As if acting hurt, she placed a hand over her heart, "You dare insult the best stew ever? Shame." She teased, taking her own nimble bit of the food. And just as she remembered it was a delicacy she missed having. Stirring up old emotions of her father being alive. Though Spencer was making jokes to keep the energy from shifting. She laughed, rolling her own eyes. "Sound so much better then hanging out with little ol me." She hummed, leaning back to finish off the bowl of stew. She was hungry indeed. But the mention of her uncle she stopped, pushing the bowl away and tilting her head.

"Is this another challenge? Because I doubt I'll win this one against a knight." She huffed again rolling those green eyes playfully. Not helping to notice this was a d different side or Spencer she had never seen. And wondered if his brother shared the same playfulness but doubted it. With the way Rian grew up, he probably had never had fun a day in his life. A sad thought, one that Tate promised herself she would change.

Tate watched as he took his first bite waiting nervously for his reaction. The teasing seemed to endless with Spencer making her scowl playfully. "It is the best in the world, you just have high standards." She retorted- glancing away from him to look out the window again. "Ask away." She adder to his question, shrugging. So far Tate had been nothing short of honest with Spencer and quite frankly each time she was around Rian she wanted to shout the truth at him to. But with the circumstances it wasn't the best idea. "My uncle taught me a-lot of things, Hunting being one of them. So I would say I can hold a bow and arrows just fine. Not sure on a sword or blade. Smaller hunting knives were usually used to make to animals not suffer any longer." She pinched her brows together, turning her orbs to look at him again. "Why do you ask?"

//Thankfully it's Friday ;)//

(It’s been a long Friday XD)

Spencer wouldn’t admit that he was enjoying the stew- but it was rather good. Of course though, coming from someone who had traveled the entire kingdom, as well as various places outside of it, he was prejudiced to certain tastes. But he didn’t want to say that to burst Tate’s bubble. “Oh yes, it would be much more fun.” Spencer quipped with a side smile. Though as she pushed her bowl away and huffed, Spencer’s brief chuckle and silence offered his agreement that she would stand much of a chance with a vigorous challenge against him. Not many could- not even most of the men that had been knighted before Spencer took to laboring himself into one.

The prince listened to Tate rather intrigued- gorging on the stew still in front of him as well. He hummed when she mentioned being good with a bow and arrows- long distance combat wasn’t exactly his forfeit. Spencer preferred being up close and personal; it felt more honorable, or even more dignified to him. Although for hunting, it was a logical art to partake in, The blond’s initial reaction to her question was to shrug. “Just curious,” he stated honestly, “you won’t meet many women here with any kind of experience with hunting, or weapons for that matter. Unless you count high heels and dinner knives…” Spencer shuddered, but he wouldn’t deny the fact that women were creative with weaponizing whatever was closest to them when they’ve become scorned. He’s learned that lesson perhaps one too many times.

Shaking off the ghosts of exes past, Spencer finished off his stew before turning his head to glance towards the menu. He could eat all day if he really wanted to, but he could do it for free at home. Facing forward again, the prince glanced down to the table and chuckled- shaking his head. “This is the most casual lunch I’ve ever had in years, it’s weird.” But he was being honest, it just felt so unnatural. He wasn’t bickering, discussing battle strategies, or even intentionally trying to flirt or fluster anyone- he was having a docile lunch. But not just someone, his brother’s future wife. Thinking too hard about that almost made him uncomfortable- upset perhaps? But he couldn’t deduce any logical reason for him to be upset with the thought, other than of course that she would just be another thing surrounding Rian. This was no case of subtle unfounded jealousy though; right?

“I don’t want to go home,” he huffed like a child, deflating in his seat as his gaze moved to the ceiling, “but we’ll have to eventually.” He mumbled, sighing as he sat up a little more and turned his blue hues back to Tate. “I have another question- hypothetically, if you had the choice right now to choose returning to the life you had before, or still going through with the wedding and being the Queen, which would you choose, and why?” This was considerably much more personal than his previous question, but it was something he was curious about. So why not ask? He didn’t think it was offensive in any way, so why not ask?

