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Thread 02 - Incomplete

Adrian: Adrian had went back to his room to respond to the letters but he couldn’t get his mind off the servant girl. He called his personal squire to the room asking him to fetch her and for her to bring some wine.

Lucia: Lucia spent a little while among the other women in the kitchen, preparing for the next meal as normally as she could, but she found it hard to do so with their new cold attitudes. It was almost a relief when the prince’s squire came to get her. Lucia washed her hands before fetching a bottle of what she deemed to be good wine. Quickly, she forged through the hallways to the prince’s chambers, knocking on the door again, waiting for permission to enter.

Adrian: "Come in," he called setting his quill to one side. He loosened his shirt and smiled as the girl entered. "Thank you," he said.

Lucia: Lucia entered the room quickly, shutting the door behind her. She curtsied before him then set down the bottle of wine at his desk, standing in front of him with her fingers playing with each other. “Of course, Sir.”

Adrian: Adrian pulled a chair to his table, “Sit.” He said. He wondered how the news had gone down in the kitchen so he poured two glasses holding one to her. “Drink, and tell me. How are the other servants?”

Lucia: Lucia sat down at his word, taking the glass in her hand with care. She examined the contents of the glass with care. She had never had wine before. “They are cold and distant, more so than usual. They usually don’t have much care for me, but they hold scorn now.” She looked at the glass again, frowning at the foreign drink, unsure of whether she should drink it or not.

Adrian: Adrian took a sip from his wine and eyed her curiously. “It’s not poison I can assure you,” he joked. But he wondered if she had ever tasted wine before. “It’s beautiful, I promise.”

Lucia: Lucia looked at him and nodded, glancing at her glass again. She raised it to her mouth and took a cautious sip, letting a small amount of liquid slip past her red lips. Her eyes grew bigger at the revelation that she found the taste quite pleasant. “It’s delightful,” she admitted, looking at him. “Thank you.”

Adrian: Adruan smiled glad she liked it. “I’m sorry the girls are scornful of you I did try to let them know it was because if you’re great service. I don’t want people to think you are like them,” he said. It was true she was the first girl to help him all the rest had jumped into bed with him with one flirtatious comment from him.

Lucia: "I think that is why they were so frustrated, Sir. To them, the idea that I could have been of more use to you through actual service is an insult. They had given you themselves, after all." She shrugged. "I try not to sleep with men until I feel I do not have a choice but to obey."

Adrian: "But they wanted me too, Lucia. Don’t let fool you as I never sleep with a woman who doesn’t consent." He added in defense but he understood what she meant. Her words filled him with sadness hating to think she was ever forced by a man. "I am sorry. I wish I could have been their to help you no man should force a woman, they romance her and make love to her." He said showing her his softer side. "When you do find a man deserving of it do enjoy it also. Don’t be too reserved."

 Lucia: "Of course, Sir, I didn’t mean to imply that you wouldn’t," she assured him. Lucia smiled at him and nodded at his words, almost amused by his naivety. "I’m a servant girl, Sir, it’s my job to serve to my very best, whether I want to or not. But thank you for your words, they are greatly appreciated." A blush settled across her cheeks at the direction their conversation was taking. "Of course, thank you," she mumbled, embarrassed.

Adrian: "Well now you’re my servant girl and no one else can ask for you. If they do you come to me and I’ll speak with them." Adrian said, not wanting her to go through that again.

Lucia: "You have done a lot for me today. More than I could ever ask or hope for. Thank you so much, Sir," she replied, gratitude surging through her voice. She felt odd, sitting and speaking freely in front of the prince, but she stayed. "Is there any way I could be of assistance to you?"

Adrian: Adrian felt good for changing her life in someway by just doing the smallest of things he takes for granted. “You stood up to me and held your own, I liked that. You’re a strong woman,” he commented. Adrian poured himself some more and topped her glass. “I want you to join me for dinner at the Royal table, serve me with my family so the court knows that you’re mine. Doea that sound okay?”

