Realistic or Modern Royal Metanoia {Closed}

[Rainelle]

Fern smiled as Ewan voiced his thoughts. He seemed much happier now than when they had first met, and she was pleased to think it might have been in part due to her influence. He praised her again for her performance, and she gave him a large grin in return.

"Thank you, Ewan, I can't tell you how much that means to me to hear you say that." They settled down and enjoyed the rest of their meal under the stars, talking about everything and nothing at all. The couple was out quite late, it was almost midnight before they returned to the castle. Ewan, ever the gentleman, escorted Fern back to her rooms. He held her hand tightly all the way, as if she would vanish should he let go. Once they stood outside the doors, Fern turned to him and smiled. "Thank you for today, Ewan. It was absolutely wonderful. Spending time with you like that, where we can just exist together makes all of the lessons and chaos worth it." She stood on her tip toes and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. Pulling away, she said "Goodnight, Ewan. Sweet dreams, and sleep well." He bid her goodnight too, and she entered her rooms to sleep.

Over the next few weeks, Fern was called back to the company several times to dance again. She saw Theodore almost every time, and he was always his friendly, cheerful self. Though he could sometimes be to flirtatious, Fern was grateful to have someone who didn't seem to resent her mere presence there. Finally the official cast list was released, and Fern tore open the envelope with great excitement. Upon seeing the list her eyes went wide, and she ran to find Ewan. He was in a meeting room with a publicist, and she burst through the doors, stumbling slightly. Panting, she looked up at her fiance with tears in her eyes as she held the paper out to him.

"Ewan... I-I got Odette!"

 

[BoneBrain]

For Ewan the time spent with Fern always seemed to go too fast. What with her duties and his, he found himself in long tedious meetings about amendments to bills and funding options for all the royals charities. Sophie had quite the talent in avoiding most of those meetings so it was a surprise to find her sitting across the table from him; looking just as bored as he. The speaker droned on about the correct verbiage to the recently named Core bill. A bill that had been carefully crafted to ensure all opportunities were provided to ensure gifts nourished. Across from him Sophie was doodling on the corner of her page.

Thankfully the meeting ended and the crowd dispersed, however Sophie seemed to linger. Her eyes landed meaningfully on his and the two waited for the room to empty.

"Trouble in paradise Ewan?" Sophie asked casually.

"Sorry?" Ewan frowned at his sister, his brows quirking down in confusion. His eyes narrowed as Sophie pulled a glossy magazine cover from the stack of papers piled in front of her. She slid it across the table and he caught it. With a twirl of his fingers Ewan righted the page and read the title text. "FUTURE PRINCESS ALREADY STRAYING?" With smaller letters underneath alluding to a potential new lover. The picture was a close up of Fern as she was exiting the theatre and heading for her limo.

"I hear she's quite cozy with a fellow dancer." Sophie said examining her nails. "Such a shame."

Ewan knew better of course, Fern was not that sort of person. Even so he couldn't stop the rise of temper, to think of Fern with another was more devastating than he could imagine. The large window that stood at the end of the table held in frame a large tree. It's branches seemed to shudder and a number of the leaves fell from its branches. With a chuckle Sophie collected her things and left him alone with his thoughts. Using deep breaths Ewan forced himself to his feet and looked once more the clipping.

"Ah you've seen it then?" A voice came from behind him startled Ewan out of his thoughts.

"Ah yes." Ewan said to his publicist. "It's not true." He said, his voice strong again.

"I've set up meeting room three to discuss it with you there." The man said gesturing him out of the room and down a hall to yet another room. This one smaller and for more personal discussions. The two were only a few minutes in when Fern seemed to explode into the room bringing sparks of pure joy with her. Her exclamation had him leaping out of his chair and to her, and because it felt right Ewan wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight to him. She was on her toes and he was laughing out in joy for her.

"Seriously! Oh Fern!" Ewan just barely registered the motion of the publicist as he made a sneaky exit from the room and closed the door with a small click behind him. He held her for a long while, his volume entirely too loud for their proximity as he congratulated her. Finally wishing to see her face Ewan lifted his arms from her waist and touched them to her face as he grinned at her like a fool. She was glowing with delight and perhaps a bit dazed at both her news and his reactions. Unable to help himself he lowered down and touched his lips to hers for the briefest of moments. Fern had always been so free with her kisses of him, it felt so right to do the same for her now.

 

[Rainelle]

Fern was bursting with emotion, and let it carry into her response to Ewan's gentle, unexpected kiss. She held his face tightly between her hands and kissed him back with fervor. After a moment, she came back to herself, and pulled away from him, laughing in disbelief. Fern looked up at him, beaming.

"I believe that was our first kiss, your highness. And what a wonderful one, too! Thank you!" Ewan hugged her tightly to him, looking dazed. She returned the embrace before pulling away completely and straightening her clothes. She helped Ewan do the same, before sitting down at the table with him. "I'm so sorry, Ewan, I didn't mean to interrupt your meeting. I was just so excited!" Fern averted her eyes with a sheepish laugh, before looking back at the letter. The rest of the cast was as she had expected, most of the seasoned dancers in main roles and the up and coming newbies as understudies. Theo was the understudy for the prince, actually. "Looks like I won't be dancing with Theodore as he'd hoped." She remarked, showing Ewan the page. "I'll only see him at practice, and we won't be dancing together unless something happens to Lord Eduardo." Fern took Ewan's hand and looked into his face with a serious expression.

