When her name was called, Tate immediately cooled her expression- finding the silver eyes of Rian. "I'm sure I can handle whatever it is they want to ask. Our father's made this arrangement years ago, for what reason I do not understand- Regardless they will know I will take this seriously." She replied stiffly, fighting the urge to get upset. Surely she knew the challenges wouldn't be easy, especially because of her background. Most people of the royal courts want a Queen who was raised in a castle, taught all the things she needed to know. Yet Tate was different, she was being thrown to the wolves. "No need to worry about me- I will do my best to not embarrass you and impress those who matter." She added, quickly looking away. Because rather or not, Tate would be Queen. Nothing could be done about that unless she was killed, and surely these people wouldn't go to such lengths?

But perhaps that was why her father was killed, and that had all the gears turning in her head. At the mention of an outing, she forced a charming smile to her face- head tilting "I suppose that would be fine. What time tomorrow would we be leaving?" She asked, looking between the brothers- catching the smile that played at Spencer's face. Again, curiosity pulled at her, but deciding not to question it. Doubting he would be so willing to share such thoughts. Quietly Tate pushed her plate away, standing- "If this is all, Could I excuse myself to the Library?" Still the paintings and books were calling her like a siren. But at the very least she didn't want to be rude to either party in the room. Regardless of those feelings brewing beneath her skin. But sitting there, next to the portrait bothered her more then she let on- her skin crawling with nerves.

Tate’s response to Rian actually brought the young King a sense of relief. He had also been trying to gauge whether she understood the gravity of her predicament, and she confirmed that she was quite aware. That was probably another way Tate differed from the more spoiled higher class, younger women though; they believed being a Queen was some kind of magical position. Which in all honesty, any seat of so much power is quite the opposite. “You’ve already impressed the one person’s opinion that does matter in regards to you.” Rian replied honestly, his gaze lingering on Tate before briefly flickering in Spencer’s direction to see whether the prince would have any snide comments. Though it seemed Spencer was taking the silent route… for now.

Rian did relax into his smile though at Tate accepting the offer, and he was quick to reply. “At dawn -and don’t fret about dressing fancy, we’ll be walking anyway.” It reminded Rian that he would need to send for a handmaiden to acquire a temporarily decent wardrobe for Tate, both having clothes for formal and casual wear. So Rian made a mental note of such. Watching Tate push her plate away though, the King raised a brow before hearing Tate’s request. “Of cour-” Rian managed to get out, before his voice became overshadowed by Spencer’s.

“A rule of thumb, future Queen,” Spencer interjected as he rose from his own seat, “don’t ask to leave the table like a servant would, say you’re leaving -like a Queen would.” The prince’s more intense cerulean gaze remained on Tate for a moment longer, his more impish grin accompanying the stare, before it traveled to Rian. “Like this; Excuse me gentlemen, and lady, but I have better things to do elsewhere.” Giving a dramatic bow in his brother’s direction, Spencer sent one last look to Tate -and a wink- before his stride carried him towards the main doors, where he pushed them open -not bothering to close them as he exited and turned down a hall.

Rian had to physically bite his tongue to not make a petty remark in his brother’s direction, so instead he nodded towards the door while looking at Tate. “You’re free to do as you wish.” Rian spoke in a taut tone, then allowing his gaze to downcast at the table. The young King still had important things to discuss with his advisor, and as much as he wished he was simply free to leave a space whenever he truly desired it, there were too many things in his life that were more important than his desires. The hardest part for Rian about that, is that he always found himself disappointed whenever he allowed himself -even for a second- to think otherwise. Self comes last.

Again, Spencer seemed to speak before his brother could. Though his advice through her for a loop. Why would he want to help her in any way? She scowled, nodding- "Well it seemed like the politer thing to say Prince Spencer." She uttered after him, watching the subtle wink and the way he strolled out of the room. Rolling her eyes, she turned back toward Rian who looked all the more annoyed whether from his brothers comment or the way he left suddenly. But the sudden shift of air had her studying the King again- a look passing across his face before she could decipher it. "Well, In that case I will be you tomorrow." She smiled, dipping her chin again and disappearing from the room.

