Chapter Twenty-Four:

The Royal Secretary

Hampton Court

Surrey, England

"Send a message to the Emperor. Tell him both my father, the King, and I wish him great luck and victory for his upcoming battle at Pavia, and his succeeding capture of the French king should he be victorious," Chuck instructed, walking down one of Hampton Court's great hallways alongside Cardinal Wolsey. It was part of his official duties to tend to in his father's absence, the political side of things. Typically on a day-to-day basis that didn't include anything too awfully exciting, but today the tides had shifted some. News had been brought from Spain that they were to war with France, and intending both invasion and detainment of the country and it's king. To be honest he never cared much for King Francois, as he was always smug and self-righteous; and coming from Chuck that meant something. However, if the Emperor were successful in his pursuits then both his father and England would have to pick an official side on where they stood. As of now their treaty with France remained, but it was also no secret that the two countries relationship with one another hadn't always been the steadiest in the past.

"Yes, your highness," Cardinal Wolsey agreed, scribbling down notes in the large book he carried with him. As they passed down the corridor people moved to the sides, bowing for Chuck and beseeching blessings for and from the Cardinal.

"In this letter however, also include some questions. Ask him what he'd intend to do with the king of France, upon capture. And whether if not when Francois is apprehended it may not be a good time to think about striking France itself? Tell him we have gold, men and ships at his disposal, and would be eager to do battle and share in some of his glory," Chuck furthered, remembering his father's constant past speeches on opportunity and victory. Everything was still hypothetical in a sense, but these were all things the King would need to know, especially if the Emperor was successful. And while Chuck knew Blair would be upset were they to end up at war with France, alongside Spain, it would not stop him from secretly still hoping and pushing for this. The way Chuck saw it both Blair's "engagement contract" to Thomas and his father's marriage to Catherine had been contingent upon their good relations with France. Were they and France to have fallout, even if temporary, it may be enough to not only wane the Queen's newfound power, but also render Blair's engagement to be unimportant as far as his father was concerned. This would then be the opportune moment for Chuck to ask his father to null the engagement between Thomas and Blair, thus securing her for himself.

Unfortunately as a daughter of France Chuck knew this endgame would be harder for Blair to see, or at the very least more upsetting for her before all was said and done. Chuck had resigned it would be a price he was willing to pay though, and she. If it got his stepmother and stepbrother out of their way she'd have to be happy about it eventually, and in the meantime he'd keep as much of it from her as he could. He reasoned in his head this was both a kindness and nothing out of the ordinary, as most women didn't care to know much on matters of war anyways; why should Blair be any different?

"Yes, I shall," Cardinal Wolsey agreed, his voice bringing Chuck back from his thoughts of Blair.

They were walking into the great hall and the prince noticed his walking companion was now looking to someone else, and slowly coming to a stop as if to greet him. They stopped before a young man who looked familiar to Chuck, though he could not immediately place why that was. His mind was still plenty occupied with current events, Blair, and how they may affect her. He wished to be done with royal business so he could see to her, but the Cardinal was one of the few people his father had advised him not to insult or push aside. So despite his yearning to be beside a beautiful brunette instead, he now stood beside an old man of the cloth and before another close in age to he, and dark in hair and eyes. The eyes, they were what he recognized, but from where?

"Ah, your highness! What perfect chance. Please allow me to introduce you to your new secretary. This is Daniel Humphrey. You may have seen him before, as he's worked himself up the ways of position in the palace. In doing so we have found he is also a trained barrister, a diligent man, and a scholar. I think he'll be very useful for your highness and his Majesty, upon the King's return," the cardinal explained, motioning to the other man.

Chuck realized in that moment where he recognized this Daniel Humphrey from, as he had served under the prince from time to time in differing positions. This was not uncommon; as many men used similar practice to try and seek prosper at court. His father had once told him that it was the lord who helped dress and undress him each morning and night who often had his ear and attention more than any other official throughout the day.

"Mister Humphrey," Chuck greeted.

"Your highness," Dan returned, bowing both his head and body. As he rose he smiled and Chuck noted it was rather kind, a rare sight among the faces of the English court. It was seldom anyone was entirely genuine.

