Charlie went to bed alone. Alastor had warned her that Husk didn't sleep in the bed. She was glad… They weren't actually married so they didn't have to share a bed. She also didn't want to sleep with him until he saw a doctor.

She groaned out loud and flipped over in bed. Her poor brain was racing. Everything was just dropped on her out of nowhere. She couldn't help but wonder if her parents knew she was close to getting the money together. None of her money was missing and they knew exactly where it was.

They must've been monitoring me the whole time. This wasn't a power move by making me marry the Duke of Prideton. They don't really gain too much and the Duke would gain more.

She threw the covers off and laid there staring at the ceiling. She squeezed her eyes tight and tried to think about sheep or something that wasn't bothering her but all she could think about was her ship…. Her mission. Her promise. She carried that damn picture with her everywhere and it was burning a hole in her dresser drawer.

Charlie rolled over again and laid still.

I hate myself.

How did it come to this?

X

X

Charlie woke up the next morning covered up even though she was sure she slept without a blanket. When she looked down, she saw a red feather. She rubbed her eyes before looking down at it more closely. She picked it up and looked it over. It was soft and shiny.

Does he have a pet bird?

She had no idea why but she slipped it in her T-shirt drawer.

What birds had red feathers like that?

She would ask later since it wasn't important right now.

Despite looking the way she did, she went downstairs towards the kitchen. She never cared to dress nice before sitting down to eat in the morning. Normally no one was around anyway. She walked into the dining room through to the kitchen. The only one there was Alastor.

"Hey Al."
The man turned around. The moment his eyes landed on her, they almost popped out of his skull.

"Good lord Charlie. Did you have a fight with some bushes? Your hair…."

"Yea, I know. I move too much when I sleep so my hair looks like this. I can go back and tame if you wish."

Alastor smirked, "You're fine dear."

"Oh yea, I did bruise my ass."

The man looked a little concerned.

"Don't worry Al. I deserved it. I should've been watching your feet. I got reckless and should've been paying better attention. It's what Vaggie taught me when we sword fight. I gotta watch everything and stay on the defense."

He looked impressed.

"It was a pleasure fighting with you."

She snorted.

"Is there cereal?"

Alastor almost looked insulted.

"What? I don't wanna bother anyone for food. I can serve myself."

"We don't have cereal. Just sit down. Do you like coffee?"

"Yup. You got sugar and creamer?"

"My lord, does anyone in this world enjoy coffee as it is?"

"Are you against people with taste buds?"

Alastor smirked and handed her a plate of breakfast food. She looked at it. It looked good.

"Thanks….."

"No problem darling."

"Where's Husk at?"

"Probably sleeping off his hangover."
They sat there eating together in silence. Charlie's eyes wandered around but she wasn't really looking at anything. Did the man really want to marry her or was she some arm trinket? She sighed and looked down at her empty coffee cup.

"What's bothering you?"

"Does this guy want to marry me or what? You figured he would want to hang out more or say something?"

"Didn't you both talk yesterday?"

"Kind of?"

Charlie drummed her fingers on the table.

"Where is he?"

X

Charlie didn't even bother fixing herself when she walked into the library. There he was passed out on the couch, snoring away. His shirt was half unbuttoned and a hand in his waistband. She couldn't help but arch her eyebrow and snicker. She walked over to him for a closer look and his mouth was hanging open.

His…. his teeth look sharp? I couldn't tell yesterday…. That's a little weird.

Charlie poked his face but he didn't move. There was a beer bottle on the ground…. Well a few actually.

Jesus, there's like fifteen bottles here.

She poked his face again and he cracked an eye at her.

"What the fuck do you want?!"

She jerked back and placed her hands on her hips.

"Get up."

"The fuck did you say?"

Goddamn what a rude mother-

"Get up."

Husk opened his other eye. He was a little baffled at the sight of her with that bed head, a tank top and shorts. She looked annoyed now.

"We aren't fuckin' married and just because you're a princess don't mean you can boss me around bitch."

Charlie straightened up quickly, her muscles tensed up..

"Bitch huh?"

She stomped off near his feet, grabbed them and pulled his ass off the couch. He hit the floor with a thud. He was way too baffled to be pissed.

"I'll be the biggest bitch you ever saw just you wait asshole."

"I don't think you can be a bigger one than you are now ya fuckin' psycho!"

"You wanna bet?"

X

Alastor had to give it to her….. Charlie was a crafty lady…. Quite cunning. She drained every bottle of alcohol in the whole house. She glued the metal caps on all of them after dumping it out. Alastor watched in amusement as the man went through every single hiding place in the mansion and it was as if Charlie looked and found all of it.

