"Why would the king pick me?" She asked, now very interesting in the subject. She rode her horse next to his. Tatiana's eyes were wide and locked onto his. She had never been picked for anything before. This was a first. Was she really good enough for the king to have had picked her? She smiled. She could live with that. Something had made him feel she was fit to be a future queen.

The look on her face made Gareth look away he wasn't comfortable holding a gaze for long with her. When he caught her face again it held a smile surely he didn't make her upset which was a relief. "He never told me why... only your fathers name and where to find you." Gareth held back the fact that he was incapable of finding a suitable bride on his own, to the point his father stepped in and said he had no choice anymore because Gareth was too picky.

He coughed and scratched the back of his head, this conversation was becoming awkward, and he didn't like talking about it, everything reminded him of the fact that he will be married soon. He pointed ahead of them, "Just over this hill and we will be there." he sped up a bit relieved to now be able to relax at the castle.

"Really?" She squeaked, trying to sit up. She bit the side of her bottom lip, trying her best to hold in her excitement. "What will we do when we arrive?" She asked, showing off her wild grin. She had pictured a feast or time to rest or maybe even a tour of the palace. Oh, she couldn't pick which sounded better. She glanced down at her clothing. A new dress would be nice first. She wanted to put on her best dress and roam the halls next to Gareth.

She couldn't wait. She was a tad nervous having to met the king and Gareth's brother. She had never been good at meeting new people, let alone royals! This was going to take some serious acting. She held her head up high and smiled delicately.

Gareth couldn't help but let out a chuckle at her squeal, was this the same girl who fought him on everything the whole trek to the castle? He was pleased that she was excited that meant his father would see promise in the arrangement to say the least, rather than them looking completely irritated at each other.

They now slowed the pace as they approached the castle walls, "You will be shown your quarters, and of course you will be served by your ladies in waiting." Gareth still wasn't used to having helping hands around, most of the time he gave them extra gold, along with food and would often do his chores himself. But surely for a woman having ladies in waiting especially for a queen was necessary women required so much more than the average man.

"We will have dinner with my father tonight." He entered the gates being greeted by the keepers, "Afternoon Maurice," Gareth gestured to a man who smiled back and greeted him and bowed to the lady beside him.

"Welcome to Lyonesse my lady." Maurice said happily.

Tatiana fought the urge to gawk at it all. "Ladies in waiting? Do I have to have those?" She asked. When she saw the castle walls her eyes grew wide. Excitement battled nervousness. She smiled down at the gatekeepers and waved. There was no point acting stuck up or rude. They had done nothing wrong. She noticed how kind Gareth seemed towards them.

That set aside the fears of him being cruel. She was always told stories about cruel kings with murderous sons, blood thirsty. She became stiff as they entered the courtyard. She kept taking deep breaths. "It's lovely...Just as I had always thought." She thought, her head kept looking from one side to another.

She had no idea the palace looked so...large from close up. She had always seen from far away. It had seemed so small and harmless but now...It seemed like a great dragon ready to eat her all up. She kept her eyes on Gareth's back.

As they entered in the courtyard Gareth greeted all the folk that knew him which were many, they had always been so kind to him, and even some of them cared for him as a child while his father was away. This castle was his childhood home, and now being back here with a wife was exhausting, but he knew it made the townsfolk happy that the kings sons were ready to wed, and perhaps would make a better king than their father was.

He looked back to see if Tatiana hadn't fled in all the ruckus, he offered her a helping smile, the first in a long time as they entered the east wing. His squire was awaiting him and took both horses reins in his hands. Gareth dismounted and thanked the boy placing a piece of gold in his hand and scruffed his hair before he could take off too soon.

Gareth now stood before Tatiana holding out his hand, "My lady," he said offering to help her dismount, they were now in the castle and this was customary.

When he smiled her heart started to race fast. Was this real? She decided to be a good lady and took his hand, sliding off the horse. She smiled at the squire as she got off. She gripped tightly onto Gareth's hand. She stood up tall and tried her best to seem formal and proper. She could feel the eyes on her, which made her even more nervous.

She cleared her face of all emotion and stood closely to Gareth. She released his hand, unsure if she should cling to him, or if he was even ok with it. She tried not to look over her shoulder but her curiosity got the better of her. She smiled back at all the people. Her mind trying to guess who was who.

Gareth had never really held a woman's hand before but he knew it was etiquette to do so in this circumstance although when she stood so close to him he needed to have his hand pull away as he became nervous. To soothe her he bent close to her ear and whispered, "You will meet them all tomorrow, when we go to market." Gareth reassured her, for now he smiled at them all.

"This way," he said now leading her into the wing that was no theirs for the time being, when they entered the doors they were greeted by the ladies in waiting. "Fine day, my ladies." he said with a cheerful smile, this wasn't Gareth's normal personality but it was his duty to act this way in public.