"If I may, it will be a pleasure to serve your highness, as well as his majesty," the other man offered, speaking each word confidently and perfectly as if he'd practiced them beforehand. Chuck could tell he was well read, despite not necessarily being born into wealth or status like others around him.

"That is good to hear, Mister Humphrey. Tell me, in your studies did you happen to take any interest in anything other specialties or educations, aside from law? While that may be useful to the King, my father, it may not yet serve much purpose for me," the prince petitioned, his seemingly innocent question, but a mere façade to a greater point for personal gain. He never did or said much of anything without a motive in mind.

"Of course, your Highness. I must confess I was actually rather keen on the literary arts, but I am sure your highness would agree I could seek higher station and better chance at stability by professionally focusing my attentions elsewhere," Dan explained, sounding some disheartened as he did so. It was interesting to see what sparked the light in different peoples eyes, and what put it out.

"The literary arts? Now, this may be of interest to me. Tell me did you concentrate at all on English works of any sort, or just the typical Latin and Italian musings?" Chuck pried further.

"Since when is his highness interested in the literary arts, especially that of England's?" the cardinal remarked, looking quizzically between the two men. Chuck turned to glare at him, narrowing his eyes.

"I have taken recent interest in it, your Eminence-Specifically that of poetry, modern English poetry to be exact; or am I not allowed to use the crown's secretary as I see fit?" the prince challenged, taking on a bit of a tone.

"Of course, your highness. I did not mean to cross any lines in my curiosity. Mister Humphrey please indulge his highness with whatever you have to do so," the cardinal returned, turning to the third man standing there. Dan looked from the older man to the younger royal one, stuttering some.

"Po—poetry? Why yes, I can help your highness out with that certainly. I have had a place in my heart for it even long before my studies. Though I must admit I had never thought to come across much use for it here at court, let alone with the prince of England. I am pleasantly surprised and grateful to have found otherwise," Dan exclaimed, an even more authentic grin appearing on his face.

"Very good. Tell me, have you ever heard of an English poet, by the name of Thomas Wyatt?" Chuck responded, finally arriving at the real question; the one that would hopefully deliver him the key answers he sought. Dan seemed surprised to hear this name, but he also looked as if he'd known it beforehand. He nodded.

"Oh yes, I know of Master Wyatt and his works. I say works cause there are those of notoriety that would not think to call him yet a poet, or in addition his writings yet poetry. His style is eccentric, and original. And there are many who do not care for ways of the new," Dan answered, divulging more information already, and with little prompting to suit. The prince chuckled, both with inward delight for this win, and at the notion that Master Wyatt was not yet considered a real poet. He hoped to find Wyatt's words to be, but silly scribbling's… whenever he could finally get his hands on some of it, that was. Dan seemed to take notice of the prince's laughter and it provoked him to speak further on it.

"Forgive me, I did not mean to say such as means to insult the man. I myself am very fond of his way with words, and how in particular he speaks of the love and longing for a woman so well. I dare say I have never experienced such love myself, but as I read each line I feel as though I have," Dan added, speaking quickly in pace and sounding more excitable. The only thing of use Chuck took from this was that apparently this Daniel Humphrey, the crown's new secretary, had intel on Master Thomas Wyatt and may even have some of his writings on hand.

"You sound like you know much of him and his…work, Mister Humphrey," Chuck implied rather than asked. Dan's eyebrows rose, looking some confused for a moment before recovering to simply present himself as serviceable.

"I would like to think I know enough, your highness. In my schooling I had knack for the literary arts, transforming and translating many great works so that the common ear may not only hear them, but understand them, and feel them in ways that those of much higher stations currently can," Dan furthered eagerly, nodding as he spoke. The cardinal laughed suddenly, interrupting the conversation once again.

"What a ridiculous notion. Why give those of inferior birth such knowledge? Who knows next they shall ask for their own right to read and interpret the very word of God," he remarked, chuckling again at how ridiculous he found such a suggestion. The new secretary's shoulders slumped some and he lowered his head.

