It was only right for him to wash the dishes and clean up the kitchen since she was the one who made supper for the both of them. Silently he cleaned each one as he thought over the subject that the girl had brought up. Like her he'd wished he'd said goodbye to his friends after they'd left the country to build their own lives. But he didn't and it was in the past now so he figured that he can't be worried about it now considering it was done and over with.

Brody cut the water to the sink off then quickly wiped down the kitchen with a wet rag before returning to Amelia in the dining room. When he'd came out he was stopped when he saw her staring at him and then when she spoke. Her request made his eyes widened and his lips purse. At first he wanted to decline her but when he remembered how she looked earlier alone in the room he became worried and wondered if she'd been sad like that every night.

Although he didn't really understand why she would be. She's a girl, women are more sensitive than men. Brody heard his father's words echo in his mind, his father had told him that after he'd been cruel to a girl unintentionally. Oh that's right. Brody sighed in his mind before looking away from the girl with a light pink tint to his cheeks. "A...alright then." He answered her hesitantly before looking back to her. "But, I need...to take a bath first. I'll be up after that." He added before excusing himself from the girl.

When he'd left the dining room he pursed his lips as his heart began to beat against his chest threatening to come out. How could he have said no? What was he supposed to do now? He'd never slept in the same bed as a girl. Brody ran his fingers through his hair as he walked up the stairs and then down the hall to the walk in closet where their clothes were. He grabbed a plain button up shirt and another pair of cotton pants before going towards the bathroom. He wished he'd had more experience with girls because he had zero experience. He hadn't even kissed a girl before the wedding let alone slept in the same bed as one!

If only he'd had more friends as girls when he was younger but at the time he was in the stage where boys thought girls as weird strange creatures and therefore he never went around them. The only girl he was ever around was his mother. He sat his clothes down on the kitchen sink before starting up his bath. Just as long as nothing weird happened between the two while they slept he figured everything would be fine. Yeah, nothing weird. His cheeks flamed red as he caught an image from his imagination of him and her. Stop it Brody, calm down. He scolded himself as he tucked the image away before getting into the bath.

It was no big deal sleeping in the same bed with the girl, she was his wife after all.

Amelia's face almost lit up entirely yet she refrained from showing too much excitement by nodding a few times before he left. She couldn't help but smile to herself at the thought of her not going to bed alone tonight. Not that she slept with anyone in her previous home, but the loneliness wouldn't be so overpowering. She stood up from her seat and decided she would take a shower too. She opened the door to the bedroom and put the dirty sundress away from the bed and onto the night stand. She decided she would sleep in her current clothes as to not freak the boy out.

Stepping into the bathroom, she undresses and took a warm shower, rinsing off the bad events of today. After she was done, she dried herself off and slipped her clothes back off. Stepping out of the bathroom, Brody was no where in sight. She didnt expect him to be in the bedroom right away but even so she was anxious to see him again. She fell into the bed and lazily tucked herself in. She grabbed her pillow tight, waiting for his arrival. She wanted to at least start getting to sleep but it seemed impossible for her, yet she felt herself closing her eyes. Every few seconds she would flutter her eyes open, hoping that she would see him. Brody... She turned off the lights and closed her eyes, but even that couldn't make her fall asleep just yet.

The bath Brody took was brief but he'd made sure to wash away any dirt from his person. When he got out he dried off and put his change of clothes on then cleaned out the bath so there would be no residue left behind after wards. He quickly towel dried his hair before leaving the steamy bathroom and throwing his dirty belongings into the wash room. Laundry would have to be done by the end of the week if it kept piling up. When that had been done he made his way towards the bed room he and Amelia would be sharing that night.

Suddenly his heart began to pound harder with anticipation with each step he took down the hallway. Brody kept telling himself to calm down but he couldn't force his heart to stop beating so rapidly. When he reached the bed room doors he opened them silently and found that Amelia had already cut off the lights. He really hoped that she wasn't trying to trick him into anything because if she was...Brody stopped mid-thought and closed the door behind him then made his way over to the bed.

Brody could see the outline of Amelia's body under the covers and so as he slipped in he made sure not to end up too close to her. His cheeks heated up as he ended up turning his back to the girl and curling up under the covers. He felt that tonight he wasn't going to get any sleep at all.

When she felt the change in weight on the bed, Amelia fluttered her eyes open. She watched him shift around in the dark. Even if she couldn't completely see him, it felt nice having someone else in the same vicinity as her. She smiled in the dark and felt the extreme urge to wriggle closer to him. Her heart had been giving her mixed urges but she knew she had to refrain. Brody... She wanted so badly to lay a gentle hand on him, entangle her fingers in his hair, anything. If anything she wanted to kiss him, but she knew he would shy away from any sort of physical connection. She was surprised he even allowed them sleeping in the same bed.

