Chapter Twenty-One:
A PROMISE OF HAPPINESS
Hampton Court, Surrey
Chuck leaned up against the stonewalls of the castle, chest heaving up and down, as he managed to catch his breath. He looked over at Nathaniel who seemed to be slightly less faint than he, but still sweating some quite profusely. They had woken up early that morning and gone for a run around the grounds at Hampton Court. He was slowly getting his strength and activity level back to where he preferred it after his injury, but there were still moments where he found himself occasionally struggling.
"Your highness kept up better with me today than previously. Perhaps your injury didn't steal your youth after all," Nate joked, patting the prince on the back as he did so.
"Is that what they were saying around court, that I was lost my youth? A bit harsh all things considered," Chuck returned. He was never one to particularly enjoy being teased by anyone other than a female in a sexual manner, but he could tell Nathaniel meant it in good jest so he refrained from getting angry with him.
"Well you know how they love their gossip at court. And you were a bit of a grump there for a while, more than usual that is. You know how they say that can happen with some men as the years add up," Nate continued, stretching his voice in exaggeration to poke further fun.
"Firstly, we're the same age, Nathaniel so I'd be careful as to exactly where this point is headed. Secondly, I had a setback and while I'll admit it affected my mood and physical pursuit—well, all that's done now," Chuck clarified, shrugging his shoulders as he did so. He pursed his lips at his current hygienic state. "But more importantly, I now in need of a bath."
They began walking back towards the castle's entrance and all the while Chuck noted Nate had remained silent. It seemed his friend either had something on his mind, or something in their conversation had triggered a more troubling train of thought for him. Finally, the other man spoke.
"The evening before last I dined with my mother and father. My mother told me it was well time I took a wife, and my father seemed to indicate this may be an order," Nate revealed, his voice sounding more uneasy than his usual relaxed type of tone.
Chuck glanced at him for a moment, but when his friend only continued to stare forward he too shifted his gaze to the path ahead. He cleared his throat. "Well, it's not like you must listen on pain of death," he offered.
Nate scoffed, though it came out sounding somewhat like a laugh. "No, they can only hold my entire household and inheritance over my head should I anger or disappoint them."
Chuck rolled his eyes. "And I could easily furnish you with a new one. What do you need really, that isn't already provided in my company?"
His friend sighed, "While your highness's blessings are plentiful, most gracious, and undoubtedly appreciated… I cannot expect such. I know there are things in life we are expected to do, and I am lacking in hardships, but I just do not feel I am ready. Who would I even want to wed?"
"Does it matter?" Chuck replied, not giving it much thought.
"To my mother, father, and essentially all of my family? Well yes, very much so. And I think it matters to me too, or at least feel it should. I realize I could have mistresses in the future if that's what you mean to insinuate, but this would still be a woman I'd vow to share my life with, my fortune, to have my children, and run my household—"
"Well, you have been giving this some thought, Nathaniel. And here you were earlier calling me an old man," Chuck jested. Admittedly he was surprised though with the turn this powwow had taken, the thoughts his friend had admitted to having as of late.
"Well, we're not exactly boys anymore. I mean we are at an age where many, if not most men marry should they hope to have many children, and better odds at having more sons," Nate pointed out.
Chuck didn't respond, but only nodded. He was doing his best to refrain from appearing too particularly interested.
"Well, do you ever think about it?" Nate asked suddenly, turning to look at him. "I mean you will be King one day. You'll have to have heirs so marriage is more a necessity for you than arguably anyone else in the kingdom."
"I suppose. I've never given it much thought, didn't see the point," Chuck answered, keeping his gaze forward and quickening his pace a bit. He wouldn't mind this conversation ending sooner rather than later. It made him uncomfortable, but he didn't want to let on to or admit to that fact.
"Yes, well me neither, until now that is. Last night I kept hearing my mother's voice in my head, over and over, saying how I'm going to be twenty-five this year. She actually told me this when we had dinner, bringing it up more than once as if I didn't already know what age I'll be. And then it occurred to me that perhaps she had a point, and that's why the words wouldn't leave me. If I don't want a wife whose twenty plus years younger than me—"
"What would be so terrible about that, exactly?" Chuck joked, interrupting him purposely to evade all seriousness. Nathaniel was getting himself quite worked up, and Chuck did not wish to join him.