"I would never mean to suggest such, especially not in his Eminence's presence. I only think that all men can connect on a humanitarian level, and that sometimes it only takes knowledge to breach the barrier," Dan offered, his eyes connecting with the prince's as if the apology had been more so for Chuck than the Cardinal. The prince quirked his brow at the other man, wondering if perhaps there was more under that gentle, kind nature he seemed to conduct himself with.

"You have some radical ideas, Mister Humphrey," Chuck alas remarked, knowing as he did so it may likely cause a stir of emotion in Mister Humphrey. It was a decently vague statement, and he had chosen it for this reason purposely. When initially getting a feel for someone it was best to poke and prod them in different ways, mentally and emotionally, and see what all came out.

"Your highness must forgive me as it was not my intent to make such an impression," Dan apologized immediately, clearly alarmed. Chuck smirked.

"Do not apologize. I do not mean to reprimand you. In fact I feel Cardinal Wolsey may be right, and you may yet be of much use to the crown and myself," he observed, hearing Dan breathe a sigh of relief in response. If Mister Humphrey played his cards right he could very well increase his status at court, despite being born of inferior birth.

"I am at your highness's service and full disclosure," Dan swore, bowing his head again.

The prince had to stifle a chuckle to not show his amusement at the immediate display of subservience. With Blair things could be hard, and it made him forget just how easy others could be. Just as she made her way into his thoughts, his eye caught a flash of her as she also made her way into the room. She was arriving at court for the day, accompanied by Serena and her ladies. As always she was dressed radiantly, lately in even more lavish and beautiful of gowns with all the extra commissions her and Serena were placing with the royal tailor. And of course, the other ladies of court had followed suit; to be honest, the women in the English court had never looked so good, but Blair was still the most divine to him. He wanted to go and greet her, and speaking on Master Wyatt any further would need to happen in private, away from her, anyhow. It was time to wrap things up with his new secretary, for now that was. He turned his attention back to Mister Humphrey, though he continued to still cast glances across the room to Blair.

"Good. I should like to call on you at another time then, but soon. And I should like you to bring anything you have of Master Wyatt's writings with you," he instructed. When he looked back to Blair he noticed her and her ladies were no longer alone. A young man had approached them, and both Serena and she had greeted him most graciously. Chuck felt a pang of jealousy arise in him, and he wondered whom this stranger could be. What was most peculiar was just how youthful in age he appeared, definitely compared to Chuck, but Blair and Serena too. He had light blonde hair with darker streaks in it, was pale in complexion, and on the skinnier side. He was not unattractive, but had a boyish sort of charm. However, he was still a man Chuck had never seen before who was now speaking rather comfortably with Blair, provoking loud laughter from her and Serena. He was about to go over there when he realized his current conversation was still not yet finished.

"Of course, your highness," Dan agreed, pulling the large book he carried tighter to his chest. He seemed delighted at the idea of a private meeting with the prince, as one should be.

"Very good. Your are dismissed then, Mister Humphrey." Chuck extended his arm outward; motioning with means to release him. Dan nodded and bowed a final time.

"Your, highness," he concluded, excusing himself. Chuck sighed, relieved it was over so that he could alas go over to Blair and see what was going on. However, when he'd turned back to her he saw the mystery man was now nowhere in sight, Blair and the other girls standing alone again just as before. It was almost as if he'd imagined it, and he wondered where this fellow could have gone to so swiftly. He would definitely be asking her about it, but he knew better than to cause a scene there in the middle of court, especially with members of the cloth present.

Chuck walked over to where Blair, Serena, and some of her other ladies were conversing, but he noted the cardinal was still following him. All of them, including Blair instantly turned their attention forward to him, bending their bodies in almost unified curtsies.

"Ladies," he greeted, bowing to them in a gentlemanly fashion. He walked past each girl, slowing, and paused before Blair. She rose from her curtsey, her eyes gradually doing the same and connecting with his.