"Ewan, I promise I won't let this get in the way of my duties. I'll excel at all my lessons, come to meetings when I'm summoned and stand with you at press conferences. When the show is over I won't need to dance ever again, if I have to. I'll even drop the show if it becomes too much. I know I'm babbling, what I'm trying to say is that you are still my priority. You always will be, alright?"

 

[BoneBrain]

The spark of their lips touching had ignited Fern in his arms and Ewan was helpless at the change of the kiss. Their mouths excitedly meeting in new ways, such surprising ways. The kiss ended far too quickly for Ewan to put a name to the feeling within him and so when Fern pulled from him her joy at this moment and her future left him rather speechless. He was content to let her straighten up his appearance if once again that meant she was touching him. Once they were seated Ewan looked over the cast list and felt the the glee within him turn a little petty at the placement of Theodore.

"You won't ever have to leave dancing Fern." Ewan told her seriously. "I would never take that from you." Wanting to feel her once again Ewan reached over and clasped her hand in his large one. "Your dancing and your passions are my top priority." He said turning her words back on him. "I cannot ask you to be queen if that means taking that away from you." He leaned in a little to whisper since these next words felt a bit like a secret. "But thank you, the fact that you offered means more than you could know. Your kind heart doesn't seem to have an end does it?" He leaned back after and looked around the room, remembering why he had been there initially. It brought him hope that Fern would not been seen with Theodore as much, perhaps her news would ease the ever present press and their speculations; for now he would let it be. Ewan, not wishing to be a rain cloud on her sunny day would keep the news to himself for now.

"I've heard there has been some great progress on your wedding dress from mother. I'm looking forward to seeing you walking down the aisle." He told her and flushed a little when his filter clicked into place after his words already been spoken.

 

[Rainelle]

Fern smiled as Ewan blushed at his own words, and squeezed his hand gently.

"As I am looking forward to seeing you at the end of it." She teased. "Yes, the dress is coming along quite nicely. Though it's not really my taste, it should be the perfect royal wedding gown. Tomorrow Sophie and I are going to see the tailor for her dress--it's quite a pretty color a nice muted maroon. I think it'll bring out her hair wonderfully." They talked for a while more, before parting again to their various affairs. It was almost a week before they saw each other again, where they met in a meeting room to try cake samples.

Fern embraced him tightly, and Ewan returned the favor. He then pulled out her chair for her. She sat and surveyed the massive array of cakes, toppers and frostings before them. "It's all a little daunting isn't it?" She whispered. Ewan gave her a small nod of agreement. The baker began to speak, looking excited.

"Your highness, my lady, I have naught but the best for you today. All our options are nut free, and the left section is gluten free as well. If need be I can make a vegan option. All our icing is homemade buttercream, and can be dyed any color you'd like. I've been given the color pallet here, is this correct?" He held out the page for them, at it was full of deep romantic reds, golds and creams. Fern nodded and he smiled, then continued. "I've also been in touch with the maker of the toppers, please let us know which pose you like best. We'll have it made to your proportions and painted the correct colors."

Fern looked over the figures thoughtfully, and though there were many she liked, she couldn't find one that stood out to her. She took the plate of strawberry cake and gently scooped off a small piece. The cake was fluffy and not too sweet, obviously made with real strawberries. She scooped off another bite and held the fork out to Ewan, looking at him expectantly. "What do you think, Ewan? Any toppers to your liking so far?"

 

[BoneBrain]

Ewan found himself surrounded by all sorts of bright happy colours and smells, and it occurred to him that he had never considered the intricacies of baking. Truly he found it a little overwhelming but now it made sense to him why they had needed to carve out most of the afternoon for this endeavor. When Fern offered him a taste of a lovely strawberry cake Ewan was more than happy to oblige. As he chewed he considered the question and looked over the array of small figures. They were your typical nondescript figures, just plain enough for the viewer to imagine themselves in their place. Reaching out Ewan began to pull his favourites forward.

He settled on two options, the first being a couple caught in time, the man lifting the woman in a tight hug; her legs lifted. Ewan could easily see the both of them in such a pose and the thought made him happy. The second he was certain would be vetoed by everyone else in attendance but it made him laugh. It was a rather shaggy dog with a bow tie and a sleek cat wearing a veil. He chuckled at the little set and accepted another bite of cake from Fern.

"Oh lemon." He said happily. "One of my favourites. I had some pretty good luck with a lemon tree last year in the greenhouse." He added in an afterthought. "What are your thoughts?" Ewan asked turning to his fiancé. From behind them Ewan heard a low unconcerned humming, and in front of them the baker who had been at ease with the couple straightened and then dipped into a low bow.

"Your majesty." The baker whispered most reverently.