Tate watched as he indulged on the stew, smiling to herself internally that he was enjoying it at the very least. But his question still caught her off guard. "If it comes down to it I can protect myself." She shrugged as well. leaning back. "But the main reason my uncle taught me to hunt was to help survive. If it wasn't for our hunting, I'm not sure how we would have survived." Another shrug as if it was casual.

She couldn't lie it was weird to be having such a casual diner and conversation with the Prince, her own brows pinching together- "Yes. It has been very hard since coming here but today it made things seem easier. But I can't say I'm ready to return myself." She huffed, rolling her eyes- "But all good things must come to an end as they say." Tate sighed looking up as the lady walked back toward the table asking if they needed anything else. Tate shook her head no, and they were left alone again.

"I don't know if I should answer that question. But then again Hypothetically I would still come here- I want answers. This place needs a change as well, and I'm not saying I'll be the perfect queen or person for this roll but I'm willing to try. For your family and mine. I know it seems like a basic answer- but running away doesn't fix problems only creates more." Tate muttered- looking at him directly. Because it was the honest truth, She still wouldn't change coming here or tue arrangement set in place. "I sound ridiculous don't I?" She laughed lightly shaking her head. "Who wouldn't run away from this? Its going to be hard and definitely a burden to shoulder."

Spencer duly noted her response about being able to take care of herself. The prince wanted to fantasize that her response gave him peace of mind; he wouldn’t have to gruel over watching her, and if push came to shove with the death threat, that she would manage just fine. But in all reality- the reality he refused to face directly- he had already fixed himself as the ‘protector’ figure for her. He’d make great shows of hating the position he’s in currently, and they would be believable- but watching out for Tate helped Spencer just as much it helped her, just in a different way. The prince felt… needed. It was something he’s always needed to feel in order to live for the past several years. Tate’s safety was dependent on him. Spencer wouldn’t let her down. It was just as simple, and just as complex as that.

“I don’t like that saying.” Spencer’s face had briefly expressed his dismay. It was one often used after the former Queen’s demise, “sorry about your devastating loss, but you know what they say; all good things must come to an end”. What Spencer hated most about it was that the saying was true, no matter how much he wished it wasn’t. He had also heard that the good die young, and evil lives forever- Spencer had to fight a laugh, because that surely didn’t fit the situation with his father. The prince’s dismay dissolved just as quickly as it had appeared. He watched the woman that had come over as well briefly- though he found nothing interesting to ponder about the burly woman, his gaze returning to Tate.

The woman before him was met with the prince’s silence. Spencer processed it, studied Tate for authenticity, listened for subtext veiling any falsity in her words… and he found sincerity. Mostly, he was silent because he was mulling over what she had ended with; running away doesn’t solve problems but rather creates more. Spencer allowed her to laugh, and throw out her ending questions- though he was unsure whether they were rhetorical, or she was expecting him to agree. “If I were you- I would have already ran. It would have been impulsively, but I wouldn’t have been able to resist running to the people that I knew loved me. I wouldn’t have cared about helping anyone else, or even them, I would have just run.” Spencer responded neutrally, clearing his throat afterwards. “Not that it matters what I would have done- but I just find it fascinating to learn how other people think, what drives their actions… but to answer your question, yes, you sounded just a tad ridiculous.” Spencer chuckled afterwards. His tone hadn’t ever dipped into something less than neutrally light- he was careful about that.

"I don't think anyone in their right mind would like the saying. It's sad." Tate hummed, watching him carefully. Sure the Prince has been nothing but...well..thoughtful today but that didn't mean that they were best friends. In fact, it made her all the more cautious of him and his brother. Because late at night Tate couldn't help those intrusive thoughts and they always loved to turned the good people to bad. Was three days here really enough to make her trust them? Of course not, but what other choice did she have. As of last night her life became a game for someone else, wanting to toy and play with her; but the threat was real. No doubt about that.

