber when he halted mid-step, nearly walking into the woman he had set out to see. The brief shock in his eyes from almost having nearly collided with her dissipated though as he took a step back and cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, I’m moving much faster than needed this morning,” even his words were rushed, so he wondered how obvious it was that he just wanted to usher this day away as fast as he could. “Breakfast will be brief, so I’d advise you eat as much as possible before we go -there will be a lot of walking, and I wouldn’t count on having lunch. I’ll explain more when we reach the dining hall.” He wrapped up, stepping to the side as a way to silently ask her to walk with him towards the dining hall.

“Before I bore you with the talk of obligations and what else is on today’s itinerary… did you rest well?” Rian asked after a moment, a warm concern stirring in his otherwise still grey orbs. “You look lovely by the way -I’m telling you now before I forget to later.” He added, albeit in a much quieter, daresay nervous tone. He had already briefly surveyed the dress she was in when he had nearly knocked into her, but his mind was racing a million miles per second and it was quite possible he was two minutes away from burdening Tate’s ears with his nervous rambles. Not even Rian liked to hear himself talk when he was rambling, so he made sure to internalize most of his other thoughts as they walked.

:/ Im sorry. I hope this week is much better.//

Tate had just slipped the door closed when they almost collided, her eyes going wife in surprise- though his quick apology had a small smile making it way to her face, "It's fine. Today is...going to be a hell of a day." She sighed, not sure how else to put it without causing bells to go off in his head. Glancing down the hallway, she nodded "Im not sure I'm up for much food. But I will keep that in mind." She hummed in reply keeping the short distance between them. To Tate Rian seemed out of it, detached even from his own emotions and running on his head. Not his heart. None the less his question had her turning her green orbs toward him brow's pulling together, "I suppose I slept as good as anyone can with all things considered. I do hope you got rest yourself. As you said, Today is going to be a long day. Don't need you passing out on us." She tried to tease, though it was more dryer then intended.

Today wasn't a day for jokes. She knew it as well as Rian which was why they spent the rest of the walk in silence. It bothered her more then she wanted because Rian looked distracted in his own thoughts. And wanting to ease the burden of today but she didn't quite know how to. I mean, The man they were burying today she hated with all her being. And it made her bitter towards today- because she would have to pretend to respect this man who took the only person who really mattered to her.

Slipping into the dining hall she could pinpoint the faces from the council easier. A few glancing at them and beginning to whisper no doubt already conjuring up some sort of rumor or dislike about her attire. Quietly she took a biscuit from the table, her eyes sweeping the room for Spencer and hoping that he at least would show up. If not for his father funeral then for her. Again, why did she find herself wishing that Spencer would be there as her shoulder? Her crutch. Tate had to admit though he made her feel secure, safe and while Rian was supposed to be also making her feel though things; it was different with the older brother. Each had their own special way of checking in on her, making sure that she at least was happy if not content.

Spencer had been the open ear, while Rian didn't know half of what she felt. Not that it was his fault but with the way her life was going here already, it was constant reminder of why he shouldn't know. And she'd be lying if she said she wasn't scared of him finding out. Rian and Tate had slowly built a friendship at the most and she would hate to see a wedge be driven between them because of a secret. Tate didn't want to lose either brother to her selfish actions or ways. Sighing, Tate nibbled on the biscuit before placing it on a plate and leaving it there. No use to try when each time she took a piece of it she stomach began to churn.

(Me too lol)

“That’s one way to put it.” Rian uttered with a sigh to Tate. A hell of a day described it well, and the day had only just begun. Rian stayed quiet on the matter of food after Tate responded; he didn’t have much of an appetite himself, but he’d rather be full than starving in a few hours from now. Giving a speech on an empty stomach wasn’t exactly a comfortable thing to do, he’s made that mistake once, and he’s not too keen to do it again. A small smile was coaxed out from Rian though at the attempt of a light joke from Tate. He didn’t say anything past that though, because he knew it was better for him to remain quiet. He’d like to think he slept decently though- did he look on the verge of passing out? That’s not the kind of image he wanted to reflect… and now he was overthinking again on a fairly trivial subject.

