Realistic or Modern Peace Through Love

[Winter_Wolf]

Prince Adrian Karlsson looked back at the letter, as he was about to enter the castle.

He received it a few days before, while inspecting troops on Holmsland's latest campaign against Triliarn, which seemed mostly inconclusive. Victory and defeat had been traded on both sides. Holmsland held the theoretical advantage, by securing some useful territory in Triliarn, but Adrian was not so optimistic about the future. He had seen the grit and zeal amongst the ranks--which even many of the wounded men displayed--begin to diminish before his eyes. He knew that some rest and replenishment would help, but feared that they would have to give up their gains and retreat out of Triliarn territory. it couldn't keep on going like this, especially without rethinking their strategy, and without encouragement. Adrian was preparing to discuss more efficient courses of action with his commanders, as he figured that nothing would be better, for their position, or the men, than successes with minimal loss of life and resources. That is when Adrian received the letter.

Adrian,

Holmsland has entered into a ceasefire with Triliarn; be sure to halt any offensive action in the area, so as not to endanger our prospects for ultimate peace. You must return to Königshvall at once, for their royal family--princess included--is on the way. It seems that marriage between you two is the only way to end this conflict.

Your father, and King,

Aksel

Father, and King, Adrian read over again. Hmph! He forces me towards marriage at a time like this?!

As Adrian entered the grand gate, army retinue in tow, guards afforded him signs of respect and greetings. "Welcome to Konnugshvall, my Prince," they said. He acknowledged them, but diverted his attention towards the party on the side of the interior courtyard. There seemed to be several prominent figures and their retinue, and apparently they had just arrived shortly before. It struck him that this must be the royal family from Triliarn.

"Why are we hosting them? We should be twisting blades in their army's guts, sir," Adrian's main adviser and commander growled. Under normal circumstances the Prince might have told the commander to temper his words, but he said nothing, and his face took on some of the commander's disdain as he looked over them. He noticed a female, but amongst the commotion of people moving around, he wasn't sure if it was the Princess.

Lilbutterfli94

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Maria has been less than impressed with the in going war and with all the death and rot it had brought to her kingdom. However, those feelings were well behind her and quickly replaced with hate and distrust.

Her mother and father had struck a deal to end the war and while it would have been a great thing, what made it even less so was what they promised in return for this cease fire. They had told Maria that she was to marry the Prince. She was not to argue and she was not to complain about it either. Her parents had made this deal to save the kingdom, but in a way they were ending their kingdom. This treaty by marriage meant the end of their kingdom, effectively making it so that Konnugahvall effectively won this war. Triliarn effectively got dissolved, or well merged with its neighboring kingdom.

“I don’t want to act nice.” Maria said as she looked at her father who seemed to be rather annoyed.

“I don’t want to either, but we couldn’t support a war anymore. We were running out of resources and man power. Any longer and we would have lost.” King Arthur said as he looked at his daughter. “I’m sorry my darling girl, but sacrifices had to be made.” He said as he took hold of his daughter’s hands and held them carefully. “It is not ideal, but we must learn to forgive.” He said as he watched her closely.

Queen Liana looked at her husband and daughter as this was hard for her, especially since it meant her young son never got a chance for the throne. “Just remember to be nice Maria. You are still Princess, unlike us who will be forced to become nobles.” She said as she looked at her. “Be thankful,” she said as she watched her daughter closely.

Winter_Wolf

 

[Winter_Wolf]

Adrian had barely caught a glimpse of the woman, though he didn't think she was actually the foreign princess--it was hard to tell based on how their manner of dressing differed from that of Holmsland. He also decided that he was too irked about the whole matter to care about identifying her. In fact, he planned to tell his father the King just what he was thinking--no. and prepared to continue towards the main part of the castle of Konnugshvall.

"Maybe I'll challenge and twist a sword in one or two of those mares," the commander gestured towards some of the Triliarn soldiers escorting their royals, then he looked over Adrian's own escorting retinue, drawing his sword, "or we can take them all now together, no problem. End it all right here, men!" At this, Adrian's men began to quizzically draw swords, produce axes, and so forth on instinct, although they weren't quite sure what was happening. Adrian leaned over to the right and grasped the commander's reins. His face reddened, as he figured the Triliarn group overheard and was taking notice.