"That bitch! She…. she fuckin' found it all!"

Alastor smirked from his chair. Reading wasn't even that enjoyable with the show of Husk's anger on display.

"You shouldn't call a lady such vulgar things."

"How is she a fuckin' lady?! She's fuckin' evil! She hasn't even been here a whole damn day! How did she find all of them?!"

"Ah well…. She wanted to spend time with you."

Husk stared at him.

"What? Why the hell would she want to do that?"

"She's marrying you. Why wouldn't she?"

The older man looked baffled.

"What?"
"Also… I set up a doctor appointment for you."

"What the fuck for?"

"To make sure…. You're clean. At Charlie's request."

"Clean from what?" he snapped.

"From your escorts. It came up yesterday. She said she would only sleep with you if you were clean."

Husk's face turned bright pink.

"Wh-what? What the fuck?!"

Alastor closed his book.

"Which part confuses you? Are you still drunk?"

"Do I look drunk you asshole?! Why in the hell would she want to sleep with me? I'm fuckin' old."

"Ah well…. She seems rather modest. She's still a virgin as well. I suppose I don't believe her request is too far off to be considered crazy."

"What? She didn't have a boyfriend or what the fuck ever but how in the hell-

"I have no clue. She seems to have rather big ambitions for herself and wasn't worried about those kinds of things."

The Duke was speechless.

"She didn't seem to mind that you didn't have any particular taste in partners either. She seems serious about doing this right. She was a little nervous that you would want to sleep next to her last night but I informed her you wouldn't."

"She wouldn't want to fucking sleep with me once she finds out what I am. There's no point in me going to the doctor-

"Tough luck my good sir. You're going to have to do it. Unless you want Charlie to dish out another punishment."

Alastor got up from his seat with a devious grin.

"You have two hours to get ready."

Husk spent an hour looking some more but there was no liquor in the house. He marched to his room knowing she would be in there. He threw the doors open to see she had dressed herself in leggings and a shirt and her hair was brushed.

He met Charlie's dark gray eyes and she had the audacity to smirk at him.

"Why do you look so mad?"

"You- You-

She arched an eyebrow.

"What?"

"The fuck is wrong with you?!"

"You're going to have to specify. I wouldn't know where to start."

Honestly, Husk wanted to throw something but he couldn't move. This princess was a bigger pain in the ass than he had thought. He rubbed his face angrily before sighing heavily.

"I'm sorry for…." he trailed off.

Charlie waited patiently, her eyes wide.

"Sorry for calling you a bitch."

"I accept your apology. Come here."

Husk glared at her but he went to the bedside. Charlie reached under the pillow beside her and handed him a bottle of liquor.

"Go easy on it alright? I would like to hang out with you since we're living together."

"Is it fuckin' true?"

Charlie tilted her head, "Is what true?"

"You haven't been with anyone?"

She blinked a few times.

"I haven't."

"Why?"

Charlie arched an eyebrow.

"I didn't date much. I had more fun doing other things like saving up, sword fighting, reading and learning to use a gun…. Other things as well but that is what I was doing in the meantime."

"Oh."

He handed back the bottle.

"I don't need that right now."

Husk walked away after Charlie took it back from him. It left her baffled now.

That was weird.

X

X

Charlie hadn't seen Niffty yet. She looked through every room for the maid but she was nowhere to be found- this place was huge. Alastor and Husk had gone to town, leaving her alone. Alastor wouldn't tell her why but he had a smirk on his face while the Duke stomped to the car.

She just waved and watched them leave.

She was alone. It was a weird feeling. She always had someone around in the castle back at home but the house was so quiet.

She went on a hunt for anything interesting. She had forgotten about the red feather for now and wanted to find the fencing room Alastor had mentioned. She was glad no one complained about her flip flops and the sounds they had made like they did back home.

The place wasn't too hard to figure out. Charlie found some paper and drew out a map of the first floor. Since she did that alcohol scavenger hunt earlier she had figured out most things were at. She was more curious to know if there were crawl spaces, hiding places and hidden rooms like the castle back at home. She wanted nothing more than to find it all. It had always been one of her favorite things to do alone when she wanted to move around. Thanks to her walking around, she found a soft pink door she hadn't noticed before. It was hidden in the shadows and Charlie hadn't paid attention to it the first time around.

I wonder if that's Niffty's room?

She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. She was sure no one was in there so she turned around and was whacked on her ass with something wood.

"HEY-

"Oh! Oh my gosh I'm so sorry!"

Charlie stared at her bewildered by what was happening, she was speechless. She was looking down at a gorgeous four foot five inch woman with the brightest brown eyes that bordered on gold with bright red hair. She was dressed in a simple pink dress and had some freckles on her face. Charlie felt her face turn bright red because freckles on a girl have always been the hottest and most attractive thing for her.