His laugh not surprising her when she answered his last question she rolled her eyes, "Funny as it may be to you, It's the honest truth." She paused listening to his lat statement with raised brows. "I didn't take you as the one to run." She sighed head tilting at Spencer. His next words stunning her as she sat back into the chair. "Oh. I- I'm sorry." She huffed. She didn't know the full reason as to why he didn't want to go there but still knowing he hated his father and being forced to attend because of her. She felt guilty in a way. Like it was her fault. "I suppose it would be easier if I ran away. I wouldn't even know where to go." She laughed lightly, "I would only be putting me and my family in more danger- yet..freedom." She hummed, looking away from the Prince and toward the crowds of people outside the window.

"I suppose we should head back, Please tell me there is a longer way." She teased, standing from her chair. Even if Spencer had just gotten comfortable, she didn't want to start to worry Rian. If he cared at all about their wellbeing that is. It bothered her more having the though which was why she quickly turned and headed towards the door, brows pulled together. Hoping Spencer would only deem it as they had to return, instead of asking the questions he was hell bent on asking her now. What confused her further was the fact that he was suddenly being so..dare she say friendly?

Once he returned to her side again, Tate glanced up at him briefly- "You think that boy actually did as you said? It'd be a shame if we had to walk home." She teased again, though it was a possibility. Not one she really believed in as the boy had looked eager to help Spencer no matter what he gave him as payment. "Speaking of the boy, I didn't know you were good with children. I thought you would have scared him away with your permanent scowl." Tate laughed, rolling her eyes as they made their way through the town and its nosey people. Again, ignoring the stares she and Spencer received.

Spencer gave a singular nod of agreement- the saying sucked. He was at a loss for ones that were more pleasing though. It didn’t go unnoticed by the prince that Tate was watching him, nearly just as closely as he had been watching her. No doubt that her perspective of him varied greatly from his perspective of himself- and vice versa, her own more than likely varied. He’d known this woman for a few short days, and yet she already seemed to be giving away her own predictable patterns to him. Surely he was predictable in some ways as well, but Spencer had made an art of reading people, learning them, and deciphering how to best manipulate them. Not that he intended to study Tate for any malicious reason, though.

Spencer refrained from rolling his eyes; the honest truth. Maybe she really was the perfect match for his brother, he was just as irritatingly modest, and truthful. However, he did smirk at what she said next. “I’d like to think of myself choosing to run towards something, I would run to the right thing if given the chance.” Spencer clarified, establishing ‘running away’ was perhaps the wrong term for his choice in hypothetical actions. In terms of a fight? No, Spencer would stand his ground, no matter how evident it was that he was destined to fall. Spencer scoffed though at hearing Tate’s stuttered apology. “Don’t be.” He stated, as if it were a command- but he took apologies as surface level attempts to patronize him. He doubted that was Tate’s angle though.

Smiling as she continued speaking, he raised a single brow as he listened, entertained by the words falling from her lips. His eyes followed suit with hers towards the window- seeing that freedom indeed was just beyond the window pane. The words Spencer was dreading to hear from Tate soon followed, and he sighed in response. “Of course there’s a longer way.” He said, glancing to see whether she was fond of that knowledge, or could have cared less. However, her expression appeared just as ‘thrilled’ as he was about returning to the palace. As she got up and began to leave, Spencer lowered his feet from the chair and stood up as well, leaving payment for the meal in the center of the table before catching up with Tate.

Spencer’s hand loyally returned to the hilt of his sword as they walked, his gaze switching down with a flicker of a grin at what Tate said. “It would be an awful shame, but I have faith in the lad.” Spencer replied, returning his gaze in front of them as they meandered through the array of people. The prince did roll his eyes though at Tate’s tease. “I’m not good with children- as far as anyone is concerned I hate them. If anyone says anything differently, I’ll deny it.” Spencer’s smirk was evident by his tone- but he truly would deny any claim that he liked and/or was good with children. Despite that fact that he would honestly rather spend most days playing with ones… they know how to make the best of a good time after all.

