The ride to the castle of course was a quite one- neither her or the Guards spoke as they made their way across the lands back towards their Home. She didn't know how long she had been on the horses back, but she was quickly becoming sore from the constant bumps in the unpaved road. It was just a little after breakfast when they arrived into Ardarlan. And having to pass through those gates made the hair on her arms stand. This was the place her father often left her to come and experience- leaving with the tons of gifts he would bring to Tate. But what she didn't expect was how dark this place deemed to be. Her father had always told her how happy and exciting this place was- perhaps after both the King and Queen died so did that joy. She felt bad for the Princes in that second, knowing just exactly how it felt to have no parents anymore. And as if it was another day for the new King, he stood waiting for her arrival.

Was he pleased? Was he...disappointed? Tate could not tell- only seeing the man he allowed her to see. But truth me told, Tate could always bring out the real in others- maybe one day the King would do that same. She lifted her chin, shoulders pushing back as she climbed down the horse ignoring the helping hand. "Do woman not know how to ride horses here?" She uttered, fixing her dress before moving towards her Future husband. "Thank you." Was all she said- though she didn't take his arm. This was all to formal then what she was accustomed to. Tate spent her days either hunting or helping with chores and one more around this place and reading from the summons; she'd never have any of that again. As Queen her life would be in danger as soon as they were married, and if they were to have children. The thought made her want to run back home, but she steeled her feet to the ground as the pair made their way into the castle.

As expected it was filled with fine arts and precious statues showing the familys' wealth. She wanted to roll her eyes, but suppressed the urge and continued on. "I thought you had a brother?" She asked after a while, keeping a safe distance between them, after all this was her first time seeing The King, and honestly...She couldn't help but notice how attractive he was. That scared her, because admitting that or even thinking it meant she wasn't thinking about why she was here. She waited for an answer, before stopping in front of a family portrait, her eyes taking in every detail. Until they landed onto the King and she instantly felt that boiled rage come alive. She could only hope that the emotions didn't show through her face.

Instead she sighed, looking towards the King and giving a small smile- though forced. "I am sorry about your father." She murmured, though she didn't feel bad he was dead but rather that those two men now had no family. Again, her teeth caught in her lip as she moved away from the painting and continuing on the tour. "This castle is lovely. Dark...But..Lovely." She hummed, meeting his eyes briefly before dragging them away. Tate hadn't realized the color of those eyes until looking into them just now. The intensifying feeling looking into them made her want to look at them again, study them until she knew everything about the colors and small flecks of color.

//this isn't the best- Im sorry o.o I can do better//

(It’s perfect <3 No need to worry :))

A part of Rian was thankful that he had chosen to move closer to the woman, for what he heard tumble from her lips in quiet disregard to the soldier’s extension of help was enough to almost coax a small smile onto his lips. And while Rian had only the luxury of observing his future wife for a short period of time thus far, his intuition told him she would be vastly unlike most of the women he’s ever been in the company of. Rian may have been unsure at the moment how she differed so greatly, but he trusted his intuition, or gut feeling rather.

“You’re welcome.” Rian replied coolly, though he did have to consciously relent from raising his brow at her lack of indulging in the formalities he was all too comfortable with. Do I even know how to be informal? Rian decided not to let his inner monologue get the best of him, and instead retreated his arms to the side before turning to lead them to the castle’s interior.

Usually, it was the finer things displayed in Rian’s home that he was rather used to pointing out, and discussing with those who gawked and fawned over them. But he was careful in his subtle study of the woman walking beside him; and she seemed far from desiring to discuss the things that even Rian himself found trivial. Maybe even, she was bored. Quietly, the young King pondered how to remedy such boredom -if it was that she was experiencing-, but he also kept in mind that this was a drastic change in her life. It was in his own too, but the only way he knew how to best deal with change was to silently internalize his analyses and thoughts.

The question she did ask though earned a few seconds of silence before Rian responded in an impartial tone. “I do,” he confirmed, “you’ll have the opportunity to meet him tonight, at dinner.” Rian added, though his jaw did briefly clench at the thought before he relaxed again, resuming the reflection of calm and neutrality he offered. Usually, Rian could at least rely on his father to disallow any civil squabbles to escalate during things such as a dinner. However, their father is gone now. Which came with enough issues as is, but both brothers housed under the same roof with no barrier between their feuds? Not exactly a comforting thought to the new King.

