The troublemaker

[XoxUnchainedxoX]

"Ah, but how can I not? The little wolf can be tamed after all with the right coaxing." he replied, his becoming deeper at the end. He wanted her to be able to trust him and soon. The more she opened up to him, the more likely he was able to get information out of her of where his parents might be going through in her town and where the pendant was located. Plus it added the extra benefit of knowing Celestia was cared for and protected. Andrian watched her as she savored the wine he had given her then look at the floor when he spoke to her. " Look at me, Cece. I want your attention on me. Your my equal, nothing less than me." He knew and understood that people always believed they were less than his family. They were royal and they were villagers, after all, but without their support they wouldn't have a kingdom. A king cannot rule without followers. He looked around to grab more bread but it all had seemed to have disappeared because the plate was now empty. He looked at her hands and thought about what he should do next.

 

[CrystalTears]

"I- I'm looking!" Celestia said stubbornly barely looking at him with the corner of her eye. She hadn't been treated like this in forever, so she was unsure how to react to it. She looked over to the plate now that it was empty, but her stomach was filled. She was quite happy now that she was fed, but unsure of what was going to happen next. "Can you take these off now?" Celestia asked him pointing out the handcuffs that was still around her wrists. It's not as if they were tight, just uncomfortable. However it wasn't the first time she had been wearing those, and not only that, but there was a couple of items she scouted around the room which could be worth a lot on the black market.

 

[XoxUnchainedxoX]

Andrian smiled as she met his gaze, she still looked uncomfortable and shy but he knew she would need time to become used to staying at the palace. " Good girl. You need to become comfortable here. I'm not letting you out the palace for a while. Even if you try to run, I have guards posted at all the doors and they know to stop you." he responded casually, he didn't want her to see that he was happy that she was staying here with him. If she was here, he would something else to think about besides his parents coming back late from their trip to the neighbouring village. He looked at the handcuffs coming up with an idea. Walking over to Celestia he took the rope he carried in his pocket and tied her to the chair then left the room to go to the guest room, a guard posted at the door. He would set her up in their for the night so she could rest. If she hadn't eaten for a while, how long since she had a decent sleep? He figured its been a very long time. Once in the guest room, he removed anything valuable, pulled and locked the bars on the windows and set up the bathroom next to it so she would have some privacy. Maybe, in the morning she would tell him where the pendant was but he wanted to make sure she was comfortable for however long she stayed here.

 

[CrystalTears]

"I- I am staying?!" Celestia asked Andrian surprised as she looked up him directly, before looking out the window to avoid his eyes. It seemed as she had little choice in the matter as he had already made up her mind, and no matter how good she was at running away, there was no way that was not going to happen with a palace full of guards. Andrian grabbed a rope out of his pocket, and tied her to the chair before he left the room they were currently in. "Hey! Where are you going?!" She asked as Andrian left her as she was tied to the chair with nowhere to go and he also made sure his stuff wasn't stolen.

 

[XoxUnchainedxoX]

On his way back into the seating area, Andrian ran into another maid. " Hello, my lord." the maid greeted when she saw him. " Hello, Madeline. May you do me favor and make sure the bedroom in the guest room is filled with luxuries a young women would enjoy. New towels, bubble baths, comfortable pillows and such. " he asked her. Madeline looked at him with an expression of confusion, it wasn't everyday or even any day that the prince had a guest in the palace. " I can do that, sir. Should I ring a bath as well?" " That would great, thank you." " Very well, I'll get on it now, my lord." Andrian walked away from the maid and re-entered the seating area. It gave him a feeling of satisfaction to be able to give her a nice room where she could be alone and comfortable. It was away from the world where she wouldn't have to worry about needing anything. It also gave him a feeling of satisfaction to see her where he had left her. " Celestial, I have made a room for you. You can be alone and rest. I don't want you going out tonight without a place to stay." he informed her, there wasn't a way that he would allow her to disobey his orders. Walking more gently, he walked over and untied her from the chair and reached down to help her to her feet.