Nate rolled his eyes, and nodded. "Yes, yes a young wife sounds great in theory, but my father says the more successful marriages come from those not too extremely far in age, and of like minds. He told the wife I choose must be strategic in the way that I am and will be, whatever that means."
"Well, I'm sure you'll figure it out. There's plenty of girls and women at court for you to choose from," Chuck imparted, thinking that reminding Nate of that would surely be the end of the discussion. His best friend was never one to think this much or this long on something of the sort.
"Yes, I guess… say, how old is Blair? Have you even asked her what her age is, or perhaps found it out from someone else?" Nate inquired, his voice changing some as the question emerged from his lips.
Chuck frowned, turning to look at him slowly. Why would he ask such a question? What did it matter to him?
"I believe she's around eighteen or nineteen, not that it should concern you," he muttered, hoping his friend caught wind of his displeasure with his query. However, this didn't seem to be the case. Instead, Nate merely shrugged, staring forward entirely oblivious.
"Not a bad age to be; lots of young women wed and have children around such an age," he mentioned, voice real casual.
Chuck was not at all amused. "I am not sure where you are going with this, Nathaniel—but I do hope you are aware Blair is not now nor ever will be one of your options."
Nate laughed nervously, likely finally realizing where Chuck's mind had been going with his own thought process. "Well, of course not. I mean hell, she's already engaged to—"
Chuck glared at Nate instantly, his eyes dangerously daring him to finish his sentence. Instead his friend fell silent momentarily before shaking his head and holding up his hands in surrender.
"Forgive me, your highness. I got lost in thought and spoke out of turn."
"Yes, and I got tired of this conversation long ago. Perhaps Blair is right, a ride to the countryside will do my mind some good," Chuck retorted, sounding sort of exasperated.
"The countryside? Wasn't that the point of coming to Hampton Court? What would you need to go further into the country for?" Nate asked, suddenly more interested in a new topic. Chuck was thankful for it, honestly.
"I do not need anything; it's Blair. She wants to visit her friend who resides at one of the estates nearby, a Serena I believe, is her name. I only hope she isn't trouble, or that I haven't already fucked her. I ran into quite a few issues with that and well—most of the other girls at court."
"Serena? I dare say I have a strong feeling that you have not," Nate countered, sounding as if he knew something the prince did not.
"What? You know of her?" Chuck furthered, wondering if Nate could be useful in this situation. He didn't know much of Blair's friends or if he could trust her. It would be nice if his friend had some intel on someone for him for once.
"Yes, and I must say I'm some astonished you have forgotten her yourself. She's the daughter of your father's last mistress, Lady Lily Vanderwoodsen. Her stepfather was the one who um—well, he tried to have me punished for taking her flower," Nate recalled, sounding as if the latter portion of the memory made him uncomfortable. Regardless, it had been enough details to call to mind what Chuck had formerly missed.
He nodded, "Ah yes. If I recall correctly now she was one of the few girls you asked me to refrain from fucking? And while I would describe her as pretty I still never really understood the appeal or all the fuss. She's too tall, and like every other pretty girl at court in the face." Chuck had never been as impressed with the blonde's beauty as some of his friends. With her face being even harder to picture now the impression of her rang even less impressive.
"You just don't like blondes; you never have. Serena is without a doubt very beautiful, perhaps one of the most beautiful girls to ever be at court. I didn't even really mind it others had been there before me," Nate acknowledged, as if wanting to point it out nonchalantly before Chuck could do so in jest.
"Whatever you say, Nathaniel. Personally, I find Blair to be much more beautiful, and I relish in the fact no one's been there before me," Chuck quipped, a sort of smug smirk forming on his lips. He regarded that particular knowledge favorably, and proclaiming it allowed perhaps tasted even sweeter.
"Really? How can you be so certain?" That was until his friend's idiotic question. Instantaneously he felt annoyed, thus dragging his mood down.
"Because she bled the first time I had her," Chuck countered, lowering his voice so that only they could hear one another as they walked. Fortunately they were also nearing the private corridor that led to Blair's living quarters and their dialogue nearing its end.
"And she told you that she'd never been with another man?" Nate furthered.
"No," Chuck came back almost instantly, nostrils flaring some. He wasn't sure if his friend was merely interested in this subject matter or had not found his answer to be of enough proof for him; either way he didn't care for the direction the conversation was going.