Pausing as she did at the portrait, Rian hesitated before he allowed his eyes to travel over the faces. It was done just a few years ago; the prior King insisting that the one from their youth was ‘outdated’ in reflecting their appearances. When what the King meant was, ‘it’s outdated in reflecting the individuals currently reigning within the family’. The portraits with the former Queen -all but one, anyway- were all moved to her now empty chamber. Rian’s gaze moved from his father, to Spencer -on the leftmost side. The prince hardly seemed fuming with an unparalleled rage on the surface, but Rian knew his brother well enough to see the storm that raged behind his eyes in that still moment in time. But between the two brothers, Spencer was the most enraged of this portrait replacing the last one their mother was in.

Not allowing himself to delve into the memories of the past, Rian glanced to the woman looking over the portrait herself, and a spark of curiosity struck him. There was something she was displaying on her face, not enough for Rian to decipher exactly what it was, but enough for him to wonder what was on her mind. Having failed to look away as he watched her expression dissolve, she then looked up to him, where Rian held her gaze for a few seconds before looking back at the portrait. Back at his father. “I appreciate that, but I’d rather not focus on him today,” Rian stated, his attention switching back to her, “Today is about you.” Which Rian meant whole-heartedly; at the very least, he just wanted to be on good terms with the person he was supposed to wed. And that meant getting to know her, and ensuring as much comfort as possible.

Rian carried on with her down the lengthy castle corridors, only glancing back down to her when she spoke again. Which for the first time in her presence, a small smile pulled at Rian’s lips as his steely orbs tethered to her green ones. “It was a lot more colorful when my mother was here, she was in charge of castle decor. For good reason too. My father was lacking a bit in imagination and creativity, as I’m sure you can tell by the current lack of any art that’s considered pleasing to the eye in this place.” Rian said, a light sigh drawing from his lips before his gaze switched forward again.

“Your name is Tate Summers, yes? It’s one of the few things I did find about our arrangement when going through my father’s things. My father only ever said that he was good friends with yours, though I can’t seem to match a face to the surname ‘Summers’.” Rian spoke, glancing at her to observe her reaction. A part of him hoped she wasn’t as in the dark on the matter as he was, especially because Rian would have never guessed that his father would arrange a marriage between his heir, and someone seemingly not stemming from any prominent nobility. Besides, Rian knew all of his father’s “friends” quite well… but any man with the surname Summers just failed to jog his memory.

Tate could feel the blush creep into her cheeks at his smile, her own eyes averting from his to look ahead, clasping her hands in front of her. She could feel the love he had for his mother still- walking next to him this time; closer. Though still not touching. "Perhaps now that I'm here I can add some..color." She hummed, daring a glance at him before looking away. His next question making her stiffen slightly, though she doubted it wasn't noticeable. "Yes. And I only found about this. arrangement...yesterday." She huffed rolling her eyes this time. "My father was good friends with yours. He often sent him on excursions for riches and even sometimes criminals." Talking about her father now, Tate could feel her heart squeezing. "He died long ago." Was she she added, her voice barely a whisper to end the conversation. Something she rarely talked about.

Reaching another door, she pushed it opened- eyes going wide at the large library matched with beautiful paintings. "These should be out there. Not those dreadful things." She uttered walking into the room more and doing a spin to take it all in. Rarely did the girl smile, but in that moment- it reminded her of her father. If perhaps he spent his time here as well. It wasn't until she realized she wasn't alone that the smile broke and she stood still, arms crossing over her chest as if to protect the beating heart beneath it. Tate cleared her throat, "Could you show me to my room? I will need to get ready before dinner- though I don't have fancy clothing. Only..this." She added quietly. Suddenly ashamed about her lack of wealth, cheeks reddening.

The walk to the room was filled with quite chatter, ignoring the topics of fathers and mothers. She could feel that wall- slowly rising up to protect that heart that had been broken one to many times. The more she looked at him, the more he spoke to her in a way she had never been spoken too before she could hear her uncle's words in the back of her head 'Perhaps one day, You'll love him.' And if the library wasn't beautiful then surely the room she was going to be staying in then surely this was. "This is...alot." She breathed out- blowing out a puff of air.