"Dad." Ewan stood and turned to find his father in a bathrobe and a single slipper. "What are you doing down here?"

"Ah hello" Archie said pleasantly, his eyes moved past his son and landed on the array of cakes and his eyes widened. "Well this is certainly a pleasant place to stumble upon." Archie said eagerly rubbing his hands together. "Hello dear, no no, don't stand." Archie said to Fern as he went and took the seat next to her. "What sort of goodies have we got today?"

 

[Rainelle]

Fern smiled as Ewan picked out his topper choices and spoke idly. He was truly adorable. Before she could answer, the king appeared before them, a little under-dressed but delighted at the scene before him. He sat beside her and Fern quickly prepared him a plate of sweets.

"Thank you for joining us, your majesty." She said "It's a wonderful surprise to have you here. We're sampling wedding cakes and deciding on flavor, style and decorations." Archie nodded his head as he chewed slowly, enjoying the cake. Fern looked back to Ewan and smiled. "Lemon is a great flavor, your highness. It should be great for our spring wedding, it will give a light and happy feel to the event." She fingered the animal cake topper with a quiet laugh. "This is so cute! Though I must admit, this one is my favorite." She pulled out a topper of a couple dancing, the man dipping the woman and looking into her eyes. Her dress cascaded down the side of the top, and would touch the icing of the cake. "Maybe if we could get his hand to touch her face, here..." She gave him a bright look. It would be the same pose as the pictures of their first dance at the debut. "What do you think?"

Before Ewan could respond, Archie spoke.

"You know, our wedding cake was double German chocolate, and had pink frosting. It's your mother's favorite color, you know." He smiled to himself. "She looked like an angel on that day." Fern couldn't help the tears that pricked in her eyes at his words. He was so obviously full of love, and so painfully lost in the past. It was sad to see him lose himself so quietly. Fern reached over and took Ewan's hand, squeezing it.

"I only hope I can look half as beautiful for our wedding, your majesty."

"Oh, I'm sure you will, dear." He responded absently, continuing to eat

 

[BoneBrain]

In the recent years Queen Sara had trained Ewan to shut down most situations his father walked into while he was having one of his spells. She did not want the public knowing quite yet and she could not bear the people thinking their husband weak. It had been an automatic response to cringe and feel embarrassed however Ewan took pause and watched as the baker and Fern did not look upon Archie with judgement. Instead Archie was quickly offered a plate of sweets by Fern and the baker turned to assemble another little tasting platter for the King.

It was a sweet moment that had Ewan taking a position behind his fathers chair and watching as his father spoke fondly of his own wedding. There was a warmth in his chest that Ewan did not recognize and when Ferns hand reached out to his, Ewan's breath caught for a moment. Would Fern and he be so fond of one another as they both grew grey with age?

"You absolutely will." Ewan said, not a doubt in his mind. He wondered if seeing her that way would take his breath away again. With a contemplative look Ewan reached down and grabbed the wedding topper Fern had been admiring. He held it up to his face and smiled warmly at the memory of their first dance. "It's perfect." Ewan said agreeing with Fern. "Exactly as you described it with the hand." With the hand still holding Ferns, Ewan gave it a friendly squeeze.

"Wonderful. I'll make sure that is added to the notes." The baker said happily as he set down another tray, which Archie immediately reached for. The baker smiled warmly at his king and pulled out a small tablet to begin taking notes. "And if you've decided on lemon I can move forward on that as well. Only thing lets if to ask the both of you to send me some inspiration photos for the frosting decor and I shall draw up some plans for approval for the end of the week."

"Excellent. Thank you."

"Wonderful. I'll leave you with these cakes then. Please enjoy." The baker gave them a deep bow before departing the room. The three of them were alone for a couple of moments before a haggard looking maid entered the room, letting out a sigh of relief when she spotted the king.

"I turn my head away for one moment..." She muttered, before she remembered her manners and paused to bow to the royalty before her. "Apologies. Your Highness its time for your medication." The maid moved forward then and took in the state of Archie. "Where on earth has your slipper gone?"

Archie looked down at his foot and let out a murmur of surprise, "Heavens, I haven't a clue."

"Shall we go and find it?" The maid asked, helping the king to his feet. Archie snagged himself another few bites and then waved wearily to Fern and Ewan before he was ushered down the hall and to his medication.

The silence in the room was thick for a moment as Ewan took the seat next to Fern and looked at her. "One thing down on the wedding checklist. A million more to go." He said with a low chuckle. Ewan caught Fern's smile and his brain halted for a moment, the filters he had been so carefully trained to keep up, fell. "I've been thinking about kissing you again." Ewan blurted, unable to keep his thoughts to himself any longer.

 

[Rainelle]

Fern chuckled quietly as the exasperated maid gently lead the king away. Silence settled over them as the room emptied. Ewan spoke and Fern looked over to him in surprise. Such a bold declaration from him was quite out of character. Fern flushed deep scarlet, laughing a little.