"I see you've arrived at court for the day. May I speak with you privately?" Chuck asked, leaning in closer to her ear and lowering his voice. The grand hall was rather crowded that morning, many members of court present; and while he didn't really care or have anyone to answer to he knew Blair did not always feel she received the same treatment, and he wished to cause her as little distress in the coming weeks as possible. After all, there would be much she was unaware of that may yet happen and disturb her happiness.

Blair did not speak, but nodded. He extended his hand out, offering it to her; She stared at for a moment, then flickering her eyes to the cardinal and back to his. Chuck frowned at her, but seeing she was in a mood decided to just give into what she wanted. He turned around, looking back at the older man.

"Thank you for your service, your Eminence. On behalf of my father, the King, the crown appreciates it. But that will be all for today, if there is nothing else you're in need of," he told him with a stern politeness.

"Of course, your highness," Cardinal Wolsey responded, bowing to the prince before he took his official leave. Chuck waited until he had gone and then turned back to Blair, again offering his hand, but this time accompanied it with a stricter demeanor. If she could read him, which he knew she often could, then she would know better than to reject him again.

Blair took his hand this time, allowing him to lead her down the hallway as Serena and her other ladies followed at a respectful distance. Although she had agreed to his guide he noted she was still cold in conduct. He sighed, rolling his eyes.

"Are you to tell me what it is that is bothering you or must I demand it from you?" he bid finally, not plentiful in patience when it came to such behavior from her. She still would not look at him and continued to stare forward instead, but he could tell she meant to speak.

"Why does Wolsey intercept my letters before they are sent out? Am I not seen as a friend of England by now, by the crown at least?" she returned, speaking in hushed tones with tightened lips.

Chuck turned to look at her, what she said possibly being the last of what he could have expected from her. He stared at her quizzically for a moment, upon that realizing she seemed to be plagued with a sense of insecurity about it.

"Are you sure he does this?" he countered, not so much because he doubted this happened, but more so to pry her for more information on perhaps how she came to this conclusion.

Blair turned her cheek, this being what motivated her to alas look him in the eye. She nodded, unsmiling and clearly unsettled by it.

"I am sure. Each time I send a letter to my mother, or maid back in France there is an evident and exact delay. My maid Dorota also found a way to express to me in code that she is certain that they are being tampered with, both to and from. I had some of my ladies look into it further and through their sources they have confirmed this is so. These are private letters to my family. It upsets me a stranger should be able to look upon them so flippantly," she certified, though her voice broke some midway through. It was peculiar to him how disturbed she was by it, one may say even paranoid in a way. Still, he did not like seeing her so stressed over anything, not if it was something he could help.

"If you are certain, then I shall see to it that it stops," he offered, escorting her through the doors to her private housing quarters. Serena and her ladies dispersed upon arrival, seeing that Chuck and Blair were in an obviously private conversation. Once they had fully excused themselves to one of the other sitting rooms, Chuck approached the dinning room and took the head seat. Blair sat down beside him, looking to him as if she expected further elaboration on the subject. He sighed.

"Cardinal Wolsey can be too zealous at times. But as my father says it is always in our interest. Still, I see no reason your personal letters to your mother or beloved caretaker should be intruded upon. I will make sure all letters addressed to your estate back in France are left alone," he promised, bringing her hand up to his lips and kissing it softly. She spared a small smile in his direction, but her eyes were quick to drift from his, and he could tell she was still not satisfied.

"Blair? What is it?" he asked, trying his best not to sound too irritated with her yet. However, if there was one thing that irked him it was her inattentiveness or indifference to him, both of which she was currently displaying.

"I am sorry, your highness, but I cannot help, but note that you specify letters to my estate alone, and not just in general. I gather that means any other letters I send, say to friends or other family, will still be read by his Eminence. And since Wolsey acts in direct order from the crown, it wrenches me this means that you may not trust me," Blair voiced.

Chuck leaned back in his chair, motioning for a servant to bring food and wine while he thought of what he could say to her in response. He could not currently promise her that none of her letters would be intercepted, as any letters going to France if not directly from the King were to be inspected. She was asking something of him he simply could not give her, especially not with the possibility of war with France on the horizon—though this she was not currently aware of. He watched as a servant filled his and Blair's cups, then he retrieved it, and held it up to her.

