Author's Note: Sorry it's taken me a moment to update. Life has been a little turned up side down, as I'm sure it is in different ways for everyone right now. Anyways, hope everyone is staying safe and all is well. Please enjoy the chapter! I'd also really love to hear from anyone who is still reading.

XOXOXOXOXO

Chapter Twenty:

YOUR MAJESTY

Hampton Court, Surrey

"Make way for his Royal Highness, Prince Charles, heir of England, and acting ruler in the absence of his father, his Majesty, King Bartholomew!" the servant called out, announcing Chuck's presence at Hampton Court.

As the doors opened Blair stood there for a moment, lingering as she listened to the hustle and bustle inside. She looked around, noting there wasn't a single woman in the entire room, not even a chambermaid or other female servant. Perhaps she should not attend this particular meeting at court. It seemed it would be quite the spectacle were she to enter. She was about to chicken out and literally back away from the entrance when she noticed Chuck had also not proceeded inside, but instead turned around to speak with her.

"Going somewhere, Waldorf?" he asked, voice and expression teasing her. She pouted her lips, glancing from him, to the throne room, and back again. He frowned at her. "What's wrong?"

Her eyes widened and she huffed at him, thinking it clearly obvious. Then she nodded in the direction of the throne room. "There aren't any women in there," she remarked.

Chuck merely nodded at her. "Aye, as is normal. Women aren't typically permitted during these types of court meetings. They serve no purpose—"

Blair's eyebrows rose at what he'd began to say, finding a comment of such nature not primarily typical of him as it were with other men she came across. She then crossed her arms, shrugging. "Well why have me accompany you then, if I serve no purpose?" Her voice had definitely developed a tone now.

"That is not what I said," he returned quickly, now speaking lowly and through gritted teeth. It was evident he did not want others to hear their conversation, most likely and importantly the men awaiting him in the next room.

"You just said-" She was silenced as he put a finger to her lips. So instead, she knitted her brow together and glared at him.

"We will speak no more of this, and you will note where we stand. I will not argue on this matter where someone may hear. Just because it is not typically done, does not mean that it cannot be done. If I want it, it shall be permitted, and tolerated," he clarified, speaking matter of fact as he lowered his hand from her face.

Blair rolled her eyes, sighing. "To your face, perhaps—"

"Enough, Blair," Chuck interrupted her once more, but his eyes warned her he prefer it be the last time.

"I only worry that it will be improper, that they will all stare at me," she revealed, her breathing and voice quickening as she spoke.

His eyes softened and he brought his hand up to her cheek, smiling at her.

"Oh it will be without a doubt most improper, and I can guarantee all eyes will be upon you, but I will have it this way, and thus so it will be. I do not care if they stare; in fact I want them to. I want them all to look at you and let the sight of you remind them what true power is, and where it lies… that accompanied with jealousy of course that they can never possess someone so beautiful." He stroked her cheek.

She rolled her eyes at the comment, but her body betrayed her as it had begun to relax at his touch. Blair sighed, "I shall go with you, but only because you want it—" Her eyes met his, and she smiled softly at him. "And I want you to have what you want."

Chuck leaned in, smirking as his forehead pressed to hers. "Well, that should be easy for you then. What I want—" He paused to kiss her lips before continuing. "Is you." He then took hold of her hand and pulled her back in the direction of the grand hall's doorway. "Come now, Waldorf."

She felt like a little girl as he led her into a room where it felt like almost instantly all eyes looked upon her. To be fair she was being led by Chuck who was the Prince and primary person in the room, but she knew this was not the sole reason for their stares. She was one woman amongst a sea of powerful noble men, and she not even a royal at that. She felt both a rush of empowerment surging through her, and yet her stomach was a ball of nerves. She was somewhere she should not be, and it was all at his will.

Chuck led her into the room and up a few steps to where the thrones were located. He took his place, sitting in the main one, and had her sit in one beside him. She'd never sat in a chair before that felt quite as it did, but she wasn't sure if that was for actual physical reasons, or just her had playing tricks on her.

