Gareth chuckled, "You act as if you've never seen a castle before," he pulled her down the hallways winding in and out of passages when they finally found the main staircase. He turned to her, she didn't look nearly as nervous but he thought he'd try to make her feel better anyway.

"Breathe," he said reassuring her, his eyes on hers, "My father was the one who picked you after all." They now proceeded down the stairs a slower pace he wrapped her hand around his arm fitfully, this was a custom he was used to escorting women. Once the reached the bottom the guards opened the banquet doors for the two of them. "Ready?"

"That would be because I have never seen one." She said. As they got closer her heart sped up. This was it, behind those doors was the king, the man who fathered Gareth and the one who picked her. She took a deep breath when he told her to breathe. She had come this far, there was no turning back now. In minutes she was going to be introduced as his future wife. There was no running away.

She remained calm as they stood in front of the doors. "I'm ready." Tatiana had never believed this could happen to her. The girl who lived for adventure and excitement. Now she stood next to a prince, dressed as a queen should. She glance down at her locket and looked back up at the doors.

Gareth quickly squeezed her arm at a last minute effort to reassure her everything was going to be fine. They now walked into the hall to be greeted by his father who was looking worse every day, but he wouldn't miss this dinner for anything. He greeted them with a warm smile which was new to Gareth normally he would be scolded but he guessed that the did something right by bringing a girl home.

"Welcome my dear." his father said reaching for Tatiana's hand, he placed a simple kiss upon it. "You must be exhausted after your travels... please come sit." Across the table stood Gavin and his fiance she was as gorgeous as the rumours foretold and Gareth could see the smug look upon his face. The two of them took seats across from his brother and fiance and awaited the large feast to begin.

She watched the king , unsure what to say or do. "Thank you your majesty." She said. She followed Gareth and sat down next to him. She couldn't help but let her eyes check out the amazing room. Nothing she had seen had been so...lovely. She couldn't believe this was her life now.

Tatiana laid her hands in her lap, glancing at Gareth's brother and his fiance. She quickly looked away towards Gareth. She had wished she knew what to do, what was proper and what was not. She curled her toes in her shoes. She kept picturing the bed in her chambers, oh how she just wanted to sleep now.

Tatiana could feel the tension between the brothers. She had felt it before with her own brothers when they were fighting over a toy. She wasn't afraid of it. It was all rather silly to her. Then again, her brothers weren't fighting over a kingdom and a title.

The silence was cleared by Gavin coughing and to clear the air, "So, Tatiana is it?" he took a sip of his wine that was now being poured in front of Gareth and Tatiana. "Where are you from, what lineage are you part of?" Gareth knew Gavin's questions were malicious he was trying to make her feel inferior and he didn't like it. On the other hand Gareth had always wondered why his father had picked Tatiana in the first place, her family wasn't the most rich.

He looked to Tatiana to answer, hoping she'd keep her manners and not become feisty in front of her father, the success of them as a proper couple is what will gain him the kingdom and if Gavin knew how to push her the right way the kingdom could be jeopardized for the two of them.

Tatiana nodded, smiling. "My mother was the granddaughter of a queen from a kingdom that no longer rules. I am from a small village near here." She answered as if it was a changeling, she knew it was. Everything had to be done carefully and to impress the king. She sat up straight and watched the wine being poured.

She had only had wine once before during her father's wedding. She had gotten sick and passed out before she could eat any cake. She knew at once she would enjoy verbally fighting with Gareth's brother. She kept her smile on her face, trying to be as kind and proper as possible.

Gareth was relieved that Tatiana answered eloquently, he was still a bit worried as the night carried on farther. "Ah yes I knew your mother well, my child." the king said with a grin on his face, so this is why she was chosen, Gareth wondered what their relationship was like.

Gavin let out a chuckle, "My darling here Aubrey has lineage all the way back to early France." of course his brother was overtly proud of this and that he chosen a quite worthy mate. "Isn't that right sweetheart?" The banter between the two made Gareth want to be sick, obviously they weren't that head over heels for each other, but the pretty girl just nodded and smiled.

Tatiana looked at the king and nodded, smiling sadly. She watched the two across from them. She covered her mouth, trying not to laugh at the poor girl. She looked so out of it. At least her and Gareth had some things in common. She looked at Gareth and smiled.

Through she had not known him very long she was already to like him more and more. She didn't even mind that he may have seen her fresh from the bath. She was starting to fell tired already, the trip had really gotten to her. She kept her smile on and was growing more interested about her mother and the king.

Not long after their discussion the feast began to flood the room, first course was soup and salad, which had its own variety of toppings. He turned to Tatiana hoping it wouldn't set her back as not only was there a fair amount of food but the amount of cutlery was more than the average person would be accustom to. He leaned over to whisper to her, "Work your way in from the outside."

Gareth smiled, this experience was new to him also, he never enjoyed eating like this but he wasn't used to having someone around that had no idea about their customs. He took a sip of his wine before his father could open his mouth again before they took their first bite.

