Fanfic Roleplay The Crown Prince's Thief- CLOSED - role-play rp anime discord chat

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The Crown Prince's Thief- CLOSED

By SmileBright

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[center[pic https://i.imgur.com/ZakckCx.jpg]] [center[font “DancingScript” [size30 She wasn’t pretty, she was otherworldly and vaguely threatening.]]] Rosalind, future heiress to the Fures Noctis Guild, has now taken on her biggest mission, the royal castle. Her plan, pretend to be just a guest to the Prince’s ball, collect as much information about layout and hideouts as she can, and get out. Easy, right? But when she and a man start to really hit it off, it’s hard to leave. She ends up staying the night, before leaving before he even wakes up the next morning. Even with the excitement of last night still invading her mind, she heads off to complete her mission. Sneak in the castle undiscovered, get as many things as she can, and get out. When one mistake causes her to get caught, she is taken in front of the royal Prince to see out her punishment. She was dragged across the throne room floor and thrown at someone’s feet. Lifting herself up, she looked into the face of the man she met last night. Not just a man, the Prince. The man she spent the night with last night. Instead of sending her to the dungeons, he sends her to be locked away in the tower of the castle, keeping her from getting back to anyone in her guild. The Prince begins visiting her daily, and the visits become longer and less hostile. A bond forming between the two. Will the Thief and the Crown Prince ever be able to be together publicly? What happens when both of their father’s find out? Will their love withstand the war in their midst? [center[font “DancingScript” [size30 She wasn’t fragile like a flower, She was fragile like a bomb.]]] [center [b [size20 ROLEPLAY IS CLOSED]]

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SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 161d ago

Smoothing her hands over her dress, she looked up at herself in the mirror. She never wore stuff like this; she [i hated] wearing things like this. But, it was the only way she was going to be allowed into the ball. At least it wasn’t as terrible as some other dresses she had seen the royals wear. [i “Rosalind?”] she heard from outside her tent, a male voice. [b “Yes, father?”] Rosalind called, as he let himself in with a box in his hands. [i “Wow, you look…different.”] her father chuckled, as he approached her with the box. He held the box out to her, and Rosalind opened the box. A tiara, a silver tiara with a moonstone gem that rested in the middle. [b “This is mothers. From her wedding?”] Rosalind asked, and her father answered her with a nod. He lifted it carefully out of the box, placing it on her head as Rosalind turned and looked in the mirror. [i “You look like royalty.”] Her father replied, placing his hands on her shoulders giving them a quick squeeze. [b “I’d rather look like a guild member.”] she replied, rolling her eyes briefly. Her father turned her to look at him in the eyes, [i “You are doing the biggest job we’ve ever done. This means everything to us. With this, we can make sure your mother gets the medicine she needs. Make sure you see her before you leave with Pyrrhos. I love you.”] her father finished, pressing a kiss to her forehead before heading out of her tent. [+grey ||FLASHBACK|| [b “Me? You want me to do it?”] Rosalind asked as she stood in front of the counsel. Her father, the leader of the Fures Noctis Guild, stood in front of her alongside his right hand man and his second in command, Pyrrhos’s father. [i “Yes. You are the best thief we have. This is a big job, and we need our best to complete it. Besides, you’ve never even been near the castle. They know our faces, but not yours. It has to be you.”] her father spoke. Rosalind was nervous, she hadn’t done a job like this before. She mostly did petty thefts; food from a stand or a drawstring bag of coins from a drunk in a bar, but the king? [i “We need the money to get the medicine your mother needs…”], Now that caught her attention. [b “I’ll do it.”] she replied. [i “The king is a power hungry monster. He has attacked our guild on multiple occasions, and he’s the reason we live on the outskirts of town, after his guards set fire to our last commune”] her father continued, clearly getting angrier as he spoke. [b “I said I’ll do it. I don’t like the royal family as much as you. I’ll do it.”] Rosalind spoke, looking toward the medical tent where her mother was. [i “Wonderful. What size dress are you?”] She blinked, [b “What?”] ||END FLASHBACK||] [i “You look like a pastry.”] Pyrrhos spoke behind her in the opening of her tent, breaking her out of her thoughts. [b “Oh quiet.”] Rosalind smirked, throwing a shoe in his direction, as he caught it in his hand before it hit him. Pyrrhos Micah; her father’s right hand man’s son, her best friend, and probably her future husband. Did she love him? Yes. Did he love her? Yes. Was that love romantic in either end? Absolutely not. But, as the children of the head’s of the Guild, it was expected. [i “Are you ready to go? I’m taking you most of the way in, before you head into the palace. Tonight, I am nothing but your humble guard.”] he teased, holding his hand out to her. [b “Thanks, I just have to say goodbye to my mother first.”] Entering the medical tent, Rosalind approached her mother, Meira. [i “Hello my warrior.”] her mother spoke softly, as Rosalind leaned down to her level. [b “How are you doing?”] her daughter asked, taking her hand. [i “Alri-”] she started, before she began coughing. [i “I’m alright, I promise. Your father told me of your assignment, I’m so proud of you. Remember all the stories I told you. They should help.”] Meira spoke. Meira, more than most, despised the royal family. She told Rosalind stories of the power hungry king, and how horrid he had been to her in their youth and into their adulthood. She had been a worker for the family, and he had never treated her in a pleasant way, mean and ruthless. Rosalind’s father met her at the market, and from then on, she vowed to run away from the castle and marry him, which is what she did. [b “I will. I love you.”] Rosalind smiled, which Meira returned. [i “I love you more, my lovely rose.”]. Mounting the horse with Pyrrhos, Rosalind wrapped her arms around his waist as they made their way out of the forest from the commune. [i “Are you nervous?”] Pyrrhos asked as they made their way out of the forest. [b “No. I never get nervous.”] she spoke, but she was lying. If she appeared as strong as she knew she was, it always helped her. [i “You know you don’t have to pretend around me. You can tell me if you're nervous.”] he replied, kicking the horse to make him run a bit faster as the clearing appeared. [b “I’m not lying. This is our job, I know I’ll do it. I have to.”] she spoke, her heart beating a bit faster as the horse rode to the edge of the forest. [i “Well, be careful, okay? We all know you’re the reckless one.”] Pyrrhos teased. Rosalind closed her eyes and just let him ride them to the edge of the kingdom. Pyrrhos hopped off the horse at the point, and led the horse slowly to the castle. They did not have a carriage like most of the royalty coming did, but they did their best. Rosalind even learned how to ride a side saddle for the occasion. As they made their way to the gates of the palace, Rosalind had to keep calm. It was gorgeous, and massive in comparison to what she had imagined. Pyrrhos handed off their forged invitation, done by himself, as he dropped off Rosalind. He squeezed her hand as he gave her a bow, before heading off. She would be bringing herself home, so there was no need to wait up for her. She was to stay as late as possible to survey the palace well enough, and extra people would make it suspicious. Walking into the palace felt like a dream. Her uncomfortable heels clicked against the marble floors as she entered the ballroom. [i Twelve doors, twenty five windows…] she thought to herself as she looked around. The room was full of royalty, and she looked like a peasant. Her dress was a lot smaller than everyone else's, and her tiara only had one moonstone unlike the diamond crested ones the women around her wore. And then dancing began. Rosalind didn’t dance, she never had except drunkenly around the fire on special occasions. But this dance everyone already seems to know, that freaked her out the most. She took this time to take three laps around the entirely too large ballroom, making a note of the entrances blocked by guards, and any other means of getting around; vents, etc. She was able to make three full loops around when the dancing stopped for a moment. To not get pulled into the dance, she found a door that seemed to lead to a balcony. The cool air was nice against her face, now warm from the dancing that happened inside. She let out a soft sigh, it was nice to relax for a moment, even if this dress was not conducive to resting. This time she had thought she was alone, before noticing a man next to her. [b “Oh, I’m sorry. Am I intruding on something?”] she asked, straightening up to keep up her ‘royalty image’. [https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1001276929628345411/ dress] [https://www.etsy.com/listing/268904762/elvish-wedding-moonstone-tiara-in tiara]

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 160d ago

[i Eyes forward. Back straight. Remain stoic above all else.] His father's parting words echoed in Arthur's ears, even above the chattering noise of the ballroom. King Alistair had left two weeks prior yet the young prince felt his looming presence just over his shoulder at every moment. Or was that just Ellison again, keeping track of him to report back upon the king's return? The man was dedicated, that was to be certain, but for company the sixty-something year old man was not equipped to assist the prince in socializing practices with the princesses being paraded before him. [b "And you...enjoy politics, yes?"] Arthur clutched his goblet nervously to his chest. [i "I have many interests, Your Royal Highness,"] Cosette - or was it Caroline? - bowed her head. [i "However politics are a man's world and I would not wish to presume to know better than the Crown Prince on matters of ruling a country."] Arthur's smile was closer to a grimace as he excused himself. Goddesses above, he wasn't sure what would suffocate him first; the lack of intellectual compatibility anyone had shown or the ridiculous military formalwear he'd been instructed to wear. He wasn't even [i in] the king's army, yet he was donned in more gilded extravagance than the highest-ranking commander. It was all for show, yet he barely knew how to play his own role. [i "You look pale, Your Royal Highness,"] Ellison followed closer than Arthur's own shadow. [i "You aren't unwell, are you? It is too early to retire for the evening, and there are quite a few young women for you to meet yet. Your father was quite clear on his instructions for how this evening would proceed."] [b "Yes, I am aware,"] Arthur rubbed at his temple. [b "I've simply not found a suitable match. I can't be expected to marry someone for the sake of securing the future lineage if she cannot even carry a conversation on constitutional affairs!"] Several more gala attendees curtsied and bowed, hoping to catch His Royal Highness's eye though he stared just over everyone's shoulder to avoid direct contact. [i "I can appreciate your hesitance, my prince, however I must remind you that marriage is not a matter of love or compatibility. At least not royal marriages. Your role is to marry for alliance and prestige gain, and to produce an heir to carry on the throne. Dare I say you have an admirable number of young ladies here who would give their hand to you without hesitation, and you're acting as though you've been sent to the trenches of battle."] Arthur waved an arm. [b "Is this not the same as war? Kings and nobles trying to marry off their daughters as broodmares to gain the favour of my father? For added power?"] Ellison clasped his hands behind his back. [i "Prince Arthur, you are the sole heir to your father's kingdom. You have a duty to not only this country, but to your family. He is to return in a week's time and he will expect you to have selected a bride by then. It is my advice to you that you cease making this any more difficult than it needs to be."] Duty before all else. That was the beginning and end of it. [b "Excuse me,"] he pushed the goblet into Ellison's hand and brushed past him. It wasn't until the fresh air hit his face that Arthur realized that it wasn't just his uniform that was stifling. With how crowded the ballroom was, it was a miracle one could turn around without completely knocking someone over. On the balcony he could still hear the dull roar of stringed music and elevated voices. Was there to be no peace and quiet, even outside? “Oh, I’m sorry. Am I intruding on something?” Arthur spun around, hand slamming down on the railing. [b "Did Ellison send you? For the love of all things holy, can you not respect a man's desire for privacy, even in his own home? How [i dare] you stalk me out of there!"]

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 159d ago

The man in front of her was donned in gold and glitter, and it covered him from head to toe. His getup was…a lot to say the least. He must be a guard of some sort, so acting on her best behavior would be her best plan as of right now, painting a target on her back this early in the night would surely get her kicked out. She needed to get more information on the palace before that, and so far she had only been able to secure how many windows and exits there were. She needed more time. But, when the man in front of her raised her voice, her blood boiled. She would not let some [i man] yell at her. Never in her life had somebody, let alone a man, treat her with such malice. She had not done a single thing wrong or against him, she didn’t even know who he was. And at this time, she didn’t care very much either. [b “I don’t know who you are, and now, I don’t care very much to know at all.”] Rosalind kept her composure for now, but still held her ground. [b “If you must know, the room was stifling me, and I needed some air. But I have never been treated so rudely in my entire life, especially by someone in more glitter than myself.”] she looked him up and down before a small chuckle escaped her lips at the ridiculousness of his attire. [b “I didn’t do [i anything] to you, whoever you are. So I believe you should sort out your own problems before you shout at random people around you. You, sir, should learn what respect means.”] Rosalind spoke, before turning her back to leave the balcony. [b “And no, I will not dance with you.”] she spoke with distaste in her mouth before leaving the balcony completely. He had not asked her to dance, but getting one last joke in against him gave her that little bit of joy she needed to be able to continue her mission. It was more to get under his skin than anything else. As Rosalind began milling around the ballroom once more, she decided to see if she could catch and guards talking mindlessly about the palace. She went off to the side of the ballroom by some guards whom she saw speaking. [i “Do you know who is on duty tonight or tomorrow?”] one guard turned to the other to ask. [i “I’m on tonight, I think the new guy is on tomorrow. Shouldn’t be too hard, with the king away, not many people come to the castle. It’s not like the prince has many friends anyway”] the other man jokes, before noticing the girl leaning by the wall. [i “My lady, please go back and join the party. Or, if you haven’t met the prince, you should do that as well.”] the guard spoke kindly. Rosalind looked toward him, but smiled when he spoke. [b “Oh, I was just taking a rest. But you are right, I will return. Thank you.”] she spoke, before pushing herself from the wall, that was all the information she needed anyway. A new guy, she could get through him easily. She could probably sneak by him, get what she needed, and get out. This would be easier than she thought, and considering what they said about the prince they had here, he probably wasn’t roaming around the castle. As Rosalind went to get some punch for herself, an older man ran up to her. [i “Miss, have you introduced yourself to the Royal Highness yet? If not, you’d be next in line.”] He spoke, placing a hand to his chest. Rosalind tried her best not to make a face, but mostly likely failed. She hoped she would have been overlooked, as she looked older than most of the other princesses here, who looked about 18. [b “Oh, actually, I am not interested in meeting the prince. Another princess can take my place.”] she smiled, before finishing filling her goblet. Before she left, she patted the older one on the shoulder, [b “And please don’t ask me again.”]. Rosalind found herself a seat against the wall, clearly being judged by other princesses who were mostly conjugating in small circles. She gave them her most intimidating look as she continued to drink. She wished that something fun would happen, as she was told not to leave early for any reason. Or at least that there would be at least someone interesting to talk to.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 158d ago

Profound apologies had been what Arthur was expecting. Groveling for forgiveness, or even an embarrassed curtsey to show at least [i some] contrition for her misguided attempt at getting a private moment alone with him. What he certainly hadn’t been anticipating was the torrent of hostility that he was met with, as though [i he] were the one in the wrong. This girl was fury in a ballgown, staring him dead in the eye for the duration of her tangent. [b “Excuse me but-”] The strange woman cut him off, shutting the prince down with a spin on her heel. Arthur was baffled. Only one person had ever spoken to him with such disregard for his title of Crown Prince, and that was his father. Who did this girl think she was, acting as though she were his equal, and in his own home nonetheless! His heels scuffed against the floor, marching with determination to catch up and get his turn to rebuke her slanderous outburst yet among the density of the crowds, she was lost in the sea of people. It didn’t help that fathers were stopping him at every opportunity to introduce their daughters, all of whom insisted on a dance with the eligible prince. [i “Do you enjoy stage productions, Your Royal Highness?”] the latest dance partner asked. [b “Much too busy for leisure, I’m afraid,”] Arthur paid her little mind as his eyes scanned the room for Ellison. If anyone could track down the unwanted guest, it was the advisor. [b “If you’ll excuse me.”] [i Finally]. Ellison was speaking to the girl from the balcony but by the time Arthur weaved his way through to them, she was gone once more. [b “Who was that?”] [i “I’m terribly sorry my prince, I don’t know.”] [b “I need you to find out. I’d like a dance.”] Ellison’s eyes practically lit up. [i “This is exciting to hear! You have finally shown an interest in one of the debutants! Leave it with me, Your Royal Highness, I shall find her.”] Arthur didn’t have the heart to tell him that the interest was purely bitterness - with a flair of curiosity - and revenge. She would have to agree to a dance. Surely? One doesn’t refuse a dance with the prince of the kingdom, especially when he specifically requests it. He would wait for Ellison to bring her to him, as long as he needed to. Except that moment of introduction never came. The advisor reported back twice that she refused a dance with Arthur, who immediately sent Ellison back out to find her once more. Like clockwork, he reappeared empty-handed again. The prince would take matters into his own hands. She stuck close to the walls from what he could see but the girl moved with such graceful agility that it was near impossible to cut her off before she was gone again. Finally, when she paused momentarily for a drink, he cornered her. [b “You’ve refused me. Twice. A bit rude after your verbal assault on the balcony.”] Arthur reached out a hand. [b “I’ll forgive the lack of decorum and etiquette if you join me for a dance. I have questions. And before you decline me again, take into consideration that you disrespected the Crown Prince of this kingdom and that doesn’t come without penalty.”]

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 154d ago

Rosalind took another sip of her gauntlet, finishing off the liquid in the cup. She closed her eyes as she tilted the cup completely upside down, before lowering the cup to her lap. As she opened her eyes again, she was met with the gold and glitter she had already seen once before. She let her eyes trail up the male before her eyes met with the man she met outside on the balcony. The one who screamed at her for no reason. All she could do was smirk, wondering what he could possibly want at this point. She lifted one eyebrow, and before she could speak, he did. “You’ve refused me. Twice. A bit rude after your verbal assault on the balcony.” The man reached out a hand. “I’ll forgive the lack of decorum and etiquette if you join me for a dance. I have questions. And before you decline me again, take into consideration that you disrespected the Crown Prince of this kingdom and that doesn’t come without penalty.” Ha! Rosalind could have laughed in his face the way he spoke to her. Clearly, he still hasn’t learned how to respect anyone. No one in her guild would speak to anyone in this way, her mother was right. Royals weren’t anyone she’d want to be associated with, and now her job felt more important than ever before. [b “Actually, I rejected you five times. You’re…uh friend, came over and attempted to coerce me for a dance too. I thought your legs must have been injured if you were asking someone to do your bidding like that, but I guess you’re just lazy.”] Rosalind smirked, before she stood, pushing his hand to the side. She placed her goblet on a tray that was collecting empty glasses, before turning back to him. [b “Questions, hm? Well, I don’t see why we have to dance for you to ask me anything.”] Rosalind smirked, as she approached him. She had been watching the dancing for 20 minutes at this point, and she was sure she got the basic steps at least. As much as she wanted to steer clear of dancing, it would bring only more attention to herself if she didn’t dance. Maybe she could even get some information out of this man anyway. [b “I guess I could indulge you in one dance. Since you keep [i begging] me to…”] she took his hand in hers. She pulled him in close, [b “I do [i love] to watch a man beg.”] she teased, before letting him lead her to the dancefloor. As their pairs hands found their way to the dance positions, Rosalind tried to move in the way she remembered, but mostly let the man in front of her lead. She watched his face intently, her face holding a smirk, not letting anything get through to him about her. But, she didn’t want him to think she had anything to hide. [b “I’m surprised that it’s taken you this long to even ask what my name is, hm? Again, you need to learn your manners, sir.”] she spoke, surprising herself at how well she was able to follow along with this dance that the people around her probably have been learning since they were young. [b “And I’m surprised why I am such an interest to you. All these other maiden’s have been fawning over you all night long, and you want me. Why is that?”] she questioned. The male wasn’t the only one with questions. If he wanted to get his questions out, hers would have to be answered first. Just seeing the man’s facial expressions as they danced and she asking him questions was priceless to Rosalind. She wished she could have laughed out at his disdain for her. She was almost excited to hear his questions, as it was more an opportunity to get underneath his skin. Also, looking around and seeing so many princesses staring at her with disdain was also a cherry on top. Now, she wouldn’t be approached by any princesses, and she could keep her true identity to herself.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 152d ago

“I do love to watch a man beg.” Why did her voice drop like that, all husky and laced with trouble? And [i why] had his stomach fizzled all funny when she got up in his space as though he were a simple commoner? It was incredibly rude and ill-mannered and yet Arthur followed her to the dance floor without argument. After all, he'd been the one to request - or rather, insist - on a waltz. She couldn't be a daughter of Lord Ansbury as the man had been the first to introduce his own children at the start of the night, nor was she related to the boorish Earl Stanton. Arthur's eyes were narrowed and staring straight at her, determined to uncover her identity. “I’m surprised that it’s taken you this long to even ask what my name is, hm? Again, you need to learn your manners, sir.” There it was again. Both interactions this evening had been full of her confident sass and it was unsettling. Men of the council did not [i sass], nor did diplomatic debates entail such crude disregard of decorum. [b "I was wondering, I can't lie,"] he box-stepped with precision. [b "Your father has yet to introduce you tonight. Is he a baron? A duke, perhaps? I should like to speak with him before the evening is through."] What exactly that conversation would entail was beyond him. The woman carried herself with grace and effortless elegance but her manner of speaking was far from proper or ladylike. “And I’m surprised why I am such an interest to you. All these other maiden’s have been fawning over you all night long, and you want me. Why is that?” she questioned, not unaware of his scrutiny. An excellent question. One he had absolutely [i zero] answer for, other than she had irked him and as Crown Prince of the kingdom, it was his duty and right to know the identity of the royal subject who had slighted him so thoroughly. [b "You are infuriatingly arrogant,"] he scowled. [b "I have spent the entire evening being schmoozed by women who would gladly bear my children for the sole purpose of securing their family a position in court. I could not tell you their names, nor could I pick them out of a line-up and yet the last two hours have been dedicated to their attention. And yet only moments on the balcony with you have stuck to me like a leech and I cannot let you leave until my curiosity is resolved."] It was a castle, there were more than enough rooms to spare for the evening to house her until morning, and whomever else in her family had joined her that evening. [b "You are by far the rudest person I have ever had the displeasure to meet."] Blunt but honest. [b "I have never been so disrespected in my own home as I have been this evening and truthfully I will admit that I am unprepared to handle such humiliation. I think it's only fair to keep your family here for the night, until I am satisfied that my reputation will not be besmirched the second you travel back to whichever county your father oversees. You have clearly made up your mind about me but I've yet to do the same for you. I believe you owe it to me. Along with your name."]