"Oh my gosh! You must be the Princess from Hellvian!"

She nodded to respond to the little maid but she still couldn't speak.

"Charlie, are you ok?"

Maybe I'm a little more gay than I thought….

"A-Ah, y-yea! I just…. God, you're just beautiful!"

Niffty's mouth dropped open and she blushed. Her hands flew to her face making her look away.

"That's so sweet of you but you're engaged to marry Mr. Husk and I am very attracted to guys."

"N-no! I'm so sorry! I just- wow! I love your freckles…. I mean- I need to go!"

"Wait! It's alright! I hadn't been able to greet you. I get up around four in the morning, get ready and clean everything, so I apologize for not seeing you beforehand!"

"R-Right… Actually I was going around and looking at stuff. I was making me a map….."

The princess held it up for Niffty to see.

"That's extremely detailed! Wow!"

"T-thanks. I took some college classes on map making, among other things."

The small woman smiled.

"Let me make lunch! Let's go!"

Niffty dragged Charlie to the kitchen.

"Do you know how to cook at all, Miss Charlie?"

"Just mac and cheese. It's my favorite."

Niffty frowned, "Aren't you a princess? Shouldn't they serve you?"

"I like doing stuff on my own actually."

"Really?"

"Y-yea…. My hands are actually a little calloused from everything."

Charlie held out her hands. They certainly looked rough.

"Do you use lotion?"

"No…. Sometimes I wear makeup but it's usually just blacks and grays. My mom hated it but I look good with it."

"You're just a little weird huh?"

Charlie laughed, "Just a lot actually. I was on the move to find Al's fencing room. I loved sword fighting and he offered to teach me fencing."

The small woman looked a little surprised, "Really?"

Charlie went into what she had done yesterday, leaving the maid breathless with laughter and tears in her golden eyes.

"Wow! Mr. Alastor never takes a liking to people so easily! I can see why he would like you!"

Niffty made grilled chicken bacon ranch sandwiches and they ate in silence. Charlie looked out the bay window.

"It looks like a good day for a run."

"You run?"

"Yea. I have my running shoes upstairs. I didn't exercise for the last few days since we were on the road and all that."

"Go ahead and go on a run. I can clean up here."

Charlie gave her a worried glance.

"You don't need help?"

"Nope! I love cleaning! Off you go!"

"Thanks and nice to meet you Niffty!"

Charlie changed into her work out tank top that was dark pink camouflage, tight black workout pants and slipped on her running shoes. The climate here was a little different…. It was actually cooler even in the afternoon. It would make running more fun.

She stretched in the front yard area and then took off down the road in a slow jog before speeding up. She didn't make it very far yesterday so here was her chance to look around. The countryside was gorgeous with bright green fields and wildflowers. Even some of the trees were beautiful too in shades of red, orange and green.

She took a small break looking around and continued on.

X

X

Husk stared out of the window with a scowl on his face. He hated doctors but Alastor had a point. He didn't really consider his marriage to Charlie to be something he would truly want to work for but what if she felt differently? That four eyed fucker really knew how to play him like a goddamn fiddle and it was annoying as hell.

"Um is that Charlie?"

Husk's eyes went to the windshield to see the princess running past them. She was sweaty, pink in the face, her hair in a ponytail and some loose strands were plastered to her face. Alastor came to a stop and got out of the car.

"Miss Charlie!" he called out to the blonde.

She stopped in her tracks and turned around to look at them. She gave a small wave.

"What are you doing dear?!"

"Running?" she answered, gesturing to her clothes like it should be obvious.

"What the fuck is she doing?"

"She's running…. Like exercise."

"Aren't we ten fucking miles from the house?"

Charlie came jogging back and gave them another wave.

"Did you run all the way out here?" Alastor asked.

"Yea. I met Niffty and she said it was ok. I haven't done much of anything since we were in the car for a while so I wanted to get out. I can't just sit around and do nothing."

"Would you like a ride back darling?"

Charlie shook her head.

"Nope!"

"Then we will drive beside you to make sure you get back home."

The princess frowned.

"You know I am going back. All my money is there. I don't need a babysitter."

"Get in the damn car. You don't know who the fuck is out here!"

"You mean the homeless guy under the bridge?"

"What?"

"There's a homeless guy under the bridge about a mile back. If you're gonna force me to go back, can we bring something back for him?"

Alastor glanced at Husk who was already annoyed to begin with but he looked downright pissed.

"I ain't paying for shit-

"I will then."

She opened the backseat door and slid right in.

"I'll get my card and I'll go get the stuff myself."