"Well, what of other things then? Did you ask her about—you know—"
"I'm not sure what you're implying," Chuck interrupted, stopping and turning to look at Nate. His friend halted too, but still hadn't caught on to the change in the prince's demeanor or tone. Instead, he laughed with ease.
"Well, you know she is French—"
"Watch it, Nathaniel," Chuck warned, taking a step towards him. Only they were already standing so close that Chuck was now basically upon his friend, their foreheads nearly touching. Nate didn't take long to latch on then, backing up, and bowing his head some subconsciously.
He stuttered, "Forgive me, your highness. I meant no offense or implications. It is only as you pointed out that she is very fine-looking, and—"
"And nothing," Chuck finished, eyes going dark. He found their discussion no longer to be merely irksome, but now approaching infuriation. His friend backed down further, holding up his hands as if to physically surrender.
"Yes. Yes, of course, your Highness. When is it you shall leave for the Vanderwoodsen Estate then?" Nate asked, trying to swap subjects while also perhaps seeking information for his own personal ploys.
Chuck shrugged, feeling his body relaxing again now that Nate had dropped it. He began to walk once more at a slower pace than before, seeing the doorway for Blair's corridors directly ahead now. "I predict in about an hour or so. I do not wish to be traveling back past nightfall. The road is no place for a lady once it's dark."
"It's safer in your company than most, and at the same time most dangerous as well. I think it is a wise decision on your part to try and be back before it is too late, your highness," Nate complimented, clearly still trying to gain good favor to make up for Chuck's displeasure before. It was working.
The prince chuckled, turning to look at his friend. "Aye, remind me has it been one or two attempts on my life now?"
"I believe two, but technically you were only physically present for one," Nate answered back.
"Sounds right. Is there anything else then, Nathaniel?" Chuck asked, stopping before Blair's apartments to wrap up their talk.
Nate nodded, "Yes, actually. I would like to accompany your highness to the Vanderwoodsen Estate today. I can serve as both additional protection while on the road, and as a buffer with Blair's friend Serena, should you need or want it."
Chuck stared at him for a few moments, thinking it over. His best friend was one of the better swordsmen at court, and an even better wingman. It wasn't a terrible idea.
"Alright, you may come. It sounds like it makes sense, actually. But you ride in your own carriage. I'd like to have privacy with Blair for—"
"Yes, as your lifelong best friend I am most aware of your love and fetish for carriages," Nate interrupted, making an expression to convey he needn't hear any further details.
"Good, then we shall speak no more of it. Meet us at the roundabout when I send for you. I will make sure you have your own ride," Chuck instructed.
Nate smiled, bowing his head to the prince. "Thank you very much, your Highness. I will truly look forward to it."
Chuck nodded, "Of course. Till then."
He then turned around walking past the guards as they moved out of his way, and down the hallway to Blair's private sector of Hampton Court. Those particular guards had been stationed there upon his orders and were to be most strict with who they let in and out, as well as being able to provide him with an instantaneous list of names of whomever was granted access. If there was one thing he had learned from his father growing up it was that whatever you cherished most was to be protected and regimented regularly for that reason. As a royal, a prince who was to be king, he was basically shown from birth he could have and keep whatever he wanted, other humans not being an exception to that rule. Blair just happened to be the first one he had taken to so much. It was quite peculiar.
XOXOXOXOXO
Blair stared at her reflection in the large floor length mirror as her ladies helped her undress from her white chiffon nightgown. Her dark curls cascaded down over her breasts, censoring her nipples in the way one would a painting. Down the halls she could hear servants pouring buckets of steaming water into a large brass bathtub. It had just about become her usual morning routine now to start off every morning with a bath; based on the simple fact that she could. She no longer had to worry much about expenses, least of all things like water or other household related costs. Everything she desired was hers, all she need do was ask…well, in regards to almost everything.
"Your Highness."
She heard her ladies in waiting all speak in union and she noticed those around her were now bowing. She didn't turn around, but instead looked to the doorway through the mirror, her eyes connecting with his.
Chuck smirked at her, eyeing her up and down a few times before speaking.
"Leave us now and finish readying the Lady's bath. Then go to her wardrobe and find her a purple gown to wear today, along with befitting accessories," he instructed, but his gaze never left hers.
Her eyebrows rose at his selection of the color purple, as did her ladies, but no one dared question him on it. Instead they all nodded, bowing once more, and exiting the room much quicker than they'd came to wake her that morning. She remained where she stood, facing the mirror instead of him, and still completely nude.