"Maybe I'll take your head off then, Gunnar. We must host them. Remember what my father said."
"You're not seriously going to go through with it, are you? You might as well marry a peasant whore; that's about the strength and power these weaklings have or offer."
"Gunnar. Enough. Let's go. Dinner will be soon."

Gunnar shoved his sword back into his sheath, and the other soldiers followed suit, evidently relieved. Adrian could tell from their body language. They may be some of the most elite, well equipped, and disciplined professional soldiers Holmsland had to offer, but even they weren't looking for a fight at this point. Adrian couldn't help but shudder at the thought, as he motioned his retinue towards the barracks.

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Maria sighed as she looked at her father and pulled her hands away with a jerking motion. She was upset and in a way angry about the fact that her parents could forgive and forget ever so quickly what happened between the two kingdoms. “I will not have it.” She said as she looked at her parents with a serious expression. “I am not marrying him and I will not become Queen of this kingdom. I will become Queen of our kingdom.” She said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

Queen Liana sighed as she looked at her daughter, “that is enough of that.” She said firmly, “you will do as was agreed upon, unless these people harm any of us or our things. That will end this treaty and that simply cannot happen. We are but a simple farming kingdom at this point. Now, do what is best for your people and make this arrangement work.” She said as she looked at her daughter, “now go little miss.” She said as she looked at her.

King Arthur sighed as he watched their daughter step out of the carriage finally. “She has fire, that’s what made her a good Queen.” He said as he looked at his son and smiled softly, “no offense my boy.” He said laughing a bit as he watched him. Queen Liana sighed a bit and nodded her head, “I feel bad lying to her about the kingdom though.” She admitted as she looked at her husband.

Arthur looked upon his wife and sighed, “it was the only way to get her to agree to even come here.” He said quietly as he looked to their son. Thomas looked at his parents, “I don’t agree with lying to sissy though.” He said as he pouted a bit. “She’s going to think our kingdom is done for.” He stated and Queen Liana cleared her throat, “this is only until she has grown comfortable here.” She said as they wouldn’t keep the lie going forever.

 

[Winter_Wolf]

Once he released the retinue from his command, and dismounted, Adrian went straight to his quarters; naturally a couple of soldiers were randomly chosen. They followed and stood outside. He threw his things on the bed, then threw himself on it. He sat there for a moment and thought about the feast. It sounded terrible to him, especially because he knew what the main topic of interest would be: marriage. He would be expected to meet this foreign princess, validating her existence, as he saw it. Adrian ran a hand through his auburn hair and let out a deep breath. At that moment the door to his quarters opened up to reveal his parents. Adrian stood to meet them.

"Son, I am glad you made it--though without much time to spare! I was still hoping you would come to me directly," his father hugged him. His mother, Tyra, also embraced him.
"Yes, father," Adrian lowed.
"What is the matter, Adrian? Ah, I'm sure some food and drink will do the trick tonight, eh?"
"No."
"What?"
"No, I'm not going to the feast."
"But Adrian, you have to, you're expected. Don't you know about the Princess?" Tyra furrowed her brow.
"Yes, and this is how you tell me? How you order me?" Adrian held the letter out.
"It was necessary--" the King began.
"it absolutely is not necessary to marry whoever this Princess is! You already have the ceasefire--you should've let me do my job at the front anyways. Then we'd certainly have peace--entirely on our terms! Marriage, seriously? On this...or what was, our eve of victory!"
"Adrian! Control yourself!" King Aksel scowled, slapping his son across the face. Adrian recoiled.
"I will not go, I will not marry her, and that is my decision! You will need more than a slap to coerce me!"
"You must go!" Tyra pleaded.
"Hmph, no, maybe he shouldn't. Lock him in, let him come to his senses. Guards, don't let him out until then," the King eyed Adrian. He stormed out with his wife, and the door shut.

Adrian snatched up his kettle helmet from his bed and threw it into the corner, but when that didn't satisfy him, he kicked the leg of a chair so that it toppled over on its side.

"Sir?" Adrian heard one of the guards from the other side of the door speak.
"What?!"
"Is everything alright in there? It's just that--"
"Are you deaf? Mind your own business. Do your job as ordered!"
"Alright then, sir..."
"Wait. How long have you served with me? Where exactly?"
"I served with you since the Ochsvallr; that's where I'm from. You saved my life at Ekhat."
"Ekhat? I knew that was it. Since Ochsvallr? The way I saw you fight at Ekhat, I can see why you have lasted so long."
"I am indebted to you, sir. I was thinking, I'd be damned if you, a scourge of Triliarn, were going to marry one of them. But now I see where you stand, sir."

