But of course as Tate would walk away from

the rude male- he would stop her by grabbing her wrist- her eyes flying down to the contact. "Let me go." She hissed, her eyes burning as she stared him down for what seemed like forever. Did Spencer think she was stupid? "You don't think I don't know that? I know what I'm doing whether you chose to believe that or not. I would never put my family at risk of something like this- especially with no proof about it." She added, watching as he slowly let go on her own hand. "And besides, Rian doesn't know- He will never know unless I tell him. Because Regardless of how you feel- trying to use me in a pawn for your game- Or whatever the hell this is; when the time comes everyone here will know just what your father did to mine. And I don't need nor want your help."

And with that she marched off, anger fuming from her ears in steam she was so beyond angry. Stalking into her room, she slammed the door shut behind her groaning as she plopped herself onto the bed. "Oh Uncle..What have I gotten myself into?" She utterer, rubbing her temples as another headache came on. Of course the young prince would provoke her today of all days- when she needed to keep a level head about it. Oh but Spencer- out to get both Rian and Tate now it seemed. To her at least. But it made sense, he still cared for his brother regardless of what Spencer said. He was trying to help her to save his own family. Tate couldn't call him selfish for that, nor could she be angry at the guy.

Spencer was trying to help, and Tate knew deep down she would eventually have to take up his offer. For one, Tate didn't know a thing about where the Former Kings' office were nor his sleeping chambers. So how exactly was Tate supposed to become Queen and yet figure out the motive behind her father's death. It made little to no sense to someone lime Tate but maybe Spencer would have a fresh outlook on it? See something that Tate herself couldn't. But it didn't stop the fact that, Spencer now knew her darkest secret and could easily use it against her in his own game. But what would the young Prince get out of it? Quite literally nothing except his family and his own downfall- the whole Kingdom of Ardarlan would never trust the royal family again. Not that Tate did herself, though she could see now that she would have to trust Spencer and his word. Because now, their lives depended on it.

But it also left Tate with figuring out how to tell them about her fathers' death. Perhaps maybe she could conjure a lie good enough for them the buy; like her father had caught an illness and couldn't fight it off- but then that would leave the question as to whether she had gotten sick as well- and perhaps still was. Something like a plague- as the council could turn it creating fear and havoc upon the people of Ardarlan. So then came the thought of her father dying on a hunting trip- an accident; but that could also be turned around and her Uncle could be made out the villain. That wasn't an option to bring them into it. So perhaps a robbery gone wrong? Thieving was common in the Villages especially the one Tate had grown up in without a father. Quickly- her mind was working around all the ways she would have to explain herself to the council. But Tate knew she was fighting an uphill battle, one she wasn't going to win. Not without the help from Spencer- a groan falling from her mouth at the realization.

(Sorry about the length and quality, I have not had a lucky St. Patty's Day lmao)

The prince’s jaw was quick to tightly clench in response to Tate’s response. The burning intensity within her eyes was certainly no easy feat to match, but if anyone could have, it was the violent storm churning in his eyes that could as he returned the stare. The vexed stares changed nothing though. Spencer truly couldn’t trust that Tate wouldn’t confide in anyone else- how could he? And it alarmed far more than he would ever let show. But as she declared to him that she didn’t need or want his help, he didn’t bother following her with even so much as his eyes as she stormed off. His furious focus was trained on something distant… she would need him. Spencer knew that if she had half a brain, she’d realize that. And as long as she wasn’t as prideful as he was, then she’d come back to him to revisit this conversation.

However, that didn’t make Spencer any happier. And it definitely didn’t change the fact that he would still need to unbury the secrets his own father had hid away. Uncovering the evidence was only half of it though, but Spencer was merely holding onto the blind faith that the evidence uncovered might reveal a motive as well. The prince naturally wondered whether this arrangement may have been a factor in the murderous action, or if it was just an unfortunate unrelated thing. But did the former King try to weasel his way out of the promise of arranged marriage? Was the former King really stupid enough to think that killing Tate’s father would void the arrangement? Maybe. But even then, why not kill Tate if that was the angle? Unless of course stupidity blinded the former King from something like that. So perhaps Spencer is the most monstrous minded in the family, but maybe for just once, it would take that kind of mindset to figure this all out.