"You look like you worked up quite the sweat. What were you doing?" she asked calmly, but inquisitive. She then retrieved a ribbon hanging off her mirror and looped it under her hair, pulling it up to expose her nape, among other things.
Chuck advanced upon her from behind, eyes now glued to her neck. She knew he was particularly fond of it, and that was putting it mildly. He took hold of it gently, but wrapped his entire palm around it, then meeting her eyes in the mirror once more.
"Well?" she furthered, pursing her lips at him. Her breathing slowed down some in response to the slight added pressure, but it was only that from his hand resting there, not tightening its grip.
"I went for a run around the grounds with Nathaniel. You can ask him about it, if you'd like," he offered, most likely already knowing she wouldn't.
Blair rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Please, as if he would ever tell me the truth were it otherwise anyways."
"You don't need his truth when I've promised to give you mine," he countered. He then snaked his other hand around her waist, tracing his fingertips over her abdomen, and resting his chin on her shoulder. "Do you trust me, Blair?"
"Of course, as I've told you and proved to you before," she answered back promptly, emphasizing the part about proving it to him.
"Good, girl," Chuck purred in her ear; it tickled her in the best of ways.
"Are you still taking me to the estates in the countryside today, to see Serena?" she prompted, knowing now was a good time to gauge on things she'd asked for.
He chuckled, "Of course, as I told you before. Since when do I not give you whatever you ask for?"
"Nothing comes to mind as of recent," she responded, merely shrugging. She knew it certain ways he found it amusing when she acted spoiled.
"Perhaps you should ponder it in the bath, just to be sure," he furthered, keeping the mood playful.
"If you ever let me take it, that is," Blair commented, speaking slightly under her breath, but purposely still loud enough so that he could hear her.
"Forgive me for wanting a moment to admire what's mine," Chuck replied, though not sounding the least bit sorry.
Blair smiled, "You forgot the rules then. One is only supposed to view art, not touch it."
"Oh no, it's you whose forgotten the only rule… that for a prince, there are no rules. I can not only touch my art, but violate it as well, among other things…" His voice trailed off, as did his fingertips off her backside. A shiver ran down her spine in response, and it took all she had not to moan.
"You—you must let me get to my bath if I am to dress and leave on time. You made it very clear we must be back before nightfall, and to do so we must keep—keep a schedule," Blair stuttered, any strength she had to hold back floundering quickly.
Chuck sighed, "Alas you make a good point, my Lady. I see only one solution for us then, we bathe together."
"Alright," Blair agreed, nodding and giving him her hand to take. She then allowed him to lead her from the room, into her washroom, and to help her lower herself into the large tub. One of her girls had been there waiting for her, but had stepped aside when she saw the prince meant to assist her. However, when the girl turned to fully leave the room the Chuck spoke up.
"Do not leave. The lady is still in need of your assistance. You may help her wash now, as you always do," he ordered, motioning towards Blair in the bath.
"Yes, your highness," the girl obeyed, bowing her head before proceeding to approach the tub. She retrieved soap and a large sponge, kneeling before the bath as she reached in to gently begin the washing.
Blair noted during all of this Chuck kept a very close eye on her, the servant girl, and her actions. For a moment he just stood there, and then when she had finished he motioned her over.
"Good. Now come help me undress, take my clothes, and you may go." The girl followed orders without any objections or making eye contact with either of them, even as she bowed and exited.
Chuck approached the tub slowly, easing himself down into it across from her. He leaned back and sighed pleasurably, looking up at the ceiling.
"I rather liked watching her wash your breasts you know, among other things," he mused, a rather wicked grin tugging at the corners of his lips.
Blair laughed, rolling her eyes, and shaking her head at him. "I should have known you'd have a mind to say such a thing, and think such a thing—"
"Would I be me, had I not?" he returned, giving her a look which implied they both knew the answer to his question already. He shrugged, "Besides, it is not as if it had anything to do with her, should that have irked you. I just found the act of another woman tending to you pleasurable, to a point of course."
"I see." A naughty idea then came to mind and she smiled at him coyly, quirking her brow. "Perhaps if it has more to do with the act then it needn't even be a woman? Maybe someone like your servant, what's his name… Daniel, I believe, would suffice?"