The door swung open. Adrian shook the guard's hand, peeked out the door, and then headed towards the stable. It was where he felt like going.

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

King Arthur sighed a bit as he finally left the carriage only to find his daughter had already walked off and he looked around for a moment. “Liana, did you see where Maria went?’ He asked as he looked back to his wife concerned as he knew how Maria could get.

Queen Liana stepped out with Prince Thomas and looked to her husband and then around for a moment and shook her head as she sighed. “Maria will make an appearance in a moment.” She said as she had a pretty good idea of where their daughter was hiding, and she was right.

Soon one of their personal guards came around holding the young princess by the arm. “Ma’am, I found Princess Maria.” He said and Queen Liana smiled softly, “thank you.” She said as she took hold of her daughter. “Stop this behavior now. None of us are happy here.” She said as she looked at her.

Maria looked at her parents, “I am not feeling well.” She said as she looked at them. Travel always made her a bit sick, on top of the fact that she always seemed to easily get sick. Some kind of illness she had since birth, but hadn’t had flare ups in years.

Queen Liana went and felt Maria’s head carefully and sighed. “She is feeling a little warm dear... maybe she should take tonight to rest. After all, the feast is a formality.” She said as she looked at her husband.

King Arthur looked his daughter over and sighed a bit as he nodded his head. “Alright, well then she is to stay in her room.” He said as he sighed a bit.

 

[Winter_Wolf]

[redacted]

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

It seemed like forever until the feast came as the King and Queen got themselves ready for the night, adorning themselves with their crowns and their cloaks. Prince Thomas was also getting ready, with the aid of his mother. Since he was still small he needed help getting into the clothing, but it didn’t mean he couldn’t dress himself. He could, but when he was with his parents he always loved how his mother buttoned up his shirts and made sure his hair was nice and neat.

“Darling let’s go,” King Arthur said as he looked at his wife and chuckled happily. “His hair is perfect.” He said as he watched Thomas sit there with his mother brushing his hair and making sure it was smoothed out and laid on his head perfectly. “Alright, alright I’m almost done.” She said as she did one last brush through before pulling the brush away from his face and smiling softly. “Perfect,” She said as she took hold of his hand.

Soon they departed their chambers, heading to where the feast was being held. Of course they didn’t feel too welcome. It was more of something they were doing out of duty rather than a want to be there. They could explain their daughters absence, but upon getting there they didn’t even see the prince. So, maybe they didn’t? They weren’t sure, but they entered the room slowly and smiled a bit as they entered, trying to keep up appearances.

Maria meanwhile has been sitting in her room since she arrived, curled up in a ball. She was upset about being here, about all the trouble that was coming from all of this. She didn’t want to marry some guy who was her enemy not too long ago, as she didn’t want to deal with his anger. What was to keep him from killing her once they were married?

 

[Winter_Wolf]

The Prince had to remind himself to act normal on his way to the stables, not like he was skulking around. It was his castle, or his family's anyways. The thought of being grounded with his standing, and in his castle was ridiculous to him. If he were to take the throne of Holmsland one day, he would be expected to stand by his decisions and think independently. Yet he found himself punished all the same--at least the one guard saw it his way. The stables at Konnugshvall were one of Adrian's favorite places, not only because of the horses, but also because of the craftsmanship within. He had apprenticed under a saddle maker and leatherworker in the stables before. Naturally, they were at their work station working on a saddle.

"Torsten," Adrian addressed the craftsman warmly.
"Ah, Adrian, it is good to see you! But, I thought there was something going on tonight?"
"Not for me...is my saddle still available?"
"Of course! Right here! I thought you might want to work on it once you return."
"Thank you, Torsten. I would like to be alone."
"Certainly, I was almost done anyways."

Adrian ran his hand over the decorative artwork he begun on his saddle in the past. It seemed to have been so long since he even saw it, and indeed it probably had been. Prince Adrian thought for a minute, then began to tap away with the right tools, to create more designs. He felt a tinge of hunger, and thought of the feast, but quickly shoved those thoughts aside and kept working. He enjoyed the peace and quiet, which was only marred by the occasional stirring or noises from the horses, and his own leather tools, but that was alright for Adrian. He quickly lost himself...