Regardless, Spencer needed to blow off steam. And the only thing that ever happened was by training in the courtyard, with or without anyone to train with. The prince had only moved from the place he had been previously stuck in when he realized he had still needed to retrieve his sword from his own chambers before advancing to the courtyard. But as he walked, he mulled over what Tate’s next steps would be. Would she open her mouth to anyone else? He couldn’t rule that possibility out- despite what she said to him. Would Tate go silent on the matter, or worse, try to sort this out herself? Now that was laughable. But Spencer hoped Tate would come back with her tail tucked between her legs. In all reality, they needed each other equally. But Spencer still felt he held a hand of power over the situation… she is the one that will have to come back to him eventually, after all.

Just after Spencer had retrieved his sword and his belt sheath, and began making his way back towards the doors to the main part of the courtyard, he was stopped by the figure of his brother.

“We need to talk later.” Rian stated, his tone implying it was both important, and a matter he was treading lightly with.

“That’s unfortunate, I'll be busy later.” Spencer replied, attempting to brush past his brother only for Rian to firmly grasp his shoulder.

“I mean it Spen, and I know you’re not going to like it… so I’d rather do it in private.” Rian spoke again, his tone lowering enough for Spencer to be filled with the dread of what was to come.

“Fine.” Spencer gritted, shaking himself from his brother’s grasp more roughly then necessary as he continued towards the doors. “Your future wife is quite irked right now, I’d be wary if I were you.” Spencer threw over his shoulder, full well knowing it would divide Rian’s thoughts on whether to check on her, or stay away until it was time to fetch her for tonight's dinner. And Spencer smiled to himself at that. Sometimes Rian made it too easy to mess with him, though.

Tate paced her room, and it wasn't until the maids came back in that she remembered the importance of today. She sighed, throwing a look their way before heading to the bathroom for a quick bath. It took longer then she expected to wash out her wild curls- hurrying to get out so she could get dressed and be ready before Rian or whoever showed up at her door for this meeting. Again, the maids chose a formal dress; black in color yet the bodice of it more...laced. She growled at her reflection in the mirror as they pulled through the knots and tangles of her blonde mane- "Are you nervous for tonight?" One of them asked, watching her as Tate turner toward them with a grim smile- "Does it show that badly?" Tate replied, wincing when both girls nodded.

"I just know that they are going to tear me down tonight. For one because I don't have royal blood coursing through my veins- two because my parents are gone and they will do anything and everything to try and change that narrative of what happened to them." She quited after that saying nothing more about the Kings hand in her fathers death. Spencer's warning ringing in the back of her head to keep it to herself- between them now. Once she was fully dressed, Tate stood slipping on the shoes that were mildly uncomfortable- jumping when the knock came on the door suddenly.

"That must be King Rian- Good luck tonight my Lady. We shall be be here when you need us- for whatever you need." And with that they slipped out the door curtsying to Rian as they passed. Tate clicked her jaw tightly, making her way out the room herself to greet Rian. "Should we get this going?" She asked, swallowing hard when she closed her bedroom door behind her and they began to trek to the dining hall. Presuming that's where it would be held, at least if she would get angry she could curse the King in her head- without letting the others know what exactly was going through her mind.

The doors opened before either of the party could so it themselves- guards stationed both inside and outside the room. She wanted to react- wanting to quirk a brow and ask Rian if it was needed for such an occasion but seeing the faces of the council- she quickly changed her mind. Some wore smiles that hide snakes- some merely sneered at her as they passed; taking a seat at the table next to Rian. She forced a smile to her own features- passing through each face as her mind raced. Along with her heart. She didn't want to speak first, at the very least they would also turn that into something scandalous for the Kingdom. Tucking her hands into her lap, She waited for the questions to start and her anger to rise. No doubt it her mind that something they would say tonight would have her boiling in her room later. The one face she expected to see not seated at the table- Spencer and her mind went to wondering where he had gone off to. If she had pissed him off just as he did to her.