"I'm...I'm happy you're here." She tried to sound as if she had woken up from deep sleep. She thought it would feel strange to him if he thought she was waiting for him, which was the case. She shifted so that her back was to his. She knew that she couldn't sleep with her heart beating so fast and her cheeks burning red, but she had to. She wasn't alone now, there was nothing to complain about. But even so, she wished that he had felt the same way that she had begun to feel about him.

Brody nearly flinched when he heard Amelia speak. He'd figured that she would be asleep by now seeing he did spend enough time in the bathroom for her to be so. He remained quite for a moment before he lost grip of his tongue. "Why?" He asked her before being more specific with his question. "Why is it that you're happy that I'm here, do you not..." He paused to find a better word for hate, "Detest me? After all our countries are, excuse me, were enemies after all."

Of course he kept the bitterness out of his voice as he spoke and let pure curiosity slip out and effect his tone so he wouldn't make her angry. That would be the last thing he'd want to do for the night. Although he now regretted he asked such a question, she'd sounded like she'd just came out of sleep, or what sleep she'd gotten before he came in to get into his side of the bed, which now seemed to be closing in on him and making him feel closer to Amelia than he'd want to be at the moment considering their setting.

(Pride and prejudice marathon <3 ugh if you haven't read that book or seen the BBC version of it you should it's amazing :) )

Amelia shrugged, not that the other could see in the darkness. "I don't know, to be honest." She shuffled around so that she faced his back, "I thought I did, at the beginning at least. The last thing I wanted to do was marry you, and I was taught to hate your country since I was little. But...being in the same house as you for a time now...I just...I feel like I..." The words began to get stuck in her throat. How much could she say before he stormed out of the room forever. She paused for a long while, thinking what she should say and do. Obviously doing anything would freak him out so she decided to keep in her place. But what could she say? The right words swam around in her mind, but couldn't seem to get to her mouth to tell him.

"I guess I'm starting to see that you aren't as bad as what I was raised to see you as. I...don't see you as an enemy anymore." I see you as something more than all of that...



((Hahah I might watch, after I finish Supernatural. Aghh))

When she'd paused in speaking Brody's eyes looked toward her way even though he couldn't see her. He wanted to turn over but seeing as it had sounded like she'd just turned over he dared not to in case she was to see his expression or him see her. For some reason he felt like a coward at the moment. Why he didn't know. He was about to ask her to continue but she continued before he could ask her to do so.

His brows raised at her words. Did she really mean that or was she trying to trick him? No, there was no way she was trying to trick him, not by the way she'd acted earlier after they'd had their argument. Brody wished he could say he felt the same but there was something there still holding him back, perhaps it was the fact that he had trouble trusting someone he was raised to hate. He pursed his lips then let out a soft sigh. Well, the most he could say was that he doesn't see her as someone he absolutely hates but now more tolerates...although his actions say other wise.

Brody's brows furrowed at this upon further examination. Why was it that his feelings stated that he did not completely trust the girl yet he tolerated her, but his body language showed that he was someone affectionate towards her. Perplexing. He thought to himself before managing to turn over to his back to find the girl had turned to face him. When he looked over at her he found that she was wearing clothes to bed instead of her underwear, to his relief. "I see..." He wanted to say more to her, he wanted to tell her that he also didn't see her as an enemy but instead someone he could tolerate. But as it was his issues with trusting her would not allow him to do so, maybe he could tell her when he'd spent just a little more time with her.

Suddenly he turned his head in her direction then looked her over. "Good night." He told her before turning back over away from her before his mind went into a fluster over how close the girl was to him, in what seemed like, their very small bed. Although it could hold at least five people.

(Well it ends at one i believe :) I enjoy it. Although it's kinda hard to understand with how they talk sometimes but I love it : D )

Amelia's heart almost dropped at Brody's response. Although brief, it made her feel so awkward and inadequate that he didnt say much back; not that she was expecting it, in a way.She looked down at her pillow and sighed softly. She shouldn't have expected so much from him, but her heart thought other wise. "Goodnight." She replied to him and turned over so that they were back to back. In a matter of minutes she fell fast asleep, almost forgetting the interaction between the couple.

The sound of birds woke Amelia up. Fluttering her eyes open, she almost forgot that Brody was in the same bed with her until she turned her head slightly. The boy was fast asleep, huddled up in the large sheets. She decided not to disturb him and silently got out of the bed to take her morning shower. She locked the door behind her and took a quick lather-and-rinse before towel-drying herself off and putting her hair up turban-like with the towel. Unlocking the bathroom door, she padded silently out to the door leading to the hallway. Once she got to the walk-in closet, she changed into more comfortable clothing: some blue shorts and a loose-collared shirt. She rolled up her dirty clothes and put it in the hamper. Hope the maids get to that soon.