 

[CrystalTears]

Celestia looked up to Andrian as it seemed he had already made up his mind to make her stay in the castle. There was no use in running as the guards were carefully eyeing her down, not even thinking twice if she was planning on running away. As she had no other choice than to listen to his wishes, she sighed and stood up. Looking around the castle, in case she ever managed to escape she had to take a couple of souvenirs to confirm that she had managed to escape from the castle itself. "A room? I'm not staying in the cells?" She asked him a bit curious on where he was going with this, but she couldn't say anything for sure. You never knew what royalty was up to, they were really good at keeping their secrets after all.

 

[XoxUnchainedxoX]

Andrian noticed that she looked around for an escape route or maybe things she thought she could take when he walked her to the guest room. He would have to keep that in mind when he took her around the palace with him. He didn't trust her not to run and he wouldn't want her to find the exit before he had time to catch her. Hoping she would trust him and stay, he continued their journey to where he planned to let her stay. " No, you didn't truly commit a crime that deters you to stay in the cells. I also don't trust you with my gaurds. They are men after all." he gently laughed, imagining Celestia being able to distract the men to get out then tying them up the pigs at thanksgiving dinner. He opened the bedroom door. The room was one of the more larger ones in the castle, with a four poster bed and picture windows. The door was open to the bedroom and soft smells of roses and cherry blossoms drifted towards them. Andrian thought she would like this room and put it back in his mind to thank Matilda.

 

[CrystalTears]

"Are you sure we've never met before?" Celestia joked back, there was no way she could let that one without making it into a joke on her own. She had to giggle a bit at his own joke though, as he lead her to the room she was going to be staying in. It was far larger than the last house she stayed in, and that was maybe three years ago now. It had a fresh smell and the bed was gigantic as she led her hand slide over it, feeling the clean bed sheet touch her hand, she hadn't slept in a bed for a long time. The fresh smell entered her nostrils as she smiled, and looked around seeing how big it truly was. "This is where I am going to sleep?" Celestia asked a bit uncertain if it was true, as this seemed to be a room fitting for a royalty, or someone really important.

 

[XoxUnchainedxoX]

Andrian laughed at her joke. Truly, he wasn't sure if that had met before or not. It was weird as when he came to her, he felt like he knew her from somewhere before but he couldn't place where of even if they truly had. Noticing the way she walked around the room as if it was almost in a dream and she couldn't believe this would befall on her, made him feel like he did the right thing. He hadn't wanted her to stay in the cells where men worse then dogs were taken and the floors carried rats and termites. He had wanted her safe. To him Celestia didn't commit a crime. Yes, she stole one of the most precious gifts but she needed the money as he could tell from the look at her eyes now. She needed food and a place to live. And on top of that, he took her for the kind of girl that just got into trouble for the sake of being given attention and being noticed. "Yes, this will be your new room. You'll stay here until I think you are ready to leave." he told her, at the moment he had no real plan besides getting her to talk to him so he couldn't place how long she would be staying. " The bathtub is drawn in the other room, if you'd like to bathe. There's a bathrobe, new bed clothes, and towels on the counter. I also had it stocked with shampoos, conditioners and soaps. You are welcome to use whatever you like in this room.. Oh, and there's a few extra set of clothing in the closet. There isn't a lot but it will due till we can go out and buy you new."

 

[CrystalTears]

Celestia turned around on the sound of a bath, she hadn't taken a bath in at least 100 years. It was truly as if she had been pulled into a book. She found herself speechless for maybe the first time in her life by his kindness and gentleness, but it seemed as he truly meant for her to stay. The uncertainty of how long she was going to stay there confused her a bit, and also the thought of what the Prince's intentions were. Maybe he was trying to sweet talk her into giving him information? Or maybe he was just trying to be kind? Honestly, she couldn't tell. His words said one things, but his actions another. Celestia's eyes wandered over to the new clothes as hers were not only dirty from being thrown around in the cells, but also since she hadn't changed in ages. Her clothes were dirty, old and torn as they were nicely kept together, but clearly not something a normal person would wear. Carefully she made her way over to Andrian, not looking him in the eyes as she very quietly muttered to him. "Thank you..." as she turned around to hide her flustered face.