Blair sat back in her chair, watching closely as different men at court approached Chuck, and well her based on where she was sitting. They all bowed at him, bestowed their gratitude and blessings as one would a king or other royal when greeting them. Each had different issues they approached him with, but all did it in a similar fashion. What surprised her was not in the routine of it all, but in the breakup of the monotony that came with Chuck's responses. He was quite a sight to behold, more attentive and serious than she'd perhaps ever seen him before. He spoke and conducted himself in a way as if the King himself were there, watching and judging his competency. It was perhaps the most princely version of him that existed, and a good one at that.

"What is it? Are you alright?" Chuck asked, speaking lowly. He'd been keeping watchful eye on her throughout the court proceedings, maintaining her comfort as one of his priorities.

Blair nodded, smiling back at him. "Yes, your highness. I was only thinking that I am glad you brought me to court with you. It is quite the sight to behold."

Chuck leaned in close to her, whispering in her ear. "As are you."

She felt herself blush, and her eyes went to her lap. She couldn't dare look upon a room full of men after receiving such a compliment, not with the fluttering in her stomach; it would surely show on her face were she to look any of them in the eye. So instead she waited until she heard the proceedings move forward again, and Chuck's voice taking over the room.

XOXOXOXOXO

Blair frowned in confusion, glancing around at the unfamiliar corridors as she followed some of her ladies in waiting. They were supposed to be taking her to her chambers at Hampton Court, the other girls already there and readying it for her. She was rather tired after such a long carriage ride, and then a seemingly even longer morning at court; it took all she had not to yawn, and loudly. Now, she was just relieved to be getting a moment to return to her room, things already unpacked, and her bed fluffed for her; it sounded heavenly, to be honest.

"Girls, are you sure we're going the right way? I don't remember my chambers being on this wing of the palace," Blair remarked, finally feeling the need to speak up. They were starting to pass less and less people in the hallway they were going down, and most of them had only been servants from what she could tell. Neither girl turned around, but continued forward.

"Yes, my Lady. You are correct. You see we are indeed taking you to your living quarters, but they have been moved since last time you were here," one of the young women explained.

"Why?" Blair returned, wondering if her old room was under construction of some sort. Here she'd wanted to come to the castle in the country to relax, and it seemed things were out of sorts already; she had liked her old room.

"It was by order of his Highness, my Lady. He has had you moved to a different wing of the palace, one typically used to house those with royal titles. Perhaps he has done so in good faith since you too shall soon have one when you marry—"

"Enough, I understand," Blair interrupted, not wanting to hear her speak Thomas's name. Both girls acted so naïve, which was proper, but at times irritating. All three of them knew if Chuck gave her anything it had nothing to do with her impending nuptials. In fact she was pretty certain all of her ladies in waiting had to at least have an idea of what was going on between her and the prince. Luckily for Blair, it would be in their interest to keep her secrets to a point for were she to be elevated so would they, and were she to befall misfortune, so should their roles in servitude.

"Yes, my Lady. Right this way now, through these doors," the girl guided.

They approached the end of the hallway and two large wooden doors, painted, and embellished with gold. It was a rather grand entrance for living quarters, far more similar to the one that led to Chuck's royal room than her former one. Two guards were posted up outside, and one exchanged a few words with her servant girl. They then both moved, opening the large doors for Blair and her ladies. As they stepped through them Blair found herself more impressed with what appeared to be a private hallway. It was decorated with the most ornate and lavish of design, all kinds of carpentry and draping.

"How many rooms does this walkthrough lead to?" Blair asked, wondering if she'd be around several empty rooms or have a few noble neighbors.

"Only yours, my Lady. As I said this is typically a royal housing wing. As you will see it is not only a royal bed chamber, but comes complete with a separate sitting room, dining room, music room, billiards room, wash room, and a room dedicated solely to wardrobe purposes. There is all one could need here, my Lady. You'd never have to leave, should you not want to," the girl explained, sounding somewhat excited about it herself.