As she yawned, she decided to go out to the lake in their backyard. She went outside through the back door way and noticed to her immediate left that there was a stable. Weird, I didn't notice that before. It was hidden by some trees and was near the servant's house, so that must have been why. Before she went to the pond, she might as well check what the stables looked like. Getting there, she heard soft snorting and a long whiney. Following the sound she gasped at the creature in one of the stalls.

"Stars!" Amelia exclaimed. She hugged the horses neck and kisses the black muzzle. To the left of the stall was a little note that read

Stars missed you terribly so we brought him here later in the day. He's been groomed and fed so you'll only have to care for him the next day.

Love, Mom

Immediately she dropped the note, unlatched the stall door and lead the horse outside with a series of clicks and tapping the horse's neck. It felt like it had been so long she had ridden Stars that she wanted to ride her as soon as could happen, even if it meant riding bareback. Amelia climbed onto the horse with ease, tapped her stomach with her foot and rode off into the woods, leaving trails of laughter and smiles behind.


((Welp I think it's too late now xD if I can get it on Netflix I might watch it, or read the book :3 ))

Brody didn't sleep well that night. Mainly because his and Amelia's previous conversation kept running through his mind. Plus his feeling for her were still a bit perplexing. His emotions spoke one thing yet his body did another. It must be because of a certain physical attraction to the girl is what excuse he told himself to justify the fact that his body language reflected opposite of his emotions.

Although his excuse still wasn't good enough for his mind. He sighed and an hour or two before dawn the boy managed to fall asleep. It wasn't until Brody had turned over in his sleep in the direction toward Amelia did he wake up in a shock. Was she still there? Had he grabbed her mistakenly? He really hoped he didn't end up spooning her it would be awkward if she woke up. When he opened his eyes and seen that her side of the bed was empty he sighed. What a relief. He thought to himself before sitting up. His eyes were red because of lack of sleep and his head was still fuzzy. Perhaps he should sleep a little while longer?

No. His stomach refused him by clenching and letting out a dangerous growl. Why was it that he had to eat so much all the time? Brody yawned then got out of bed and made his way to the walk in closet down the hallway. He dressed himself in a pale cream shirt and dark pants before picking up his night clothes and throwing them into the hamper. There was one more day until the maids got there thankfully because he didn't know how to wash clothes. Sure he'd been taught but it never clicked with him. He always ended up making a mess.

Silently he left the closet and then went down stairs to where he guessed Amelia would be. He was surprised to find that she was not in the living room, or the dining room, or the kitchen. He sighed then looked out the door window in the kitchen. She must be at the pond. I guess I'll make breakfast. He thought as he hunted for the flour and such. He'd figured he'd make pancakes this morning even though he was not fairly too good at it.

It took him two tries on each pancake he made to get it perfect. He sighed as he plated the food and fruits on another plate. Carefully he balanced the plates in his hands back and forth between the kitchen and dining room until he'd finally carried the two glasses of water in. Now that everything was set out all he needed to do was call Amelia but where was she? He silently stepped out and looked around. He couldn't see anyone at the lake at the moment. Brody scratched the back of his neck and looked around more. It looked like he was going to have to yell to find her. He hated. "Amelia!" He called loudly hoping where ever she was she'd hear him

(read ze book it's amazinggg :D )

It was sheer luck that Amelia heard her name called, otherwise she would have flew right passed the manor. She tugged on Stars' neck up to a slow and eventually to a hault. She got off of the horse and lead her back to his stall. She kissed the horse's nose goodbye before latching the door and leaving. Looks like Brody is up. She thought as she made her way to the house. Going through the back way she immediately smelled breakfast: fresh pancakes.

"Good morning." She smiled at him radiantly before getting her plate and scooping up the pancakes and fruits. The morning ride made her mood a thousand times better than what it would have been. She drank her water as if she hadnt in weeks and almost wolfed her meal down. She went up to get a second helping when her eyes caught Brody's. She went up closer to his face and rubbed her thumb near the corner of his eye. "You had something there." She justified her actions before rubbing her fingers together and going back to her seat. She knew that her attitude had taken a whole opposite direction, but Amelia couldn't care less. Her current happiness could have been used to power the entire house if need be.

Good she'd heard him. Brody let out a sigh and then a small yawn before walking back into the house. When Amelia had returned he was surprised to be met with a 'good morning.' He eyed her radiant smile and wondered what had made her so happy. Where had she been anyway? "Good morning." He replied to her before sitting down at his chair after getting what he'd wanted out of breakfast. Five pancakes, a few strawberries and what seemed like a gallon of syrup.