Lucia: "Thank you. I’m sorry if I sounded rude at first. I am… cautious, at best." Lucia’s mouth opened slightly at his proposal as she pondered it. It could mean security for herself, but it could also mean danger. But after all he had done for her, saying no was the last thing on her mind. "Yes, of course, Sir. Won’t your family mind at the suddenness?"

Adrian: "Don’t ever apologise that’s why you’re here right now you stood up to me." Adrian explained. He then shrugged, "My Father will respect that I’m making choices for a future. You’ll be my first perosnal servant."

Lucia: Lucia nodded, listening to him speak. “As far as jobs go, what exactly does this entail?” As far as she knew, she hadn’t conversed with the personal servants of any of the royals. She really had no idea what to expect.

Adrian: "Not much more than you do already but we need to get you better clothes," he commented.

Lucia: Lucia looked down at her dress and ran her hands over the fabric. “I’m sorry, I didn’t have much when I first came to the castle,” she explained, looking up at him.

Adrian: Adrian moved his eyes over her endeared by the poor fabric. She still looked better than most girls in the court. “Don’t worry,” he called his personal squire and sent him to fetch a dress fit for a personal servant in court. “You’ll fight in you respect yourself which is a lot more than can be said for most people in that place.”

Lucia: She nodded with a smile. “Happiness isn’t easy to find, is it? I don’t think you can find it at all if you can’t respect yourself. Where can you find happiness if you can’t find it in yourself? My mother always told me that the only thing that could stop me from being happy is myself because I’m the foundation for my happiness.” Her smile grew until she was grinning. “She was very intelligent, even gave me some education. Taught me everything I know.”

Adrian: Adrian smiled as she talked her Mum sounded like a amazing woman. “I’ll do my best to find them, I promise.” He assured her.

Lucia: "That means a lot," she responded, her grin dropping for a small, genuine smile. "Thank you so much. Really."

Adrian: "I’m in a good mood a beautiful woman woke me today. How could I not be?" He said with a smirk.

Lucia: Lucia flushed pink, a blush settling on her cheeks at the compliment. “Thank you, Your Highness,” she replied with modesty.

Adrian: Adrian smiled and finished his wine. He looked at the letters and sighed. “I don’t want to reply to Antonia.”

Lucia: Lucia glanced at the letters as he sighed, feeling sympathy for him. She can’t imagine what it must be like to have to wed a woman he held no feeling for. “You do not like her, Sir?” she asked gently.

Adrian: Adrian shrugged, “Not really she’s not warm. I respect her but I at least want a wife who cares and has a good heart. I could grow to love her.” He clenched his jaw and dipped his quill in the ink. “I’ll write to her as if I’m writing to the girl I do like.”

Lucia: "You are in love?" she asked, her eyes wide. Pity flooded through her at the idea of having to abandon love and the possibility of love for a loveless marriage bound only by duty. She reached out and touched her fingers to his hand. "I’m very sorry that you’re in this situation."

Adrian: Adrian was surprised by her touch at first thinking how bold it was but smiled placing upon hers and squeezing. “I have led a fulfilled and privileged life it’s time I made sacrife for the people in my Kingdom.” He then let out a laugh, “And no I’m not in love but a girl as made me feel something new which could be the beginnings of love?” He said almost questioning his own theory as he had never been in love before.

Lucia: Lucia returned his smile, nodding at his words. “It is a brave step to take. You know that, right?” Not many would so readily make that sacrifice. Lucia shrugged at him, her smile slightly sad. “That is unfortunate. She would have been a lucky girl, I think.” As a male, he had the option to take women on as mistresses. But his attitude made her sincerely doubt that he would do that.

Adrian: "I know part of me is still screaming at myself but it’s what is needed." Adrian looked at her longingly wondering if their lives were different would they have been good together. She really was beautiful and he had never been able to talk to someone as easy as it was with her. "Can you write? I’ll narrate?" He asked.

