[M] On the Knife's Edge: Love or Loyalty IC [Hannelorian & moonlightsky]

The Crown Princess emerged from the dressing room within her quarters. The sunlight streaming in through the massive windows hit her gently wrapping her in the warm glow. Charlotte wore an elegant floral print gown, her hair in a styled up-do that was a staple of the Kingdom of Alexandria. She needn't change everything about herself after all. It had been explained to her that these quarters were temporary, after the wedding she would be moved to the Queen's Apartment within the palace, though the previous Queen, mother of her betrothed had seldom used them. All decisions she would make in the coming weeks.

Ambling over to the table Charlotte took the warm cup filled with tea into her pale, delicate hands and raised the cup to her lips, sipping the soothing liquid and leaving a small imprint of lipstick on the rim as she set the cup back down onto its saucer, she turned her attention back toward Jason. "Good morning." she responded with a smile on her face as she watched him. "It should be you that you're worried about. I can see on your face that you got hardly an ounce of sleep last night." Her tone was sweet, kind, it was clear that her concern for his wellbeing was genuine. "Ahh.. I'm alright. Come now, no rest for the wicked, time to see the King. Or shall I say, my soon-to-be-husband?" There was a gentle laugh as she concluded her statement, gliding past his chair she reached her hand down to rest on his arm tugging lightly, jokingly, as if to pull him behind her.

Standing before the double doors that marked the entry/exit to her chambers, she reached a hand over to the left and pulled on a thin chord which seemed to descend from the ceiling. This was one of two such devices at her disposal, the other a much thicker cord by the bed, which when pulled indicated she required something. This thinner one would announce her coming to the guards on the other side. Shortly after the pulled the chord, both doors opened simultaneously allowing her to leave. The Princess was all too familiar with the absurd rules and rituals that accompanied her position in life. Most of them were absolutely pointless, and she would be rid of them as soon as she was able.

Stepping into the hallway she walked a few steps forward and stopped before one of the guards positioned in the hall. Charlotte turned to face him and smiled warmly. "Good morning. Kindly indulge me by telling me your name?" she asked of the man who seemed almost flabbergasted that she of all people was speaking to him. So much so, that he had trouble remembering his own name. "Merryweather, ma'am" he responded quickly, and upon his realization that he had mistakenly called her "ma'am" corrected himself. "Sorry, ma'am! Your Royal Highness!" Charlotte smiled and shook her head. "No need for apologies. If I can call you Merryweather, you can call me Charlotte. What say you?" The guard let out a barely audible sigh of relief and nodded his head affirmatively. "What can I do for you this morning?" he asked, still feeling uncomfortable to use her name, but relaxed enough to let some degree of formality pass.

"Right, best crack on with it. I'm willing to bet that my good man, Jason has been up all night learning the lay of the land. I'm going to ask him to take you and me, old pal from this very spot to the throne room so that I may meet with His Majesty. You're going to point out every time he takes a wrong turn. Up for it?" Charlotte's request was genuine, but largely it was meant to have a bit of fun with Jason, know this would drive him absolutely mad. Merryweather smiled and obliged in the Princess' request.

Theo stood in the throne room as his advisors chatted amongst themselves, before him now sat two thrones, side by side of equal size. The throne of his father, the one he had been using his ascension remained in the room, only moved far enough to one side to allow the other to side alongside it. His royal crest embroidered neatly on the seat back, and the crest of the Crown Princess of Alexandria on the other, the throne used by his mother while she had been alive. It was a strange thing not to see his mother's crest on the chair any longer, though she had died long before his father so this was in fact, the first time he laid eyes on the chair in years. As he contemplated this, he found his thoughts drifting to the girl, to Aurora. Had she made it home alright? He remembered that she had mentioned she would watch him meet his betrothed from a secret spot. Was she watching? Did she recognize him? He wasn't quite sure whether he hoped she had or she hadn't.

The doors to the room opened as the Princess arrived alongside her body man. He smiled softly as he looked upon her, she was indeed rather beautiful, for that he was grateful. But what sort of person was she really? Moving across the room to meet her, taking her hand into his, the two moved toward a table which had plans laid out, and with the ministers they continued their work on planning the festivities.

