Chapter Notes:
Latin:
Nine = Novem
Ten = Decem

Chapter 13 – The Proposal

When Jack entered the study Novem was sat at his desk struggling to make a dent in the pile of papers that were strewn across its surface.

"You know I have been thinking-" Jack began.

"Always a dangerous thing," Novem cut in.

Jack gasped in mock offence, a hand clutching the material of his jacket over his heart, "You wound me, your Majesty!"

Novem snorted, "Well, out with it. What have you been thinking?"

Jack gave a dramatic pause before beginning, "The kingdom is fairly stable, other than the skirmishes in the south; and I think it was time you set about finding a wife."

Novem turned his head and he looked at Jack shrewdly. "I think not."

"Oh, come now," Jack chided, "A beautiful queen by your side, to warm your bed, to give you children, a son and heir. No?"

Novem huffed, "Who would have me that I could also tolerate? I do not want to be tied to a woman that I cannot abide." Novem knew that he did not possess the renowned charm of Jack. He exerted himself powerfully and did his best to channel Jack's effortless likeability, however, to no avail.

"Is there no one in the kingdom that you could love?"

"Love? Me marry for love? You may marry for love Jack, but I am not meant to. I am to marry whoever benefits the kingdom the most. It is expected of me."

"Lady Tyler-"

Novem eyed Jack sharply

"You know I think highly of her, and after what she did for you, you know she is a very capable woman."

Novem looked unconvinced.

Jack sighed and changed tactic. "You know the rumours as well as I do. You have said it yourself on many occasions. He will ruin her. She does not deserve that."

"So, I am to marry her?" Novem snapped, slamming a hand down on the desk in frustration.

Jack did not blink. He knew he had hit a nerve and was on the right track, but he did not want to push it too far either.

He shook his head and held his hands up in acquiescence, "Just think about it. Take some time and decide what it is that you want."

Novem gave him an apologetic look, "I will."

Jack left the room quite pleased with himself. The King was all bluster and while he dismissed the idea now, Jack knew that the issue of a wife did trouble him. He had planted the idea that Novem marry Rose weeks ago, but it was clear that Novem needed a little nudge to truly consider Rose for a wife.

Jack was aware that from a traditional and practical standpoint Rose was not the best choice for Novem, but he would be damned if he let Novem marry some frivolous scatter brained woman just for the sake of a good match. Rose on the other hand was neither frivolous nor scatter brained, she could and would match Novem. She would be his equal, someone he could love and who would love him in return.

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Novem did think about it. In fact, thoughts of marriage and Lady Rosabel Tyler hardly left his mind over the following two weeks. Jack had been right on all counts. He did need to marry and soon, he was not getting any younger and he needed an heir. Lady Tyler was, as Jack had said, a capable woman and she would be his equal. However, there was the unfortunate situation of her low rank and her lack of a fortune. Neither would endear her to the court or to his advisors. He felt guilty for his pride, but he would be a laughingstock if he married her.

And then there was Decem. His interest in Lady Tyler was troubling. Decem had never married, he was too busy pleasure seeking. Yet for all his faults he still possessed his share of irresistible charm. The easy lopsided smile and twinkling eyes were capable of melting even the coldest female heart.

But what was he to do?

Too agitated to work Novem set off for a walk, he choose to go to the bridges, it was an area that not many courtiers were inclined to go and the views and sharp breeze would clear his mind.

He expected to be alone, but he found that the space was already in use.

He paused in the tower doorway, studying the woman that had occupied so much of his thoughts recently, Lady Tyler. She was staring out at the view, at the mountains perhaps or maybe just lost in thought.

He coughed as he approached; she gave a small jump in surprise and turned quickly to see who had disturbed her peace. Whomever she thought it might be she was not expecting the King. Her eyes widen in shock and fell into a clumsy curtsy.

Novem held up his hands and said, "There is no need. I am the one who disturbed you."

He came to stop next to her and turned to look out at the view, leaning his arms against the railing and fell into silence.

Rose was at a loss as to what to do. She had come up to the bridges to get away from the court, from everyone, from the thoughts of Decem and now she found herself in the company of the very man who made it all more complicated.

Dressed in an open-necked shirt and dark grey silk waistcoat and matching jacket, the King did not seem to want to talk. Rose was confused and more than a little bewildered. What was she supposed to do?

"Is my cousin not with you today?" he asked, although he did not know why. He was curious, he supposed. The rumours about her and Decem and Madame de Pompadour were all over the court and he really did want to know where things stood between the two of them.

Rose tensed at the mention of Decem. "No," she bit out with more force that she intended.

A raised eyebrow greeted her statement.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed for having just snapped at the King, she clarified. "No, he and I have not seen much of each other in the past two weeks."

"I see."

"You see?" Rose asked incredulously. "Well, I am glad you see because I do not."

Novem seemed unperturbed by her outburst.

