Tate sighed, glancing at him with a sharp glare- his chuckle rather unexpected. Yet it was Spencer, why was she so surprised? Especially with the way he had gone out of his way to get under her skin the past two days. "Glad to know that for you this is entertaining." She uttered with another roll of her eyes. "I came out here to find peace and instead I seem to always find you. Who never fails to make me realize that I will never be enough for these people- much less your brother the King." Tate all but hissed standing to get away from the Prideful Prince.

But his tone about his brother stopped her short in her effort to leave- especially with the way he said it with such heated loathing. Was it for himself or his brother? Tate couldn't tell either way. "Regardless- of as you say the golden boy and his upbringing he should have said something. I was not raised here, I do not know these people much less owe them something." But was this his way of giving advice? Tate wanted to laugh at that because the brooding prince surely wasn't doing that. She did however laugh along with him at the comment of what he had done to them. "Honestly I could use a few ideas on how to get back at them for laughing at the lower class. I mean honestly just because people like me grew up the way we did does not make them better. In fact- in my eyes people who grow up like this...Privileged. Way to privileged." She uttered lastly sighing. But again, when she expected Spencer to walk away he gave another piece of his advice.

But Tate listened to all the options, raising her brows at the last one. Did he honestly think that of her? Running away was never an option, and it wasn't as if she hadn't thought about that either on the morning she was told about the arrangement in the first place. "I could and would never do that to my family. We would be hunted and killed, and living in fear is no way to live. Here, at least they are safe. I would live in misery ten times over if it meant they were happy and safe; alive. Not running because I'm to scared to live up to what my father and Uncle have raised me for." She shrugged, before continuing "I'll be the queen on Ardarlan, not the one this council wants me to be, but the Queen it needs." She finally stole a look at the Prince- though her words had probably fallen on deaf ears because who was she? A commoner who knew nothing about being Queen. But by all her heart and soul, Tate would throw it into the role- No matter what it takes.

It was a long moment before Tate spoke again- letting the nights silents fall between them. It was peaceful, but it reminded her of the duty she was bound to uphold. Looking back down at Spencer, she gave a half smile before heading toward the stairs. "Thank you for not purposely pissing me off further tonight. Guess I caught you on an off day." She hummed amused before she stepped into the castle doors. Waving a brief hand in his direction she headed off toward her room for more thinking. This was the last night she would complain about the role, about being here. At least out loud. Because from here on out, Tate was future Queen of Ardarlan and there was no stopping it.

Spencer had a plethora of remarks stored in his reserve of ‘comments to piss people off’ reserve, and while he had entertained the thought of using one of the remarks upon what Tate first said… he just didn’t. Maybe because he was genuinely tired, or because some deep, dark, human aspect to his persona was choosing not to add any more to her strife for tonight. See, he can be kind of nice. Sometimes. Spencer wouldn’t have attempted to stop her from leaving, but he was surprised she chose to stay after having stood up.

“Rian’s afraid of being controversial,” Spencer threw out, “but between me and you both, I’ve known these people most of my life and the only thing I feel I owe to them is a plate full of revenge.” The prince added. Spencer did smile as she muttered about the privileged class, and this time he couldn’t restrain himself from commenting. “I agree. Sometimes I think I’m one of the only humble spoiled brat around here.” A faint smirk pulled at his lips, because Spencer certainly knew he was far from humble, but it never hurt to poke a little fun at himself either. Besides… the scariest part was that Spencer really did only throw his status’ weight around when he really wanted something. The prince was careful about not overdoing it.