(Yesterday was considerably better, hopefully it was for you as well <3)

Ultimately, Rian had decided that if Tate was truly upset, the kindest thing he could do was give her space. It’s what Rian would have appreciated to have when he was in a less than genial mood. Having allowed Tate as much time as possible though, the young King did eventually make his way to the woman’s private quarters. After having knocked, and side stepped out of the way as the exiting handmaidens, Rian’s gaze found its way to Tate. She perhaps looked about as uncomfortable as he felt internally, but Rian knew he’s had a lifetime to master his facade of calm neutrality -Tate was just learning how to master the appearance of forced composure. “We should.” Rian replied, his eyes dropping to study her attire for a second before he turned to begin the walk towards the dining hall.

A few times his gaze switched towards Tate in careful thought and consideration. The King wasn’t worried about her embarrassing him, he was merely worried for her. Above all, there was not much Rian could do to deter the council from prying, because if he did consistently try to sway the topics of conversation or speak on her behalf, it would do Tate no justice. The hardest part for Rian would be to sit, listen, and observe for most of it; though he prayed that Tate wouldn’t take that as a lack of care for her. He simply cared too much -more than he should- than to overstep and make her look incapable of standing for herself.

It wasn’t until the doors to the dining hall had opened that Rian was able to break away from his gripping thoughts, and further walk through the entrance alongside Tate. In near perfect synchronization, the 20 men that had previously been seated rose from their chairs to appropriately greet their King - and his company. Of the 20 faces in the room though, Rian knew only a few possessed the power and steadfast desire to pick Tate apart. As Rian sat first in his chair, followed by Tate, the rest of the men resumed their own seated positions at the table; the table filled with more food than nights before, chalices filled with wine, and servants standing off to the side should any entity desire more than what they already had provided to them.

“Lords and good Sirs,” Rian began as his gaze swept over the faces of the seated men, “I thank you all for the first privy council meeting since the passing of the former King, my father. His death came as an unexpected shock to us all, and I am more than aware of the uncertainty of change that his death has brought upon us all. As much as I would like our focus to be on strengthening our own accords for the betterment of Adarlan and what’s to come, tonight will be an ode to my future wife, and soon-to-be Queen of Adarlan -Tate Summers.” Rian introduced, his silver orbs finally meeting the woman beside him, and just to offer as much comfort as possible in the moment, Rian offered a small yet warm smile in her direction. The men began to clap as the King finished speaking -some more enthusiastically than others, and some men putting hardly any effort into the action at all.

“My Lady it is an honor, I wish for nothing more than for your reign beside our King to be filled with splendor and prosperity for our Kingdom,” a man nearly two decades older than Rian spoke, offering a nod of respect in her direction. “I am Lord Acton, the head of the King’s privy council. I have served well under the last rulers, and I look forward to being in the service of Adarlan’s newest.” The Lord was one that had in fact been serving for years, and was rather close to the former King. He was a man Rian has known since he was a very young boy, and felt was someone that was owed a rather great portion of Rian’s trust.

“I second My Lady, long may our new rulers reign.” Another voice offered, a much older gentleman Rian knew as the Archbishop.

“Tate, if I may introduce you to the men I am most familiar with,” Rian spoke, glancing at Tate before he began gesturing at various men with his right hand, “you’ve already met Lord Acton, whom we will be in close deliberation with for many years to come may fate allow it.” Rian nodded towards the red-headed Lord before moving to the older man who had also spoken. “This is the Kingdom’s Archbishop, Father Linus De la Croix.” The older man had exceeded the former King in age by a large margin, but he was perhaps the most neutral on the council. “Our Lord Chancellor, Lord Isham.” Rian continued, gesturing to a bearded black-haired gentleman. “The Earl of the Adarlan’s province of Nordenous, Lord Stephanos.” Rian introduced, but only because this Lord in particular was the most narcissistic, not to mention held quite a power hold when it came to owning important plots of land.

“And Sir Varon, our Knight Commander of the First Order.” Rian finished, connecting his gaze to the older man who reminded Rian too much of his younger brother. Maybe it was the blond hair and blue eyes, or the similar devious smiles they shared, but their similarities were a little too uncanny for Rian’s liking. But no one had ever openly acknowledged this. Spencer would be taking Sir Varon’s place soon enough anyway, though the older knight hardly seemed upset at the impending notion.