"Your highness, are you quite sure you aren't trying to seduce me?" She fanned her face dramatically, leaning back in her chair and holding a hand over her heart, which was racing just slightly. "You know very well we can't bed together until the night of the wedding." Ewan's mouth gaped slightly as he looked at her in shock, his face turning redder by the moment as her words sunk in. He covered his face with his hands and sunk into the chair next to her, muttering incoherent apologies. Fern laughed again, before leaning over and gently taking his hands in hers.

"I'm teasing you, Ewan...mostly." She smiled "Honestly, I've been thinking of our kiss a lot, too. It was wonderful. And much better than my first, you know." She leaned back as he straightened up. "But is that something you, want, Ewan? Romance isn't something you've thought about before, is it? If so, what's changed? I'm happy to try anything with you, but it needs to be something you want without a doubt. Romantic relationships are hard and complicated, more so than friendships are."

Fern could admit to herself that there had been moments where she'd thought of him as something more. But she'd always been quick to shove them aside because of their friendship. But with his inexperience in relationships in general, she wanted to be cautious. Changing the nature of what they were could end terribly--or wonderfully. Fern wasn't sure if Ewan knew exactly the things that would understand the nuances of a relationship like that. She didn't want him to get hurt.

 

[BoneBrain]

Fern's questions were fair and her reasoning even more so. Ewan let his hands drop free from his face and considered her questions. It was important for them to have this conversation, and he wanted to do it justice by being as honest as he could, and so with bright red ears and nose he let his thoughts free.

"It was better than my first kiss as well." Ewan told her. "I felt so much more than I could have ever thought possible. As these weeks pass and our wedding draws nearer I'm finding myself contemplating the future and considering the expectations upon us. I know its expected for the two of us to... as you put it, bed." Ewan's hands tightened a little in on themselves, and his breath came out a little shorter at the notion. "It is expected for us to cultivate the next generation of royalty however we see fit. This and more has definitely been on my mind these days. If I'm being completely honest Fern, being with you like that, it's a thought that's come up more often than not lately."

Ewan barreled on, his thoughts now words flowing freely. As always Fern was a comfort to him, a safe space where he could be himself and drop the façade of years of training. "Being with you these past months has shown me a side of myself that had been a mystery. Something has clicked within me and I think it was because of our time together. I don't wish to continue with these thoughts and impulses however if you find it at all unappealing. I know you said you were willing to try with me, but I would not wish to force you into anything that put us at risk." Reaching out Ewan left his hand out for Fern to place hers in if she chose.

"You are my friend, and my future wife. If this is where we need to remain say the word and I shall never speak of this again."

 

[Rainelle]

Fern listened patiently as Ewan articulated his thoughts to her. It was so obvious that what he was saying was true--these thoughts and feelings he was having were foreign to him. He was bright red at the notion, and didn't meet her eyes, embarrassed. But his resolve was clear at his last words, and she knew that if she asked, he would indeed never speak a word. He reached out his hand and Fern took it, standing up. A bold impulse took over her then, and she decided to act on it. Leading him over to a couch in the corner. Gently, she used her hands to push at his chest until he was sitting on the couch. Fern then straddled him, a fire red blush alight on her cheeks. Tracing his jawline with her eyes, she placed her hands on his shoulders.

"Ewan, I can honestly say I'm shocked that you've thought of me like that. I never expected you to--or anyone else for that matter." She gave a short laugh. "I know that I'm pretty, but I never considered myself to be alluring...or sexy. But I told you I was thinking about it, too, didn't I? Really, I've always had a bit of a crush on you, even before. But I was scared of ruining our friendship. Now that we are to be married, if you're willing to do it with me I'll take that jump into the unknown with you." She leaned forward and pressed another kiss to his lips. It was lighter than their last one, almost tentative.

Fern was waiting for him to decide his next move. She was terrified on the inside, her heart pounding in her chest as she moved her lips over his. Waiting for him to react seemed to take a small eternity.

 

[BoneBrain]

She drew him up and Ewan followed, trusting her implicitly, he could see a spark of something in her eyes that intrigued him. When she turned him to face her he expected her to speak, instead her hands pushed him back. Following her direction he felt the backs of his legs hit the plush sofa and he continued his momentum down until he was seated. His brain just about exploded with Ferns next actions as her thighs came down to rest on either side of his as she settled on top of him. By the gods- His thoughts went as ragged as his breathing. With a simple motion Fern had him feeling like he was part way done climbing a mountain.

Ewan felt his hands fisting into the plush linen of the couch as Fern boldly took the next step into the unknown with him, her voice soft and husky; it sent shivers down his back and to the spot where she rested on his legs. His vision grew blurry and darker as she moved closer then. There was a moment where he watched as her eyes slid closed and he thought he had never seen anything more beautiful in his life. He felt the brush of her lips against his, and his eyes closed as well. She was tentative and the kiss was nothing like their first had been.

More, give me more.

The voice in his head raged against the tenderness that Fern displayed. It took him a moment to dethatch his hands from the couch he had been clinging to so tightly. With a shaking hand he touched both hands to the side of her face, his fingers hooking around to the back of her neck, tilting her neck back as the passion that wished to desperately to break free within him got its wish.