The blond’s expression said he cared to disagree about Tate being hunted and killed for running. They might give finding her a good effort, but Spen wanted to believe that they really wouldn’t see much point in pursuing a Queen they were on the fence about anyway. At best, they’d just turn her disappearance into a tragic lie that would make them all look good. But he didn’t say anything, because to a degree, Spencer understood. It was an old part of him that knew where Tate was coming from on the matter of family, but Spencer was quick to shut down the emotions that were associated with it. And then Tate said it; “I'll be the queen of Ardarlan, not the one this council wants me to be, but the Queen it needs.” The prince stared at her vacantly, because for the first time he knew exactly why he felt the urge to hate Tate. He knew why he had the urge to treat her exactly the same way he did his brother. Because to the young Prince, Tate was the person his father and brother were trying to replace his mother’s place with. And the only person Spencer was loyal enough to be highly combative in defense for was his mother. But Spen also knew the former Queen would have approved of Tate; she would have praised the young woman for the same headstrong, and determined spirit she also had.

Blue eyes shifted back to the sky, with them tethering to the brightest star visible to them. As Tate began to bid her goodbye to him though, Spencer grew a small smile before he glanced in her direction. “I have my good moments.” He replied with a wink, raising his hand in a mirrored motion of her goodbye before she was gone. Tate was unfairly being compared to the former Queen too aggressively in Spencer’s psyche. They were just as similar as they were different. But among the things they did share, family seemed to be something they both valued more than themselves. If Spencer himself had someone -anyone- to run away too, he would without a second thought. But Tate stayed here to protect them, but he couldn’t help but lay under the night sky wondering how painful being without them must be. Because having nobody was something Spencer definitely understood.

It had been a little over an hour until the council members dispersed from the palace to return their own homes or inns they were staying in, leaving Rian to do just as he said he would; find Tate. It made sense enough to the King to check her private quarters first, and if she wasn’t there, then he could search elsewhere. Just as it was every night, the insides of the palace were relatively quiet, with most of the bustle calming until dawn came again. Rian knew tomorrow would be the last calmer day until the day after; the day the funeral would be taking place. Which was the focus of what his conversation with his younger brother would be about. But Rian pushed those thoughts aside as he made it to Tate’s door, quietly knocking a few times before taking a few steps back in wait of her to answer.

For the first time since arriving at the castle grounds- she wasn't angry. The only emotion she was feeling was the need to protect. Even if it meant she was miserable for the rest of her life. Her uncle had deserved it, earned it- after taking her in when he could have so easily said to hell with her. A part of her wished she could do more for them, but being here was the best thing her family could encounter. Because Rian had taken care of them financially before she was taken away- her heart warming at the thought. Surely if the King was still alive, her family would have been left to perish- and Tate dragged down there without having said a goodbye. Rian had shown her some sort of mercy in the fact that her life wasn't her's anymore. And Spencer, despite what he felt toward Tate wanted to help her; whether it was for his own selfish needs or not- he had offered up his help.

So as Tate entered her room moments later, her head held higher then before she felt like she could live here; and eventually maybe happiness would find her. Minus what the council had to say, or do. But still, Tate would have to watch what she said and did because that could all be taken away without a notice or warning. Because just like her father had died under circumstances no one knew, she could she and Tate didn't put it past either one of the men of the council.

Sighing, Tate changed from the formal clothes and into her night wear- the gown a stark white in comparison to the black dress that covered her tanned skin. She was brushing out the wild curls when a knock came at her door; once..twice and then nothing. She stood, answering the door to find Rian- almost forgetting she had told him to come find her when he was done. "Oh. Hey.." She whispered, looking around before opening her door further and stepping back herself- "Do you want to come in? Or are you just stopping by to say goodnight?" She hummed, waiting for an answer. Tate didn't know why she felt nervous asking him, it wasn't as if they had done anything together romantically and seeing as they just meet two days ago, She wasn't sure there ever would do romantic feelings. It wasn't as if he wasn't attractive- in fact each time Tate seen him her heart would skip a few beats. But that was the attraction talking, and nothing more..right?

