"Really, what were those things?" She smirked. She blew a breath of air into his face, the scent of wine on it. She was starting to feel the heat from his body, like warm summer day. She wanted to move backwards but there was no more room to do so. All of a sudden she wished she only had the towel. At least that way she wouldn't have to feel so hot.

"Focus. Don't let him know your starting...to...oh my...his eyes are so lovely. Stop it! Focus." She thought, trying to remain calm. Then it hit her. It would so easy, so realistic he would have to believe her. She removed her hands, placing them over her stomach. She winced like there was a sharp pain. "Oh not now..." She mumbled, lowering her eyes.

Gareth could feel the heat grow between them, he now knew that she fancied him it was quite apparent as she looked at him, his smirk only grew bigger. He know had an opportune moment to use this situation to secure his marriage with her, she was starting to feel for him which he needed, but that didn't mean he couldn't have fun teasing her and not giving her what she wanted. She reacted like a child who couldn't get what she wanted, but now she wanted him.

Gareth suddenly stepped back he noticed that her hands moved from his waist to her stomach, he looked down, "What's wrong?" there was genuine concern in his eyes.

"Bingo I knew this work. Just as planned. I won again." She leaned against the wall, bent over, holding her stomach. "You wouldn't understand...Your not a woman." She mumbled, trying to sound in pain. It was low but she knew if things kept going she would lose control and give in to him.

Tatiana would not have that happen. Not yet anyway...She wasn't broken in just yet. She bit down on her lip, trying not to smile. For someone who was rumored to be lady's man would have fallen for something like this. She almost felt...proud.

Gareth became more worried as she doubled over, he wondered if she had drank too much, or perhaps it was something else... something serious? He moved to her side placing his hand softly on her back he moved her away from the darkness so he could search her face for an answer.

"I can try," he said defiantly, sure he wasn't a woman, but that wouldn't stop him from helping her, "What can I do?"

She looked up at him, glaring. "Do you really not understand?" She shook her head. "I will not die. It's after all natural." She was hoping he would get it and if not she would stand and walk away. She was starting to think this was a bad idea. He seemed so worried. Had he ever thought these feelings toward another woman? She clenched her teeth together.

Tatiana clenched onto the gown, loving the soft feeling of the fabric. She wanted to go to sleep in that lovely big bed. It was all her's but she wouldn't mind sharing it. After all who couldn't withstand Gareth's charm. He was gorgeous! Her heart started race, as she watched his face.

"Perhaps I should take you to your chambers?" he asked still confused, "You must be uncomfortable." Gareth led her slowly to the stairs at which he stopped to look at her, she now clenched at her dress more. He couldn't understand what was happening and had no idea as to why she wasn't telling him what was going on.

It made him uncertain of what to do next, "Excuse my behaviour," he said swiftly before picking her up in his arms, there was no way she would be able to make the stairs standing up. He now walked up with her in his arms, not really caring about anything except making sure she would be comfortable.

Her eyes went wide. She was being carried. "So...What were you keeping from me from earlier?" She asked. She was surprised by his act of kindness even through she was not in any pain or being tormented by her womanly visitor. She wrapped her arms around his neck, staring him in the eye.

Sure she was faking it but he...was being so kind. She had forgotten about the act and just wanted him to tell her what he was keeping, through she had a feeling that it was nothing but her curiosity got the better of her. She couldn't help but to wonder. He seemed like the type of person to keep secrets.

It made him nervous when she wrapped her arms around his neck, he almost was about to drop her in surprise. On top of that now she was asking him again what he was not telling her. He laughed, "How can you think of such things when you are ill?" He now reached the top of the steps, instead of putting her down and walking with her to her chambers, he pushed further ahead until he was at her door.

The room was now dark with candles lighting the room, it was quite beautiful, and he was slightly jealous at how luxurious her chambers were. He walked over to the bed and laid her down softly. He kneeled next to her, "Besides you know I'll never tell." Gareth was trying to make her smile through her pain.

She pouted. "Tell me. It'll make me feel all better." She said. She removed her arms from him. She stood, keeping her arms wrapped around her waist. She smiled without knowing it. His laugh was something she wished she could hear day after day, forever.

