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Neutral
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During the trip back, Aspen let both the princes ride back in silence. He just let his mind wonder, thinking about how different his life had been to theirs. He grew up in a small town known for their country ways. He had grown up in the United States with barely an idea of what a prince was. Then he became fascinated in British life as well as artistic works. The next thing he remembered was asking Cassandra to follow him to the UK. It was his dream, not hers, but yet she followed him. It was crazy how much could happen in just a few years. Now he was riding in a Range Rover back to the castle with two princes. He was hired to work for them and offered an even larger job at their other castle. It almost seemed unreal. He hadn't accepted or declined the offer, he wasn't sure what he wanted to do. They arrived back at the castle and he stood up to follow Prince Robert out. Howeve, Prince Avery leaning closer to him made him pause and sit back down to listen what he was about to say. He leaned closer too in order to hear what the prince had to say. "You can keep the suit. And don't worry about staying here, I'll come up with a cover story." "Oh thank you so much," He couldn't thank Prince Avery enough for taking in him, taking him out to breakfast, and now covering for him to the King. He was sure that the king wouldn't be very impressed to find that his son was going to lie about his reasoning for being on the castle but he also knew the king would be even less impressed if he knew the actual truth,"I owe you one big time." While the princes were off meeting with the king, Aspen had found himself back in the Sourh Wing. There wasn't much he could do without paint but he knew the floors and the window would be delivered soon. He walked down the hallway and found an old-style room that had a piano and many different artist works on the wall. He smiled and look through the artwork. He was an artistic man and took interest in ancient artwork. Somehow he had found a little art history room within the castle. After looking at all of the paintings, he found himself sitting on the piano bench. It was a very old piano, crafted in old oak by the looks of it. He just sat there, admiring the beauty of the room. |
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Darkseeker
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Avery rubbed his eyes, trying to seem awake and at least mildly pleasent. He tried to avoid the gilt mirrors in the South Wing, and Robbie helped by walking in front of most of them. The two boys hurried down the hallways, trying to find Aspen. They'd gone to the South Wing, and found it deserted. Avery was very concerned. The staff had been told that he would only be in the South Wing, or if not, he'd be accompanied by one of the Royal family. Avery went and checked the bedroom he'd let Aspen stay in, but it too was empty. He sighed, trying to think. There were certain rooms that had locked doors, so he wouldn't be in those. But there were thousands of rooms in the palace with wide open doors. Aspen might have wandered into any of them. Just as he was about to be incredibly stressed, Lorenz tapped his shoulder. "Prince Avery? Before you have a fit, I think there's something I ought to tell you. Since Mr. Rhodes is wearing one of your old suits, it has a tracker in it. We haven't bothered taking them out." He handed the prince a small device that showed an outline of the palace, and a small, blinking red dot. Avery sighed with relief, and almost wanted to hug his bodyguard, but was already starting off down the hallway. He found his way to a small room, more in the middle of the palace. Aspen sat inside. Avery slowly dragged a hand down his face, then composed himself, and hurried inside. "I'm so sorry for deserting you like that. I should've warned you, there are certain rooms here that are off limits. Robbie and I will show you which rooms are permited for the public to go in." |
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Neutral
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Aspen hadn't meant to wonder in this room, he meant to stay in the main part of the South Wing, where he could be seen by the princes. But an artist? An artist just followed his own nose and that's how he ended up here. Ever since being in the castle, there hadn't been a single room that made him feel content. Until now. Aspen's back was turned to the entrance of the room and he was just sitting there. He wondered what his life would have been like if he stayed in his hometown. He wondered if it would be simpler or if he would have been even happy. But he had dreams and he had to follow them. "I'm so sorry for deserting you like that. I should've warned you, there are certain rooms here that are off limits. Robbie and I will show you which rooms are permited for the public to go in." He almost leaped out of his skin, hearing the prince's voice. He made sure to compose himself before turning around and giving an apologetic smile. "I know that. Im quite familiar with castle rules. I shouldn't have gone in here," He stood up and approached the prince. Somehow the prince seemed to look a little worried and his voice betrayed that,"And I apologize for worrying you about my whereabouts as well." |
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Darkseeker
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Avery shook his head. "It's fine, no harm done, at least this time. It's only that the staff was told that you'd only be in certain parts of the castle, and it's their job to remove people who aren't where they are supposed to be." Avery had a splitting headache, and wished he could sit down, but the only seat in the room was the piano bench, and he didn't feel like sharing, so he leaned against the wall instead. It was a more casual pose, and gave him a bit of a rest, and he gave Aspen a small smile.
