*Edited: Proofreading.*
Word count: 2208
~~~ October 11, 1777 ~~~
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'Remember the rules. Remember the rules...but why would Marion need to go with him? Where was it he was going- why had they yet to return when it had been almost an hour?'
The thought that had lingered in the back of my mind was nagging, something best to be ignored - yet I couldn't help but fidget in my place due to the many eyes watching a conversation I took part in by mostly listening.
It was a small group of older women - dear friends from my assumption.
"...it's the same thing but the recipe is different on both sides." The oldest woman says and I snap out of my thoughts as they all chuckle, my hands placed in front of me.
"On my mother's, grandmother's side of the family they do the cherry pie a certain way. But on my father's, grandmother's side they do it differently- and they both swear their's is the best."
I chuckle softly, tilting my head. "What's different about them?"
"Well, I'm not sure of the exact recipe, but on my father's side they use thicker crust, more sugar." She says, dusting off her dress and I smile.
"Well it all sounds very interesting. If you don't mind me asking, would your family be alright with sharing? I would love to try making them myself." I say kindly and they all chuckle.
"Of course, your highness." The woman says, tilting her head in a sign of curiosity. "You bake?"
I nod eagerly, smile peaking and my tone was more upbeat. "I love baking."
I take a step forward, playing with my fingers. "I could bake all day if I could, and it doesn't even matter what as long as the end result brings a smile to someone's face. My friends used to tell me-"
I pause. My voice falling to silence and the once happy smile turns dower - gaze meeting the ground before I clear my throat.
"...um, well my point is I...haven't really had much time to bake recently, and I'd love to try a different recipe."
I say, trying to smile and one of the women steps closer.
"Rough subject?" She asks softly and I hesitantly nod - her saddened expression a reflection of my own.
"I'm sorry to hear, your majesty."
I sigh in what resembled defeat, my composure polished back to a gentle smile. "That's alright. I just...miss them is all." The words spoken last were softer — a gentle tug on my hand leading my gaze to turn towards a small boy with raven curls atop his head.
He looked up at me with the same curiosity you'd find in most ten year old children - his arms falling to his sides as though helping to sport faltering courage.
"Hello miss!" He says with eager nerves nipping at each tone. "Now- uh...I know I am not supposed to talk to strangers, but, I've seem you with the king. So I'm putting my trust in you." His smile was inviting - matching his statement and I couldn't help but chuckle.
"And may I ask your name?" I inquire, bending down to kneel on the smaller child's level.
"My name is Elliot. Elliot Swanson."
"It's nice to meet you Elliot. I'm (y/n)."
He extends a hand, fingers spread wide and I shake it - the boy continuing with his thought.
"I am hoping as to not be too much of a bother, your majesty, but I was wondering if you could assist me?"
"You're not a bother at all." I retort and the boy fixes his vest, shying away from my kind eyes before fixing his posture.
"You see..." he takes a small breath, "my father is a soldier posted overseas- he's watching over a trading ship with valuable goods. When I'm older and stronger I want to be a soldier just like him, I've already promised my mother I'll work extra hard!" he says proudly, tapping at the ground with his foot.
"With that attitude you can accomplish anything. And with the proper rest and training, I believe you'll be a great soldier." I say.
Elliot nods, stepping closer as he brings a hand up to the side of his mouth.
"I'm actually training right now." His whisper was harsh. "I'm on a top secret assignment."
"You are?" I whisper back, earning another nod.
"My mother says I'll need to be courageous- and I can't if I'm shy...so I told her I would get better. I'm on a mission to get her what she needs from the market- as a good soldier helps those in need." He beams before placing a hand on the back of his neck - expression falling to rest along a bed of worry.
"but...well I don't think I'm ready to go to the market by myself- not yet at least."
My head tilts. "It's alright if you're nervous."
Elliot shakes his head. "I can't break my promise-" he retorts and I smile.
"I just...need a little help on my first mission."
"Would you like me to accompany you to the market?"
"Yes..."
A gentle hand brushes his cheek, earning the gaze that fell from mine.
"Don't be down. I, for one think it takes a lot of courage to admit you need a little help."
"Really?" His round eyes shimmer.
"And more so to ask for it."
I stand in one fluid motion - giving the group of onlooking woman a quiet farewell.
"Do you know the way?"
"Mhmm. I go there all the time with my mother!"
His smaller hand takes mine - an enthusiastic pace guiding us both towards his destination and I didn't need to check for the soldiers who were bound to follow.
"Will you remember me? When I'm finally able to join the royal guard." He asks and once again bright eyes looked up at me.
"You've got yourself a promise, Elliot." I say, lifting my pinkie towards the boy, who reciprocates the action and smiles.
It was almost odd...but he reminded me of my brothers.
He soon fixes the bag on his shoulder, seeming to straighten with well practiced posture after he glances behind him - his greeting that of giddy astonishment. "Your highness-"
I look back - placing a hand over my chest at the unexpected figures approaching through the crowd - a quick breath departing from my lungs.
"A bit jumpy, I see." He smiles and I swallow back a chuckle, my nerves allowed a moment to settle.
"Apologies, your highness." I smile, brushing back my hair as if to reveal a more playful side. "You scared me. Surely you're aware you shouldn't sneak up on people."