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Maria sighed as she got up from her seat. She couldn’t just sit around even during this feast. She sighed as she looked around and quickly got herself changed into something a bit less formal than whatbshe had been wearing previously. Maybe she would go and figure out what was happening, what was going on elsewhere.

So, like that she decided to take a walk. She needed some fresh air anyway. She had been cooped up in that castle for almost an entire day. It wasn’t like her to stay cooped up, even when she was ill she wouldn’t spend her days cooped up, even though she was really supposed to.

So, as she walked along the road she had her hair in a braid, which she had done herself, and she was wearing flats. She wasn’t one to depend on help too much. Even her own horse she cared for. She really wasn’t the typical princess in regards to her own personal care as well as the care for her things. Her parents simply let her get away with it because they saw no point in hindering her independence. Though they did remind her that it was very likely she would have to give it all up upon marriage.

She sighed as she shook her head a bit and played with her fingers as she walked away from the castle. She simply was trying to get away from all of this shit that was happening right now.

 

[Winter_Wolf]

Adrian tired of the work on his saddle after awhile. He took off the apron which he had put on before working, and hung it up where it was supposed to go. He walked over to the stalls where the royal horses of various kinds were kept. Male or female, young or old, draft horse, race horse, or war horse, it mattered little. Adrian arrived at the stall of one of his favorite horses for simple riding.

"Hello Britta, have you missed me?" he addressed the horse, holding up a bit of food in his hand. Britta trotted over to the stall door and ate out of Adrian's palm enthusiastically.
"Good girl. Let's take a look at the stars, eh?" Adrian rubbed her snout.

He discerned a favorable reaction, so he quickly prepared Britta and saddled up. Adrian always appreciated Britta's flexibility in attitude and her ability to read Adrian well. She usually understood when she could be cheeky or exuberant, and when she should not; it seemed to her like this was not the time for either, and Adrian appreciated that. Britta was a good horse--not for battle or campaigning, naturally, but good for her role. Adrian exited the royal stables, then looked up at the sky for awhile to admire the stars. He thought the short grove trail would be a good option, though he would have to go back up the road towards the castle, before turning off on the trail. That was alright. As he let Britta carry him back up the road, he still continued to admire the stars.

Thanks to the moonlight, the Prince thought he saw a figure coming down the road in his direction, but of course he couldn't tell who it was. He kept his eye on them; Britta followed suit.

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Maria sighed as she looked up to the sky for a moment. It looked so different from the one back home, even though it was identical in every way. The stars were all the same and the darkness of the sky was the same, but to Maria right now it was no better than a prison, a cage that was made to look and feel the same, but different in so many other ways. The stars weren’t all the same, the sky wasn’t really the same, and as a result it didn’t feel the same even though there was nothing to make it be different.

Soon though Maria was pulled from her thought as she looked ahead once more and saw a horse galloping towards her. Was it the guards? Her parents? Someone from the castle having found that she left her room and coming to return her to where she belonged, at least in their mind. No, that wasn’t possible because she was careful when leaving. There was no way that someone had found out, after all she had left about thirty minutes ago and that wasn’t enough time for someone to catch up to her really.

She tried to maintain her calm demeanor as she walked though and looked over to the horse infront of her and sighed a bit as she turned her head ever so slightly. She didn’t want to look at this person and she didn’t want this person looking at her. She just simply kept walking, trying to maintain a calm appearance so no one who would seek her would know that she was the one they were looking for.

 

[Winter_Wolf]

Once Adrian got closer, slowed Britta down to a slow walk. It became more apparent that this wasn’t another man, but a woman. He furrowed his brow and stopped all together once they were nearly passing. The Prince had his hand resting on the pommel of his knife, instinctively, but he moved it away when he saw that she wasn’t any sort of likely threat. Something still seemed peculiar about her, but not in a threatening way.

“Hello there,” he addressed the woman, “madame?” He couldn’t see her face well, and hoped she would turn to him.

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Maria was starting to pass the person on the horse, not looking at them as she kept walking, but soon she came to a halt as she heard a voice calling out in the darkness. Of course she turned and looked at the person for a moment and blinked as she looked at them. She had to wait a moment before she opened her mouth, processing the information, even though it was simple. It was a simple hello and she kind of took this time to respond because she couldn’t formulate what she wanted to say.

However she managed to make something come out after a few moments of silence. “Hello,” She said as she looked at him and blinked. Her accent was clearly foreign in nature, but the accent was pretty as well. It didn’t sound like the one that many thought belonged to the princess. Many thought she would sound like her parents, who had a much thicker accents.

