It was clear as day to him that his bride was put off by him. The very way she moved suggested to him that she was half a thought from getting right back into her carriage and driving away. It did not bother him in the way that it should have. She would learn in time that he would never lay a hand on her unless she asked him too.
His father had all but ordered him to bow and kiss her hand not half an hour before this. But seeing how jumpy she was, he for went kissing her hand. He did not want to startle her anymore than she already was.
He bowed deeply at the waist, his crown staying perfectly still on his head, thanks to the pins that had been shoved into his hair by his younger sister. None of his attendants wanted to be near him longer than necessary, and with the scowl on his face, they had all been sent running the moment he told them ton leave.
"And you as well, my bride."
His father cleared his throat beside Lucian. King Everand came forward, kissing her hand as his son did not. "My lady, Ruby. I hope your journey was an easy one. I am sure you are tired and would like some time to freshen up. My son will show you to your rooms."
Because she would have her own rooms, even after their marriage. They were expected to consummate it, byes, and eventually pop out enough heirs to secure his line, but that needn't mean she be stuck in his rooms. It was at Lucian's own request that she have her own rooms. He didn't want her to feel forced to be in his presence.
Lucian offered her his arm for her to take, but made no move towards her. he would let her choose if she wanted to take it.
The Rogue Prince (OxO Closed)
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(Brooooo Lucian already got me hooked-)
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She didn't look that way on the outside, but in the inside she was a bit panicked because the king seemed to come out of nowhere and moved to kiss her hand.
She didn't jerk away however, simply letting him do so since he was in fact the king and Sue figured it would be rather rude if she were to just pull away from him.
Why, if she had then she might have caused the king great offense which meaning he might disapprove after all and send her back home and she would end up a failure.
She couldn't let that happen.
She just couldn't let her family down like that even though she knew her family would welcome her back with a warm embrace.
She would still be disappointed in herself for not trying her hardest.
She bowed her head to the king and did a slight curtsey.
"Thank you, your kingship. The journey was a swift one with few difficulties. It's a great honor to be able to meet with you both today." She spoke, hoping her voice didn't waver at all.
She saw the prince offer his arm and considered it would be rude if she didn't take it.
She moved to wrap her arm around the prince's arm, so that she could walk with him more easily.
Lucian felt not just himself, but his father relax a little as she took his arm. If she ran, he would catch her, and he wasn't sure that would help his impression of her at all. She didn't need to like him. She could hate him for all he cared. But he didn't want her to be scared of him. The only people that should be scared were his enemies.
His father began to talk about the history of the palace but Lucian wasn't listening. He had heard the stories a thousand times and cared not for their manipulated versions. Instead, he found himself taking small glances at his bride-to-be, observing her, memorizing her features. as they reached the stairwell that led to the royal family's rooms, his father excused himself, leaving Lucian and Ruby alone. Alone with attendants and guards, but at least he was gone.
He didn't speak to her until they came to her rooms. "These will be your private rooms. Now and after the ceremony." He opened the door and stepped back for her to enter. "Our staff is bringing in your belongings as we speak. Food and drinks will be brought to you soon and our head seamstress will come to take your measurements soon. Anything you need, ask, and it will be brought to you."
He stayed outside her rooms, not wanting to intrude. It was her space and he did not want to soil it with his presence.
There was a small private dining room that led to a bedroom fit for a queen. A lavish bathroom with a walk-in bath. A closet that could house the kingsgaurd.
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Ruby on the other hand found herself intently listening to the history that the king had brought it upon himself to share with her.
Biased as they maybe she thought it polite that she make good conversation with the king, it might also set her in good favor with him should the need arise for her to ask something drastic from him.
Which, she shouldn't, but she never could be over prepared for any situation could she?
She would rather not be caught under prepared.
Though if she were to be honest she would much rather find herself in the palace gardens with all the creatures or perhaps the forests just west of the castle.
She had let herself day dream so much she hadn't even noticed they had made it to her personal rooms and the king had gone.
She let herself exhale when she knew the king wasn't there anymore.
She moved to part from him as she entered the rooms, her mouth seemingly left open as she looked around the chambers in awe. She may be a princess but That dksent mean she can't appreciate other kindgoms way of decorating and the like.
