Chapter Nineteen:

The Lady at Court

Whitehall Palace, London

Chuck stared at the embellished golden clock in the throne room, watching as the minutes and now hour passed as he waited for Blair. He had sent for her a while ago, arrived a little more than an hour ago, and had yet to see or hear from her. She hadn't come to see him or sent any kind of message to him since she'd stormed off earlier that morning. He didn't understand why she was so upset about what Thomas had said. Chuck had made it pretty clear in that moment that Thomas had no power in the situation when going up against him, the prince and sole heir to the throne. Catherine now being Queen could be a tad trickier, but he was certain he'd scared Thomas enough to keep him from running to his mother. Really though, even if he did, they had no evidence that would be worth anything to his father. At this point it would only by their word against his, and that wouldn't be enough for the King to go against his heir. Despite feeling her attitude was ridiculous though he had given her quite enough time to ride out her bad mood. He'd left her alone all day, with the exception of sending her a few messages, all delivered without response.

The last note he'd sent her had been important too, for though not an apology it was the next best thing one could hope for from a prince. Being their first official night alone together and to make up for the distasteful morning he'd arranged a private banquet dinner for the two of them. He'd had all her favorite foods and desserts prepared, and even commissioned a musician so that they could dance.

Of course, in true Chuck Bass fashion, he'd sent her something to wear as well. It was a lovely, and unique gown he'd had designed and sewn just for her. It was a white, fey-looking dress that looked like something straight out of one of the illustrations in her fairy tale books. It was simple and elegant and he knew in it she would appear as if she was floating across the room when she walked or danced; not to mention her long dark tresses against it's sheer white material would create an absolutely stunning contrast. It definitely wasn't something one would find a woman typically wearing in public, but they would be alone and Blair was far from typical. The true peace offering he'd sent to be presented to her though was jewelry to match. This particular set of a necklace and earrings donned with opals and pearls was not something new, but a family heirloom. They were not only royal jewels, but also ones that had belonged to his mother, some of her favorites. These in particular had been left to Chuck and therefore were his to give. He'd never really thought he'd give them to anyone as he didn't have much of his mothers, but after seeing some of her other jewels on Catherine's neck he'd realized he would rather see something of his mother's on someone he actually… cared for.

He let out an exasperated sigh and reached for his cup of wine, tilting his head back, and downing the rest in one quick swig. His eyes flickered to the door again, hearing footsteps down the hall, but any hopes he had were dashed when he saw it was only a servant. The man who entered looked nervous, like he had bad news to deliver.

"I take it the lady is not on her way to dinner?" Chuck asked, clenching his jaw as he spoke.

The man stared back at him with wide, fearful eyes. It was then Chuck noticed the servant was holding Blair's dress in his hands, along with the box containing his mother's jewels. He felt instantly more enraged that she'd not only kept him waiting, but sent back his gifts, and ones so special at that. He stood up and threw his cup as hard as he could at the wall, crying out in aggravation. Not a servant or guard in the room dared to make a move or noise as he breathed heavily, trying to regain his composure.

Finally, he spoke.

"Well, did the Lady send any kind of message to me at least?" Chuck questioned, voice sharp and laced with resentment.

The servant stuttered, "Ye—yes, your Highness. Well, sort of—The Lady wanted me to report she will be taking dinner in her room for tonight's evening, as well as breakfast for tomorrow's morn." He cleared his throat, eyes dropping to the floor. "She wanted me to additionally mention that she may also take tomorrow's lunch and—"

"Enough!" Chuck interrupted, immediately silencing the man. He sighed in exacerbation. "I believe I get the point." He moved away from the table and approached the man he was speaking with. Said servant promptly dropped to his knees, bowing his head, and presenting the dress and royal jewel box.

Chuck reached his hand down and felt the lacy fabric between his fingers. It was all the best any money could buy, and the stones were goddamn family heirlooms. They had been his mother's, something she cared about, something he cared about, and Blair had just refused them. He felt the anger rising again in his legs, flooding up through his belly, and shooting into his chest; it didn't take long before he was consumed by it. He clutched the dress and grabbed the box before pushing past the servant. He stomped down the corridors at a quick pace, not stopping until he was outside her chambers. Neither guard posted outside her room dared to stop him as he tried opening her doors. Unfortunately the lock wasn't under the same obligations and he found it wouldn't budge. He cursed under his breath, hitting his fist against the oak.

