The light coming in from the opened curtains struck Matthew right in his face. He groans in annoyance as he becomes forced to awake. He rubs his eyes, sits up in bed, and acknowledges his surroundings. He's faced with the glow from his mothers face. She's upset. Beside her is his father, who's sharing her same emotion and expression.
"Good morning." Matt says. The queen, Malia, scoffs. "It would be a good morning if we wouldn't have to come, and wake you up in this state." She said, her voice only presented her mood more. "Sorry, the queen was given something to do — you could've sent Jeffrey." Matt said. "And waste his time? You're an adult, you should be getting up before noon. You've missed breakfast." His mother goes on.
"Mother, I wish not to argue early." Matt said. "Well, son, lucky for you it's not early. Now get dressed, we'll have a maid bring your lunch and meet us in the drawing room." His father, Robert, said, finally he joined the conversation. After, so they left his room.
Matthew knew he tested his limits. Last night he was out at a Tavern, he got involved with one of the ladies there. He made sure not to leave his seed inside her. He was always careful. The day he wasn't lord knows what anger he'd face from his parents. He was young... he just wanted to make the most of his youth before he suffered the same fate of having to marry like one of his triplet brothers, Christopher.
Their parents always threatened to do it. Chris' one mistake let them actually fall through this time. Now, Matt had to be more careful than ever. Luckily their other brother, Nicolas, left for art school in Spain, so he was completely safe from anyone proposing marriage. "I should've went to bloody art school." Matt says to himself.
Matt got out his bed. He walked over to the bell area to ring it for help to be sent in. He ordered for a hot bath to be made. His brown trousers, cream shirt and the matching vest to be laid on the bed when he is done. His food got brought in and set down on his table. He moved to the table and picked up the coffee. After eating a sufficient amount of food his bath water was ready. He went to bathe, and changed into his clothes.
Finally he left his room and made his way around the castle to the drawing room. He found his mother, father and brother there having tea. None of them were talking with each other which meant they were waiting for him. Matt sat down beside Chris. "It's so quiet you'd think an angel is passing by." Matt said. Chris smiled against his tea cup.
"Jokes..." Malia started. "Right, well, since you're both here I wanted to discuss when we'll be leaving for Aurelwyn." She stated. Chris set his tea down and straightened up. "Oh... right. Well, when?" He asked. "Our ship will leave Thursday. So have the maids pack your luggage by tomorrow." Their mother answered.
"Soon." Chris said softly. "Yes, well, we need to be early before someone else gets one of the princesses to wed them." Their father stated. "Really? From what I heard no one wants to marry one and the other keeps saying no to suitors." Chris said.
"Princess Evelyn, she's most kind and values that in others, which is why you'll be on your best behavior, Christopher." Their mother answered. "Hmm... and the other sister?" Chris asked.
"No one... well..." She didn't know how to answer. There's barely anything about her. Matt turned to Chris. "Well, I heard she's a mute, or ugly. Which makes me understand why no one attempts to marry her. No one has seen her since childhood." Matt stated.
The queen rolls her eyes. "Rumor, Matthew. If we believed every rumor then we should be likely to believe you're a rake." She said. Matt opened his mouth to say something, but couldn't. Their mom always had a way to make them lose their tongue. No one else had that ability.
She stood up. "Well, since we're done. Pack your things, sort out all of your other affairs so we may leave in Thursday. I am personally excited for this trip, the queen of Aurelwyn has always been good company." She said, and left the drawing room.
The table was awfully quiet. It tended to get like that after Queen Crystal and King Phillip had an argument. This time it had been about Evelyn and Sophia... Sophia who wasn't even at the lunch.
They wanted Evelyn to stop being difficult and marry. She was already in her twenties now, which meant she was on the shelf. She's lucky she's a princess, or finding a husband wouldn't be as easy. She knows she's lucky. She wants to marry anyway, but she has the right to refuse a guy who isn't right for her. It's her future that's on the line.
Her biggest fear is falling for someone untrue. Someone who is only putting up a front right now — then once they've got her they're horrible and mean. No one wants that.
"I promise to give him the benefit of the doubt father." Evelyn says softly, but loud enough for them to hear her. King Phillip nods his head. Evelyn understands that all he wants is to see his daughters taken care of after he's gone.
After some of the tension in the room is released, specifically the one from Evelyn's side, they move along. The only one who has matters that need tending to is Sohpia. Again, she's still not at lunch. "Crystal, I need you to speak with Sophia. They have two other sons, if we manage for things to go well with Evelyn we may find a suitor for Sophia as well. And they'll be other suitors at the ball. We have a month before they arrive, let us use it well."
The queen smiled gently. "Yes, my love. I'll speak with her as soon as possible." She said. After lunch was over the king left the table. Evelyn and Crystal stared at each other. "Mother... you know she'll never agree to behaving."
"She doesn't have a choice. She knows that much." Crystal says back. "Doesn't mean she won't be stubborn." Evelyn responded. Crystal stood up. "Evelyn, I will speak with her. Your father has become more, and more frustrated with both of your behaviors these last few years, and I fear it's at it's peak. So please. Do not discourage me from speaking with her."