Maybe the sugar in the syrup would wake him up. Brody began to eat but as he did his eyes flickered over to Amelia in curiosity. She looked like she was thirsty. Perhaps she went for a walk around the mansion or something? He looked away from her and continued his business with his food until he heard her get up to go for seconds. His brows furrowed a bit when she came closer and he tensed when she touched him. Brody's hand flew up to the corner of his eye right where she'd touched him and rubbed the spot himself.

Just what had gotten into this girl. She was so bubbly and bright today it was frightening him in a way. It almost seemed like she'd found the stash of wine the maids have probably hid. If only he could be that happy every once in a while. He would but his emotions forbade him to. "Where did you go this morning? " He asked her once he'd finished his breakfast and water.

(sorry my internet flapped out and I rage quitted because I'm working on a commission so I had to nap a while to calm down.)

Amelia looked up from her eating. "Oh." She started before wiping her mouth, "My horse was apparently delivered today. I rode her today and I just got so...happy riding her." She smiled, finishing her breakfast. She stood up, cleaned the contents into the garbage underneath the sink and rinsed the plate I the sink. "I'm gonna go take care of her." She beamed a smile at Brody before making way for the door, "If you need anything I'll be there." She waved goodbye as she ran over back to the stable where her horse was. Stars snorted in greeting and in return, Amelia rubbed her nose.

Searching around, she managed to find several brushes, a bucket, and the tack room. She took the brushes and filled the bucket up with water from the water pump conveniently placed next to the stable. Unlatching the stall's gates, she stepped into the mare's space and went to cleaning and brushing the horse down. She simply could not be any happier, Amelia. She simply couldn't think of anything better that could make her even happier than the horse that stood in front of her. They had always been a wonderful horse-rider pair and nothing would change that. Amelia began humming softly to herself as she took care of her horse so well, her parents would have been proud of her.



(( hahah it's okay I get whatcha mean. Whatr you commissioning?))

It seemed like Amelia really liked animals. Much like how Brody liked his books. He could see how riding a horse made her happy, it was just like when he read a favorite book of his. Although, his favorite books didn't make him smile as much as Amelia was. It was probably because she wasn't reserved in his emotions like he was. "Okay." He answered after she'd told him where she'd be. He supposed that maybe now she wouldn't be as lonely as she was now that she had one of her animals to be with her.

And perhaps he wouldn't have to sleep in the bed with her again. His eyes fell to his plate as he thought this. It wasn't like he hated sleeping in the same bed with her it was just that it was intimate for him and it made him feel strange so he didn't particularly like it. But if Amelia had asked him to stay with her again then he wouldn't decline her either. Silently Brody got up from his seat and began to wash the dishes he'd dirtied before cleaning up the kitchen. When he was done he went back up stairs to the guest room that he'd claimed to be his room.

The sheets were like they were left yesterday, still half way on the bed. He sighed and then resumed his task of putting them on the bed. This time he took his time with it and found that he didn't need two people to put sheets on the bed. Although it would've been quicker if there was another person helping him. Once he had the bed made up he began to go through his stuff that was brought in yesterday and ended up stumbling upon what he thought was his father's diary or journal of sorts.

He sat down on the bed and opened it to the first page. His eyes scanned across the page with interest as he read the events. They were at war at the time, three countries over what Brody couldn't figure out it didn't seemed to be stated in the wrighting. It seemed they'd been to war for a very long time and it didn't seem like it was going to stop any time soon. He then flipped the page and found the reason why they were at war. One of the countries kings had started war with one of the two neighboring countries over land. Apparently that land was beside the third country, who'd thought the land their own, and so the third country had gotten dragged into war too.

As Brody read on the war didn't stop until the two neighboring countries and decided to share the land and they turned against the first country that had started the war, they destroyed it mercilessly. The boy frowned at this and continued to read on. The next writing must have taken place years later because the hand writing seemed to become more elegant and smooth. His father, or who wrote the journal, stated that they had found out about the arranged marriage between he and his distant cousin, Corliss Dwighte. His brows furrowed at this name. It wasn't his mother but...how then if that woman isn't his mother can the author seem so much like his father?

His mother's name was Leigha. Brody pursed his lips then kept reading on to find out maybe who the real person who wrote this book was. Although even though he now doubted it was his father he still had a feeling it was. As he read on he found out that his feeling was true and that Corliss Dwighte was his mother, even though she was addressed as Corliss.

Corliss is very pale but her cheeks held a little color to them and her eyes were a light golden brown color, just like her hair that cascaded down into large ringlets over her left shoulder. She is beautiful but I detest her. I detest her, and her parents. And also my own for making me marry her. I do not love her so why should I have to marry this girl?