Lucia: "Perhaps you can fall in love with her and fall out of love before you must get married," she suggested. "There is a chance for closure if you do that." She looked at him curiously as she caught his gaze. "Of course," she replied. Lucia pulled her closer to the table and to him. She took the quill and the paper from him gently, neatly addressing the letter to Antonia. Lucia looked at him, waiting for him to start narrating.

Adrian: Adrian noticed how close she was and he let his eyes run over her profile taking her in. “Dearest Antonia, I write to you with happy news. For I have longed for your proposal of a partnership ever since I saw how beautiful you were as the morning sun light caressed the contours of your sweet face. I too agree that our unity would bring peace to our Kingdom’s but I also hope it can bring us a future of love and happiness. Forever yours, Prince Adrian.” He looked at her the whole time he spoke almost as if imagining it was to her. ” Too much?”

Lucia: As he started speaking, Lucia turned to the paper, her hand moving across the crisp sheet quickly. She wrote elegantly, a small smile on her face as she listened to him speak. Lucia shook her head as she finished writing, looking to him. “If she has half a heart, she would be charmed by this. The girl you are captivated by would have been a lucky had she had the privilege of knowing your love, I think,” she complimented, placing the quill down.

Adrian: Adrian chuckled softly. “If she hasn’t realised yet I don’t know if she ever will.” He signed the letter and pouted. “It’s official now and I’m a good Catholic no mistresses for me.”

Lucia: Lucia glanced at him, wondering who had captured his attention. “Maybe you should tell her then,” she suggested, a smile playing at her lips. “I didn’t think you’d be one to take a mistress,” she said.

Adrian: "It’s too soon to tell her maybe in time," he said fingers crossed something happened to the letter for Antonia.

Lucia: "Well, I hope for your sake that it all works out," she answered, running her free hand through her hair. A few strands fell to her cheek as she pulled her hand away.

Adrian: Adrian let his eyes move over her not realising how dark and soft her hair looked. Lost in the moment he reached over to softly tuck the loose strands behind her ear his fingertips caressing her soft as he did.

Lucia: Lucia looked at him with wide eyes as he moved to touch her. Surprise struck her when he tucked her hair behind her ear and she cocked her head slightly, leaning into his touch with great caution.

Adrian: "Don’t hide your face. It’s beautiful," he said softly smiling at hers brown eyes on hers.

Lucia: "Thank you," she murmured shyly, smiling genuinely at him at his words. She glanced at him, folding her hands on her lap

Adrian: Adrian moved back, “How’s your wine?” He asked changing the subject.

Lucia: "It’s very good," she replied, transitioning easily. "But it makes me feel a little dizzy so I stopped drinking it."

Adrian: He smiled, “Yes it does that. But you’ll get a tolerance.” Adrian walked to his bed and lay down. “Would it be bad if I burned that letter?”

Lucia: Lucia laughed, watching him as he lay down. She stood up, uncertain of whether it was proper for her to be sitting down when he was not. “If you truly do not want to do it, Sir, maybe it’s not the best option,” she commented, standing in her spot.

Adrian: Adrian patted the side of his bed. “You do realise you can be comfortable and relax round me? We just have to keep up appearances of position in front of others.” He said. “But maybe you’re right…I could talk with her first before declaring love.” He added.

Lucia: Lucia walked to his side hesitantly, sitting on the edge of the bed. She really didn’t want to push her luck with him. “Thank you, Sir.” She smiled and nodded encouragingly. “It might be helpful for you. Maybe even make it easier.”

[otpjustustwo-blog]

Thread 01 - Complete

Lucia: Lucia sighed as she sped up through the hallways. The castle was coming to life for the day, servants much like herself running here and there with pointless preparations for yet another pointlessly day. She slowed down only when the food on the tray she was carrying threatened to spill. But she had made good speed, and she would not be late like the last time the prince had called her up. A staircase or two and she was finally walking down the Wing that led to his chambers. Lucia stopped at his door, stopping for a moment to smooth down the skirt of her dress before knocking on the door? She waited for a moment or two, and upon receiving no answer, she opened the door cautiously. Dark. He was still sleeping. Lucia walked cautiously to his bedside, placing the tray of food on the small table next to the bed. “Prince Adrien?” she started, speaking softly. “I’m afraid that you need to wake up now.” She walked to the window, pulling aside the rich material of the curtains, allowing the light to spill in. She turned back around, standing by the window as she waited for him to wake up.