“I’m sorry, I’ve been walking for quite some time.” She said as she looked at the man infront of her for a moment, but couldn’t make out much as she watched him and sighed a bit. “Umm, have I done something to disturb you?” She asked as she looked at him and then down as she was nervous that she was going to get hurt. After all she wasn’t ignorant to what people would be so willing to do to her, especially if they knew who she was.

 

[Winter_Wolf]

Adrian cocked his head as he looked over the woman for a moment, and heard both her words and accent.

“Disturb? No...intrigued. You are from Triliarn, I believe I hear it in your words—you must have come with the royal delegation then,” Adrian spoke as matter-of-factly as he could, avoiding an accusatory tone, “but do they not require your assistance and service?”

To Adrian it seemed more likely that she was some kind of servant, assistant, or something along that line. Perhaps one of the Princess’ or Queen’s servants. Surely the Princess herself would not have been allowed to venture much within Konnugshvall alone, without any escort, let alone outside the walls, At night, even if she wanted to take the risk. Not likely at all, he concluded. Perhaps she took the opportunity to escape servitude in this foreign land? It was plausible, except Holmsland might have been a less than ideal choice under the circumstances and recent history. The Prince stroked his reddish-brown beard as he tried to figure out what the situation was with this woman.

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Maria blinked for a moment and looked at him and frowned a little when he said she had to be someone from their delegation. After all they hadn’t brought many with them because Maria herself didn’t have many personal attendants. She herself actually didn’t like having too many, but then she wondered, should she just go along with it? What if this person was a danger to her? She didn’t know who this was and for all she knew this person was playing dumb and knew exactly who she was and wanted her to confirm her identity in order to kidnap her.

There were many risks she would take by admitting who she was to this person, but she was also risking a lot by not as well. After all, if this was aguard seeking to bring her back they could be trying to confirm who she was in order to make sure that this was who they were supposed to bring back to the castle. She sighed a bit as there were so many issues and she couldn’t decide which one was the best option.

So, she took a shot in the dark and let her brain do the talking. “I am not anyone in their company... I am their daughter.” She said as she held her hands infront of her ready to start running if she had to. “I got out of the castle by... never mind.” She said as she sighed, “anyway I should probably head back.” She said as she turned around to start heading back. After all, if she had to run it was better to run down the road yelling and screaming about an attacker than to just run into the darkness of the night.

 

[Winter_Wolf]

Adrian Just sat there dumbfounded, unmoving, with his mouth hanging open a bit. Britta was busying herself grazing on some grass by the side of the side of the road. Adrian came back to his senses and stroked his beard one last time as he shifted in the saddle. Britta sensed the change.

“What’s your name?” he called out.
“Um, my father never mentioned it. Forgive me. I’m Adrian.”

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Maria looked back for a moment as the man addressed her again. Should she keep moving? Should she admit her name to this Adrian person? After all, she hadn’t even learned the Princes name, because she herself had kind of ignored her father while he was going over her arranged marriage with her mother in the carriage. So, any mention of names was probably long out of the young princesses head.

Though she could assume that maybe this was who she was to marry because he said his father had never mentioned her name and that alone could tell her all she wanted or needed to know, meaning that this was most likely her soon to be husband.

She was a little reluctant to give out her name, but either way she did. “Maria,” She said as she looked at him for a moment. “I... um... I got out of the castle relatively easily.” She admitted as she looked back to it for a moment. “It almost makes me think...” she had to stop herself from saying the next few words. Though the thought had crossed her mind that maybe she got out so easily because she was seen as expendable and as a result the guards were willing to let their guard down in hopes that maybe she would just wonder off and die somewhere.

She had to push the thought away though because soon she would be their Queen and she didn’t want to think that they would allow her to get out ever so easily. It wasn’t that there were no guards on her exit, just they seemed relatively easy to get by.

 

[Winter_Wolf]

The smile which began to break across Adrian’s face fell noticeably—at least if it were light out—when Maria mentioned the apparent lack of security. He liked the name Maria, but didn’t like the idea of Konnugshvall being porous. Even if it was the night of a feast.