(Short- but full of Rian's awkward wholesomeness XD)

Rian briefly pondered whether Tate would even be willing to see him at all. If she was upset, he would accept it. Though Rian finds remedying tenser situations works best with a mix of healthy space and peaceful conversation. But sure enough, Rian was greeted by Tate as she opened the door; no vexed scowl to be seen hardened onto her features. Though the King did briefly glance away -tempted to apologize for interrupting whatever it was she was doing. But also because she was in casual nightwear, and it felt… improper for him to intrude. Whether she was his future wife or not. “Hi.” He greeted back just as quietly, albeit a bit more awkwardly.

Rian’s gaze moved back to meet the green eyes that were on him as she asked her question, and Rian smiled before answering. “How about a bit of both?” Rian responded before he stepped inside, only having hesitated for a fraction of a second. The brunette didn’t know how to be comfortable in moments like this. His years of being groomed for King never really did teach him how to be comfortable in his own skin on a casual basis- just to be comfortable in the mold made for him. After glancing around the space for a moment, Rian turned back to face Tate. “I’m mostly here to make sure you’re okay. Tonight was… a lot.” Rian’s tone was more apologetic in tone, his gaze dropping briefly before his silver orbs swept back up her face. “I apologize for my reluctance to speak on your behalf. I didn’t want to give the impression that you were someone who needed someone to talk for you, and I certainly didn’t want to deprive you of your own voice.” Rian said, visibly growing a bit internally frustrated with his inability to just spit out an informal, heart-felt apology.

“Tate I just- what I’m trying to say is- I’m sorry. I didn’t like having to sit there and watch that all happen, and I know you didn’t enjoy being picked apart. And for whatever its worth, I don’t see you as a toy, either.” Rian ended with a sigh, feeling a little better in having expressed what he wanted to. But what she said before she left had bothered Rian- she wasn’t an object, or a toy to him. She was a human being, one of the better ones at that. That’s what Rian saw when he looked at Tate; past the wild, curly golden hair, past the rich green of her eyes, and beyond her warmer skin- there was a heart of pure gold. Rian knew that just from the time they had spent together, and he saw it even more so when she refused to be stepped on and talked down to at dinner. Rian just hoped that Tate -even for a second- had never thought he would see her as an inconvenient, throwaway pretty face. And his sterling orbs studied her carefully, seeing whether his apology fully expressed everything he had intended for it to.

Tate nodded, letting him into the room and regretting instantly changing before hand, "Come in." She hummed, watching he as stepped into the room and looked around. The window partially open to let the cool air in- but doing little to calm her nerves. It didn't help that Rian was rather awkward at the moment. Grabbing a robe from the closet she quickly threw it on, looking away when he returned his gaze to her. "How are you feelin-" But before she could finish he was speaking. Apologizing when it wasn't him who insulted her, but the people who worked under him. "It's not your fault. It was to be expected, I was not raised anywhere near a royal family- But I can't stand here and lie and say that it didn't sting. All of it." She huffed, running her hand through her hair before pushing the strands back behind her ear.

"I didn't need nor want you to stand up for me Rian, because I need to show them I'm not something to toy with." And deep down she knew they would learn- because she would. "My father and Uncle both raised me to be better then...this. Bigger then this. No matter what they think, their opinions do not matter to me. Only yours." She added the last part rather softly, moving toward the window to watch the stars again. Like she had been doing the entire time she was here. Again, Tate turned her green eyes back to him- "Thank you. For the money you have given my family, I don't think I ever thanked you for that." She hummed, looking away again as her cheeks flushed.

This was the first time a man she wasn't related to stood in her room, the thought suddenly causing butterflies to erupt. His words had wormed its way into her heart, because what she saw was not a King but a man who actually cared. Beneath the crown, It was a man who would do anything for his people- and now..seemingly Tate too. "So..Who gets to plan the wedding? And do I have any input or am I just sitting back while everyone else does the work?" She was merely teasing, but knowing Rian he would take it seriously. It was bred into him, like all the funny bones in his body didn't exist. And she felt for him, she didn't know what it was like but soon she would. That crown will weigh heavy onto Tate's head the moment it hits it.