The queen left the room calmly, her one goal set in her mind. Find Sophia. It's not exactly easy in a castle. She could be wandering anywhere. Something inside the queen reminded her of her daughter's love for literature. Naturally, trusting her mother's intuition she went to the library.
When she reached it, she found Sophia laying down across the empty desk. A book in her hand she held above her body, too engrossed in her book to notice anything around her. "If there was a fire, I'm sure your brain would ignore it too." Crystal said.
Sophia got a small fright when she spoke. She quickly got off the table which resulted in her falling to her knees, but she rose fast and put her book on the table, and went to her mother. "Mother... I'm... I've missed lunch again? I'm so sorry. Father is sure to have my head now. I have to go apologize."
Crystal shakes her head before Sophia goes on about how bad she feels. "Nevermind that. Your father just wanted me to speak with you." She said. Sophia nodded. "Okay. About what?" Sohpia watched her mother's face changed, Crystal was figuring out how she'd tell her youngest daughter what her father instructed. "Sophia, your father and I cannot be the king and queen forever, and once Evelyn finds a match hopefully that prince and she will rule Aurelwyn."
"Oh, I'm aware of that mother. I cannot wait for the day, Evelyn will make an excellent queen." Sohpia said in reply. "Sohpia, Evelyn and her family will live in the castle and no more us. Your father and I intend to retire to one of our properties in the South of Aurelwyn." Crystal spoke, softly and slowly as though to make her point clear without being direct.
"I don't mind living with Evelyn's chosen family or with you and father longer... I know you wish it be that I marry and have children but I'm not as strong as you, to leave the people I grew up with and live among strangers... I'm far too terrified." Sohpia stated. She usually spoke with such a melancholy honesty. It used to break her mother's heart when she was a little girl, and when she chose to give the truth to everyone who came across her they'd be put off by her presence. She was sure that her 'future husband' if she ever got the chance to have one would be put off by her thoughts as well.
Crystal places a hand on Sophia's cheek, she softly caressed her daughter by that spot. "I remember when you were little and used to steal your father's swords. When he found out it was you, you still challenged him to a duel... quite brave for someone who was seven. My darling girl you are brave and stronger than you know." Sohpia closed her eyes and let out a breath of air. "I will promise to be kind." Crystal leaned in closer and kissed Sohpia on the forehead. "I expect nothing more from you. Thank you."
One Month Later... 7th May
At long last the most anticipated arrival of princes has come. Prince Matthew and Pricne Christopher, sons of Robert and Malia Sturniolo, rulers of Stonehaven. What a historical event! It was the talk of the town for the past week. Although most expected the princes to only be interested in the princesses of the country but many noble families still dolled up their girls in hopes of royals alliances being formed with their own.
Long before noon their ship had arrived on the docks, a series of guards and carriages were sent for the Royals family to be transported comfortably and safely to the royal palace. "I can't believe it." Matt spoke. Chris gave him a look and waited for him to continue on with his sentence. "You still haven't told me what possessed you to agree to marriage. It's been a month. We're brothers, I deserbe to know." Matt went on and whined, Chris on the other hand shook his head and said the dumbest thing he could ever say to Matt. "Change of heart."
Matt burst out laughing. "Change of heart? I doubt that... we always agreed to stay bachelors till 25... at least I have Nick." He said playfully but his voice carried exhaustion in it. "I'm planing your bachelor party. We're in a new country. I think its time we explored our—" Chris cut his brother off. "No can do. I'm here in hopes of marriage, Matt. I can't mess this mess up. Not one bit."
Matt nodded softly, taking in his brother's vulnerable expression. He knew something had been bothering him since before they left Stonehaven, he didn't know what exactly but he knew it had been bothering his brother... he wasn't a fan of whatever it was.
An hour or so of traveling they finally reached the palace. When the family stepped out of their carriages they were presented with staff and te royal family of Aurelwyn. Respectful both family bowed for each other before Robert and Philip stopped caring and shared a hug. One for being childhood friends and war buddies. "Robert its been too long." King Phillip said, Robert smiled and his next reply was in agreement before the two men nearly ran into the castle.
"Philip." Crystal called out but he merely waved her off. She wasn't offended by it, she just laughed at it and then turned to Queen Malia, "Malia, I've heard so much about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Malia smiled at her and returned the same kindness.
Chris greeted the queen along with Matt, and then he moved onto Princess Evelyn. He held his hand out for her, when she placed it on his, he kissed her knuckles. "Princess Evelyn, I hope... otherwise this would be embarrassing." Evelyn smiled at him. Then she nodded her head. "Its an honor to make your acquaintance, Prince?" Chris spoke softly after. "Christopher, but everyone calls me Chris... this is my brother Matthew, but he also prefers the shorter version."
"It's lovely to meet both of you." Evelyn said. Matt smiled at her gently. He should've been focused on her beauty but his mind was elsewhere. 'Wasn't there another Princess?' He thought to himself. 'Maybe she truly was a mute and her family didn't want her to embarrass them... poor girl.' He thought again.
