ironvcincd:
   gaspar watched her for only a short moment before looking away. he didnât want to be caught staring. he turned his attention to the book only to run his fingers over the tattered cover. he knew it had been read before, many of times. that was evident by the ripped and torn thing in his hands. at her question, he looked up once again before speaking, the smile still evident yet rather than it being bright and bold, it was genuine. he didnât speak much about his reading as many didnât enjoy it as much as he. âtâis called the prince.â he nodded, before continuing on with a sigh. âi didnât get very far⊠it was quite boring.â although the king enjoyed reading, allowing his mind to grow with each new word and each new character, he hated when a book couldnât keep him interested. âtells the story of power and how people will do anything to achieve it. you may borrow it, if you wishâŠâ he stood from his seat, book in hand, before moving forward and holding the small thing out for her.Â
   it wasnât every day that catalina was actually interested in the things other people had to say. usually, she just had to seem intrigued to keep up an act but while watching the king speak, she was truthfully gripped by the topic of a simple book. she was taken aback when he offered it to her, the surprise evident from her agape mouth. she tried to speak but all she could muster was a nervous chuckle. âbut your majesty, if you claim it was boring..â the brunette trailed off. catalina bit down on her lip and stared at the book as if there was a battle going on in her head. eventually, she gave in. âthank you sire.â she nodded, carefully taking it from him. slender fingers brushed against the outline of itâs title. âmachiavelli.â she muttered to herself. she looked back up intently and said, âthe author, i mean. thatâs the author. i heard he passed 5 years before it was published.â a small frown etched pink lips. âiâve known authors that have dedicated their whole life to writing simply one book. i couldnât imagine spending my years doing something only to die before seeing it come to life.â















