Author's Note: So, I did a reread of the story just to make sure I hadn't made any mistakes with plots… and I noticed I did. The royal wedding of Bart and Catherine already happened, and Thomas Grey has been made a prince. I am glad that's finished, so I'm going to keep that. However, that being said I noticed I forgot that and had Jack return for the wedding… so I will go back and fix that scene, and his reasoning. You may read the rewrite, but it won't be a big one, just going to have him come back since he knew Bart was gone, and for the next planned royal wedding (Blair/Thomas's). So, you won't need to reread if you don't feel like it. Not sure if FF sends updates anymore unless you request them so you may or may not notice when it happens, but if you get notifications for frequent updates, back-to-back, of past chapters, just know it was me fixing that little plot hole I wrote myself into.

Also, on the topic of the site disabling email updates, I did not realize this back when I started writing again in 2019. So, at a certain point, I just assumed with this story and BATB that people really weren't interested anymore (which is also totally understandable given the amount of time in-between) and accompanied with health issues I was having, I just kind of lost steam. I do apologize for that though and promise to finish this story this time. I've kept writing it in private, along with other stories, and I decided might as well put it together and post since I can't seem to let it go. I know a lot of time has passed, but I still really enjoy writing for these characters and I'm also trying to get writing again so I can maybe publish something of my own one day… though don't be surprised if my characters are still a little chair inspired… Anyways, I won't keep you any longer from the chapter. Enjoy!

XOXOXOXOXO

The Royal Affair

Chapter Twenty-Eight:

TORN HEARTS AND HIDDEN AGENDAS

Blair opened her eyes, blinking them a few times, before the blurry view became a clearer one of her private tea room. She lifted her cheek from the silk pillow, sitting up on the plush pink sofa. Looking around the room, she saw leftover fabric sprawled out over furniture, as well as boxes of ribbons forgotten on the floor, and trays and trays of half-eaten sweets left out on the tables. It was very quiet in her apartments, and she knew this meant her ladies in waiting must have retired for the day. She rolled her eyes, thinking of course they only left once all the sweets had spoiled and the royal dressmakers had a week's worth of sewing to do for each of them. She had ordered so many new gowns herself, she'd lost count when the royal jeweler showed up just for her, saying prince Charles had tasked them with designing a new tiara, set to her specifications. This took the rest of the afternoon as she had been very exact in how she wanted it to look in shape, color, and what jewels she wanted it dressed with. She had been so absorbed in it she hadn't even noticed Serena never showed up to join them, or that it was way past lunch and she still hadn't seen Chuck either. But now that she was done with all her designs, the room had cleared out, and she'd fallen down for a nap, she'd awoken to much fewer distractions. The lack of noise or bodies in her apartments began to feel sort of eerie.

She rose from her seat, brushing off the skirt of her dress, and turning to look at her reflection in a floor length mirror they'd brought in for them to try gowns on in front of. Brushing out her curls and fixing them how she liked them to frame her face, she listened again for any other sign of life in her quarters. But there was nothing. Perhaps, it was dinner time and all of her ladies had gone to the banquet halls. She found herself slightly irritated no one woke her up, but then again, they had been hesitating to do so since Chuck had chastised one for waking her too early after he'd kept her up all of the night before. She smirked to herself at the memory of that particular evening, but blushed when she caught a glimpse of her doing so in the mirror. She reminded herself a lady shouldn't think of such things.

"Is anyone around to help me dress for dinner?" Blair called out, looking yet again for any of her ladies, or even a servant. She yawned, stretching her arms out over her head. When only silence answered her, she sighed. She didn't feel like dealing with dressing in a new gown all on her own. It could be quite a lot of work, after all.

"I suppose not." She cast another glance at herself in the mirror, deciding her gown was nice enough for the grand hall. Besides, she'd been in her chambers all day so it wasn't like anyone of importance had seen her and would know she hadn't changed for dinner. And were her ladies to remark on it at all, she could only use it as an opportunity to scold them for leaving before they'd finished their daily tasks.

She made her way out of the tea room and walked down her personal foyer to the large double doors that served as an entrance to her apartments. She frowned, noticing instead of being open like they usually were from morning to evening, they were closed like they were while she slept at night. She stopped, staring at them for a moment, second guessing herself on whether she had been right about what time of day it was when she awoke. Alas though, she shrugged it off, telling herself that one of her ladies must have notified her guards she was napping on their way off to dinner. She placed her hands on them, giving them a small push. Only instead of opening, they didn't seem to give at all.