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 152d ago

Rosalind stepped into place with the man, who still hasn't introduced himself. He probably thought so highly of himself that he felt he didn’t need an introduction, but it still would have been nice. She had been doing pretty well falling into line with the dance they were all doing, as it was mostly a lot of box-steps and spins. And the man across from her could do it in his sleep, so she mostly followed him. She was curious why he had been so infatuated with her, and wouldn’t take no for an answer. For what it seemed, it was like the man had never been told no before. Well, there is always a first for everything. As the man spoke about speaking to Rosalind’s father, she needed to think fast. She couldn’t just tell him that her father wasn’t here for no reason. Every other maiden had her father bringing her here for a possibility to be wed to the Crown Prince himself. It would be ill-mannered and suspicious if she didn’t have a good reason for her father being absent. But, Rosalind was smart and quick-witted. She would be able to lie her way through this, she had to. Otherwise, she was here for nothing. Did the man do anything but talk? He wouldn’t even let her get a word in edgewise, but he loved to insult her over and over. Calling her arrogant and rude; he must have been talking about himself. But, she let him talk. But as she continued to listen, she realized he was also insane. He thought she could just flounce around his castle for the night, when she had many things she had to attend to tonight back at the commune. And get out of this damn dress. She could help but laugh softly when he finished, but caught sight of his straight face. [b “Oh, you were serious? About all of that?”] she spoke, before she let her sly smirk grace her lips once more. [b “I guess I’ll answer all your questions in the order you spoke them. First of all, my father is not here.”] Rosalind started, but she had a trick up her sleeve. She loved her father, but she needed this lie to keep him off her scent. [b “My father isn’t alive, actually. My ward is my brother, who had serious matters he had to attend to and he didn’t have time to come to insignificant balls such as this one. But, seeing as we were invited, I decided to come alone on all of our behalf, if you must know.”] she spoke, keeping her voice calm so as to not be suspicious of her lies. Rosalind thinks back to his previous remarks, and smirks just thinking back to them. [b “I guess thank you for telling me how infuriating I am. As I agree with you. I think you are infuriating as well.”] she spoke, her narrowed eyes pointed straight at him. [b “I’m glad you have a gaggle of women to bear as many children as you desire, so why not bother them for a dance. They probably think you are much more tolerable than I do.”] she rolled her eyes at his, before meeting his eyes again. [b “[i I] humiliated you? Well, you flatter me so. I just yelled at you because you yelled at me. You don’t get to yell at me just because you’re a man. Where I am from, no man would ever speak to anyone, let alone a lady, with that tone. You are the one who is rude.”] Rosalind glared at him. She had fire in her, and couldn’t hide it no matter how hard she tried. [b “But unfortunately, ‘Crown Prince’, I can not stay. I have actual work to be done back at my…castle. I am expected back and staying with a Prince alone seems quite…risqué…don’t you think?”] the lady asked, sass covering her whole face. She rolled her eyes once more, and she was getting quite bored of this dance that just repeated itself over and over. [b “Look, if you want to ‘resolve your curiosity’ or however you say it. I will take time now to ‘assist’, I guess. But I refuse to stay the night with some [i man] I just met.”] Rosalind took hold of his wrist, before leading him off the dancefloor. [b “Shut up and listen to me. I’m gonna get us a moment to get away from all these people. I’m suffocating.”] Rosalind spoke, before she was able to slip through many groups of people, the prying eyes of the man’s confidant and was able to slip out from the ballroom. And she was able to get more of a look of the castle as well. They just stood outside of the ballroom, but she was able to file away in her mind the two sets of stairs that went up and down, and a door that seemed to lead outside at the bottom of the stairs. And a more stowed away door down a smaller set of stairs. Rosalind found a cushioned bench she sat on, crossing her legs as she stared at the man. [b “So, what about me piqued your curiosity? Am I that enthralling to you, you just [i had] to get me away.”] she crossed her arms over her chest, raising an eyebrow at him. [b “Oh, and my name. Rosalind. And no, I don’t have a nickname.”] Before she let him speak, she placed a finger up against her lips to silence him. She heard footsteps from inside the door, before Ellison called [i “Your Highness? Where are you?”] he spoke, before his footsteps moved farther away before she dropped her finger. [b “‘The Crown Prince’ is too wordy. Do you have an actual name I could call you? And no, I absolutely refuse to call you ‘Your Highness’. You are no better than I.”]

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 151d ago

Who the absolute hell was she to declare his suitors ball to be [i insignificant]? Arthur’s body - if even possible - stiffened more than it already had at the sheer audacity of the woman before him. First and foremost, what kind of chaperone allowed her to attend such an occasion on her own? Daughters and sisters were to be escorted for their own protection! [b “I will do my best not to question your family’s inappropriate judgment on allowing you to attend unaccompanied,”] he snapped in return. [b “Then again, given your poor manners I should expect nothing less than disregard for what is permitted in [i polite] society.”] The prince was hoping to get a reaction out of her but the stranger continued to barrel through his questions with little acknowledgment to his own responses. Everything in him screamed to duck his head in shame at how he’d yelled at her on the balcony - his mother would ring his neck if she knew how he’d treated a lady - but his father’s stubbornness ran deep. He was not about to apologize for reacting to what he believed to be an unwelcome intrusion to his privacy. Nor was he prepared to allow her to leave, though the woman was quite adamant that [i that] was precisely what she was planning on doing, with or without his permission. [b “What are you doing,”] Arthur nearly yelped at how strong her grip was on his wrist, dragging him from the room. [b “Un[i hand] me this instant!”] She didn’t. The stranger navigated the corridors well enough for someone who had never been there before, leading him to a secluded spot where she continued her defiance. [i “So, what about me piqued your curiosity? Am I that enthralling to you, you just had to get me away?”] Rosalind, as he now knew her, stared straight at him completely unphased by his royal status. With the snap of a finger he could have her thrown in chains and dragged to the stocks for such disrespect but that was the furthest thing on his mind for some reason. Arthur prepared his retort, only for her to silence him once more at the alarm of Ellison’s voice calling for him. Why he went along with remaining quiet was beyond reason. [b “‘Enthralling’ is quite literally the last definition I would associate with you,”] he matched her crossed-arms stance. [b “‘Infuriating’ yes, ‘positively irksome’, even. I have never been spoken to the way you have scolded me this evening with absolutely no regard for my higher rank. That is not how society operates! It is undignified to behave the way you have, especially for a lady. I don’t care who your father is, as the Crown Prince, I will not be chastised by you!”] [i “The Crown Prince is too wordy. Do you have an actual name I could call you? And no, I absolutely refuse to call you ‘Your Highness’. You are no better than I.”] Arthur sputtered through his shock. [b “You…I AM the Crown Prince! ‘Your Highness’ is my title by birthright! You, my loathsome lady, should show respect to the future king of this realm! How dare you perceive yourself to be my equal,”] he stammered, eyes drooping to her lips. Why were they so full? They’d likely be incredibly soft if he were to - NO. Absolutely not. [b “Prince Arthur will do, but not because you’ve asked for it. I simply do not have the energy to argue with you over titles when there are more important matters to discuss. First of which, you [i will] be spending the night here until I get to the bottom of why you would choose to attend an event you claim to care nothing about. Is this a ploy, Lady Rosalind? You inspect the women you see as competition face to face, to undermine my decision?”]

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 133d ago

Rosalind hoped her glee did not seep out of her mind onto her face. The anger she caused [i ‘The Crown Prince’] was making her increasingly more delighted. The more she spoke to the man, the more the words of her mother stuck. [i They are nothing more than stuck up people who care about nothing but themselves and their power over others. Especially women.]. Never were words so true. The only moment Arthur took to get to know her was because of [i her]. He could care less about the multitude of women who would do anything to be with him, they were just another asset to him. More power, more money, an heir. Rosalind looked toward the man when he spoke of her father. If looks could kill, Arthur would have been dead. She stared at the man as he spoke now, her blood boiling. If he only [i knew] who she was, he wouldn’t be so haughty. As he stammered through his words, she watched his eyes dip to her lips before they reached her eyes once more. She approached him, staying at least a foot away from him. She raised an eyebrow at the prince, a smirk pulling at her lips. [b “First, Sir Prince Arthur…you are not allowed to speak of my family. You can throw whatever insult you want at me, but don’t talk about my family.”] she spat. She sighed deeply, before looking at him once more. [b “And second, you are not in charge of me. I am going home after the ball is over, and that is that.”] Rosalind took a step closer. [b “And third, I have no interest in the woman here, same as you do. You clearly don’t like any of these women, the only one you seem to have any interest in is me. Even though I want nothing to do with you. If there is any ploy, it was you to get me alone to try and make me fall in love with you. Wanting me to stay over with you. You can just tell me you’re in love with me, stop hiding it.”] the woman smirked, her voice teasing him. She stepped closer, looking into his eyes. And, at that moment, she was lost in them. They were deep and held more than he would ever say out loud. What was she even thinking…[i cut it out Rosalind]. Rosalind broke from his gaze, before leaning against a nearby wall. She truly wished she could get away from him and look around the castle more, but Arthur would no doubt send his guards to stop her. She didn’t want to become any more suspicious than she already was. [b “Now, if you want to ask me anything, now is the time.”] she spoke, before tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. [b “And because you keep repeating yourself, I came here to represent my family. There is someone from my kingdom I am already promised too, so I don’t [i need] you.”] Rosalind wasn’t lying. She had been ‘promised’ to Pyrrhos practically since she was born. Although, she had always wished she could meet someone and fall in love. But the only men in the guild knew she was promised to Pyrrhos so they never even spoke to her. And she knew she would never be able to meet someone outside the guild, as they could be turned in easily if anyone learned who she really was. So, Pyrrhos was her only option, even if she didn’t love him in a romantic way. [b “I’m surprised you're even allowed to choose someone. I thought most kingdoms used arranged marriages anyway. You’re actually lucky. Who would have thought, that’d I be jealous of you for any reason.”] Rosalind spoke, her eyes stuck to the wall across from her, and not on Arthur at all. She looked over to him, not moving from her spot. [b “See, I’m not infuriating all the time.”] she teased towards him, using his own words against him.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 132d ago

Why the hell did he feel bad about criticizing her family? It was clear by her passionate defense of them that he had probably falsely accused them of neglect but it wasn’t as though he had any other basis to go off of other than a young woman being unchaperoned at a suitor’s ball. And he was the prince, for heaven’s sake! He was not going to feel like a scolded schoolboy in his own castle. But then Rosalind got right up in his personal space and he had nowhere else to look but the fire in her eyes. Arthur was going to have to speak with Ellison over the heat of the building because it was far too warm for his liking all of the sudden. [b “In love with you?”] the prince sputtered, simultaneously wanting to puff up his chest and retreat to the safety of his bedroom where she wouldn’t be able to find him. [b “Now who’s being arrogant? I’d rather toss myself off the balcony than possess any feelings towards you other than pure loathing!”] Bit extreme, but the situation called for exaggeration because he was in desperate danger of looking at her lips just a smidge too long. Her abrupt announcement of her own betrothal yanked his eyes back up for him, though the frown that followed was entirely of his own doing. [b “You’re engaged?”] Why did that ignite a displeasing fire in his gut? He didn’t even know this woman! [b “Does your fiance know that you are skulking around another man’s castle, unaccompanied? Perhaps people will talk.”] An empty threat, really. They were completely isolated from the rest of the party with the only witnesses being framed portraits overlooking the corridor. Who was the man lucky enough - no, [i doomed] - to marry this woman? She was rude and abrasive and beautiful - [i STOP IT!] [b “For your information, Lady Rosalind, this ball is not my choosing but my duty. I am to select a bride that will benefit both families amiably. My feelings for these women matter not as marriage is nothing more than an economic contract.”] God, he sounded like his father. Then again, the king had spent the better part of twenty years grinding that belief into his head. [i “I’m surprised you’re even allowed to choose someone. I thought most kingdoms used arranged marriages anyway. You’re actually lucky. Who would have thought that I’d be jealous of you for any reason,”] she mused. Arthur’s brow scrunched again. He wasn’t going to be the one to tell her that at least two engagements had fallen through already, leaving his father to allow him the chance to select his own bride for the sake of securing the kingdom’s future. [b “You weren’t allowed to pick your future husband? Is he even a good man?”] [i None of your business because you. Do. Not. Care.] That nagging voice scratched at his brain but. [b “Don’t answer that,”] he followed up quickly. [b “It’s none of my business, you are right. I shouldn’t ask about your privacy.”] Rosalind smirked. [i “See, I’m not infuriating all the time.”] [b “I wouldn’t go so far as to say that,”] this time he was the one to approach her, a challenge in his eyes. [b “If anything I’d think you’re trying to lull me into a false sense of comradary. Such trickery won’t be so easy.”]

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 127d ago

Rosalind chuckled softly as he was surprised of her being promised to someone already. [b “No, I’m [i promised] to someone. We’re not engaged yet, but it’s been established basically at birth that we are going to be married.”] she waved off Arthur's outburst. She looked over to him as he questioned her about what he would say. [b “Actually, he knows I’m here. Unlike [i you], he doesn’t insult me just because I came alone.”] she shot back, her insults not as sharp as the daggers she was throwing before. Pyrrhos, the one who brought her here, was never someone who was overprotective. He never once mentioned accompanying her, even if he wouldn’t be noticed as well. He always did what he was told, nothing more and nothing less. Rosalind’s face dropped a bit as he spoke about what marriage was to him. [b “Well, that is the first thing I’ve actually agreed with. But don’t you wish it could be for love? That you could find someone you loved and marry someone who actually wanted to.”] she asked, looking over to him. When Arthur commented that she wasn’t picking her own husband, she looked back to her feet. Sure, she didn’t get to pick Pyrrhos, but she did like him. He was her best friend after all, and if she had to marry someone she didn’t pick, she was happy it was him. He was a good man, and they would run the guild in the same way their dad’s did before them. She was about to answer him, until he told her not to. [i “Don’t answer that,”] he followed up quickly. [i “It’s none of my business, you are right. I shouldn’t ask about your privacy.”] [b “Worried about me?”] Rosalind teased, before looking away from him again, [b “He’s a good guy, if you [i were] worried. But I’m not in love with him.”] she spoke her last words softly. Why was it so easy to talk to him? She was letting all of her secrets out to him, maybe it was because she knew she would never see him again. Maybe it was because she enjoyed teasing him. Maybe it was because he matched her energy; no one had ever done that before. Then Arthur approached her. She had kept her distance for most of their conversation thus far, but now he approached her. Those challenging eyes looking at her. She could help but smile back, her eyes challenging him just as much. The closer he got, the more she could study his face, and she wasn’t disappointed. He was handsome, his dark eyes held more than he was ever willing to say. [b “You think I’m trying to befriend you in any way after saying you’d rather throw yourself off a bridge before feeling anything but hatred for me! Who is really the arrogant one now?!”] she exclaimed, poking him right in the chest as he was now less than a foot together. Why did she feel less hatred towards the man in front of her? She thought she knew everything there was to the royals, but now she could see they had more similarities than she ever expected. Was her mother’s explanations just over exaggerations instead of the facts she took them for? No, she had to remember why she was here. To get information. Tomorrow she would be robbing them dry for as much as she could, and then she’d never come back. Why was she here, [s flirting] talking to Sir Arthur? [b “And besides, trickery against you would be easier than this.”] She replied. [i Like what I am doing to you…right now.] Rosalind’s eyes dropped from Arthur’s. She cleared her throat, which had, for some reason, had gone dry. [b “Shouldn’t you get back to your ball and all of your eligible princesses? Any one you pick will probably be ecstatic to have your hand. “] she spoke, before looking back up at him. [b “And your probably won’t have to throw any of them off of a balcony…”] Rosalind spoke, a teasing smile followed her eyes as they looked at him. At that moment, Rosalind heard someone approach the door next to them. She looked toward the door, before taking a step back from him. [i "There you are, your highness! I've been looking everywhere for you! The princesses have been waiting tirelessly for you! You must pick a princess by tonight!"] Ellison spoke, going behind the Crown Prince and trying to push him from the foyer they had been standing in, completely oblivious to Rosalind who stepped back into the shadows of the doors.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 127d ago

[i Marry for love?] An unheard of concept, given his status of royalty. Men did not marry for love but for the political alliance; to further the power and wealth of their kingdom so as to ensure its survival. There had never been another option that he was aware of. Arthur's mother's face flashed before his eyes; the heartbreak and somber sadness whenever his father reminded her of her place. Was that the kind of marriage he wanted? Or rather, was that the husband he would become? The thought was sticking rather inconveniently at the forefront of his mind despite Rosalind carrying on with her banter. She may have thrown his own situation in his face yet she herself had admitted that she did not love the man she was promised to. Perhaps she was projecting her own anger of her situation onto him? Yes, that was it! He wasn't the one who was unhappy with where his path was leading him. It must have unnerved her, the way he was staring because she was suddenly eager to avoid his space. “Shouldn’t you get back to your ball and all of your eligible princesses? Any one you pick will probably be ecstatic to have your hand. “ she spoke, before looking back up at him. [b "How many times must I say that I hold no-"] "There you are, your highness! I've been looking everywhere for you! The princesses have been waiting tirelessly for you! You must pick a princess by tonight!" Ellison spoke, going behind the Crown Prince and trying to push him from the foyer they had been standing in, completely oblivious to Rosalind who stepped back into the shadows of the doors. As long as he'd been alive, Ellison had proved to be a responsible and dutiful servant. At that moment, however, Arthur was ready to terminate his job on the spot for interrupting. [b "Actually Ellison,"] he dug his heel into the floor. [b "I will not be returning to the ball room for quite some time."] [i She thinks she's clever, huh? She has no idea what I'm capable of...] [i "Your Royal Highness?"] [b "You see I've been in a rather intriguing conversation with Lady Rosalind here,"] Arthur snatched her hand from the shadows to pull her forward. [b "The ball was becoming quite tiresome and I took it upon myself to escort my guest to one of the guest rooms."] Arthur crooked an eyebrow at her. The message was clear: play along if you don't want to explain yourself. Not only would it be unbecoming of her to leave on her own, but she would have to risk denying a royal's command. Such an offense was punishable, something Ellison would push for if he felt his prince had been disobeyed. Not to mention, the way the old man's eyes lit up at the sight of her was too endearing to argue. [i "Excuse me Your Royal Highness, I had no idea you were otherwise occupied. Forgive me, my lady, I did not see you! Lady Rosalind did you say? May I ask where you are visiting us from?"] Alright well this was just too good to pass up. [b "Yes, Lady Rosalind, do tell us of your homeland and some of the customs?"] Arthur's grin was firmly in place, hands clasped behind his back to enjoy the show.