Both men just stared at her like she was insane.

"You can give him shit from the house. Let's just go already."

Charlie hid her smirk by looking out the window.

Apparently the homeless man was named Travis and he had been living there for some time. Charlie handed him the leftovers from her lunch with Niffty and a few other things that he could just eat without cooking. He looked rather grateful and thanked her for being so nice. She had wanted to help people so if she couldn't get her ship right now and do it, the least she could do is try for the people around her.

"You are quite the nice lady Miss Charlie."

She smiled, "Thanks Al. I try."

Husk gave her a murderous look and went in the hallway.

"What's wrong with him?" she asked.

"He's upset that the doctor suggested he lose about thirty pounds. Apparently he's overweight."

Charlie frowned, "He doesn't look like it to me. He looks musclely."

Alastor arched an eyebrow at her but didn't say anything.

"I'm gonna shower. I probably stink. See ya in a little while."

Charlie disappeared upstairs.

Alastor rounded the corner into the hallway to see Husk standing there. He had a complicated expression on his face.

"What seems to be the issue, Husker?"

"None of your damn business asshole."

"Oh, you like the princess' flattery. That's why your face is pink."

"Shuddup!"

The younger man smirked.

"You can't be angry at her like this. Charlie is a lovely young thing and she truly cares even if she has a slight sadistic side."

Husk's eyes twitched.

"If you think she's so damn great, fuckin' marry her yourself."

"Ho ho ho! I do not think so! For one, you're already engaged to her and two I am not fit to be a king. I may help you with all of that but it's not my favorite thing to do. I do not handle morons well."

The Duke glared at him before looking away.

"Hopefully your results will be good when they call tomorrow. Then you can tell the princess your mating status."

Alastor walked off leaving Husk to stand there dumbfounded.

After a little while, Husk went upstairs to… their room. He wrinkled his nose at the thought. He didn't really think of Charlie in that way at first honestly. The first look at her, she was downright hot yea and then watching her run like that made him feel…. Mediocre. Hearing her say there was nothing wrong with him physically made him feel a little better about himself but he hadn't been all that impressive.

Thanks to his people skills, no one dared to talk to him. The only ones who ever talked to him were the escorts he picked up from Rosie and that was it. His favorite, Angel, was the only one who took his grumpiness lightly and thought he was hilarious. He didn't have to censor himself for anything. Then along came Charlie.

She was fucking smart. She was smart like Alastor-smart. She wasn't anything like he had expected her to be. The way she looked on their bed with that bottle of liquor in her hands was like looking at a demon. She was temptation. Her eyes sparkled with challenge and mischief.

She wasn't going to go running for the hills.

It made him feel weird.

Most women shied away from him immediately but she had been a little spitfire. She didn't take his shit. No matter how dangerous she was, she would go running for the hills once she realized he was cursed.

Husk took a deep breath and opened the door to their bedroom. Charlie was sitting there brushing her wet hair out. Her dark gray eyes met his and he swore for a second they looked black.

Fuck maybe she is evil….

"You alright?"

Her voice brought him out of his thoughts.

"Yea. Do you feel better?"

"Yup! I love your shower by the way."

"Thanks."

Charlie got on her hands and knees, crawling to the pillows. She pulled out the bottle and held it out to him.

"You want this right?"

He had totally forgotten it. He had no idea why he wandered up here in the first place.

"You ok there? You look a little lost."

"I um… Fuck I don't remember."

Charlie stared at him.

"Are you bothered by what the doctor said?"

The man stiffened up.

"I wouldn't worry too much but if you want to, we can go on walks. It's cooler here and I enjoy being outside. I won't force you."

"Why in the hell do you care?" he snapped.

"Are…. Aren't we going to get married?" Charlie asked quietly, "I should care. Besides, you look bothered by what was said to you. I think you look just fine."

"Well, no one fuckin' asked you did they?"

He reached out to snatch the glass bottle out of her hand but Charlie was faster. She hopped off the bed like a bunny, staring him down. Her gray eyes looked onyx now. Her expression remained neutral but it made him uneasy she was so unreadable. She was like Alastor but didn't have that creepy ass smile.

"I don't care if you asked or not. I provided my opinion."

"You're just kissing my fuckin' ass and we both know it-

Charlie stomped towards him, making him lean away.

"If you were an ugly old ass bastard I would've had no issue with telling you. Don't look me in the eyes and tell me I'm a fucking liar because I'm anything but that. I thought maybe since you weren't anything like my parents that you would actually be a good match for me but you're the one who is fuckin' bitter."

She thrust the bottle into his arms and stomped to the bathroom. She slammed the bathroom door so hard, the walls rattled.

This was not going well.