Tatiana's eyes grew heavy. She glanced at the room and couldn't wait to snuggle up inside it. It was calling to her and she so badly wanted to obey. She looked back at him and waited for her answer. "If I can't get it tonight. I will wait until morning to bother him about it. Oh, it's killing me! I must know now!" She bit down on her plump bottom lip.

Now she was truly guilting him, and he was unsure of what to do about it, he ran his hand through his hair, and gave her the 'why are you doing this to me look', he smiled a little, "You truly can't let me get away with anything can you?" he looked up to her.

"Fine, you win..." he said quietly Gareth didn't really want to share this information, but she pressed him so much to do so, "I may have saw... a little more than you just in a towel... but I swear it was only a glimpse." he looked away his cheeks turning crimson.

Her face went bright red. "Hm...I thought so." She stood and gracefully walked into her room. She turned back and winked at him. "Your rather tough to break, you know that? It's rather fun." She grinned. She placed her hands on her hips, looking around the room wondering what to do first.

She touched the bed, smiling down at it. "Oh sweet bed...How soft you look. I love you so." She shivered and turned around walking back to him. "I hope I didn't embarrass you too much." She said. It was a rather weak effort at saying sorry but she felt it was needed to be said.

Once Tatiana had heard what he had to say it was as if she went back to perfect health and this made him think, he walked towards her. "Was this a rouse to make me tell you what you wanted to hear?" Gareth was no longer embarrassed it was his turn to out her and see how she felt.

"You seem to now be back in perfect health," he moved closer to her, "Is there something you would like to share with me?" Gareth questioned her, he hadn't even thought about anything but this game they were playing back and forth.

"I'm tired and I enjoyed today. What are the plans for tomorrow?" She asked, holding onto the sides of her dress. She felt bad about lying. Her smile faded. "I...am sorry."She mumbled under her breath, turning her head away. She felt awkward, even more awkward than what had happened in the bathroom.

She sat down on the bed, folding her hands in her lap. She felt like falling backwards and just falling asleep right then and there. She bravely looked up at him. "Good night." She whispered.

He watched as she recoiled, he could tell she was too tired for anymore games this night. He wondered about how different this night was from the one previous they were already so much more closer than they had before. If she was any other women he would have her in the bed right there and now, but Tatiana was different so instead he approached her near the bed.

Gareth side, "I promised you we would go to Market," he let a small smile appear on his face, he noticed a loose lace on her dress and adjusted it properly his eyes no longer locked in hers. "I will see you in the morning." he politely got up, and moved to her door, "Quinn should have left you a nightgown." He blew out one of the candles near the door, "Goodnight." he said giving her one last look.

She smiled, standing and walking to the door. "Then I will see tomorrow." She said and shut the door. She clicked the lock. She slipped off her gown, putting it over a chair. She moved her trunk over to her and opened it, pulling out her nightgown. Some habits were too hard to change. This was one of them.

She shut her trunk, placing it near the door. She crawled into bed, sighing. It was the most comfortable bed she had ever felt. She shut her eyes, snuggling her head into the pillow. Through she missed the feeling of sleeping outside, she would take a bed over a pile of leaves any day.

Gareth walked out of the room with a sigh, part of him wanted to go back there and kiss her and do things to her that he had always done to women when he felt this way. But he knew this wasn't right, and that he'd have to hold back on everything if he was to ensure she was his bride. Tomorrow would be the day that they would start to plan their wedding day and visit the Market to not only find Tatiana a wedding gown, but Gareth something to wear as well. He would also be picking out the perfect ring made by the families most trusted jeweller.

He now moved back to his own chambers, and blew out all the candles in the room, he was in need of no night garments. Gareth removed his clothes and got into the large warm bed, he had missed the feeling of the covers over his skin. Tonight he was going to get a good nights sleep of which he lacked the previous day.

Tatiana was awoken by a strange dream. She could tell it was morning by the bright light that was coming into her room. She sighed, rubbing her hands over her face. She was still tired but knew it was going to be hard falling back asleep with such a bright light bothering her. She sat up, looking tiredly around the room.