After some time had passed the grand doors to the throne room were cast opened once more, with an attendant moving to the King and bowing respectfully. "Pardon the interrupt your Majesty." the man began and turned his attention to the Princess "Your Royal Highness." he would then wait, with head bowed as was customary for the King to respond. Theo smiled and looked toward Charlotte before speaking "No interruption at all. What news?" he asked. "There is a young woman from the village at the gates who is requesting an audience. I know we had agreed not to allow these days until after the wedding, but if you'll forgive me majesty, she appears to be in somewhat poor shape." The man of course referring to the somewhat obvious indications that Aurora had been injured during the course of the previous evening.

"Good Gods no! Of course the King won't see her. His Majesty and Her Royal Highness have much to attend to!" decried Minister Artania, quite put off by the entire request how absolutely foolish, he thought. But something within the King told him he should accept this meeting. "Charlotte, if it troubles you not, I think we should see what the fuss is about." he responded, curious to know. "A King should hear from his people whenever possible. I have no objections." Charlotte smiled and bowed her head, moving to take a seat around the small table. "Have one of the guard escort this young woman to the throne room, let us hear her out." Theo responded, and the porter who brought the news bowed his head and swiftly left the room to have the girl retrieved.

After thinking Aurora decided to go to the king. She limp on her way there after asking one of ladies who husband own the bakery to watch after Lucy. She limp to the castle it was a long way and her leg was killing her and she was exhausted even more. When she got the gates she asked to speak to the king that it urgent and she breathe slowly as her leg wound had reopened but she didn’t notice.

Once she got in she curtsey to the princess and king and she look at him knew those eyes and she felt uneasy now knowing she had spoke to the king without knowing it him and now it him and she doesn’t know what to think. Now she knows there no hope of her finding someone for the man she thought might of taken a chance on her is the king and is suppose to marry the princess. She rub her eyes thinning her exhaustion is deceiving her and there is no way that is the man she met yesterday. “Your highness I come to ask for help in getting custody of a girl who is in danger at her home. This girl I been watching grow since she was a baby and she doesn’t have the best home. Last night her parents fought and screamed throwing knives and luckily I happened to be on a walk and heard and took the shot of the knives so she wouldn’t get hurt. Please there must be a way for me to get custody of her for I fear for her safety snd well being” Aurora said softly as she lean against the wall about to pass out from losing blood in her leg from the walk. Sleep didn’t happen last night and so that doesn’t help her either.

Jason smile at the princess and he chuckle. “I will be fine princess” he smile and follow her out. He met the guard merry Wheaher Jason groans as the man told him when he made a wrong turn to the throne room snd knew the princess put him up to it. He chuckle and once there he stood to the side watching. He lean over whisper to her “next time I will get you with a joke princess” he smile chuckle. He smile and watch as this girl comes in and tells them of what has been going on. He notice the look she gave the king and knew something is there. He going to find out.

There was a rather loud gasp the filled the air when Aurora entered the room, the advisers in attendance horrified at the sight of the girl bleeding fairly seriously on the throne room floor. She was pale, almost like a ghost, most likely owing to the blood loss, and on the verge of losing consciousness. They seem at a loss for what to do, and turned their attention to the King for guidance.

The King himself showed a look of grave concern as he caught sight of Aurora. It was he feared, and lo, he was glad he acted on his instinct and allowed the girl audience. How horrible, he thought that someone could or would do something this terrible to a girl so kind. He was surprised that she had managed to make this far in such bad shape, and he grew gravely concerned at the state of the village that no one raised a hand to help her as she struggled here way to the palace, just to tell her story and to ask for help for this girl.

"Bring her to my chambers and send for a doctor immediately." Before Theo could bring himself to speak the Crown Princess had taken the opportunity and looked to the guard who now rushed to the girl's side to pick her up and do as told. The King turned to Charlotte and nodded in affirmation, also touched at her kindness. A stranger she had never met came to the throne room in desperate need of assistance, and she didn't turn Aurora away. Of course, she had not known that the King was acquainted with the girl.

"Send word to the village police, find the girl's parents and have them arrested. Make sure the girl is brought to the palace and tended to until we can get to the bottom of this matter." The King announced and two more guards left the room to carry out the orders of their King. He sighed deeply as Aurora was now carried off to be tended to. He would check on her later, once the doctor had a chance to do his work.

That poor thing. To have suffered such horrors for trying to help. I will attend to her until the doctor arrives, your Majesty. Please continue your word in my absence. I trust the judgment of you and your advisors." Charlotte looked at Jason and could not bring herself to smile, she just strode past him without a second look to return to her chambers. The King knew not what to do, he felt conflicted and simply watched as the room emptied out.