No one responded on the other side. So he banged his fist against it, this time much more violently than before. One of the guards standing there, clearly taking notice of the situation, turned to address him.

"Your Highness might like to know that the Lady has been in there since morning. She's had all meals brought up to her, and allowed only her ladies in waiting in or out," he explained.

"Are her ladies in there with her now, or is she alone?" Chuck returned, taking a step back and glaring at the door. He had a problem being told no, even by inanimate objects.

"No, your highness. The lady is alone," the guard confirmed.

Chuck nodded, pursing his lips before looking back at the man. "Good, then get it open for me...now," he ordered.

The man's eyes widened and he looked between the prince and the door.

"Your highness must be informed that would require us cutting into the lady's door, essentially breaking it down. The lock is an older one and remarkably solid at that."

Chuck shrugged, "Well then, what are you doing merely standing there? Do whatever it will take, but I want that door opened, and promptly." He emphasized the last word, lowering his tone and head as he did so. The guard nodded apprehensively, but moved with haste to tend to his task. The other guard fetched an axe, and the man who took it readied himself before taking a strong swing at the door. Chuck watched without a flinch as he chopped it once, twice, and on the third time it was followed by a shout from inside.

"What are you doing? What on earth is the meaning of this? Have you gone mad?" Blair screamed, sounding both livid and frightened.

Neither guard responded to her, but looked to Chuck who nodded for them to continue and complete what he'd ordered. He waited until they'd chopped enough of the door to reach in, undo the lock, and pull the remaining bits down. As soon as the path was cleared, Chuck went through it, descending into the room like a tornado. He stopped at the end of her bed, where she sat, and nodded to her with a sort of maddened smirk.

"Did you really think a lock would keep me out?" he asked, cocking his brow at her.

Blair didn't respond, but looked between him and the busted door. It was apparent it had shocked her a little, but that was partially what he'd intended. Slowly she collected herself, then shaking her head with a frown.

"I thought you might respect my privacy—" she began, but he was quick to interrupt.

"Respect?" Chuck barked back at her, ending in a sort of bitter laugh.

"Oh you expect respect from me, the prince of England, yet look to give me none in return?" His voice raised and he clenched the dress for her in his hand, shaking it at her, before throwing it into her lap.

"Tell me in what way was it respectful for you to ignore my requests all day long, reject my gifts, and refuse my invitation for dinner?"

Blair's eyes fell to the dress in her lap for a moment, as if she was giving it a real look for the first time. She touched its fabric, running her fingers along the details.

"You can admire it in the mirror. Put it on," Chuck ordered, motioning to it.

Instantly she looked up at him, frowning.

"What?" she asked, her voice sounding with disbelief.

"You heard me, now do as I said," he reaffirmed, his expression and stance never wavering. When she just stared back at him, he glared at her. "Put on the dress now or I'll call the guards in here to put it on you for me," he threatened.

"You wouldn't dare," Blair retorted, yet still glancing nervously from him to the door.

Chuck leaned forward, lowering his voice, yet sounding just as dangerous.

"Speak another word in protest, and you'll see, Blair. You want to waste our time alone together pouting about what Thomas or Catherine could try and do? As if it matters when you've got me, the prince and sole heir to the throne, on your side? Perhaps you needed a reminding of what true power is, and with that I'd say avert your eyes to your door—or keep arguing with me, deny my requests, and see to just what extent it can be taken," he warned.

Blair stared at him for a few more moments, but said nothing. Alas she gave in, standing up, and moving to the corner of the room so that not even the guards posted right outside could see her change. Chuck watched as she dropped her nightgown to the floor and stepped into the dress he'd gotten her, pulling it up around her. Once finished she stepped out into his view, presenting herself to him. His eyes raked over her, and he felt himself calming some. She looked just as he expected in it, stunning and angelic even, like a painting.