By the time they made it back to the spot they had first arrived at, it took Spencer only a few seconds to see over the other people meandering about before his eyes made landfall on the stable, and the boy he entrusted- the ginger playing with a stick and some rocks in the dirt. Again, Spencer whistled sharply in the boy's direction- although it grabbed several people’s attention before the boy looked up to see where the sound had originated. The boy grinned, ran inside of the stable and spent several minutes gathering the pair of horses before he began to walk them out. “Here you are, sir.” The boy said proudly, presenting both sets of reins to Spencer with a toothy grin. “A job well done Avel,” Spencer praised with a near brotherly warmth, the prince passing the mare’s reins to Tate. After a moment, Spencer delivered another handful of coins from his pouch into the boy's hands.

“Keep up the good work, and one day you might land yourself a job at the palace.” Spencer winked to the boy, as the red-head beamed up at him. “As a stablehand? No sir. I’m going to be a knight.” Spencer actually chuckled at the haughty seriousness the younger male spoke with- it almost reminded him of himself. “Well then young Avel, I’ll be seeing you around.” The prince responded before pulling himself up into his steed’s saddle, the boy stepping away and giving a courtesy nod to the pair before running back to resume his game in front of the stable. Spencer nudged his horse with his heels to get the beast moving, and after a few moments, Spencer moved his gaze to Tate. “You say one word about me being good with children, and I’ll convince Rian to arrange another wedding dress fitting for you.” Spencer smirked, but the image of her looking absolutely tortured while standing still for that hour was one that was vastly humorous.

Ultimately the prince decided to take the same path they had taken to reach the main part of town; it was simpler to navigate than the longer route anyway. Staying quiet most of the way to enjoy what was left of their outing. Spencer’s gaze was still sweeping their surroundings; rather be safe than sorry. He was curious as to how closely the person who threatened her was watching her every move, but he also feared that answer. It took a while to reach the palace gates again, guards opening them upon the first sight of their arrival. Spencer came to a stop just a short distance from the royal stables, dismounting from his horse while still keeping a grasp on the reins. “Did you enjoy your day out, My Lady?” Spencer teased, purposely mocking her dislike of her title. It took only a moment for two stablehands to come forward- leading Spencer’s horse away and waiting to take hold of Tate’s mare.

Tate couldn't help the laughter that fell from her at his reply about the boy. "We shall see then." She hummed following after him. Her own eyes keeping up with her surroundings, anyone could try to end her life. It was only a matter of time before whoever sent the threat followed through. Seeing the boy playing in the dirt reminded her of the better days. Days when her father would come home with trinkets from the town, gifting them to her. Showing her the different animals and plants in the woods, teaching her things about the world that most wouldn't know. If it wasn't for his sharp whistle she would have continued to reminisce, jumping slightly beside him. It wasn't until the boy brought out the horses that she spoke again, "You'll be a fine you g soldier I tell you that." She hummed, glancing at Spencer to see that brotherly love that lacked in his own relationship with Rian. "My lips are sealed Prince Spencer, You loving kids will remain a secret." She teased when they were far enough from eat shot.

//my reply got all screwed here//

But again, it wasn't her place to fix what was broken between them, even their father couldn't. Tate stayed silent until they reached the outer skirts of the town keeping her horse in a slow gait- "Did you have a good relationship with your father ever?" She asked, head tilting as she watched him for his reaction. Though from their brief encounters and his name was mentioned she should have guessed. "I keep hoping that maybe..just hopefully he was a good man- at least to his children. Then I can't hate him as much, but from what you have told me and what your body language says when he's discussed- You hate him. But have you always?"

Back at the castle ground she let out a sigh, hoping down from the horse when they reached the stables. Again glaring at Spencer with the royal title though smiling. "I did. Though let's try to keep the dress shopping to a minimum." She teased, rolling her eyes before waving him off. "See you later, Spencer." Tate headed inside the castle, fiddling with the necklace around her neck as she made her way toward the library hoping to get a good read in before dinner. As expected it was empty, Tate taking her time to find the book she was wanting yo reread again. Sitting down in a chair, she leaned back pulling her feet up to her chest as she opened the book and began her reading.