"To the lovely ladies, we welcome you to our home, and soon to our family." the king raised his large glass high before the rest of the table, Gareth followed in suite with his brother and his fiance.

"Cheers." he said with a smile to Tatiana, to his father they were a great couple, good thing he didn't know about the disagreements they carried most of the time.

She nodded, lifting her glass as well. She took a small sip and set it down. The rich scents of the food made her realize how hungry she was. "I do not think I will have any trouble with that." She whispered back to Gareth, grinning. She glanced at all the food like a half starved child.

Tatiana could not believe how kind the king was. She had expected him to more like...well Gareth's brother. She was very glad for the hours of watching her step-mother's parties. She would keep her head up high and act kind and sweet. Tatiana knew she could no longer hate her. She would have no reason to.

But she could turn all that anger to...She smiled, biting down on her tongue. The event just a little while ago flooded her mind. Had he really seen her? All of her? She blushed.

Gareth noticed out of the corner of her eye that she was blushing at which Gavin jumped at the act, "You seem quite taken with Gareth," he blurted with a giggle from his own fiance, "Although I must say he isn't as much of a catch as I am right father?" He grinned knowing he had the upper hand in most of the conversations.

"I picked this young lady for Gareth because of her mothers spirit, which I'm sure she shares, Gareth needs someone to keep him on his toes, of which I'm sure you do Tatiana." he gave a stern look to Gareth, who sighed, he was always the son his father looked down on, and felt that didn't have the ability to take care of himself. "I do hope this match proves well for you if you ever expect to have a role in this kingdom."

It was always a test with his father to prove he was worthy enough, whereas with Gavin almost everything was given to him and he was never questioned. Gareth now felt that this effort of marriage was a mistake, he had no chance of gaining the kingdom not while his brother married as well.

Tatiana lost it. She laughed softly. "I do keep him on his toes. I am rather pleased with the match, thank you your, Majesty." She nudged Gareth with her foot. When she saw his eyes drop She placed her hand on his knee. She kept her eyes off him, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Why did this happen to her? Why did he make her heart pound? She leaned close to Gareth. "Tell about earlier and I'll make this diner painless." She whispered. She took another sip of the whine, feeling her eyes get heavy each time she took a sip.

Gareth nearly gasped when her hand fell to his knee, he wasn't expecting it in the slightest, it sent a strange sensation through his body, his eyes were now on her hand wondering if there was something he was meant to do. Was he meant to hold her hand, remove it, or just leave it there, he had so many questions swimming in his brain, only when she nudged him did he come back to the reality.

"What do you mean?" he whispered back, he was unsure what she meant to tell about, surely he wouldn't talk about him walking in on her almost completely nude. Instead of talking to his family anymore he took a large gulp of wine which only pushed his father to show even more concern.

"If you spent more time interested in politics and pleasing your soon to be wife as much as you enjoy your wine then we all would be elated." The king was becoming more bitter, he was expecting Gareth to be someone he wasn't, and he knew Gareth wanted the power but he wouldn't give it to him so readily.

"Oh father, you know we'd all be surprised to see Gareth truly succeed at something other than riding that silly horse of his." Gavin gave a laugh and held his fiance's hand above the table leaning in to give her a sweet kiss on the cheek. The public display of affection made Gareth uncomfortable, was that what his father expected, with a woman he just barely met?

Tatiana smiled. "Oh, he makes me very happy. We both share the love for horses, in fact I even beat him in a race." She winked at Gareth. "You know what I'm talking about. I can make this very nice and or I could...twist things up." She grinned. If her teasing didn't work, threatening had to work.

She smiled at the two in front of them. "Aw...That's sweet. It's just a shame she doesn't look happy at all. Do you make him happy? or blush? Or gasp from your touch?" She asked, showing just how embarrassing she could be. Oh, she did have her mother's spirit all right. She had her fight too.

She smiled sweetly and squeezed his knee, kicking him gently.

Gareth was completely floored at what Tatiana was doing, he hadn't even heard the girl talk this much before, and now here she was attempting to make them look good in front of his father while at the same time torturing him with her teasing whilst teaching his brother a thing or two. It was unbelievable and the whole time his mouth was shut in astonishment.

He now was looking at her in the eyes, "You aren't serious are you?" he asked a bit worried at what she might do if he didn't talk about what had conspired earlier. His gaze then turned just as sly as hers, "I think you're bluffing," he said simply wanting to test his boundaries with her, part of him loved driving her wild.

Gavin's fiance was shocked at the comments towards her and and for the first time she opened her mouth, with a strong french accent, "Excuse me, what do you know of our relationship, I love this man." She pleaded her case but it was highly unbelievable if only the king could see that.

"Come now, ladies," the king retorted, "Surely you both are wonderful and make your men happy hmm?" He was simply doing damage control he was not in the mood for such bickering he was now starting to second guess his choice for Gareth, but maybe he deserved her.