"That isn't even humorous in the slightest," Chuck returned quickly, narrowing his eyes at her.
She giggled, not ready to cease in her fun yet. "Too beneath me? How about Nate then?"
"Blair," Chuck warned, still not actually angry yet, but wanting her to know she shouldn't continue to push it. He leaned back again, sighing loudly. "Perhaps you two getting along better should worry me."
Blair rolled her eyes. "Please, I'd hardly call it getting along. I think we're just learning how to tolerate one another better," she reasoned. When he continued to remain lounged back in the tub, facing the ceiling, and eyes closed, she decided to scoot closer to him. She slid her body forward, between his legs, and hooked her arms up around his neck. He batted his eyes open lazily, looking up at her, and she realized he might have just fallen asleep. She giggled at him.
"Were you taking a nap? You do know falling asleep in the tub is dangerous, don't you?" she teased, her brown eyes twinkling.
"I was just resting my eyes. I got up rather early for my run with Nathaniel, you know," he reminded her.
She nodded, "Yes, I know. I was in the bed beside you when you left it. I believe it's about an hours ride to Serena's family's estate though. You can always sleep in the carriage."
"I'd planned to do quite the opposite of sleeping," Chuck countered, eyeing her up and down slowly to emphasize his suggestion.
"Let's get going then!" Blair exclaimed excitedly, standing up quite suddenly.
Chuck sort of jumped some, startled by her quick movements. He grabbed hold of her waist and legs from where he still sat, anchoring her down. "Blair, be careful! You could slip and fall!" he scolded, raising his voice.
She silenced, eyes widening at the sound of him yelling at her. She then looked down, shaking her head at him as her cheeks flushed. "I'm not going to fall. I bathe every morning. And if I do slip then I shall simply get back up," she sassed, stepping out of the tub abruptly.
Chuck scoffed, "You're acting like a child. Keep going and convince me you'd be safer with a servant, a sponge, and a bucket and I'll have the entire basin carted out of here for good."
She stopped, his comment antagonizing her just as he'd intended. Her lips pursed and she crossed her arms, turning back around and glaring at him. "You will not!" she shouted.
He did not move, but continued to relax in the tub. The only indication he gave that he'd even heard her outburst was that he'd chuckled some at her expense.
Blair began to search her mind for something else she could verbally throw at him or one up him with. Alas she settled with what she could come up with.
"And if you suggest so again I will go alone to Serena's estate today, and I will not return before dark! I may even stay the night!" she threatened.
Suddenly, Chuck sat up in the tub and turned to look at her, expression now far from amused. He narrowed his eyes at her and shook his head slowly.
"You will do none of those things, Blair," he stated plainly. She knew by the way he said it, and the look he gave her that he would likely not accept any follow-up objections.
She uncrossed her arms, flailing them out, and dropping them to her sides dramatically. Then she huffed at him. "Fine, but I shall not wear purple then! I will go and find a different gown than what you requested—"
"I think we both know it was not a request. And I also think you shall wear it, should you want to receive your gift when we return tonight," he responded calmly, getting up from the tub, and reaching for a cloth to dry with.
"Gift?" Blair's voice and body peaked up at the word. It had made her both sound and feel almost instantly less vexed than before.
Chuck wrapped the drying cloth around his waist and gave her a nod as he walked past her, out of the room. "Yes, gift."
She stood there for a few moments, wondering what it could possibly be. Chuck always did give the best gifts, more lavish and expensive than anything else anyone had ever been able to give her previously. He also seemed greatly in tune with her taste. A draft from the window brought her back to reality and she realized he'd indeed left the room. Quickly she grabbed a robe, wrapping it around her, and hurrying after him.
She found him in her bedchambers, a servant helping him get dressed in his clothes for the day. She noted they were also a dark violet colored material, very regal looking, and from what she could tell also matching her gown.
"Why must I wait till this evening to receive my gift?" Blair furthered, acting as if they were the only ones in the room. She'd gotten more used to doing so around the servants, now that she had her own set assigned to her own household.
Chuck gave her a bit of side eye before responding. "Because that's when I intend to give it to you, and your words during our wash this morning did not convince me otherwise. Now, let your servants dress you. We're running late."