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 126d ago

Rosalind let herself hide into the shadows of the door, as to not be spotted once again by Ellison. She was actually glad he dragged the male away, as Rosalind worried she was becoming too friendly with him. She needed to remember this was a [i job], that was it. Nothing more. She planned on wandering around until the party ended, before heading back to the forest and back to the guild, sharing everything she learned and going to bed. That’s what she thought would happen. But that was exactly the [i opposite] of what did happen. Rosalind was shocked when Arthur grabbed her hand, pulling her towards him. She felt into place awkwardly, as she was already unsteady in her heels. She stood up straight, trying to redeem herself in front of Ellison. An advisor, she assumed. Which meant he’d push for punishment if she disobeyed, or forcefully removed herself from Arthurs grasp, as much as she wished to get his hands [i off] of her. Her disdainful face was covered with a smile after looking at Arthur with his crooked eyebrow. Ellison seemed to be delighted at the two of them spending time together, and now she really felt like she couldn’t say anything now. She still had a heart, and breaking it here and now was not something she really didn’t want to do at this moment. [i "Excuse me Your Royal Highness, I had no idea you were otherwise occupied. Forgive me, my lady, I did not see you! Lady Rosalind, did you say? May I ask where you are visiting us from?"] [i No. No no no no no.] Rosalind prepared for lots of different questions, but she thought she’d be able to make due without a pretend kingdom she was from. But, she needed to remain calm. It didn’t help that Arthur decided to echo from behind her, you just about hear the grin on his lips. [i "Yes, Lady Rosalind, do tell us of your homeland and some of the customs?"]. If he wanted to play dirty, so could she. [b “My kingdom? Oh yes. Well, you see, when my father passed, my brother rose to power over our small kingdom. It’s quite far, as we traveled by sea to get here. It’s a small kingdom off the coast, Noxus. An inclusive society where the strengths and talents of its people are respected and cultivated. A princess like myself is connected to her people, as we work together to keep our kingdom running.”] Rosalind spoke. She knew she was charming, and could use her ability of her voice and tone to charm even someone like Ellison. Arthur was [i not] going to make her a fool. No one was. The one thing Rosalind didn’t deny was the fact that she would be spending the night here. This was not in her plan but maybe this was a good thing. After everyone went to sleep, she could try her hand at sneaking around the castle, and get a good feel before tomorrow night. She could hopefully leave in the morning, and still make it back to the commune before nightfall. She wanted to at least rest a little, because she didn’t want to waste all that precious nightfall to sleep. A fake yawn escaped Roaslind’s lips. [b “I am very sorry to be so quick to leave, but Arthur was just showing me to my room. I was rather tired after my long journey here, if you wouldn’t mind, Ellison was it, we’re going to head off. Have a pleasant night.”] Rosalind spoke, using the most princess-like voice she could muster. She placed her arm to rest on top of Arthur as they exited, before they were out of sight of the man and she removed her arm. She followed behind him, the look of disdain revealed itself once more. [b “How dare you put me on the spot like that, Sir Arthur?! You have got some nerve to do that to me. I could hear it in your voice how you had wished I stumbled on my words. I hope my response surprised you”] Rosalind spoke smugly once they entered the room she’d be staying in. If anything, it would be the nicest room she’d ever stay in in her life.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 124d ago

Curse this woman and her infuriating talent for charming any man she came into contact with. Wait - NO! She was most certainly [i not] charming, she was arrogant and rude and spat in the face of societal convention! Not qualities that should be admirable, so why then was the prince smiling as she painted a picture of her homeland for them. Ellison was positively enraptured. [i “My dear, it sounds marvelous! What a concept, for royalty to work alongside their citizens. Truly modern indeed!”] [b “Quite impressive, I must agree,”] the words were pulled from Arthur’s lips with a vice grip. Rosalind’s yawn nearly made him roll his eyes all the way out of his skull but he appreciated her efforts to dismiss Ellison as politely as possible. The advisor ducked his head in a bow, flashed a wink at the prince, and marched with perfect posture back to the ball while they spun on their own heels to depart the abandoned wing. Arthur would rather die than admit he felt the sharpness of her pulling her arm away more than he’d care to acknowledge. She’d been so warm, pressed against his side while they walked. [i Stop it.] The intricate door swung open silently, revealing the grandeur of decor that it held inside. A four-poster bed fluffed with only the best pillows faced opposite a chiseled stone fireplace and seating area. Arthur crossed the room as she continued to scold him, pulling shut the curtains overlooking the courtyard. [b “How dare I?”] he sputtered in return. [b “First of all, it is [i Prince] Arthur, not Sir Arthur. Secondly I did nothing more than give you an opportunity to be truthful for the first time this evening, which I’m pleased to see worked. Ellison may propose to you himself.”] Had there ever been a more infuriating woman in the history of the world? There she was in a palace owned by the king, in front of the Crown Prince of the realm, and the only thing Rosalind’s body language screamed was defiance. [b “I don’t know why you’re so upset with me,”] he marched until they were face to face once more. [b “My advisor’s role is to get to know everyone who walks through those doors, and you are no exception. All evening you’ve made me want to pull my hair out in frustration so forgive me if I capitalized on the only opportunity I saw to peel back a layer of your mystery. You think you’re clever. I’m not arrogant enough to not concede that point. But I don’t think you’ve met your match until this very moment, Lady Rosalind.”]

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 121d ago

Rosalind stared at him, rolling her eyes when he mentioned it was [i Prince Arthur]. She crossed her arms over her chest, biting the inside of her cheek when he spoke. She shook her head as he praised himself to give [i her] the ability to tell the truth, as he assumed she’d had lied up to now. Sure, she lied a little bit, but the idea of Noxus was exactly like her guild. They all worked together, no matter their status, to make their commune run smoothly. Everyone split everything evenly. They also let everyone’s strength and talents shine, and are fully respected. She lied only about the name, not the idea behind it. Arthur was the most infuriating person on the planet. All they seemed to want is for everyone to bow down and answer their every beckon call. He wanted someone who was quiet and obedient beside him, ruling in the same way his father had. Treating Rosalind just how his father treated her mother. [b “You don’t understand why I’m upset?”] she spoke, exasperated. He just couldn’t understand that everything he wanted wasn’t what she wanted. He lived his life with people agreeing with him so much he didn’t know what to do when someone didn’t. [b “I don’t want to stay here! You [i forced] me to, with the implications that if I didn’t, I will have something bad happen. I told you I wanted to go home. Why can’t you understand that everything that you want isn’t what everyone else wants. No one has ever told you ‘no’ in your whole life, and now you throw a fit when things don’t go your way! Unbelievable.”] Rosalind spoke, turning from him, arms crossed over her chest. Rosalind looked to him, before approaching him, looking up at him from her slightly shorter stature from him. [b “You think you are a match to me? Please. I am only this ‘rude and arrogant’ person to you because you started screaming at me from the moment you met me!”] she spoke, walking away for him for a moment, turning her body away from him again. As Rosalind turned from him, she really got a chance to look around the room she was forced to stay in. Everything from the door just screamed expensive, the bed looking more enticing than the cot she had slept in since she was a kid. She almost didn’t want to sit or touch anything, in fear it would crumble under her. It all looks fragile, like it was glass and she, a bull that could make it all shatter under her. This had been the first time in her life she felt like she truly did not belong in this space, but she had to pretend this kind of room was normal for her. [b “Wait, why did you close the curtains?”] Rosalind asked, looking over her shoulder at him, before looking back at the window. [b “Too embarrassed to be seen with me?”] she spoke smugly, a small laugh escaping her lips.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 120d ago

[b “I did not scream at you!”] Dear god alive, this woman would make him pull out his hair. [b “I broached the subject as any reasonable person would when they believe they’re being stalked by a complete stranger. I think you would act much the same, if you were looking for solace only to get bombarded with another potential suitor seeking validation.”] Alright well that wasn’t entirely how the situation went and clearly she was not a suitor desperate for his attention but the point stood. How was he to know that she hadn’t purposely sought him out in his moment of peace? It was a suitors ball, Arthur couldn’t be blamed for assuming her underlying motives. [b “I’ll also point out that you’ve been nothing short of argumentative this entire time, just as I have.”] The man had to physically restrain himself from stomping a foot. [i “Wait, why did you close the curtains?”] Rosalind completely ignored his remark. [i “Too embarrassed to be seen with me?”] That confirmed it. She was set on fighting no matter what he did to try and make her feel at home. [b “Oh yes, because that’s what I’m embarrassed of, being in a private bedroom with an infuriatingly beautiful woman!”] Well fuck. [b “An [i infuriating] woman. Infuriating. And while you may be not awful to look at, that is certainly not what I meant to say.”] Foot, meet mouth. This was a mistake. All of it; spending time with her, talking with her, inviting her to stay the night. Every single piece of the puzzle would bring nothing but treachery and bad decisions. Arthur was a good man. He did as he was told to uphold the duty he was born into, and he made a conscious effort to be respectful of any and all people he came into contact with. Lady Rosalind just happened to be the exception that would send him over the edge he was currently balancing on. [b “Oh don’t look at me like that, it’s not as though you’re oblivious to how a man might be attracted to you,”] he scoffed, hoping his face wasn’t as red as it felt. [b “Though I don’t know how they could get past your antagonistic attitude or your snide comments. Manners are free, you know. Perhaps I ought to schedule you a lesson in being ladylike before you’re due to leave tomorrow. You might’ve caught me with your vinegar-soaked remarks but honey will get you more success.”] Shut. The. Fuck. Up. [i Now].

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 119d ago

A smirk couldn’t help but cross her lips every time she watched Arthur get pushed farther and farther with her. If he was going to force her to stay overnight, she’d make the time a living hell for him. There was no way she would sit quietly and let Arthur think he could push her around. Even if they would never see eachother again, he’d always remember her as the one woman who’d fight against him. She almost felt slightly bad that she’d be robbing him blind tomorrow night. [i Almost.] [i “Oh yes, because that’s what I’m embarrassed of, being in a private bedroom with an infuriatingly beautiful woman! An infuriating woman. Infuriating. And while you may be not awful to look at, that is certainly not what I meant to say.”] Rosalind froze, and her mouth went dry. She was lucky she wasn’t facing him, as he would have easily made fun of the blush that rose to her cheeks. Romance, or any kind of crushes at all, were so far from the forefront of Rosalind’s mind all of the time that his comment caught her off guard. He actually thought she was…beautiful. That was surprising, to say the least. She would have never expected him to think that…let alone [i say] it outloud. And to her, nonetheless. Rosalind turned to him, one eyebrow raised as she looked at him. Her initial blush had faded, and why not tease him with his own mistake at least a little bit.[i “Oh don’t look at me like that, it’s not as though you’re oblivious to how a man might be attracted to you,”] he scoffed, hoping his face wasn’t as red as it felt. [i “Though I don’t know how they could get past your antagonistic attitude or your snide comments. Manners are free, you know. Perhaps I ought to schedule you a lesson in being ladylike before you’re due to leave tomorrow. You might’ve caught me with your vinegar-soaked remarks but honey will get you more success.”]. Well, the joke was on him, because that has never been said to her once. She had never been told she was attractive, or anyone was attracted to her. Had people told her she was strong? Yes. Resilient? A few times. Reckless? More times than she could count. But attractive? Not until now. Arthur’s comments on her manners did get a bit under her skin. She was usually respectful and kind, her usual demeanor professional and even a bit bubbly. But Arthur’s first impression on her changed all of that. His reaction to her simple question changed her demeanor tenfold. And she felt no need to give him common respect if he wouldn’t give it back. [b “You understand I asked you a simple question when I first saw you? I [i asked] if I was interrupting something. You could have given me the decency to be kind, and we would have been done. This could have all been avoided if [i YOU] had used some common decency. I don’t care if you are the “Crown Prince”, but no one is going to respect you as king if you can’t get the silver spoon out of your mouth and learn some manners as well!”] Rosalind spoke, taking steps forward slowly as until she was in his face by then end. Gods, she hated him. He made her so angry, then why did she want to be close to him. Why was she so drawn to this unhinged prince? Why did she want to swim in the depths of his eyes? Why was she catching herself letting her eyes slowly follow the chiseled side of his jaw? No. NO. She hated him. Or did she. [b “Seems like you just can’t resist yourself around someone so [i beautiful]. Your words, not mine.”]

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 118d ago

Rosalind had at least four valid points in her tangent. Even if Arthur wanted to deny it, he knew she was correct. Nothing she’d said on the balcony indicated she was one of the fawning potential brides there to impress and beguile him, yet he’d treated her exactly the same. He’d been so wrapped up in his own head that the intrusion just happened to pull the worst possible reaction out of him. It was a fault he would have to accept, and apologize for. If she ever let him get a word in edgewise, that is. [i “I don’t care if you are the Crown Prince, no one is going to respect you as king if you can’t get the silver spoon out of your mouth and learn some manners as well!”] Ouch. Arthur’s frown deepened, unconsciously reflecting the damage her words had done. Being the only son and heir to a kingdom was a daunting task and he emulated his father’s stern nature because that was the only way he’d been taught. But that didn’t mean he ever truly wanted to be a spoiled brat elevating himself above anyone; even if that’s exactly what he’d done all evening. [b “Look-”] [i “Seems like you just can’t resist yourself around someone so beautiful. Your words, not mine.”] Son of a bitch, she’d gone and verbally slapped him again. [b “You are so insufferable with your stupid smugness and….and your face that I am now regretting ever calling pretty because I bet underneath that beauty is nothing but coarseness that matches your rough personality!”] It didn’t register to him that he’d even leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers until it was far too late to retreat for safety. Arthur didn’t know why he’d done it. The logical explanation was he subconsciously wanted to test the theory of how soft her lips actually were but that was never meant to be a physical experiment he endeavored to prove. Nor did he plan on wandering hands resting on her hips. His hypothesis had been [i oh] so wrong. Fuck, she was warm and solid and going to [i absolutely kill him]. [b “See,”] he broke away abruptly, hands snatched back like she’d burned them. [b “Not…not appealing at all. Quite uh…quite…”] Fuck, this was not good, he’d gone and claimed a kiss that wasn’t his to take - she’s engaged, you idiot! - and rendered himself completely stupid in the process.

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 114d ago

“You are so insufferable with your stupid smugness and….and your face that I am now regretting ever calling pretty because I bet underneath that beauty is nothing but coarseness that matches your rough personality!” Ugh. Arthur couldn’t let his one and only compliment stay very long. Rosalind was ready to combat him again, as she wasn’t going to let him get off easy for [i commanded] her to stay here with him. Again, she was [i going] to. But she didn’t. She couldn’t. Because something was blocking her from doing so. His lips. As Rosalind registered that Arthur was kissing her, her eyes shot open in surprise. His hands had found themselves on her hips as her hands stayed firmly at her sides. She didn’t know what to do. What to think. The only thing in her brain was the feeling of his lips against her own. The [warmth] that she felt, the sparks that danced on her lips as they were pressed together. Sure, this wasn’t her first kiss; but she never had a kiss like this. The prince pulled away from her, his hands retreating from her as quickly as they came. He seemed to stutter as he pulled away. She stared at him, her eyes narrowing as she listened to his words. She approached him, before slapping him across the face. [b “Are you [i crazy]?!”] she spoke, staring at him in his eyes. And before she knew what she was doing, she pushed herself onto her toes and pressed her lips into his. She walked him back to the wall, his back against the wall as she used him to keep herself up high enough to kiss him. Arthur was absolutely insufferable, but she couldn’t keep herself away from him. There was something about him she connected with, and something that kept her coming back for more. He pushed back, when most would let her push through them. He would say things she would need a minute to think about how to answer, and tested her wit each time. And she admired that about him. Rosalind also wasn’t going to hide the fact that the Crown Prince was handsome, it was clear why he had a woman jumping at the chance to wed him; considering they would marry a handsome man and gain so much. Sure, they would have to deal with a bore of a man, but they would at least have someone who had a brain; more than most royalty had. Rosalind's eyes were closed tight, almost like she was worried to see any reaction on Arthur’s face as her lips moved against his. She was shocked that she was imitating what Arthur did, as she never expected to even be this close to the prince. Her hands rested on his chest, and Rosalind didn’t expect him to be as firm as he was. As her lips continued to move against his, she began to relax slightly, keeping him close to her. Rosalind slowly pulled back from his lips. [b “Guess I am as crazy as your are, hm?”] she teased softly, her face still close to his as she spoke. She craved the warmth she got from him, and wanted to kiss him again. But, she had pulled back to give him the ability to cast her away if he wanted to. If he didn’t want this, she wouldn’t either. The ball remained in her court, and she would follow suit with whatever he wanted. Fuck. Why was his happening? [i But she couldn’t stop now…]

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 113d ago

She was going to kill him. There was no way around it, he'd just signed a death warrant for himself because there was no way in hell she would be calm about what just happened. The lady had made it quite clear that he was the bane of her existence. She'd spent most of the evening insulting him or being disgusted by his very presence so Rosalind was absolutely going to- [i Kiss] him? Arthur registered two things at once: her lips were as soft as he thought but the wall behind him certainly wasn’t. Either this was the best possible turn of events or he'd died and this was some twisted purgatory hallucination. The only thing convincing him it was the former was the firm weight of her pressed up against his chest, keeping him pinned to the wall. [b “How are you,”] he broke away only to dive right back in for more. [b “Bossy even when,”] another kiss. [b “Kissing someone?”] [i “Guess I am as crazy as you are, hm?”] God, he wanted to bite that smirk right off of her. This was too much. Far too much all at once and they were treading down a [i very] fine line of desire and mistake. He was a prince; he was meant to act with honor and dignity not flights of fancy. Though this was less of a flight and more of a cataclysmic freefall that would no doubt end with one of them getting maimed in the very least. [b “Lets just uh…”] Words were hard. [b “We shouldn’t for many reasons. So many of them I can’t count.”] The problem was, he was having a hell of a time trying to care. Arthur was not one to delve into the world of casual relations, nor did he know the first thing about handling a fierce woman like the one standing in front of him. That didn’t mean he wasn’t about to do his damnedest to try. Arthur steeled his courage and marched her backwards, hands firmly on her hips, until she fell back onto the mattress. In his head he planned to be incredibly seductive and climb up after her. Problem was, the damn bedding was silk and his knee slipped right off the edge of the bed, sending him to the floor. [b "No laughing!"] he ordered quickly, back on his feet and continuing his mission. [b "This is serious. We're in way over our heads and this is only going to end horribly so there's no time for laughing, only kissing."]