It didn’t evade Rian that she had drew a little closer to him than previously, but he refrained from mirroring that action. For now, this was about building her own security and trust; both with him, and the situation in general. However, Rian was more or less slow with building trust and faith within other people. Not that he’s to blame for being so reluctant though. He was taught that should anyone be given the chance, they would surely stab him in the back. Rian would always be the focus of jealousy, envy, and hatred for what he is; the ruler of a kingdom. People may try to usurp him, assassinate him, and so on and so forth. And these were all things to consider pressed onto Rian since he was just a boy, so it’s really no wonder he’s such a devoted overthinker.

The young King did elicit a quiet chuckle in response to her though. “I wouldn’t be opposed to you adding a flare of color.” Looking at her, he couldn’t help but already see the amount of color that clung to her. From her piercing green gaze to the wistful purple hued dress she wore. From her, his eyes moved to skim over their current surroundings; the surroundings that were much duller in comparison to the woman walking beside him. However, he did subtly -yet intently- observe her behavior when it came to him mentioning her father and the arrangement. “I see.” He quietly uttered, his eyes briefly falling to the floor. Rian hadn’t exactly expected her to have just found out about a quite literal life changing arrangement, and against his own will… he felt guilty. Being placed so abruptly in this situation couldn’t be easy, not to mention, the trials she would be coming to face as Adarlan’s future Queen. But Rian wouldn’t scare Tate with what was to come right now… not yet.

Rian nodded as he listened to Tate forge the connection their father’s had with one another, yet still, he hadn’t the faintest memory of her father and his together. The final thing she whispered earned the King’s eyes to snap a little quicker than he intended in her direction. Died long ago? A wave of sympathy swelled in his chest, and he offered words of gentle condolence. “I’m sorry for your loss.” They were words he was more used to hearing recently rather than saying, but as he’s learned for himself, no amount of sorry’s really comfort the kin of the deceased. Not really, anyway.

Observing Tate as she pushed through the doors that caged the royal library, he entered behind her before pausing to further watch her -giving a nod of agreement about the paintings. Another smile managed to grace the King’s face, his head faintly tilting to the side as he curiously watched her spin. Her own smile was enough to encourage Rian’s to remain; but it was almost refreshing to be in the presence of someone not so transfixed by the things the other people in his life were. Tate seemed to be someone who valued real beauty in the world. Color for certain. And if he had to guess, she was someone with a deep appreciation for the natural world as well. As her smile broke, and the woman stilled with a cross of her arms, Rian was quick to correct the position of his head and drop his smile as well; briefly glancing to the side as he internally recomposed.

Although Rian was quick to nod in agreement to showing her the chamber prepared for her, but he did furrow his brows in thought when it came to the issue of her attire. “I think your dress possesses a simple elegance befitting to you, but if you insist on a change in clothes… I believe I could have a handmaid fetch a few old evening gowns of my mother’s for you to sift through.” Rian spoke to try and soothe the shame that heated her cheeks, now pondering whether he would need to hire a seamstress or two to be at Tate’s beck and call now when it came to clothing. Because quite honestly, Rian’s knowledge of feminine wear and such only went so far.

The escort he gave to her room was one he was careful to fill with less sensitive small talk. It was definitely different for Rian; considering most of his conversations were either centered around responsibility, politics, or arguing with his brother. A part of him wanted to see Tate as a breath of fresh air he didn’t know he needed, but he was too careful of a person to give into surface level amiability. Upon reaching the door, Rian refrained from entering -rather just opening the doors to the chambers fit for a future Queen for her, with two female servants meekly adding final preparations to the large, four post bed within the room. “I’d rather not intrude much with you becoming familiar with your space, but rest assured these handmaidens are here to assist with your every need; bathing, hair, and of course dressage.” Rian did his best to not appear awkward at the discussion of women doing… whatever it is women do, but he figured that styling hair and indulging in dress up was among the things most women did. Right?

“When you’re ready, I’m sure one of these ladies would be happy to escort you to the dining hall,” Rian paused, stepping back to signal his departure while offering a thin smile, “I’ll see you soon, Tate.” Dipping his head in a politely formal nod to finalize his leave, Rian removed his grey gaze from her before walking back down the corridor he came. This seemed to be going too well for Rian, which naturally spiked his sense of eerie. Now, he could only pray the arrival of his brother shortly would go just as well.