"Fine, my sweet. You have swayed me. I shall make it known that all interception of all of your letters is to be stopped straightaway," he told her, watching as this seemed to bring her instant and great relief. It made him almost feel a little bad about having to lie to her about it, among other things. She sighed loudly with a smile, her entire body alas relaxing. He could not help, but find the exaggeration of it slightly suspect. As a servant returned to set out a vast arrangement of food on the table he reached out his hand, taking hers in his again, but this time squeezing it.

"Unless it should come you have secrets, that is," Chuck elaborated, lowering both his gaze and voice as he did so. He could feel her eyes upon him as he compressed his grasp on her further, so much so his knuckles began to turn white. He kept his eyes from her, focusing on the food instead so that she would realize he meant to discuss the matter no more. He then released her hand and noticed the moment he did she retracted hers almost instantly.

"Did your highness have a good time playing King at court today?" Blair spoke finally, likely doing so with means to change the subject and try and divert his attention elsewhere. She was not always as sly as she thought herself to be. He shrugged.

"It was fair. It would have been better were you seated at my side, vastly improving the view. Did you not recall I had asked you to accompany me when you got to court?" It was time to arrive at the point in the conversation in which he wished to most address. After all she had aired her grievances, it was only fair he do the same.

"I did not forget," Blair returned quietly, so much so that it seemed she had not wanted to say it. His left eyebrow rose in question and he cocked his head at her.

"So you disobeyed me, deliberately?" Chuck asked pensively. Her mouth fell slightly agape and she froze on spot for a moment, as if at a loss of where to proceed. She sighed and shook her head.

"Of course not, well not exactly. I was preoccupied upon arriving to court today. Did your highness not see me?" Blair returned, sounding skeptic. He found her tone to be insulting, honestly. It wasn't as if she'd fully explained herself yet, when she clearly needed to. He'd told her numerous times how he felt about other men, and her interactions with them. And yet she now stared back at him as if she again had reason to be annoyed with him. He narrowed his eyes at her, getting up abruptly from his chair and walking over to stand behind her. He bent down, placing his hand on her chest and feeling it rise up and down quicker, both her breathing and heartbeat increasing exponentially. He trickled his fingertips up her neck for a moment and then wrapped his whole hand around it, applying a little bit of pressure. He felt her gasp beneath his hold on her throat, but he remained still.

"Who was that young man I saw you with?" he questioned, speaking calmly and coldly at the same time.

"I beg pardon, your highness?" Blair breathed, her body trembling. He did not release her, or even flinch in the slightest.

"The young man I saw you dallying with this morning. Who was he?" Chuck repeated, not wishing to do so again. It was high time she gave him an answer, especially after her initial attitude. He heard her laugh, though it still sounded nervous, and this confused him. She reached her hand up, setting it atop his that still held her throat.

"Serena's younger brother Eric. Who is both younger than I, like a brother to me, and someone I suspect does not enjoy the carnal company of ladies. In fact, I thought we could introduce him to Sir William," Blair explained, each word seeming to calm her a little more as it escaped her lips. He scoffed.

"Sir William has a wife—"

"Do not many married men have mistresses? The only difference I see there would be it a mister rather than a mistress," Blair interjected, sounding a little more amused despite his hand still at her throat. He narrowed his eyes at her, still not entirely convinced.

"Blair, I should like to think you only speak truths to me. So tell me. If what you said be the case then you could introduce this Eric to me to prove this, you and Serena?" Chuck furthered, not about to relinquish anything just yet.

"Of course, your highness. I am sure he would be very honored to be received by you," Blair expressed immediately, nodding her head. Chuck paused for a moment, judging the level of sincerity in her voice. Once he was satisfied with it, he released his hand from her nape and returned to his seat at the table beside her. He both felt and appeared much more at ease than before.

"Are you hungry?" he asked more casually, picking up his silverware and pressing forward in the conversation. He did not care to have the entire afternoon spoiled, especially were this really the case. He could feel Blair's eyes on him, staring him down before she spoke. When she did it confirmed she too could move on.