Adrien: It had been a late night for the Prince, another royal gathering were the wine flowed and the court gorged on endless food. His Father had been keeping a close eye on him, and not one wanting to disappoint Father he stayed on his best behaviour. Albeit, ruining any hopes of fun. Instead he chose to drink, matching the King goblet for goblet. If he was to be taken seriously as a man, then one would have to drink like a man. That was a good idea up until he was being helped to bed by one of his Father’s courts men. As the sun cracked through the window, Adrien groaned. “Servant girl, did I ask you to open the window?” He mumbled, not even moving to acknowledge the girl in the room. When the sun was still there, he looked over at her with a glare. “Close it,” he demanded, voice still tired and husky from sleep. When he realised who it was, he sighed. “You’re the one who always fucks everything up— why did they send you?” He asked, his tone harsh. The hungover Prince was in no mood to be nice.

Lucia: Lucia sighed at the harsh tone he carried in his voice, unprepared for it so early in the morning. “No, Sir,” she mumbled, shaking her head. But she didn’t move, aware that she had been sent up to wake him up. When he turned to her with a glare, however, she gave up, turning back to the window and closing the curtains. The room was dark, once again, as she moved back towards his bedside. “Well, Sir, I haven’t killed anyone yet, so I think you’re perfectly fine right now,” she replied, sarcasm filtering through her words. She probably shouldn’t have said it, but his head probably hurt too much to process what she said. Besides, she was known for having a mouth on her, it was a wonder that she was still alive at all. "Your lessons have been cancelled for the day, on account of your drinking habits from the previous night." Lucia picked up one of the pillows as he sat up, shaking it out away from the bed. "But you She placed it back, picking up the tray of food and holding it out to him. "Do you need anything else? Or will that be all?" 

Adrien: It wasn’t as if he liked being mean to the servants, it’s just that when he was hungover he would rather not be woken up this early in the morning, and they were the ones doing the waking, so that meant they felt the wrath of it. Adrien wasn’t stupid, he could hear the underlying sarcasm and overall dislike for him in her tone, something that only made him want to have her round more. Most of the girls purred at him, hoping for a chance with the Prince but she was different. Clumsy, yea but she didn’t pander to him. "I’d like to think you haven’t killed anyone yet, that’s punishable by beheading and you have quite the pretty neck," he teased, throwing her one of his infamous smirks. He sat up against the pillow she had carefully placed behind him, and he shook his head. "That will be all, unless you would like to share my breakfast?" He asked, arching his eyebrow at the servant girl. His mood had suddenly turned for the better, the challenge of winning her over having been presented in front of him. No one disliked him - he was the prince! 

Lucia: "I’m absolutely ecstatic that my neck pleases you, Prince Adrien. My life as a servant certainly has meaning now, thank you so much." When there were no repercussions for her use of sarcasm, Lucia immediately decided to have her fun. Hell, she hated these people anyway, why not make it known in the politest way she possibly could? Lucia matched his expression, raising her own brow. His tone and attitude had suddenly changed, and he seemed slightly bearable at the moment. "Sure, why not?" she asked dryly. She was sure that he was just teasing, and she honestly didn’t appreciate it. She absolutely hated when the Royal family and their guests teased servants with food. "I’m opening your curtains," she declared, walking over to the windows. She pulled open the curtains again, turning back to him. "Would you like me to draw you a bath, or no?"