A scowl quickly found its way onto her face at the comment of the maids helping with all of those. Of course, Tate was used to doing it all on her own so she could only hope these maids wouldn't pester and insist to help. Though a quick glance at the meek girls and she got her answer; They would do whatever she wished. She turned her attention back to Rian, nodding- "Thank you for uh...this." She murmured gesturing around the room- heat blooming in her cheeks as he waved a simple goodbye- but the promise of 'See you later' had her insides flipping nervously. What exactly did that imply? Huffing she closed the door finally and turned to the girls still in the room. Tate cleared her throat, head dipping "I think I'll take a bath-" She hummed heading toward the door to the left assuming it was the bathroom; and indeed she was correct. When the maids started to follow her, Tate turned brows pinching together as she rang her hand, "I-I can do that on my own." She murmured, and when they went to persist she raised a brow; "I'll be fine." She added swiftly closing the bathroom door.

The bathroom was mostly white with hints of sea-foam blue in the towels and decor. She scoffed, rolling her eyes at the intricate details removing the pale purple dress at last and into the running bath water. Tate took her time scrubbing off the dirt and washing her wild curls- relaxing in the warm water. Another luxury she rarely had. Once done with the usual self care routine she dried both her hair and body wrapping a towel around her as she peeked out into the room. The maids gone. But dresses lining the bed for her to choose from. Tate would have to get used to wearing these gowns, even as she grumbled exiting the bathroom quickly selecting a deep red dress- this one much fancier then the lilac dress she had on before. Slipping it on she decided she'd at least brush the wild curls back somehow. But when it became apparent she couldn't tame those curls she went searching for the maids. Finding them perched outside the door and waved them inside, sighing when they nodded quietly and slipping back into the room ready to assist. "Would one of you know how to possibly tame this hair?" She grumbled obviously ashamed she couldn't figure it out on her own. One of them smiled, nodding "Yes my lady. Please sit, Jen please bring me a comb. A brush will do no good with these curls." She hummed waiting for Tate to take her seat. And when she did, quickly beginning to work her magic, quickly taming them when brought what she needed- even adding two braids to hold her bangs.

"Thank you..Jen..and? Im sorry, I didn't catch your name." Tate spoke lightly turning yo face both girls. "My name is Sophie- And that's Jen if you didn't catch that either- and it's my duty My lady no need to thank me. Are you ready to go down to the dining hall?" She asked, Tate nodding in response as she slipped on a low heeled shoe. "As ready as I'll ever be." She laughed dryly following after the ladies. Many winds and stairs and eventually they made it, two guards opening the doors to reveal the grand room. Again, Tate took her time taking in all the details- humming quietly as she stepped into the room and the maids leaving her side to do whatever else was needed around the castle. In front of her laid a long table, lots of chairs filling either side- and it felt like it stretched for entirety; loads of varies meats, meals, and vegetables lining the table- a brow quirking. Though the nerves were set on fire at the thought of their being so many people attending the diner itself.

It’s been just over a day since Spencer had learned of his father’s passing, and the prince was absolutely delighted. Perhaps he was the only individual in the kingdom willing to outwardly express the thrill he felt of his father’s passing, but he knew he couldn’t be the only one thankful the King’s reign had come to an end. Spencer knew what his father’s death meant though; his brother would be ascending to the throne. The prince always thought the time their father spent investing into Rian was a waste; he was adamant about not desiring to rule anyway. And yet, Spencer had always made clear that he would strive for nothing less than to lead in an impactful and just manner. Not that it mattered, though.

Leading a small flurry of Adarlan knights in the direction of the castle was the warrior prince himself. And as the prince led the way through the gates, the armored men following his lead were quick to dismount their steeds and disperse towards the military barracks. All but Spencer, that is. The blond had already fixed his gaze on his elder brother -already waiting in the courtyard-, a wicked smirk upturning at his lips before he swiftly dismounted his own horse -passing the reins off to one of his fellow men in arms before striding confidently in his brother’s direction. When the young man came to a stop, towering slightly above his brother, he was quick to speak in order to thwart any of his brother’s attempts to speak first. “I hear the old man is dead,” Spencer chirped in a pleasantly surprised manner, “how lovely for us?” The blond mocked, earning a scowl from Rian. Though Spencer wasted no time in brushing past his brother to proceed in walking towards the castle entrance.