Each of the girls giggled, some of them had even had Gareth in bed, so it was always a treat to see his handsome place. "Welcome, my lady." Quinn bowed before Tatiana, she was in charge of the servants that would be tending to her. "We have placed your belongings upstairs if you'd follow me."

"Market?" She had never seen the market near the palace She knew it had to be grand, not like the smaller ones near her old home.She glanced at the ladies in waiting and couldn't help but to think he had no need for them. What was one to do with ladies trying to do everything for her. She had done her hair and dressed herself since she was young. Never had someone needed to help her.


Tatiana glanced him the turned away to follow Quinn. The inside of the wing was just what she had thought it would be. She was amazed with it. "I can't help but feel strange having to just walk away from him now. Where will I be lead to?" A streak of fear crossed her face. She calmed herself quickly, thinking as it as an adventure.

Gareth watched as Tatiana was whisked away by the ladies in waiting, after she was out of sight he proceeded to his own quarters he would have to prepare for dinner, as much as he disliked it he was required to wear his best clothes.

---

Quinn smiled at the girl, she seemed excited but a little nervous as well, "Don't worry," she said calmly, "You will see him at dinner, we need to prepare you now." She led Tatiana into her quarters.

"You will find your belongings here, and master Gareth had sent us to fetch you a new gown for this evening." Quinn inspected the gown the girl had on, it was clearly almost worn through. "But first you must take a bath, the water is already warm, once you are through ring the bell and we will help you." With that the ladies left the room in whispers to let Tatiana bathe in peace.

She waited until they left before removing her cloak. "I can't help but to want to snap at them. Oh this will be interesting. " She sighed, smiling down at the tub. She dipped her fingers in the water. She had never seen such a lovely tub, let alone bathroom. Yet as much as she wanted to soak in it, she wanted to leave the room and explore. She slipped out of her gown and got into the tub.

The warm water washed over her pale body. She pulled her knees to her chest and laid her head down on her knees. She couldn't help but feel shocked from the new experience already. She quickly washed herself and cleaned her hair.

She stood and dyed herself off not bothering to ring the bell. She paused, wrapping the towel tightly around herself. She looked down at her locket and smiled gently. She had to play the part and do it right. She glared at the bell. She shut her eyes, thinking it over. She opened her eyes and rang the bell.

Gareth was ready rather quickly it didn't take much effort for him, but now he was clean and well dressed, he pondered what to do next. He figured it would be proper to pick Tatiana up at her room and arrive together at dinner. He walked down the cold hallway unsure of what to expect for the evening, his father could be quite demanding.

He entered her chambers hoping to find the ladies in waiting tending to Tatiana's hair but strangely the room was empty, he paced around inspecting her things. He then noticed the gown laid on her bed, was she not in it yet? Next thing he knew Tatiana came in the room without even noticing he was there with nothing but a towel on.

Gareth froze, he didn't know what to do for a second he just watched her, as she smiled at what looked to be the locket her mother gave her.

She gasped, hearing the door open. Her eyes went wide with anger. She couldn't think what to say or do but stand there, holding the towel to her body like it was a shield. She felt her face get hot. She quickly moved towards him and closed the door, blocking him from her. "Get my gown." She said, tapping on the back of the door.

She waited, holding the towel to her for dear life. She shut her eyes, her face felt so hot. He legs felt weak from the surprise. She was glad for her long hair, that was for sure. "Oh how embarrassing and right before I have to met the king! Oh...How will I ever face him?

Tatiana shivered, glancing at her dress on the floor. She grabbed her cloak, wrapping it over her. She cracked open the door. She watched him with wary eyes.

"I am so sorry!" he said quickly facing the other direction once she had noticed, hopefully Tatiana didn't see him staring at her and was now afraid of him. "I thought you would be ready by now, to go to dinner." he said awkwardly as he heard rustling behind him and the door close. Part of him wanted to laugh at how ridiculous he had been to think a woman would be ready so quickly.

Tatiana called for her gown, he peaked behind him seeing it was okay for him to look now. He swiftly grabbed the dress and brought it to the door awaiting her to take it. He held a smirk on his face, the poor girl was completely flushed rose colour.

She yanked it from his hands and shut the door. She quickly got dressed and braided her hair. She splashed cold water against her face, until the warmth vanished. She held her head up high and opened the door. "Is this some type of joke? I ring the bell and you come?" She asked.

Tatiana watched him. She took in the sight of the room and couldn't help but to smile. It was perfect, large but it was great. She walked up to him and stood inches from him. She was startled but thought it was best to fight the shock of him seeing in such a state.