"He is my cousin, Lady Tyler; I have known him since he was a babe. What I see is his typical behaviour; he blows hot and cold, that is his nature. I do not claim to know what has or has not passed between the two of you, only that I am not surprised by your disquiet."

Rose remained silent, not sure whether she felt the need to justify and defend her reaction or not.

"At least that is my humble opinion on the matter, whether it is true or not only the Gods and Goddesses can tell," Novem finished.

There was something in his tone that made Rose suspect that she was being taunted and it riled her.

"Well then," she said, a note of sarcasm entering her voice, "I bow to your superior knowledge on the matter." With a wave of her hand she gave him an exaggerated bow.

Novem turned from the railing and stood surveying her from beneath frowning blue eyes.

Rose equally surveyed him with a steady gaze.

Novem was impressed. He had always liked the unaffected way she had spoken to him, as though he was a real man and not the King to be simpered at, to be flattered and cajoled at every turn.

"Indeed, as well you should," he grinned, his features relaxing and casually folding his arms across his chest.

Rose blinked in surprise; she had not been expecting a smile, an angry or short retort perhaps but not a smile. The King certainly had, when he chose to use it, a smile that could melt the highest of snow-capped mountains.

Unfolding his arms, he said, "Well then, I wish you a good day, Lady Tyler. Happy thinking." And with that he bowed to her, turned, and left.

Rose stared after him in puzzlement and said, "Good day to you too, your Majesty," to his retreating back.

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It was the last week in autumn and Rose sat reading by the small lake in the gardens, the castle reflected in its blue waters, when Captain Jack Harkness approached her. On seeing him approach Rose marked the page she was on and put down her book on the bench beside her.

Jack stopped a few feet from Rose and bowed deeply to her. "Baroness Rosabel," he said with a twinkle in his eyes at the over-exaggerated formality.

Getting to her feet Rose bowed in return and asked with equal ceremony, "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Captain?"

"I have come on the King's business," he replied.

"The King's business?" she questioned, her eyebrows rising in a quizzical manner.

"Yes, Lady Rose," he smiled devilishly before continuing, "The King wishes to have a private audience with you to discuss a ... private matter."

"And did the King happen to mention the particulars of the matter he wished to discuss?"

"No, I am afraid he did not."

Rose had the distinct impression that Jack knew perfectly well what the King wanted to say to her. "Very well, lead on Captain."

"My pleasure, Lady Rose," he said before once more bowing.

As Jack led her up through the castle to the royal apartments Rose continued to quiz him on what the King wanted, but the Captain remained tight lipped about the whole situation.

"This is where I leave you," he said as they came to a halt outside the King's study.

"Jack, what -" she tried again but he held up a hand to silence her.

"You shall see," was all he said and with that he knocked on the door. They both heard the King's "Come in," and Jack entered the room to announce her presence before taking his leave.

Rose moved hesitantly into the room, it was a very masculine room with large and dark coloured furniture; a handsome writing desk took up the centre of the room with light from one of the windows streaming onto its surface.

The King had been sitting at his desk but rose to his feet when she entered, "Thank you for coming."

Rose wanted to reply that seeing as he was the King she could hardly refuse the request, but she thought better of it and held her tongue, only nodding in reply.

"I know this is a little unorthodox, but may I have a few words with you in private?"

Rose could not even begin to guess what on earth he might wish to say to her that would require privacy but she agreed nonetheless and he dismissed the two guards who stood flanking either side of the door.

"Please sit," he said indicating the seat in front of his desk and Rose obliged.

"Before I broach the matter, may I have your assurance that you will hold what we discuss in the strictest confidence?"

Rose gave him a mystified look which he returned with a stern scowl.

"If it means so much to you, then of course I will."

For a minute or two he frowned at her, searching her face as though he needed to be absolutely sure before committing himself any further. Finally, seeming to find her words truthful he squared his shoulders and asked yet another question. "I hope you will not take it amiss if I speak bluntly?"

"Of course, you may speak freely," she assured him, becoming increasingly puzzled as to why the King of Gallifrey would need to speak to her at all, never mind in private and bluntly.

"Well then," he said, "as I see it, you are a young, unmarried Baroness with limited access to financial aid and are in search of a husband. I on the other hand, as King, am in need of a wife to secure the safety and prosperity of my Kingdom." He paused, drawing a breath, "Will you do me the honour of accepting my hand in marriage?"

Rose stared blankly at him and her cheeks blazed bright pink. She was thankful that she was sitting, for if she had been standing she would have most assuredly fallen. Had she heard him correctly? Surely not!

"Pardon? Could you repeat that?"

"Will you do me the honour of accepting my hand in marriage?"

She had not misheard. The King of Gallifrey had indeed just made her an offer of marriage.

After a silence of several minutes where Rose sat stock still in utter amazement at the circumstance that she found herself in, the King began to show his agitation at her lack of response by tapping his fingers' against his desk.

When he could take the silence no more, he spoke, "Please do not dismiss the idea out of hand. Take time to think it over."