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 103d ago

Arthur’s remarks made her smirk against his lips. What was it about him that made her want to kiss him, and push him down a flight of stairs? She was surprised at herself for kissing him back, actually. After he did it, she couldn’t think about anything else. It might have been a thought in her mind about it, but she didn’t want to get attacked by guards if the Prince didn’t want that. But, it was now clear that he wanted this like she did. [i “Lets just uh…We shouldn’t for many reasons. So many of them I can’t count.”] Oh, of course. Of course they couldn’t do this. That was something out of a romance book. Plus, she had to remember, this was the [i Crown Prince]. Royalty, the people she had been raised to hate. But why was it so hard now? Rosalind took a step back, brushing her hands on her dress. [b “Yes…we shouldn’t. That would be…be…”] she spoke, her eyes meeting his. As they did, she saw him moving forward, grabbing onto her hips, letting her fall back on the mattress. Dear Gods, the mattress was more comfortable than anything she had felt in her life. Like she was laying on a cloud, much nicer than the cot she slept on usually. How did all of a sudden Arthur become this handsome prince in a way she never noticed before? And then he fell…there was the [i Crown Prince] she knew. She stifled her laughter when he spoke not to laugh, but couldn’t hide it completely. [i "This is serious. We're in way over our heads and this is only going to end horribly so there's no time for laughing, only kissing."] Arthur spoke, to which Rosalind composed herself and nodded. [b “I agree. Come here, Crown Prince.”] she spoke, before grabbing hold of the beaded jacket he was wearing, and to her and against her lips. [center ~♡~] Rosalind woke up, sunlight just barely coming through the closed window curtains. She sat up slowly, looking next to her at the unclothed prince next to her. Rosalind ran her hands over her face, before looking down to herself to see herself in the same way as the prince. [i Shit…]. Rosalind slowly slid from the bed, finding her undergarments from the ground. It took her a good 15 minutes to retie her corset back up herself as she readjusted her dress. Her hair had fallen from the updo it had been put in, falling in waves around her face now. She fixed it the best to her abilities, making sure to use her stealth skills she had learned since she was a kid. The prince could not wake up. There was no way she could face him. Not now…not ever again. No matter how much she actually did like him…something he would never ever learn. Rosalind looked at his sleeping face once more, and realized maybe she should leave something. She found a parchment and quickly wrote a note. [i All my best, Rosalind] she wrote, before leaving it on the bedside table next to where he slept. Taking her mother’s headpiece and placing that on her head before slipping on her shoes. She went to the door, looking back at him once more, before she slipped out of the room, before shutting the door silently. Rosalind looked around. She needed to get out of here, and fast. She had planned to look around the castle once Arthur had left, but she never had. They had a very…physical night together and she ended up asleep in his arms soon after. She moved through the hallways, dodging every guard and maid she saw. She found the door, pushed her way out and ran. She ran until she found the forest she came in with Pyrrhos. She took a moment, before she walked through the forest until she saw the guild in the distance. As soon as she saw it, she ran back in. She felt so much better being home, but…she couldn’t help but miss the castle a little bit. Rosalind got into her tent, getting ready to take a bath and change into her usual attire. As she began heating up some water for a bath, she heard her father enter the tent. [i “Rosa?”] he called, as she walked around still in her dress from before. [i “Where have you been? I was worried when you didn’t come home? How did it go?”] he asked, pulling her to him for a hug. Roaslind was worried, she couldn’t tell what had actually happened. [b “I got a lot of information. It should be easy to get in and out tonight, even the guards mentioned someone new working. I ended up sneaking away and looking around. Needed the extra information. The guards were very attentive to the grounds, so I found a section of the garden to sleep in until this morning. I just want to rest and relax until tonight.”] Rosalind lied coolly, she could never tell her father what happened between her and the Prince. [i “Alright, I’m so proud of you. Come out and have breakfast when you are done.”] Rosalind went behind her screen, getting out of her dress and sinking into the water. [i Fuck…what had she gotten herself into…”]

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 103d ago

[i Warm. Cozy.] Wait, it wasn’t either of those things. Why wasn’t it either of those things? Arthur slid his hand over to the empty space beside him, sheets long-since cooled to the touch and not even an indent of the person who previously occupied the space. Sitting up he glanced around only to find that Rosalind wasn’t even in the room anymore. Flashes of the night before passed before his eyes as the pleasant soreness of his muscles made itself known. Her bark certainly backed up her bite. And bite she did. The indents on his shoulder reminded him as much. Arthur was nearly dressed before he spied the parchment with her scrawl. Decent of her to leave a note but he’d have preferred waking up to her still wrapped in his arms. God damnit, he needed to stop! One flustered night with a woman he’d only just met and he was pining like a lovesick puppy instead of the heir to the kingdom. No, spending any more time thinking about Rosalind wouldn’t do at all. If any of the guards took notice of his dishevelled uniform from the night before they were courteous enough to not smirk or comment. Then again, it wasn’t hard to guess what had happened given how red his face was. He was almost to his room when Ellison burst from the exact place. [i “There you are! Where have-”] The elder man’s eyes scanned the uniform tunic - misbuttoned and tangled toggles. [i “My Prince, have you been assaulted?!”] [i In a manner of speaking….,] Arthur’s thoughts nearly tumbled from his mouth. [b “I merely fell asleep in the library, Ellison. The gala was much too loud and I took some time to pour over some history books and time slipped away from me. I’ve only just woken and thought to freshen up before the day.”] [i “I do love a good history book. Did you know that your third great-grandfather…”] The history lesson continued as Arthur scrubbed himself clean in the washtub, and more so as he dressed in a much less gaudy tunic and trousers. Ellison was so enthralled with his own tale that he neglected to notice the suspicious bruises dotting along the prince’s chest before they were quickly covered. [i “Anyway, the gala last night is a direct result of that very grandfather seeking a bride of his own. The tradition has carried on ever since. Fascinating, don’t you think?’] Arthur would rather die. [b “Absolutely intriguing,”] he agreed, boots echoing off the stone floor. [b “Tell me, did you happen to see Lady Rosalind this morning? I had hoped to enjoy breakfast with her before she was to depart.”] [i “Alas my prince, I’ve not seen her since you bid me adieu last night. If you’d like, I can have the men search for her?”] [b “Please do.”] It wasn’t until hours later that it was reported back to him that the lady in question was nowhere to be found. [b “Who are you,”] Arthur mused at his desk, clutching the very parchment she’d left, taunting him.

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 103d ago

The rest of the day went as most of her days usually went. She ate breakfast with the rest of the commune, a meeting with her father about her plan for later that night for the operation, and then she went out with Pyrrhos for some extra combat training. She’d be having dinner tonight with her father, Pyrrhos, and Pyrrhos’s father for another meeting before she left after the sunset. A normal day. But she couldn’t seem to get the visions of Arthur and herself from last night. The man who had been so harsh speaking to her had treated her so gently in their time together; while she on the other hand had left him with marks to remember her by. She would have relished in the idea of waking up in his arms, cuddling into his warm form and staying for breakfast. But alas, there was no use in that. Why string him along when she would be robbing them blind and would never see or speak to him again? It was risky of her to leave him even just a short note like she did, but she couldn’t leave him with nothing. As Rosalind sat down to eat dinner, she had been left alone with Pyrrhos before their father’s got there. [i “So, how are you feeling?”] Pyrrhos asked, looking up from his bowl to her, leaning on his knees. [b “Huh? Oh, I’m okay.”] she spoke, flashes of the castle, the dance, the night, flashed in her mind as she shoved another bite of food in her mouth. [i “I’m not stupid. Something happened last night. I’m not going to push you on it now, but whenever you want to talk to me about it, I’ll be here to listen. I will always have your back, Ro.”] Pyhrros spoke, before turning back to his food. That was true, he would always have her back, no matter what. The meeting was exactly what she thought it would be. The plan: Get in, get the stuff and get out. Get as much gold as she could hold, and, if at all possible, one of the crowns. They knew that the King and Queen were not at the castle at this time, so their official crowns would be locked up. The most important thing, don’t get caught. But, if something were to happen and she did get caught, the plan was to wait three months time, before storming in to save their heiress. The two months was to give Rosalind time to send a letter or escape herself, but at a three month mark, they knew she was in serious trouble. Rosalind finished her food before she headed back to her tent to get ready. Black pants, the additions of buckles to hold extra throwing knives and a couple of extra lockpicks covering her legs. A long sleeve black shirt, a heavy corset, wristlet covers,and shoulder covers to block anything that could be poked or thrown at her would deflect. The last piece, a hood that connected to a mask that would hide the lower half of her face. As much of her face she could conceal, the better. Especially now that some of the guards would know her face from the ball last night. She just hoped this would be as easy as she thought it would be, otherwise; she didn’t know what she would do. Before Pyhrros would be walking her to the edge of the forest, Rosalind visited her mother. [i Remember, this is for her…] Rosalind spoke over and over for her. Money for medicine for her mother, a cure, something who would keep her healthy. [i “Hello, my flower.”] her mother spoke, taking her hand as Rosalind sat next to her. [b “Hello mother.”] Rosalind spoke, running a hand over her mother’s hair. [i “You are going to do amazing. Here, I want you to keep this with you.”] her mother said, pulling out something from her pocket and handing it to her. A hair pin, the Guild crest stamped into it, and on the end, a lockpick. Something they wouldn’t confiscate if she got caught. [i “To keep you safe.”] Her mother sat, patting Rosalind’s hand. [b “Thank you, I love you.”] Rosalind spoke, sliding the pin into her hair. [i “And I love you as well. Be safe.”] Rosalind said her goodbyes, before leaving through the forest with Pyhrros. [i “Are you ready?”] he asked as they walked in mostly silence. [b “I guess so…I mean…I have to be. I’m the only one who can do this. I [i have] to do this.”] Rosalind spoke, a sigh escaping her lips as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. [i “What happened last night?”] he asked, [i “I won’t tell anyone. I promise. No matter what, Ro.”]. [b “I met the Prince. And I danced with him…and I fought with him.”] Rosalind spoke, to which Pyhrros snorted. [i “Sounds like you.”]. [b “He kissed me…and I kissed him back.”] [i “Do you like him?”] [b “I just met him! It was a mistake and-”] [i “It doesn’t sound like a mistake.”] [b “I’m sorry…I’m promised to you.”] [i “Don’t apologize. There is nothing binding us yet, I’ve never courted or proposed to you yet. We haven’t even kissed yet. Ro, it’s okay to like people. You’re a person. You don’t have to be so hard all the time. You can have feelings.”] Pyhrros spoke, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Rosalind couldn’t answer him, because she didn’t believe him. She had let a moment of weakness take her away from the task at hand. She let her emotions push her too far. She failed. As they got to the end of the forest, the pair turned toward each other. Pyhrros took her face, pressing a kiss to her forehead. [i “Good luck, Rosalind. Be safe.”] he spoke softly. [b “Thank you. I’ll see you soon.”] she smiled, before pulling her hood and mask over her head and face. The entrance was easy, the kingdom wasn’t much guarded outside, so she was able to easily access the side door she saw the other day. And luckily, it was unlocked as well. As she opened the door, she entered to see a small framed guard pacing back and forth. She was able to hide behind a wall, before sneaking past him to the next hallway. [i This was like taking candy from a baby…these guards were not guarding well enough…] she thought, as she was able to get through the castle like she lived here. She found their treasure room, and slipped in the door easily. Rosalind was worried, this was way too easy. Anyone could have done this…why did they send her and have a huge plan in case something happened. She grabbed one large bag of gold, and before she left, she saw one of the crowns set under some glass. She knew she didn’t need it, but she knew how much more medicine and supplies it could get her family and the commune. She opened the glass, shoved the crown in the bag full of gold, and slid out of the room. Now all she needed to do was get out the same way she came in. As Rosalind began walking, hiding behind walls as she slid by guards. Until she heard a voice, [i “THE TREASURE ROOM DOOR HAS BEEN OPENED. ALL HANDS ON DECK.”]. Shit…she forgot to shut the door. So, she began to run. [i “THERE HE IS! GET HIM!”] she heard behind her. Fuck, now they found her. She kept the bag right in her hands, running through halls trying to get them off her back. Going past the door, and letting guards get confused in the maze of hallways. She knew she just had one more guard to get past, and it was the small framed one she saw first. She turned, before she tripped, everything falling all over the floor. She turned back, a guard has been sleeping on the ground, and now he was awake and holding her leg. She was kicking him off, but he didn’t let go. [i “I GOT HIM!”] he yelled, before more of a swarm of guards came, her hands being bound behind her back, and a bag pulled over her head. [i Fuck, fuck, fuck…She got caught.] She felt her knives be pulled from her legs, and they had found her lockpicks as well. [b “Don’t touch me. Let me go.”] she fought against the guards and the robe that held her, and each time the larger guards held her down. [i “Alert Ellison and the Prince. They will decide what to do with him.”] one guard said. [b “No, I don’t want to see the Prince. He has no need to see me. Just throw me wherever criminals go…”] she spoke through gritted teeth, fighting once more against the rope, rings of red forming around her wrists. Two men took hold of Rosalind on each side, pulling her roughly wherever they were taking her. She couldn’t see due to the bag covering her head, but she knew she was now in the main area of the castle, somewhere she had yet to have been. She had tried to dig the heels of her boots into the marble floor, but the guards would just kick her feet out and she’d fall. They had no need to be gentle for two reasons; one: she was a thief, and two: they thought she was a male, in their eyes only a male could do something like this. Once they stopped, Rosalind once again fought against the rope, it now burning her wrists. That was before they threw her across the floor. Her shoulder caught her fall, and she was able to sit herself up. [i “Your Royal Highness, The Crown Prince, we are sorry to bother you at this hour. This trespassing thief was caught with a bag of gold as well as your fathers official crown. We caught them and need your Royal Decree of what to do with him. Usually we’d ask your father but you are the next in command who is here. Please, we will handle this, what should we do with him?”] one of the guards asked, before pulling off the bag from her head. As the bag was pulled, she was able to pull the mask down without using her hands, along with throwing the hood back, her hair falling down her back. [b “I am not a man! Stop calling me one. Let me go.”] she spoke, before her head turned toward the Prince. Flashes from last night played in her head again. She could even see the bruise she gave him peeking out from his shirt. [b “Well, Prince Arthur, miss me?”] she spoke, narrowing her eyes to him, her famous smirk sat on her lips. If this happened, she wasn’t going out without a fight, verbal or physical.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 100d ago

The damn woman didn’t even have to be there and she was plaguing him. Once it became clear that Rosalind had somehow vanished from the castle without a single soul bearing witness to it, Arthur was desperate to know more about her. There were guards posted at every entrance, how the absolute hell did she manage it? It wasn’t as though she could have vaulted out the window without falling to her inevitable death. Once that thought struck him, he immediately searched out the area below the room they had stayed in to ensure her crumpled body wasn’t lying there waiting to be found. [i “My prince if you don’t mind me saying, you are quite distracted today,”] Ellison refrained from clicking his teeth in disappointment. [b “Perhaps the gala took all the energy I had left.”] [i “That cannot be true. From what I remember you barely remained in the ballroom for more than a few hours.”] Stacks of parchment littered the desk before him, each containing a personal anecdote from fathers who had attended the ball with their eligible daughters. It was giving him a migraine to sort through them all. They’d been at it for hours, writing responses one by one to be delivered over the next few days, politely declining the opportunity to marry their daughters. Arthur didn’t pride himself on being the bearer of bad news but he refused to let Ellison take responsibility for the fact that none of them had captured his attention quite like Rosalind had. [i “Perhaps the issue is not your exhaustion but rather your sulking over a certain lady.”] Christ, was he psychic now too? [b “I don’t know what you’re talking about,”] Arthur reached for another parchment. [i “Arthur I would like to remind you that I have been in your father’s employ since before you were born. I have watched you grow from a small child to the man before me now and I assure you that I have picked up on a thing or two over the years. One of which is your pout when you are disappointed.”] [b “I do not pout.”] [i “Your expression since Lady Rosalind departed begs to differ.”] Before he could retort, a knight entered the room. [i “Your Royal Highness, your presence is requested immediately. An urgent matter must be dealt with.”] [b “Sorry Ellison, your prying will have to wait.”] The man dragged in was far slighter in figure than what Arthur would have assumed for such an important security violation. Surely this was not the culprit? [i “Your Royal Highness, The Crown Prince, we are sorry to bother you at this hour. This trespassing thief was caught with a bag of gold as well as your father’s official crown. We caught them and your Royal Decree of what to do with him. Usually we’d ask your father but you are the next in command who is here. Please, we will handle this, what should we do with him?”] [b “What gives you the right to stea-”] The words left him as the bag was ripped from his - no, her - head and revealed a new but familiar face. [i “I am not a man! Stop calling me one. Let me go.”] Rosalind. [i “Well Prince Arthur, miss me?”] The trousers she was wearing were snug enough to recall the shape of her legs that he’d touched last night. Fuck, focus! [b “You will address me as Your Royal Highness,”] his voice shook, hands fidgeting at his sides. [b “You have not only trespassed on royal grounds but you have stolen that which does not belong to you. I hear no denial about that.”] She had lied to him. She was no lady from a visiting kingdom, she was a [i thief]. Embarrassment lit up his face until he could no longer look her in the eye. She’s toyed with him as a means to get access to valuables. Nothing more. Ellison was sputtering beside him, devastated at the betrayal. [i “After our prince spent precious time with you out of the kindness of his heart, you have the audacity to throw it back in his face like this? You are a traitor to this country!”] Treason called for death. Stomach knotting, Arthur knew that no matter how hurt and angry he was there was zero chance that he could bring himself to sentence her to such a punishment. Migraine flaring again, he pinched the bridge of his nose. [i “Your Royal Highness?”] the guard stepped forward once more. [i “Your command?”] Right. [b “Bring her to the tower. I will think of a fitting punishment for her but she must be detained until I reach a decision.”] [i “The tower, sir? Not the dungeon?”] Vagrant criminals were housed in the dungeon. The men currently imprisoned were dangerous and would jump at the chance for a young woman of Rosalind’s beauty to be chucked in with them. Vultures. [b “You heard me,”] he forced authority into his voice. [b “The tower. I want two men posted outside the door at all times. I will be there shortly to discuss this egregious act with her.”] [i “My prince, we do have an interrogation-”] [b “I have given you a command and you will obey it!”] It was the first time he’d ever raised his voice at a member of staff but it did the trick. The guards saluted and hauled her from the room, leaving him to collapse back into his chair with his head in his hands. Ellison for once, was speechless. [i “I had such hope for her,”] he muttered to himself. [i “She was delightful.”] [b “She was a liar,”] Arthur spoke bitterly. [b “She used me, Ellison, and I will get to the bottom of it before the sun rises tomorrow.”]