It took longer for her to find the library then when with Rian of course- her brain getting hooked onto the wrong turns and ending up somewhere completely different. Tate growled, frustrated- leaning against the wall as she scowled trying to get her brain to work out the details from this mornings's tour. Finally after about 30 minutes of searching she found the grand doors, opening them and finding no one to be there. Thankfully. Tate let out another sigh, leaving the door frame to study to books that lined the shelves- the shelves touching the ceiling to showcase many binds of books. It didn't take long for her to find what she was looking for, the old book almost falling apart at the seams. Tsk'ing at the looks, Tate found herself a chair- placing the boom on-top the table as she slowly began to read out the words on the worn pages. 'Once upon a time..' The nostalgia that ran through her caused goosebumps to rise up her arms, leaving her glancing around for others and quickly adverting her attention back to the book.

By the time she was finished, she saved it back where it belonged- ready to head to her quarters with a yawn. And with her fingers crossed, hoping to find her room faster then the library. Surely it was late, the moon hanging high outside the castle Windows.

Perhaps one of the most trying things Rian would have to do as King would be to get Spencer to conform. These kinds of outbursts -especially interrupting a King- in public would make Rian appear weaker, spineless even. If he appeared to have no control over his own brother, what kind of message would that send to those also lusting for greater power? But Rian could not think of any more docile ways to extinguish Spencer’s flippant temper. Sending off to battle, something Rian thought would give Spencer something to dedicate his life to, has only made Spencer more ambitious. Talking has never worked; Rian has tried. So the only ideas that have begun to come to mind to Rian were either unorthodox, or too harsh. After all, he still saw Spencer as his little brother. Though he doubted Spencer saw them as not being related at all, now.

Rian reciprocated the faint nod to Tate, though he did follow her with his eyes as she left. She seemed too good a person to be forced into the position. What was his father thinking when establishing the arrangement? Surely there was a reason, a good one at that. Rian was determined to figure it out one way or another, because by all means, there was just something calling to his sense of intuition that didn’t seem right about this. Or was he just being paranoid?

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

Seeing Tate in his mother’s dress sparked more emotions then Spencer had been willing to handle. And despite his naturally emotional nature, he hated feeling. He hated the memories that came with those feelings. He hated the hollowness his mother left behind in her passing. He hated the blame and guilt instilled onto him from his own blood relatives. He hated everything. And just maybe, he even hated himself too. So by ‘better things’, as he had announced to the individuals at dinner, Spencer had found himself tucked away in his mother’s old room; ensuring it was still just the way she had left it. Whatever moron that had entered the room disturbed many aspects of the room in pursuit of those dresses, and Spencer slowly restored them -rehanging clothes in his mother’s wardrobe and bathroom, fixing the quilt that blanketed her bed, and opening the blinds again. She loved being able to see the world from her window.

Spencer inherited his mother’s more rugged, and free spirited nature. They were both people of action; ruled by their hearts, and not their head. And Spencer thought about that as he sat at the edge of her bed, replaying the memories of hold in his head. It’s been 7 long years since her death, yet Spencer never could understand why it felt like she had died yesterday. He felt too strongly, but she was all he had. She was the only person he had attached himself to -other than Rian, but their bond was severed the day Rian had placed the blame of their mother’s death on him. It wasn’t his fault!

It could have been hours that passed as Spencer’s thoughts spun wildly; fueled by emotion and memory. But he wouldn’t have known, or cared for that matter. If it weren't for him having grown increasingly more exhausted by the second, then he could have sat there on that bed all night. So reluctantly, the prince silently exited the former Queen’s chamber and began the longer walk in the direction of his own. A few corridors later, and his blue gaze landed on the woman who was rather far from where she should be. The prince debated turning around and leaving her to wander, but he wanted the shortest route possible to his own chambers… and she was the only obstacle. “You’re lost.” Spencer stated, as there was no need to question her circumstances.

He proceeded forward in her direction, his gaze sweeping the halls briefly before falling back onto her as he came to a stop. “I’m not the best at explaining directions, so just follow.” Spencer stated, turning the way he had come and expecting her to follow. He stayed silent for only a few minutes, before he began to vocalize the thoughts that came to mind. “I’m glad he’s dead you know, my father,” he began, as if this were a casual way to start a conversation, “in fact the only thing I’m sorry about is that he didn’t die in a more gruesome manner.” Spencer added, a hint of bitter icing his tone. The prince then slowed his stride, and lowered his tone to address Tate. “You didn’t seem all too fond of the former King being the primary topic of conversation. And I’m too curious of a person to let that observation go; so I ask you Tate, why? Why such hidden distaste?” Spencer pressed. But he was being honest; he was too intrigued to let it go. And focusing on this was much easier then focusing on what he had previously been dwelling on.