The girls walked her through the household, familiarizing Blair with each room and it's purpose. Each one was more lavish looking than the last, and it appeared freshly decorated at that. It seemed someone had every fabric, pillow, and tapestry fit to Blair's personal taste. In the dining room there was already a table full of food and French sweets, far too much of both for Blair or Chuck to ever eat before it spoiled. She couldn't help it and had sampled a few, but when she moved onto the wardrobe room she saw she had reason to be disciplined. It was an entire room, floor to ceiling, filled with dresses, shoes, headpieces, ribbons, and drawers upon drawers of jewelry. There was no way everything there had belonged to her previously. There were more gowns in that one room than she was certain she'd ever owned her entire life.

"And here are your bedchambers, my Lady. The bed has been turned down for you, should you be in need of a nap. We also have the fire going, and a tray of tea and biscuits on the way," the girl listed.

Blair walked around the room, looking over yet another lavishly decorated space. She smiled, sitting at the end of the bed, and falling back into the mountain of fur blankets. She sighed happily, breathing in the smell of the embers from the fire. "I think I have all I could need then, you may make yourselves more sparse," she nodded to them, watching as they bowed and followed their orders. Once they left she threw herself back onto the bed once more, emitting a sound of glee.

She felt like a Queen.

XOXOXOXOXO

Chuck made his way through Blair's new living quarters, relinquishing in the newfound space and privacy they could provide. He'd picked them both for their location, but also their lavishness, and then he'd had them completely redesigned as if she would have laid out her own specifications for them. He stopped in the dining area for a moment, picking at the food on the table, and helping himself to a few glasses of wine. Then noting how quiet it still was he advanced further, entering her bedroom.

The fire roared on, clearly being tended to periodically by a servant. The curtains had been pulled though, making the orange flame the only source of light in the room. He looked down on the floor and saw some of the new dresses thrown about, clearly having already been tried on. He chuckled, stepping over them, and advancing towards the bed. Blair was wrapped up in the blankets, sleeping soundly. At the end of the bed was a large tray with several empty plates and wine cups, as well as a couple used for tea. Apparently she'd had a little girl's fun without him after court. He was pleased she was happy with it all. He walked around to the side of the bed, sitting down, and reaching a hand out to stroke her cheek.

"Sweetheart," he whispered, trying his best to wake her gently. He watched as her eyes batted open slowly, and she looked up at him lazily. He smiled, "There you are. I see someone showed you around your new housing quarters."

"They're wonderful," Blair murmured, too sleepy to properly articulate each and every detail she'd delighted in.

"I'm glad you like them," Chuck returned, tucking a curl behind her ear.

"How long can I keep them?" she asked, sounding hopeful, but heedful.

The question sounded simple, but there was more meaning behind it. She was really asking if these quarters would remain hers when his father, the Queen, and that witless fiancé of hers returned. To be honest, he couldn't say for sure if she'd be able to or not. While his father wasn't one to take back a gift, after Thomas's little fit he threw before his departure Chuck could only theorize how he'd react to finding the prince had given her one of the finest housing sectors in all of Hampton Court.

"Chuck?" Blair asked, shaking him from his thoughts. She stared up at him with wide, doe brown eyes. It was evident she was more awake now than before, and this had not been his intention when coming to her bedside.

He gave her a soft smile and sat down on the bed beside her, stroking her shoulder as he spoke to her. "Do not worry your head about that now, little one. You'll have all you desire for as long as I am here."

She stared back at him, not appearing though she understood him anymore than before; but she questioned him no further on it. Instead she nodded with a yawn and snuggled into the bed, nuzzling her cheek against her pillow. She did not close her eyes though, but kept her gaze with him, as if waiting to see what he'd do or say next.

"May I stay in your quarters tonight, Lady Blair?" he asked, flashing her a playful smirk. He had been waiting all day and night to ask her that question, let her delight in it and he in her reaction to it.

She smiled lazily, emitting a small giggle. Then she nodded. "Of course, your Majesty. You are welcome in my quarters, and bed, whenever you should wish it," Blair responded, reminding him of their little game he'd agreed to earlier that morning.