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 99d ago

Rosalind would never have guessed that seeing Arthur again would hurt her this much. She had truly grown fond of him after their night together, but seeing him in this way hurt. Sure, she had planned to do this, but she never expected to feel connected to the Crown Prince in any way. She never expected to stay, never expected to fall into bed with him. She never wanted to hurt him, like this anyway. Rosalind never let her eyes leave him. [b “I never denied anything. It was the fault of [i your] guard sleeping on the job that I got caught. I tripped over his sleeping body, or none of us would be in this position at all.”] she spoke, and felt her heart break a bit when his eyes could no longer look in hers. The man who had spoken to her last night, Arthur’s advisor probably, then started to come after her. She propped herself up on her knees, the fire inside her coming back. [b “I’m not from this country, I am not part of this kingdom! I am not a traitor to anything that matters! I never wanted to spend time with a prince! It was the two of you that wouldn’t leave me alone!”] she glared toward both men. Rosalind felt a boot into her back as she concluded her tyrant, the guard kicking her to quiet her down. She turned to him, glaring at him as well. She would have gone after him, if only her hands weren’t bound and she had any type of weapon left. She looked back to where Arthur was as he was asked what would become of her. She assumed being thrown in some type of dungeon, as that was what she had been told what would happen. And she knew she had a lockpick hidden in her hair, and could work with the other criminals to escape as a group, and maybe even another guild member who had never come home was there as well. That’s what was expected, but not what had happened. “Bring her to the tower. I will think of a fitting punishment for her but she must be detained until I reach a decision.” “The tower, sir? Not the dungeon?” “You heard me, the tower. I want two men posted outside the door at all times. I will be there shortly to discuss this egregious act with her.” [b “What?! NO! You bring me to the dungeon this instant! What is this unusual punishment? Let me go! Prince Arthur!”] Rosalind screamed, fighting the guards who dragged her from the room. She caught Arthur’s eyes once more before she was dragged from the room. Even now that they knew she was a woman, they did not treat her any kinder or with any care at all. Any time she dug her heels or tried to get out of their arms, she was pushed against a wall and told to behave. All that caused her to do was be more vigilant of anything she could use to release herself. Trying to catch her rope restraints on anything sharp to cut through, but alas nothing of that sort was found. Just pushes into the brick walls, no doubt causing bruises to her upper arms. As she finally reached the tower, Rosalind was thrown in, followed by a guard who cut her free of the rope, before quickly pulling the door closed and locked. Rosalind ran at the door, trying to open it before it was locked behind her. She pulled away, before looking back at the room. A bed, a desk, an empty wardrobe, alone with an empty washtub and place to do her business. It was something--much nicer than any dungeon would have been. But why? Why was she here, and not with the other criminals, as she should be? Why did he lock her in a tower, not a princess but a thief. Rosalind sat on the bed, taking off her armor pieces she had on. She examined her wrists, red and raw from rubbing against the rope she had been bound with. She pulled herself onto the bed more, leaning against the wall with her legs pulled against her. She failed. Her mission failed completely. She would never be able to get the money her mother needed; a cure nowhere in sight for the woman who was deteriorating daily. She pulled the lockpick from her hair, running her fingers over the guild symbol stamped into the side. What she said back in the throne room, that she was no traitor to anyone who mattered, the guild is what matters most. Her family, her friends, her [i people]. Even a thief, she was still an heiress to the guild. As Rosalind heard commotion behind the door, she slid the lockpick hair pin back in her hair, hidden from sight. Another guard, coming in to bind her hands once again. She fought against him as best she could, until another guard joined them, before grabbing the women and tying her hands. [i “You aren’t allowed to be free as our Royal Highness is coming to speak to you. You could seriously hurt him, and we can’t risk anything happening to the Crown Prince.”] the guard mumbled to her, before throwing her back to the floor after she was bound. Her hands tied together, and then tied to a metal loop in the wall. Like she was a wild animal. It wasn’t like she’d ever hurt Arthur, no more than a few bite marks like she had before. All Rosalind could hope, is that he’d listen. Sure, she had come to get information, but there was something between them she couldn’t deny. She had gone through if she should even do it, but she assumed she’d never see him again. But there was something about the prince the woman couldn’t deny. She did like him; in a weird, crazy kind of way. He wasn’t what she thought royal men would be. But now, Rosalind decided enough was enough. She had to be honest to him. Nothing that could cause the guild to be found, of course, but honest about herself. What did she have to lose? Well, actually, everything.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 98d ago

What the actual fuck was he going to do? Not only was he painfully inexperienced at doling out any kind of punishment, let alone on a charge of treason, but how the fuck was he going to face [i her] and keep his shit together? For over an hour Arthur paced the quiet privacy of his bedroom, kicking out even Ellison as he debated with himself over the proper way to handle this. Should he change? Was he wearing a regal enough tunic to dictate his authority over her? No, the tunic was fine, it was his shaking hands that were the problem. [b “Rosalind…”] he rehearsed. [b “How are you? No, that’s ridiculous, she’s a criminal. We are [i not] friends, she tried to steal from your family you idiot.”] Small talk was out of the question. [b “By order of the king I sentence you to…sentence her to what, you coward, you’ll never put her to death,”] he groaned, dragging his hand over his face. [b “Just…wing it. That’s it, just wing it.”] It was a long enough walk up the stairs to the tower that he continued to deliberate with his conscience. Rosalind hadn’t seemed dangerous the night before but then again it was hard to hide weapons under zero clothing. Had she been armed and he was so oblivious in front of a beautiful woman that he didn’t notice her ditching the weapons somewhere before they shed their clothing? [i “Are you alright, Your Royal Highness?”] the knight outside of her prison frowned in concern at the redness of Arthur’s face. [b “I’m fine,”] he snapped. [b “Just…lots of stairs. It’s the stairs.”] She appeared just as defiant as she had in the council room. [i And just as tempting]. Nope, not going to entertain those thoughts. Focus on the task at hand! [b “You and I are going to have words,”] he kept his chin tilted up to look down his nose at her. [b “Regarding your tricks and thievery. If you try to run, one yell from me will alert the guard and your new quarters will be far less appealing. Or clean. Are we understood?”] The windows conveniently had safety bars to prevent any falls, so it was unlikely she’d be able to squirm her way out and scale down the castle wall. [b “Who are you, really? And don’t feed me some pathetic story like you did last night. I demand the truth and unless you wish to hang in the courtyard before sunrise, you’ll do as I ask. What is your true name and who sent you here?”] How did a man of power stand? Arms crossed or clasped behind his back? Leaning against the wall or hovering over where she sat? Why the hell did this have to be so difficult? This was the life he was doomed to live for the remainder of his years and he couldn’t even get a simple interrogation down properly.

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 97d ago

Rosalind looked to the door as Arthur entered. She wished he had his smug smile he had before, but it was less friendly than she had ever seen him. He attempted to look terrifying and looming over her, but it just made her roll her eyes. Even his words were overly pompous. She knew how he spoke, and it wasn’t like this all the time. When he spoke about her escaping, she could help but let out a sarcastic laugh. [b “You understand I’m tied to the wall, right? Because I could [i hurt you]. I can’t go anywhere if I tried.”] she spoke, moving herself to the bed instead on the floor, her eyes not leaving his. The blonde took a deep breath, her eyes darting to her lap. Was she really going to be honest with him, and give up her whole life? At this point, she felt like she owed him some honesty. Her eyes stayed glued to her lap, as she couldn’t look at him right now. [b “My name is Rosalind, I didn’t lie about that. I’m part of the famous Fures Noctis guild. I am not giving you further information about them than that, as I am protecting my people. I am the heiress to the guild, my dad is our leader. I am promised to someone, who also is higher in my guild as well.”] she spoke, letting more air escape her lips. Why was this so hard? [b “I came last night for information.”] she spoke, before her eyes met with him. This was [i his fault]! [b “But I didn’t want to talk to you! If you remember, I tried to be respectful and steer clear of dancing with you. But for who knows what reason, you and your advisor asked me over and over to dance! If you had left me alone, we wouldn’t be in this mess!”] Rosalind spoke, her eyes glaring towards him. [b “You understand that, right? I would have been here doing this whether or not we met. But our time together last night didn’t make me do this. And honestly, I don’t even understand how it happened. But it did. I thought I’d never see you again, and that would have been easier than this right now.”] she spoke, leaning her back against the wall. Something was up. Why was she, someone who committed treason against the royal family, locked up in a tower with amenities? Shouldn’t she be in the dungeon, with rats and other criminals and not in a cushy tower? [b “So, if we’re asking questions here, why am I here? In this tower, I mean. You could have thrown me into the dungeon, where everyone else who commits crimes is? Why am I here? Still just can’t resist me, huh?”] she teased, licking her lips slightly as she looked up with him with hooded eyes. Rosalind stood, before walking toward him. [b “This is just like last night. You wanted to look me up and question me for days on end. Treat me like a bird, something you can lock up and see whenever you want. I am no bird, and you have no idea what I am capable of.”] she spoke, trying to reach him but was stuck by the rope tied tightly to the hook on the wall. [b “And you wouldn’t even believe me if I told you I had a good reason to do what I did! I [i needed] this. And I failed… So, now you can gloat to all your royal friends that you caught a thief and have her locked up. Use me as a trophy. But don’t expect me to make this easy for you! Everything I worked for is ruined now…now she’ll never- Why should I even tell you?!”] Rosalind spoke, pushing tears that fell from her eyes away in anger. She walked back to the bed, sitting down and leaning her back against the wall. [b [i “I didn’t do this for me. Something you could never understand, Crown Prince of Astonia.”]]

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 96d ago

[i “I thought I’d never see you again, and that would have been easier than this right now!”] Rosalind was fury incarnate. If it weren’t for the ropes binding her to the wall, there was little doubt in his mind that she’d either blacken both of his eyes or gut him with the knife on his belt. Perhaps he should have left that outside… Did he force the communications longer than she wished for it to go on last night? Yes, okay, she was correct in that accusation. No one held more regret over that than he did right then, wondering why he’d felt longing for her at all after their night together. God above he should have just let her leave when she first insisted on it. Now here she was, caught thieving his family property with a chip on her shoulder for having been caught. [b “Yes, I could have thrown you in the dungeon,”] he interjected her tangent. [b “I also could have had your head chopped off and put on a spike the second you were caught but despite what you think, I have a sense of compassion and justice. I put you in the tower to avoid you suffering in the dungeon at the hands of men who would take what they want without regard for your say in the matter. Make no mistake Rosalind, you are still my prisoner here, and until I get the answers I’m looking for, it will remain that way.”] [i “This is just like last night. You wanted to lock me up and question me for days on end. Treat me like a bird, something you can lock up and see whenever you want. I am no bird, and you have no idea what I am capable of!”] She made him out to be a villain when [i she] was the liar! [b “Forgive me for taking an interest in someone who was attending a ball thrown in my honour. I had young women throwing themselves at me all evening but you were the only one who didn’t. Naturally you peaked my attention. And if you are capable of such great things, surely you would have used your cunning abilities to escape me. Maybe you didn’t want me to leave you be as much as you claim.”] An asshole thing to say, and arrogant at best. Arthur was not full of himself but it was like every word that poured from his mouth just made him more of a prick. [b “I don’t happen to care about what you’re capable of, I’m rather more focused on the fact that you broke into my home and dared to take my family possessions for your own personal gain!”] [i “You wouldn’t even believe me if I told you I had a good reason to do what I did! I needed this! And I failed…so now you can gloat to all of your royal friends that you caught a thief and have her locked up. Use me as a trophy. But don’t expect me to make this easy for yoU! Everything I worked for is ruined now…now she’ll never…”] The words caught in her throat. [i “Why should I even tell you? I didn’t do this for me. Something you could never understand, Crown Prince of Astonia!”] The passion in her tone mixed with the tears in her eyes struck him. [i Go hug her,] his brain screamed at him but his body was smart enough to ignore the command. [b “So last night truly meant nothing to you?”] Turned out his brain didn’t get the memo. [b “I mean this was all part of your grand scheme to infiltrate the royal palace so clearly there was little attracti- accuracy. Little [i accuracy] for your story. Can I even believe whatever comes out of your mouth next? Despite what you may think of me, I am not the monster in this scenario. I never led you to believe I was anything but exactly who I was and though I could have you rotting in a cell I’ve given you the comfort of privacy and a room with a view. I’m not an unreasonable man. I only wish to know the truth.”] With how tense and upset she was, it was best not to approach closer. Arthur sat against the wall on the opposite side of the room, legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles. Did it look casual enough? [b “Who is this ‘she’ you’re talking about, and why is she so important for your plans? Is it someone who works here? Another of the young women that paraded through the ballroom last night?”]

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 85d ago

Rosalind brushed off all the words he said to her. He told her, once again, how he was having women throw themselves at him, and all he wanted was to talk to her. Was that supposed to make her feel better? If he had so many women after him, why did he push it so far with the [i one] woman who didn’t? Why did he need to know her? But he was right, she didn’t want to leave once she got to know him, even if now he was being an asshole. [i “So last night truly meant nothing to you?”] Did Arthur truly just ask her that? She couldn’t help but stare blankly and blink as he said those words. Yes, she was only back in the castle to rob the royal family blind, but that doesn’t mean she was using him. Last night, the two got in bed together by sheer fate; she had no ulterior motive in that. Would she tell him that now, while he had her tied to the wall like an animal? No. [b “You really see me as some horrid villain? I altered my life so I didn’t get thrown out. But nothing I said about myself or my family, besides my father being dead, was a lie. I gave you my name, the way my family lives, and that I am an heir like yourself. My thoughts about love. That was all the truth. You need to give me more credit, Prince.”] Rosalind spoke with a smirk, blowing a piece of hair off of her forehead. The prince sat on the floor across the room, and it was like he was trying to look casual. Rosalind couldn’t help herself but chuckle at his attempt, but it faded quickly. Then, he questioned her again. His question caused her to look down. [i Don’t you dare cry again, Rosalind. Don’t show him any weakness.] She told herself, but any thought of her mother’s condition made her cry. She averted her eyes of his, and took a breath. She looked toward him, her demeanor stone cold, the only way to hold her tears back. [b “My mother is sick. Very sick. And she’s been sick for a long time. The only way we can get medicine or any kind of care is with money. When your job is thievery, not many people will help you without it. So, I came here to get money for her. To help her. I just want my mother to be able to live again, to walk again. The only reason it was me is because my father and his second have been seen before around here. I, on the other hand, have not been seen before. I was the right age to be at the ball and get inside the doors.”] Rosalind spoke, her eyes averting and she let her guard down a moment. She took a breath, letting her upset feelings come out so she could brush them away. A few deep breaths and wiping her tears with her shoulder and she was sitting back up, looking at him. [i “It was never because of you, Prince Arthur. After last night, I wished I didn’t have to do it. You think that I went to bed with you to help my main goal, but honestly it wasn’t…”] Rosalind spoke. [i Stop, what are you doing?! Stop telling him this!] Her mind screamed, yet her words kept coming. [b “At that moment, I forgot why I was there. And you’re right. I wanted to be there. But you would be lying if you sit there and say you didn’t feel exactly the way I did…and do.”] Rosalind's eyes were on him, yet her demeanor and body were strong. Even though her words flowed out of her like a rushing river, she let none of her emotions flow like that. [b “But all of that is clearly gone on your end. Considering how rough your guards are treating me, throwing me around like I’m a piece of meat, I know I am just a prisoner to you.”] Rosalind spoke, her last words were spat toward him. [i STOP!] Her mind screamed, and finally won. She couldn’t let herself do that anymore. But there was something about Arthur where words just came out and needed to be out. That had never been an issue for her, hiding things from people. Except Arthur. She was pissed now. She didn’t want to be here. She wanted to be somewhere that would have been easier to escape. She was guarded constantly, it was too far to scale down the walls if she ever cut through the bars. She had to work if she was ever gonna get out. She worked herself against the ropes holding her hands. [b “And this is the worst of it all!”] she spoke, before giving up once more. Her wrists were raw enough, there was no need to rub them worse. She could feel the running of blood down her hands anyway. Rosalind leaned her head against the wall behind her, blowing that goddamn piece of hair that kept falling in her face. [b “Why are you even here anyway? Don’t you have ‘princely’ manners to attend to or something?”] Rosalind spoke, her usual smirk coming back to her face. She needed to stay in this mode at all times, her usual mode. She couldn’t let her guard down like she had before anymore.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 82d ago

There was nothing that Rosalind could say that would sway his opinion of her after all of the deceit. As difficult as it was to have spent a passionate night together only to find himself with her life in his hands, Arthur knew that his duty must come first. So he would sit there as long as it took until her lies turned to truth and she admitted her story. He was a brick wall. No emotions would be felt at her hands. [i “My mother is sick.”] Fuck. She poured her heart out in a way that only a true child would speak of a beloved relative. Arthur thought of his own mother, so soft-spoken and gentle that if any harm would come to her it would surely break him as well. One does not simply harden themselves against the pain of an ailing parent. Rosalind’s eyes shimmered against the onslaught of tears while she continued her tirade against him, this time throwing their evening together back at him. [i “But all of that is clearly gone on your end. Considering how rough your guards are treating me, throwing me around like I’m a piece of meat, I know I am just a prisoner to you.”] At that he scowled. [b “I never once instructed them to be rough with you! In fact, it is quite the opposite. They were told to guard the door but not be brutes against you.”] If it was true that any of his men had laid a finger on her that was anything but careful, he’d have them thrown in prison next. Maybe. Did he have that power? [b “I’m not a monster and though yes, you are my prisoner, I do not smile to know you’ve been mistreated. While you are in my care - my custody, I will ensure that you are treated with respect.”] [i “Why are you even here anyway? Don’t you have ‘princely’ matters to attend to or something?”] Her attitude was back. That, at least, was some progress. They’d known each other less than a week but the sight of her so defeated knotted his stomach in a way he’d rather never experience again. Besides, she was easier to speak to when she wasn’t tugging at his heartstrings. [b “Hearing petitions in court can wait,”] he played it casually enough to be barely believable. [b “You see, when a criminal breaks into the royal palace and attempts to steal valuable heirlooms, it kind of takes priority to handle.”] [i My mother is sick.] The prince couldn’t shake the words, desperate to know more. [b “Is there no other way?”] he picked at the hem of his tunic. [b “To help your mother? A less dangerous way, perhaps. You could have petiti-”] He stopped before the stupidity fully left his mouth. Of [i course] she couldn’t petition the court for assistance with treatment. Rosalind’s guild was the sworn enemy to the crown. Her luck was truly better with the option she’d pursued. Fuck, stop negotiating with the prisoner! [b “Is there anything I can do to make your stay less….prison-like? You have my word that my guards won’t harass you again.”]

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 81d ago

As much as she was upset with him at this moment, hearing that he didn’t instruct them to be rough with her was nice to hear. But, she had some confusion at the fact that he wanted her to be treated with respect…while being his prisoner. Arthur was an interesting character, that was for sure. But as soon as she noticed his kindness, his argumentative personality was back. [b “I didn’t try to steal heirlooms! Just some gold and one crown. Okay, maybe one heirloom. But you guys have tons of crowns, right?”] Rosalind spoke, before realizing the more she spoke the deeper hole she was digging. She had already been caught, there would be no trial to see if she actually did it, she was already captured. It was hard to realize that she was truly a prisoner in this Inn like tower. God, her prison was nicer than her tent at the commune. Rosalind’s eyes narrowed at him as he brought up her mother again. [b “You don’t speak of my mother.”] she spoke, blankly. Thinking of her mother made her weak, and he had no right to say anything about her. [b “And no. This was my best plan. This was…our only plan actually. But I’m here.”] she spoke. She wanted to get off this topic as quickly as possible. She could already feel herself getting choked up, so she was ready to have him leave, or discuss anything else. [i “Is there anything I can do to make your stay less….prison-like? You have my word that my guards won’t harass you again.”] Rosalind couldn’t help but laugh. [b “Oh, you’re serious.”] she spoke, before stifling her laughter. She could think of a few things, [b “You could release me and give me the gold?”]. She knew her efforts were in vain, but why not try right. [b “Thought I’d try. Honestly, if you could untie my hands. My wrists are bleeding at this point.”] she spoke. She wasn’t lying, the blood was running down her hands and it was terribly uncomfortable. [b “And, thank you. For making sure they don’t throw me on the ground anymore.”] For being trapped, it actually wasn’t that bad. She had a full bed and a washroom, and even a window. It did have bars on it, but a window nonetheless. But she could help but think about her parents. And Pyrrhos. What would happen if she didn’t return? Would they storm the castle to get their heiress back? She didn’t want that. Well, she wanted the gold and to go home, but no one deserved to die for it. And the castle had so many brute guards who wouldn’t care about the bloodshed of a few thieves from the forest. [b “Actually, there is one more thing. Can I…am I allowed to write? To my family? To Pyrrhos, my to-be betrothed?”] Rosalind asked. She knew that her father had messenger birds who would bring her letters to them, so no one would follow them and find the guild. Hopefully she could protect them and hold them off from coming. Her guild had their own language as well, so no letters would be translated. It was all she could read and write in any way. [b “Or…a book? I don’t know how to read but I could figure it out probably.”]