For the second time that day, the prince had managed to startle her, heart leaping in her chest. "Seems so. This place is to big. Definitely gonna take some time- should've studied the maps to this place instead." She uttered, letting the silence fall between them as she followed. It wasn't long before the prince broke the silence again, his thoughts a rather familiar feeling. Especially under the circumstances she was currently living. Offering a shrug, she nodded- "There were rumors in the town about how he may have died. I was sad to know that it was peacefully. He should have suff-" But she paused clamping her mouth shut. But of course, An observant as he had been at dinner it was no surprise to Tate he caught her change in demeanor at his father's mention.

She gulped, shaking her head. "I don't think I should voice such opinions about him. But no. I'm not fond of your father. But that's something I'd rather not speak about. Especially with one if his sons." She mumbled, looking toward him only briefly before returning her gaze forward. "Regardless- I am sorry that you both have to suffer having no parents. I know the feeling all to well. I do hope one day you two can find peace. Though I doubt it will ever come. Things like that will take lifetimes to get over." She added quietly voice barely a whisper. "Thank you for showing me the way.." She hummed gesturing with her arm down the hallway before opening the door to her room, turning towards him as she did. "Goodnight Spencer." She whispered, closing the door softly.

Alone with her thoughts, Tate sighed heading toward the bathroom to change into night wear- another thing she had found entering the room again. Removing the pins from her hair she let the wild curls loose again before heading into the bedroom and climbing into the bed. As expected it was soft, almost cloud like and in the first time in years- Tate slept peacefully.

//Guah I know its soon but I don't know who she's going to fall in love with because the tension between her and Spencer o.e//

(Hehe I know, and I don’t plan on making the choice between them easy on Tate either <3)

Maybe a more empathetic person, startling someone wouldn’t on more than one occasion wouldn’t bring them too much joy. But Spencer still found it amusing. It seemed a little ridiculous to Spencer to need a map, but only because the castle was exceptionally easy for the prince to navigate. He had made it a habit to familiarize himself with every nook and cranny, every passage behind the walls, and even the catacombs as old as the kingdom that were beneath the castle. No map required.

He did glance in Tate's direction as she mirrored his stance on the disappointment of the former King’s peaceful passing, and he did find a small smirk upturning at his lips as she had cut herself off. Spencer of all people enjoyed hearing how much other people despised his father too, as it was a lot easier to listen to than someone fawning over and praising the former King. He could see her steadfastly shake her head through his peripheral, which did stir a sense of mild irritation in him. Only because when he was curious, Spencer wanted the answers to soothe that sense to come immediately. Now though, he’d make it a point to fish for those answers over time. “Sons? He only recognized Rian as his own.” I was just the monster that killed his wife. Spencer didn’t like being referred to as the King’s son, he loathed living under that shadow versus being seen for the name he carved out for himself.

Quirking a brow as she said she understood what it was like not having parents, he decided to not press on that particular matter. Only because he didn’t desire being pressed on the subject of his mother. That subject was still too raw for his liking. “There will never be enough lifetimes to mend what’s been broken, Tate. And if that’s a feeling you truly understand… the loss, then I hope you know that you’re better off not trying to find a peace that doesn’t exist.” Spencer was careful not to put too emotion in his tone, just to keep it from wavering. But he could only speak his own truths on the matter; and peace was nonexistent for the soul of this restless young man.

When they neared her door, Spencer quietly nodded to her thanks. And as she opened the door, the prince stilled, prepared to silently walk back the way he had come with her. But the quiet goodnight kept him in his spot, and just before the door could fully shut, the prince returned a departing whisper. “Goodnight Tate.” And only standing there a few seconds longer, the prince turned on his heels to reach his own private quarters on the opposite side of the castle.

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

Like clockwork, Rian had already risen just before any trace of the sky’s usual blue hue graced the atmosphere. He’s been a starkly early riser for as long as he could remember, but this morning he was hasty in readying himself for a purpose he wasn’t dreading. Garbing himself in a much simpler outfit; brown scale trousers and boots, with an ombre brown and black coat buttoned coat to protect him from the frigid morning air. Having not slicked back his hair into its typical style, the brunette simply ran a hand through the tousled lockes before calling his appearance good. And similar to a child; the King had quickly peeked his head out of his chambers to ensure there were no individuals in the hall he’d have to run into before he briskly made his way down to the story below him. Rian is best at being swift yet silent, but he was fully planning on making a quiet getaway with Tate before an advisor -or anyone else for that matter- getting the opportunity to postpone their leave.