Blair sighed in aggravation, rolling her eyes, but standing still as two ladies brought over her gown and all that went underneath. When Chuck was around it was easier to just let them do everything for her, as they were already doing so for him. He could get kind of finicky and peculiar about how things were done and whom they were done by. Her first lesson about princes had been that they were not well accustomed to change, nor easily tempted towards it. If one was to navigate successfully through their world, Blair found it much easier to learn their paths, rather than try and forge new ones. That being said, it didn't always guarantee or still make for an easy road.
As her ladies tied up the back of her dress she lifted her eyes, gazing at Chuck who now leaned against the bedpost. He was fully dressed, donned in a bluish purple colored suit accompanied by black velvet and jewel encrusted overcoat and matching feathered hat. Around his neck he wore a large golden broach, encrusted with violet and ebony colored gemstones. She could not help, but notice that their outfits seemed to coordinate with one another both in style and color. She too was wearing the most opulent of dark lilac shaded gowns. The onyx sleeves matched his in shape also, puffing out and tightening intricately in different places.
"Do not forget the hat," Chuck reminded them, nodding towards said item sitting on Blair's cedar chest. The younger servant girl quickly retrieved it, bringing it forth, and presenting it to Blair before placing it upon her head. Blair walked over to the mirror, examining her appearance from head to toe, before returning to her head to give focus to it. It was a tightly fitted black satin cap with hues of purple fabric and thread sewn throughout. It was lined in different cool colored, smaller feathers with pink pearls sprinkled throughout. Then in the center of the cap that came down slightly over her forehead was a golden shaped peacock broach. The bird's eyes were green emeralds, and the golden feathers spread out with pink pearls also sauntered onto their tips; from there extended real and larger lavender tinted feathers.
"Do you like it?" Chuck inquired from behind, stepping forth and into her view from the mirror.
Blair smiled, touching her fingertips to the soft, silky material before spinning around to face him. She nodded with immense delight. "It's splendid! Yet this is not the gift?" Her voice sounded with some confusion; after all, the hat and the gown had to have been quite costly.
"No, I told you it would be tonight. This was merely my assumption that you'd like to look grand when visiting your friend, or perhaps just that you should," he revealed. He smirked and she felt a few flip flops follow in her stomach.
"I cannot thank you enough, your highness. They are both so very beautiful and luxurious. I am sure I do not deserve them," she breathed, her eyes falling to her feet. His gesture had flustered her and she felt it hard to remain resolute.
Chuck reached his hand up, gently tucking it beneath her chin, and tilting it upward so that their eyes met once more. He shook his head at her. "Do not say such things. Who else should wear them? Who else could even come close to doing them similar justice? I shall consider it a gift in itself just to look upon you in them," he told her, speaking far more softly than usual.
Blair felt herself stunned by his words; it was as if time had stopped for a moment. Luckily she was quick to realize that time had indeed not stopped, but only she had. She did not want Chuck to know he had stupefied her, and therefore she must recover immediately and deliver up some kind of response.
"Well, I am glad then for I would never actually not accept it," she admitted with a playful grin; there, that would suffice.
Chuck laughed loudly in response, and shook his head at her though not looking or sounding with the least bit of disapproval. "You know, I actually prefer it when you drop the coy, maidenly act and show yourself for what your really are, and ultimately desire."
"Bring more presents then and you shall not be disappointed," Blair returned, still acting plenty playful.
"Oh I intend to, my Lady. I shall bring you presents as long as it pleases you, and I. But let me be honest I do so not because I am kind, but with means of temptation. I never do anything without reason and I never give anything without expecting something in return," Chuck told her, speaking honestly and pointedly.
Blair stared at him for a moment before smiling. She reached a hand out, gently brushing back some of his dark hair. "I know, and I am here—at your pleasure, and will," she revealed.
"Good," Chuck certified, his eyes burning into her. He sighed, "Let us go and visit your friend then, seeing how you're looking forward to it."
"Thank you for taking me to see Serena. It will indeed make me most happy," Blair told him, speaking with reassurance. She knew he did not have to allow her to visit Serena, and that asking anyone else would not have been as easy or likely accomplishable task.
"Do not let it make you happier than I do," Chuck certified, looking away from her as if shamed or displeased by his own comment. He shook his head. "It would make me most unhappy, were I to find that someone else made you happier than I," he explained, though it sounded as if the he still struggled to find the right words.