Adrien: The Prince liked her attitude, but she also had to remember her place. For now he was going to let it slide because it was morning, but if he continued he might have to act. “I don’t think life as a servant would ever have meaning,” he commented with a surprised look on his face. It was true, who would ever want to do such a job? The Prince could never understand. Adrien shifted on the bed to make room for her, “Come, sit.” He said, tapping the mattress of his four poster bed. “We can eat together, and then you can draw me a bath.” He added, waiting patiently on his breakfast. The sun was still hurting his sore head, but he decided to forfeit that battle and focus all of himself on her. 

Lucia: ~I somehow lost this reply but this was when she spilled food on him~

Adrien: Adrian was just warming up to her when he felt the scorching hot soup burn his skin and he cried out agony. “You stupid woman!” He spat, taking his shirt off dipping it in the cold water to dab the burn with. He took a deep breath, jaw clenched to control his anger. “—Pardon me, I know you are not stupid.”

Lucia: Lucia got out of the bed, rushing to the bathroom to bring out a towel. If there was one thing she knew how to do, it was clean up messes (especially the ones she herself made). She quickly got one end of it wet, leaving the other dry, before she rushed back to his side. She ignored his words for the most part - she was used to being yelled at by one person or the other. “I’m really sorry,” she murmured. She gestured to him with the towel. “Should I?” she asked, waiting for permission before she further angered him.

Adrien: Prince Adrian knew it had been a mistake but this was her job so mistakes could only happen so often before changes would be made, but for now he was going to let it go. “Oui,” he said taking his shirt away to expose his torso to her. “You are forgiven, okay?” He added softly hoping it would stop her from worrying.

Lucia: Lucia moved the food tray to the side so she wouldn’t spill anything else. With his permission leading her, she leaned over him, the wet side of the towel in her hand. Lucia carefully dabbed the towel over his torso, ridding his skin of the soup. She looked at him as she spoke, gratitude in her eyes. “Thank you, Sir,” she muttered, grateful beyond words; punishment would have been imminent had he been someone else. She turned her attention back to her task, turning the towel to the dry side to dry away the moisture that had beaded on his skin.

Adrien: She was so gentle with him and Adrian could only notice how beautiful she was as the sun light fell on her face. “You’re welcome but I am still hungry.” He said playfully.

Lucia: Lucia glanced at him again, a small smile on her face at his light comment. She pulled away from him and moved the tray of food back to him. “Of course,” she said, stepping back as she set it down. “Would you like me to draw you a bath?”

Adrien: Prince Adrian took her hand stopping her from walking away. “I said I wanted to have breakfast with you,” he said, patting the spot she had just vacated. “Sit,” he added but it was an invite not an order.

Lucia: Lucia looked down as he grabbed her hand. She was hesitant, but she nodded, sitting back down with apprehension. “Thank you, Sir,” she said. This was kindness she had not known before.

Adrien: Adrian poured her some tea, buttered her some bread and then he held out a grape to her. “Taste, they’re yhe finest in France.” He held it to her lips, waiting for her. He didn’t know why but he wanted to share with her the luxury of his life almost as way to impress her. Something he usually did with his body or position as Prince - no one really needed convincing usually.

Lucia: Lucia felt her stomach churn with nerves. What was this? She didn’t know why he was trying with her. Was it a joke, some cruel punishment in which she’d turn out to be the laugh of the castle for the year? But as he held a grape out to her lips, she found it hard to refuse. Hesitantly, she opened her mouth, biting into the fruit. She closed her eyes at the taste, nodding in agreement. “It’s really good, thank you,” she replied after she swallowed.

Adrien: Adrian let his eyes flicker to her lips as she tasted the grape and he smiled at the image. “You’re welcome but stop thanking me I played no part in the harvest or even carrying it. You did, so thank you.” He ate the other half of the grape and continued to share his food happy to serve her in the moment forgetting titles.

Lucia: She shook her head, her eyes widening slightly. “But I must. Sharing food at the side of a Royal? It’s a privilege.” Nevertheless, she smiled shyly, timid as she accepted the food he gave her. Her fierce attitude from when she had entered the room melted into one of gratitude and respect as she spent time at his side.