I want everything.

his mouth met hers now, responding and moving over the sweet softness that was Fern. The two made small noises of pleasure as the kiss deepened and turned into everything Ewan had ever wanted. By the time they pulled apart their lips were swollen with the intensity of it all. Their breath's ragged like they had been unable to catch a full breath for the long minutes they had been entwined.

"That was..." Ewan's voice came out more gruff than he had ever heard it, his words starting on a low growl. He found he did not have the words and instead offered Fern a wolfish grin.

 

[Rainelle]

Fern was pleasantly surprised at Ewan's reaction. He kissed her ferociously, like he'd been waiting for just that moment to take her into him. He was actually quite good, too. For a long while they simply got lost in each other, exploring the new territory that had entered together. Finally, they pulled apart and Ewan's voice met her ears in a deep growl that sent shivers down her spine. He gave her a wicked grin, and Fern's heart simply couldn't calm down.

She removed herself from his lap, sitting beside him, still shaky with adrenaline. Taking a gulp of air, she met his eyes and gave a smile.

"That was...incredible." She agreed, her face still scarlet. Suddenly wildly embarrassed at her own actions, Fern buried her face into her hands. "I can't believe that just happened! Oh, goodness, what has come over me?" She took one hand and gently pushed at Ewan's chest. "It's all your fault, Ewan! With all that terrible, subtle seducing you do. It's not fair at all!" Before he could respond, there was a knock at the door and a maid let herself in. She curtsied and informed them that it was time for Fern to be returning to her lessons. The couple stood and hugged, and as she pulled away Fern spoke. "Come by my rooms tonight after dinner your highness, and we can finish our discussion then. Alright?" Ewan gave her a nod, and they parted again. Fern was desperately trying to compose herself as she walked, hoping no one would catch on to what had occurred.

After her lessons and dinner alone in her rooms, Fern was itching to expel some energy. She put on workout clothes and warmed up a while, before practicing the choreography for Swan Lake's opening dance. Her mind was working furiously over the afternoon's unexpected turn of events. Did Ewan really mean it? That he wished to be with her romantically? The prince was hardly one to tell a lie, but the change over him was so sudden she couldn't help but wonder.

 

[BoneBrain]

She had completely obliterated every sense he held within him. He was grateful for Fern's ability to recollect herself at the arrival of the maid, her voice had been soft and breathy she she had invited him to her room later that evening. He held onto the feel of her and the memory of their kiss throughout the rest of the day. There were meetings and delegates that blurred together in his mind. His mother was a rock through it all, as usual. The king and queen were preparing for a weekend trip to visit a few of the more southern parts of the country. There was a ribbon to be cut, a gala and a number of other important meetings.

Sara snapped out orders as several maids presented clothing items for her to either wish to pack for the trip or not. Ewan watched amazed as his mother put together a rather lovely wardrobe as she scanned over some documents.

"Ewan, you and Fern are prepared for the gatherings this weekend? I've left you both some notes on the events and the people its best you visit with. I'm depending on you to secure the votes of Mr. Dillbery and Lady Scott, its imperative we have their support in parliament."

"Yes mother. Fern and I are well aware of our duties." Ewan said, his tone dull.

"Excellent... Don't I have that in a sage green?" Sara turned her attention to a pencil skirt being held up. "Pack the sage if I do. Ewan dear, I think that's all. Your notes are on my desk there." Sara said dismissing her son. Ewan knew better than to say anything more and went to collect the folders for himself and Fern. With a smile he knew it was about time that he visit her in her rooms. With one hand holding the folders the other reached up to linger gently over the spot she had kissed him. He walked dreamily through the halls and finally to the room of his future wife. He knocked and awaited her.

 

[Rainelle]

Fern quickly stopped her practice at the gentle knock on the door. Suddenly, her heart was beating faster and she was nervous bout seeing him again. Had she been too brash before? Would he be thinking her actions strange? Fern was also now embarrassed of her workout clothes, nervous of her own body as she had not been before with him. She opened the door and Ewan came through, holding a stack of files and with a look upon his face she had never seen. Not being able to read him as she had before further unnerved her. She lead him over to a sitting area and gestured for him to become comfortable. He did so, and looked at the spot next to himself expectantly. Fern sat beside him, her emotions a tangled mess within herself.

"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable earlier." She blurted out, before covering her mouth and blushing wildly. After composing herself somewhat, she sighed and rubbed her hand along the back of her neck. "I'm sorry, Ewan. I'm just so nervous around you now, I hardly know what to do with myself." Ewan looked worried, and she continued before he could interrupt "It's not your fault! It's normal to feel nervous around someone you're attracted to. I'm just not used to being like this with you. It's new and that's a bit confusing for me." She kept her eyes on her shoes as she fiddled with the towel in her hands. "I'm sorry, I'm just dumping all this on you, aren't I? That's hardly fair. Was your day alright? Did you do anything fun?"