Chuck smiled back at the response, then leaning down to kiss her lips and forehead, before settling in beside her. Blair most likely didn't even realize saying such to a prince could bind her legally, but he would of course never hold her by such. It was only in moments like these that it became evident to him Blair did not know all the rules of the English court, or the loopholes and clauses being a royal could provide him. She played the game of court with Chuck as her advantage, but failed to ever realize at any moment he could in turn become her hindrance. At any point he could pull rank and tell her what was next for her, rather than ask her what she wanted. Fortunately for her though he had no desire to do such a thing, at least not in a way in which they could not return from. Still though this was headed somewhere and at some point he would have to start making moves of his own. It was only exactly what those would be however, he'd had yet to decide.

XOXOXOXOXO

Blair's eyes fluttered open, looking around a mostly dark bedroom. The only source of light spilled in through a lapse in the curtains, where some of the fabric had got hung up. She wasn't sure what time it was, as there was no clock in her new bedroom, and quarters at Hampton Court. As she sat up in bed, stretching her arms above her head, and yawning, she smiled to herself. The absence of the clock felt as if it stood for the removal of time or duty itself. She awoke, not feeling like she was on a schedule, but of her own free will for once.

As she rose from bed, the smell from outside her room finally reached her. The sweet aroma of baked breads, pastries, and more scents she recalled, but could not name engulfed her. She closed her eyes for a moment, breathing it in. Then upon realizing she had quite extensive housing quarters now, and more than just a bedroom, it occurred to her she wouldn't need to dress so formal for breakfast; she could simply put on a robe and go eat.

Blair approached her wardrobe room, finding the section designed for her dressing gowns and robes. She sorted through the different fabrics, settling on a red, velvet one. It definitely was not something a young woman would ever wear outside her bedroom, or perhaps even inside it, or ever, depending how chaste she was; Blair admired her reflection after she put it on, finding a secret sort of pleasure in the idea of doing just such.

After dressing Blair wondered into her private dining quarters finding them empty, other than servants. However, someone had instructed the help to fully stock and set out a rather lavish breakfast buffet. She scanned her eyes over the abundant amount of options, feeling somewhat overwhelmed when it came to making a selection. Not only were there English breakfast foods she'd come to prefer, but some of her favorite French morning dishes as well. She ended up settling on several different things, only dished out in much smaller portions. A servant girl set her a solo place at the table and she sat down to eat her breakfast. She found everything tasted even better than it looked.

As she ate breakfast in silence, she started to miss the noise of the great hall in the morning some. She felt incredibly alone at this table, with no one to conduct conversation with. Sure she had more servants at her disposal than someone of her current ranking could ever hope for, but none of them spoke. In fact, this morning some had even avoided looking at her all together. She sighed in frustration, taking a bite of a biscuit, and wondering where Chuck was.

It'd been more of a thought than a prayer, but as if answered, she suddenly heard his voice echoing down the corridor leading to her living quarters. From what she could tell he sounded to be in rather high spirits, laughing, and loudly telling some sort of joke. She watched as guards opened the doors and he came into view; though he was distracted, and walking sort of half backwards as he talked to Nate and a small group of men. Blair was certain she'd seen them all before, but she couldn't recall every one of their names. Chuck did not seem to notice her at all, even as they entered the room, and for a moment it appeared neither had any of the other men.

Blair set down the unfinished biscuit on her plate, and sat up in her chair, cocking her head at them curiously. Chuck still had yet to address her, or the servants, or even turn around at all. So her eyes surveyed over the other men and Nate instead; it was then it became evident they had began to notice her. Almost all of the men, except Nate and one other, seemed to catch sight of her, only to immediately drop their eyes and turn away, as if she'd embarrassed or shamed them. The other man, one she thought she recalled went by the name of William, sort of smiled at her. It wasn't a creepy or suggestive smile, but instead an amused looking one, as if he was trying to stifle a chuckle.

Nate's gaze was the most perplexing to her. He stared at her, straight on and rather intensely from the moment he'd realized she was there. His blue eyes looked at her more seriously than ever before, and he bore an expression unfamiliar and unrecognizable to her. She stared back at him quizzically, wanting to ask what his problem was, but not wanting to interrupt Chuck who was still telling a joke… or was he? Blair realized in that moment just how silent the room became whilst she'd been preoccupied by her own thoughts.