"My father wishes me to renew the Island Palace offer to you. Since we're leaving soon, he wants an answer as soon as possible." Robbie came into the room at that moment, the kitten in his arms once again. "I took her to the vet!" He declared, very happily. "It turns out, she is a she, and she is healthy." Avery gave his brother a tired smile.
"Lovely. Do you have a name picked out?" Robbie paused for a minute, screwing up his face.
"Not yet. I'm still trying to find the perfect one. It doesn't help that I spent all of yesterday trying to think of boy's names." Robbie sat down on the ground, and let the kitten stretch her little legs, grinnning as she pounced on his foot, and then darted away, bright eyes gleaming.
Avery patted his brother's shoulder, and slowly straightened. "I suppose I should take Robbie to school," he said, knowing it would annoy his brother. "Oh, come on, Avey! We're about to go to the Island! I don't want to go to school!" Avery laughed.
"Fine. But go pack then." |
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Neutral
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"Of course, I understand," He sighed. He was relieved that the prince didn't make him get out of the room quite yet. He was fascinated by it and the artwork. It was an unique room and even the smell of it smelled like ancient works. He was going to ask Prince Avery what this room but he brought up his father's deal again. This caused him to frown He knew he was being ridiculous and he should take the deal but also taking the deal would mean he wouldn't have much time for his regular clients. He also was a little skeptical about staying in a castle. After all, although it was nice he knew it would never feel like home to him "I-" He began to say but before he could Prince Robbie came running in the room excited about something Of course it turned out to be his new cat. Aspen stood up and admired the paintings one last time while the brothers fussed over each other. He didn't want to intrude on their conversation about school and packing for the island. Once Prince Robbie was gone, Aspen finally spoke again. "You think I'm a fool for not immediately agreeing to this opportunity don't you?" |
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Darkseeker
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Avery pursed his lips, considering. "It's definately a very risky gamble for you to decline, or even take a long time to consider. The job would put you in a very comfortable position for a good portion of a decade, and after, people would see what you've done, and be more keen to consider you for a job." Avery realized after a moment that it probably wasn't what Aspen had wanted to hear, and leaned against the wall, sliding down so he was sitting against the wall. "I suppose you were hoping for a different answer," he said softly, glancing around the room. "I don't come here often. I prefer being in the rooms on the other side of the palace, where the musical arts are. I can play the violin reasonably well." He stood again, ignoring the throbbing in his head, and paused in front of a painting. "The Dancers," he said, running his fingers down the frame, studying the painting. "By Degas. Very well done. Though a sad story behind it, as there seemes to always be. Do you have a favorite piece, Mr. Rhodes? Most likely we'll have it." Avery straightened the frame of the simple yet stunning art piece, giving it a small nod, and turning back to the man, who had yet to move from his seat. |
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Neutral
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"I know but-" He didn't finished. Truth be told he wasn't sure why he was hesitating. The opportunity was there but he held back. He kind of liked his life now, however bizarre that might be. He left his words in the open, shaking his head before resting his forehead on his palm. He didn't know how to explain himself but he did appreciate the prince's honesty. ""I suppose you were hoping for a different answer." "It's fine, Prince Avery. I hoped for nothing but the truth. If you had told me the opposite it would have made you a liar and I know that's something you aren't," He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. All this rush to think of the opportunity and make his decision wasn't making it any easier either. He grew silent after that, knowing that he needed to make a decision. Going to the island would mean that he would stuck there longterm. He wanted to make the right decision, even if he didn't know what that decision was. "I don't come here often. I prefer being in the rooms on the other side of the palace, where the musical arts are. I can play the violin reasonably well." He looked up to see the prince standing up and walking around the room. He paused at a specific painting and Aspen stood up to join him and to eye the painting he was talking about. It was stunning and beautiful painting. "It's beautiful," He came to rest at the prince's side. They were standing shoulder to shoulder but not touching. When asked about his favorite art piece, he shook his head. "I'm fascinated by British works in general as I'm sure this is no surprise to you but I'm not from here. I admire and feel inspiration from every piece in this room. I can't choose a favorite," He stated. feeling relieved to have a distraction from the big decision that held over his head like a dark cloud. |
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Darkseeker
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Avery listened as Aspen talked about the paintings, and nodded slowly. "If you want any more details about the job, let me know. I would love to be of any assistance."