Adrien: "Where do you come from?" Adrian asked leaning back against jis headboard full from the feast. He was intrigued by her and wanted to know more but he knew deep down they probably had this brief moment before roles were assumed again. He had also noticed not once had her eyes lingered, he had been the one letting his eyes wonder on her yet he was the half naked one. Maybe she didn’t find him handsome.

Lucia: "My mother is an Italian woman. My father is partly of French descent. I was born in Italy, but my father moved us out here. He thought he would find better work in this domain," she explained, looking at her hands as she spoke. "But we lived on the outskirts of the kingdom, so opportunities were scarce. I came here when war struck the land. I haven’t seen my parents since. I don’t know if they’re even alive." She shrugged, turning to look at him. "The castle is the only chance to live at this point. Many people who tried to escape from my village did not make it. Some found work on farms. I was one of the lucky ones."

Adrien: Adrian listened intently and reached for her hand squeezing it. “I am sorry for your loss, truly.” He had been sheltered from the harshness of war, loss and famine but his life had not been easy. The pressures and stress of his position, the lack of freedom and the beatings from his Father if he disappointed. He had no where near a bad a life but it wasn’t perfect as the Prince either. “Write their names down and I’ll search for you,” he said with a sympathetic smile.

Lucia: Lucia looked at their joined hands, smiling at the comfort. She nodded in acknowledgement of his kindness. “No, it’s alright. It was a few years ago.” But at his offer, she looked at him in shock, her eyes wide. “Would you really?” she asked. The prospect of seeing her mother and father again was one that she put out of her mind long ago, deeming it impossible. But with his help… perhaps it was possible. “I… thank you,” she said, stunned. “How could I possibly repay you? I would do anything in my power.”

Adrien: Prince Adrian finally moved from the bed only in his trousers he wore for bed. He walked to his table and found his notebook, dipping his quill in ink. “Of course, I might as well use my position for some good for once. Although just this once then it’s back to bad me,” he joked winking at her playfully. When she had wrote the names he placed them carefully in his drawer for safe keeping. “No more spilling soup on me?” He suggested with a grin. “That’s a repayment my body would be very thankful for.” He said with a chuckle.

Lucia: Lucia watched as he got up and navigated his way around his room. But when she realized that he still had no shirt on, she averted her eyes, looking down, as was only proper. It was not her place to look. Her eyes only looked up as he handed her a notebook and a quill. Lucia held the quill in her practiced hand and wrote down her parents’ names in a neat scrawl on a clean page. “Thank you very much,” she said, looking away again. Lucia laughed a little at his comment, flushing as she got up. “Please, let me know if I can pay you back somehow. I cannot let you do this for me without any return of gratitude.” She stepped back from the bed. “I think I need to go. I’ll get in trouble.”

Adrien: Prince Adrian noticed she looked away so part of him wanted to keep challenging her until she broke. ” No, stay. I still need my morning bath.” He said. “You can read me my letters as I bathe, they’re mostly love letters from all the Princesses wanting me as a husband.” He said in a joking exasperated tone. “And you will not get in trouble, I’ll make sure of it. Now come,” he commanded.

Lucia: Lucia nodded, hands pressed together as he spoke. “Of course,” she replied. She bent down to pick up the towel she had dropped, heading back to the bathroom. Lucia placed the towel down neatly before drawing. She pulled up the sleeves of her dress, not wanting to get them wet. She gathered warm water for a bath quickly, setting out what he would need before walking out again. “Your bath is ready, Sir,” she said, glancing at him. “Where are your letters kept?”

Adrien: Tyler was eating an apple from breakfast and pointed to his table. “Over there,” he directed. He made his way to the bathroom undressing before getting into the water a sigh of content leaving him. “You can come in now,” he called, traces of the water trickling down his chiselled torso.

Lucia: Lucia nodded, walking to the desk. She searched through the drawers and had only just found the letters when she was called in again. She shuffled in with her eyes down, knowing that he would be undressed. A blush flushed across her cheek as she stood in front of him, hands fumbling with the letters. She opened the first one. “This one is from a Princess Dinara,” she declared before starting to read the letter, which admittedly was a proclamation of love. Lucia read the letters easily, but she kept her eyes off him, red as she stood there.