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 78d ago

He should have expected her laughter. It was a ridiculous offer, given that she was a legitimate prisoner in his home. Would anything make such a situation comfortable? [i “Oh you’re serious,”] Rosalind laughed again. [b “I am, yes,”] he straighted up. [b “What can I do to make this less inconvenient?”] [i “You could release me and give me the gold? Thought I’d try. Honestly, if you could untie my hands. My wrists are bleeding at this point.”] The skin did look raw and angry. [b “You won’t just punch me and try to run when I do, will you?”] After a moment of hesitation, he did as she asked. His fingers ghosted over the softness of her hands, carefully undoing the ropes until she was freed. [b “I can get some ointment cream for you to put on that so it doesn’t get infected. Heaven knows these ropes aren’t brand new and free of dirt.”] Bad prince, step away! He was back across the room in a heartbeat, face lighting up for having lingered a bit too long by her side. [b “Is that it, or is there anything else? I won’t ask again after today so now’s your chance.”] [i “Actually there is one more thing. Can I…am I allowed to write? To my family?”] Oh. Well that was actually more wholesome of a request than he’d been expecting. [i “To Pyrrhos, my to-be betrothed?”] Aaaaaaaaaaaand that hurt more than it really should have. How could he be so stupid to forget that she was basically promised to another man, and here he was with lingering puppy eyes. Disrespectful didn’t even cover it. Arthur’s eyes focused on the wall just behind her, hands clasped behind his back. [b “Write whatever you wish. I’ll have parchment and quills delivered to you this afternoon. Write to whomever you’d like, what concern is it of mine?”] Actually it was quite a big concern if she wrote them the layout of the castle for more of them to try and break in. [b “Wait, how can I be certain you aren’t writing them instructions for how to infiltrate my home? Can I even believe you if you promise that isn’t what you’ll be doing?”] [i “Or a book? I don’t know how to read but I could figure it out probably.”] Arthur frowned. [b “You don’t know how to read?”] [i You moron, she’s from a thieve’s guild, they don’t prioritize education.] Maybe this was his chance? [b “I could teach you to read. We have a vast library, I can select a few books and we can go from there. I’ve had a first class education, I’ll instruct you as I was taught. If that is permissible?”] Wait, why the hell was he asking for her permission to do anything? It was an offer and if she didn’t want to take it that was her problem. He wouldn’t take it personally. Maybe a little personally but that was because refusing his offer would be rude, since she was the one who brought up the fact that she couldn’t read. [b “Hold on,”] he frowned again. [b “If you can’t read, how can you write to your family? Isn’t reading and writing a paired educational lesson?”] She was trying to fool him again!

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 78d ago

To Rosalind’s surprise, Arthur had been exceedingly nicer than she expected since she was sent to this room. Offering to make her stay easier, ointment for her wrists, a promise that her guards would treat her with respect, and now the ability to write home? But, with this ability to write home, it seemed to rub him the wrong way. Like that it made him a little uncomfortable. And then, he explained why. Worried she would tell all the secrets. While not a bad idea, it wasn’t her main concern. She wanted them to know she was alive, she was safe, and not to come rescue her. If she was ever going to get out, she was going to do it herself. She was not going to risk the guild getting caught, or worse killed, because of her. She’d be fine. And eventually, he’d let her go. Or she’d escape, whatever came first. [b “You’ll believe me. I know I am pretty convincing…”] Rosalind teased, and considering she had pretended to be a princess for a whole night, she was good at being convincing. She wasn’t planning on telling her secrets of the palace, because she didn’t want them to come at all. [b “I also don’t want them to come near the palace. Considering what I’ve seen of your guards, they wouldn’t care about the bloodshed from some thieves from the woods.”] Rosalind spoke, the emotion gone from her voice. If she ever had to watch from the window while her people fought, she would never be able to forgive herself. And considering he offered her parchment, she asked also for a book, even if she couldn’t read it. [i “You don’t know how to read?”] Well, Arthur could really make a girl feel special, huh. She glared at him, before rubbing her wrists softly. [b “I’d like you to remember I am no longer bound to the wall, Prince Arthur.”] her words were slow and menacing. [i “I could teach you to read. We have a vast library, I can select a few books and we can go from there. I’ve had a first class education, I’ll instruct you as I was taught. If that is permissible?”]. He wanted to teach her to read? It was almost a cute thought, and her heart fluttered at the thought of them huddled together while he read lines of romantic stories and daring adventures; like Pyrrhos had done back at camp by the fire. But, it felt romantic thinking of this idea with Arthur. [b “I’d like that. As long as you don’t make it boring as most of your topics seem to be.”] she teased. Rosalind could feel her body tensing, as she was released from the ropes and had not moved since. She stood up, raising her arms above her head, stretching her whole body upward. She also leaned down to touch her toes, her body easily folding in half like a piece of paper. But then, she heard him speak again. [i “Hold on,”] he frowned again. [i “If you can’t read, how can you write to your family? Isn’t reading and writing a paired educational lesson?”] Rosalind’s face dropped. She stood her body straight again, before she walked slowly to where Arthur was across the floor. As she walked, she laughed. He wanted her to feel stupid, didn’t he. He wanted her to feel like she couldn’t do anything, didn’t he. When she got to him, she stopped, staring in his eyes and placing her hand on the wall next to his head. [b “You, sir prince, need to get out of this bubble and experience the world around you. I was born and raised in a guild of thieves, and yes, I have no formal education. But, in place of that, I learned many things, part of that being a language of our own design. We all learned to read and write in our own language, as to speak in English to communicate with others around us. That was so no one can snoop in our letters to each other, and we can not be tracked. But if you try and make the fact that I have no formal education against me and try to make me feel idiotic, you’re gonna wish I was never here.”] Rosalind spoke to him, before removing her arm from the wall next to him. Her mother had taught her everything she knew, and insulting her knowledge was like insulting her mother. Rosalind pulled away, turning her back as she made her way back to the bed, rubbing her wrists as she sat back down. [b “Arth- Prince Arthur. I want to formally…thank you for your kindness towards me.”] she spoke. Yes, it was very different from her previous actions, but she did need to be in his good graces while she was here. [b “I know I am [i insufferable], you made it clear last night that I was. But, you didn’t have to do all this and you did. So, truly, thank you.”] she spoke, her hand going to rub the back of her neck. She was uncomfortable, as her defense mechanism was her tough exterior. But, she hoped that he had least could tell her thank you were as genuine as they were. Was in the tower of the Crown Prince where she expected the night after she slept with that same Crown Prince? Absolutely not. But was she happy to be here instead of in his dungeon surrounded by brutes double her size? Yes. [b “And I’m sorry. For just leaving this morning. I didn’t want to, but I had to. So…sorry.”] Rosalind spoke softly, finding her spot back on the bed provided, her back leaning against the wall the bed was pressed against, legs crossed in front of her. She had to remind herself if she wanted to keep her luck going, she needed to be a good person. She couldn’t just be harsh all of the time, even if it would have been easier that way. But if he happened to continue to push her playfully as they did last night, she would do it right back with no question.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 75d ago

A language? They their own language? [b “Which language do you speak? Is it a Latin-based language, or more of a German-based one? I’m quite proficient in languages, I’ve studied many of them.”] Whatever their dialect was, it was impossible that he wouldn’t already know about it especially if their guild resided anywhere in a hundred kilometer range. She ignored his prying, acknowledging instead the unfamiliar kindness he’d chosen to show her instead of acting like a power hungry prick. It was almost as if she’d expected a harsher treatment. What hostility had she known her entire life, or had been taught, about his family? Granted if it was regarding his father, it was likely true. [b “You don’t have to thank me for showing you the basics of human decency,”] he frowned. [i “I know I am insufferable, you made it clear last night that I was. But you didn’t have to do all this and you did. So truly, thank you.”] Arthur blushed, ashamed that he’d called her as much to her face even if he’d believed it to be true. But was she insufferable, or was she just leagues ahead of all the dull and fawning women paraded around the castle, eager for his attention? Rosalind could not care less about his position as the heir to the realm, nor did she seem impressed by anything he had to say. [i “And I’m sorry. For just leaving this morning. I didn’t want to but I had to. So…sorry.”] Now his face lit up for an entirely different reason. Arthur had been humiliated to wake up to an empty bed, and then embarrassed all over again when her true personage was revealed to him afterwards. It wasn’t a moment he wanted to dwell on. [b “I’ll get you the parchment and quills,”] he abruptly changed the subject, getting set to leave. [b “And some books. I wouldn’t want your…betrothed to worry.”] A mild jab, he’d admit. His pride was wounded that she’d gotten under his skin without evening intending to by reminding him that she was already to be engaged to another man. [i We have nothing together], he reminded himself on his descent down to his office. [i “My prince, are you unwell? You seem flushed.”] Ellison, always with impeccable timing. [b “I’m fine. Just gathering supplies for Rosal- for the prisoner. I assured her she could write to her family so they don’t come looking for her.”] [i “But these are official royal parchments with the house crest engraved in the paper, surely basic old scraps would serve the same purpose?”] [b “I’m not a monster Ellison, I wouldn’t allow even a dog to use scraps. She can use official parchment and one of my finer quills. I’ll not be accused of improper care. Now, fetch me a book of the country’s laws and perhaps a poetry book or two.”] [i “Sir?”] [b “I don’t want her to be bored.”] [i “She’s…a prisoner, Your Royal Highness.”] [b “Yes but if she has idle hands then she’s more likely to get into trouble now, isn’t she?”] [i “I’ll see what I can find.”] When Arthur returned to the tower, his arms were overflowing with books and writing supplies. [b “I thought this one would be particularly interesting,”] he set everything down on the desk and flashed a leather-bound book. [b “Law and Order of the Kingdom. Here’s your writing supplies as well, there’s ink and quills from my own collection. This one is a feather from a dove.”]

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 74d ago

Rosalind clearly bothered him by trying to apologize for leaving, because he soon bolted from her room afterwards. She felt like an idiot, why did she even bring it up again? It was clear he wanted to forget that anything happened between them, and she had to think that way now too. The night before had been a mistake, a wrinkle in her plan anyway; and if he didn’t want to believe it happened, neither would she. What was she thinking, that a [i prince] that she attempted theft from would still desire her in any way now? Delusional, that’s what she was. But, why has he been so kind to her? His words, [i “You don’t have to thank me for showing you the basics of human decency.”], still rang in her brain over and over. Were the royals really as terrible as her mother made them out to be? Had she been lied to? When Arthur returned, he had his hands quite full. Rosalind joined him to the desk, seeing the beautiful parchment he had brought her to use. She only got a brief look until he put the new book in her hands, LAW AND ORDER OF THE KINGDOM. She couldn’t help but roll her eyes. She pushed the book aside to look at the paper once more. She had learned to write on scraps her father had gotten in a marketplace but had never had such beautiful pages. Her fingers softly ran over the crest embedded into the paper. [b “You’re giving me official royal parchment?”] she asked, taking the quill he handed over in between her fingers. Her fingers brushed the feather, it was the softest thing she had ever touched. [b “Was this quill made for you? I’ve only ever used ones I’ve made before. Do you use it the same way?”] she asked. The ink was also in a small glass jar, filled to the brim with brand new ink. Again, she had only used things her father was able to haggle for, and ink was a hot commodity in the commune. They had small amounts in many different jars, poured together to make a brown color, but this was the purest black she had ever seen. Magnificent. But, she wasn’t going to fawn over his materials any longer. Rosalind did enjoy the art of writing and drawing, but it had always been a secret passion of hers. Supplies being scarce, she couldn’t waste them with frivolous drawings and writings. [b “I’ve never had such nice things to use, or so much of it as well. Parchment is hard to come by, ink even harder.”] she spoke, outloud but it was mostly to herself. Well, then. If he was going to bring her a rule book just to drive home the fact that she did wrong, so be it. Rosalind was still a thief. Rosalind sat up straighter, taking the law book in her hand, flipping through the pages. [b “Why teach me to read with such boring material. Why not adventuring stories or romances or something a little more…exciting? Is the rules of your own kingdom something you read for enjoyment, Crown Prince.”] Rosalind asked, her usual smirk resting back on her lips. [b “You brought other books, haven’t you?”] she spoke, making her way over to him, pushing the law book against his chest. [b “This should be enjoyable for both of us, shouldn’t it, your highness?”] she spoke, using the term ‘Your Highness’ for the first time. Rosalind would never say it, but she actually enjoyed being around Arthur once again. Their constant teasing was actually quite fun for her, but there were moments that she felt like they were actually more than just prisoners and keepers. Like, she was a guest in the royal castle, And, even if he didn’t feel anything more, she knew she felt it between them, at least. [b “Why not this one?”] Rosalind asked, picking up one of the other books he brought along. The cover was leather, but looked like it was lined in gold. Expensive, and brand new. Something that would bring in a pretty penny if she had taken that back with her as well. The pages even looked lined with gold. [b “By gods, does everything you own have to be lined with gold?”] Rosalind asked, the book flipping between her hands. She almost didn’t even know if she should be touching it as expensive as it was. [b “You don’t even understand how much something like this would cost, do you? Dinner, for at least a week. Could be even two weeks. And so much bread. New riding gloves, even.”] Rosalind fantasized, but shook the thoughts from her head. He would never understand something like that. At least, she assumed so. He never went hungry, never couldn’t get something he needed. His life was served to him on a silver platter. [b “Nevermind that. Now, will you teach me?”] she asked, handing him the book before she took a seat on the bed, pushing herself back to lean against the wall, motioning for him to sit next to her.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 71d ago

[b “Of course you’re getting royal parchment,”] Arthur almost scoffed. Did she expect anything less from him? [b “And the quill was a gift from a distant uncle for my birthday, I’m a collector of sorts. I’ve a peacock quill in my chambers I’ll have to show you sometime. The quill! Not…not the chambers.”] [i “I’ve never had such nice things to use, or so much of it as well. Parchment is hard to come by, ink even harder.”] [b “Well if you run out, I’ve plenty of it. Most of our job as royals involves long-distance communication so our writing supplies are never bare,”] he busied himself with straightening the books. [b “We can begin your reading lessons whenever you are ready.”] [i “Why teach me to read with such boring material? Why not adventuring stories or romances or something a little more…exciting? Is the rules of your own kingdom something you read for enjoyment, Crown Prince?”] Arthur’s frown deepened. [b “I find the rules fascinating. It’s how our entire country is run and as future king, I would be failing my position and my people if I weren’t diligent and well-informed in the rulings of the kingdom. And seeing as you broke into my palace, I thought you might do well with being informed that such an act is, as you’ll find on page 231 paragraph three, subsection h: completely illegal.”] [i “You brought other books, haven’t you?”] She pushed the law book against his chest which was oddly more attractive than the act had any right to be. [i “This should be enjoyable for both of us, shouldn’t it, Your Highness? Why not this one?”] [b “A classic prose,”] Arthur recognized the title as one he’d read years prior. [b “And a first edition.”] [i “By gods, does everything you own have to be lined with gold?”] Not only was the script of the title embossed with gold, but the edges of the pages were as well. [b “It was another gift,”] he defended, though he wasn’t sure why he felt so embarrassed. [b “My father knows the author.”] [i “You don’t even understand how much something like this would cost, do you? Dinner for at least a week. Could be even two weeks. And so much bread. New riding gloves, even.”] His head ducked to look at his boots in shame. Of course they were shiny and new as well, so his gaze quickly shot out the window. It wasn’t a secret that people in his kingdom often went without the luxuries that his own family were entitled to as royalty but…surely food wasn’t so scarce? [b “I’ve many pairs of riding gloves that you are more than welcome to,”] he offered, completely missing the mark of her point. [i “Never mind that. Now, will you teach me?”] The way Rosalind perched herself on the bed made it clear that he was expected to also sit on the piece of furniture. Close to her. Almost as close as they had been the night before, only this time there would be no nakedness or love-making. Arthur sat and then stood back up. How in the hell did it feel so improper to sit with her after they’d slept with one another already? [b “Should I um…”] he yanked the rickety desk chair over to the edge of the bed and held the book awkwardly out in front of him so she could see. [b “Is this okay? I can see just fine but if you would prefer I stand I can do that as well.”] The story she had picked was nothing scandalous but it did have romantic tones throughout the story. A chivalrous knight doomed to aid a powerful sorceress in exchange for his freedom. Why he’d picked the title out of the entire library he had no idea, but it could potentially get awkward when the love scenes developed. [b “Just follow my finger along the page and I’ll help you sound out the words once I get us going.”] Arthur would be a horrible teacher, that much was certain. His voice never wavered from a monotone, completely devoid of any excitement or entertainment as he read on though he never stumbled on his words, his educated accent flawless in pronunciation. [b “You give it a try,”] he encouraged after a chapter.

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 65d ago

There seemed to be a shift in how Arthur felt about himself after Rosalind had spoken. Nervous, mumbling, and not even trying to look at her face any more. Maybe her mention of how much the book would cost struck a chord with him, but she meant it. The royals had no idea how hard it was out there. Of course, it had been harder being a thief, but even his loyal subjects were struggling even with jobs. Just because he could afford several pairs of riding gloves didn’t mean everyone else could either. If she wasn’t in this situation, she would have loved to bring him to the town square for a festival, and just see how his kingdom was when he wasn’t ‘The Crown Prince’. Rosalind patted the seat next to herself, wanting him to sit next to her with the book. If she was going to have to learn, she wanted to be comfortable. She had rarely seen English letters, and the only ones she knew were the letters of her name. She watched him sit and then stand back up, and she looked at him, raising an eyebrow at him. He seemed…nervous? Did he seem to forget they had been much more…intimate than sitting next to each other just about 24 hours ago? [i “Is this okay? I can see just fine but if you would prefer I stand I can do that as well.”] [b “You are fine.”] Rosalind spoke. But before he even spoke one word of the story, she had crawled toward the edge of the bed, closer to him and then book. Her eyes widened as she watched, the letters and words completely foreign to her. She sat on her knees, her hands holding her upper body up, her shoulder pressing against his arm. And she would never say it, but she was enjoying the warmth she was feeling pressed against his arm. [i “Just follow my finger along the page and I’ll help you sound out the words once I get us going.”]. Rosalind watched his face and nodded, their faces closer than they had been since they had been in bed together. She was happy he turned away from her quickly as her own mouth had gone dry and she could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. She was able to cough softly and clear her [i thought] about Arthur away. If Rosalind loved anything, it was stories. She had always been the first one as a child to listen to her father and mother’s stories. Adventures, their own love story, jobs they had gone on. She had not done much in her 25 years until now, and she had failed miserably. But, she hoped one day, she’d have quite the story to tell. Rosalind was enthralled the moment Arthur began speaking. His storytelling was less than enthusiastic, though his monotone voice didn’t bother Rosalind much. Her eyes would widen when she was excited, gasp when something interesting would happen. She even grabbed Arthur’s arm at one point when something shocked her. She held his arm tight, before looking at him. [b “Oh, um…s-sorry.”] she spoke, moving her hand quickly from his. Soon, they were on the next section of the book, and Arthur turned to her. [i “Just follow my finger along the page and I’ll help you sound out the words once I get us going.You give it a try,”] Arthur spoke. Rosalind’s eyes widened, worried that she’d look stupid when she would have difficulty with bigger words. She had started to understand how the letters came together as he had begun speaking. But, something was still on her mind. [b “You won’t laugh at me, will you? Because…”] she started, her voice wavering. But she knew she needed to put her wall back, not letting him break her now, [b “I-I’ll hit you if you laugh.”] she spoke, trying to hide her nervous energy behind her strong personality. Rosalind took a deep breath and began reading. She realized she could say a lot more words than she thought, but was more concerned about the words themselves than what the story was saying; must have been why the romantic tone of this section didn’t seem to phase her at all. [b “Arthur, what is this word? Ro- Roman-”] she spoke, pointing to the word on the page. She reached across him, leaning her head closer to the page, like it would help her understand the word better. She then turned her head, her face only a few inches from Arthur’s face. Flashes of last night's events flashed in her brain. The soft kisses, the rough moments they had. That night was something she would never forget as long as she lived, and being so close to him brought everything back. Her eyes happened to flicker to his lips, licking her own lips as her mouth became dry. Her eyes found him once more, her light eyes couldn’t help get lost in the darkness of his. [i “Arthur? Would you prefer fish or poultry for today’s dinner? Arthur- oh, um, what is happening here?”] Ellison called from outside the door, before he pushed his way in the prisoner’s room. At the sound of Ellison entering the room, Rosalind pushed herself as far from Arthur as she could, her body falling back and hitting her head on the stone wall behind her. [b “Book! Reading! He was teaching me to read! That’s all, just reading!”] Rosalind stammered, her hand going to her head where she bumped it against the wall. Rosalind’s eyes found Arthur’s, the nervous look in her eyes reading all over her face. She just hoped no one heard her heart as it was beating hard and fast in her chest.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 64d ago