Tatiana squeezed hard. " I am dead serious. Shall I tell everyone what happened or act like a good little girl?" She whispered in a harsh tone. She smiled and nodded. " We should all get along, after all we are soon to be family right?" She started up her act in full drive.

She couldn't believe she was doing this. But he had to teach him a lesson. She could sense the king's distress and thought it better that she tamed it down fast. There was no way she wanted to leave yet. She was enjoying Gareth's company.

Gareth squirmed as she squeezed his knee harder, "If you must know!" he said under pressure of the situation with his family, he couldn't let her ruin this for him, surely he'd be able to get her back later. "I barely saw anything at all I swear... you had a towel on... that's it." He looked to her hoping she would believe him as it was the truth.

He thought of ways he could get back at her later, someway to embarrass her, but he wasn't sure how, definitely not in front of his family he wanted them to like her. "Are you always this determined?" he asked quietly, slightly annoyed.

Tatiana smiled, changing her attitude. "Yes I am. Now nice Tati will come out to play." She whispered. She normally hated to suck up but decided after her scene, she had to. "Your palace is very lovely your majesty." She said, her tone changed. She was speaking softer and had a kind tone to it. She had to show she knew her place and as proper and kind.

She couldn't help but think what her family would do if they saw what had just happened. Her father would have been speechless while her stepmother would have dragged her out of the room, her face beat red with anger. She smiled, glad she didn't have to deal with them.

Gareth couldn't decide which side of her he liked better, the mischievous one or the kind and sweet one. Surely his father preferred the sweet Tatiana but much to Gareth's amusement the one that caused trouble kept him interested and wondering what was going to happen next. Now that he had the upper hand again he moved her hand from his knee and onto hers with his hand on top of hers holding it there.

"Why thank-you, I would hope so if you are to live here for some time." the king said gratefully, truthfully he could see through her facade but he respected the woman for making an effort. By now they had gone through the main course. The king was appearing more weary by the second, "I am terribly sorry but I believe I must make leave early tonight, these days are getting the better of me." He bowed before gracefully leaving the room. Now it was the four of them left at the table to finish dessert that laid before them.

Gareth watched as Gavin fed his fiance a bite of his cake, it disgusted him. "Mmm..." she said happily before laying a kiss to his lips.

Tatiana ignored the two in front of her, her smile faded. "May I stop the act? I'm rather tired." She said, looking at Gareth. She had always hated people touching in front of her. She fingered her locket. She stood, straightening her shoulders. She didn't feel threatened or even jealous of the two in front of them.

She held out her hand to Gareth. "Why don't you show me around." She handed him the excuse to leave the room, she just hoped he wouldn't leave her standing there and not wanting to walk away with her.

The two at the table didn't even give any attention to Gareth and Tatiana leaving, he took her hand and led her out of the hall, the guards have now been released for the night. Once they were clear from sight he pulled her over into a dark corner, she was now caught and he'd have to answer to her.

"What was that all about?" he asked quietly now happy he had the upper hand.

She batted her eyes innocently. "I don't understand." She said. She crossed her arms and looked away. Tatiana grew tired of waiting for him to move so she simply decided passing out was a good way to get out of the situation. But after glancing at Gareth, she knew that would be too cruel.

She stood tall, looking him dead in the eye. She wasn't about to give in and let him enjoy this. No way. If he started something she too would have to. Even if that meant making him embarrassed in front of his father or brother. She licked her lips.

Clearly she was playing with him and got a lot of amusement out of it, but he wouldn't let her get away with that. He now placed his hand on the wall behind her trapping her in the corner. "Don't act all innocent with me, you know perfectly well what I mean." He had a smirk on his face, she would cave just like she forced him to.

"Like you said, we can do this the easy way," he placed his other hand on the opposite wall, "or we can do this the hard way." he raised an eyebrow at her.

She grinned. "Oh very well then." She lowered her head, her bangs covering her eyes. She looked up. "Let's do this the hard way." she taunted. She loved games, not only messing with people to get what she wanted but it was fun to watch someone stand there and think over what to do. How their expressions change and twist as they plan out what to do.

Ever since she was young she loved the feeling of watching people. The taunting, the teasing it was just so much fun! She wrapped her arms around his waist. She had never felt so brave and bold. Never had she touched a man like she did. Not only that but being so forward towards him. It felt so natural.

Gareth was surprised by his own actions, never mind hers, as she placed her arms about his waist. If she was going to go this far he would only tease her farther, he knew that his looks were no match for any woman, and he could test this with her, and surely get her to do as he wished. He moved closer to her his forehead nearly inches from hers.

He was now close enough for her to feel his breath, "You may think you are winning but you are completely wrong..." he said biting his lip afterwards, "I may have left a few things out when you forced the truth out of me earlier." Now he had her where he wanted her, in the past a woman's knees would go weak and she would be putty in his hands.