After having introduced the most important men, chatter began to fill the hall between them all. Most of the conversation was a mix between focusing on Tate, and various policies and politics, until finally… the Earl addressed the only woman in the room. “Forgive me for prying My Lady, but it seems my fellow men and I are unfamiliar with any family by the name of ‘Summers’. Would you care to elaborate on your family, then? Perhaps their occupational role or titles in the Kingdom?” The Earl pressed, in a polite tone, but also one that demanded clear answers. The room grew silent at the questions; both in anticipation, and because depending on how Tate answered, each was ready to fire an onslaught of questions in her direction. And Rian saw this coming, but there was nothing he could do to stop it.

Looking between each face Tate could see which ones wanted her there- and which didn't. Neither bothered her, but the atmosphere in the room was heavy. Everyone was waiting for the right moment to speak, and it wasn't until Rian did that everyone seemed to calm a bit- though not much. His smile doing little to calm her own nerves. She only hoped that it wasn't as visible to others. She turned toward the first man who began to speak- a smile finding it way to her face weather it was genuine or not one couldn't tell. "Thank you, as do I." She hummed, trying her best to conjure an answer that one couldn't pick apart- though now it sounded as if she was over confident. She straightened in her seat, listening as she was introduced to most of the more important council members- greeting each one with a smile. "I look forward to working with you, in helping Ardarlan stand strong always."

But soon the chatter was turned elsewhere as they began to eat- political and not going about the table; tate couldn't help but notice a few whispers going around. But who was she to call them out? That would easily be a mistake on her part. She took a sip of her wine, turning her eyes toward Rian and offering up another smile; seems that all she would be doing tonight. Putting on a fake smile.

She ate very little, more so watching the crowd around her to make sure they weren't watching her. But they were, no denying it. Tate could feel the stares of others when she would loom away and share a quite word with Rian even if the conversation was mostly about the food and people surrounding them. But Tate had little intrigue in politics- hoping the council would see her as a pretty face for the Kingdom rather then an actual Queen. These people didn't know Tate's heart, and especially her upbringing. These people were ruthless- some at least; and when the question rose about her family she expected it.

Meeting the eyes of the man who asked, she leaned back in her chair "Yes well, my father was a merchant. And my mother died in childbirth." There was no need to lie about that one, she quickly reminded herself as she kept her face cooled- a statue in her seat. "It was long ago- Being the only offspring there was no son to carry on the last name." She added a shrug to make it look like she didn't care. But in all honesty the fact that she would soon share the same last name as the King: it didn't sit right with her. "My uncle and Aunt have raised me since." She again added, though it was rather unnecessary. They wouldn't care about that too would they? Sighing, she looked toward Rian, as if asking for help silently. But he couldn't , the man didn't know the white lies falling from her mouth. But his brother did, and she had denied his help all because her pride. Regretting it now- she shifted in her seat.

//this is crappy- sorry x.x and Im glad it was better for you! <3\

(Lmao, no worries, it was great^^)

It was difficult for Rian to see the room in such veiled disarray. The young King knew very well that the very people in this room could make his reign as King a fairly manageable thing, or they could make it by far the most difficult thing Rian will ever have to endure. A King really did only have so much power. And friends only existed because they desired favors, or they were playing nice to get closer to the person in power while waiting for their downfall. Rian wondered what viewpoint the council held in regards to Rian as a King; would he be a King they could work favors out of, or are they waiting for his moments of weakness? Neither were favorable, and even worse, they were preying just as heavily on Tate.

As Tate began to respond to the Earl’s inquisitions, all ears in the room were straining to dissect each and every word that fell from her lips. Though quickly, a few snickers surrounding the word ‘merchant’ were passed around. That was no honorable role in society to the noblemen, but it was the idea of her being an orphan that truly sunk a lot of her popularity among the seated men. Looks of utter disdain and grotesque astonishment passed around until Tate ceased her speaking. “Your Aunt and Uncle, merchants too I suppose?” The Earl asked in a tone of mockery before chortling after his own comment, as if it were a clever joke. Yet brief laughter from other men followed.