 

[BoneBrain]

The dreamy haze quickly filtered away at the look on Fern's face. With quiet eyes and a gentle gait he followed her to the sitting area and moved to the seat she gestured for him to take. He moved as if he were afraid to break the very air he walked through. With tense muscles and hands gripped tightly to the notes Sara had left for them he watched as a crest of emotions moved over Fern, he could almost feel the tension coming off of her like heat waves. Words tumbled out of her and he found his fears that he had hurt or or done something wrong slip away, perhaps he didn't quite understand her nerves but he would do his best to put them at ease.

"Shh Fern." Gently Ewan raised his hand and placed it over her two ebony hands that held the towel tightly. "Don't apologize for sharing that with me. Thank you, in fact for telling me. Our kiss earlier..." He trailed off, his flush rising a little but he found he could no longer hold the dignified shame he had been taught to have for his more primal desires. It seemed the beast in him was quite eager to overpower any social rules; Ewan had to admit, he liked the feeling. He felt so free around Fern and it felt like he had only just begun to unlock what could be.

"Our kiss," Ewan began again. "It made me feel so much more than you could possibly know, I felt power, longing, and I knew I liked it. Uncomfortable was not one of the feelings I felt earlier or at any part after today. I am sorry if I was overwhelming. I did not intend to make you nervous." Ewan set the papers on the table and returned to smoothing his hands over Ferns. "It's new for me as well, feeling this way, perhaps I got caught up in the exploration and failed to check in with you." One hand lifted to brush through the silky curls near the base of her neck. Ewan winced a little as one finger got caught in a curl and he tugged it lightly in an effort to free his finger.

"Sorry." He murmured wincing.

 

[Rainelle]

Fern felt herself relax at Ewan's words--she was relieved that he hadn't thought her too bold before. She gave a small noise as his finger got caught in her kinks. Fern lifted her hands and gently stopped his tugging, working his finger free with her own. She gave him a soft smile, before gingerly placing his large hand against the side of her neck. His spindly thumb caressed her cheek gently as he looked into her eyes. The intensity of his stare made her blush heavily.

"I'm so happy to hear that you liked the kiss, Ewan. I think I'm just worried." She looked away sheepishly "I told you before, I've always had a bit of a crush on you. Had thoughts that you don't have about friends. I was so afraid of ruining our relationship--not to mention the difference in status. Having you want me--really want me like you say you do..." Fern have a helpless little shrug "I don't know. It's hard to believe. Not--not that I don't believe you!!" She said quickly, looking back into his eyes earnestly "It's just hard for me to process. I never expected to have someone feel that way about me, you know?" She felt foolish again, and looked down at her hands and fiddled nervously, her feet moving to a rhythm she couldn't hear. "I'm rambling again, I know, I'm sorry."

 

[BoneBrain]

Ewan found himself struggling a little to keep up with Fern as she laid out her feelings on the table, it caught him completely off guard that Fern would even think that she had not expected anyone else to feel attraction to her. But as she had said, this was hard for her to process and Ewan nodded slowly, knowing he would likely spend the night doing his best to put himself in Fern's shoes and understand her side of the story.

"I think from what I understand of relationships, we did skip a step or two on our journey here." Ewan joked, his elbow moving out to nudge her lightly. "It's been a whirlwind of events and faces. We've barely had time to do the things that come before the wedding. It's been one thing after the other and I am fully aware you have not been courted and shown affection the way that you deserve. Not nearly enough, especially with your kind heart choosing me." Ewan found Fern's gaze again as she lifted her head to look up at him. "There are so many reasons for me to want you, and I will do what I can to show you them all."

Standing abruptly Ewan noticed the movement of Fern's feet, as she leaned into dance to soothe her worries. He offered his hand to her and pulled her up to her feet. Towering over her Ewan stepped closer, like a dance partner might and directed Fern's hands with his own. They took up a starting position for the Gammeldans, an old traditional dance of the courts and began to move as one. In this moment Ewan was most grateful for the training and lessons his mother had forced him through. While Fern could certainly dance him under the table, he was at least an adequate partner.

"I saw this in one of those cheesy rom coms my sister likes." He told her as the sailed around the couch and down the hall.

***

The leaving of Sara and Archie off on their talks and events left the castle feeling rather empty. Sara ruled the palace with quite the iron fist, always eager to have events and talks. With all the parties being held in other locations for the next while the castle felt far more relaxed than usual. Ewan and Fern had decided to take breakfast in one of the sunrooms looking over the greenhouse. The morning light beams refracted off the glass and sent little sun spots around the room as they ate their pancakes. Sophie had chosen not to join the couple, deciding instead for later nights out with her man of the hour, thus this early morning was better suited for sleeping.

Soft music played from Ewan's phone as he listened intently to a song that Fern had just recommended to him, when the door burst open and a flurry of people rushed into the breakfast room. Ewan flinched in surprise as the number of people grew from three to about eight in a matter of moments. The bright sun beams caught the glint of sliver and Ewan felt his eyes landed on a number of drawn weapons.