She turned back to him, "would by chance, mind showing me where the palace gardens are?"
Lucian arched a brow at her request. He hadn't been expecting that from her. He had been expecting her to shut the door in his face or to curse at him. He was glad it was not either of those. He did not want to make a habit of fighting women. "As you wish, my lady."
His voice was deep and husky, as if he had yelled so much that he had a permanent strain in his voice. It was likely that he had. He had never been one to care how he looked or sounded. Looks didn't win wars, strength did. And he was determined to end up on top.
He offered his arm out to her once more, waiting for her to join him outside her rooms. He made a silent promise never to enter unless she invited him in. Though he would not be home often that it would become a problem. She would be able to do as she pleased without his presence bearing down on her. If she wanted to take a lover, he would not stop her. As long as she was happy.
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(I love Lucian what the heck-)
(Ahh, he'll have his moments.)
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(Yess)
(Hes still a poopy head)
(If you wanna get like more of a feel of my character look up Daemon Targaryen)
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(lol ok)
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she nodded as she moved to take his arm with her own so that they could walk together to the palace garden. she hoped that there were creatures that she could talk to if not just a little birdie to keep her company. she walked with confidence in her stride, but that was only because she was eager to get there and be surrounded by all of the beautiful nature.
Surely the palace garden was a sight to behold.
she also must speak to the ground keep so she could see how she would be able to help out in the garden.
oh and the horses! she must see to it she visits the palace stables and check on the beautiful mares and colts.
she couldn't help but smile at her thoughts of all the animals she would get to see and talk with.
Lucian led her down flights of stairs and through the winding halls. They came across great, glass doors that attendants opened for them. It revealed and marvelous garden. Rows and rows of exotic flowers. There was a magnificent fountain with several benches to rest on. And there was a maze beyond the garden that few were able to get out of. Attendants were available should anyone attempt it to lead them out should they get stuck.
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she let out a gasp of amazement when she saw the garden as she walked out of the glass doors.
"it's so pretty.." she spoke softly, though her voice, in general, was very soft. she moved to walk along side him almost pulling him forward as she walked deeper into the garden excited to see more and be outside to just enjoy her surrondings.
she was almost a whole different demeanor then earlier.
Lucian slowed his stride and matched her pace, to not pull her along with him. He was not looking at the gardens, which he had seen thousands of time, but at his wife-to-be, studying her. He believed with time, that they would eventually get along, hopefully even be friends. He didn't expect her to ever love him. He had a war to win. He was never home. There would not be much time for them for her to be able to love him. But he hoped that it would be enough for them to be friends.
"It is yours now, or it will be when you are my queen." He spoke lowly. "You may do as you wish."
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"You mean…I can come here every day, and possibly read here?" she asked him, her eyes wide with excitement and the possibilities of the future, and so far it seemed promising. far more so than she had expected on her way here, especially with what people had said about him..
everyone..perhaps they were wrong.
he was gentle, and kind to her so far.
she wouldn't dare ask for permission to help garden along with the workers they had, but just reading in this beautiful garden surrounded by the fresh crisp air was so much more than she could hope for.
Perhaps she could even sneak into the kitchen to help bake once or twice, oh how she enjoyed baking for everyone back home.
Maybe she could even make her future husband a gift to show her friendship towards him.
"You may do whatever you like. I'll show you the library tomorrow." Lucian made note of her excitement. He wanted her to be happy. He would give her anything she would like. Anything to keep her preoccupied while he was gone at war. His dragon was the only reason he was able to return home periodically. Most of his soldiers didn't get that pleasure. There were only a small few dragon riders among his battalion and they themselves did not get to leave. it wouldn't be fair to the thousands of others under his command.
He pat her hand softly, a major contrast to the callouses on his hands. "You are welcome to do whatever you wish, here. If anyone has a problem with anything you do, they are more than welcome to talk to me."
He led her down to the fountain. He released her arm and sat on a bench, legs spread, and watched her.
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She felt her smile widened every time he spoke to her, not because it was him speaking but because of what he was speaking too her that brought her great joy.
