*Edited: 5-10-2022*
Word count: 4768
~~~ September 24, 1777 ~~~
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How am I to find a way back home, if the risk of those actions is great?
My punishment may not have resided in the death of my soul - which I still was mostly relieved by, apart from the fact that I now found a new thing to fear more than any gallows.
The date of my matrimony...a day of celebration in the eyes and minds of many - a day sealing my fate - inching closer by the silk-gloved hand of the king.
A day I feared never to stop.
The question had occupied my mind for hours I couldn't keep track of - finding ways to linger behind the corners like the shadows of edged buildings.
With a sigh breaking through the quiet space, I move my arm to uncover my closed eyes in a simple action telling of my failure to will the sun back into its slumber beyond the horizon, my hand then resting by my cheek and after a momentary want to return to my own slumber, I move to sit up. The covers pool seamlessly at my waist, draping to folds that moved at the hand pulling them to the side - and with a gentle motion my toes meet the cool floor waiting below.
I lean forward, only then allowing my eyes to open - my (h/c) hair falling over my shoulder and down my back in loose tangles waiting to be tamed.
The darked nightstand shifts into view, and more so the rose sitting atop a small piece of parchment - each painted with the careful hand of morning.
I straighten, tilting my head and with a smooth motion I stand from my place on the bed - my attention held by the deep ruby red petals curving in perfection that drew in unsuspecting eyes to hold the shortened stem in pleasent admiration.
My fingers graze over each bump of the otherwise sleek stem, picking it up to hold the flower close.
Each feature was soft - turning to the note engraved with elegant curls and high points of cursive writing.
'For you, my sweet rose~
I request your presence out in the front gardens when you are dressed and ready for the day.
We will both be taking a trip into town for I have some things needing my attention and I would hate to leave you here unattended until I returned, as we can't have you getting lost.
A lovely day needs to be enjoyed by many admiring gazes.
I will be eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Forever yours,
George III.'
The royal's suave formality couldn't help but make way for a small smile to rest upon my face, my cheeks a faint - very light shade of red as I re-read the small note in a study of the elegant penmanship that was only interrupted by the cued sound of knocking.
I turn as the door opens, revealing Marion, Lillian, Kate, and Adelaide as they enter the room - the oldest blonde greeting me with a smile as warm as the morning sunrise.
Her hands shift the mint green fabric in her arms as she stops near the foot of the bed, focusing her attention on the flower in my hands.
"You seem in chipper spirits this morning. I assume you're doing well?"
I nod at her question, placing the rose back on the nightstand in a silent readjusting of my focus to what was more important.
"I hope you all are well...as well." My question was posed in an akward tone that led me to stand near the corner of the bed - my hands placing themselves neatly in front of me.
Kate smiles from her place beside Marion - an eager smile shining through her expression and she rocks back on her heels, her hands clasped behind her. "We are in good spirits, m'lady, ready to help you with whatever it is you need."
I chuckle softly, along with Marion.
"That is good to hear. I am glad you all are doing well." My response mirrored the younger blonde's upbeat tone - and soon after a warm hand takes my own - Marion leading me away from the bed with a sense of well practiced grace.
"We mustn't dawdle ladies- there is no time for much chatter." She explains with a motherly smile, "Adelaide, come help me, will you- whilst the others fix the bed sheets."
~~~ °•° ~ °•° ~~~
(This is what you're wearing.)
Adelaide - although seeming to be more quiet - was fairly swift in her practice, her hands twirling two strands of my hair to pull them back and tie them together with a gray ribbon that helped to keep away all but the few loose strands from my face - the rest of my hair falling into loose curls.
Marions leads me out from behind the dressing screen and I nod in silent thanks to the two - my gaze drawn to the soft giggling.
The bed was perfectly made, smoothed down while by the nightstand stood the 'culprits' of composed amusement.
"And may I ask what you two are finding so humorous?" Marion questions and both Lillian and Kate turn with calm paces - smiles lifting their features with joy.
"Nothing of humor." Kate answers, placing a hand upon her chest as she steps forward - showing off the rose she had brought with her from the nightstand and she offers it to me. "Romantic seems to be a better word- in regards to the note his majesty wrote you. It is written with words most every young lady would love to hear."
My gentle hand takes the flower, bringing it closer as I smile at the blonde's lighthearted sigh — a conflicted feeling being ignored like the newer thoughts grazing my mind with the simple conclusion that the blonde was very optimistic - a trait of her's even I was starting to look up to.