“Ah...” Adrian frowned as he walked Britta closer to Maria; he dismounted in front of her, and then continued. As he spoke, he could see more of her features, however vague. His smile returned. “it seems neither one of us wanted to attend the feast. I was under...house arrest, because my father the King didn’t like my protests of the plans he laid for, well, us. But fortunately one of the guards was sympathetic to me and let me out.

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Maria watched the man closely and waited a bit as she smiled. This was certainly interesting to say the least that they had met under such circumstances. They both had been trying to avoid one another and in their attempts to avoid one another they ended up meeting one another. It was comical to say the least.

She chuckled a little hearing the Prince got put under house arrest for not wanting to go along with the plan, and while she couldn’t blame him for not wanting to, it didn’t much change the fact that it was something they both had to do. “I lied to my parents and told them I was having a flare up on illness. Mother felt my head and like an idiot bought it.” She said chuckling, “didn’t pay attention to the fact that before I had her feel my head I had a hot tea before hand.” She said chuckling as she looked at him.

 

[Winter_Wolf]

Prince Adrian parotted the Princess’ chuckles upon hearing about the trick she pulled on her parents. It felt strange—humbling almost—to stumble across and laugh with the very person he sought to ignore when she only existed as a royal title. But something changed when she was directly before him in the flesh, with a name, body, and face. Although, it was difficult to see her face very well on the road. Adrian looked up towards the moon and stroked his bearded chin like he had before. He was anxious to see her face. Not to mention, the road was not the ideal location for them to stay.

“Perhaps the road isn’t a good place for us to linger, then, in case someone spots us. I know where we can speak in private. It’s a grove, a beautiful and special place for our people. It’s not far from here—“ Adrian mounted up and held out his hand, implying that she could sit behind him, “please join me, Maria.”

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Maria looked around the road carefully as she knew she probably wasn’t the safest out here on her own anyway and it was probably better to go along and get to know him. There had to be something about his that she liked other than the fact that he got the same ideas of escaping that she had gotten for the feast. She she took hold of his hand carefully and made her way up and tonto the back of the horse.

“Alright, I’ll go to this meadow.” She said smiling a bit as she wrapped her arms around him carefully so that she wasn’t too much at risk for falling. After all, an injury wouldn’t make her parents all too happy with their daughter or with the kingdom that was to be her home after this marriage.

 

[Winter_Wolf]

It didn’t take long to get to the grove. Adrian was filled with nervousness, excitement, and anticipation along the way. He had Britta travel swiftly, but slowed once they got off the road. Beautiful trees lined the pathway, and their moonlit leaves quaked as a delicate wind picked up. Adrian felt his nerves steady. He dismounted once he came to a small foot bridge, rubbed Britta’s nose, then helped Maria off. The Prince silently gestured towards the bridge but took the lead as he ambled across it, and the little creek below it.

He stopped in the middle of the clearing, before a great stone with many etchings upon it. He briefly looked it over, and was able to see every mark upon it in vivid detail, like he expected. Adrian turned to Maria, and looked at her face, which was, for all intents and purposes, fully illuminated.

“The moon always seems brightest here,” Adrian nearly whispered. He looked back at the etchings on the stone, and sniffled.

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Maria smiled as she watched him and carefully got down from the horse as she looked at the prince. She had long blonde hair, which was probably pretty noticeable in the dark either way, as well as blue eyes. Her skin was pretty fair, but it did have a darkish tint to it from the sun from her kingdom, but it was clear that her skin was possibly recovering from a sunburn. After all, in the kingdoms it was summer, or atleast the end of it as the weather was starting to cool down indicating that fall was nearing and quickly would be followed by winter with the snow.

She started looking at Adrian and smiled a bit as she looked over his face for a moment, trying to take in all physical features. After all, these had to be something about him. Not that she cared much for appearances when she was looking at suitors back home, before all of this.

“Yes the moon is especially bright right here.” She said smiling happily as she closed her eyes for a moment before they opened back up.

 

[Winter_Wolf]

Adrian kept his eyes on the stone, but he was no longer reading it. He stared at the same spot, while he slowly clenched his fist. It seemed all he could do to keep a few tears from running down his cheeks. He blinked several times as well—hopefully the Princess would not see them or suspect anything from her angle. But when Adrian saw her face fully illuminated, he knew he’d seen it before, or at least one that was similar. Adrian said nothing for several moments, afraid that his voice might sound different, but he took the plunge anyways. He thought he knew what answer to expect, but part of him thought he was mistaken. He had to know.

“Maria? Do you...did you...have a brother?”