Blair stared at him, trying to fully absorb and correctly decipher his words. Surely, he wasn't really referring to Serena. Her friend did make her happy, but he must know that it was not the same kind of happiness. Perhaps he was referring to someone else then, or it was purely hypothetical. She was fairly certain he had mentioned it with reason. She struggled with whether it should flatter or worry her that it sounded somewhat like a threat; that being, the threat of his unhappiness, which in dealing with a prince could have arguably fatal consequences. It would be in her best interest to try and pull him from the thought. She reached out, touching his arm in comfort.
"That is not possible. Without you, I have no happiness here. Please do not mistake that fact, your highness," she assured him, speaking softly.
"Do you promise, Blair?" he asked, turning to look at her once more. His dark eyes bore into her, down past her soul; dark eyes had a way of doing that, his more so than any before.
"I promise," she answered back with ease. She wanted to appear comfortable so that he would perhaps feel it and join her in the sentiment. If only she could match his mood as easily to hers as they did with outfits.
Chuck nodded and took hold of her hand in his to lead her from the room, with not but not another word. Either her attempts on him had worked, or they had failed, and he was thinking more into it than before. She could only hope it was the former, especially given the hour's carriage ride ahead of them.
As they walked outside to the carriages that had been readied for them, she couldn't help, but notice her thought was plural as were the coaches. She dragged her feet some, slowing down a little, and frowning as someone particular came into view.
"Nathaniel!" Chuck greeted, letting go of her hand, and throwing his up in waving motion. "I see you were on time for once." He laughed as he took place by his friend.
"Yes, it appears it is you who were late today, your highness," Nate returned, sparing Blair a small glance, but not a nod or any kind of hello.
"Careful, Nathaniel. As the prince I cannot be late, meaning in this instance it is you who is simply early," Chuck corrected.
"Of course, your highness. Though if I may, were you wanting to be back before nightfall, we should get going—"
"We?" Blair interrupted, stepping forward and causing both men to turn and look at her. She narrowed her eyes at Nate before pursing her lips, and making eye contact with Chuck. "I do not understand why he is here."
"That sort of sounded like an insult for some reason," Nate mumbled, though she paid him no mind. Instead she continued to stare at Chuck, expecting some kind of explanation from him.
Chuck glanced from Blair to Nate, and then back again. He shrugged, "What is there to understand? I enjoy Nathaniel's company so he is coming with us. You have your friend, and I have mine. Do not worry; he will take his own carriage, if that's what you're concerned about." He then nodded to Nate. "See you when we get there, Nathaniel. Come, Blair."
Nate bowed his head and went in the direction of his own carriage, but Blair did not feel satisfied with the answer she was given. She picked up the skirt of her gown and hurried behind Chuck, still in great protest. "But I do not understand why he must come with us. If you wished to spend time with him while I visited with Serena then why not just stay here with him or go hunting while I—"
"While you what?" Chuck cut her off, turning around abruptly and causing her to somewhat run into him. She was about to answer him when she realized by looking into his eyes that she had said something that had irritated him.
She sighed, speaking breathlessly. "I do not mean to offend, your highness. I am so grateful that you are allowing and accompanying me to see my dear friend. I only do not understand why you wish to have Nate intrude on the visit."
"Fine, because he asked to come, not that it should concern you. Nathaniel asked if he could accompany us to help provide safety on the road, and for whatever personal reasons he did not mention. He asked a favor of me, as you have, and as both you shall again, I suspect. Let us end it there and get going, Blair," he finalized, turning from her once more and approaching their carriage.
She stood there for a few moments, watching as he climbed inside, and noting that she was still unhappy with both Nate coming and that she could not change it. She did not understand what Nate could possibly have to gain from accompanying them. And since she did not know his motives therefore she could most certainly not trust them. Had she not wanted to see Serena so badly she might have simply turned around and gone back to her housing quarters. She did not want to miss this opportunity though, or push the prince so far that he'd go back on that promise. She supposed she'd have to take her chances with Nate for the day as a possible adversary. With her mind made up on it she gathered herself and walked up to their carriage, stepping inside.
XOXOXOXOXO
Author's Note: First off, thank you so, so, so much to everyone who took the time to send me a review last chapter. I am simply blown away by your kind words and am always pleased to hear from you guys and your thoughts/feelings on the story. I try my best to reply to the ones I can, but know if you've not yet heard from me that I do appreciate you taking the time to review so much! Let me know if you liked the chapter! The next one is already in progress so it should be out fairly soon if you guys are ready for it.