After a few moments of silence, Blair lifted her eyes to finally meet his again. He wondered if she could tell that he'd calmed some. He didn't want to tip her off on that too much for he was still mad at her. When he didn't speak, she did.

"Well, how does it look?" she asked, quirking her brow at him.

Chuck looked over her one more time.

"Stunning, but it would have been sensational with jewelry," he commented, then turning on his heel to leave. He wondered if she knew what he meant. It was unlikely or rather impossible she could know the true meaning or sting behind his words, but that was her own fault; had she accepted his gifts the first time, she would have.

"Wait!" Her voice raised and he heard her stumble behind him trying to catch up before he'd left. He stopped, but didn't turn around to look at her.

"You're leaving now?" she asked, sounding bewildered. "But the door—"

"I'd say tonight proves it's the guards outside who are really effective in the long run, wouldn't you?" he retorted, his voice indicated he still wasn't entirely over his displeasure with her. He heard her shuffling her feet some, and he imagined this was due to her struggling with finding what to say. He knew she didn't want to sleep in her room now, not with her door gone. Not only would Blair find it embarrassing, but also he knew it would likely only increase her night terrors she was plagued with every so often. To be honest he didn't particularly like the idea of her sleeping there now either, but he didn't want to admit that to her—not yet, at least.

"Is there anything else then? You wanted to be alone, well into tomorrow if I remember correctly?" he furthered, not wanting to end her suffering quite yet. He was about to smirk when he felt her place her hand cautiously on his back. His body stiffened at her touch, not expecting it.

He sighed, "Blair—"

"Please do not make me sleep here now. I could not bare it. If you will not have me in your chambers then allow me to use an empty room for the night. Just don't make me stay here, Chuck," she pleaded, her voice soft but not a whisper.

Her demeanor had changed and he'd wondered if it had happened naturally or if she'd done it consciously to try and manipulate him. She was doing that thing where her voice and behavior reminded him somewhat of a little girl, sweet and helpless—despite both of them knowing better, it worked on him. His thoughts cursed him and his weakness when it came to her.

No, he was still angry with her.

"Chuck—"

He turned around suddenly, silencing her as her large doe brown eyes connected with his narrowed dark ones.

"So you'll dare to use my Christian name again then?" he mocked. These words also brought them closer to the true heart of the argument, whether he realized it or not. "Or is it only until Thomas returns?"

"Today was not good, Chuck. But must we discuss it here, now, and like this?" Blair whispered, eyes flickered from his gaze to the open doorway and back.

He rolled his eyes, scoffing. "No, today was not good. Today could have been good though, had you not spent it here sulking in your room like some spoiled brat! I had plans for us, for you! You don't even know how you've insulted me!"

"Insulted you? Oh forgive me for refusing one dinner and sending back a gift I'm now wearing, under your orders I might add! Having said that, a bit of a damper was put on today when you started the morning by putting me at risk!" Blair yelled back. By the looks of her reaction to hearing her own voice's volume she had not intended it. Her cheeks flushed a sort of rosy color and she glanced towards the door again. It was clear she was uncomfortable and concerned someone may hear them.

"Putting you at risk?" Chuck retorted, shaking his head. "Perhaps you've forgotten, but it was you who slipped up in front of your idiot fiancé not once, but twice. A slip up I publicly and instantaneously backed you up on, disregarding any laws against it or his feelings on it. And I told you he's nothing to worry about, him or fucking Catherine. As long as I'm around neither will touch a hair on your head. If they even try I will see to it that theirs are promptly removed from their shoulders. Now, please tell me exactly how else I can phrase that so that it assures you?" His chest heaved up and down visibly, matching the sound of his now heavy breathy breathing. She could get him more worked up emotionally than any other girl ever had.

Blair stared at him, blinking a few times, as a few large tears ran down her cheeks.

He frowned, confused by her reaction. As if controlled by some sort of subconscious response he reached his hands up to her face, wiping it gently.

"Stop it. What is all this now? We're having an argument. Blair Waldorf doesn't cry while she argues," he asserted, speaking to her in a much softer voice.