(For real <3)

It would be of no surprise to know that Rian felt a twinge of guilt when he had spoken over Tate. But at the same time, if Rian is not able to vocalize the words he feels need to be immediately said… it’s quite possible for the young man to spontaneously combust. Being sorry on other people’s behalf -whether they themselves were sorry or not- was just a very Rian-esque quirk, one that’s stuck with him for years. His focus was solely on Tate as she spoke though, and as she did, his eyes slightly crinkled in empathy. Of course it had all stung; it hurt him just to hear, and it wasn’t even directed at him. He watched her tentatively though as she tucked her hair behind her ear. Rian was there to be a listening ear if she needed it, because he certainly didn’t mind being a wall for her to vent at. She earned that.

However, the young man did express a sheepish smile when she spoke of his opinion mattering, which coaxed a warm content to flood through his veins. Steeping only a short distance towards the window as she stepped towards it, Rian still kept his sterling gaze on Tate. Rian would have forever to look at the stars when he pleased, but right now -presently- he wanted to ensure Tate was his sole priority. Quite honestly though, his brows faintly raised in surprise of her thanks -he hadn’t expected any. “It was the least I could do. Though I don’t think there was any amount of wealth I could have offered your family that would come even a fraction close to replacing your worth.” Rian had only been trying to make the blow of Tate’s absence easier on the family he had never met easier- because simply expecting anyone to cope after taking a member of any family is just unfair to the young King. There was really no thanks needed for such a deed, to Rian. It was merely what was right.

A wave of worry washed over his face rather quickly though as she inquired about the planning of the wedding, and he was fast to interject. “No, of course you have a say, I just-” Rian cut himself off as his eyes detected no real offense or upset to be seen on Tate’s face. The brunette only knew how to nervously chuckle at his hasty attempt to clear that up. “Actually, if I’m being completely honest, planning a wedding is far more stressful than I had previously thought. I wasn’t around yet to witness my parents’, and the one wedding I do recall attending is definitely not one I’d like to model after.” Rian explained, talking with his hands just to give them something to do since having them hang down limply felt awkward. Was he thinking too hard on what to do with his hands now? He really needed to stop that.

“Essentially, my advisor handles most of the overseeing of the wedding, and I know there are various people involved in picking out flowers and whatnot, the post-wedding celebration ball, the feast… and a lot of other things I fail to really see as being necessary. But tradition exceeds my simpler taste it seems.” Rian sighed, dropping his hands completely. “I can bring you the draft of the plans in place so far if you’d like to look them over. I don’t even think a concrete day has been set, but I know it’s preferred that it takes place shortly after the funeral.” Rian further explained to Tate. But in his own way, without trying to burden her… Rian was asking for help with this. He just simply didn’t want her to feel forced or expected to help. Rian could figure it out… eventually… maybe… probably. Weddings were far more complicated than funerals though apparently.

Tate would have laughed if it weren't for him being serious. "My uncle would have been the only one to miss me- the twins..they didn't like me very much. Considering they took me in when we were all teenagers- They hated me because he spent a lot of his time with me. Making sure I was okay after my father.." She trailed off, rolling her shoulders. But by now she should've known that Rian would reply as he did. "Not many would have. Not matter if I was married off to someone else in the town- I don't think they would have even given a thought about the family I was leaving behind. You made my worry ease, a least a little." She hummed, turning to match his stare.

But seeing him slightly look uncomfortable she looked away, not wanting to make him further uncomfortable if it was her. She laughed again as he hastily tried to include her into the plans, her smile growing. "I would like to help. I don't know much myself but I'm sure I can handle it. After all, you are far more busy. The only thing the council wants of me is a pretty face to throw into the town a few times. Give the people something to look up to." She mused, though it wasn't really a laughing matter. Turning her eyes back to Rian, "I'll do whatever it is that is needed of me." But him looking at her, returning each other's gaze felt a little to...personal in the room they were in- making Tate shift by the window.