For a moment she had forgotten where she was. She felt cold all of a sudden. Maybe she should have worn the new nightgown. Her's was thin and worn out. Tatiana laid back down and pulled the covers up to her chin. She tried to shut her eyes, getting a few more minutes of sleep in before someone woke her.

Gareth awoke to the sunshine early as always, even though he enjoyed his sleep he would always get up at an early hour. He took his time getting ready and putting his clothes on, once he was half dressed he stepped outside onto the balcony to view the morning sun and countryside.

It was a perfect day to go the market, although he was unsure if today he should wake Tatiana, after what happened the day prior. Instead he went down to eat his breakfast in preparation and sent Quinn up to wake her.

Quinn knocked on Tatiana's door, "My lady, I've come to prepare you for breakfast."

Tatiana groaned and sat up. She moved out of the bed. "I'll be ready in a minute." She said. She slipped out of her nightgown and put on one of her old dresses. She looked at herself in a mirror and frowned. this was her only gown that wasn't faded but she hated the pink color. She quickly comb her hair and tied it behind her head neatly.

She wanted to act like a proper lady. Or at least try more at being one. She opened the door and smiled. "Where do I eat breakfast?" She asked, moving her locket from under her dress. She still felt groggy and dazed.

"Follow me my lady," Quinn said inspecting her from head to toe knowing her outfit will not do, "And do not fret master Gareth has arranged for you to try on dresses today in hopes that you buy enough for a new wardrobe." She looked to Tatiana as if she had no choice in the matter, which was true if she were going to be the Queen one day.

Quinn led her to the private dinning room in the East Wing where Gareth sat awaiting Tatiana for breakfast, "Good morning." he greeted her with a smile.

Quinn bowed out, "I will leave you two to dine together." she said before leaving the room allowing them privacy.

Tatiana sat down. "Good morning. What is this about new dresses?" She asked, not looking him in the eye. She kept her eyes down on the food. She sighed and started to eat. She wanted to crawl back into bed and lock everyone out, but that wasn't very queen like and was just rude.

She poured herself water and took a sip. She moved a stray piece of hair from her face. She could not stop dreaming about Gareth. It was as if he had cast his spell over her. She covered her mouth, hiding a yawn.

The second Tatiana sat down Gareth was free to eat and he didn't waste anytime to do so, he was starving. "Mmm?" he said through some food in his mouth which he quickly swallowed, his manners were set aside around her. "I've seen your clothing, you are in need of an update, especially if you are going to be Queen." He tried to reason with her, it was out of his hands, it wasn't his choice as to what she wore, and if it was, all she'd be wearing was a towel.

He snatched the water away from her, "You should thank me, I doubt you would have such a chance back home." Gareth had guessed this was hard for her to get used to, but she would learn just as he did when he was younger.

She stared at him. "Hm...Very well then." She paused and grinned. "What happened to your manors? Did they fly out the window?" She asked. If he could relax around her maybe it was ok for her to act as herself around him too. She was starting to get the hang of it. In front of others, at least until they were wed, act proper and kind like a true lady.

She yawned again, this time not caring about covering it. She started on a piece of toast. She was used to breakfasts being loud and fast. She enjoying having breakfast alone with Gareth. She smiled and took another sip of water.

"I apologize," Gareth said this time not talking through eating, he also slowed down his consumption, he had almost forgot for a second that he was Prince and soon to be King, and here he was showing the possible Queen his bad manners. "I should know better." he said guiltily.

Gareth was looking forward to their trip to the Market, he was also happy to get Tatiana in clothes that suited her and hopefully something that he would like. Once they were finished he cleared his plate, and then he approached her from behind leaning down to take her plate away. "Are you ready to go?" he asked his breath grazing her ear.

"Yes. Are you going to be there when I pick out my new clothing?" She asked, raising her eyebrows at him. She smiled at the thought of him having to stand and watch her try on new dresses. She chuckled. In fact she wouldn't even mind it. She wanted him to be there, watching her as she showed off the new dresses.

"I wouldn't mind." She said, getting up to stand next to him. She grabbed onto his arm and waited for him to lead her. She had no idea where to go but she was sure he would know. She felt proud to e the woman on his arm now. Even if they had just met. She felt it was meant to be.