Were they locked?

She pushed again, with more force this time, but they wouldn't budge.

"Excuse moi? Excuse me? Can someone open the doors please! I am still in here!" Blair shouted finally, pounding her hands on the wood to notify the guards outside she couldn't get through. When they didn't immediately open, she took a step back, and kicked at them. Finally, one unbolted, but did not part enough from the frame so that she could get through. She moved towards it, determined to wedge herself if needed, but one of her guards appeared in the small space instead, staring back at her.

"Yes, lady Blair?" he asked, looking to her as if he was confused by her outburst. She frowned at him, motioning to the doors.

"My doors were locked for some reason and I haven't had dinner yet. I'd like you to open them so I may leave, though I wouldn't mind you first telling me why I was locked in to begin with," she demanded, shaking her head at him. Even if it had been an honest mistake, she didn't appreciate it. Not being able to get out, even the slightest idea of someone locking her in against her will, had flustered her quite a bit.

"Yes, my lady. We locked them for the evening. And I think you shall find dinner has been served in your personal dining room tonight. There is no need to leave, you see," he explained to her.

"No one called me for dinner," Blair retorted. Though she did now notice the faint smell of food drifting through her hallway.

"Uh, yes, my Lady. They thought it best to let you keep sleeping, I suppose. But you shall find it's all in there now, ready for you," he replied, motioning down the entry towards her dining room. She shook her head.

"I don't want dinner in there. I want to go to the grand hall. Isn't that where my ladies in waiting are?" she asked, trying to look past him. But all she could see was an empty hall, and the other guard still standing outside her door.

"Yes, my lady. They left a few hours ago. I do not predict they'll be back this evening though," he said, pausing in between words as if he was carefully choosing each one of them.

"Why? Is the prince coming to dine with me? Did he want to be alone tonight?" she asked before she could stop herself. Typically, she would not speak so brazenly about Chuck with someone like a guard, even if they did see and hear almost everything. Something about it still didn't feel right.

Well, it was too late now. She'd said it. She looked to him for a response, but he seemed to still be struggling on how to give her one.

"I—I don't think so, my Lady. I think he's having dinner in the grand hall," he told her.

"Then why would I have dinner here?" Blair scoffed. She moved again as if to go out the door, but found the guard planted firmly. It was evident he was purposefully blocking her way now. She narrowed her eyes at him, taking a step back.

"Get out of the way," she ordered. She tried her best to sound how Chuck did when he was irritated with them, hoping it would remind them of the prince, and how it was him who'd provided them for her to begin with. Yes, they were put here to guard her, but they were also supposed to be hers to command.

He sighed, "I am afraid, I cannot, my lady. You are to have dinner in your chambers tonight. You are—you are to remain here for the evening." He seemed to be besieged with choosing his words again, almost as if he was purposefully trying not to reveal too much information to her. But that thought was unsettling.

Blair felt her heart tighten, and she instinctively took another step back away from him. Her face flushed, and she looked around as if expecting to find someone behind her. There was not, her apartments were still empty, though she couldn't push aside the sort of paranoia she now felt. Her breath hitched in her throat for a moment, as she tried to think of what to say. She went with the first thought that came to her.

"You will let me out. You will let me out or the prince will hear of this," she threatened, though in doing so she swore she saw the other guard, the one still standing outside her door, chuckle to himself. But she told herself she'd surely imagined it. The guard before her however seemed less amused, and more at a continued loss for how to respond. Though finally, he did.

"Lady Blair, his highness is the one who gave us the order to keep you in your chambers. We are to do so until further notice," he told her. It didn't seem to be something he'd wanted to admit right away, and that was perhaps as peculiar as Chuck giving such an order.

"Wh—what?" Blair asked, stuttering some. She felt her face go hot, and her hands go cold.

What did he mean Chuck had given the order to contain her?

Sure, he'd threated her with something like that before, but she was confident she hadn't done anything as of late to warrant such a threat being acted upon? Plus, he never actually did it, and it wasn't practical, not now. The King and Queen were to return any day, so were this not a punishment and just an attempt to keep her to himself… well it wouldn't work for long. And if this had been done to procure them ultimate alone time, then where was he? He wasn't anywhere to be found; in fact, he hadn't come to see her at all today. She began to wonder if that hadn't just been coincidence, or scheduling that had kept him from visiting. But if he had done so purposefully. It was definitely starting to feel that way, based on her current predicament.