Her eyes flickered from Nate to look at Chuck who she now realized had turned around and was also staring. Though looking right at her he still did not greet her, and his face showed little to no emotion. He turned from her for a moment and looked back at Nate who immediately cast his eyes away from Blair in response. Chuck then turned back around slowly, approaching the table with heavy, loud footsteps.

He nodded down at her, formally. "Lady Blair."

She was confused by such an address, but figured it must have something to do with the posy he'd invited along that morning. So she bowed her head back at him.

"Your highness."

He stared at her for a few more moments, glaring down at her as if waiting for her to get something obvious. She only stared back at him, not sure what he was getting at. Rather, she was beginning to grow a little irritated that their morning was being both interrupted and soured by the presence of others.

Chuck walked around the table, standing against the back of her chair, and wrapping his arm down around her from behind. With one hand on her shoulder, the other extended in front of her then grabbed hold of the red material of her robe and pulled it closed tighter around her than before. He then bent down, his hot breathe on her neck, and spoke very near to her, though not inherently addressing her.

"Perhaps the lady would like to be readied for the day, seeing as it's nearly not morning anymore. Take her now. Get her a hot bath and put her in something pretty and appropriate for the day; one of her new dresses," he ordered to her servants.

Blair scowled at this, not liking that he'd ordered them to do something to and for her without first asking her, or even properly wishing her a good morning. He was embarrassing her, indirectly ordering her around in front of his friends; it was evident this little show was for them.

"Yes, your highness. Please come with us, my Lady," her head servant woman proposed, looking from the prince to her.

Blair frowned at her, shaking her head, and picking back up a pastry off of her plate. "Actually, I am not yet finished with my breakfast. You will wait until I am done, and only until I tell you I am ready to be bathed and dressed for the day, will you do so," she clarified. The poor woman's eyes widened, as she looked nervously back and forth between Blair and the prince, unsure what to say or do.

The servants weren't the only ones being made uneasy from the ordeal either, but a few of the men were beginning to look anxious, and even began to attempt an exit. Blair would be glad to see them go. Chuck was much easier to work over in private, without others around.

"And just where do you think you're going? I do not believe I have dismissed any of you!" Chuck bellowed, stopping his friends right in their tracks. Apparently it did not please him to see them leave, thus further indicating in her mind that he was only doing all this huffing and puffing because of them.

Immediately any of the men who'd tried to leave returned to bow and apologize, though clearly even more fraught than before. Unfortunately for them they'd fallen prey to Chuck's misguided and still building anger towards Blair. She personally didn't care that they'd suffered a few verbal blows meant for her, or how uncomfortable her deliberate disobeying of the prince's orders made them.

"You may look to me now since it is I who am addressing you," Chuck ordered.

Blair realized the words were meant for her and her gaze returned to his. His eyes were very black now, and she could tell he was beyond the point of a mere royal temper tantrum. So she bit her tongue and held back the smart-alecky words she'd so desperately wanted to use to continue arguing with him. Blair didn't understand why he was treating her this way, and therefore she did not want to back down; but she'd also learned when to push, and when forfeit; and she knew when he got that expression of sorts, and his eyes appeared an almost solid noir, that it was time she surrender.

The room was so quiet now that one could have heard a pin drop, as they liked to say. The other men were pretending not to watch the spectacle, awkwardly shifting about in different standing positions throughout the room. There were also several servants still present, but the phrase to be seen and not heard had never ringed so true. The only current noise in the room came from Chuck's breathing, a bit more huff to it than usual. He continued to stare Blair down with dagger like eyes.

Blair stared up at him, unsure of what to do or say next. She parted her lips to speak. "Your highness—"

"Do not speak unless I ask you a question, thus prompting you for an answer. Do you understand?" Chuck cut her off, tongue speaking sharply and nostrils flared. It was as if one standing close could feel the actual wrath as it radiated off of him.

Blair nodded, feeling a warmness come to her cheeks. She was mortified, too much so to speak anymore, even to answer him. She didn't dare look around at anyone else in the room, especially not Nate or one of her ladies in waiting. She could only imagine what anyone bearing witness to this thought, let alone someone closer to the situation overall.

"Good. Then go to your chambers and have your ladies help you ready for the day," he instructed, motioning towards the doors. He then leaned down, speaking lower, but not any less strict.