“You’re a rather undesirable candidate when it comes to a Queen, My Lady,” the Lord Chancellor spoke bluntly, “I fail to see how the former King thought you worthy enough to wed his son. Unless some kind of trickery was at play, it wouldn’t be the first time the lower class have strived to see their kin ascend to power by any means necessary.” Lord Isham pointed out, which was followed by an eruption of voices that began proposing ideas as to how Tate even managed to get into the position she was in.

“I assure you my Father had good reason to establish the arrangement in place.” Rian quickly interjected, though even his voice was semi-drowned out by the chatter that filled the hall. However, every noble had heard the young King’s words; it would just be a grave offense on their end to question what Rian had said. However, they were all silently wondering the same thing; what good reason did the former King have? Rian wonderedthe same thing too, though.

“My Lords, if I may,” Lord Acton’s voice boomed, “Her Lady Tate is in a questionable position, that I know we all can agree on.” The nobleman paused, even glancing towards Rian and Tate before he continued. “However, this is not the most undesirable position we could be in right now in terms of a new face on the Queen’s throne. When the people learn she comes from simpler people of the Kingdom, she will quickly become a beloved figure by the people. That is a stance we can work with, especially one that will best be in our favor. She can be scripted a few throwaway comments to preach to the Kingdom at various events to further strengthen the faith in the higher powers of the Kingdom, otherwise… it’s only her retaining a wistful and joyous appearance when in the public eye that’s important. If the Queen of the people is happy, they’re happy.” Lord Acton spoke, earning a bit more favor in his own proposals. The Lord then turned his chocolate gaze to Tate to directly address the young woman. “It is vital you serve the Kingdom in the manner we need you to, or you put your King’s reputation and livelihood at grave risk, My Lady. We are all burdened to play the roles fate has assigned to us, and this is yours now.” Lord Acton said in a strictly serious tone.

But what he was saying though, was that the majority of her life from the day she is crowned on, will be primarily scripted. She will be an actress; one that nods in agreement to even the most controversial of new policies put into place by the crown, she will upkeep the image of eternal humility and happiness, when she speaks -the words will be those approved for her to say in public. Only in the palace will Tate be free to do as she pleases -and even then there will be restraints- and it too, will be the same prison Rian has found himself in. Everybody wants to be in a seat of power, but nobody ever does realize the price one pays to keep it. And Rian glanced at Tate with a brief sorrow; wishing he could say he was sorry, because this is not a life he’d ever wish for someone like Tate to have.

“Scheduling frequent visitations to the lowly orphanages in the Kingdom slums would be good publicity on the Queen’s part,” Sir Varon offered with a shrug, “if we make her out to be a -how do I put this-... a rags to riches tale, she’ll inspire hope and faith in our most estranged youth. Which will surely rub off, which will breed the next generation of devoted individuals within the Kingdom. If the council as a whole publicly welcomes the new Queen, and her unfavorable qualities, that will only further strengthen the stability in faith.” The knight explained, rather carelessly at that, as if what he said was what everyone was thinking. Nods and various chatter ensued again, with the noblemen treating Tate more as an inconvenient object to work with rather than a human being.

The anger. It was worse far worse then the one that boiled her red the day her father was taken. She wanted to speak, lash out at that. "No. Actually my Uncle is a Hunter and Aunt a Seamstress. Im sure she has made some of your wives dressed." She retorted, not helping the bitter tone to it. It was a a slip up, one she knew she would surely pay for as they continued to insult her childhood. She sat back further into her chair, biting her tongue so hard that blood drew- watching as the men laughed about it- even if it was a lie. It was a slap to any lower commoner like herself. But when the question of her morals came about, she bristled. About to stand up for herself and the good lower class people Rian did- causing her to shoot glares at each person who agreed.

That she wasn't expecting, it was a low blow- one that stung quite a bit. Tate wasn't the girl they were describing in fact, the complete opposite. If she had a choice she would be long gone from here- even knowing Rian now. She would chose her family over this, who wouldn't? The riches were nothing when you are prisoner- and that's what she was becoming. She realized that as they tossed ideas on how to get the people to accept her as Queen. A hard gulp when they mentioned the orphanage- because what could she offer them? They had no parents- her support for them would never be enough.