Brody's eyes furrowed at the passage on the page. This woman, as described, sounds just like his mother. Actually as he pictured the woman he pictured his mother and her long light brown hair that was nearly blonde. He could see her smiling at him right now. Brody Her voice echoed in his mind and he snapped the journal shut just as a wave of sadness fell over him. He pursed his lips then looked at the ground before getting off the bed and leaving the room. He had to write his father to see if this journal was really his and not just some stranger's.

(I'm doing art freebees at the moment and it's an art commission. it's giving me hell on the shading. I suck at coloring things and I haven't been taught anything about light source so my shading is really hardly ever that good.

Amelia had just finished grooming Stars and the horse seemed very grateful for it. It snorted a thank you while Amy began cleaning up. She felt exhausted, but Stars seemed to overcome fatigue by making Amelia happy. She would have to find someone who could replace horse shoes eventually before Stars became unrideable. She kissed the horse's nose goodbye and left the little stable. I wonder if Brody likes horses. Maybe I can show him Stars one day. She began walking down to the pond before stopping in her tracks, turning on her heels and going back to her house. She figured she would be there for a while, she might as well bring some bread for the animals.

Opening the door to the inside, she didnt find Brody in the kitchen anymore. She guessed he was in the library reading. She shrugged it off and figured she shouldn't bother him. She located a bread box and took out a soft baguette. She ripped off a medium-sized chunk, wrapped the rest back in the bag and slid it back into the bread box. She didnt feel the need to announce to Brody where she would be; if he needed her, she would find her. She slipped out of the house as quickly as she arrived and made her way to the pond. In no time, birds of all species swam and waddled up to her, hoping to get some of the crumbs of the bread. Amelia gradually broke off pieces and tossed them in front of her, giggling at how they all nibbled at the pieces.

"The ducks here are cute aren't they?" A voice suddenly commented, making Amelia jump from her place. She thought it was Brody, but the speaker's voice was a lot deeper and more playful in a way. She turned around to yell at whoever was speaking to her. It was a boy just about her age, a bit taller than her with messy brown hair, blue eyes, wearing servants' clothes.

"Is there any reason for you to bother me?" She suddenly snapped at him. The fright he gave her was unacceptable for a servant, in her opinion.

"I am terribly sorry, my lady." He bowed down almost mockingly and grinned just as slyly.

"Just who do you think you are?!"

"Why, Amy, don't you remember me? Back at your castle?" He looked at her with doe eyes. She flinched when he said her name. Nobody ever called her that except for close friends. Friends...Are you...Is that really...?

"A....A...Alonso?"

The boy nodded, bowed again and smiled warmly.


((Ah yeah I getcha lol. I'm doing college drawings and they take foreever to do cause they're large and I have to do them in pencil))

It took Brody some amount of time to write the letter. He wasn't sure what to say or how to say it but he made his letter short and to the point. Now he'd have to wait until tomorrow until he could get one of the servants to send it off. Or he could just go to his father himself and ask him. He'd rather just send it off. He didn't want to alarm his father or Amelia's father by suddenly showing up on his father's door step with out Amelia with him. Unless he could just take her with him.

That sounded like a sound idea although he didn't like the idea of her knowing about a private situation. Well she already read it anyway, she did find it and she knows about my mother...plus... He thought as he remembered how she'd hugged him the other day and told him that she was sorry for what happened to his mother. Brody's body tingled slightly from where her touch was as a light blush came across his cheeks. He then shook his head as if shaking the blush away and then went off to find Amelia.

They were going to pay his father a quick visit for the day. At least he was in a way hoping she'd go with him even though a part of him really didn't want her to know about his mother's death or how he feels about it. It was probably because he was scared she was going to some how going to use that against him. Silently Brody recalled that Amelia was outside in the stables. Weren't they by the servant house? He touched the letter in his pocket. He supposed he should dispose of it on his way out. Even though he thought that he forgot to just as soon as he stepped out side and went to go to the servants house but as he made his way there something at the pond. He looked over at caught site of a red haired girl. Amelia, and someone else. Someone he didn't recognize talking to her.

He stopped then went to make his way over to the two, the other person looked like a boy. Maybe their age. Brody couldn't tell they were a good bit away. As he got closer and seen that it was a boy their age. A servant maybe? He pursed his lips then called out to his wife. "Amelia who is our guest?" Brody asked, of course with a smile as he looked over at the boy. Yes he was a servant now that he could see better. Did that mean the servants were there now? He didn't see them come in. Well that was probably because he was locked in his room at the time.