"Is that all, Lady Blair?" the guard asked, clearly wanting to shut and lock the doors again. His voice pulled her from her thoughts again, and she felt her mental worries quickly changing into realistic concerns.

"Please let me out," Blair breathed, looking to him with wide eyes when she realized he actually heard her. He seemed to stare back at her with something along the lines of sympathy… or was it pity? Her throat went dry.

Why would her guard need to pity her?

"I—I can't, my Lady. I am sorry," he expressed, and he did seem genuine about it. He shook his head. "Why don't you go eat something to pass the time—"

"Could you call on the prince? Or my ladies, perhaps my friend Lady Serena? If I'm to stay here surely, I deserve some company," Blair said, trying to convince him with a smile. She was attempting to charm him, but she knew she must look and sound desperate right now. But she didn't care. All that mattered to her presently was she wanted to get on the other side of that door more than anything. But if she couldn't perhaps, they could provide her with someone who could go back and forth. Someone who could go and seek more answers for her, maybe even get a message to Chuck. Thought she wasn't sure exactly what she would say. How was she to apologize for something she wasn't aware she'd done?

"I am afraid, I cannot," the man told her, shaking his head again.

"But they're always with me," she argued, not specifying whether she meant her ladies or the prince. It didn't really matter for either worked, she was always with one or the other. She laughed breathlessly, as if to try and laugh this whole thing off as one big joke, before stepping towards the door again.

"Stop, Lady Blair. Please," her guard requested, and she noticed his tone had changed to a slightly more serious one.

"You're really not going to let me out?" she asked, her voice sounded much meeker than before. She hated this, but she couldn't help it. There was no point in lying to herself, she was… scared.

"No, we're not. We have orders to keep you here," the other guard interjected more firmly. Blair looked past the one in the doorway to the one who spoke, but he didn't look at her. She thought to herself that he'd always been less friendly to her than the one standing in the doorway, and she was pretty certain now she was right in thinking he didn't like her nearly as much.

"I want out. You will let me out," Blair reiterated. The first part sounded weak, but she'd regained her composure some with the second bit. It almost sounded like a proper command. The guard standing in her doorway sighed, putting his head down, while the other finally turned to look in her direction.

He chuckled, shaking his head.

"We don't take orders from you, not today at least," he remarked, and he seemed to be relishing in this fact. It was no secret there were some at the English court who didn't like her, and she realized now that unfortunately extended to some of her guards. It didn't seem fair that someone who was supposed to be protecting her didn't actually like her.

Blair glared at him, raising her voice.

"You do too! You are my guards and if I tell you to open this door and let me through-"

"We are put here by the prince, Lady Blair. We follow his orders. Yesterday, they were to listen to you. But today, those orders are to keep you locked up in your chambers, regardless of what you or how you feel about it. So please, return to them. Unless that is you insist you wait for him elsewhere? Perhaps the tower?" he threatened.

That word stilled her instinctively. Blair took a step back, moving away from him. She wanted to yell back at him, but she felt her throat go hoarse and knew anything she tried to say would sound about as effective as if it came from a mouse. And though she hated admitting it to even herself, that word, as if a magic word, was the one to silence her. For now, she had to wonder if this was an empty threat, or one backed up by… Chuck. The man seemed to speak with authority, as if it had come from the prince's mouth himself.

"Shut the doors," the guard outside then ordered to the one still standing in the doorway. "And lock them." She snapped out of her thoughts, and the fear to be trapped inside once again overtook her.

"Wait!" Blair shouted, holding up her hand in protest. It didn't sound like an order this time though, but a plea. She heard the guard outside scoff loudly, but the one in the doorway made eye contact with her. He paused momentarily, if only out of respect for her request, but eventually sighed and shook his head.

"I need to close and lock the doors, my Lady. I'm of lower rank than he, technically he's in charge." He motioned towards the other guard, as if to say without saying, he felt bad, but had no choice in the matter.

"How long do I have to stay in here?" Blair beckoned, really not wanting him to close the doors. She had a feeling once closed again they wouldn't be opened, no matter how loud she yelled or how many times she banged on them. And while she was scared of the other guard and his threats, it seemed like she may have some sway with this one. Even to get him to keep the doors open, could help her maintain some hope.