“Could you be any less sensitive?” Rian chided in a near hiss, though the chuckle he received in response from Spencer told him that yes, Spencer very well could be much more insensitive. Refraining from clenching his jaw, Rian turned to walk in pace with Spencer towards the entrance. “I need to talk to you ab0ut a rather important manner,” Rian began, earning an eye roll from Spencer, but the lack of immediate protest from the prince encouraged Rian to further discuss the entirety of what he knew of his arrangement… and Tate.

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

An arranged marriage… Spencer’s reaction was a chorus of laughter set to the tune of mockery. It was just perfect. And Spencer was certainly going to relish in the circumstances. Of course, he swore to his brother up and down that he would be on his ‘best behavior’ at dinner, but shame on his brother for expecting Spencer to adhere to what Rian wants. It’s not as if there was much trust between the brothers to begin with, so it would just be stupid on Rian’s part to really believe he had appealed to Spencer’s non-existent benevolent side.

Claiming his private chambers in the west of the palace, Spencer peeled himself out of the layers of armor, linens, and under garments that were customary wear of a knight. Hell, at this rate Spencer was more of a knight then he was a prince anyway. After all, he was just a few months shy of being able to claim the status of the Commanding Knight in the Royal First Order. Which Spencer has rightfully earned. He was well respected among the men in arms, earned a formidable reputation, and ultimately got himself to the top; versus relying on his status. Spencer then took his time bathing and proceeding to then dress himself in clothes that were primarily in bold white; his over shirt only being graced with golden buttons and golden decor along the collar, his trousers also being in a brilliantly solid white shade. The young man contemplated white shoes to really make his point of disregarding the mourning reserved for his own father, but decided the black pointed shoes in his possession looked best on him. No effort though was put into taming his own tousled, dirty blond lockes, simply because any effort to fashion his hair would end in vain. And confident with his appearance, Spen exited his room to beat his brother to the dining hall.

Upon his silent entrance through a side door to the dining hall, his gaze had quickly fixated on who had to be the girl just a short distance ahead of him. Admittedly, she was a rather beautiful woman, from what the prince could see. And while Spencer had just laid eyes on her, he was positive about one thing; he hated her right now. If it weren’t for Spencer actively caging his fury, his chest would have shook with a breath of rage at the sight of seeing a woman in his mother’s clothing. Rian. Now Spencer had a reason to break his empty promise to behave. How could his brother let this girl wear one of their mother’s dresses? Choking down his loathing, Spencer put on the facade of the man who he usually came across as being to people; a charming young man.

“Enjoying the view?” Spencer asked as he began to step forward, the smile in his tone matching the one he wore on his face. He was careful to keep his gaze solely on her face, not desiring to fixate much on the dress that clung -begrudgingly well- to her frame. When he came to a stop a relatively short distance from her, he began to speak again. “Prince Spencer,” he introduced, “but I’m sure you’re a clever enough girl to have already come to that conclusion.” He added in a playful tone. “My brother was certainly modest when describing you; but in any case, you’re far more beautiful in the flesh than being described by word of mouth.” Spencer complimented, his eyes carefully studying her own before he gestured towards the table, “Sit anywhere you’d like, I assure you we’re not feeding as many people as the food would suggest.” Spencer stated, glancing himself towards the plentiful foods displayed along the table. It would really be only him, Rian, Tate, and the royal advisor from what Spencer understood though.