"Now," Chuck emphasized.

Blair nodded, bowing her head to him.

"Yes, your highness," she breathed, her voice barely filled with any sound. Her eyes fell from his and remained on the floor as she rose from her seat, exiting the room with her ladies. It had been quite a while since she'd him so angry.

XOXOXOXOXO

Chuck stared at the corridors from which Blair had exited with her ladies in waiting. His back had gone completely rigid, and his fists balled at his sides. He could feel the heaviness of his breathing, and the gritting of his teeth. He could not believe that Blair had come to breakfast in something so informal, provocative even. Sure he'd enjoyed seeing her push the envelope at court with certain bust lines of different gowns he'd gotten her, but this morning had been too much. He did not want anyone other than him and Blair's maids to see her in things like her nightgowns, and dressing robes. She could be coquettish, but before his eyes-only. Today, she'd not only placed herself in a situation where other men could see her, servants and guards, but had happened to be in the same place as his…friends. He got a bad taste in his mouth as he remembered they still stood behind him, having witnessed the whole thing.

Slowly, he turned on his heel and black eyes raked over all of them. Most of them were staring at their shoes or something else in the room, probably trying to pretend they'd been doing so the whole time, but Chuck knew better. They had all seen Blair, looked over her, and most likely lusted if but only for a moment; how could one see her like that and not?

"Well, have none of you anything to say now?" Chuck asked, speaking with a sort of agitated tone. He glanced around the room, finding not one of them wanted to look him in the eye. It made it worse because it confirmed what he already knew even more; they had all seen her.

He took a few steps towards them, raising his hand to point. "This shall not leave this room, and I will look to each and every one of you if I am to find otherwise," he threatened.

"Of course, your highness. I am sure I speak for everyone when I say confidently this was just another boring morning at Hampton Court," someone spoke up.

Chuck looked across the room immediately, curious as to whom it had been. His eyes connected with his friend William's. He felt a bit more comfortable as they exchanged looks with one another. Something told him, or rather he had always felt this particular friend found little to no interest in any of the ladies at court.

Chuck nodded at him. "Yes, a bore would be a good way to put it."

William smiled back at him and though Chuck did not glare at him quite like he had before, he did not yet feel like smiling back. He was still pretty upset, and instantly heated by the idea still if he let his mind linger on it for too long.

"Perhaps we should leave his highness to his royal duties now," William furthered, glancing around at the other men, and then back at Chuck as if for approval.

Chuck nodded again, knowing he still had Blair to address in private. He waited as each man took their turn and bowed for him before exiting. They had just about all gone when the last came to him, and he realized it was Nate. His friend was having more trouble than usual looking at him directly, and Chuck had certainly not forgotten why. He had not failed to notice that along with William Nate had been the other man who had continued to look at Blair, and unlike the former he was not at all unfamiliar with the ladies of court. However, Nate had never shown any interest in Blair, but far from it since she'd arrived. In fact it seemed at times his disdain for her was unreasonable, and that she'd only began to grown on him as Chuck's companion as of recent. Yet today in her indecent dress it appeared his friend had taken more notice of her than usual, and Chuck did NOT like it.

"Your highness," Nate recognized before he too tried to turn and leave from the room. He'd only gotten a few steps however before Chuck's voice stopped him.

"Wait," Chuck commanded, watching as Nate froze instantly. Then slowly his friend turned around, and begrudgingly he finally lifted his eyes to meet Chuck's.

"Yes, your highness?" Nate asked.

"Do not think me a fool, Nathaniel. Do not think I did not notice," Chuck returned, voice low and forewarning.

"I beg pardon, your highness?" his friend returned, sounding and looking as if confused by the prince's words. This only made Chuck more livid.

"Do not further insult me, Nathaniel. You are my closest and dearest friend, but I am still your lord and master. I have given you many gifts, and a position in which you may seek and spoil the many different riches at court." Chuck paused for a moment; chest heaving up and down as his words has impassioned him once more. His friend remained calm, keeping eye contact with Chuck, and standing still with his hands tucked behind his back.