"All due respect, Regardless of my background and where I came from- I will help rule this Kingdom. No matter what it takes, I have told Rian this many of times already- and will prove myself when the time comes. This duty will always come first, it has since the moment the King and my father made the arrangement. But you will respect me just as you do your King- I am not some object for you to play with." Tate didn't know where the courage to say that come from- but Spencer and her uncles words rang in her head. This was her time to show them she wasn't to be pushed around- not when it counted anyway. She would do as they wished for the public eye- but anything further was asking to much.

She may not have grown in the royal palace but she was raised with a spine. Letting these men walk all over her wasn't going to happen. "Are there any other questions? Im getting quite tired- it has been a long day. And I would hate to keep you good men." She murmured at last adding a sweet smile to the end. As if. And like before she rose from her seat- looking down at Rian as she did. "I will see you later yes?" She hummed waiting for an answer before she walked out of the room briskly. 'Now let them talk.' Tate thought sourly as she crossed the hallway towards the gardens. She needed air- even if the air was freezing as she stepped out- the sleeves on the gown doing little to protect her from the harsh cold.

But her thoughts were occupied, watching as the clouds shifted in the night sky- the moon the only light. Still she wasn't alone, not completely as there were guards always moving around the grounds of the castle- watching for threats.

Rian certainly didn’t show it, but he did internally cringe at Tate’s retort. The effects it had on the council men were varying; some seemingly taking mild offense, and others laughing at the expense of the others. But Rian was also listening; it pays to listen after all. He was mentally keeping track and noting every word spoken from each council member, only to one day soon remind them of the foul stance they’ve taken tonight. Rian was smart enough to still leverage this council into line, regardless of anything they thought they could hold over him. The young King hated politics, but he knew how to engage in it well. That’s really the only thing he’s grateful to have learned efficiently as he grew up.

Rian knew though it was far from easy for Tate to endure all of this though, and he could not quite defend her the way he wanted. They’d never speak to a legitimate Queen in such a manner, but because Tate currently held little to no power, they were attacking her as if she was a scent of blood amid a pool of sharks. As Tate began speaking again though, everyone fell silent. Gazes were thrown around though; from each other, to the King. They’d make points later to ‘lightly’ shun Rian for the things Tate was saying, but one can’t expect men with egos thicker than their money vaults to take things like this very well. “Understood, My Lady, your message has been well received.” Lord Acton said, being the only one willing to address Tate before they all began to speak amongst each other again; leaving no room to directly include Tate or Rian.

When Tate asked her question though, the nobles exchanged glances before -once again- Lord Acton addressed Tate. “No, My Lady, you’ve answered enough.” A few snickers followed, but beyond the final exchange they openly made with Tate, for now she was an object to ignore. Rian gave a heavy sigh -there was still roughly an hour of deliberation on other trivial matters ahead of him. Rian’s silver gaze swept up to meet Tate, and he gave a small nod of his head. “Of course, I’ll find you later.” Rian responded before he watched her leave. Though he couldn’t help but wonder whether she had taken his more quiet, neutral stance poorly -the thought of her being angry with him bothered him more than he would have liked.

For hours Spencer had been swinging his sword far more violently at various men who were willing to train with the dubbed ‘warrior Prince’. Spencer continued until no one was willing to be so brutally bested, and even then… the prince managed to train with inanimate objects. And by the time Spencer called it quits, his blue orbs had fully realized that daylight had long since been vanquished by the night. The blond was certainly more of an entity that enjoyed the embrace of the darkness that came with the night; it made it easier to appreciate the brief light that spotted the sky in the form of stars and the moon. Having watched the sky for a short period of time, Spencer began to make his way back into the palace. Not desiring to risk being caught in a conversation with any potential stray or wandering council member by entering through the front, Spencer walked until he reached the external entrance to the gardens.

Sweat had already slicked his looser dirty blond tufts to his forehead, though the colder air began to make him feel as if his sweat was freezing to his skin. The faint pant to his every breath came out in a light fog, but he was enjoying the cooler atmosphere regardless. However, just as Spencer began to make his way up a series of steps to the balcony that led to the doors, his eyes connected to a familiar figure he quite actually wasn't expecting to see. The prince had briefly paused in his walk before he continued on his slower walk up the steps. “Was the meeting as nice as your expression would suggest?” Spencer smirked after his sarcastic comment, reaching the top step before pausing and placing one hand on his hip, and the other resting on the hilt of his sheathed sword.