Not seeing the young prince enter, Tate continued to observe the room- a much larger painting still hung on the wall of the former King. But what made her heart leap- was when He casually strolled toward her speaking before being seen. Hand flying to her racing heart, all she could muster was an "Oh." She couldn't tell him that the portrait of his father angered her more then anything. How looking at him brought up so much childhood trauma that it made her stomach turn. She forced a smile, dipping her chin slightly- wasn't that the right thing to do when addressing a royal? Tate looked down towards his own outfit- her brows rising but then quickly regaining posture when he spoke again. "Tate. I was wondering when we'd get to meet." She murmured before tearing her eyes away from the attractive man before her. Surely both brothers had similarities but Spencer was...Sighing she nodding toward the table- "I wouldn't know which seat to choose. I don't want to chose wrong and look a fool already on my first day as "Future Queen." She mumbled, using her finger as air quotes when speaking, though quickly realized the words that made fallen from her mouth.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have said that.." She trailed off, heading towards an empty seat at the corner- not wanting to sit at either side of the head of the long table. She soothed out the dress as she sat, looking down before hearing the door open again. But it was just another servant- or so she thought until he took a seat at the table himself- looking at Tate with a snake of a smile. She could already tell this wasn't the kind of person you could trust, in fact it had her raising all her guards up- sitting up in the chair and clearing her throat. Now where was her future Husband?

//sorry for this short post o.e//

(All good, I’m exhausted, so apologies if some of my writing is a bit clunky XD)

The prince gave no reaction -or much of an apologetic gesture- after having obviously startled the woman, though he did find it a bit amusing. After she returned the greeting, Spencer couldn’t help but stifle a laugh at the comment she made regarding a seat at the table. Following her apology, Spencer walked along the left side -dragging his fingers along the backs of the chairs as he did so. “Don’t be sorry, expectations are overrated anyway, I wouldn’t try too hard to fit the mold of a title you’re forced to embrace,” Spencer remarked nonchalantly, “I would know from experience.” Shooting Tate a faint smirk, he continued towards the chair he would sit in. But what he said was true; the prince defied the weight of his own title and pursued being a more knigthly combatant. It’s where he flourished, and he’d love to see anyone try to take that joy away from him.

Switching his gaze to the entrance of an entity that was too beneath Spencer for the prince to truly care about, the young prince finally came around to the side of the chair he was choosing for the night; the seat at the head of the table. Typically reserved for the King. Savoring the moment of sitting in the seat, and straightening his posture, Spencer’s gaze briefly flickered over Tate and the advisor before the main doors opened upon Rian’s entrance -only for the new King to abruptly halt as he locked eyes with Spencer. “You’re a bit tardy, brother. But no need to worry, there’s still plenty of room at the table for you.” Spencer spoke in a fakely friendly tone, gesturing with his arms towards the rest of the seats.

If it weren’t for Rian trying to retain his composure in front of Tate, he would have visibly displayed the rage that was boiling inside of his chest. Passing by Tate, Rian quietly greeted her with a thin smile before his eyes traveled back to his brother as he approached the seat. The boys were locked in a stare that was testing the will of the other; with neither having the intention to buckle. “You promised to be on your best behavior,” Rian spoke calmly, “so I’d appreciate it if you could be civil for once in your life, and sit elsewhere.” Rian’s request was at best reasonable, but Spencer put on a dramatic show of thinking about his brother’s request before responding.

“I promise a lot of things,” Spencer shrugged, “but I couldn’t help but assume that you -oh so gracious King- were just allowing people to enjoy the luxury of items that don’t belong to them.” Spencer said, allowing a tint of his stormier nature to seep into his stare.

And now Rian understood what sparked his brother’s petty rage; the dress Tate was wearing. But before Rian could address Spencer further, the younger prince stood from the chair in a sudden manner before claiming a seat a few down from where Tate was. And after carefully watching Spencer for a moment, Rian took his rightful seat at the table. Rian had almost forgotten how uncomfortable dinners were with his family; with it either being chillingly silent, or complete with shouting matches. There usually was no in between when it came to the brothers. “Please,” Rian began, his silver orbs sweeping towards Tate, “help yourself to as much as you’d like.” Offering a small smile -forced at best- Rian fell silent again. Unsure of how to proceed without making this night too uncomfortable for Tate, but also refraining from engaging heatedly with Spencer.

“I hope you’re not accustomed to functional family gatherings, Tate,” Spencer chuckled, with an inappropriate level of amusement in this tone, “because you won’t find that here.” The prince further mumbled, but still loud enough for the woman closer to him to hear.