(Oh man D: thattt sucks. )

It seemed that Amelia and Alonso had talked for hours in end catching up to present day: what happened after they departed, the latest news of the land, what they did now and the like. They almost didnt notice Brody coming up to them.They both looked up and smiled in their own way. "Oh, Brody this is Alonso, I told you about him. He taught me how to cook well." Alonso bowed in his extravagant way and smiled at Brody.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir." He went up to Brody and shook his hand firmly, "Im one of the cooks here in your house." He looked back at Amelia, "And this is...?"

"My husband." Amelia replied.

"Well! This is the lucky man!" Alonso laughed, shaking Brody hand once more, "You better take good care of her then, or I might need to step in." He chuckled to himself, then excusing himself to go about his duties. Amelia smiled as she watched him go.

"I apologize its just been so long." She stood up from her spot, "Is there something you wanted?"

Brody instantly remembered who she was referring too. It wasn't that much a surprise that someone their age could teach someone how to cook. He of course shook the boy's hand back just as firmly. Brody gave Alonso a smile after Amelia told the boy who he was. It was still odd hearing someone introduce him as their husband. He was then shocked at Alonso's response. Lucky? Was he really?

He wondered to himself until the boy's last words nearly caused his smile to faulter. Step in? What did he mean by step in? As if he couldn't take care of Amelia himself, he seemed to be doing fine for right now. Well, if fine is the way one would like to put it. He was still trying to get along with her but he was doing what his self would allow him to to take care of her. Brody looked down at Amelia as she got up from her spot. "Ah, it's uhm...fine. I understand." He said before looking away from her. "I was wanting to know if you'd like to accompany me to my fathers but I guess seeing the servants are here I could get one of them to send over a letter...unless you want to get out of the house?"

Of course he was still considering that option of going to his father's since it would be the first time since they've went out together in public. Plus he felt that maybe this matter should be spoken face to face instead of over letter. "I...was going to see him about the journal you found."

Amelia perked her ears up when Brody mentioned the journal. "Yeah, uhm, I think I'll join you." She was almost anxious about it, going out of the newly made comforts of the home. "I'd love to go." She smiled, "I'll just change into something more suitable." She excused herself and made her way to the house, not caring if Brody was following behind or not.

Manouvering herself around the house she managed to get to the walk-in closet. Quickly changing, she put the used clothes into the almost-full hamper and searched for a casual summer dress. She pulled out a sky-blue one with a slight v-neck and went down to her knees. She slipped it on effortlessly and made her way to her room. She went into the bathroom to comb her hair of knots and tangles before braiding into a neat fish-tail. She decided she would only put dark eyeliner on her lower eye-lids for today. Although a princess, Amelia was usually not the one to cake on make-up when it wasn't necessary. When she felt acceptable, she shut off the lights in the room and trotted down stairs into the main hall. Sitting on one of the comfortable couches, she would wait here for Brody. She didnt know why she was so excited to get out, but it would feel nice to have a different scenery as opposed to being cooped up in one place.

"I'm ready when you are." She called to the house, hoping Brody would hear her from wherever he was.

Brody was a little happy she was going with him. Only because there was a small nasty pit in his stomach which was making him uneasy. He nodded to her as she excused herself to go change. What was making him so uneasy? He tried to track the source as he went towards the servants house towards the stables. He'd have to get their horses ready if they were leaving. He didn't want to walk a distance to his father's home. It wasn't until he'd reached the stables did he realize what was making him so uneasy. It was that boy's words that had caused the pit in his stomach but why? Brody pursed his lips then shook his head. It was probably because of what he said about taking care of Amelia.

He supposed he should be easy on her after all. She didn't see him as an enemy any more and yet for some reason he still couldn't trust her. But why couldn't he? Just what was preventing him from doing so? Now that he thought about it, he felt that he really didn't trust anyone. He recalled that even he was uneasy around his father and his servants sometimes. It was odd. He hadn't been like that before when he was a child.

Brody brushed the subject away then stepped into the stable to find that there were other horses there now. The servants move fast. He found his horse from home as he went down the stables. Gray they'd named him since he had smokey grey fur. He then found Amelia's horse. How he knew it was because they'd been in the stall next to each other and plus, a servant had wondered in and he'd asked which one was Amelia's horse. "Oh, this is Princess Amelia's." He said as he took out the horse for Brody and lead it out.

When Brody had the horses at the house he stepped back in the mansion to find Amelia luckily he didn't have to look to far because he heard her calling for him. "I'm ready." He said before taking her hand. Why he didn't know there wasn't any servants in the house as of yet. "Lets go." He said as he escorted her out the door and to her horse. "The servant told me that this one was yours?" He asked her.

