“Well, he does now!” Finley replied, shooting what she hoped was a loving glance back at her new husband. “And I’m certainly not judging you for being a bookworm, my little brother can never get his head out of a book.” She smiled thoughtfully.
Arranged and Illegitimate // Fantasy OxO // Closed
Callan smiled a little bit, giving a faint wave to the two as Ezra's eyes flicked between the two.
Ezra cocked his head. "Ah. Let me guess: he got you pregnant, so now he has to marry you?" he asked bluntly, looking at Finley inquisitively.
Finley let out a choked laugh. “Wha- no! No, not at all,” she said, surprised at how straightforward the younger prince was. “Trust me, Callan is not going around knocking up ladies before marriage.”
Callan choked at the idea, a strangled laugh leaving his lips.
Ezra shrugged. "Why not? Dad did. I mean…he was already married to my mom when he fucked Callan's, but that didn't change anything." he replied, still blunt and a little crude, and straight to the point.
Finley nodded slowly, trying to figure out the best way to approach the conversation. “I think that’s the exact reason why Callan wouldn’t do that, you know? That… whole situation didn’t turn out so well for anyone involved, so why would he do it again?”
Ezra shrugged a little. "I wouldn't know. I was just giving an example."
Callan had gone very still at the younger prince's words, but didn't say a word about it.
“I get it,” Finley replied, sitting herself down in a chair near Ezra. She liked the prince’s manner, his willingness to be clear and blunt. “You’re allowed to assume.” She looked back and noticed the flat expression on Callan’s face, and she hoped he was okay with all of this.
Ezra shrugged again. "Yeah, of course I am. What's being a prince good for, if not assumptions?" He replied, letting out a faint laugh. He ran a hand through his hair, which was darker than either Callan's or Albion's, more like his mother's.
“You make a fantastic point, Ezra. A fantastic point. Well, I hate to leave such a pleasant conversation, but my new husband is making some rather concerning facial expressions. Goodbye for now!” Hopping up out of her chair, Finley gave a little wave before walking back over to Callan.
Ezra watched her go, then went back to his book with a sigh, slouching down in his seat and losing himself in the story.
Callan gave her a tight smile when she came back. "And now you've met every remaining member of my family." his mother was dead. Had been since he was six. But that hadn't been widespread. He had learned a long time ago that no one gave a shit what happened to his mother, or even really to him. He was only the bastard.
“I suppose I have.” She rested a light hand on his shoulder. “So, what’s next? Where are your usual haunts?” Finley asked, flipping her braid over her shoulder.
"Usually? The training grounds, with the soldiers or guards. But that's not really a place for a lady." he replied, standing up and stretching, cracking his knuckles. "So we won't be going there. At least, not now."
“Well, I’m not a lady.” Finley replied cheerfully. She dropped her voice to a stage whisper. “I’m a Witch, remember? I can handle a few guards with sticks up their butts.” She put her hands on her hips proudly.
He snorted softly, shaking his head. "You're a…woman, in any case. It wouldn't be proper to bring you to the sparring grounds." he replied with a shrug. "Sorry."
“Hmph,” Finley grumbled. “I’ll find out some way to sneak in there, just you wait.” She looked up and noticed that it was getting dark. Her stomach rumbled and she met Callan’s eye. “What do you folks do for dinner? A kidnapping and a wedding sure gets a ‘lady’ hungry,” she quipped.
He let out a faint laugh at that. "Yes. Dinner is…a family affair. You sure you're ready to eat in front of my entire family, and the nobility?" he asked, trying to be gentle.
“Hey, I can handle it!” Finley replied, slightly offended. “I definitely can do this. I’m not some fragile little lady who needs to be shepherded around, trust me.”
He looked at her carefully. "I was just asking, Finley." he replied with a shrug. "If you're sure you're ready for that, then we can go."
“I’m ready as I’ll ever be. Let’s go,” Finley said determinedly. “Wait a second, do I have to change my dress? I don’t know the proper etiquette for royal dinners.”
He thought for a moment. "Uhm…yeah, you probably shouldn't show up in a wedding dress." he replied with a faint smile. "Come on. I know where we can find you some new clothes."
“Great! Let us be off, then.” Finley lightly grabbed his arm and followed him out of the library. “Where is this place exactly?”
"The clothes? The queen should have some that will fit you, at least until you get a wardrobe made." he explained as he led her through the halls.
“A whole wardrobe? Seriously, I think that’s a bit excessive. Wouldn’t that time and effort be better spent making garments for those in the city?” Finley asked, her joking manner dissolved.
Callan sighed softly. "It's the tradition of the court. You need clothing befitting someone of your new rank." he replied with a shrug. "And as for that…I don't know. You are welcome to take it up with my father, if you so desire."
Finley shivered. “I’d rather avoid the king as much as possible,” she explained. “But I probably should. I guess getting a new wardrobe won’t be so terrible; I could start some new trends! When do I get to meet with the seamstresses?”
He chuckled. "I don't know. Tomorrow, maybe? not today, that's for certain." he replied, leading her into the same side room where she had been dressed for the wedding, and giving instructions to the maids.
Finley let out a little sigh of relief. At least she recognized this room! The maids sat her down in front of a mirror and began to unplait her hair, brushing through it with a variety of combs. “Well, see you soon, sir,” she said with a smirk.
(Do you want to pick out her dinner dress or should I?)
Callan nodded, giving a slight bow as he left the room, closing the door behind himself. The maids busied themselves with getting Finley ready for dinner.
(you go ahead :) )
Finley straightened her shoulders as the maids finished their preparations. Her hair had been curled loosely around her shoulders, and a simple silver pendant lay around her neck. She carefully adjusted the straps on her arms before exiting the small room, thanking the maids profusely as she went.
Callan looked up as she came out, a faint smile flashing across his face. He bowed lightly. "Ah. You look lovely." he said with a smile. "Shall we go to dinner?"