As if he could read her mind Rian stepped into the room before things could fall into complete silence and awkwardness. Though the sudden chill that passed into the room didn't go unnoticed. She glanced toward Rian- returning her own small smile and quickly looking away as he began the conversation with his brother. It didn't take long for Tate to figure out that Spencer was sitting in the King's chair- disregarding how his brother felt entirely. That made Tate shift in her chair- the rumors again filtering through her brain. Perhaps what they said was true and now Tate was to bear the constant fighting between them. She wanted to comment, after all it was just a chair. But for Rian- and Spencer it was much deeper.

His best behavior? So far the prince had only sat in the chair surely that was't the worst he could do? His next comment proving her thought initially. Of course, she was wearing his mother's clothes. It would make anyone angry, again she shifted. "I...-Im sorry your highness. Your brother well, he offered since I wasn't fortunate enough to have my own." Her cheeks burning as she admitted it, her eyes solely on the table cloth. Even this little thing, black- like everything the adored the castle and even the clothing the people wore- All except her and Spencer. At the mention of food and functions going well, she wanted to laugh. Stifling it with a small smile- "I don't think either of you would make it through a family dinner at my h- family's." She corrected herself before the word fell, biting her lip nervously as she plucked a piece of chicken from the table.

The dinner was awkward already, even minutes into them digging into the various foods. Tate trying her best not to keep glancing between the brothers- the unspoken hatred filling the room; a suffocating feeling surely for both parties. It was the adviser who started the conversation next, plans for a funeral and wedding shortly after. Tate losing her appetite sat back in her chair, hiding the distain from her face as the former King was brought up once again. But of course, if one looked close enough at her they could detect those slightly differences in her posture- see the storm brewing behind her eyes.And again it made her wonder if either broth knew about the secret she hid.

//Your fine ^^ This RP has me excited ahahah//

(Same <3)

Tate’s apology didn’t go unheard by either brother, but it was Spencer who expressed a lack of care. The prince wasn’t one to outwardly ever show things like empathy or compassion, not genuinely anyway. Regardless of why Tate was dressed in his mother’s wear, Spencer loathed it all the same. More so his brother than Tate, but she would merely be an unintended recipient of his anger. Although he did glance in her direction when she smiled and responded about her own family dinner’s, to which Spencer only responded with a light huff of disagreement.

Between the two brothers, dinner was tense at the very least. But at least Rian had dispatched his attention to the conversations surrounding the funeral and impending wedding, while Spencer -who was quite actually starving- focused on eating. However, the prince did heavily roll his eyes when the primary focus of the conversation at the table became focused on his father. Glancing towards Tate to see whether she had died of boredom yet, he was actually surprised to see the stature she had taken on. Spencer’s intrigue drove him to study her rather intensely for a moment; trying to distinguish whether she was in her own world of thought, or if it was her surroundings that were triggering some sort of upset in her. But Spencer -perhaps more than anyone- knew what a look of disdain in regards to the former King looked like. And Tate certainly held some kind of upset in her eyes. But why? What did the King ever do to her?

“Tate,” Rian addressed to the woman dressed in a velvety red, “I know you’re already enduring a rather big change at the moment, but I can safely say that the greatest of your trials have yet to come. Tomorrow night, we’ll be sharing dinner with the privy council -and I fear they’ll try to intimidate you.” Rian stated, airing his concerns. “I’d like to think this kingdom would be more than welcoming of a new Queen, though.” He added, before depositing a brief sigh as his gaze softened. “I don’t wish to burden or frighten you about the future, but I don’t want you to be in the dark, or living under a false sense of security either. Regardless of what’s to come though, I would like to make the best of the spare time we do have in the coming days in order to better acquaint ourselves with one another. So, if you’re willing. I’d love to take you somewhere special tomorrow.” Rian ended with a smile, though he was trying to heavily dilute his sense of anxious excitement as well.

Spencer remained silent, switching his gaze between Tate and his brother as he continued eating. However, Spencer was more in tune with Rian’s sense of barely detectable happiness. Which was great for Spencer- it meant the prince would have the pleasure of squashing his brother’s joy soon, after letting it build. Spencer highly doubted that Rian had developed any real sense of wifely liking towards Tate so soon, but it was still worth letting his brother’s liking of Tate grow and flourish in the coming days. It would mean that Spencer would have a good time in trying to take yet another thing from his elder brother though, and Spencer smiled to himself at the thought.