"I suppose it is." I return a soft chuckle, lifting my gaze to Lillian as she speaks up.
"You suppose?"
The chuckle that left my lips was quiet - a sign of uncertainty that was quickly fluttered over with a smile and a shrug. "I guess I just mean...that it depends on the circumstances...but yes, it does seem romantic." I respond, turning towards Marion, who smiles.
"Don't dawdle." She teases lightly, and my features held shy undertones.
"We mustn't keep his majesty waiting. I know." I say, "Thank you all for your help."
Kate nods quickly, showing her best - quickly done, curtsy. "It is no trouble at all, your highness."
I nod, humming a short tune in kind response as my hands clasp behind my back. "I'll see you all tonight then?" I ask, reluctantly stepping back as Kate smiles.
"Of course. Now hurry along, child." Marion's motherly tone made me nod once more, a timid blush rising on my face as I turn to walk to the door - which I open before glancing back at the four females to give them all a careful wave as my farewell; my frame then stepping into the hall where a few familiar faces waited.
"Good morning, your highness." Seabury's greeting was one of formality, his frame giving me a bow before he then gestured towards the men by his side - one of which held a face I hadn't been introduced to.
"This is Benedict. He he willl be helping Sean to look after you for the time being." He says and my gaze was studying the controlled features of the newcomer.
He stood a little taller than Sean - a pair of deep brown eyes a point of interest on his slim facial features along with the intrigued smile. The long strands of his dark blonde hair were neatly pulled back into a tight ponytail that fell to his shoulders - grazing the thick, white trimmed collar of his jacket.
"Pardon my saying so, m'lady, but I've heard rumors from my fellow soldiers of her highness being quite the troublemaker."
His voice was deeper than I thought it would be — his smile widening only just as he takes a breath, tipping his hat as he continues. "It will be a task, but an honor to look after you. I am hoping you'll prove those said rumors wrong."
I hold back an uneasy chuckle at the male's last statement.
"It is...nice to meet you too, sir." I say softly and he straightens from the courtious gesture - his hands fixing the red material of his uniform as my clasped hands raise to my abdomen, pinching the rose between my fingers.
"Let us get you to the king, shall we? If I'm correct he requested your presence not long ago." He says in speaking his thoughts aloud - his frame wasiting little time in turning on his heel to walk down the hall - Seabury following after as Sean places a hand on my lower back, guiding me forward.
"I mean no offense- sir," I speak up after a moment, my pace picking up just enough to cause Benedict to glance back in my direction. "however, I do not find an escort necessary if I am only going to the front gardens."
"You're not just going to the front gardens, your highness." The taller soldier comments with a hint of a chuckle, "Pardon my observation, m'lady, however I must say that your tone didn’t hold much confidence. Maybe you'll find you can improve upon it in your free time instead of...other activities."
My brow furrows at his 'subtle' hint, and I lift my head a little higher as if to challenge his belief in my lack of courage.
"Why? So people can take me seriously?" My tone was soft and the male shakes his head.
"Not other people. Yourself."
~~~
The front doors parted ways - and I offer a kind nod to the soldiers who had opened them as the morning light pours into the main entrance - my frame seeming eager to step out onto the stone and soak up the sun.
The flower between my fingers twirls only just as it hangs by my side - and I slow my pace in noticing the carriage posted out front. The four horses in front of the elegant transportation were being prepped with their harnesses — an inhale of breath, and I let my gaze fall elsewhere as I continue down the castle's steps.
My focus was on the clicking of my heels, the mint green fabric dancing to each step forward - trying to ignore the feeling of eyes from both behind and in front of me.
The dress trails behind me, falling down each stair to then land on the pathway that led to the royal and his generals.
"Radiant as ever my love." George chimes - dressed in his regal attire - as I stop in front of him, the heat finding my cheeks with ease as I look up at the blue eyed male.
I smile softly, giving him a polite curtsy out of habit. "T-thank you...George."
He smiles, his gaze falling to the flower in my hand as he steps forward, his hand cupping mine.
"I see you brought your gift. I take you like it?"
"It's nice- lovely even, but you really didn't have to." I say, and his eyes meet mine once more as his hand gently takes the red flower - a soft chuckle greeting the air.
"Oh but I did." He smiles, "Turn for me, will you?"
My expression held slight hesitation, but in compliance to the male's kind words, my frame turns to face the castle.
"But why? Gifts- although lovely, are not necessary."
Another chuckle and his warm hands lift to my hair - tucking the rose between the strands held together by the gray hued ribbon.