 

[XoxUnchainedxoX]

Andrian watched as she trailed around the room, delighted in the way she touched each object like it was precious and she couldn't believe it would be hers for a while. It made him realise how harsh her life must have been as the objects just seemed like objects to him as he was always around them. " I didn't know what size you are, but there's some smaller ones and some medium ones. They used to belong to my sister but she had no longer use for them" he told her, he didn't really know what was there. When he was in the guest room earlier, his sister had randomly came to him. He hadn't told her of anything but she was there with a small and a pile of women's clothing. Instinctively, he trailed his hand against her soft skin to tilt her head towards him. "Your are welcome.. Is there anything you need before I retire?" he asked with a smile. He wanted to make sure she had everything she needed for the night before he left her alone. " If you need anything during the night, just call for Matilda and she'll be ready."

 

[CrystalTears]

Celestia blushed even further having to look Andrian in the eyes as his hand tilted her head back to face him. She was met by his charming smile and somehow she didn't want his hand to leave. Her eyes wandered down to the floor as she watched their feet, he had done a lot for her. Why? He didn't gain anything out of it, but he didn't live by the rules of the street. Yoy didn't do something because you gained more in return, maybe he was doing this as an act of kindness? Or ws she being tricked? Honestly she couldn't tell. "I- I'm fine..." she muttered as she shook her head gently. Not entirely sure what was going on right now.

 

[XoxUnchainedxoX]

Andrian noticed how she tilted her head into his hand which gave him a strange urge to pull her into his arms but he resisted. He didn't want to move to fast and scare her away. Instead he slowly trailed his fingers back into her hair, running his hands through the soft trundles. "What are you thinking?" he asked when her eyes darted to the floor. Hoping he didn't make her uncomfortable, he pulled his hand back to rest on her cheek. " Okay. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything. She would be happy to help you. I'll have some tea brought to you, it will help you sleep." he replied, he thought that she might need something to calm her. She was in a new place and knew no one. He also knew that she would need her rest. Instinctively he tilted his head against hers, and relaxed for a moment.

 

[CrystalTears]

"N- Nothing... I'm not thinking about anything..." Celestia answered him, still looking at their feet. Just seeing the different conditions their shoes and clothes were on from the floor made her feel bad too, what was the reason for his kindness? She wanted to believe that it was all just for being kind, but she knew better. Growing up on the street, the experience she had gathered, yes. She knew better. "Thank you, I'll call for her if I need anything then," Celestia said and smiled to him, looking a little bit up to see Andrian's face, as he tilted his his head, leaning it against hers as she didn't dare to move, not even one inch. Being a Prince was probably a lot of hard work too, but she wouldn't know that as she only made their life harder. She had been a small reason for the prince's fatigue, probably...

 

[XoxUnchainedxoX]

Andrian moved his head, looking back at Celestia as he realized he had just leaned on her for support. Could he trust her? He thought to himself. So far, his assumptions about her have been right but he only knew her for a short length of time. That didn't merit his trust though. If he gave it so freely it would end badly as he had experienced a few time with his family. He found himself wanting to give her a chance. Shaking his head, he brought himself back to the matter at hand. "Good.. There's also more food, such as fruit, if you hungry." he told her, trying to remember what was stocked in their kitchen but knowing it was pointless as the maid would just buy it in the morning if they didn't have it now. He stepped away from her to move towards the door. " Have a good night, Celestia." he smiled, then slowly moved to exit the room.

 

[CrystalTears]

"Good night," Celestia said to him as he stopped leaning and was about to exit the room. Slowly she made her way over to the bathroom as she let her hair down, her snow white hair covered her entire back as the bath had really been tapped for her. Carefully she walked inside and sat down, washing her body as she enjoyed the bath and laid back, facing the roof. "He's strange... He's letting a thief stay in a guest room fit for princesses, and then he gives me clothes, food and drinks... I don't get him at all," She muttered to herself as she washed through her long hair, still laying back in the bathtub as she was relaxing. She hadn't done this in ages, and honestly... it felt great. If he was just using her or trying to sweet talk her she didn't know, but at this moment she didn't care either.

 

[XoxUnchainedxoX]

Andrian softly closed the bedroom door, then turned to walk down the door but saw Melina out of the corner of her eye. " Hello, little sister." he greeter her, wondering how she could have sneaked up on him." Good evening, brother." she replied, pulling him away from the door and into his room. Andrian just let her pull him around, currently to tired to protest. Growing up, Melina had been his rescue. She could read him easily and knew when it was becoming to much for him. She pulled him into his room and sat him on the bed.