Rose's astonishment at the whole situation was beyond expression but she was grateful for the reprieve and the time it would give her to compose herself and her disconcerted thoughts. "I ... I shall give it some serious thought and give you my answer tomorrow."

"Thank you."

Rose stood and left the room, keeping her head down lest anyone ask her what she was doing or what had happened. When she was a suitable distance away from the apartments she stopped and leant against one of the stone walls, closing her eyes and trying to wrap her head around what had just happened.

After several minutes of confused and bewildered thoughts something suddenly occurred to her that made her eyes snap open. Decem. She had completely forgotten about Decem. This changed everything. She had to tell him.

Decem had made his amends two weeks after the incident with Madame de Pompadour. It had been a further week since then and he and Rose were back on good terms. Although Decem had only apologised for neglecting her, and not for flirting with another woman while they had been stepping out together. But Rose was just happy to have him back and that Madame de Pompadour and Saxon had departed the capital that she did not bring up the reality of the situation.

With Decem having renewed his attentions to her and now with the King's proposal everything had been turned on its head.

Rose set off at a quick pace, her skirts trailing behind her, in search of a servant. At last she found one.

"Oh, excuse me."

"Yes, milady," the servant bowed.

"Could you find Raffalo and tell her Lady Rose wishes to speak with her urgently in her rooms."

"Of course, milady." The servant bowed and set off down to the servant's quarters.

Rose in turn headed directly to her rooms where she set about trying to compose a note asking Decem to meet her in the gardens. She had only just finished the note when Raffalo arrived.

"Is everything all right?" the lady's maid asked when she took the letter.

"I have no idea. I just ... I must speak with Lord Decem. Once I do, things may become clearer."

Raffalo still looked concerned, taking in her mistress's pale face and flushed cheeks, but she did as she was asked.

Decem agreed to the meeting and one hour later Rose, a shawl around her shoulders to ward off the evening's chill as clouds rolled in on the horizon, paced anxiously in a secluded part of the gardens awaiting his arrival.

After what felt like an eternity Rose saw him round the bend in the path.

"Oh, Decem. You are here." Rose rushed to him and took his hands in hers.

"Rose, are you all right?" he asked looking at a somewhat frazzled Rose. "Your note made it sound quite urgent."

"It is urgent," Rose said in earnest as they began to walk down the path. "I can hardly believe it myself."

"Believe what? Rose what happened that got you into such a state?"

They continued to stroll down the tree lined avenue and Rose tried to find the words to tell him. She found herself getting more and more anxious about it.

What would he say? Would he be angry? Jealous, even? Would he demand that the King rescind his offer?

Decem gestured to a stone bench and they both sat, Decem angling his body towards Rose and taking hold of both her hands.

Rose drew breath to speak but found herself lost for words. Decem nudged her playfully with his leg and prompted her to speak, "Something happened today?"

"Yes, it did. I was ... you see ... I was summoned to see the King ... and he..."

"What? The King what?" he half chortled in utter confusion.

Finally, she managed to say in a rush, "The king has asked to marry me."

Decem looked blankly at her before he began laughing. "Oh, very good Rose, very good. You almost had me."

"I am not joking. He, the King, asked for my hand in marriage."

Decem's expression faltered; the smile faded from his face and the atmosphere between them changed. "Oh, I see," he said, turning his head to look away from her.

Was that all he was going to say? Was he not going to protest? Say that he cared for her more than the King ever could? Say that he would marry her, instead of Novem? Why did not he say something?

"Have you given him an answer?"

Rose shook her head. "No, I have until tomorrow."

He stood abruptly, walking away from her, and remained silent for a few moments. "Well then," he said and turned back to face her, his face expressionless. "How very advantageous for you. I guess I should congratulate you on your happy news," a dark undertone entered his voice.

Rose did not understand what was happening. Gone was the man she had spent so much time with, the man she had fallen for, and in his place was this stranger.

She stood and reached out to him. "Decem," she began but he had already begun to step away from her.

He shook his head, "I must go, Rose. I am a very busy man, and you have much to discuss with your King."

"Decem, please," she called after him but his continued to retreat from her and soon he had vanished from her sight.

What had just happened? Rose sank back down onto the bench. What in the names of the four Gods and Goddesses themselves had just happened? Why would Decem act like that, speak to her like that? They had never spoken of marriage, but it had been implied in every other way. In the way they interacted with each other, their actions, their gestures. They cared about each other, there was no denying that. But the man that had just left her was nothing like the man she knew. What went wrong? What did she say? What did she do to cause such resentment? She had only told him the truth. What had she done?

The sky above Rose's head hung heavy with clouds as grey as stone, vastly different from the bright and sunny morning she had spent sitting by the lake. She blinked away the fine drizzle which was now falling and doing its best to blur her vision as the normally pretty palace gardens were reduced to a mere muddle of drab greens.

With her clothes getting steadily more damp, Rose made her way dejectedly back to her rooms where she remained for the rest of the night with her jumbled thoughts and chaotic emotions.

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