"I—I don't want to argue," she blubbered, getting out her words in between her smaller sobs. "I only wish this morning had never happened." She then moved forward, snaking her arms around him and burying her face into his chest.

Chuck caught her embrace with ease, wrapping his arms around her in response and rubbing her back with one hand, while touching her head with the other. He whispered into her ear, "Shhhh, stop your cries now. I can't undo this morning for you, there's no way I can change what happened, Blair. All I can do is promise you that nothing that happened this morning will ever result in bringing you any pain or harm. So come now, I'd never let them damage my sweet little French rose, would I?"

"You mean you'll protect me?" Blair murmured.

He stroked her curls with his hand, nodding, and kissing her cheek. "Of course. Now, what can I do to calm you down? Stop all this?" he asked.

Blair stared into his eyes intensely, shaking her head as if struggling to communicate in her emotion driven state. She stuttered, "I—I don't know. I only know I don't want to be here anymore."

Chuck frowned, feeling a bit anxious as he tried to interpret what she meant. He brought a hand up, cupping her chin, and titling it upward so that their eyes locked with one another's.

"What do you mean, Blair?" he asked.

She touched her hands to his chest, gripping the material of his shirt, and biting down on her bottom lip.

"I don't want to be in London anymore, at Whitehall. There's too many people and the weather is terribly dreary lately. Won't you take me away from here, Chuck? From this room, and this place. I don't want to be in the city anymore, waiting at this palace whilst dreading their return. Take me to the country where I can forget them, if only for a little while. Can't you, won't you? I'll do nearly anything you ask if you will."

Each word spilled out quicker than the last, vamped with so much emotion, and yet he caught every last one. He felt a sense of relief wash over him, realizing he'd initially misunderstood what she was trying to say. She wanted to be elsewhere, but not from him, and as far as he was concerned that was all that really mattered.

"Nearly anything?" he asked with a smirk.

She nodded back at him with a sort of sheepish smile, but prideful eyes. Blair was well aware she'd already be getting what she wanted. He leaned in, pressing his lip to hers, and persuading them into a kiss. When they broke from it, he rested his forehead to hers, stroking her cheek with his fingertips.

"We'll leave tomorrow, as soon as everything can be loaded up and the carriages readied. Can your ladies in waiting have you packed in the morning?" he mused. He was excited with the idea of leaving the city, as well. Now that he'd healed he could do physical activity again, and there was far more to do at Hampton Court than Whitehall Palace. Plus, as Blair had sort of alluded to, they could get away with much more in the country than in the city.

"I think my ladies in waiting shall do whatever your highness orders of them," Blair returned, then looking around the room herself. "Or should I get started on it tonight?"

"No, I don't want you doing things like that. You have better ways to spend your time anyways." He smirked at her suggestively, but she only giggled back at him, rolling her eyes.

She began to tease him, "I am not a prince like your highness, but a lady. And a lady is very much capable of doing things like packing her things and—"

"I said, I don't want you doing things like that, not anymore. If its something I would have my servants do for me then from here on you'll have them do the same for you. It's not that I don't know your capable of such tasks, but that I want you to know you're above them; I want you to act above them," he clarified, interrupting her with a stronger voice and more serious tone than before.

She stared back at him for a few moments and then nodded slowly. "I understand," she agreed. Did she? Chuck wasn't entirely sure even he did. But he'd gotten what he'd wanted, more than once that night. So he nodded back at her with a smile.

"Good. Let's go to my chambers tonight then. I'm ready for bed." He wasn't sure what time it was, but it had to be late. The typical hustle and bustle of the castle had died down hours ago, and there was an eerie sort of silence about it past a certain hour Chuck never cared to stay around for.

She nodded with a yawn, casting a look back at her wardrobe. He was fairly certain she was wondering if she should fetch her robe, the one with a hood that made it easier for her to travel to and from his chambers. When she went to move from him to retrieve it though, he grabbed her arm and stopped her. Blair turned back towards him and cast a look of confusion.

He shook his head. "You don't need it, not tonight."