As they entered the dining hall, the whispers hardly went unnoticed by the young King’s ears, but today was not the day to nit-pick with the council. Rian is careful about the battles he picks, and when he picks them. Today, battling everything this funeral was throwing at him was as much as he could handle. Resuming his usual seat at the table, Rian was only interested in placing small portions on his plate, though his gaze did momentarily settle on the single biscuit Tate had. As much as he wanted to encourage her to eat more, he didn’t want to draw an abundance of attention on her right now- or at least more negative attention. “I think today can be a good day if we allow it to be; I think funerals are a time to celebrate the lives our loved ones led, versus hanging onto the prospects of a future without them.” Rian began, his eyes moving over the now quiet figures at the table. “As per tradition though, the funeral’s procession will start here, and end at your church, Father de la Croix.” Rian stated, nodding his head to the Archbishop before his grey hues swept towards Tate.

“You and I will walk ahead of the casket, it symbolizes that we are leading the future of the kingdom- although of course ahead of us will be the Archbishop, the choir, and a small collection of decorated knights who received their honors from the former King. The rest of the procession will be behind the casket. It’ll reach its destination outside of the church, where the casket will be lowered into the ground, and I’ll address the people.” Rian was mostly explaining all of this to Tate, since she was his soon-to-be equal; and the council just had the benefit of being in attendance to hear the young King’s plan.

“Your Highness-” A councilman had just began to speak before the man who had a gift in interrupting people entered the room.

Spencer -shockingly- was wearing black as well; it being obvious he had only recently bathed and changed seems as how his dirty blond lockes were still damp and curling more than usual. At the very least Spencer found pleasure in the fact that he did look good in the color, even if he didn’t enjoy wearing it. And from the looks of it- the fact he was in black was surprising to not only various faces of the council, but Rian as well.

“It’s nice to see you join us.” Rian stated to his brother, an underlying tone of appeasement in his voice.

“It’s never a party without me,” Spencer retorted sassily, sending a wink down to Tate as he took the seat beside her. The prince’s blue eyes were surveying the food put out on the table before they settled on the food he could never tire of; pastries. Spencer had no shame in leaning forward and across the table to grab the platter of pastries and sitting them in front of him; though he didn’t hide the side-eye he gave to Tate’s nibbled on biscuit. He didn’t say anything though as he filled his own mouth.

“Are you to be in attendance, Your Grace?” The head councilman asked warily after a moment of hesitation, though no doubt it was the question on the other council member’s minds.

“The only way I’ll actually know he’s gone is if I get to see him buried six feet under,” Spencer replied with that signature smirk of his, wiping his mouth afterwards. “Seven feet if I get a hold of a shovel.” The prince chuckled to himself, though it wasn't the kind of humor any council member could appreciate. It didn’t seem Rian exactly approved of the humor either, but Spencer was here to please his brother, or the council, or even his father’s memory for that matter.

Tate nodded along, taking her own place at the table- though this time more carefully since there were more eyes in the room then usual. It wasn't until Spencer entered that she visibly relaxed- her shoulders still squared though to hold her posture. The many eyes of the council seemed surprised at his attire, so did Tate but she held her composure well enough to hide her shock. Surely it was more of a mock then respect for Rian or the others. She cleared her throat when he sat next to her, not helping the fact that his presence seemed to bother her around others- especially with the wink he sent her way. She'd be sure to remind him that it wasn't acceptable around the council nor Rian. Though now Tate felt she was reading to much into the gesture. Like she always tended to do.

She couldn't help but notice Rian's tone either at the Prince finally joining them- late as usual but not caring at bit. She missed having that luxury already, not having to worry about her presence being known but more importantly respected. Spencer's reply didn't surprise her either, suppressing a roll of her eyes. She sent a kick under the table toward him instead- a reminder that today wasn't the day to push anyone's buttons. Much leas Rian's.

But like usual Spencer spoke his mind- her eyes finding his after his slick comment to the council member. Not that she couldn't agree with his statement. And compared to Rian, Spencer was much more...lighter about the situation- even if he what he felt inside was the complete opposite. But she also didn't want to speak up about his outburst, Tate would surely get more looks from the others if she did. It was different scolding him in front of Rian then the whole castle staff. Again, he continued making her face burn red- because he wasn't making things better like she had hoped. Rather making it awkward for her to hide the feelings she wanted to voice to everyone in the room about the former king.