Soon after everyone had gotten comfortable in their new chambers, Evelyn offered to give a tour of the castle to Chris and Matt. It was a rather kind offer, both brothers showed their respects although they both wish they could've been asleep in those soft beds. Matt watched Evelyn and Chris go on about the different paintings on the wall—as if anything could bore him further.
He slowly snuck away from the pair and made his way into the other hallways. About three turns here and there and he was finally alone somewhere. He walked straight ahead but he had pulled out his flask of whiskey out. He opened the top and began drinking as he walked. For the moment he had his head tilted up while he spilled alcohol into his mouth— he hadn't noticed the girl speed walking towards him with such determination that she didn't see him either and so the two collided.
Matt's flask fell out his hand and covered both he and the girl in the irritating smell of whiskey. Matt looked at the girl, annoyed that she caused him to waste his goods and she looked at him with the same level of annoyance. "Ever watch where you're going?" He snapped at her. She scoffed. "I should say the same for you, maybe don't drink and walk with your head in the air." She retorted right back at him.
"Do you have any idea who the hell you're speaking to?" He said and the scoffed back at her. "Do you have any idea who the hell you're speaking to?" She repeated. Matt rolled his eyes and then bent down to pick up his flask from the floor. As he started to get up he looks at her and examines her clothing choice. Expensive silk, laced embroidery... princess. "So... you're the mute princess."
Sophia opened her mouth to say something but it was too late his words stung. She brushed it off and then got serious again. "I have a name." She said. "Many don't know it... they usually say the mute or the ugly o—" Sophia cut him off. "It's Sophia. And I know what people say, I do not care. And you saying it now means nothing. Enjoy your stupid choice of a drink." Sophia said and then walked around him and hurried to her destination.
Matt smirked... its been a while since he'd had a conversation that intrigued him. Naturally he turned around and followed her. He soon realized she was really fast when could be. It felt like a good three minutes of following her and calling out to her, she ignored him each time. Then she reached the library and immediately hurried over to the ladder and climbed it to look for a specific book. "Wow you're fast." Matt said almost out of breath as he entered the library and walked over to her.
"No one asked you to follow." Sophia said. "Whatever... you should get down from there before you fall. Call for a servant." Matt spoke like he might have actually cared whether she fell or not. "That is a waste of time and of people's energy when I can get what I need myself..." She reached for one book the moment she finished read the name. "Ahah! Got it!" She said and started climbing down the ladder too fast.
"You're going to fall if you keep moving that fast." Sophia heard his words but that didn't stop her—it should've because the next second she missed a step and fell, luckily for Sophia Matt had caught her just in time. The two stayed with their eyes locked for a good minute, the bridal style of how he held her felt intimate even if the hadn't realized it yet.
Once the moment was after she demanded he put her down. "What no thank you?" Matt said as he put her down. "I would've been fine. You're just too dramatic." Sophia said. "Fine? That was a high fall." Matt spoke again. "Listen, i have a puffy dress on. It would've covered my fall." She said back at him. "You know for the mute princess, you sure do speak a lot." Sophia had nothing to say and the she pushed him. "That is no way to speak to a lady let alone a princess."
Matt barelt moved by the push, he stepped closer to her. "Try pushing me again. I dare you." Just as Sophia was about to do so again, a loud 'Ahem' came from the direction of the door. Both turned immediately. It was Matt's butler. "Prince Matthew, Princess Sophia. Both your presences are requested in the drawing room." Matt and Sophia stepped away from each other and then nodded. Sophia moved first and Matt behind her.
Matt followed her to the drawing room. When they got there the two realized they were in trouble... they both reeked of alcohol. So they sat in the farthest couch in the room. "Ah, I've seen you both met. I'm truly charmed. I hoped you two wou—" Matt could hear the suggestive tone in his mother's voice and immediately knew to shut it down before everyone in this room would be planning another wedding. "Mother, please... let us not make the princess uncomfortable." Matt said and looked right Sophia. She glared back at him.
Conversations moved on after that. Nobody wished to beg anyone to do anything anyway. Evelyn had been going on to Chris about something from her childhood. Little secrect, boy was he a good actor because although he committed each detail to his memory, he didn't care. He wanted to get out of the hole he was in and needed to win Evelyn over to do so. As she turned to pick up her tea from the tray, Chris found actual amusement... amusement in Matt and Sophia.
He saw the way the two kept glaring at each other the entire time they sat seated ok the same couch. It was funny. A small wiff of something passed his nose.... whiskey. Chris looked to Matt and made a knowing face. Then he looked at Sophia and made the same face at her—she reacted. Her embarrassment was writen all over right after you could see it. Yes... at least something would truly keep him entertained in the time he was here.
Later on Matt was looking for a servant, one who could tell him where the nearest tavern was... on his way looking he found Sophia outside sitting somewhere quiet and opened, yet it looked so private. She had what looked like a three year old or four year old on her lap while she read something to it... the book. It's the one she grabbed from the high shelf.
Matt watched her for a few seconds more before continuing on his way but he kept thinking about her for some odd reason. Maybe he just found it utterly sweet or her to have taken the time out of her way to find a book and fight with him all to read to a toddler... "very vocal for a mute." Matt whispers to himself.
✎ T speaking : next chapter is mostly about nick!!
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