“I’d put more effort into mocking you, but lucky for you Tate I’m currently a bit winded.” Spencer spoke again, giving a breathy chuckle before he simply decided to sit for a moment to enjoy the air that was cooling off his practically steaming self. He knew it wouldn’t have gone great, but he was more or less hoping to hear every last detail -just for entertainment. And to hear just how right he was. Spencer did enjoy being right, after all.

Tate had just taken a seat on a bench when the prince strolled through- looking as handsome as ever if she was looking for that. She rolled her eyes, quickly looking away as a sigh left he parted lips. She shook her head before replying- "I didn't say anything that would hurt your family. But since your so eager to hear how it went. Here it goes." She growled, turning her storming green eyes back to him. "They tore me down- much worse then I have ever been in my entire life. My father such a poor man for being a merchant- a blessing them to that my mother died and soon my father. They were eating up the fact that I grew up a orphan minus my Uncle the hunter- and Aunt the seamstress." And if the sight of the Prince hadn't annoyed her further surely when he sat down to hear more it pushed her over the edge.

"You would also take pleasure in knowing that for them I am just a pretty face for the people and hope that they too- can go from "rags to riches"" She air quoted- looking away to watch the stars again. "And I know it isn't your brothers fault but he didn't say much- barely spoke up for his future wife- Oh but when it came to your father and my father's decision on this marriage," She laughed bitterly- "Quick to defend."

Blowing out another breath, she closed her eyes briefly enjoying as the wind slightly rushed through. "So enjoy my misery. Because from where I'm sitting it's going to last for a lifetime. I'm already failing. Both the people of Ardarlan and my father." She whispered.

//this is short o.o Ekk.//

Spencer didn’t express it in any way, but he was mildly grateful for the fact Tate had kept to her word. He was too prideful to offer any meager forms of thanks to the woman, but it’s not like his appreciation would mean anything to her. So Spencer wasn’t going to waste either of their time with it. He did allow a flash of intrigue dance its way into his eyes as she began to angrily recount the events of the night -most of which Spen had seen coming. However, the prince did manage a more childish giggle at her use of air quotes for the ‘rags to riches’ bit. So that’s the creative way the council is making peace with Tate. It was laughable for sure. At least to him -Tate didn’t seem to find it as funny.

Spencer did hum as Tate spoke about her brother’s reaction; typical. “What do you expect from daddy’s golden boy?” He muttered under his breath, though not afraid to let his own loathing seep its way into his breath. As she finished speaking though. Spencer let a moment of silence fall between them before he glanced to her and began speaking. “I wouldn’t take anything the council says too heavily; they’re all privileged pricks walking around with wooden spoons up their ass,” Spencer said with a shrug, “besides, if you knew the things I did about them all- you’d be laughing at their audacity to criticize your upbringing.” Spencer added, chuckling to himself.

Laying back to better keep his gaze strictly on the sky, he allowed a sigh of content to pass before he continued speaking. “From where I’m sitting Tate -or laying rather-, you have two options. You can allow them to underestimate you right now, and let their haughty little egos stack up ten stories tonight- and then you can crush them. They won’t be expecting you to try to match their conniving tactics to belittle you, and if you play back? You’ve already won, and they’ll learn that you’re an adversary worth thinking twice about messing with. If I can do it, so can you.” Spencer paused before continuing. “Or… you can admit defeat and be a depressed shell of yourself for the rest of your life. You’ll drown everyday in pathetic self-loathing, cry yourself to sleep every night wondering ‘what did I do to deserve this?’. Or, there’s a third option I presume, you can run. Right now. Run back to your Uncle the Hunter, and your Aunt the Seamstress. Pack up what wealth you do have and make a break for it to the outskirts of the kingdom, or flee to our southern ally. I’ve run away twice; it’s quite fun, very thrilling in fact.” Spencer smiled, moving his head slightly to turn that towards Tate. He didn’t care to elaborate on why he’s always returned though.

“What option would allow you to honor your father the most? I guess that’s the only real question that should guide your decision.” Spencer spoke again, keeping his gaze on Tate for a short time before returning his blue hues to the sky once more.