Amelia was surprised that Brody took her hand so effortlessly, and without any witnesses around. She stared at her hand to make sure it was still there as he lead her out to find that Stars and a grey horse were waiting for them. Stars whinnied a greeting to Amelia as she nodded and went up to her horse. She found that she had been saddled and ready to go. She climbed up effortlessly and fixed her dress so nothing would be showing. When Brody was all settled, he kicked his off and they dashed off in the direction to his original home, Amelia followed with the same speed.

To her surprise, Brody looked like an expert rider. Of all the princes and lords she had met to potentially court her, Brody looked the most proffesional. His body position was flawless and he kept his eyes on the road as well as looked for oncoming obstacles. Other than that, he seemed...happy? That's what it seemed like to Amelia. He didnt seem as tense in her opinion and the smooth movements of his animal moved in rhythm with his body. It was intriguing for Amelia to watch. For a moment she had watched too long and, if Stars wasn't as intelligent as she was, horse and rider almost tripped on a log in the road. Stars jumped over it without being directed too, but the sudden jolt woke Amelia up from her trance. She shook her head a couple of times and lead her horse up beside Brody's, smiling whenever he chanced to look at her.

It'd been a while since Brody rode but the enjoyment that he got from a ride was still there. He nearly smiled too but his lips didn't react to his brain's signals to smile. He knew that it wouldn't be too long now before they reached his father's castle, or at least he hoped it wouldn't. He wanted to get there quickly as possible because his curiosity was eating away at him. When he seen Amelia's horse ride up beside his he looked over to see Amelia smiling.

She looked happy. Of course he knew why, he was guessing it was because she was riding her horse. It seemed her glow from that morning had not left her yet. Suddenly Brody felt the need to smile back at her, so he did. He gave her a small smile that was not forced and genuine but not as brilliant as the one he'd given her before. That smile that he'd given her before was rare and only came about on certain occasions.

He looked back over at the road and found that he could see his father's castle in sight. A playful idea then hit him and he looked over at Amelia with a bit of mischievousness in his features. He then tapped his horse's back leg and urged it to go faster while he gave Amelia a 'catch me if you can' grin before turning around and watching where he was going. Sure he knew it was a bit improper to ask a lady to race but no one else was around so he figured it should be fine.

Amelia was taken by surprise that Brody began riding faster than her, shooting a mischievous look at her. She narrowed her eyes at him and gave him a "challenge accepted" grin. Oh, it's on. She clicked at Stars with her tongue and kicked the horse softly to accelerate her. In a matter of moments, Amelia was almost parallel to Brody again. She felt herself huffing for air as she continued to speed up. When Stars' head was several feet in front of Brody's horse, she looked back at him and stuck her tongue out playfully. She turned back and motioned her horse to go off into the stretch of meadow. A burst of laughter came out of her suddenly. It wasn't meant to be geared towards anyone; moreso, it was made from her bursts of happiness. She hadnt been as happy as she had been now in so long it seemed, and all of that happiness became vocal and joyous laughter.

Brody's castle had appeared in her view and got bigger and bigger as she neared the destination. Amelia softly tugged on her reins, signaling to Stars to slow down. They had begun trotting when they reached the castle's entrance. A servant bowed as she saw her approaching. "You and your husband are so adorable! Racing each other." She laughed as she helped the princess down. Only then did she realize where she was and who her husband was. Brody came up to them shortly and began dismounting. Even with the situation between them, she smiled at him and wished that that the moment before had lasted longer. Once they both dismounted, Brody's father came up to them and greeted them both warmly.

Brody's pride was almost wonded. A girl had never beat him in a race before. It looked like he was going to have to start riding again so he could have a rematch with the girl. Inwardly he was smiling at this. It'd been a long while since he'd felt so playful. Maybe she wasn't all that bad to be around, just as long as they weren't fighting. Which the chances of them fighting seemed to be growing slimmer since they were somewhat getting along better. Brody looked at the servant who'd seen them and blushed slightly. He was surprised that she'd not scolded him.

When his father came out Brody's main objective of coming was at the forefront of his mind in an instant and his playful manner vanished. Although he was happy to see his father. "It's nice to see the both of you. You're both looking well I hope you're getting along." King Nuallan said to the two as he hugged each of them before leading them into the house.

"We...are actually getting along. Although we are still adjusting to each other." This was the truth, to Brody anyway. They were getting along and he was still adjusting to Amelia. It felt nice that he wasn't having to lie to his father. Apparently his father had been suspicious of this and looked over at Brody who gave him a look that affirmed he wasn't lying.

"That's good to hear." King Nuallan said before turning to Amelia. "I see that you've beat Brody in a race. That was the first time I've seen something like that happen." He commented to Amelia which in turn made Brody look away since his pride was a bit injured by that. Brody then cleared his throat and looked back towards his father.