It seemed to Spencer that he wasn’t the only one decent with children- but he kept that thought to himself after having seen the effect of Tate’s comment on the boy. He did, however, appreciate her oath to keeping his secret; he couldn’t risk having such an abrasive reputation ruined by rumors of his softness on children, whether or not the rumors would be true or not. Of course he was more like a child than he was a mature adult most of the time, whether anyone else picked up on that or not. He was just as moody, attention-seeking, and stubborn as most kids. But he was also just as imaginative, curious, and adventurous as one too.

The question that came from Tate to break the silence though hadn't been one that Spencer was expecting, the prince’s posture going rigid in response. “Depends on what you consider a good relationship between father and son.” Spencer replied coolly, albeit more quietly than he had been previously speaking. As she continued, Spencer’s demeanor altered- the tone he used to respond expressing whatever was at the crossroads of rage, longing, and disappointment. “No, I didn’t always hate him.” Spencer began, pausing just a moment, as if trying to find the right words to express himself. “For a long time, all I ever wanted was his approval- I craved it. All Rian had to do was breathe to earn our father’s praise, but he forced me to work for it. And I did, I played into entertaining him. He gave me enough to continue to string me along and play into his amusement, but never enough paternal praise to ever satisfy me.” Spencer smiled and chuckled dryly- no humor in either action though.

“For a long time I thought his criticism was his way of expressing his love for me too- oh the things he said- until I realized it wasn’t love at all. I still wonder if he had ever really loved me, even for just a second, but I’m sure he takes pleasure in my inability to not wonder about such a thing from whatever throne he’s sitting on in hell.” Spencer didn’t speak any more on the subject after that- that’s all he really could say for the time being, anyway. In all honesty, he had never intended to speak so rawly to Tate, but he’s never quite had the opportunity to express his hatred to anyone. He had no safe ears to vent to, no shoulder to lean on, and he was certain Tate was the first person to have ever asked him about his relationship with his father. Funny how someone who has known him for less than a week is the first to have ever asked.

The prince did chuckle though after his remark about the dress shopping, and seeing Tate’s reaction to his comment. “Later Tate.” The prince bid before she walked off, and while he knew it was his responsibility to keep a close eye on her, Spencer also had a few knightly duties to attend to at the barracks. Call it his innate intuition- but he felt for at least right now, Tate was safe inside the castle. His gut is usually right- it hasn’t let him down yet after all.

Rian had specifically requested that he be made aware of Tate and Spencer’s return- and a servant delivered on ensuring that notification was met. The King was confident he had finalized everything just in time for the funeral- everything was perfectly in place. Everything was perfect on paper, and that put his mind at ease. It gave him satisfaction to be able to have a small hand of control over some things, especially considering he was in a place of little control with Tate’s life at risk. The King waved the servant out, tidying his work space up a bit before he finally rose from his seat and exited his study. Descending down, he had been informed of where exactly Tate had gone, and so he journeyed towards the library.

Upon reaching one set of large doors into the room, Rian gave a quick courtesy knock -force of habit- before entering. Grey orbs were only searching for one thing within the room, and once they landed on Tate, Rian offered a smile and took a slow pace in her direction. “How did it go?” He asked politely, though not letting the sight of the book escape his gaze either. Painting, reading- he liked learning about the things she enjoyed doing. Even if she didn’t directly tell him. “Also, I hope you’re not too much opposed to getting up early tomorrow- it’s going to be a long day, and I’d rather start it as soon as possible to get it over with.” Rian smiled thinly, so he was being rather honest about that. It would be tolling altogether on him; socially, politically, emotionally… it was just a lot to juggle for the King.

Even as she read the book though, she couldn't help but ponder over what Spencer had said previously. And part of her felt bad for him because knowing him for only three days, she could see he needed that. But it was to late, the both of them would never receive that fatherly love. The knock of the door is what drew her attention, frowning as to who it could be until Rian's face showed. "Oh. Hey." She murmured setting down the book gently. "It went okay actually. The dress only has a few more alters before it's ready. But other then that...I had a good time." She hummed, shrugging. "How was your day? You look exhausted." She teased lightly, glancing away when he brought up the upcoming funeral.