"As for your father's funeral, what is expected of me? Do I have to make a speech because lord I hope not." But it wasn't because she was embarrassed to speak in front of crowds, rather the fact that he stole her father from her years ago. And still, she held onto that resentment and would until she got the answers as to why, maybe even after. Because as Spencer said there was never going to be peace within her; not with the way he was taken. Shivering off the thoughts of her father she closed the window, turning back toward Rian. "We are in this together yeah?" Tate murmured blushing as she looked at Rian.

Rian hadn’t pictured anyone other than the Aunt and Uncle she had mentioned being in her life, though even with a couple more members he was envisioning, would only one person in her family really miss her? Rian supposed teen jealousy and spite was a pretty powerful feeling though… unfortunately he knows from experience. Straying his thoughts from briefly reliving glimpses of his own youth, Rian wanted to smile at what Tate had finished with… but he couldn't help but feel disappointed in people. Sad even. “I’m glad I laid at least some of your worries to rest then.” He replied, offering a faint smile. Right now wasn’t the time for Rian to philosophically ponder human nature and his cynicism.

The King’s eyes reflected both subtle relief and satisfaction that Tate was willing to help -and that he wasn’t the only one unsure of how to tackle this kind of event. She was right though, Rian was busy, but he would always be busy. However, he was starting to come to terms with the fact that he would have someone to help share the burden with versus him piling it solely on himself. It was a nice thought. “Ideally, that’s what the council wants from a King as well- the perfect puppet. I don’t think they quite grasp how different our reign will be from their fantasies.” Rian replied, though he hadn’t quite realized that he used the word our until he finished. But it wasn’t a lie; they were doing this together.

“I know you will, Tate.” Rian said, but he could see Tate aligning more with his own mannerisms when it came to ruling. Being guided by duty and a just set of principles, anyway. It would do neither of them much good if she had the same flawed mannerisms he did though. The King did give a brief, dry chuckle when she brought up her role in the funeral though. “No, no speech on your part required. That’ll be my role, among a few other things. I would appreciate it if, for the most part, you stand by my side as a form of moral support. Not just as a pretty face.” Rian smiled, though he didn’t want her to think he was using her the same way the council had wanted for her first public appearance. “My dilemma with the funeral more so revolves around Spencer, anyway.” The King mumbled, dropping his gaze to the floor with a heavy sigh. The prince was a troublesome and tricky aspect to deal with, and Rian still had to decide the best way to handle him when it comes to the funeral.

Silver eyes snapped back up to Tate though as she spoke, and Rian smiled with a subtle nod. “Yeah, we are.” Rian was liking the reality more and more. To the point he was finding it difficult to continue thinking about the future without Tate at least being there to help. He felt keeping that to himself was better though. Rian had to refrain from fidgeting with the hem of his over jacket though as he suddenly, and painfully realized he had no idea how to continuously engage in informal, and casual conversation. His gaze flickered around the room for a moment before they ended up back on Tate again. “Are you tired? I’d rather not keep you up if you are, you’ve had a long day after all.” Rian spoke -a little too quickly, but he began to shift towards the door.

Tate couldn't help but laugh at that, because it was true. The council would have no idea what hit them as soon as those crowns laded on their heads. They wouldn't be able to control every aspect of the Kingdom. Only giving their opinions because at the end of the day it was Rians choice. He was King- or would be. And she couldn't help but catch onto the "our" part making her blush as she quickly looked away to hide the pink tint in her cheeks. Things with Rian were easy, beside the constant reminder of her impending title- and marriage. But if she had met him under different circumstances she still would feel the same, if not more for him. But she couldn't help the strike of fear that ran through her, because he didn't know a part of her that she kept from him. He didn't know but Spencer did, and that bothered her.