Just as the sun’s rays began to dance their way into illuminating the vast sky, Rian came to a stop at Tate’s door; quietly knocking exactly twice before his hand fell back to his side. It’s been quite a long time since Rian has awoken with an excited start to his day. There usually wasn’t much he looked forward to waking up for, but this? This was exciting for Rian. And he certainly hoped that Tate would appreciate where he was taking her as well, and the gift that came with it.

The morning came quicker then the last, Tate dramatically throwing a pillow over her head to drown out the knocking. Until she realized what or who it could be. Quickly she removed herself from the bed- throwing open the door to reveal someone she didn't expect. Rian. And again, she felt stupid for forgetting their trip today. She could only imagine what he was seeing himself with her untamed hair, assuming she strongly resembled a lion. She nervously laughed, "Give me one moment-" She slamming the door in his face she went to find the clothes she would be wearing for the day. And if the shock of the King's early arrival didn't shock her that morning then surely the clothes that laid in the closet now did. Tate's brows pinched together, confusion settling as she shook her head and picked out an outfit making sure to ask Rian about it later today.

Tate must have been sleeping good, because 5 minutes into trying to take the curls She gave up. Opening the door to a still waiting Rian. "Ready?" She asked, brushing a hand against the silky fabric of the skirt she wore- a matching top in black. Regardless on her feelings for the King, Tate figured she may as well dress like everyone else and wear black; pretending to mourn a man she hated. Shaking off the thoughts, Tate followed after Rian when he began to walk, his much more briskly paced then her own. "In a rush?" She hummed from behind him, teasing of course- and only hoping the King would pick up on that as well. But from the moment she met him yesterday, Rian had been nothing but formal- though as King she supposed he couldn't exactly leap for joy each time he got excited.

The thought picked up worry for both herself and Rian. Mostly because she didn't want to end up sad and miserable- though that's exactly where she was heading becoming Queen. Right? But even still, She couldn't help but feel a ting of sadness for the King before her now; living a life of all seriousness. By the time they reached the palace doors, everyone was just starting to wake- and by that: that maids and guards who were changing shift. Though no eyes turned towards the couple as they made it outdoors to the fresh air.

//totally guessing here as to where they are headed o.o//

Rian didn’t like being a bother, but he was experiencing a rare feeling at the moment; impatience. Not out of irritation though, just out of excitement he was still very much trying to suppress. As soon as he began to hear movement though, Rian took a half-step back, just before the door opened. The brunette opened his mouth to offer a good morning, but paused at seeing the starkly different appearance of Tate that he had seen yesterday. Not that she looked unseemly, but the wild hair was more or less a surprise. And just as he had regained his composure to speak, she spoke first and was quick to shut the door. “Good morning to you as well.” He muttered to himself in a tone bordering sarcasm.

The King rocked back and forth on his heels for a few moments as he waited. And when he finally heard steps returning to the door, Rian further backed up as he was once again met with the sight of Tate, albeit more put together then before. It was impossible not to notice the black attire she wore, and hopefully his quick expression reflected his appreciation. “Definitely.” Rian replied hastily, signaling with his hand for Tate to begin to follow his quickened stride. Rian wasn’t too keen on how fast he was moving, as more so his grey orbs flickered around each corridor they came across to ensure he wasn’t about to run into anyone who wished to speak with him. But upon hearing Tate’s tease, Rian did slow his pace a bit and flashed an apologetic smile as he glanced at her. “Sorry, I’m just not very accustomed to making a clean escape from here.” He replied, keeping his pace more in mind as they continued.

It was almost surreal for the King to have reached the front doors without anyone halting his stride… and it felt good. Rian had decided that the entities that were beginning to move about elsewhere on the grounds were relatively unimportant -and Rian almost envied that. Maybe being unnoticed is something most people wouldn’t desire, but for Rian? That would be heaven. Further leading Tate away from the castle, and through a secondary exit from the main courtyard, the two were faced with a section of woodlands; a well used path winding through it. “It should only be a ten minute walk, maybe fifteen.” Rian spoke for the first time since they exited the primary castle grounds. And with the knowledge of no eyes -other than Tate’s- being on him, the young King dropped his shoulders, and relaxed his posture enough to look comfortable in his own skin. “I didn’t mean to rouse you so suddenly this morning, Tate. I’ll try to give you ample time to wake up the next time I bother you in the morning.” Rian lightly chuckled, recounting the wild show of blonde, curly hair he had witnessed this morning.