It was hard not to fixate on her unwavering attention though he knew it was entirely because of the story and not his nearness. Rosalind was a strong, self-assured woman. She would not be easily flapped by a man - especially one she claimed to be annoyed and frustrated with - being inches away from her. [i Stop being foolish,] he scolded himself, clearing his throat and not allowing intrusive thoughts to take over as she did with the story. Her voice should be outlawed, he determined after only a few moments. No one with an attitude like hers deserved to sound like music on the wind, caressing his ears with such melodies. It didn't matter if she stumbled over a word or two, Arthur was enthralled enough to become severely distracted. Had her lips always looked so kissable? “Arthur, what is this word? Ro- Roman-” she spoke, pointing to the word on the page, snatching back his attention whether she realized it or not. [b "Romance,"] his voice broke again. [b "It says 'romance.'"] Please oh please don't ask for an explanation. A man could only take so much! Arthur glanced at her only to find her staring at his lips with the same intensity that he'd been staring at hers earlier. A flush crept up his neck, filling his cheeks with colour and anticipation. [b "I um...I..."] Were words always this difficult? Princes were educated men, there was no chance that he struggled with anything verbal in the presence of even the highest of kings, let alone a prisoner. So what if she was beautiful and feisty and challenged him in all the right ways? It was just absurd! He was having brain fog, that was all. A simple fog. [b "Wou-"] “Arthur? Would you prefer fish or poultry for today’s dinner? Arthur- oh, um, what is happening here?” Ellison called from outside the door, before he pushed his way in the prisoner’s room. At the sound of Ellison entering the room, Rosalind pushed herself as far from Arthur as she could, her body falling back and hitting her head on the stone wall behind her while the prince himself tumbled to the floor with the force that she'd shoved him away. “Book! Reading! He was teaching me to read! That’s all, just reading!” Rosalind stammered, her hand going to her head where she bumped it against the wall. [b "Educating the prisoner!"] Arthur shot to his feet, fumbling to catch the book before it hit the ground. [b "On our customs and laws."] Ellison's eyes fell to the title of the book, crooking an eyebrow. [i "My prince that is a piece of fiction."] [b "Is it? Well, look at that, it is. My mistake, I suppose that explains why we hadn't yet found the laws listed."] Smooth. Very smooth. [i "Prince Arthur-"] [b "I think the poultry will suffice for dinner, thank you. Do you like poultry?"] he turned to Rosalind before remembering her position in this situation. [b "I mean, you [i will] be eating poultry for dinner, Miss, there will be no arguments."] Ellison fidgeted. [i "Your Royal Highness, I was referring to [b your] dinner, not the prisoner's. Would [b you] like poultry for dinner?"] [b "You're full of questions today Ellison,"] Arthur let out a nervous laugh. [b "Why don't we take this outside and we can work out who eats what and when."] Ellison wandered to the desk and picked up a leather-bound book. [i "I believe this is what you were looking for,"] he handed Rosalind the book of laws, brows furrowed at whatever the hell he'd walked in on. [b "I will meet you in my office shortly,"] Arthur quickly closed the door behind his advisor. [b "Do you like poultry?"] he asked once more. [b "I can arrange for something else if you'd like. I'll deliver it myself to ensure that no one tampers with your food. I'll not have you go hungry on my watch."]

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 64d ago

Rosalind watched Arthur as he also covered what they were…about to do. He seemed just as flustered as she was, which Rosalind couldn’t help but smirk at slightly as he spoke to Ellison. There had been a moment where Rosalind had worried that Arthur would have thrown her under the bus, and locked her alone in the tower for days on end, but he seemed to do quite the opposite of that. Rosalind broke from her thoughts when Arthur began speaking. [i "I think the poultry will suffice for dinner, thank you. Do you like poultry?"] he turned to Rosalind before seeing a shift in his tone. [i "I mean, you will be eating poultry for dinner, Miss, there will be no arguments."]. Rosalind nodded, not trying to get anything less than that. She would be getting royal food? She expected nothing more than scraps or grool, but now she was being [i told] she was eating hearty meat along with the prince. Ellison seemed to have the same thought. [i "Your Royal Highness, I was referring to [b your] dinner, not the prisoner's. Would [b you] like poultry for dinner?"]. Arthur’s nervous response again caused Rosalind to smirk, but it fell once Ellison approached her with the large leather bound book, the one Arthur presented to her earlier. Rosalind looked up toward Ellison, [b “Thank you, sir.”] she spoke, worried to rile up this man after he caught them in a rather…compromised position. Rosalind stared at the book now in her hands, making out the words across the front as she traced the letters with her fingers. [b The Customs and Laws- Astonia Kingdom]. She looked up as Arthur asked her the same question he had before, but this time her eyebrow raised as well. [i "Do you like poultry? I can arrange for something else if you'd like. I'll deliver it myself to ensure that no one tampers with your food. I'll not have you go hungry on my watch."]. [b “Prince, at home, I have been eating rabbit stew for every meal for the last four weeks or so. Anything you provided me would be plenty sufficient. You going to eat up here with me as well? Or are you to sit in some ‘royal dining room’ or something.”] she smirked, before turning her attention to the book in front of her. [b “I used to eat dinner with my mother. I had to help feed her but it was nice to have that alone time with her, ya know? Sorry, I didn’t mean to ramble, disregard what I say.”] she spoke, waving her hands at the end of her sentence. Now that it was in her hands, she opened the book. But instead of flipping through rules, she went to the customs of the kingdom. Rules for Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses were even in here. She was able to pluck through most of the words, speaking them out loud. [b “Princes and Princesses are to be well-versed in sport, poli-tics, and the arts. They are to be strong and poised at all times. And they are to be married only for social and econo-mic gain.”] Rosalind spoke, before looking up at him. [b “Arthur, were you ever allowed to have fun? Like play games or run around with other kids your age? It seems like you were only allowed to [i know] what fun was. Not actually have fun.”] Rosalind asked, her finger paused on the page where she had just finished reading.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 63d ago

“Prince, at home, I have been eating rabbit stew for every meal for the last four weeks or so. Anything you provided me would be plenty sufficient. You going to eat up here with me as well? Or are you to sit in some ‘royal dining room’ or something.” she smirked, before turning her attention to the book in front of her. [b "I assumed both of us would be eating in the dining hall,"] Arthur frowned, unfamiliar with the custom of eating anywhere else. [b "There's far too much dust in here, it'll get all over your food. I'm going to have it cleaned while we eat, with fresh linens put on the bed. We can eat in my private dining chamber, it's less formal and has a better view of the gardens."] [i Why are you setting up some romantic evening together, you absolute dunce?] Was it inappropriate to host a guest? Granted, said guest was technically a prisoner and not simply visiting, but one could not eat at the pathetic looking desk in the corner. She would join him, and Ellison would just have to understand that in order to get in the mind of his enemy, he must keep her close. That was all. No ulterior motives here. Rosalind carried on with sounding out the words in front of her, slowly with an air of amusement. “Arthur, were you ever allowed to have fun? Like play games or run around with other kids your age? It seems like you were only allowed to know what fun was. Not actually have fun.” Rosalind asked, her finger paused on the page where she had just finished reading. [b "Games? You mean like battle strategy scenarios? Father always said I needed more gumption, I'm not as aggressive as I need to be to win. I can't say I considered them to be 'fun'. You know what I always enjoyed doing? I was gifted a telescope once, made of solid brass. I use it on clear nights to observe the stars. It's quite remarkable, they actually shimmer like tiny little candles up there."] A solo activity, and one he very much enjoyed doing away from everyone else. It was fun to him, though his company always appeared bored by sitting for hours just staring in silence. It was educational, to learn of the galaxy! They should have been grateful. [b "Perhaps I'll have it brought down here and I'll show you my tool!"] Realization slapped him, turning him red. [b "Not [i that] tool, but I suppose it [i is] cylindrical as well. Sorry! No, that's not what I meant to...the telescope, I'll show you the telescope!"] Heavens above, just kill him dead right then and there. [b "I will inform Ellison that you and I will be dining in my private room. The guards will escort you there shortly, and they've already been spoken with so there should be no difficulties. If there are, you must tell me. Promise?"] he held out his pinky, like he used to do with Ellison as a young boy.

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 58d ago

"I assumed both of us would be eating in the dining hall. There's far too much dust in here, it'll get all over your food. I'm going to have it cleaned while we eat, with fresh linens put on the bed. We can eat in my private dining chamber, it's less formal and has a better view of the gardens." Rosalind’s eyes widened. Okay, so was she a prisoner or a guest in his home? She was fully unsure, but preferred being a guest so she tried not to say anything that would change it. Besides, it’d be nice to eat with him. She had wanted the experience when she woke up from his chambers the night before, but this would be like a ‘do-over’ in some sense. She had to wonder if Arthur had really ever had a prisoner before? After asking Arthur if he had ever had fun, Rosalind wanted to roll her eyes at his excuse of an answer. [b “That isn’t what I meant. But, I enjoy the stars and constellations as well. Sometimes, when we were deep in the woods, I could even catch them shooting across the sky.”] she spoke. Sometimes, the stars are all she had to entertain herself. She was surprised that someone who had everything he could ever want or need would bother himself with something so innocent as stars. But, it was sweet. And, maybe he wasn’t as stuck up as she had thought before. "Perhaps I'll have it brought down here and I'll show you my tool! Not that tool, but I suppose it is [i cylindrical] as well. Sorry! No, that's not what I meant...the telescope, I'll show you the telescope!" Arthur’s red face matched her own, as she covered her mouth to snicker slightly. Had he forgotten the actions of their night before, when he had seen her with nothing left to the imagination. Her smile remained, but she nodded. [b “I would actually love that. I’ve never used a stethoscope before.”] she spoke earnestly. Yet another activity to do…[i together]. Arthur seemed to get off the topic that seemed to embarrass him. "I will inform Ellison that you and I will be dining in my private room. The guards will escort you there shortly, and they've already been spoken with so there should be no difficulties. If there are, you must tell me. Promise?" He held out his pinky to her. Rosalind’s eyes widened, she had never seen anyone else to pinky promises besides her mother. It had been their ‘special thing’ for as long as she could remember. She wrapped her pinky around his, [b “Promise.”] she smiled, before wrapping her finger off of his. Arthur then was off, and Rosalind felt like she could breathe. Not because Arthur suffocated her, but because she had absentmindedly held her breath the whole time he was in here. There was something about Arthur…she didn’t even know what she felt about him. A guard entered the room, before looking toward Rosalind. [i “We are going to be taking you to dinner, but you can not be going around the castle like…that. We have brought you a dress, and a chambermaid to help you get into the dress. We will be standing at the door, turned around for the chambermaid’s safety. Once you are dressed, we will bring you down.”] the guard, one she had not seen before, said, before turning his back. The young chambermaid made her way slowly to Rosalind, placing the dress down on the bed. Rosalind groaned. Dresses were uncomfortable, and she didn’t want to get into another one. Maybe Arthur would spare a few pairs of pants for her to wear while she was here, but she knew it was no use fighting now. The dress was magnificent, similar to what the other princesses had worn at the ball, except toned down a little bit. Large flowy sleeves, purple in color, with a tight corset bringing her waist in more than her usual corsets had. She refused the heels, her boots staying on her feet even if she had to hold the dress up. The chambermaid, a lovely young woman, even tied her hair up, in a princess-like fashion. Rosalind looked at herself in the mirror, never seeing herself like this before. [b “Thank you so much, Mabel. Have a wonderful evening.”] Rosalind smiled, as the small red head bowed her head and hurried out of the room. The guard took hold of her arms, no longer tying her up, and walked her swiftly to the private dining chambers. They were not rough with her, no, but kept a tight hold of her and led her straight there. Any pull away she made, they held on tighter. [i “Lady, if you pull away, we will pull harder. You are still a prisoner here, even if you are not treated as such.”] the guard spoke, before pushing her into the room, shutting the door behind her. She brushed the dress as she found her footing. [b “Please don’t say anything. They [i made] me wear this. Could I have a couple of pairs of pants though, as well? Dresses aren’t my comfort wear, and the corsets might suffocate me. Or if it must be dresses, something a little more...comfortable?”] Rosalind spoke. Wow, Mabel had tied her in tight. Rosalind sat down at the set table, the plates empty at this moment. She looked down at the many plates, utensils, glasses before biting down on her lower lip, embarrassed. [b “I, uh, why are there so many things on the table? I’m afraid to touch anything, I don’t want to break it and owe you more than I can ever afford. Is this more gold?!”] she asked, her fingers just grazing the rim of the largest plate. [https://i.pinimg.com/564x/45/ff/11/45ff1155a3616909b1235935f8fc7b6b.jpg dress]

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 57d ago

[b “No no, not the gold dinnerware please,”] Arthur waved away the staff from his place at the head of the table. [b “It’s much too ostentatious. Do we not have anything less…expensive? Perhaps silver?”] [i “My Prince, I believe we do have ceramic plates though they were a gift from the Emperor of Grelva and are embossed with the finest of watercolour floral designs. I wouldn’t say they were less expensive, in fact they are quite rare.”] [b “Would you be so kind as to bring up dinnerware from the servants’ dining chamber?”] Two eyes blinked at him, uncertainty as though this were a test of some kind. [b “I’m not tricking you, I assure you,”] Arthur sighed. [b “I am merely trying to make my guest feel more comfortable and I believe that such frivolities of gilded plates and utensils will only serve to irritate her.”] Ellison pinched the bridge of his nose from his own seat by the door. [i “Prince Arthur might I remind you that this girl is a prisoner of the crown and not a royal guest? I do not see why she should have any say whatsoever in what she is served dinner on, or what she is given to eat.”] [b “She has not made any such demands, I simply wish to emphasize that the Crown does not overindulge in gems and jewels, or riches. It is to make us appear humble.”] Truth be told, the prince didn’t like the feeling of being called a spoiled brat. Even if Rosalind hadn’t used those words exactly, her inference was clear. Arthur was determined to prove her wrong. [b “You wish to say something?”] [i “I wish to say a great many things but I will hold my tongue until I determine what exactly has gotten into that head of yours,”] Ellison rose from his chair and gestured for the servants to vacate the room. [i “You are not a young boy any more, Arthur. As future king I am trusting you to make the right decisions in this situation.”] [b “My decisions are my own to make and I see no way in which they can be wrong if we earn the reputation of being compassionate.”] The staff bustled around him to set the table with everything from glassware, cutlery, plates, and dishes of piping hot food. Arthur worried about the sheer amount of food there actually was, not wanting to come across as boasting of their supplies within the castle when it was unlikely Rosalind had seen this much food in weeks let alone one dinner. He wasn’t left alone for long before his guest in question arrived, looking far more put together than when he’d left her. So much so that the prince was at a loss for words. [i “Please don’t say anything. They made me wear this. Could I have a couple of pairs of pants though, as well? Dresses aren’t my comfort wear and the corsets might suffocate me. Or if it must be dresses, something a little more…comfortable?”] [i Speak,] he reminded himself, pinching his own thigh to bring him back down to earth. [b “Pants?”] Did women wear pants? His mother had only ever worn the most extravagant of gowns even in private but were pants part of her wardrobe? [b “I’ll see what I can do. I’m sure there are spares we can put together for you in a package.”] She sat down before he had a chance to pull her chair out for her. [i “I uh, why are there so many things on the table? I’m afraid to touch anything. I don’t want to break it and owe you more than I can ever afford. Is this more gold?”] Shit, he forgot all about the decorative gold charger plates that served no purpose other than to sit [i under] the plate she would eat off of. [b “Uh…yes…it appears they are. But if you’ll notice, I have gone to the trouble of arranging regular dinnerware for us this evening. See?”] he rapped on the plate in front of him, eliciting a dull tinny response. [b “This will work nicely. As for the cutlery, there are different forks and spoons for each dish. You begin on the outside and work your way in with each course of dinner. There are five so as you can see: five forks and five spoons.”] Even just saying that sounded horribly pretentious. [b “The first course is soup, followed by a salad consisting of vegetables from our own garden, then a dish of chicken and roasted vegetables, immediately after which is a wine and cheese platter, and to finish we have a custard pie for dessert.”] Wow, it really didn’t get better even as he continued to ramble. [b “Please help yourself.”] Should he have gone with a less expensive wine? This one tasted expensive. Would Rosalind know it tasted expensive? [b “I was hoping to speak with you regarding your time here,”] Arthur put his goblet down. [b “To ensure that we are on the same page. It is important to me that you are treated with dignity and respect while you are my prisoner. If you are agreeable to it, we will dine together each evening after we have your reading lessons. Once I have decided I can trust you, we may expand our study sessions to the estate grounds, perhaps even in the gardens.”]

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 57d ago

Rosalind was pleased to hear he would attempt to get her some clothes together, at least something more [i her] than this gown she was given to wear. She preferred pants, it never being an issue in the commune that she preferred them over skirts. It was easier to move in, and it wasn’t long until other women in the guild began sporting pants and making their own as well. It had never been a weird concept, or one she understood. Why was it [i ‘wrong’] of her to prefer pants? Of course, she did wear dresses when needed, which was rare, but something much more…casual than the dress she was given for tonight. The blonde looked down at the tin plate as he tapped it, looking a bit silly as it sat atop a gold plate under it. Rosalind looked up at his face, raising an eyebrow. [b “Are you mocking me?”] she smirked, leaning her forearms on the table as she leaned in. The woman rolled her eyes as he continued on about cutlery, and she then got nervous. Five courses? They would be eating five meals worth of food for dinner? Granted, she was hungry as she hadn’t eaten much since her own dinner at home, but five courses? “The first course is soup, followed by a salad consisting of vegetables from our own garden, then a dish of chicken and roasted vegetables, immediately after which is a wine and cheese platter, and to finish we have a custard pie for dessert. Please help yourself.” Rosalind's mouth literally watered at his explanation of the food. A soup would have been enough, but he was giving her everything. Wine, dessert even. The woman swallowed hard and looked down at the food in front of her, feeling the need to pretend she knew the manners of eating at a royal table. At home, her bowl was sitting on her lap as she sat on the ground near the fire. Here, she was in a chair more comfortable than her cot at home with five courses to consume in the warmest and coziest room she had been in in the castle. [b “I’m going to be honest, I’m not sure I’ll be able to eat all of this. It looks amazing, so thank you. Who made it?”] Rosalind asked. Customary in the guild to graciously thank whoever the cook was, [b “I want to make sure I thank them. This is incredible!”]. Rosalind let the taste of the soup melt in her mouth, this was a thousand times better than rabbit stew. And rabbit stew was usually her favorite meal. As she relished in just the first course, her eyes looked up to him as he began to speak. “I was hoping to speak with you regarding your time here. To ensure that we are on the same page. It is important to me that you are treated with dignity and respect while you are my prisoner. If you are agreeable to it, we will dine together each evening after we have your reading lessons. Once I have decided I can trust you, we may expand our study sessions to the estate grounds, perhaps even in the gardens.” Okay, now Rosalind was confused. She placed her spoon down, before taking a sip of the wine in front of her. [b “What am I doing here?”] she asked, her smug attitude from the gala coming out a bit more than it had before. He was making her feel too comfortable, and it scared her. She didn’t want to be comfortable, she should [i want] to be home. She didn’t want to be [i connecting] to the Crown Prince. She didn’t want to be truely enjoying her time here, like she was. [b “Currently, I feel like a guest in your palace. Under [i your] order, I am a prisoner. Yet, I don’t feel that way. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am enjoying my time here. Is there another motive to having me be here? Besides, I didn’t actually take anything, shouldn’t I be able to go home?”] Rosalind asked. Sure, she felt a little bad for coming at him so harshly, but she hoped it would help her disconnect from him. Rosalind tried to keep his eye contact, but couldn’t. Strength had been her strong suit, and for some reason, she had none when it came to Arthur. He had been so incredibly kind since she was captured, and she had no reason to hate him like she believed she had to. She let her eyes look up to him, her eyes filled with concern. [b “Why are you making it so hard to hate you?”] she asked softly.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 56d ago

[i “What am I doing here?”] Arthur’s brow furrowed. [i “Is the location not to your liking?”] [i “Currently, I feel like a guest in your palace. Under your order, I am a prisoner. Yet. I don’t feel that way. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am enjoying my time here. Is there another motive to having me be here? Besides, I didn’t actually take anything. Shouldn’t I be able to go home?”] Disbelief and wariness was laced throughout Rosalind’s tone, clearly waiting for the catch. Only there was none. There was also no answer that the prince could give that would even begin to make a modicum of sense to either of them. [b “This is my first imprisonment,”] he spoke carefully. [b “I’ve had countless years of training to be an ideal king when the time comes but not much effort has been put into teaching me how to handle situations such as this. Admittedly I’m out of my element here but I’m doing my best to treat you with dignity and respect, as prisoners are entitled to.”] [i “Why are you making it so hard to hate you?”] Arthur wasn’t sure if he was actually meant to hear it but he certainly did. Would she rather him be a brute? Reading people was never a strong suit of his - especially women - but he didn’t think that he was performing badly enough that she’d rather hate him. [b “I’m sorry but I’m struggling to understand what it is that I’m doing wrong,”] he rested his cutlery down. [b “I’ve given you clothes, food, books, and pleasant company while I determine what steps I shall take next with your capture. Alternatively I could leave you cold, hungry, bored, and utterly lonely, which would surely make you hate me. Is that what you would prefer?”] It was like he was asking about the weather, innocent and genuine. There was no trick behind the young prince’s words, he was just that horrible at understanding how humans actually worked despite also being one. [b “I don’t want to be known as Arthur the Cruel, I’d like to be remembered as Arthur the Compassionate. How can that be my future if I cannot even show the smallest ounces of kindness to a prisoner? You have not harmed me in any way to deserve being treated any less than you have been. That being said you were still caught breaking the law and therefore you must remain here until I decide on a suitable punishment.”] A decision that he was quite happy to take his time making. He enjoyed Rosalind’s company far too much to dismiss her so quickly and - thankfully - it appeared that she was enjoying his company to some degree as well. [b “Try the food and then decide if you want to hate me or not,”] Arthur picked up his spoon. [b “Something that looks good might not taste it.”] It was, of course, incredible. Shame flooded him at the realization that he didn’t even know the name of the cook that Rosalind insisted on complimenting, though he knew the man had served his family for as long as Arthur had been alive. [b “Are you in agreement with the scheduled daily routine?”] he broached the subject again as they moved onto the second course.