Adrien: Adrian noticed she was uncomfortable. “Have I offended your honour by asking you in here?” He asked, not wanting to make her uneasy in any way.

Lucia: She looked up immediately at those words, shaking her head quickly. The last thing she wanted was for him to get the wrong idea. “No, Sir, of course not. Since I have started working here, I have been taught by the other women to look away in these moments. I’m sorry if I made you feel that way.”

Adrien: Adrian smiled, “Do not apologise as long as you’re okay with being in here. I’m not here to disrespect you,” he said. Adrian looked into her eyes with a smirk. ” Those girls never look away, you’re the first. Now come here, sit by the bath and relax.” He said softly, gesturing for her to sit by him.

Lucia: Lucia nodded at his words, returning his smile with a small smile of her own. “I didn’t realize I was the first,” she replied. She followed his gesture with her eyes before actually moving to sit by the bath. Lucia looked at him properly for once, letters in her lap. “Should I continue reading?”

Adrien: Adrian closed his eyed relaxing finally and nodded. “Yes please,” he mumbled, listening to the soft lull of her gentle voice. Her accent was unique, he could hear the hint of Italian and he liked it.

Lucia: Lucia nodded at his request, looking down at the letters to open them carefully. She read each of them slowly, raising her brow at the more eccentric declarations of adoration and love. It didn’t take her long to get through them all, though. Lucia looked up at him as she finished reading the last letter. “That was the last one, Your Highness.”

Adrien: Adrian smiled gratefully, “Thank you. Who did you like out of them all?” He asked curious of her opinion.

Lucia: She looked slightly taken aback when he asked for her opinion, but she glanced down at the letters again. “Well… many of these are lies. Most of them propose love, but really what love can you receive from a woman you’ve to meet? But other women propose business. Trade and protection. Princess Antonia sounded promising,” she said, glancing at that letter. Lucia looked back at him before finishing her thoughts. “Whether she wrote it or not wouldn’t matter. Her offer would be beneficial to the kingdom and she doesn’t hide behind the illusion of supposed love.”

Adrien: Adrian nodded in approval, she was smart. “But Antonia is— not pretty?” He said with a quiet laugh. “I’m sorry but I want someone I love who I’m aroused by. She is the smart option but what about me finding happiness?”

Lucia: "Is it possible to find happiness and be of royal blood at the same time?" she questioned. "Forgive me for saying so, Your Highness, but happiness is not something you find in a royal house. Your days of love and freedom are approaching a quick end, Sir." She bit her lip, wincing at her word choice. "Forgive me, it’s not my place to say that."

Adrien: She was right and the thought sadden him. “Yes, I know but I still want it.” He let out a sigh. “The joys of being a Prince,” he said with a soft chuckle. “I’ll write back to Antonia, thank you.”

Lucia: Lucia smiled at his words and lifted up her shoulders in a shrug before letting them drop. “We all have burdens, Sir, some bigger than others. All we can do is what we must.” Lucia looked down at the letters again, folding them neatly, placing the chosen letter at the top of the stack. “Would you be needing anything else, Sir?”

Adrien: "Just my towel please," he said his mood now less spirited than before as he felt the duties of his role on his shoulders again their morning just a memory.

Lucia: Lucia placed the letters on the ground, standing up with a nod. She could feel his mood slipping from one of happiness to another of gloom. She quickly fetched a clean towel for him, standing by his side again. “Can I offer you a bit of advice?” She averted her eyes as she spoke so that he could stand up freely.

Adrien: He stood and took the towel from her wrapping it round his waist, running his hands through his wet hair. “Of course, you can speak freely around me.”

Lucia: Lucia looked up at him after he had secured the towel around his waist. “Don’t let the sadness of the future dim the happiness of the present,” she said, maintaining her gaze for once. “You can let the imminent doom you from now, or you can keep yourself pure of that poison until you cannot ignore it any longer.”