Chuck shook his head. "And yet, there are some things we shall not share and you shall not spoil, not by tongue, and certainly not by… touch. As I said before, do not think I did not notice," he repeated, though the words sounded with more significance than before.

Nate stared at him for a few moments before nodding, and bowing to the prince. "Of course, your Highness. Not another word on it shall leave my lips as I take leave of this room," he vowed.

"Good. You may go then. Find the other men; make sure they know how… serious I am," Chuck returned, his tone sounding with warning once more.

"Yes, your highness. I will leave you to your royal duties then. Send word should you need me again," Nate told him before making his exit.

Chuck stood there for a few moments and looked around the room at those who remained; they were only servants. He needn't remind them something they already knew on pain of death. None even currently dared to look at him; it was as if all other eyes in the room had been glued to the floor. He sighed, trying to calm himself for a moment, but with no avail. So he gave up and instead turned on his heel, headed directly towards Blair's bedroom chambers. He went straight up to the door, ordering the two guards posted out front to let him through, which they did without question.

Inside, her ladies were still dressing her. Two of the younger girls gasped, quickly moving to try and cover Blair in her indecent state.

Chuck scoffed, "Why bother now where you failed so exceptionally earlier?" His words were mocking as he locked eyes with Blair. She said nothing, but only stared back at him.

Her oldest lady in waiting hurried to try and finish dressing her. "Please forgive my fellow ladies and I, your highness. We now know the expectations to which the lady is to dress in her new housing quarters and it will not happen again—"

"I will have what I want," Blair interrupted, turning her head to scowl at the woman. The older woman fell silent, staring back at Blair with a horrified looking expression.

It was quite the sight that had Chuck not still been so enraged by what happened earlier it may have made him laugh. Alas he would not be laughing after her little stunt she'd pulled this morning; after all she'd shown off to all her male servants and his closest friends. His teeth began to grit again at the thought.

"You will have what I want," Chuck clarified, both women turning to look at him when he spoke. He stared back at them with little to no expression, eyes dark and voice strong.

"Finish dressing Lady Blair and leave us, all of you," he ordered. He then walked over to a table by Blair's fireplace where a jug of wine and two cups had been set out. He poured himself a large glass of the dark purple liquid, watching as some of it ran over the sides. He picked up the chalice and knocked it back, chugging it all down in one swig. When he was finished it caused him to cough some and his eyes to water. He listened as several sets of feet scampered from the room, the doors closed, and then two familiar sounding footsteps approached him from behind.

"I don't know if I'd approach me so confidently right now, were I you," Chuck warned, stopping her before she'd reached out to him.

"You are still upset with me then?" Blair asked, speaking coyly.

He wondered if she thought she could actually get out of this that easily, by distracting him with one of her little girl games; the mere thought only further angered him. He turned around abruptly, advancing on her, only to stop when he was right before her, and looming over her.

"I'd prefer to skip the little games and pleasantries, seeing as I'm the fucking prince and if I want to do so, then it will be done. So instead I will simply ask what the fuck you thought you were doing this morning, leaving this room in a garment indecent in both style and color?" Chuck questioned, eyes bearing down on her with further interrogation.

Blair scowled in response, pouting her lips at him, and crossing her arms as she turned her cheek. "I do not know how you can be so angry with me for it. Are you not the one who had said garment commissioned and gifted to me?" She pointed out this fact as if it somehow held relevancy.

He scoffed, "That was both a failure to answer my question and an attempt to divert the dialogue. Which makes me wonder whether you somehow bumped your head so badly this morning it turned you daft, or that you're skirting around the obvious with purpose!"

"The obvious?" she returned, quirking her brow at him.

"Yes, the obvious! You should have known I only had things like that made for you to wear in places where only my eyes can look upon them!" he shouted, his temper fully unraveling now. He was certain were he to look in his mirror that his face had turned red.