"No, your highness. The other ladies called for a rather lavish breakfast, and I failed in restraining myself from also partaking," she revealed, sounding critical of herself as she recalled it. He was not oblivious to how little she ate at times, and it would be a lie to say it was not also occasionally concerning to him. Blair was already naturally very petite and thin, more so than almost all other women at court; and though he enjoyed this, and it was exceptionally easy to throw her around in bed and elsewhere, he did not wish to see her starve herself just to keep a girlish figure.

"Breakfast was a while ago, darling, and it is good that you ate. You should not deprive yourself or shy from allowing your body to take its full womanly shape. Tis better going forward when trying to produce children, is it not?" he reasoned, quirking his brow at her. He could tell she was some stunned by his question as it took her a few moments before she could respond.

"I am not sure, your highness, as I am neither familiar or in immediate need of being ready to do so. Unless you are privy to future circumstances that would require such conditions of me… near future circumstances, that is?" she pried, alluding that perhaps he had information pertaining to such he was withholding from her.

"I presently have nothing that need be shared," he returned with a shrug. He watched as this seemed to disappoint her, her shoulders falling and her lips pouting. This he found to be peculiar, and for some reason his mind recalled some of he and Nate's previous conversation on marriage, heirs, and all else included in such ventures. He leaned forward, sliding a plate of food towards her, and her eyes averted to his in response. He nodded to it.

"That being said, a lady should still always be ready; would you not agree? When marriage does happen the best one can hope for shortly after is to welcome an heir, the higher the station of the father, thus the sooner the better for both he and his…wife," Chuck disclosed, the word coming to him slower than the others had. He wondered if Blair noticed this. He couldn't tell whether she had or not by her current expression.

"Yes, your highness," Blair agreed, reaching for her cup of wine and taking a sip before she picked up her fork and knife. He noted she was now acting shyer than before, but no longer upset; in fact, far from it, she seemed to be the most pleased she'd been since he'd collected her that morning. He smiled, finding it astonishing how sometimes all it took were mere words, though at times unfamiliar to him, to make her happy.

"You look beautiful today, you know. Everyone's eyes were on you at court. Sometimes I think your looks and charm can conduct a room as well they do my heart," he complimented. He watched as her smile grew in size, her often hidden dimples making a rare appearance on her cheeks.

"Your highness is exaggerating with intent to compliment me, but he flatters me too much. Serena looked far lovelier than I today," she denied, keeping her eyes on her plate. He scoffed, laughing louder than he'd intended.

"Never, my sweet. Not even if she were in the finest of silk dresses, and you beside her in rags. Still, she could not hold a candle to your allure. You are nothing short of an absolute vision to me every time I set my eyes upon you," he furthered, reaching his hand under the table and setting it atop her thigh. Her eyes lifted to his at the touch and her cheeks blushed a rosy color.

"You act as if I am the most beautiful woman you have ever seen," she remarked, rolling her eyes as she said it. It was as if she disapproved of such a notion, and to be honest he didn't like that. He wanted her to know how stunning she was to him, so that she could treasure and protect it just as much as he aimed to. He rose in his seat and leaned down, taking hold of her chin and looking on at her directly.

"That is because you are, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Why else do you think I, the prince, would wish to possess you?" he pointed out. She stared up at him, eyes wide and looking as if she'd been enchanted or bewitched by him.

"I suppose I do not know," she breathed, her lips slowly tugging into a smile again. "Perhaps my wit or that of my carnal knowledge?" Her voice lowered to a tone that only he could hear. He chuckled, shaking his head at her.

"My darling I am what consists of your carnal knowledge," he claimed, stating it proudly and much louder than she. Her cheeks flushed pink again and eyes averted downward. He tipped his hand still holding her cheek, and she instantly looked back up at him.

"Have I made it sufficiently known how gorgeous I find you then?" Chuck asked.

"Yes," Blair returned with a sheepish smile, batting her long and dark lashes at him. He appreciated them, but did not allow them to fully distract him from the task at hand. He nodded at her, releasing his hold on her, and returning to his seat at the table once more. He waited until she resumed eating to speak further.