Adrien: Her words sunk in and they helped ease the sadness somewhat but his future was everything to so many and choices would have to be made soon. “You’re my present right now. I’m very happy with the present,” he said with a small smile.

Lucia: Lucia returned his smile with her own, letting her gaze drop with her moment of courage. “Good,” she stated simply. Lucia stood silently for a minute, her eyes flickering to his, before she finally spoke. “I can leave you alone to write your replies, if you would like,” she offered. She leaned down to pick up his letters, standing up in front of him again, looking at him as she waited for an answer.

Adrien: Adrian smiled as he spotted the little look she held for him. She didn’t detest him as much as she had this morning, and her smile had been genuine. “You’re very beautiful. Do you know that?” He asked, holding his clothes to her so she would help him dress completely ignoring the letters.

Lucia: She blinked in surprise at his words, momentarily confused. “I- thank you, Sir,” she replied. Lucia took the clothes in her hands, walking out to his bedroom; she knew it would be easier to help him in there than in his bathroom. She placed the letters on his desk before walking back to him. She held out his shirt, waiting for him to slide his arms through the sleeves so that she could help him do it up.

Adrien: Adrian follwed her to the bedroom and helped her in dressing him for his day of Princley duties. “You’ll make a man very happy one day. Not just because you’re beautiful but you care and you’re smart. If you need anything just ask,” he added. He was almost dressed and he smiled at her. “I’ll come with you to tbe servants quarters to excuse your absence. They won’t punish you if I can support your explanation. Come,” he said leaving the letters until later.

Lucia: Lucia smiled up at him as she helped him dress. “If I get that opportunity. Thank you for your kindness, Sir,” she added as she finished assisting him. She took a step back from him, smoothening out the skirt of her worn dress. She looked at him with gratitude. “Please, you don’t have to, don’t let me inconvenience you.” Nevertheless, she added a, “Thank you.”

Adrien: He shook his head. “I know those girls and they are not the most trusting but they will believe it if I’m there.” He looked over with a smirk. “I’ve never excused them for mornings that we spent together so they will have to believe it.”

Lucia: "No, they are not trusting in the least," she agreed, nodding at his words. Lucia smiled gratefully at him, folding her hands together. "Thank you very much, Sir." She went to his bed again, straightening up the covers before she picked up the abandoned tray of food. She turned to him, ready to leave the room at his command.

Adrien: Adrian held the door for her and follewed behind not having been in the servants quarters since he was a boy stealing food. “Not to be cocky but they mighy be slightly jealous. If anyone upsets you I want it reported.”

Lucia: Lucia slipped out the door, nodding her thanks, before leading her way to the servants’ quarters. She glanced at him as he spoke, nodding at his words. “As you wish, Sir. But I doubt these girls are capable of anything like that.” But she sounded uncertain, glancing at him for confirmation of her feelings.

Adrien: Adrian looked unsure he knew some of these girls intimately and they might not like the idea of competition. “Just make sure to report it to me if anything happens.”

Lucia: Lucia frowned slightly before nodding, walking faster as they approached the servants’ quarter. “Of course,” she said before she went in. The minute she stepped in, a flurry of angry voices met her at her apparent lateness. But the door creaked open behind her and silence suddenly filled the room as the Prince stepped in behind her.

Adrien: Prince Adrian bowed to them in welcome and nodded for them to stand as they curtsied. “Madames, please excuse Lucia for her absence this morning. She has been helping me in some important Royal duties for which I asked her help. She has been of great service to me, so much so I now request she is made my own servant. If this troubles you in anyway then please say so but you should be proud to have this woman within your quarter’s. She has done you nothing but honour your people.” He nodded and left.

Lucia: Lucia stood silently as he spoke to them, but turned to look at him in shock. His own servant? He had not told her that. Lucia gaped after him as he left, searching for an explanation to his sudden proclamation. But of course, with him gone, she had none.