Blair took a few steps backwards, moving away from him some as she shrugged her shoulders in response. "Well forgive me for thinking you gave me these new living quarters so that we could act, dress, and do as we wish together. It is you who decided to bring you friends to breakfast, completely unannounced or invited might I add—"

"Were we together this morning when you left your bedroom in that then it would have been acceptable, but that was not the case, Blair. You were alone when you left your room, and you made the decision to do so on your own, without any consideration for how I may feel about it or who you could come across while wearing it. As I said before I do not know if you were merely not thinking this morning or if you did so with reason." He paused for a moment, ensuring that they were making eye contact before he'd finished speaking. "But I will speak plainly and with certainty that if you do anything of the sort again I will have every last garment, robe, or bloody piece of fabric in that wardrobe taken out and burned. Do I make myself clear?"

Blair stared back at him with wide brown eyes, and mouth slightly agape. Then she nodded. "Yes, crystal," she answered.

Chuck's shoulders relaxed some and he felt some of the tension ease at her compliance and recognizing of his displeasure. He nodded with something that was no longer a frown, but perhaps not quite yet a smile either. "Good," he stated simply.

"Is there anything else?" she asked.

"Yes, actually. Take off your dress," he returned. He watched as the reaction he'd hoped for took place and his words set in on her. She sort of jumped a little, frowning at him.

"Are you serious?" She spoke and looked to him as if he were joking.

He chuckled, "As much as I was before, only the anger has subsided now and alas I'm left with my other feelings attached to seeing you in your morning attire." He motioned to the bed. "Can you manage or should I call in your ladies to assist again?"

She looked from he to the bed, as if there was still something one of them were missing. Then she shook her head at him. "You mean to fuck me for the same reason you have reprimanded me?" she asked, her tone bewildered.

He raised his eyebrows at her, slightly surprised to hear such a word come from her pretty lips. Blair was not to curse very often, and when she did it was almost always in French.

"What?" Her tone of voice heightened and her face and chest flushed a rosy pink color. "Is that not what this is?"

He chuckled at her, shrugging. "I suppose so, if you should like to put it that way. Personally, I wouldn't mind doing a little reprimanding while we're fucking, but I thought with the lecture it might be overdoing it just a tad."

"Since when has that ever stopped you before, the fear of overdoing something? I along with everyone else see the occasional pastel colored coats you wear to court—"

He put his finger to her lips, silencing her, and shook his head at her. "You will not tease me now, Blair. After the little stunt you pulled this morning I will say this to both prepare and assure you that it will be I who does all the teasing here out," he suggested, his voice going husky. He felt a shiver run through her as his other hand snaked around her backside. He loved how her body reacted to his; it was a turn on in itself for him.

"I will need help with my dress," she breathed, closing her eyes as her body fell against his.

He smirked as he spun her around, pulling her back to his front, and touching his lips to her neck. He kissed her nape softly, taking hold of her chin as he did so. When he felt another shiver run through her again, he chuckled and released his hold on her. "I will go and fetch your ladies for you."

"Wh—What?" Blair stuttered, stumbling forward some when he walked away from her. She frowned, looking to his leave with confused eyes. "Where are you going?"

"As I said before, to fetch your ladies. They can help you undress, and spare us both time and another gown as if left to do it myself I will surely just cut it off of you," he explained, looking her up and down once more.

"They will know though—"

Chuck laughed incredulously, "You think they do not already? You were right to think part of my reasoning for gifting you these living quarters was so that we could conduct our business together, as we wish. Servants will make this task easier, as they do most parts of life. Here I can use them with you as I would anywhere else."

"I see," she returned. Blair then paused for a moment before walking over to the bed and sitting down at the end of it. "I shall wait for them then, but I should hope neither they or you keep me waiting for very long…"

"Do not fret, Waldorf. I would not think of it, leaving my lady in need. I will be back shortly with help," he confirmed. He then turned on his heel, almost fully out of the room when her voice caught his attention once more.

"Yes, your Majesty." He stopped for a moment, his lips turning up in a grin, though he kept his back to her. There was something about those words when they came from her lips, the way they sounded, and how they made him feel. He had never failed to feel royal, being a prince—well all of his life. However, Blair had brought him feelings on an all-new level entirely. Chuck had gone his entire life knowing one day he would be King, but he had never felt it more than with her at his side. And he couldn't help, but wonder what that really meant and if it were truly as good a thing as it felt.

XOXOXOXOXO

Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed the chapter! If any readers are out there please let me know if you're enjoying the story and would care to read more! Till next time!