Disclaimer: I still own nothing.
A/N: Thanks to Chewie-Fan for the review.
There is a bit of a time jump between this and the last chapter, mainly because not much would have happened during those few weeks.
Anyways, I hope you all enjoy.
September 18th 1688, Mid-Morning
Phil glanced at Freddy and motioned for him to step closer. "When should the envoys from Timbat arrive?"
"Tonight or tomorrow morning Your Majesty. The unforeseen weather has slowed them down." Phil nodded and sighed.
"Make sure that all the rooms are ready and everyone is treated equally. I do not want to be accused of favoring one King over the other." Freddy gave the King an understanding look.
"May I ask you something?"
"Of course. Freddy, you are my dearest friend you may ask me anything without fear."
"Why have you not recalled the Prince and Princess? This is a great thing for him to experience for when he becomes King." For a moment Phil was silent.
"Murray has told me that they had yet to-well you know. I believe that all they need is to be away from court. It will give them time to get to know each other better. It worked for me." Freddy inclined his head.
"That is true, but your father never did something like this. Jacob will learn so much from this, do you really want to deny your heir the same chance?" Phil crossed his arms.
"Jacob has really enjoyed these past few weeks. He rarely is anywhere without his brother. But you are right, this summit is something that Josh should be a part of. Send word for him and Aria to come." Freddy bowed and moved towards the door. "Oh, and Freddy?" The other man turned back.
"Your Majesty?"
"Make sure my son remembers that their rooms are connected." Freddy replied with a smirk.
"I'll be sure to."
September 19th 1688, Morning
Normally Josh would ride on his own horse leaving Aria to talk amongst her attendants alone, but it was raining and he just didn't feel like getting wet. So he sat across from Aria while her two Ladies rode in a separate carriage. He saw Aria frown as they began the ride to the main palace.
"Aren't you excited about going back to court?" Aria shrugged.
"I guess." Josh raised an eyebrow.
"You guess? Have you not been bored being away from the center of the action?"
"I prefer being away from it actually. It is so tiring having to live up to the image people have of me, ignoring those that are doing their best to unsettle me. It is a new experience, I am sure that I will eventually get used to it." Reaching out he took her hand in his.
"Who has been attempting to unsettle you? What have they done?" She gave him a small frown before shaking her head.
"It does not matter."
"Of course it does. You are my wife, the next Queen of Conila. I will not have people interfering in your life. What have they done?" He squeezed her hand gently. "Please tell me." Their eyes met.
"Just little comments, like the one I heard on my first day here. Really do not worry about it. I need to build up my tolerance to them anyway." Without thinking Josh moved so he was sitting next to Aria.
"No. They are not 'just little comments', they are upsetting you. I will not have that." For a moment he thought that she looked offended.
"I do not need you to protect me at every turn Josh."
"But I want to. I want to know that you are safe and happy. Don't begrudge me that." Aria leaned towards him and kissed his cheek.
"Thank you but this isn't a matter you need to concern yourself with. I will be fine. If I ever need saving I promise to let you know."
"I shall hold you to that." An amused smile graced her face.
"Fine." He watched her turn her head to watch as natured passed by. The beating of his heart rang in his ears and the place her lips had met his skin was still warm.
September 19th 1688, Near Midnight
Jacob stared out of the window watching for any sign of his brother's carriage. They shouldn't be much longer, that is if they left when they were supposed to. Sighing he glanced behind him and met the eyes of his father.
"You see them?" Jacob shook his head before turning back around to keep watch. He didn't know why his father was so anxious for them to arrive since he had other guests to pay attention to. The King of Timbat had arrived that morning with his group of trusted advisors. Surely that was more important than waiting for Josh and Aria to get there.
Another ten minutes past and he did his best to suppress a yawn. When was his brother going to show up? Jacob smiled in relief when he saw the approaching coaches. "They are here." Phil stepped forward and nodded when he saw them.
"Come, we shall welcome them and then go to bed." He followed his father down the stairs and into the courtyard. The horses came to a stop not far from them and the driver jumped down and bowed to them. Josh exited first before holding out his hand for Aria.
"Father, brother." Josh spoke while inclining his head at both of them.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness." Aria smiled weakly as she spoke to them.
"I hope you weren't completely bored during your trip." Jacob noticed his brother grin as he glanced quickly at his bride.
"Not at all." From the look on his father's face he had seen it too.
"Good, well we shall bid you a goodnight then. Come on Jacob." He rolled his eyes but obeyed the command though he couldn't help but turn to Aria first.
"I expect to be informed of all the idiotic things my brother has done since he left court." She nodded.
"I would never dream of not telling you, though be sure to clear all your plans for the remainder of the week in order to hear them." Laughing he finally turned and followed his father away.