He straightened his suit coat, and turned to go, when Robbie's kitten wandered in. Her bright eyes shone, and she rubbed against Avery's ankles. He bent down and picked her up, being sure to support all her feet, and put his forehead against hers. He smiled as the kitten purred happily, sliding onto his shoulders, and wrapping around his neck like a tie. "Maybe Robbie should name you scarf," Avery muttered sarcastically, petting the kitten's foot. "Anyways, I'll leave you here to think. I can tell the staff that you're permitted in this room, and they won't bother you. You'll have a while to think." Avery left the small room, and went in search of his brother. They found each other on a small landing, and Robbie grinned. "Nice stole," He snickered, but smiled at the cat. Avery rolled his eyes back. "Have you picked a name yet? Are you all packed?" Robbie informed him that yes, he was all packed, and yes, he had picked a name. Avery hated that he was actually dying to know. "Zara," Robbie said, with a satisfied nod. "It means radiance." Avery bumped his brother's shoulder. "And her birthplace was absolutely radiant." They chatted for a while on the steps, and then went back to visit their mother. "Robbie and I have to go for suit fittings. Is there anything we have to do before we go?" |
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Neutral
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The talk about the paintings were shortly lived. It wasn't long until the major question held in the air. Should he work a long term job for the king or not? It was everything that he hoped to gain from doing this temporary job. A dream of a lifetime. Most people would be selling their furniture on Craiglist, selling their house, packing their suitcase and going to follow the royalty by now. Nobody would be second-guessing everything like he was. But then again, not very many people could stand next to the prince without shrieking. Most people would have never called the prince to rescue them from a terrible mistake in the middle of the night. Most people wouldn't have dropped the formal royalty etiquette and spoke to the princes like they were actual people. Most people wouldn't have ever gotten it through their thick scullls that the prince was just a normal person living life just as them. So maybe he should continue doing his own thing and thinking things through. The odds seemed to be in his favor at the current moment. "I think she likes you," Aspen commented, watching the prince's interaction with the kitten. Of course the prince was good with animals. Wasn't that a hidden rule in the title or something. He chuckled lightly and reached a hand up to run through the kitten's fur. "Anyways, I'll leave you here to think. I can tell the staff that you're permitted in this room, and they won't bother you. You'll have a while to think." "Thank you," He softly spoke his thanks. At this point he was sure that his tongue would fall off by how many thanks he had given to the prince in the last 24 hours,"And for being honest with me about your opinion." He watched the prince leave and gave a dramatic sigh. What decision truly was the best one? Castle life or totino's pizza? |
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Darkseeker
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Avery's mother chatted with the two boys for a bit, telling them the only thing they had to do was pack, and they were off for the fittings. Avery texted Aspen to tell him that if he needed anything, to go to the main parlor. With the text he sent directions in case he didn't know how to get there. Robbie went first for the fittings, stripping down to his white undershirt, and tight slacks. Avery plopped in a chair to watch his brother make decisions, and also to watch Robbie squirm while trying to stand still. He half-listened as Robbie insisted on getting colour swatches to look at while he stood there, and then requested an offensive blood orange colour, as well as a midnight green one, and a snappy black suit. For a while he and his stylist argued about styles, but ended up agreeing on one after a while, and the stylist took the options back to his studio. Then Avery's stylist arrived, and Avery stepped up onto the platform, waiting to get his measurements retaken. He slipped of his suit jacket and crisp white shirt, trying to listen to his stylist's directions, but his mind was elsewhere. He wanted the Island Palace to stay the same. He thought it wasn't too bad repair, and probably would be changed drastically if they didn't get the right person to work on it. His attention was caught a few minutes later by Robbie, who had gone and found Zara, and had her curled in his arms. Avery listened to his brother talking, and raised his eyebrows when Robbie decided he wanted to get an opal collar for the cat. |
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Fall 
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