She nodded in response though still looking unsure, but nonetheless took his hand when he offered it to her. He led her out of her room, past the busted door and her guards, and back to the privacy of his room. Once the door had closed behind them she let out a sort of glee filled giggle and ran from him, jumping onto the bed, and snuggling into the freshly washed fur blankets. He chuckled at the childlike state of her, but it did make him feel better to see her feeling better.

"See, you like my chambers more anyways," he remarked, coming over to the bed and sitting down on his side. She didn't argue with him, but only nodded with a grin. He began to strip of his boots and his clothing, watching her get situated from the corner of his eye. When he'd finished he blew out the candles in his corner of the room and returned to the bed to find her waiting under the covers. He climbed in and wove his arms around her, spooning her from behind.

"Go to sleep," he whispered.

"I am," she whispered back.

XOXOXOXOXO

Outskirts of London, England

Blair gazed out the window of her carriage, delighting in the warmth of the sunshine streaming in through the window, and onto her face. They were passing through a small little peasant village on the outskirts of the city, headed towards the road to Hampton Court Palace. She smiled as she watched a little girl building a flower crown as her father smoked a pipe, keeping watch over her. She figured all children must be the same to some extent, regardless of class or culture; for the scene wasn't too far off from a memory of her own she could recall.

"Is something on your mind, sweetheart?" Chuck asked, draping his arm around the front of her. She could feel his breath on her neck as he spoke; it was warm. He had been napping for a little while, but had apparently awoken.

She turned into him, smiled, and shook her head. "No. I was just thinking about when I was a young girl. I used to play out in the gardens at my parents estate. I would pretend it was an enchanted forest and that I was queen of the fairies."

"You believed in fairies? I never took you one for such tales," Chuck breathed, looking longingly into her eyes. It was evident he was giving her his full attention, something she rather enjoyed.

She laughed softly, rolling her eyes. "All little girls believe in fairies, your highness."

"Please, no titles here; not when we're alone, like this." He kissed her neck, reinstating the obvious state of their intimacy.

Blair purred a little, biting her lip. "Please Chuck, not here. Last time we shook the carriage, which isn't easily explained—"

"Last time my father, Catherine, and that idiot son of hers weren't off on some voyage, miles and miles away from us," he returned, snaking a hand onto her thigh. He wove it between the thick fabric of her skirt and petticoat with ease. It was true what they said, practice makes perfect. Still though, she wanted them to work on not being so careless, even if what he said was true. She pushed a hand to his chest, his lips disconnected from her nape. She needed to say something to distract him, anything.

"I would like to visit someone while they are gone actually." It was the first thing that came to mind, but it would work. Given the vague statement it was bound to strike his interest rather quick.

"Someone?" Chuck asked, quirking his brow at her. As she thought, it worked.

She touched a hand to his cheek, offering a coy smile.

"Don't go getting all wound up and jealous; there isn't any point to it. I am speaking of my friend, Lady Serena Van der Woodsen. She lives in the countryside at an estate near Hampton Court. Typically I would have to ask my fiancé's permission to leave the castle, but with him gone who better than the prince?" she explained.

Chuck pursed his lips at the word fiancé, but she was used to it. He always made some kind of face any time that word, or Thomas's name was mentioned. He crossed his arms, looking forward.

"So we finally get time alone and you want to spend it somewhere else with someone else?"

She laughed, "It would only be for a day trip, one night at most."

His eyes averted back to hers instantly and he scowled. "I would not like having you gone from court for an entire night. It would unsettle me."

Blair realized his demeanor was not playful like hers was and her laughter faded. Chuck was being serious. He was making it clear didn't like the idea of her leaving court, and certainly not staying away from it overnight. She wasn't sure if she should feel flattered or aggravated, maybe both?

"What if you sent guards with me?" she suggested. She was now curious to test her limits on this, test him.

"It is not something I can permit," Chuck replied, voice stern. He then eyed her from the side, and she put on her best set of doe eyes. His face twisted in displeasure and he emitted an irritated sounding sigh. "Fine, you may go, but only for a day, the day. And I would like to accompany you."

"If you wish it," Blair complied, gently tracing her fingertips across his knee. His posture loosened up some, and she felt him begin to relax again. "Though I am not sure how much fun you will have…"

"More than I shall have if I remain behind, without you. Besides, it is the only true way to ensure that you make it back before nightfall. I do not want you traveling the roads when it isn't safe," he furthered.