"I wasn't able to wake you up yesterday- or today. I see it only fitting to get you a little something as a sincere apology for my absence."
A weak smile tugs at my lips and with a gentle pull on the ribbon, my hair tightens around the flower - keeping it in place - and the male's hands then rest on my shoulders, causing my gaze to look back at him.
"You don't have to wake me everyday- and you needn't feel obligated to get me things."
He smiles, leaning down to kiss my cheek. "What kind of gentleman would I be if I didn't greet you and your sleepy smile every morning?" Another kiss on my cheek and I knew he could tell that his statement made my cheeks flush once again - his hand finding mine.
"Come now love, we have lots to do today."
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~~~ Small time skip ~~~
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The center of town was bustling with busy people - working and heading to places that filled the streets with chatter of different conversations, with the lively sounds of morning.
I step out of the carriage - dusting off the soft fabric of my dress in some attempt to brush off the many gazes taking notice of the royal's presence.
I still felt unsure about being the focus of this many pairs of eyes.
The king stood tall by my side - and unlike myself, he was unfazed by the onlookers - offering the same kind smile to each passerby.
His warm hand gently takes mine, holding it close as I turn to look up at him.
"Remember your rules, love." George says softly and I hesitantly pull my lips into a small, and barely noticeable smile - one that earned a chuckle as the male leans down to leave a light kiss on my cheek.
"I will return momentarily. I want you to stay here with Samuel and Sean, and be on your best behavior." He says, straightening his posture as he fixes the cape that sat on his shoulders.
"May I ask where you're going?" I question softly, placing my hands in front of me and George smiles, gently moving my bangs away from my face.
"Just business. Nothing you need to worry about for now, my dear." He says, running his thumb across my cheek before turning on his heel - the best of his guards by his side.
I swallow - keeping my features held to the same kind smile, however I would be lying if I said the thought of running hadn't been pushed from my mind.
There were too many people around - too many guards with the priority of keeping me safe, and in line...so even if I did make the split choice of screaming or running, I wouldn't make it very far before put back in line and the situation back in control.
I watch the king's cloaked frame for a moment more before I turn to face Samuel, who was now standing in front of me - and mumbling things to himself.
"Seabury."
The male's attention turns.
"Yes, your highness?"
"May I ask where George is going?"
Samuel glances over my shoulder before offering a smile.
"Just to deal with some...troublesome subjects." He pauses for a moment as his smile falters, his gaze falling to the ground as if he were thinking.
"...the rebelling group?" My voice was quiet.
Samuel looks back up, shrugging. "Just the aftermath of one of their latest little 'shows.' We're still in the grueling process of trying to find them- and they sure aren't making it easy." He shakes his head slightly, clasping his hands in front of him and my expression softens from thought.
"They think they're doing all of this good when in reality all they're doing is causing trouble for the people and businesses they're harming. Not to mention un-needed stress for his majesty." His voice mirrored mine from moments prior, and I tilt my head as he continues.
"But I have full confidence in our king. We will find them soon, I know it."
A small smile makes its way to my face - my expression lighthearted.
"You're like a loyal puppy." I say softly and he looks at my eyes, his brow raising.
"A loyal...puppy?" He responds and I nod.
"I-I am not a loyal puppy."
I hold back a chuckle, "His majesty can't do anything wrong in your eyes, can he?" I tease and his cheeks turn a barely noticeable shade of red as he shakes his head, scoffing.
"However-"
"That is certainly not true. His majesty may be great but, he still has his faults- just like anyone else." He stammers before a sigh greets the air, his head held a little higher and his brown eyes seemed to shimmer.
"Besides, m'lady, if everyone were perfect we wouldn't be able to learn from our mistakes or grow, both as people and a community."
"Your words hold truth." I respond with a chuckle, stepping forward as I bring my hands up - fixing the red bow and pendant on his shoulder.
"I was going to say there is nothing wrong with being loyal, especially to someone you look up to."
My gaze was on his shoulders as I dust off his black robe, a small smile on my face and after a moment I look back to his features.
"And to go out, to show off that loyalty to others...people like Mr. Hamilton- embarrassing though it may be at the time, to stand by your beliefs even though others may mock you for it, that takes courage. Which are both great traits to have."
"Your highness-"
"Please. (Y/n) is fine." I say softly, placing my hands in front of me.
"I...thank you, (Y/n)." He says and I smile more.
~~~
It wasn't long before the king's frame came back into view - mine and Seabury's conversation falling silent as the royal makes his way towards us.