It really didn’t take too long before a large, tower-esque building of stone and brick shadowed the path. Rian had jogged ahead of Tate to begin to look around on the ground nearest the door. The King bent down at a larger rock a few feet from the door, and lifting it up, a small key was beneath it. “In case you couldn’t tell, I keep the keys for this place in a very secret location… I trust you won’t tell anyone.” Rian smiled, attempting to be playful with Tate in his own reserved way.

Rian entered, trusting Tate to follow, as he led her through the staircase that wound up the tower. Rian came to a stop though at a door at the top of the stairs, where beside hung seven leather arm gauntlets. Rian reached for two, passing one to Tate before he began to put his on and fasten the gauntlet to his arm. “If you’ve never had the pleasure of having a falcon on your arm, then you’re about to.” Rian smiled, a giddiness in his tone before he opened the door and ushered Tate to follow before closing the door behind them. In the room was more of a large loft -high beams constructed above and fixed with a few nests being spaced out. At eye level, there were smaller, currently vacant roosts for birds of decent size. A fountain was in the center of the room, with two tiers; the top being for drinking, and the second being larger to provide the birds a place to self-bathe.

Rian let out a low whistle, and within seconds, the sound of powerful flapping descended from a darker corner at the top of the loft; where a gyrfalcon with primarily white and blue plumage emerged. Rian extended the arm that was gloved by the gauntlet out to provide the bird an easier landing. “This is Aero,” Rian stated as the bird’s talons extended during its landing, and gripped onto the gauntlet. “He’s moody, but he generally likes head strokes.” Rian spoke, bringing up his other hand to stroke the head of the falcon that tilted its head into the action. “When my father disbanded having falcons as a way to carry messages to the outmost regions of the kingdom, the falcons we had were released, with most never having been seen again. Though I fear most perished in the wilderness, as these birds had been trained to rely more on people than their survival skills.” Rian explained, his gaze moving from the falcon to Tate. “Aero, and a she-falcon I call Prism are the only two that have never really left. I’ve more or less adopted them, but I just never had the heart to force them out when my father demanded it though.” Rian added, with Aero turning its head in Tate’s direction; the bird sharply tilting its head as its beady eyes observed her.

“If you’d like to hold him, just put your arm out, but I warn you… he’s heavier than he looks.” Rian chuckled lightly.

What surprised Tate, was the fact that had had listened- slowing down to match her much smaller stride. Though thankfully by the time they reached the castle doors- He still kept that pace. "I must say, Out here is a much better view." She hummed keeping her step along side him as they made their way through the corridor. Tate scanned everything, like the different flowers and plants in the garden as well as a small pond. She made a mental note to try and draw it as soon as she could escape there. When Rian spoke again, she drew her eyes back to the blonde haired man- "It was the reading that kept me up all night, I would have been dressed and ready if not for that." She mused, rolling her eyes- "And don't mention that hair to anyone." She threatened though quickly laughed to prove it was merely a joke. But by the time the conversation could continue they had made it to the rather tall building.

Tate's head cocking to the side as Rian fished for the key under a rock- a smile crawling onto her face. "My lips are sealed." She replied, following after him as he opened the door and beckoned for her. It took a minute for her eyes to adjust but as soon as they did, It was exploring everything. Curious as to what they would be doing here, she raised a brow watching as he put on the gauntlet passing her one as well. "I have not. Though I must say I'm afraid of such a large bird." She winced, sliding her own gauntlet on and following after him into another room. This one with higher ceilings, and multiple perches for birds that could carry her away.

And as soon as that piercing whistle rang through the air so did large wings- landing directly on the arm that was held out for him. Her mouth fell open at the sheer size of the animal- and like a fish it began to open and close in shock. "T-That's a big bird." She groaned, backing away when it's beady eyes turned to her. None the less Tate listened as Rian told the story of them, her heart going out for the little boy who held onto them. She turned her eyes back to Rian, brows drawing together "I don't think I'd be able to hold it up." She said truthfully, though still sticking her arm that was covered out for the bird. It took seconds for her eyes to close as she felt the weight land on her arm- a slightly wobble to her stance before she regained balance. Tate slowly peeled her eyes open, slowly moving them to look at Aero- a small smile slowly crawling back to her face. "My uncle would be screaming like a little girl if he saw this." She all but yipped, jumping a little when the bird flapper his wing at the loudness of her tone. "Sorry Aero." Though suddenly it made her wonder if her father had ever held a bird of this mass- smile fading.