"Well, when shall we go then?" Blair pressed, wanting a plan set in place. She could be a bit pushy when it came to things like this, but it was simply her way.

"I will let you know in the morning, after I have settled a few things at court. I will have to make sure it is a day the court can get by in my absence."

"Oh yes, how could I have forgotten? You get to play king while your father and Catherine are away," Blair grinned, her voice sounding quite delighted at the fact.

"I feel you shall enjoy it more than I will. I don't care much for politics or petty court problems. The only true advantages that will come with it are the lack of interruptions on our time with one another, albeit nothing truly disastrous happens in my father's absence," he sighed, rolling his eyes as he sunk down into his seat.

Blair moved over from her side of the carriage, partially positioning herself. She leaned over him, her chestnut curls falling down into his face. He smirked, tucking what he could of them behind her ears and then tracing his fingertips down her cheek to touch her lips. She responded by cupping his cheek with one hand, and stroking the other through his dark hair soothingly.

"You know what would be fun?" Blair mused, her voice going up in a playful way towards the end.

Chuck quirked his brow at her, looking already amused by the charade. "No, pretty. Tell me what would be fun," he prompted.

She giggled, batting her eyes with a faux sense of bashfulness. "I think it would be fun for us to play pretend while they're gone," she admitted.

Chuck pulled her in close, and further on top of him. He leaned into her neck, beginning to kiss it. "In what way, Waldorf?"

Blair closed her eyes, biting her lip as she felt the sensation of his lips and hot breath on her nape. "In the way that—that you're not just acting ruler, but the ruler… your majesty." She felt Chuck pause for a moment, though is hold on her did not loosen. Then his hand took hold of her chin, and he guided her gaze so that her eyes met his. He was staring at her rather intently now.

"You want to pretend I'm your King, Blair?" Chuck asked, his voice low, but serious.

Blair smiled back at him, knowing that looking unafraid in this moment would impress him. She took her arms and looped them around his neck, sitting down fully in his lap. She shook her head.

"No, I don't need to pretend about that. As far as I'm concerned you are my king. I want to pretend that you're the king, of everything, and everyone… that it's all yours, to do with as you wish," she clarified. She wanted to paint the picture for him, and by the look in his eyes she figured it was working.

Chuck smirked, seeming to ponder the thought for the moment. Then he took his hand and ran it along her cleavage line as he admired it.

"As long as you're included in that, I'll play along, Blair. I never mind a little game, so long as it's interesting."

"Oh, it will be," Blair breathed, reaching her hands up and placing them on top of his own. Her breathing quickened as his eyes met hers again. It was astonishing; they looked even darker than before.

"Then as your King, I command that you undo the front of your dress so that I may gaze upon two of my most precious treasures," he directed, nodding down.

Blair smiled back at him, knowing she'd gotten what she wanted. Then she bowed her head, slowly bringing her hands up to the ribbons on the front of her dress.

"Yes, your Majesty." She felt a sudden chill as the fabric of her dress fell, bunching at her waist. Blair closed her eyes, inhaling sharply. She heard a dark chuckle and then felt Chuck's lips pressed to some of her most sensitive skin. There was a mixture of sensations overwhelming her as he alternated between using his lips and teeth. She felt a mixture of pleasure and pain. She had a feeling their ride in the carriage wouldn't be her last ride today.

XOXOXOXOXO

Hampton Court, Surrey

Chuck stepped down out of the carriage, looking around the courtyard, and up at the palace that was Hampton Court. The sun was out and it was far less foggy than it had been in London when they'd left the city that morning. Blair, who was still making herself decent in the carriage, would be very happy to see the weather once she exited. He was about to turn around and see if she needed assisting when he noticed a few men from court approaching. He stopped and turned towards them, nodding as they approached and bowed.

"Your highness, what a pleasure to have you back at Hampton Court. I am sure you will find the palace has been brought to your specifications," one man explained, though his eyes shifted beyond Chuck as the carriage door opened again. Blair stepped out, smiling at Chuck and the men. Both stared at her for a few moments, not saying anything. Chuck cleared his throat, offering her his hand.