It didn't take long for more chatter to fill in the awkwardness of Spencer's words- in fact they even whispered about it quietly amongst themselves. Ready to spread more rumors about the young prince. Tate turned toward him when she was sure no one was watching, her jaw ticking in annoyance, "Of all days you would chose this one to piss of everyone in the room. Regardless of how you feel right now, cut it out. Your only gonna make this worse." She hissed, turning back to the others when she was done. If he was going to act like a child he was going to get treated as one- even if his feelings were one hundred percent validated. Tate had to pretend, to grieve someone she didn't care about today and all she wanted to do at that moment was agree with Spencer and let the whole world know what a snake they had for a king. But looking around the room, she let her mind wonder to the possibility of the council having something to do with it as well, and who.

Rian wasn’t surprised by Spencer’s behavior - in fact, maybe a part of the young King was grateful for it. Not only because seeing anything more or less from Spencer would have been concerning, but also because Spencer didn’t openly care. He didn’t have to. The prince’s despise for his father was common knowledge, and Spencer completely owned everything that fact came with; the rumors, the whispers, but also the support. Apparently there were many denizens within the kingdom that supported a royal figure unwilling to fake their likeness of someone for the sake of political strongholds. There were just as many things Rian hated about Spencer as there were things he both respected and envied about his younger brother.

Spencer had only paid Tate a glance to the side at her kick, though that was the greatest reaction he gave to such a notion. He personally didn’t feel like he had done anything deserving of a kick yet, but Tate had already looked uncomfortable when he walked in, he supposed his fiercer attempts to ‘be himself’ right now weren’t exactly calming. But even despite the threat on her life and her own issues with his father, the prince couldn’t help but put the majority of his own focus on him right now. Not necessarily to be selfish, but more so to self-soothe any inclinations he was getting to escalate with anyone. Today, out of all days, he was more likely to snap at anything that overwhelmed him. Spencer didn’t exactly care who the focus of his rage was - unless of course it happened to be Tate. She was by chance the only person here that truly didn’t deserve to see just how malicious he could be, if not only an ode to protect himself emotionally right now.

The prince had heard about people who eat their feelings before, and he couldn’t help but briefly wonder if that’s where his craving of sweets manifested from- not that he cared though, the pastries were delightful regardless. The awkward silence that had briefly fell was lifted with soft chatter, and Spencer knew exactly what some of that chatter was focused on. He just simply didn’t care. If anything, he’d prefer gossip about him then listening to them all tell him just how great a guy his father was. Spencer flicked his gaze to Tate as she hissed quietly, though he disregarded the clench in her jaw and raised an eyebrow as if she had just challenged him. “I choose to piss off everyone in the room everyday- today is no exception to my charm,” he quipped quietly, “Besides, I’m making today better in my own bizarre way, I wouldn’t expect you to understand. But isn’t it nice to not be the center of gossip for a few minutes?” He smirked, subtly gesturing to the hushed voices that were no doubt manifesting rumors of him. It’s been that way for seven years now though, so maybe Spencer was just more desensitized to it then Tate was.

“Spencer,” Rian’s voice overshadowed all others in the room, most switching now between the brothers. “I’d like to offer you the choice of walking with both Tate and I at the head of the casket. I’m aware it’s not exactly tradition considering your station in the first order, but the choice is yours.” Rian finished, his eyes holding in a faintly subtle intense eye contact with Spencer. The King’s mouth had said one thing, which no one would put much thought into the underlying conversation he was having with Spencer through those words. There was only one reason Spencer would be attending today anyway, and this was how Rian had constructed to keep the prince closer to Tate as a guard without much attention being paid to it. Now, he was silently demanding his brother’s cooperation with this plan.

Despite the deep hatred the siblings held for one another, it was a miracle they still were capable of silent conversation - no matter how brief. It killed Spencer to bend to Rian’s will, and go along with what Rian wanted him to obediently heed to, but this was just a little bit bigger than him. “I’d be honored.” Spencer replied with faux appreciation, refraining from allowing his sarcasm to overlace his words. With a nod of approval from Rian, Spencer allowed his brother to further converse with the council. Of course no one really expected Spencer to be honored by such a thing, but it was typical of the prince -at least in the council’s eyes- to claim any chance at more attention if given the opportunity. Walking alongside the new rulers would surely give him time in the spotlight beside them… that’s exactly what Spencer read from the council, because that’s exactly what they were thinking. They were predictable by some margin, but it still felt unnatural to be playing on that fact so perfectly with Rian of all people. The King was intelligent, but Spencer hadn’t thought him as cunning as he is.

(Sorry it's late but it's something lol)