"I'll be sure to have everything ready for tomorrow morning, The maids should have no problem waking me up." She replied, her own grimness falling into her voice. Though Rian wouldn't know the cause of it. Maybe he would think she hated funerals, who wouldn't? "You look like you need a distraction really, should we find a sacred place again? Or return to yours." Tate suggested, hoping to get the King's mood up. After all, it was no easy feat being King and all. "We could get diner afterward, I'm sure it will be done by then. And no one will miss our absence."

Soon Tate would learn that, and slowly she already was with the threat looming over her every move. She shifted in her seat before standing, suddenly uncomfortable with her own thoughts. "Truth be told I could use a few moments of..peace." She hummed, "In here..I can't think straight. My mind is always running a million miles an hour." She sighed, rolling her green orbs. "That is unless your tired? It has been a long day."

Somehow, Rian always seemed to forget just how ancient the library smelled. He enters it frequently for various menial purposes, and yet, the smell always seems to take him by surprise. It wasn’t bad- just interesting to him. Rian was visibly pleased with her answer, and was naturally curious about what kind of dress she fancied, but he knew he would see it eventually. It seemed like something worth waiting for. Rian smiled at her own question, and that observation that followed. “Is it that obvious?” He asked with a quiet laugh, though he supposed he probably didn’t reflect rejuvenation. “My day was- well it was a bit grueling, but otherwise fine.” Rian answered, though he felt in no place to complain to Tate- his life wasn’t being directly threatened. He could only imagine the stress she was under, in fact, he was stressed for her.

Rian gave a nod, not pushing at what laced her tone in response to him. Funerals aren’t exactly a comforting thing to attend, though he also suspected that attending one might remind her of her own father’s absence. Tate’s next words took Rian by surprise, perhaps that shock reflected in his eyes… but she wasn’t wrong. He glanced to the side; appearing as if he may have been pondering doing something a King had no business doing. But who was it hurting for him to slip away with Tate to enjoy a few peaceful moments? “I’d like that,” he smiled as his gaze returned to her. Following that with dinner sounded nice to him as well, not exactly something he was accustomed to but something he was accepting with open arms.

As Tate spoke again and stood up, Rian’s gaze softened in an empathetic nature. “I understand.” He spoke just as softly, and while she naturally had a lot to think about, something about the palace made it impossible to escape one’s thoughts. Or at least that was true in Rian’s case. Rian perhaps shook his head a little too aggressively, before he spoke in response to Tate. “No, I mean- I am tired, but not enough to let a moment like this slip away. If you don’t mind returning to the tower, that’s where I’d love to go right now.” Rian smiled, waiting just a moment before he began to leave- though holding the door open for Tate so she could pass through.

As he led the way down to the entrance, and rounding towards the path he knew like the back of his hand- he had opened his mouth once to speak to Tate, though shut it just as quickly. Rian felt as if he should say something, but he couldn't think of anything good to say- he was speechless. And the fact that he didn’t know why bothered him, but it’s not as if he’s great at holding casual conversation to begin with. He mentally kicked himself for almost asking her about the weather- she wasn’t a nobleman he was trying to make small talk with for the sake of political courtesy- she was Tate. And Tate just so happened to be his future wife, but he had no idea how one conversate with their future spouse. He tried thinking about the way he had seen other couples act, even his own parents- but none were exactly figures to model after. Everything always seemed so fake in the relationships Rian had seen, and he didn’t want that. Truth be told, he didn’t know whether there would be genuine love between either of them, but at best he just wanted a real friendship. And if that’s as far as they ever got with each other, at least it would be real.

“I’m bad at this, in case you couldn’t tell,” Rian finally smiled to himself, shaking his head as they walked down the path, “talking, I mean.” Rian glanced in Tate’s direction, his hand instinctively running through his already neatly pushed back locks before he faced his gaze forward again. “I can make speeches, settle debates in the court, but one-on-one relaxed moments like this? Nothing worth talking about comes to mind.” It was a curse, really, no matter how odd it seemed.