" Your tired. I can see it your face." reaching for his night clothes and laying them beside him on the bed. " You need to rest."


" I know but I must do something to see why our parents are not back. They informed us it would only take a few days but it had gone on to a few weeks, almost a month." he tried to get up, only to have her push him back down.


" Why should you do something? I am here! I can send for the guards and have them scoot the area.. Besides, you had company all day which you need to tend to in the morning." she replied, knowing she was right. If he continued to do to much then he would only be bedridden.


Andrian flinched at her yell, then sighed. " All right, little sister. I will obey your orders but you will inform me of any information you gather."


Melina smiled then pulled him into her arms. " Thank you, brother." she whispered. She wasn't used to being able to plan out means of action. " I'll have tea sent to you and your guest. It will help you both sleep." She moved away to let him rest.


" Good night, little sister." he replied as she left the room then walked into the bathroom to wash his face and put on his bed clothes.

 

[CrystalTears]

Celestia stepped out of the bathtub and began drying her long hair, stepping into the bathrobe as she looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair had been properly shampooed and her body cleaned. Her hair no longer looked to be a dark grey color, but its natural white. It was great to see that she also could represent some beauty everyone else did, but dirt was a normal look in the street, and right now she looked like a real lady. However, she didn't completely dislike what she saw in the mirror either. Her long wavy hair was still slightly dripping as she returned to the bedroom to look around, she did look for a few souvenirs she thought she could take once she left, but the Prince had thought ahead of her and anything of real value was already gone. "It's almost as we know each other," Celestia giggled to herself, looking outside to the beautiful moon disappearing in the horizon, and the sun was already on its way up.

 

[XoxUnchainedxoX]

Andrian moved into the bedroom where the Madeline was placing out a saucer of tea and milk. " Hello, young prince. How was your evening?" she asked him, picking up his evening clothes and placing them in the wash basket.


" You don't have to do that. I can pick them up in the morning." he replied. He wanted to do things on his own and show respect to their housemaids as they did so much for them. He wanted to meet people on an equal ground rather then being more than them because he was royal. " It was exhausting. The day had brought many villagers asking information and papers being filled. Then I entertained a guest. She wasn't a big burden though, just that it was after a day of hectic."


"Ah, I understand, my lord. Things have been going a little bit more unsettled in the town as they haven't heard word from the king." she told him, " I informed them though, that we were doing everything in our power to bring them back and the village should take hope."


" Thank you, my lady." he received a smile from the maid. " You may go and rest till morning, if you wish." She worked hard and needed sleep as much as he did.


" Thank you, my lord." she bowed then walked out. Adrian sipped the tea then crawled under the covers, happy to be able to take a break.

 

[CrystalTears]

A woman came into her room with her tea as she gave off a quick nod and then left, Celestia didn't even have the chance to say thank you, but she felt as she had already overused that word today. Gazing out in the night sky, she was wondering what the Prince's intentions were, and what he meant by having her staying here. It was a bit confusing as she was expecting to sleep on the cold ground having bars between herself and civilization, and of course escaping, but the guards had confiscated everything on her, she barely was able to keep her own hands. She sighed as she finished the tea, it was such a relaxing and delicious way to end the day, she walked over to her bed and closed her eyes. "My... What have I gotten myself into this time?" She asked with a smile, as she quickly fell asleep as she had been running around and shouting a lot for one day.

 

[XoxUnchainedxoX]

The moon rose over the sky, lighting to town below in soft shades of blue. A beeping noise was heard in the Prince's chambers followed by the call of Matilda. " Lord, its time to wake." she coaxed, knocking at the door. She carried more tea with a plate of fruit, cheese and bread. " Sir, Andrian?"


Andrian rolled over, not wanting to answer. Today, he felt like he could just stay in bed and relax. He wanted a day away from the hectic drama through the village and nagging feeling of the loss of his parents from the palace. He pulled up the blankets over his head and closed his eyes.


"My lord, I have brought you your breakfast. I can leave it at the door or may I enter?" she asked, knowing he would answer her eventually. Matilda had served the prince and princess since they were born into royalty. She was there second mother and first maid.