"Sir, Ma'am, we need you to come with us now." A voice barked at him and Ewan recognized Leo, the head of security. "Now!" Leo barked when Fern and Ewan did not immediately did not jump into action. Ewan and Fern both locked eyes before jumping to their feet and feeling the press as a number of men surrounded them, herding them out the door and down the hall at a brisk pace. "Heading to the safehouse now." Leo snapped into a device pinned to his chest. Fear trickled through Ewan and he found himself reaching out and clasping Fern's hand tightly, unwilling to let her go.

"The princess is on her way as well." A voice crackled back at him. The men around them seemed to pick up their pace until they reached one of the garages. There was a pause as two men moved forward to clear the area. When it was deemed safe the group moved once again until they reached a large SUV.

 

[Rainelle]

The couple was roughly shoved into the SUV, the men around them piling in after and they took off as soon as they were able. They were joined by two other black vehicles, and the convoy sped down the kingdom's streets. Aside from the intermittent chatter on the radios, the car was eerily silent. Fern and Ewan were still clutching each other's hands tightly, their thighs pressed together on the seat.

Fern moved even closer to Ewan, wrapping both her arms around his. She gave him a silent, scared look and did her best to smile for him. It came out more like a grimace. Ewan reached over with his free hand and covered hers, squeezing gently. He also looked pale and shaken. They rode for almost an hour in the smothering silence, until they reached a dilapidated looking house nestled in the woods outside of the capital. Two men disembarked from the car to clear the area, and once they finished were the couple allowed to step from the vehicle. Sophie emerged from one of the other cars, and came over to them quickly. She was in only a robe and nightgown, her hair disheveled and her makeup slightly smudged from sleep.

They three were lead into the house--which was much nicer on the inside, and prompted to sit in the living room. One of the guards handed Sophie a duffel bag.

"Fresh close, your highness. The bathroom is down the hall to the right." She remained rooted to her seat, looking from them to her bother with terrified eyes.

"What's going on?" Fern asked, her voice shaking slightly. Her hand was linked with Ewan's again, and squeezing tightly.

 

[BoneBrain]

Ewan could feel the gaze of Sophie boring into him, and he found it more than overwhelming when their eyes met for the briefest of moments. Unable to keep up the eye contact or offer an reassurance Ewan turned his focus to Leo as Fern asked her question. The look on the head of securities face had Sophie next breath exiting her lungs in a loud gurgle.

"Leo-" Sophie's words caught in her throat and she fell silent as Leo sank down onto an ottoman in front of them.

"It's..."

"Go on Leo." Ewan encouraged as his and squeezed Fern's back. He could feel her shaking and everything in him wanted to soothe away the fears.

"There's been an attack." Leo finally managed to get out, his voice weak with the weight of his announcement. "Your parents-" His voice cut off and Ewan recognized the effort it took for the man to contain the emotion welling up within him, until it clicked with him that Leo was speaking about his mother and father. The world air around him seemed to ring and he could only barely make out the words explosion, car...

Dead.

Not even Sophie's shriek could bring him back. His mind whirred, replaying the final moment he had seen Sara. He hadn't even told her that he loved her. His hand grew limp in Fern's and he barely flinched as Sophie jumped to her feet and hurled the bag she had been given towards Leo. Leo let the bag hit him in the shoulder and looked at Sophie with dark eyes as she lifted a photo frame off a near by table and hurled it at the wall, the sound of shattering glass filling the air for a brief moment.

 

[Rainelle]

As the siblings spiraled, Fern felt herself focus. As much as she wanted to break down, it was obvious neither of the royals was capable of a rational thought at the moment. She stood, and activated her ability before going over to Sophie.

"Princess..." She said quietly, as the woman sobbed and raged. Fern captured her into an almost suffocating hug, letting the princess hit, kick and scratch as much as she pleased, her howls almost deafening. "I'm so sorry princess." She murmured "You don't deserve this heartbreak. Take all the time you need." Fern continued to murmur soft words, clutching the other woman tightly. Finally, after almost an hour, Sophie was weak in her arms from exhaustion. Holding her up, Fern looked back to Leo. "Have someone help her into the shower and get her to a bed. Let me know as soon as she wakes up." He didn't even need to signal before a female guard came and took the princess from her. "Ready the prince's room as well."

She came and sat beside Ewan again. He was still, his eyes glazed over, unseeing. She put one arm around him and gently tucked the top of his head into the crook of her neck, her arm falling to his waist. She took his other hand in her free one and held him against her. She didn't even think he was aware of the tears that were cascading from his eyes. Fern spent another hour just holding him, humming softly as he sat in her arms in shock. Finally, she lead him to his room and tucked him in to the bed with a kiss he didn't acknowledge. Fern came back out, looking and feeling more haggard than she had in a long time. Fern took deep breath and pressed her fingers to her temples. When she opened her eyes she sat down on the couch and looked at Leo again. She didn't have nearly enough training to be handling this, but there seemed to be no choice.

"What's the plan, Leo?"

 

[BoneBrain]

The actions and empathy of a leader let the two Negaard children mourn, and Leo found the respect he held for the woman in front of him grow tenfold. The loving soul in front of him had held and comforted a raging bull and once she had finished she had turned to the next shell shocked soul and offered gentle tunes and loving caresses. Leo wasn't even sure Fern noticed the small trickle of blood that leaked down the curve of her eyebrow. Sophie's manicured talons had swiped her more than once, and Fern's dark shin shone brightly with the damage that she had endured.

