Disclaimer: I own only what is from my own mind

A/N: To Chewie-Fan-I was further along than I thought I would be so I have answered your request. I can't promise to make this a habit, so I am going to go back to my every other day updates unless I get a lot done one night.

Thanks to Chewie-Fan and Ivy Elizabeth for their Reviews.

Please feel free to leave reviews. I want to hear from you. It doesn't even have to be good, constructive criticism is welcome.

July 10th 1688, Night

It had taken her awhile to figure out how to successfully execute her plan. The answer had been so simple that she nearly hit herself. Her aunt made light chatter as she helped Aria into her proper night clothes. Her Uncle had been the one that told her of what was to happen that night. The ceremony was only an hour gone when she was escorted by her Aunt into the bedchambers she would share with her husband before they set sail.

It had taken a lot of convincing to have her Uncle show her the room beforehand. If that had failed her hope of escape would've died with it. She had asked him all about the procedure, making sure everything was perfect.

With a sigh she looked across the bed at her husband. It was at that moment that she realized that she failed to take him into account. If he refused to cooperate the whole set up would be for nothing. Silently they climbed into bed, looked at the priest at the foot of the bed and bowed their heads. He blessed them and sent up a prayer for many healthy sons.

The others in the room left in silence leaving behind strict orders. "I propose we just get it over with." She saw him glance at her and nodded. "It'll be quicker if you just let me guide you." Again she nodded. "Lie completely down." She followed his directions making sure the object resting under the pillow remained in reach. It was a few moments more before he moved so he was above her.

Aria winced when his hand made contact with the skin of her leg. He raised the bottom of her nightgown faster than she anticipated so she almost missed her window of opportunity. "Stop." He froze.

"We need to do this."

"No." Her voice picked up an edge.

"They will know if we don't. Would you rather have them in here watching?" In one quick motion she removed the knife from its hiding place and pointed it at his chest.

"No, they won't."

"What are you doing?" Josh snapped.

"Prick your thumb, do it and they never have to know." She didn't need to say more.

July 11th 1688 morning

Jacob stood in the library of his father's apartments. It was a grand sight one, had he been born first, he would've inherited. But that was not meant to be. He wanted to be a king but-well that didn't matter. Soon some Princess was going to arrive and marry his brother. If she gave him a son and that son reached majority his hopes would be shattered.

Movement from behind made Jacob turn and glare at whoever thought it wise to disturb him so early. But his anger melted when he saw who it was. "Your Highness." The man bowed his head.

"How many times must I tell you Freddy, call me by my given name." The darker skinned man smiled.

"A letter arrived this morning from your father." The teenager nodded.

"Read it to me Freddy? You know I can't read the old man's handwriting." Freddy gave off a short laugh.

"Of course.-Jacob, I don't care about how you feel in regards to your brother taking a new wife. It is not his fault that the Almighty decided to have him enter this world first. Don't blame him for it. The girl we decided upon is not the Princess Mary as we thought it would be, but her cousin Lady Aria.

I think you two will get along well that is if you even try to be kind to her. None of this is the fault of the girl. I believe had she been given a choice this isn't what she would have decided.

We depart for home in a few days so you have a decent delay between now and then. Take this time to rid yourself of your anger. I beg you Jacob, hatred and scorn are not appealing on you.-Your father." Freddy stopped speaking and allowed Jacob take in what his father had wrote.

"What do you think? Do you agree that I am full of hate?" He turned his back on the older man.

"It is not anger, it is resentment. You didn't kill your mother Jacob. She was taken away by God after giving this country two strong, healthy Princes."

"And that matters? What if we had both been girls, what then? What would you tell me to make me feel better? Hmm? Because if that had been the case my father would have remarried, why would my mother have died then?" Freddy frowned. "That's what I thought. Go away, I want to be alone." Jacob watched the man leave. When the door closed he burned his father's letter.