It was only a short time before she started to wonder why he was there in the first place, but luckily she hadn't notice he had been standing there even before she rang the bell. "I..." he said trying to think of the right words to say, "I promise you I had no idea." She had now put on the gown and braided her hair once he saw her he stopped talking when she was clean and in the right gown she did look lovely.

Gareth coughed to hide his nervousness while she watched him, "Do you need more time?" he asked attempting to avoid her eyes. Not only was he uncomfortable in his formal clothes but he had Tatiana uncomfortable.

"No." She noticed how awkward he seemed. She placed her hands on her hips. "How long where you there?" She asked. She stepped back, looking him over. Just because it was an accident didn't mean she couldn't have fun too. "You look rather...handsome." She said, grinning.

She glanced at the door. "I'm not I truly understand. Blame it on my raising but was I just tricked by your maids?" She asked, her grin fading away leaving her looking serious and slightly upset. She shrugged. "Not that I mind. I would rather take care of myself."

Gareth, due to becoming even more nervous now and he was sure he was blushing underneath his skin, he would not answer her, she didn't need to know, and she could assume what she wanted. He merely scratched the back of his neck unsure of what to do next, she then complimented him which wasn't expected.

"Thank you," he said abruptly before adjusting his jacket he still was uncomfortable in it from his normal attire. He then let out a smile he had seen Quinn in the hallway just before he entered, "I saw her in the hall, she didn't inform me you were... you were..." he made a gesture to the tub Tatiana bathed in.

"Hm...Thought so. Anyway what is the answer to my question? What did you see?" She asked, moving closer to him, until she could feel his heat. She loved the fact his face had turned red. Once when she had come home her younger brothers had gone through her room, taking a ring from her. She got up in their faces and questioned them until their faces went red and they blurted out the answer she wanted.

She reached out, touching his cheek. "Come on...Break already. I must give him credit for lasting this far. Now how can I get him to tell me?" She smiled and batted her eyes. She reached farther up and tangled her fingers in his hair.

Gareth had gone into a daze all of a sudden Tatiana was so close to him and his face turned even more red he didn't understand what she was trying to do. His heart began to beat faster, he had never been this flustered before when it came to women, normally he was the one in charge and putting them on the spot.

Gareth breathed in deeply as she brought her hand up to his cheek, it made his skin tingle, a new feeling he wasn't used to. Her hand slowly moved to tangle within his hair, his eyes were now on hers, for the first time he had the urge to kiss her and he didn't care about all that had happened between them. Even though he wanted to he didn't still looking into her eyes unsure of what to say, "N-nothing..." he said finally before looking down.

She leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Liar. Did you come in before I got out or after?" She purred. She smiled up at him, stroking his hair gently. She moved away, turning her back on him. She grinned, enjoying his redden face and gawking face. "Come on...Come on...This always works." She bit her lip, excited to see his reaction.

She looked down at her gown and couldn't believe she was wearing something so fancy and made of expensive fabric. She peeked over her shoulder.

Gareth had a hard time controlling himself as she moved yet even closer to him and now she even stroked his hair. The heat in his face must have been so apparent now and he was throughly embarrassed. Tatiana now became a tease as she turned her back on him asking him yet again what he saw.

Once Gareth gained his composure he realized he was now in position of power he could get her back because he knew really she was just using him and getting her own pleasure out of this. So he moved in behind her and placed a hand on her hip and leaned towards her ear. "I'll never tell." he whispered gently.

Her grin fell. "You know you are the only one who has ever been able to resist that! But don't worry, I will get the answer from you." She said, crossing her arms over her chest. She moved away from his touch. She looked at the doorway. "Not I am not enjoying this but...Are we going to be late for diner?" She asked.

She looked him in the eye. There was no way she was going to back down so easily. She moved in front of him again. "Shall go or shall you tell me what you saw?"

Tatiana had now moved away from him, just like he thought all along she was just trying to get something out of him, it meant nothing to her. He smirked now he definitely would tell her what he saw which was probably more than what she had wanted him to see. "You can try." he said smugly.

Gareth looked her right back in the eye, she was now almost demanding an answer, "You know you can be so childish," he said before quickly grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the room, "We shouldn't be late."

She felt her face heat up again. 'I'm am just questioning is all. Nothing childish about that." She muttered, following after him. She now knew to be careful with unlocked doors, especially when Gareth was as quiet as a mouse. She was used to men being loud and easy to spot when they were coming up and down stairs.

Tatiana lost focus on Gareth and moved her attention to her new home. Everything about it reminded her of her childhood dreams. She may have stormed or broken inside but it was good enough for her. She now had the nervousness out of her system and was once more excited about meeting the king.

She was unsure of Gareth's brother through. From the sounds of it, he wasn't very trusted by Gareth. She had no reason not to trust Gareth, so it was decided the brother would have to be watched carefully.