"As you can see I brought the Lady Blair with me. I do hope she'll find the palace and all she needs to her specifications, as well," he implied, staring them down with narrowed eyes.

The same man who spoke before nodded nervously, and each bowed their heads in Blair's direction. "Of course, your highness. Please, Lady Blair, do let us know if there is anything we can do to make your time at Hampton Court more pleasurable."

Chuck's left brow quirked, and he stared down the man, wondering if his choice in words had been purposeful. He was about to question him on it when he felt Blair at his side, touching a hand to his chest. Luckily for the man, when she did this it soothed him in a way.

"Thank you. I am sure I will find it most pleasurable with the prince to show me around," Blair remarked, wearing a grin that wasn't the least bit bashful as her eyes met Chuck's. He reckoned she knew he would get a kick out of her response, and he had. And speaking of pleasurable, he wanted to get to his chambers with her and be alone sooner rather than later. He turned back to the men, sighing.

"Is that all then?" he asked. "The Lady and I are quite tired after our journey. I'd like to retire to my chambers if not."

"I am afraid not, your highness. You see, there is some business left behind by the King that will need tending to sooner rather than later. Perhaps we could call a servant to escort the Lady to her chambers to rest while court presides?" the man explained, sounding and looking nervous.

Chuck inwardly cursed, not wanting to have to deal with any formalities or duties after such a long ride there. He then looked to Blair who stared back at him with a small smile. She nodded to him, "You needn't worry about me. I can always rest in my room and watch as my ladies unpack—"

"Yes, such a journey must be strenuous on a lady. I will call for a servant." The man was quick to agree, a little too quick for Chuck's liking. It almost felt as if the men were more eager to dismiss Blair than they were concerned for her wellbeing, and he didn't like it.

"No," he interrupted, surprising both men and Blair by the looks on their faces.

"Your highness?" the man returned, sounding confused.

"I said no," Chuck clarified, looking from him to Blair. "You needn't call a servant for the Lady. Lady Blair will be accompanying me to court, so long that she feels up for it?" The question was for Blair and her alone as they looked at one another.

"Accompany you at court? Surely the lady would only be bored," the other man interjected, ending in a sort of nervous chuckle.

"Not at all. I'd love to preside over court with his Highness. On the contrary I think I'd find it quite interesting," Blair returned, quieting him up before Chuck had the chance to. He looked back at her, feeling proud as she stared both men down with ease. Chuck turned back to look at the men with a smirk.

"Well gentlemen, you heard the lady. Go on and ready the court for us, tell them we're coming," Chuck ordered, nodding towards the palace.

Both men stared at each other for a moment, before snapping back to reality and nervously bowing before him. "Yes, your highness." "Of course," they recited. He watched as they scampered off, clearly in conversation with each other once at a certain distance. Chuck narrowed his eyes in the sun, watching them carefully until they'd disappeared into the palace.

"Oh don't let them bother you. I doubt it's personal. Most men don't think a woman belongs at court, not in that way. I am sure they won't be the only ones looking at me when we arrive," Blair said, shrugging her shoulders. When she turned back towards him he could tell she realized how intently he was staring at her. He took hold of both her hands and brought them up to his lips, kissing their palms.

"Good," he nodded. "I want them to look at you. I want them all to look at you." Unlike Blair he cared less what people thought of their shared time together or closeness. The people of court had always had to put up with whatever Chuck chose to do because they had no other option so why should he act any differently with Blair? Especially with his father and Catherine gone, and him left as acting ruler, there was no one there to reprimand him or tell him otherwise. For now, he was in complete control of the kingdom, the court, and the people. He would be King one day, and all of it really would be his to do with as he wished. Perhaps Blair's little game had a point to it, some truths he should experience. He would start with having her beside him while he did it.

XOXOXOXOXO

A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! I'm going to try my best to have at least one update a week, no promises, but I will aim for it. If you're reading please let me know! Your reviews mean so much to me and I really like to get a sense of whose reading and what they think of the story. Anyways, hope everyone is staying safe out there!