Knowing she wouldn't go away, he pulled the blankets down and sat up. " Come in, my lady." he replied, as she opened the door and placed the food on his bed table. " I just wanted to make sure your ready for evening meeting, prince Andrian." she informed him, " It starts in an hour."


" Thank you, Matilda." he rolled to sit and eat his breakfast. " May you keep my guest company while I am in need and make sure she eats."


" Aye, my lord." she said leaving him to get ready and to visit his guest.

 

[CrystalTears]

Celestia woke up early as she was used to it and looked at the moon rising over the horizon, swallowing the last beams of lights from the sun. It was truly a beautiful sight to see. Small stars were twinkling in the sky as she let out a yawn and stretched her entire body from one end to the other, smiling. It was such a good bed she had slept in! It was like sleeping on clouds! Quickly she stood up and walked in the bathroom as her hair looked as it had gone through a typhoon and she had to groom it quickly, wondering what the Prince had in store for her today, as long as she didn't have to wear handcuffs she was fine with it.

 

[XoxUnchainedxoX]

Andrian finished his breakfast then walked into the bathroom to shower. He had less than an hour to get showered, shaved and dressed so he thought he'd start right away. The day was filled with meetings his father was supposed to attend but due to his absence Andrian would have to stand in his place. It made him worry about where his parents had gone. The meetings and routines of the kingdom was an important thing to his father and he knew he wouldn't want to miss them. He never missed one, for that matter. So it was very strange that they still hadn't returned. Stepping out of the bathroom, he walked over to his closet to throw on his jacket then left to find Celestia to let her know of the plans ahead.

 

[CrystalTears]

Still in her nightgown Celestia walked out of the bathroom, still having her hair down as she had lost one of her rubber bands to keep her hair up. She could probably just ask for one later if it was needed, once she returned to her room from the bathroom she found a lady standing there, she was wearing what seemed to be a maid uniform so she figured it was Matilda that Andrian had spoken about the night before, the one she should call if she needed something. Matilda looked quite surprised when she saw her still walking around in her nightgown as she quickly grabbed the blanket from the bed and covered her in it. "The Lord is on his way! Why are you not properly dressed yet?" Matilda asked a bit flustered as Celestia only shrugged as an answer. "I brought you some breakfast, and I'll quickly find something you can wear. Just a few moments please," Matilda said as she looked through some of the clothes that she had been given yesterday. Why does she care if I walk around in my nightgown? It's not as if I am naked... Celestia thought as she had never been treated like this in her entire life.


On the street so was a body a body, there was no reason to hide it. However it seemed as Matilda insisted, so she did not hesitate to hold onto the blanket that she had shoved into her hands, carefully looking for something to suit her in a small pile of clothes.

 

[XoxUnchainedxoX]

"Hello, sleeping beauty." a soft laugher rang from just behind him as he closed his bedroom door. "You've finally awoken, brother. I'm happy you slept well."


Turning he almost walked into his sister. " Mela, stop sneaking up on me!" he told her. " Did you find out anything?"


"I would but its fun." she giggled as she walked into his arms and hugged him. " Not yet. I just sent them out this afternoon. "


Andrian hugged her back, knowing she would stay clung to him. " I'm sorry, I just wish I knew how long they would be away. Or if they were okay." he replied, it was hard to run the kingdom without his family. Meetings still went on and events had to be run but it was difficult as he hadn't been given instruction on any much of it. His parents were supposed to be back before anything had to be addressed. Andrian tried to not let it bother him as he knew his parents would stand by his decisions and they had trained him on how to take over the palace. It wouldn't be the same but he could try to deal with it till their arrival. " I want you to help Matilda with our guest while I am in meetings."


" No, brother. You have your reasons of being worried. I wouldn't take that from you." she pulled away to look at him, " I can take her shopping for new clothes for you. I heard she doesn't have much."


"That would be great, Thank you." he stepped away from her and playfully bowed. " I'll meet up with you later, my lady." Melania laughed then continued down to prepare for the visit of the king of one of their other neighbouring kingdoms. Andrian continued his own journey, back to the guest room where Celestia was staying.