"And I wish for you not to forget this; going forward I would like this to remain as obvious to you as it is to me. Do you understand?" Chuck emphasized, watching as she took a bite of some fruit, chewed, and swallowed it.

"Yes, I understand," she agreed once she'd finished, glancing back at him. He smirked and nodded to her.

"Good. Finish your food then. Afterwards I should like to have my desert… in your bedchambers. Seeing as you don't have any objections, of course?" he alluded, very much doubting that she would. Her silence, and ever-growing smile were all he needed to confirm this. So he returned to his own meal, eyes continuing to tease her as he pondered how exactly he'd relish in her that afternoon.

XOXOXOXOXO

Chuck flipped through some papers on his father's desk, quirking his brow at the still substantial stack that was unread. He wondered just how adamant it were they all be read with immediacy, and which could be left for the king's return. After all, his father was due back pretty soon now. It could not be predicted exactly what day the King would return as communication during travel was limited, but they were nearing the expected timeframe as each day passed. And while part of him looked forward to the King being back to relieve the prince of all these extra duties, he was not keen on the entourage that would return in his company—that specifically being the Queen, and his newfound stepbrother. He had enjoyed having Blair to himself, as well as the comfort and casualness they were able to conduct themselves with in private and public. Some of that would change upon the King's return. He sighed, falling back into his chair and looking around the mostly quiet room. He was alone, except for Nathaniel, who to be honest he had forgotten for a moment had been there. His friend had been uncharacteristically quiet since he'd arrived. Chuck frowned, looking him over more.

Nate stood at the window, looking pensively out at something or someone down in the courtyard. He appeared to be troubled, furrowing his brow and frowning in a way he had done since they were boys. Chuck thought for a moment to ask what he was looking at, or thinking about, but instead assumed it'd be just as easy to simply see for himself. He rose from his seat quietly and unnoticed, crossing the room to stand beside Nate. When the prince looked out the window his eyes were drawn instantly to what had captivated his friend; it was obvious, after all, as they were the only things interesting within his line of view.

Down in the courtyard stood Blair and Serena, talking amongst themselves as a small group of Blair's ladies trailed behind. They were dressed in brightly colored gowns with matching umbrellas to shade them from the sun. They were quite the sight to behold.

"Admiring the view, Nathaniel?" Chuck asked with a smirk.

Nate seemed to finally break from his stare, turning to Chuck, but looking somewhat taken off-guard. It appeared he had not even realized the prince was now standing beside him. He batted his eyes sheepishly, before looking back to the girls.

"In certain light, she is very beautiful. Isn't she?" Nate commented, still sounding distracted by something despite now being in conversation.

Chuck looked back to the girls, eyeing Blair of course, but naturally assuming he meant Serena. He knew his friend's fondness of the blonde.

"Better than only in the dark," he joked, chuckling to himself.

Nate laughed in response, but much more halfheartedly. He sighed, turning away from the window, and running his hands through his hair, pulling at it.

"Are we done here then? I honestly forgot what we were waiting on," his friend admitted, shrugging his shoulders at the thought. Chuck rolled his eyes, laughing again before he patted a hand on Nate's shoulder.

"Of course you did. Easy to do when they are not your royal duties to attend to. We're here because I still have that large stack of paperwork to sort through for my father, and I fear it isn't growing any smaller no matter how much time I put into it," Chuck muttered, motioning back to the desk. He too was ready to get out of there, go find the girls, and do something fun.

"Is there not someone else that could assist you with it? Some kind of office servant or something?" Nate returned, obviously not into the idea of having to wait for much longer.

"Some kind of office servant? What even is—wait, for once I think you may be onto something, Nathaniel." Though it had not been phrased in the cleverest of ways, someone did suddenly come to mind. Chuck walked across the room, opening the doors, and sticking his head out to address the guards posted outside.

"Send a servant to find the royal secretary, Mister Humphrey. Tell him the prince requests his assistance in the royal office immediately," Chuck ordered.

"Yes, your highness," the guard responded before the prince swiftly shut the doors in his face. Chuck didn't need to wait to hear he'd do it, he already knew he would.