Tate was in a battle with herself when he spoke again, more tense then before. But it was about the funeral, making her wonder if the man before her grieved the man he was burying in the next few days. And truly, regardless of what the former King had done she felt for Rian. Knowing better then to have those same feelings for Spencer about the subject. "Will he even attend? He seems not to fond of your father.." She hummed, though quickly knew she might have overstepped a line. "That's actually none of my business. Im sorry." She quickly apologized. The silence between them falling briefly until he spoke again, nodding Tate followed him toward the door- "Yeah, I suppose I should try and get some sleep." Tate murmured as she opened the door to her room. "Thank you for coming. I know you have more important things to do...Rian. Your helping me more then you know, I'll be there beside you whenever you need me. That's a promise." She smiled, "Goodnight Rian." And with that closing the door.

Huffing, she moved toward the bed plopping her body onto the soft mattress and letting out a groan. Hoping sleep would soon find her.

//o.o Now i cannot wait for the wedding. Also, I have an idea about something. Should a threat on Tate's life come about before or after the wedidng?//

(Sameee :0 Hm, before maybe? Add some more pre-marriage pressure lol. Plus, it might open up the opportunity for more messy love triangle angst if you still want to focus on that angle)

-

The tension that arose in Tate’s stature on the matter of the funeral was something that didn't go unnoticed by Rian. The brunette himself had… mixed feelings about his father. On one end of the spectrum, the former King wasn’t exactly the model of perfection when it came to being a father. His expectations were unfair, and he had the nasty habit of ensuring both his sons felt less than worthless if they could not meet his standards. Rian was forced to grow up too fast, and he never felt he experienced what he’s heard others call ‘the wonders of childhood’. Certainly though, he could acknowledge the fact that Spencer was dealt with quite harshly when they were children though; with their father openly referring to the blond as ‘his greatest embarrassment’. Spencer was emotional, led with his heart, and cared deeply about everyone and everything. And for whatever reason, the former King decided that was a grotesque weakness, something that deserved to be shunned and pruned from the boy. Rian was there for his little brother though- maybe not as much as their mother was for him, but Rian did try.

So maybe Rian didn’t really mourn his father. But at the end of the day, a father is a father. And as much as Rian hated himself for it, he still loved the man. Rian remembered good moments with his father too, he just wished there had been more good than bad. Above all, maybe Rian mourned what could have been- what would life have been like had the former King just been a little more kindred? Rian didn’t know how to communicate those complicated feelings though, he didn't know if he ever would. But as Tate asked her question- followed by her apology, Rian gave a sadder smile. “It’s customary for the kin of the deceased to help lower the coffin into the ground, and to speak in regards to their dead loved one- and him not in attendance only reflects how divided we are. But at the same time, I don’t feel comfortable letting him attend only to see him snap, or-” shut down again. Rian simply decided to leave that thought unfinished. It would be cruel of Rian to force Spencer to endure attending another funeral. The prince had broken down before he went silent for a few months after their mother’s, and Rian didn’t want to see Spencer resort to that mental state again.

As he continued towards the door, Rian had realized that he felt most comfortable with the thought of vocalizing his thoughts to Tate; which is something Rian has never really felt before with anyone. But Tate was putting a lot of trust in him, so Rian felt he owed her the same level of trust as well. That’s why she made him so nervous and uneasy though. Because he was so quick to want to trust her… it scared him. It scared him even more so that he did trust Tate. As she opened her door, Rian stepped out before he turned back to face her with a smile. “Consider it a mutual promise between us then.” The young King spoke, before bidding his final gentle adieu. “Goodnight Tate.” As soon as the door had closed, Rian stepped away to begin to walk back to his own chambers. Rian wasn’t sure how, but being in Tate’s presence made him feel at ease. That feeling of content still lingering as he furthered away from her. Rian was well aware what basic attraction was, but he favored things like personality and emotional security more in terms of experiencing attraction. Tate had both- and that, again, scared Rian.