Well, Rian certainly couldn’t have argued with Tate’s comment about it being a better view… because it was. He did lightly laugh though at the mention of her hair. “I won’t say a word.” He assured, sending a brief smile in her direction. It was odd for Rian to have someone to be playful with, it was almost unnatural. The young King probably hasn’t actually genuinely laughed or smiled in a very long time too. And yet, it’s taken Tate only a day to coax such things out from the reserved male.

Rian really passed over Tate's mention of being fearful of a large bird; surely her mind would change upon seeing a falcon in the flesh. Although… he quickly came to the conclusion that perhaps Tate really was wary of larger avian species, judging from her reaction of course. Which he did smile a little at; not to mock her though of course, just because it was a silly thing to him when it came to fearing birds. “I admit he’s a bit bigger than most of his species, but he’s hardly worthy of fearing.” Rian responded to Tate’s observation.

After he offered for Tate to hold the bird, he did lightly scoff at her decree of more than likely not being able to support the bird. “Nonsense, just make sure to keep your arm steady, and keep your feet firmly planted.” Rian advised, feeling the weight shifting off of his own arm and watching as Aero moved onto Tate’s gauntlet. The King has spent years observing Aero, so this time, it was Tate that was the sole focus of Rian’s gaze. From her hesitancy, to her movements, and to the smile that eventually found its way upturning at her lips. She was rather intriguing to watch, enough so that Rian had to remind himself staring was considered rude. His gaze only briefly flickered away though, his eyes traveling back to Tate when she spoke, to which Rian chuckled. The brunette did move his arm closer to Aero though as the bird flapped its wings, just in case the falcon decided it was ready to move and get a proper send off into the air.

And once the falcon settled, Rian’s grey hues moved back to Tate, though this time her expression puzzled him. With his brows furrowed, Rian took a singular step forward and faintly tipped his head to the side as his silver gaze studied her. “Is everything alright, Tate?” Rian asked, concern lacing his tone. Naturally he assumed that she was upset by the bird somehow. Maybe she felt bad for disturbing Aero enough that he flapped his wings? But Tate’s expression looked far more solemn, deeper. Whatever was troubling her seemed to be well beneath the surface, but Rian was hesitant to pry. The King didn’t want to berate her with questions, or make her feel as if she had to talk to him. They barely knew each other as is, but that didn’t stop Rian’s empathetic side from desiring to help in any way he could.

When Aero had begun to shift again on Tate’s arm, Rian aligned his arm against Tate’s to allow the bird an easier time to maneuver from one gauntlet to the other. And once the bird was fully on the King’s arm, Rian moved his arm away and took a few steps back from Tate. “I’ll check on you later, friend.” Rian quietly uttered to the bird, giving it one last head stroke before lowering his arm slightly, and then forcing it up to give Aero the momentum to take off. The falcon whistled a chirp as it ascended; only flying back up to the space it had been previously dwelling in the corner. Moving his gaze back down to Tate, Rian began to unfasten the gauntlet from his arm. “I didn’t just bring you here to show you a falcon.” Rian spoke, turning away to step towards the large, fully open window that overlooked the vast woodlands beyond the tower. “This is the only place I have where I don’t feel bound to the castle. When I look out this window, I don’t see the people that rely on my every decision, and I don’t see the kingdom that’s entire well being solely depends on my actions.” Rian paused, his eyes shifting to Tate once more.

“I think it’s important for every person belonging to royalty to have a space where they don’t feel like the world is watching them, or responsibility is layered on so deep they feel like they’ll crumble beneath the weight. I guess what I’m trying to say is that, as a future Queen, I want you to have a space where you can be… you. Maybe this tower isn’t it, but even if you want a private cabin constructed in the woods as your getaway space, just know I’ll do anything to ensure you’re as comfortable and happy as possible here.” Rian finished, a gentle seriousness in his tone. But he did not wish for anyone to constantly experience the strife that’s been following him since a boy. Rian has embraced wearing the world on his shoulders, and he’d rather keep it that way then let anyone feel that pressure. Even though it was inevitable for Tate to experience some discomfort and stress, Rian already silently vowed to shield her from as much as possible.