George chuckles, an amused look on his face and the soldiers by his side shift - Warner as still and as stoic as ever.
"I would hardly call my actions 'sneaky.' Can it simply be that you were not paying attention?" He says in a calm manner, tilting his head as he steps closer, smaller actions a mirror to my own playful nature.
"Distracted by something, angel?" He questions and I shake my head, shifting my gaze towards Marion, whose quiet features I was relieved to see.
"Not at all. I was just helping Elliot here to the market." I gesture towards the boy, who steps forward and a gentle hand is placed on his shoulder.
"It's an honor to meet you. Your majesty." He grins and the smile George shared with the boy was genuine, careful yet kind to each sense of the word.
"The honor is all mine, Elliot."
The boy beams as the royal bows his head - a gesture returned.
"He's working hard." I speak up, and the boy nods. "He wants to be a soldier when he gets older."
The royal chuckles. "And a fine soldier you'll grow up to be."
"Really? You mean it!"
"You have spirit. Determination. Both already strong attributes."
"I'll make you, and my family proud-"
The boy's features were painted a soft strawberry red, tone becoming more quiet.
"Would it be alright if her majesty were to go with me to the market?"
"I believe she would be delighted to."
The boy smiles - brimming with a sense of joy as he turns and paves the way to his destination, keeping close enough to where I could be seen by his glancing eyes.
George - and his close men - follow, the royal by my side and his hand found mine to hold.
"I take my little sugar cube has been on her best behavior?" He comments softly, his blue eyes studying my frame.
"I suppose-" I pause, looking up at his slim features. "'Sugar cube?' May I inquire as to how many nicknames you plan on giving me?"
"Don't like it?" He chuckles. "I think it suites you. And to answer your question, my sweet little lilac, as many as I want."
I bite the inside of my cheek.
"In fact I have a few more in mind. For instance, I could call you cinnamon stick, sunshine, sugarcane, sweetheart, kitten, light of my life, sweet pea, pumpkin-"
"Ok, ok." I cut him off with a gentle nudge, my cheeks turning a deep red as I shake my head. "I get it- you're very...creative with nicknames."
"Why thank you." He says in a teasing tone. "Now, rosebud, I wanted to let you know that when we return home I'll be showing you around the castle- a tour of sorts."
I swallow. "Really?"
"I see it only fitting you get settled into our home. What better way to start off with than this."
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~~~ Small time skip ~~~
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"Are you alright?"
The older woman's question caught me off guard - the door to my chambers clicking closed.
I exhale - the few moments of spare time ticking by until the king would come get me.
When we returned he was needed by Ainsworth, had told me to wait for him here.
"He wants me to settle in...to call this place home."
"What's wrong with that?"
A soft pair of hands find my shoulders and I look to the side, biting my lip as though I too were searching for answers.
"I can't call this place home." My response was antsy, hands rubbing together in slow succession.
"I can't...settle— no. No from now on I need to close myself off. Stone cold."
The blonde softly chuckles and I turn back to face her - hands up by my chest.
"Dearie, I'm afraid you're too compassionate to be 'stone cold.'" She smiles and my features held sorrow underneath a thin veil that met her green gaze.
"Not to say that is a bad thing, the world needs more people with compassion."
"Marion." My voice was soft. "May I ask why you accompanied his majesty today? You both were gone for some time."
"You needn't worry, dear child." She answers. "You'll know in due time. His majesty just wishes to think it over a little more beforehand. For now, focus on finding the good here."
"But how?"
"By doing what you love- finding the positive...spending time with the king." She starts and I shoot her a worried look.
"What? But Marion-"
"(Y/n), you can't avoid him. He's not as bad as you want to believe. I know you know that. Find common ground, talk to him."
She takes a breath, "I'm not saying you need to be buddy-buddy with him- just act how you normally would...be yourself."
I nod slightly after some thought, biting my lip as she pats my cheek.
"I don't want you to worry."
"You can't either." I smile with caring eyes - three soft, yet clear knocks twisting my nerves from behind the bedroom door.
"My love." George calls from the other side, his voice as sweet as ever and I swallow, looking back.
"Coming." I say clearly, turning back to the older blonde before wrapping my arms around her waist, hugging her tightly as my head rested on her shoulder.
"Thank you, Marion. I don't think I'd be able to do this without you." I whisper, my voice soft and the female hugs back before I pull away, holding her upper arms.
"Before I forget-" I say quickly and she smiles, chuckling softly. "...would it be possible for you to make sure the kitchen is clear tommorow, around afternoon tea?" I ask and she raises an amused brow.
"Whatever for, dearie?" She asks.
"I'll tell you tonight." I chuckle softly, "I just came up with an idea, to thank his majesty for helping me the last few days." I say quietly before turning and quickly walking towards the door, my dress flowing behind me. I step out into the hall and look up at the blue eyed male, my heart beating a little faster.
"Ready?" He asks as I quietly shut the door behind me, a small, caring smile on his face and I take a breath, nodding slightly as I take a small step forward.
"To see a lot of rooms, as ready as I'll ever be." I say kindly, my gaze falling to the floor as I take another step closer, hesitantly taking the male's hand in mine. "Lead the way, your majesty."