"Father, there was something I wanted to talk to you about in private...it's nothing alarming it's just something I wanted to have assurance of from you personally." He said cautiously making the King look over at him with raised brows.

"Of course come with me." He said before leading the two into his private study upstairs in the west wing. When they reached the study King Nuallan shut the doors behind them and offered them to sit. "So tell me what the matter is."

Brody looked over at his father from his seat then wished he'd brought the book with him. "It's about something Amelia found in a library at the mansion. It's a red leather book, a journal. At first I thought it was yours because the woman described in it she reminded me of mother, and I had seen your writings before and thought it was yours. But the woman's name is Corliss...and not Leigha. " He answered not knowing that it was in fact his mother in the journal, but her first name.

It took his father a moment to answer but he eventually did. "Corliss...was your mother's first name. She hated the name so she always went by her middle name Leigha. Tell me did you two happen to read it?" He asked, there seemed to be some ulterior question behind what he was really asking which confused Brody. It was almost like he had wanted them to read it for some reason.

"I have been...although Amelia was the first to read it were you not?" He'd figured that he'd let her answer for her self.

Amelia grinned proudly knowing that she had beaten Brody in a little race. Although it was only a simple game that had been nonchalantly instigated, it was surprising how Brody's father had reacted, praising her almost. Once the party was inside what seemed like a private study, Brody and his father began conversing about the journal. She zoned out for a little, figuring that she wouldn't need to speak but was merely there for show.

She suddenly heard her name addressed and she snapped out of her distraction. "Uh, yes." Amelia confessed to his father. It wasn't any use lying in this predicament, since it wouldn't be of much help. "I found it wedged between two books. The...the writing is very beautiful. The poetry I mean. It...it is yours, right sir?" The king's expression seemed ambiguous to her. She didnt know whether he was relieved or perturbed that they had read it, or if he had lost it and he was outraged that they had read it. "Did you forget it there sir? We apologize if we were not meant to read it. Truly." She began getting butterflies again, hoping that they wouldn't be scolded. Even if they were soon-to-be king and queen, Amelia was still afraid of what might come if the answer was negative. What could he do to them in order to punish them? Amelia didnt want to even think about it, and she hoped that that wasn't the case.

"I am truly sorry ser." She apologized again, "The writing was very...it was wonderful, in truth. I'm not usually the one to enjoy literature but...your poems really were beautiful..." She trailed off and looked down at her lap, hoping that she could disappear.

"No need to apologize, honestly it's quite alright and thank you for your complements, Amelia." King Nuallan assured the girl with a bright smile. "Anyways I've always let Brody read my things, so why would I not let my daughter do the same?" This made Brody look up at the man in surprise. Could it be true that he really did favor Amelia for some reason? He eyed his father for a moment before looking over at Amelia. "Besides, I'm glad you found it...it...Well, " The king paused for a moment as if he was trying to find the right way to say something.

"Ah, holds many found memories I have of Brody's mother. It's nice to know that it is in good hands. Besides it might be of some comfort to the both of you to know that you aren't the only ones that were put into an arranged marriage, although the marriage between Leigha and I was decided at infancy." He gave them a smile before sitting down in his chair. "You know our wedding went like yours actually. Although Leigha cried the whole time." He chuckled at this before standing up from his seat.

"But anyway, yes Brody that journal does belong to me...I hope that you will both take care of it." He said before giving them a grin.

Brody looked over at Amelia before looking at his father. He was surprised that his father seemed alright with everything. As if there was something he'd wanted to happen to them by reading that book. Whatever it was he wasn't sure of it. "We will." Brody answered before getting up. "It's lunch time now I suppose we should go back home and welcome the servants." He told his father before he looked over at Amelia.

The servants. Brody's eyes then widened. He just realized if they're in the house then they'd see that he and Amelia were sleeping in two different rooms. Ah damn. He thought before standing to bow to his father. "If you'll excuse the bother of us father we will be going now. We will see you next week for dinner."

"Ah, yes of course. It was good to see the both of you I'll see you out."

"No that's alright, I just remembered I needed to instruct the servants of something and I need to tell them before they begin. Take care father." Brody said quickly before taking Amelia's hand and taking her out of the room with him leaving his father bewildered. He couldn't believe he didn't think about the servants realizing they'd be sleeping in separate rooms. There's no way he could tell them that they really weren't getting along that well. He pursed his lips as he kept Amelia close to his side as he lead her out of his former home.

When they got to the horses he helped Amelia up on the horse. "Sorry I rushed you out...it's just the servants don't need to find out about our separate bedrooms so I need to fix things before they find out. I don't want rumors to be started, it'd be bad." He told her in a hush tone as to where no one else could hear.

Brody then got onto his own horse and sped off, still keeping an eye on Amelia even though he did so.