Jason watch and he felt bad for the girl. He follow ChArlotte and went to her room wirh her. “Princess you okay?” He ask softly gently touch her shoulder. He then move to the window looking out. “I think the king knows that girl. I can’t be sure but the way the girl looked at him and he look at her it like they knew each other. “ he admitted his thoughts. He rub his beard “shall I look into it princess?”

The doctor look over Aurora and he wrap her leg and her arm. He made her tea and then when the king came in he spoke. “It a miracle she made it here. She cannot walk on her leg sir. It to badly damaged. It need to heal. Poor girl is starved to. I’ve heard of her though. My trips to the village. She care for the children give them her food. She is remarkable. I’m surprised she isn’t married and no one has wanted to marry her. She is so kind and caring a perfect wife. “ he said softly and when they brought Lucy in he check over her and gave her a candy. Lucy ate it while sitting by Aurora playing with her toy. “The little girl is not harmed sir. Aurora protected her like she said she did. “ the doctor said softly.

Aurora woke slowly and she whimper. She saw Lucy near her and is relieved. She look over notice the king and she sat up slowly. “Your highness. I’m so sorry I made a mess of things in your throne room. I can clean it up. How is Lucy here? All I remember is asking for help” she rub her head as it fuzzy.
Lucy ate her piece of candy and spoke in her tiny voice “these fun guards brought me. I got to ride a horse and even hold the reigns. It was so much fun. “ she giggle and continue playing with her toy.
Aurora smile softly “I bet it was ladybug” she smile relieved to see Lucy safe.

"Yes. Marriage." The King repeated as he listened to the doctor describe the talk of the town that was this young woman. "It seems as though that is a popular subject these days." The King was deep in thought, as he often was. Looking at him from afar it was difficult to tell where he was when he was like this. As though staring off into the middle distance were some sort of great art form. "Very well, doctor. I am glad that both Aurora and the girl, Lucy are largely alright. Aurora will remain as guest of the palace until she is well enough to return home."

He moved with purpose to stand beside the bed as Aurora began to wake. "Lucy will also remain as a guest until we determine what is best for her." The King sighed, and turned his attention to the girl as she waking up. There was a kind smile on his face as he watched her, glad she was more or less out of the woods. "You needn't apologize for anything. We've already had that all taken care of." Sighing, this time in relief he nodded his head as he listened to her. "After you asked for help, the Crown Princess had you taken here to her quarters, and she sent for the doctor. I had the guards collect Lucy and arrest her parents so we can investigate."

The King watched and listened to Lucy, the joy on the child's face was enough to sustain his own. "The two of you will stay here for the time being. Please, get some rest. You need to recover your strength." The King beckoned looked over the scene.

"Would it be terribly odd if they did know each other?" The Crown Princess asked in response to Jason's question. As he touched her shoulder she rested her hand on his for a moment, as though she too were lost in contemplation. "This Kingdom is much smaller than our own, and for a King to know his subjects... stranger things have happened. Charlotte sighed, now staring out of one of the grand windows. "I suppose they'll have to get me new quarters now." Another sigh at the thought of having her things packed and carted from one room to another. Oh well, it was a small matter.

Aurora watch him and she nods. “Thank you. It mean a lot. “ she said softly stroke Lucy hair. “Your highness you remind me of someone I met. I only met him briefly but he was so kind and had this soft demeanor about him. It like you two are twins. “ she said softly and smile kindly at him.

“Please tell the princess thank you for this. It mean a lot. I don’t want to be a bother long so we shall leave in a couple hours so she can have her room back” aurroa said softly yawning as she is tired. She look at the king “I’ll keep your secret Dont worry” she wink knows he is the man she met earlier.

“No it wouldn’t. It actually might be good if something is going on with them. If there is maybe you guys can work an agreement where you both can marry for love and still keep peace. I mean think of it for centuries your countries kept peace with marriage but what if you kept peace as friends do a different contract and you both can marry who you fall in love with. Break the cycle of arranage marriage” Jason said softly and stroke her cheek. “Don’t worry I will handle
Your things” he smile. He had her sit to relax and he gently massage her legs. He is in love with the princess they not only been friends but he has fallen. He hope she can get out of this marriage so he can admit his love to her.