His frame, and outwardly appearance seemed like it always did, holding a calm, confident perfection...however as he came closer one who looked between the lines could see a little more than what he let on.
"Are you alright?" I ask, offering the royal a kind smile and his hidden expression of tense thoughts fades to the back of his mind - being replaced with a caring expression.
"Better now that I am with you, my dear."
His soft blue eyes were gentle as they look down at me - his hand taking mine and I glance down at it as Benedict and the soldier by his side, steps closer.
"We could pick up patrols in the area, your majesty." Benedict speaks up, "They seem to be a lot more active around here, especially at the moment. Have we considered that they're hiding somewhere in the more upper class parts of town?"
The king nods as if in thought...and my gaze studies the details of his jacket's cuff as his head turns more towards the soliders in his company.
Butterflies played with my nerves - a subtle feeling that drowned out the males soft spoken conversation within moments...an eerie feeling different to that of the last lingering eyes of passing people.
A part of me wanted to step closer to the royal, to gather some sense of regained composer and after a moment I look up - letting my gaze draw itself over the street to my right.
A small boy of about one year old caught my attention for a reason I couldn't quite find - but the child's staring wasn't the reason for my nerves.
His little balled hand was up by his mouth while his other held onto his mother's hand as he stood by her side - her attention held to the other child she was seemingly playing with as she sat knealed down, laughing and talking to a group of other mothers.
An inquisitive yet unamused expression sat on his face as he takes a breath, his eyes studying my frame before looking at my face.
I couldn't help but play with a small smile, my hand raising to wave at the boy, who then smiles back, the corners of his chubby cheeked lips turning upwards as he shakes the balled hand by his mouth.
"...indeed your majesty." The soldier next to Benedict says and I look back to the conversation in front of me, clasping my hands by my abdomen.
"I am almost certain they're lashing out in retaliation because we're getting closer."
George nods slightly once again, thinking for a moment. "Is there any new information from the ones we have in the dungeon?"
"Not as of late, your majesty. Ainsworth says they won't say a word about the group. He's wondering if we need to step up the interrogation methods, get them talking by force."
"No." The king's response was simple, and he sighs. "Not yet at least...we don't need to resort to torture to get what we want. We'll get the information in due time, we just need to remain patient and keep up on patrols."
My gaze turns back to the small child, who was chuckling as he shook his little fist - his knuckles grazing his upper lip.
I smile once again, waving at him as I scrunch my nose playfully and lightly shake my head, earning another giggle from the boy. The smile on his face widens and his left leg carefully stomps on the ground - the hand that held onto his mother's shaking back and forth as he points at me, making little noises to try and get her attention.
"Your highness?" Benedict asks and I look back, clearing my throat as I snap my attention back into focus.
"Yes?" I ask softly and he raises a brow as he holds back a chuckle - the males holding small smiles.
"My dear, you weren't paying attention." George speaks up and I bite my lip.
"Sorry." I say shyly, "I was just-"
"Trevon? Careful-"
A woman's voice calls out and I turn to my right - my gaze landing on a stumbling baby boy making his way over to me with one of his arms outstretched - giggling with known mischief as his mother moves to stand, trying to catch up through the small crowd of people.
I hold back a small chuckle as the boy stops in front of me - his one arm extended up towards me and I kneel, sitting on my knees as he steps closer and smiles, still giggling with incoherent noises of joy.
"Why hello there." I smile as the woman stops a little ways behind the small boy.
I rest my elbow on my thigh, watching as the boy takes my hand in his, holding my index finger as he studies my hand intently and traces my palm with the little fingers on his free hand.
"I am so sorry about him." The woman says and I look up, smiling softly.
"Oh he's alright. What is his name?"
"It's Trevon, m'lady." She says, shifting in her spot as I look back down at the small boy.
"That's a very brave name you have." I say softly and he turns his attention to my face, his chubby cheeked features once again turning up into a small smile.
I wiggle my finger, causing him to giggle before he brings his free arm up, his fingers making a grabbing motion while holding onto my finger a little tighter.
I look back up at his mother. "May I?" I ask as he takes a small step forward, a small gasp leaving his lips from quickly growing impatience.
The woman smiles and gives me a small nod.
I stand, dusting myself off as he holds his arms up towards me and I then lean back down to gently place my hands under his arms, picking the small boy up before holding him so he sat on my left hip, his legs swinging slightly as he giggles.
My gaze falls on his face, his bright green eyes staring at me as I playfully scrunch my nose and lightly shake my head, causing him to laugh and place his hands on my cheek.