She let out a little happy squeal as she danced around the small clearing that held the fountain they had stopped at.
She couldn't help but want to look at every little thing, stopping to smell some flowers, as well as talking to some of the birds that flew past.
She just seemed to be enjoying herself very much, unfortunately though when she was making her way around the fountain she slipped, and fell into the fountain.
Lucian watched her. He had not a smile nor a frown on his face. He was neutral, calm, at peace. While he preferred the battlefield, it was nice not having to worry about someone stabbing him or trying to take off his head.
A small laugh tore threw his throat when she fell in the water, though he did his best to suppress it with a cough. He stood from his seat on the bench and made his way to the fountain where she had fallen in.
There was an amused twinkle in his eye as he held out his hand for her. "Are you alright, my lady?"
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She was soaking wet, she let out a sigh. As she moved to pull herself up when she saw him leaning over her with a spark of amusement in his eyes.
She took his hand with a smile towards him, using it to pull herself up and out of the fountain without slipping again. She stumbled a little on the way out though and fell against him, her eyes widening as she did so.
"U-um- my apologies Lucian-" she spoke, her voice wavering a bit with her embarrassment from having fallen again and on top of him.
Lucian grabbed her, steadying her as she fell into him. He righted her before pulling his hands away from her. She had gotten parts of his shirt and breeches wet. It didn't bother him. He would bathe and dress in finer clothes for their wedding later that evening. "No worries, my lady. Let's get you inside and out of these wet clothes."
They also needed to talk and he hoped he could do that with as few ears listening as possible. The gardens were not ideal for that conversation. Too many staff coming and going, each one with their own loyalties to royal families and councilmen. He didn't care for anyone in his business.
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She felt her face blush red as she looked up at him, though when she stood up she shook her head.
"Oh-! oh my gosh- I got your clothes wet! I'm so sorry."
she walked alongside him towards the castle doors, ringing out her hair as much as she could.
she let out a soft sigh, she let out a shiver at the draftiness of the castle as they walked inside.
she just let the walk go in silence until he decided to say something, not knowing what to say herself.
"It's alright," Lucian said in attempt to soothe her worries. Wet clothes were the least of his worries.
He placed a gentle hand on her back to make sure she wouldn't slip going up the stairs. He stopped in front of her door and opened it, holding it for her to step through.
"Do you mind if I come in so we can speak? I won't keep you long." He said, turning to look at the staff hanging out about, his silent command sent them scurrying away.
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"Are you sure..?" She looked up at him when he spoke to her trying to reassure her, his gentle hand on her back made her stop questioning if he was sure or not.
She was thankful that it was there so she didn't slip when going on the stairs.
"Hm? Oh its no problem of course." She nodded to him with a soft smile, noticing how they servants seem to scurry off.
"What Is it you need to talk about?"
She walked into the room as he was holding the door open for her, which was very kind of him.
Lucian walked into the room and shut the door behind him. He kept a distance away from Ruby. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable. "We are expected to consumate our marriage. I understand if you do not want to right away, but it is expected to be done by the end of the week before I leave. I wanted to make sure you're okay with that."
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Her eyes widened when she heard what he said, it hadn't really occurred to her that they would seriously be expected to produce heirs to the throne as soon as possible.
"Wait, your leaving? Will you not be back?" She frowned as she looked at him, hands held together a bit tensely.
"I will return back to the front. It is where I am needed most." Lycian clasped his hands behind his back. "You will have the castle to yourself most days. With attendants and such. But I will not be here often."
He watched her, curious for her reactions. "And if I die at war, I promise you will still be taken care of. An account will be opened in your name and enough money for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life."
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"Oh..please be safe out there.." She frowned at Lucian, showing concern in her eyes. Along with worry for him.
She dare not think about how lonely she might end up being while he was gone..or how he might get hurt.
"Alright…though I would rather you come home safely then any money you could give me. Though I very much appreciate it."
"I thought you would prefer to be left alone, my lady. I can't imagine you want to me married to me." Lucian tilted his head slightly as he observed her. He wasn't expecting this.
"I will send word as often as I am able to updating you on my welfare. I visit when I can but…it's better I don't leave camp too often."