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 56d ago

Rosalind barely heard his explanation over her confusion. She could hardly believe the smug and argumentative man she had met last night was the same as this man in front of her with so much compassion. She was surprised he was raised by the same man she had heard horror stories about. The king she had heard about was cruel, and would have thrown her to the wolves or had her beheaded immediately. But instead, she was given truly ‘royal’ treatment here. Feast, gowns, books, whatever she asked for. She didn’t know what she did to deserve this. “I’m sorry but I’m struggling to understand what it is that I’m doing wrong. I’ve given you clothes, food, books, and pleasant company while I determine what steps I shall take next with your capture. Alternatively I could leave you cold, hungry, bored, and utterly lonely, which would surely make you hate me. Is that what you would prefer?” Rosalind was going to speak, until he continued speaking. As she listened to him, the corners of her mouth twisted into a smile. He truly was one of a kind, as he was destroying everything she ever knew about the royal family. Wanting to be known as compassionate over cruel was something new, as the king was known solely for being cruel. He had a heart, which was more than she could say for most. Rosalind lifted her spoon back, finishing the soup put in front of her, every bite amazing. She took hold of her bowl to place it somewhere to be cleaned, before a woman took the bowl from her hands. [b “Oh I can do it. Where does it go?”] she asked, before the woman who came to take it looked frazzled, like she was shocked someone would ever offer to carry her own bowl. [b “Do I need to wash it too? No worries, where do you wash your dishes?”] she spoke, fully standing. The woman shook her head, [i “Lady, you do not need to do anything. It’s my job to clear your plate, and bring you your next dish. Please, have a seat.”] she spoke softly. Rosalind sat back down awkwardly, feeling bad that she could not contribute to the mealtime, another custom for her. When Arthur asked her once more if she was in agreement, Rosalind took a breath. [b “Yes, I agree.”] she spoke, as the salad was placed in front of them. Rosalind had already begun feeling full, so the salad was already looking like it would completely fill her. She didn’t want to seem rude, so she would push through. The salad looked so fresh, the veggies vibrant and covered in some oil combination. They didn’t eat a ton of veggies, especially something fresh and raw. Usually they would cook it to spread the small amount they had, so this was truly a treat. Taking a bite of the salad, it was absolutely amazing. Crunchy, fresh, everything that someone would want. She didn’t care how full she was becoming, the food was too perfect to stop. [b “The fact that you eat like this everyday! You said you have a garden, why don’t you share the wealth with the public?”] she asked off the cuff, more preoccupied with the salad than her words. She knew the access to vegetables in the kingdom was scarce, especially due to the little access to land to plant. Some families had small gardens, but sold their stocks for any semblance of money they could. Her guild was no exception, even if they didn’t live in the kingdom directly. [b “Can I meet the chef after the meal? I want to thank him, or her. Cooking for anyone, especially this much daily, is quite the task.”] Rosalind spoke, finishing off her salad quickly. She took another sip of her wine, completely content in her life for a moment. [i No, she shouldn’t want to be here. She should want to be at home. Don’t get yourself comfortable…] [b “That is exactly what is wrong with all of this! I shouldn’t [i want] to be here, I should want to go home!”] Rosalind blurted, before covering her own mouth. Her cheeks heated up, before she looked down at her plate, avoiding Arthur’s eyes as much as possible. [b “What I mean is…I’m just not used to this. All of this. And it’s not what I expected. I don’t do well when what I think is going to happen doesn’t. And I am just surprised I guess. At your kindness. I didn’t see much of this the other night but I am happy to be able to see it now.”] Rosalind spoke, for the first time in front of her, completely nervous and out of her element. What in the hell was he doing to her?

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 54d ago

Arthur didn’t quite understand her meaning. [b “Do people not have their own gardens to eat from?”] Once again, the question came out like a curious child. His father had never taken him past the castle walls, he’d just assumed that everyone had their own vegetables and fruits growing at their homes to sustain themselves on. [b “I’d like to look more into how we can provide food for people who cannot grow their own. It’s not something I’d considered before.”] Foolishly, he dropped his gaze to his food. Of [i course] there were people who couldn’t put food on the table for their families. He’d read all about them in books, it only made sense that the same struggles still occurred outside the pages of his history lessons. With how his father boasted proudly about the status of the kingdom, the young prince had only assumed that the crisis of food shortages had been well and truly beaten. [i “Can I meet the chef after the meal? I want to thank him, or her. Cooking for anyone, especially this much daily, is quite the task.”] Rosalind’s compassion was bleeding through, making it difficult to not smile out of pure fondness. Again, she was finding other areas of his life to show gratitude when he’d not considered them before. Thanking the cook was not something done among royalty, but why couldn’t it be? [b “I believe we can have the cook brought to us before I escort you back to the tower. He will be pleased to hear his work has been appreciated, I’m sure. I’m happy that you’ll enjoy the food for the duration of your stay.”] It was the wrong thing to say. [i “That is exactly what is wrong with all of this! I shouldn’t want to be here, I should want to go home!”] Wait…she [i wanted] to be here? Rosalind’s passion was evident every time she opened her mouth but Arthur could tell she was just as lost in this situation as he was. [b “You didn’t think I was kind?”] He nearly pouted, stuck on that one remark for a moment before sighing. [b “I don’t necessarily think it is a bad thing altogether to not hate your time here, Rosalind. You aren’t betraying anyone by not hating every second that you’re in my company. If anything I think it shows us both dedicated towards a possible united front moving forwards. Allies, even. Your guild and the crown not being at war with one another would be a remarkable change, wouldn’t it?”] A suggestion that his father would never go for. Still, Arthur meant to make a name for himself as king, not just follow in Alistair’s footsteps. Perhaps he could make the impossible happen, bringing peace and prosperity to not only the crown but for everyone who resided in the kingdom. [b “I only mean to say that I’m not some villain and this isn’t an evil lair. It’s perfectly okay to find the accommodations adequate, and the company. It doesn’t make you any less proud or dignified in who you are.”] Selfishly he also didn’t want her to affiliate time with him as something to be resented. Forget protocol, he’d let her roam the gardens to take as many vegetables to the townsfolk as she wanted if it meant she didn’t hate it here, with him.

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 47d ago

Rosalind was surprised to see Arthur’s concern for his people, as she assumed he had forgotten all about them. That’s at least what her mother used to tell her, it began to make her wonder how her mother seemed to know all of these things. [b “We grow things, it’s just hard when everything takes so long and goes out of season quickly. We’re lucky if we can get a pumpkin or two for Autumn.”] she spoke, barely getting words out quick enough before taking another forkful of salad. She really enjoyed that he took her suggestions and the things she said to heart, it made her feel like what she said actually made a difference. That was one thing she never expected. As their conversation continued, Rosalind’s head and heart were filled with doubt. She knew she should [i want] to be home, with her family. She wanted to help them, make sure her mother was taken care of, as she had been primarily the one taking care of her. But, Arthur’s response made her roll her eyes. Of course, this was going back to himself. [i “You didn’t think I was kind?I don’t necessarily think it is a bad thing altogether to not hate your time here, Rosalind. You aren’t betraying anyone by not hating every second that you’re in my company. If anything I think it shows us both dedicated towards a possible united front moving forwards. Allies, even. Your guild and the crown not being at war with one another would be a remarkable change, wouldn’t it?”] [b “You have been plenty kind, that’s not what I said.”] Rosalind spoke, her sass back as she stared at the prince. She stoved the last bit of salad in her mouth, and before she could even place her fork down, someone was clearing her plate away. When he continued to speak, Rosalind almost choked on her food. She began coughing, before finishing her bite. [b “You think we could ever be united?! Do you know what your family has done to my guild?! Of course you don’t, because your daddy tells you nothing!”] she spoke, placing her hands firmly on the table. [b “Or, you do. But because you slept with me, you want to pretend that never happened. That he [i burnt. us. down.]. At night too, when we had no way to put out any of the fire. I was seven years old, and I watched my guild burn to the ground!”] Rosalind yelled, before she threw herself back into her chair, arms crossed over her chest. [b “All my life, I’ve learned that no matter what we do, we are always criminals to the crown. My mother made sure I knew that from a young age. You being kind isn’t going to change the fact that Alistar’s name isn’t tainted in my mind. I shouldn’t put his decrees against you…I’m sorry.”] Rosalind spoke as she cooled down. [i “I only mean to say that I’m not some villain and this isn’t an evil lair. It’s perfectly okay to find the accommodations adequate, and the company. It doesn’t make you any less proud or dignified in who you are.”] [b “I don’t see you as a villain, you are far from it. But the crown has always been an enemy. You can’t tell me your father never told you about our guild, and that we are dangerous. I know for a fact I would not be treated this way if your father was here. What’s going to happen when your parents are back? Am I getting sent off to the dungeon then?”] she asked, her signature smirk from the gala replaced the anger on her face. She knew Arthur wouldn’t let it happen, but she was curious of his answer. A lot of what Arthur said actually made a lot of sense. The guild and crown didn’t [i need] to be in constant war. They could easily be spies for whatever the crown needed, in exchange for payment and maybe even better housing. But her father always said off-handedly that he ‘saved them from being under the crown’, but Rosalind never knew what that meant. The smell that came from the kitchen next had to have been the best all day. The roasted chicken with vegetables looks beautiful. Colorful, flavorful, something Rosalind would only dream of eating. [b “I’m sorry, you eat this way every day…for every meal? Your chef has got to give me lessons! Do you cook at all, Arthur. I will say, I can make a pretty decent roast duck for the harvest season.”] Rosalind spoke, as she figured out which fork to use for her meal. She cut a piece off, the meal perfectly seasoned, before taking her first bite, and a moan couldn’t help escape from her lips. She could see the look she got from Arthur, and sent him a wink, before continuing to enjoy her meal.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 47d ago

“You think we could ever be united?! Do you know what your family has done to my guild?! Of course you don’t, because your daddy tells you nothing!” she spoke, placing her hands firmly on the table. “Or, you do. But because you slept with me, you want to pretend that never happened. That he burnt. us. down.. At night too, when we had no way to put out any of the fire. I was seven years old, and I watched my guild burn to the ground!” Arthur's heart was going to slam right through his chest cavity. That wasn't true...was it? Surely his father would have told him such an event had happened to civilians of their kingdom? [b "My father wouldn't..."] “All my life, I’ve learned that no matter what we do, we are always criminals to the crown. My mother made sure I knew that from a young age. You being kind isn’t going to change the fact that Alistar’s name isn’t tainted in my mind. I shouldn’t put his decrees against you…I’m sorry.” She wasn't lying. No one who spun a web of lies held as much honest passion in their eyes as they spoke. Arthur fell down a well of anxiety, hearing the phantom screams that must have been emitted at the guild's home being burned around them. Even as she turned the conversation back to the food, no longer raging, he couldn't keep his thoughts from tumbling. His appetite was all but lost. [b "How many died?"] his voice broke on the question. Christ, he could barely manage to raise his eyes to meet hers through the shame he felt. [b "How many of your people died because of what he did?"] Blood was blood. Arthur couldn't change who his father was, but he could make damn well sure that he didn't turn into Alistair's carbon copy when the throne became his. Retribution was deserved, and the guild had every right to strike back against the crown for what orders the soldiers followed. [b "I'm sorry, I need a moment."] Arthur stepped into the hallway, waving off the security so he could lean against the wall in peace, processing the information. [b "Forgive me,"] he murmured, though he didn't know exactly who he was pleading to; the woman being held as his prisoner, or her deceased friends and family who died at his family's hands.

SmileBright Rosalind Amelia Tuck 47d ago

Even though Rosalind attempted to change the conversation back to the food, it seemed like Arthur could not. She had already had time to deal with the devastation, and realized it was the crown who had done what they had done. She had years to let it seep deep into her veins, but Arthur had a hard time letting it go. It was his father; his own flesh and blood had done something that he found unexcusable. And it hit him hard. It should; but she wished she hadn’t been the one to tell him. She wished he had known; even if he thought it was for a good reason when he was told, at least he would have known. And he wouldn’t ask… "How many died?" his voice broke on the question. Rosalind’s own breath hitched as she heard it. She looked up to him, his eyes barely meeting hers. "How many of your people died because of what he did?". His words made her stop in her tracks, but she couldn’t meet his eyes once he said it. She couldn’t do this to herself. “I’m sorry, I need a moment.” and he was gone. This was her moment, the guards were gone, the door was right there. She could leave, go home. Not deal with anything more with the crown or royals, but she didn’t. She did the opposite, she went after him. She followed the way he left, seeing him leaning against the wall. [b “Hey, it’s okay. Look at me, you’re okay.”] she spoke, placing a hand to his cheek to calm him. She slid down in front of him, letting the two of them sit together in a tense silence. No. Rosalind wouldn’t…she couldn’t. But… had already told him, she owed it to him to tell him the whole story. She took a deep breath, and began. [b “In total, five. Elric, Thea, and Otto. Three of our elders. Pyrrhos’ mother, Annora. And…”] she spoke, but her words stopped. His name hadn’t left her lips in years at this point. He was a distant memory, and her whole guild had left it that way on purpose. Three years older than Rosalind and twice as stubborn, the man who was [i supposed] to heir the guild. [b “And August. My brother.”] Rosalind swallowed hard, the messy blonde mop of her brother who ran in to help more people out of the fire, only to not make it out himself. He had only been ten at the time, but he had helped four extra people get out of the camp. Her father had been injured himself, and was unable to go back and help, so her brother stepped up to help. But after the fire died and he never found them until they later found him under some wood in the piles of ash, but they had known he was gone. [b “Older brother. Heir to the guild. He was so stupid! Why did he run back to the fire, he didn’t need too! The last thing he said to me, ‘I’ll be right back, Lili.’ But he didn’t!”] she yelled, not to him, but to the ground. She pounded her fist against the ground, before standing up and went back to the table. Finding as many sharp knives as she could, Rosalind took them, cutting through the bottom fabric of the too long dress before running off to her room. As she ran, the hot tears ran down her face. She hadn’t spoke August’s name for five years, and wasn’t hoping to anytime soon. They honored him every year on that day, but no one mentioned the to-be heir to anyone, especially Rosalind. With no normal outlet for these emotions, she turned to throwing knives. But, her personal ones had been confiscated so she settled on the steak knives on the table. This would do…at least for now. Rosalind felt suffocated in her dress, and found her clothes from before. She quickly changed back into her pants, shirt, corset and just her socks, no need for her boots at this moment. She found a piece of rope in the wardrobe, using it to tie her hair up and out of her face. She rubbed her hands over her face, before tossing the knife in her hand. She flips in her hand, before taking hold of the knife, throwing it hard and accurately into the wood post in the edge of her room. This was the only thing she could do to release her anger. Even thinking about August sent her in such a frantic state, she needed something to release her emotions on. And this would do. She took the second knife, before throwing in straight below the other. [b “Fuck…August…”] she whispered, before throwing the third one the tears in her eyes causing her to miss, before she sank down to the floor, breaking apart.

Kooza Arthur Robitaille 46d ago

Her brother. Her goddamn [i brother]. How would he ever be able to make up for such a profound and devastating loss? Rosalind's voice reached his ears and her hands touched his face but every sensation was dulled as the ringing in his ears grew louder. It was genocide. Innocent lives lost and for what purpose? By the time Arthur steadied himself to meet her eyes, Rosalind was gone. [i "My prince?"] Ellison's was the next voice he heard, who knows how long after. [i "Are you alright? Where is the prisoner?"] [b "Did you know about the fire?"] Arthur turned the questions to him. [b "Do not spare me whatever you think will cause me pain, I want to know and I want to know now. Did you know?"] Loyal to a fault, Ellison was at the king's disposal for any and all crown related matters including sieges and military action. If what Rosalind said was true, there would be documentation at the very least. [b "Ellison if you've ever cared about me as you claim, you will be honest with me."] Shoulders sinking, the elder man was backed into a proverbial corner. With a slight gesture, he led Arthur down the corridor to his office where they would have more privacy than the open hallway. [i "War is complicated, Arthur. There are no heroes, only men fueled by their detestation of one another. To answer your question yes, I know about the fire. But by the time I was informed of the attack, it had already taken place."] [b "He called for the murder of these people, Ellison,"] Arthur paced, hands gripping into fists. [b "A [i child] was murdered in cold blood and for what?"] [i "Your father and the leader of the thieve's guild have a long history that you cannot begin to understand-"] [b "Then make me understand!"] Arthur slammed his hands onto the desk. [b "If my father is a warmonger who preys on the innocent, that is not a legacy I wish to continue. Did this history lesson just conveniently go missing from your syllabus?"] Never had he spoken so harshly to the adviser but knowing the pain his family had inflicted on Rosalind's, Arthur couldn't help but let his inherited temper take over. Ellison's eyes did not betray what was going on inside his head but the stiffness in his posture said enough. He was ashamed. [b "You're dismissed for the evening,"] Arthur pushed past him, finished with the conversation - or lack thereof. It shouldn't have come as a surprise when he found himself outside of Rosalind's door. Instinctively it was where he needed to be. [b "May I come in?"] he knocked first, ignoring the guards who were no doubt watching his every move. [b "It's just me."]

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