"Your highness!"
A voice calls and I look up to see two familiar faces from a few days prior running up to me - the little girls holding hands.
They stop in front of me, moving in place as they look up at me and smile.
"Do we look different to you?" The younger girl - being about six or seven years old smiles, her dirty blonde hair falling around her cheeks as her light, chocolate brown eyes stared up at me - asks eagerly and I smile, adjusting the small boy on my hip as he giggles softly.
"Let me see..." I mumble, looking at the two. "Your eyes are different colors." I say playfully and the younger one laughs.
"You can't change your eye color silly." She says and her older sister nods, chuckling softly.
"You're both taller? You must be taller." I respond and the two of them shake their heads.
The older one laughs lightly, folding her arms as she steps forward.
"Look closer, your highness." She smiles, her darker blonde bangs covering her bright green eyes slightly.
I hold back a chuckle - Trevon being preoccupied playing with my (h/c) hair.
"I know. You cut your hair." I say and the younger one jumps in place for a moment, clapping her hands.
"See, I told you she would notice!" She says happily, beaming from ear to ear as she looks up at me once again.
"Do you remember our names too?" She asks and I chuckle as more children start to come closer, some running towards my direction before stopping a little ways away.
"Of course I do." I smile, holding out my hand as the younger girl takes it. "Your name is Louisa, and your sister is Annabeth."
Louisa smiles more, once again jumping in place.
"I told you- I told you she would remember. Isn't she amazing!" She laughs, lightly swinging our joined hands as her sister smiles.
I move my hand closer to hers and she steps forward as she too takes my hand, her small ones slightly covering her sister's.
"Can you please spend time with us again?" She smiles and I look up as a few other children chime in, lightly nodding.
I turn to glance back at George, who smiles and gestures for me to go on.
I mouth a quick 'thank you' before turning back to the girls.
"Of course." I say kindly and some of the children laugh, clapping while others smiled. "Lead the way."
The two girls beam as Annabeth turns, gently pulling me along as Louisa skips forward.
"Thank you so much, m'lady!" She smiles as she turns, following her sister closely as the two lead me over to a fancy stone fountain near the center market of town - surrounded by distant houses and streets in a circular clearing with a light colored stone pathway.
I stop by the fountain, the sound of the children playing and talking filling the area as I look at the sparkling baby blue water, the bottom of the fountain speckled with coins, buttons and other small objects shining in the clear blue liquid - catching the attention of anyone who passed by.
I tilt my head before turning to face the children.
"What did you all have in mind?" I ask.
"We could play a game!"
"Like tag or hide and seek!"
A few of them chime in and Louisa folds her arms, furrowing her brow for a moment as she playfully huffs.
"We can't have her running around, she's got a baby."
"What about a story?" A little boy chimes, raising his hand in the air.
"Yeah, a story and then games later!" Another girl chimes and some of the children nod in agreement.
I chuckle, "Well, if we don't get to the games today, I can always come back tomorrow." I say playfully, gently placing Trevon down before sitting cross legged on the ground - my dress pooling around me in a messy circle, and patting my lap to motion for the small boy to sit.
He giggles softly, walking forward as he sits down, his fingers playing with my right hand.
"You're coming back tomorrow!" Louisa says happily, sitting down next to me.
"If I'm not busy then I cross my heart." I say, making a motion with my hand by my chest. I then pat the ground in front of me as children gather round the area.
"Now what kind of story should we do?" I ask as children gather, sitting around in a loose half circle with Louisa by my left side, and Annabeth sitting on the edge of the fountain.
"Do you know any good stories?" A little girl who sat in front of me asks, her small hands in her lap as she looks at me with bright blue eyes.
"I believe so. Let me see..." I smile, looking down at Trevon as he plays with the strands of my hair that fell over my shoulder. I gently trace the bridge of his nose with the back of my left pointer finger, watching as he smiles and makes more soft, happy and incoherent noises.
After a moment of thought I look back up, my eyes falling on George, who was watching along with Samuel, a few soldiers, and other townspeople - my gaze then shifts to the little faces in the crowd before me.
"Alrighty. I've got just the story." I say playfully, leaning forward and the soft sounds of chuckles and light clapping could be heard around me.
My finger continues to lightly trace the bridge of the small boy's nose, my other hand being held by the small child as I begin.
"How doth the little busy bee bring honey home, through perilous winds and beating heat, through each frail buzz and sweet taste of nectar- the flower's friend. Each brightly colored petal housing momentary safety, shelter that lends a helping hand..."