Leo lifted a hand gesturing that Fern should wait a moment, and then rose to collect a first aid kit from one of the main floor bathrooms. When he returned he pulled the ottoman closer to the couch Fern resided on and proceeded to prepare a small butterfly band-aid for the cut.

"For the moment we are to remain here. Both the Prince and Princess are expected to make a statement, as well as an emergency coronation for your betrothed. The coronation will be planned as soon as we can safely do so. Security is sweeping the castle as we speak, seeking anymore threats to safety." Leo reached up and with a cleaning cloth he gently dabbed away at the blood. When he finished he placed the band-aid securely in place. "A security detail has been sent to your family home and we will be gathering up all the LaRose family for protection until we can be sure of their safety as well." Leo began to put away the first aid kit, grateful that the task had been able to allow him time to steady his hands and collect his thoughts.

"Prepare him Lady LaRose, for the public, for what he must do for this country." Leo looked gravely at the young woman in front of him and wondered at her future. He had just tended to the wounds of his future queen. "I'll update you once I know more." Leo stood then and with a gesture to his fellow security troop the group made its way out the front door, leaving Fern alone with her thoughts and duties.

 

[Rainelle]

Fern gave Leo a weak smile, and looked at him in shock as he tended to her small cut. She hadn't even known she'd been injured that badly. She could feel the bruises, sure, but she had no idea Sophie had actually cut her. Fern listened intently to his explanation, and exhaled a little bit when she heard that her family had been protected. His grave last statement left a weight in her heart, and as they left her alone she finally put her head in her hands to cry.

Once she had finished, Fern returned to Ewan's room. He was still asleep, so she sat down in the plush chair by the window, took off her shoes and folded her legs beneath her. The only thing she'd had on her was her phone, though now she desperately wished for the ballet's script. Something, anything else to focus on but the gaping feeling of dread. She turned on the scare from Sleeping Beauty, softly and listened to it until Ewan stirred in the bed. Fern went over and sat at the bed's foot, giving him a gentle smile as he leaned up on one forearm and blinked blearily.

"Hello there." She said "I hope that you slept okay." Fern knew she must've looked a mess, bruised and scraped from Sophie's assault, drained from her ability and eyes swollen from tears. She placed one hand gently on his leg, mumuring "Please, how can I help? I... I love you, Ewan. I'm so sorry you must go through this terrible pain. Whatever I can do to lift you up now, I will. Name it."

 

[BoneBrain]

Music stirred him from dreams of smoke and withered greenery. It was the kind that reminded him of Fern, and Ewan shifted slightly in his half woken state, a small groan exiting his lips. Lips that were chapped and cracked from the salty tears. He felt the dip of the mattress and lifted himself to blink slowly at Fern. It took a few good moments for his vision to clear and he focused on the woman before him. She rested her hand on his leg and Ewan felt his throat clog at the sight of the bruises and tired eyes."

"Fern..." Ewan sat up, his hands reaching as if to cup her face but retreating at the last moment, shame darkened his eyes. "You're hurt." He stated plainly, unable to find the words and tell her how sorry he was he had not stood and protected her from his sisters rage. He noted the bandaid that crossed near her brow. "You've already given so much Fern." Ewan gave into the urge, even if his mind warred with him that he had lost the right to touch her after his lack of protection; and let his hands drop to the one that rested on him. She wanted to know how to help and that again brought a fresh wave of tears to his eyes.

"I need-" His chin wobbled and the words drowned away as a sob wrecked through his body.

I need this.

Letting actions be words, Ewan reached out and drew Fern into his arms, the two moving to rest back down. He held her like a child might cling to a favourite teddy bear, his arms winding around her as he pulled her tight to his chest. Her back was to his chest and he nestled his head down to the crook of her neck and shoulder. Taking in a deep breath of her Ewan let himself melt, his shoulders relaxing as a few more tears slipped from his eyes.

I just need you.

 

[Rainelle]

Fern understood what he meant almost before he could pull her down into the bed with him. She let him hold her has tight as he needed, even if it hurt a little to breathe. He sobbed and stilled in waves, and once when he relaxed, Fern managed to wiggle around to face him, tucking his head into her shoulder and letting him cry. They stayed like that for a long time, though how long she couldn't tell. Fern could only run her fingers along his back and murmur soft words to him.

Guilt ran through her as a twinge of disappointment plucked at her heart about the show--there was certainly no way she would be in it now. Shoving the thought aside, she focused as best she could on Ewan. Food was brought to the room, and she managed to get him up and eating, even if only a little.

"I... I know it's not my place, Ewan, but if you're alright with it, I'll do what I ca to handle the funeral. So you and Sophie can rest a little. But I won't! Not if you don't want me to." She held onto his hand gently, like he would shatter if she squeezed too hard. Gingerly, Fern leaned over and pressed a kiss to his temple.