"Royal secretary? Is there a new one?" Nate questioned, sitting down by the fireplace and putting his feet up.

"Yes, and he's one of my former servants. You may remember him, a Daniel Humphrey, I believe. The cardinal introduced us the other day. From our discussion I think it may be a beneficial relationship, for me either way, but also for him if he plays his cards right," Chuck explained as he sat down across from him.

"Meaning?" Nate furthered. He picked up a pitcher of wine on the table between them, and poured them each a glass. Chuck took a swig of his before he responded.

"Meaning he's well studied, in the boring stuff like this, and in subjects I have recently found interest in. Like… modern English poetry," he revealed.

"Ah, I see. This Mister Humphrey is familiar with Master Wyatt and his works?" Nate took a drink of his own wine, wiping at his mouth after he did.

"Yes, apparently even has some in his own study, or wherever someone of his rank would keep them. I suspect he shall bring them when he comes today, seeing as I didn't give any other instructions since that one." Chuck sat back in the chair, tipping back his glass to finish off the rest of the wine inside it. He then proceeded to pour himself another, the topic of Master Wyatt being one easier to discuss with the aide of substance.

"So you ordered him to bring you all of Wyatt's poems?" Nate asked with a growing, suggestive smile. Chuck shrugged.

"The ones he has, at least. I'm reasonable," he defended, though his tone was in more of a joking manner. Nate chuckled in response, shaking his head.

"So what if your highness doesn't like what he reads?" he asked, making a more significant of a point than Chuck would like to admit.

"I suppose I shall deal with that how I see fit, when and if it happens then," he muttered back, speaking through his teeth. His eyes were looking down in his cup, watching as he swirled the deep crimson liquid around and around.

"And what then if you do like it?" Nate furthered.

Chuck frowned, looking up at him, some taken aback by his friend's comment. He was not so certain how to respond, and so he paused instead as he searched for the words. However, before anything could come to him there was a knock at the door. Both men turned from each other and their conversation, looking towards it as it opened.

"The royal secretary, Mister Daniel Humphrey," the servant announced before excusing himself, and closing the door behind the other man. Dan looked up at Chuck, clenching a rather large book that appeared to be fitted with many differently sized documents. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, clearing his throat nervously.

"Your highness," he greeted, bowing with both his head and body.

Chuck rose from his seat, walking over towards him to receive him.

"Mister Humphrey, thank you for coming. I suspect you are curious as to why I have called upon you so suddenly," he greeted.

"Yes, your highness though I have come prepared. Though I am not one to assume I did not wish to be without what you asked for the other day, had it been your reasoning for calling upon me," Dan explained, nodding down towards the large notebook he held.

"Well, aren't you resourceful? He likes that in a woman you know?" Nate joked, interjecting himself into the conversation. He then chuckled at his comment, also rising from his seat, cup of wine in hand, as he advanced towards the other man.

"Leave him be, Nathaniel. He's here to work," Chuck overruled, though he had been amused just a bit himself by his friends jest. Nate shrugged, turning back to the table to help himself to yet more wine. Mister Humphrey shifted his weight back and forth from one foot to another, clearly still a little on edge. Chuck grinned at him, knowing without a doubt it would look some wicked in nature. He then put his own cup down on his desk and motioned to the other man, beckoning him closer.

"Well then, Mister Humphrey. Show me how well of use you can be to the crown. Present all that you have for me," Chuck ordered.

Dan nodded in return, bowing his head one more time before proceeding forward with his sizable book of notes. He laid it down on the royal desk, it clanking against the wood with a great big thud.

"Nice day for a poetry reading," Nate mused from across the room. Indeed it was.

XOXOXOXOXO

Author's Note: I am so, so, so incredibly sorry that you had to wait so long for an update. I sincerely hope there are still people reading, and interested to see where the story goes next. I actually had two major life events happen recently. I both started a brand new job, and things are hectic, as well as getting ill about two weeks ago. If you're still interested in the story, do please let me know! And again apologies! I actually have quite a lot written now, it's just adding a few scenes here and there and planning out the chapters, putting it all together. Till next time!