The good King Theodore smiled softly, he appreciated that Aurora was being so respectful and trying to keep their previous encounter a secret. "You needn't leave so soon. Stay, rest. You need to heal." He said with deep concern in his voice. He wanted to make sure she was adequately recovered. "Charlotte..." This may have been the first time he referred to his betrothed by name, as opposed to by title. "You needn't worry about her arrangements." Theo spoke rather matter of factly, as Charlotte would be moving to other quarters upon their marriage anyhow.

"I wish to keep no secrets. There is no shame nor crime in our meeting. I am the lord of this realm, and I may go to the villages as I please to meet who I please. I am privileged to have met you, so kind a soul. My only regret is that I cannot do better by you." The King sighed, looking down at the floor as though in shame and yet bound by duty.

"Might be good?" Charlotte asked, now a tone of anger in her voice. She turned to cast her gaze upon Jason, ever the optimist. If only things could be so simple but that was not the way of her world. "Do you forget your place? To whom you are speaking?" She asked, though admittedly it was not a question, not really. Stepping away from him she stood almost aghast. "I am not the Queen. My father is King of our land. Even I, his own daughter am his servant."

The Crown Princess was not mad at Jason, she could never truly be angry with him. Such was the nature of their relationship. In truth, she was upset with her own circumstances. She had no choices of her own, only a duty to fulfill. Though she did not love Theodore, she did not know him, she felt as though she could come to love him in time. He was a kind man, a gentle ruler. "Were I the ruler, I would bargain for peace at another price if such a bargain could be struck. But it is not my choice, not now, not ever. My happiness is entirely irrelevant to the situation." Such a crude admission, but ever the truth. Beside, it was not as though the King and this girl had some drawn out protracted love affair. How well could they possibly know each other that a such an honorable man as him would destroy the chance for peace for their people.

Aurora nods is glad chstlotte won’t have to worry of her room. She want to thank ChArlotte in person and hope she can. When he spoke of them not keeping secrets ofnhim meeting her she is glad for that. She can’t keep secrets. “You will find a way. Do you really have to marry the princess? Isn’t there another way so you both can marry who you wish and be in love? I mean what these marriages between the countries keep each together. Why not write a new contract that keep your kingdoms working together and marry for love?”

Jason frown and he stood. “My place? Fine don’t bother speaking to me of your concerns anymore. Guess you forgot we used to be friends before I became your guard. I’m only looking out for you. You might not be queen but your father isn’t in his right mind and everyone knows it. You could talk him out of it. But forget what I say I know my place” he stated upset with her. He stood and step out the room. “I will be out here guarding like I should as it my place. “ he mutter and stood outside the door guarding. When he is mad or upset he will shut down for a few days.

The King let out a deep sigh as he contemplated his next comments. The situation was difficult, though perhaps she was right, perhaps there could be another way. Though it would not be without its challenges. "Marriage has been at the core of diplomacy across our fair world for millennia. Should I truly risk a war for my own happiness? What kind of ruler would I be should I choose myself over my country?" He let out another sigh and moved toward a chair in the room, sitting down he watched Aurora was a small smile on his face. "It isn't up to me. Charlotte's father, the King of Alexandria would have to change his mind. He and my father, the last King reached an agreement shortly before my father's death." There were other options, though they were grim in nature. If Charlotte's father were to die before the marriage it would be possible for he and Charlotte to work out a peace agreement on their own terms. He had heard tell that the King was unstable, or unwell, though their communications had long since frayed.

Charlotte stood in silence, having found herself taken aback at Jason's sudden outburst. Few would dare to speak to her in such a way. In a way, she was glad this happened here, rather than at home where the punishment for such an action would be swift and severe. It saddened her deeply to see him react in such a manner. Their years of friendship put them in a difficult position. In many ways because of her position, she had fewer freedoms and options open to her than Jason did. She resolved to discuss the situation with Theodore, and then perhaps to petition her father for an alternate course.

“We don’t know if there will be a war” Aurora said softly. “Your king now. You can make your own decision. Have you tried making a different agreement with the other kingdom?” Aurora ask softly. She reach and touch his hand. “It not fair that you can’t choose. The fact your wanting o protect and save your country make you a great king. But I do know even if you choose happiness our country will still be strong and stand by you. “ she smile at him. “Plus I heard the other king is sick and won’t last much longer. As much it would suck ChArlotte to lose her father it could give you and her a chance to truly decide what you want that will help both countries. “ she said softly felt bad for them all.

Jason stood outside her room lost in thought. He sigh hated how he can’t be with the girl he loves. He hate how their positions put her in this situation. He wish he could do something so she is happy.