"I—I don't know," he admitted, his eyes falling to the floor again. It hadn't been the answer she was looking for, but the one she was hoping against. The idea of an unknown sentence time seemed dawning. She realized she was getting absorbed by her thoughts again when she heard his voice once more.

"If that is all though, I bid you a good night for now, my Lady." She looked up at him with wide brown eyes as he bowed his head at her, and then shut the door. He'd done it so quickly Blair likely couldn't have even gotten another 'no' out before he'd done so, even if she'd not been so distracted by her thoughts.

She stared at the closed doors for a moment, wondering if there was anyway possible for her to get them open. She knew there wasn't. She needed help opening them when they were unlocked, and even if by chance she got through them, she'd never make it past two guards. She'd be stuck here until Chuck came, or decided he was over whatever reason he'd locked her away for.

But what could it be?

That was what seemed to be bothering her the most, is that she could not figure out why he would be so upset with her. Why he would do this without even coming to yell at her, or give a better explanation to her guards? And what could he have possibly said that would make one feel comfortable enough to threaten her with the tower? Because surely, he hadn't brought it up himself. He knew the idea of that place scared her, as it did anyone if mentioned in the wrong context. Most people who were sent there never came back, at least not with their heads still attached to their necks. She grimaced at the thought. She tried to distract herself from it, by continuing to think of what Chuck's reasoning could have been. For not only had he locked her in here, but he was making her spend her timeout alone. It seemed more than serious if her own ladies in waiting were not allowed to return to her living quarters, where a few of them also typically slept at night.

She felt a shiver go down her spine, and then her body began to tremble. She steadied herself, feeling as if she'd fall over. She turned around quickly, hurrying away from the doors. Not feeling hungry at all, she walked right past the dining room, and instead straight to her bedroom. She hurried inside, slamming the door shut, and looking around anxiously for something to further secure the door. She noticed the large trunk at the foot of her bed and went over to it, pushing with all her might. It took what felt like forever, but after realistically a few minutes she'd managed to position it in front of the door, blocking it. She backed away from it, not stopping till her back hit the wall on the opposite side of the room.

She looked down to see her chest heaving up and down, and realized her breathing had gone a bit abnormal. So, she touched her hand to her chest, as if she meant to physically try and hold it still. Then she closed her eyes, sliding down the wall by her back, to a sitting position on the floor. She pulled her knees to her chest, resting her chin atop them, and squeezing her eyes shut. She tried to imagine she was somewhere else, anywhere else. But more than anything she was trying to keep herself calm, and keep her mind from running to places that would only further terrify her. It was why she hadn't simply gone for her bed, and pulled the covers over her head to hide. She couldn't risk falling asleep right now, not when she was already feeling like this. For she knew if she did that her fear would guide her to an even worse place, a memory she tried so hard to rid of, but never could.

She opened her eyes, crying out a little, as the image of hot, thick red blood running down the side of wooden block flashed across her mind. Then she rubbed her eyes, as if to try and physically wipe the imagery away from her memory. It didn't work. It never worked. Warm, wet tears began to streak down her cheeks, and she opened her mouth, tasting the saltiness of them as they fell in between her lips. She told herself there was no need to visit that memory today. It wasn't relevant. This was all just some big misunderstanding, or perhaps some stupid fight between her and Chuck she'd thought they'd settled, but he'd clearly continued to stew over. Yes, that was it. He was just angry with her and trying to teach her the lesson he always threatened her with. He'd leave her there for an hour, or at worst, the rest of the night, but surely, he'd be round by morning to clear everything up.

Right? She could hear her own voice within her mind asking this question desperately, over and over again.

She looked around the room, as if she'd been waiting for someone to appear, answer her and assure her, but of course no one did. No, she had been left alone with her thoughts which were now running ramped, headed straight for her fears. And she wasn't sure she could escape them tonight, being locked in alone with them like this.

XOXOXOXOXO

Chuck paced his royal offices back and forth, glancing out the window into the dark of night. He wasn't sure how long he'd been here, but this was definitely later than he'd ever been in this area of the castle before. In fact, he certain, unless during a time of war, his own father, the king, never even found himself up here so late. But Chuck needed somewhere quiet to think, and even more so somewhere private to meet. He had left the royal banquet hall as quickly as possible, not trusting himself to stick around and drink that night. He could tell by his mood he'd not have been able to handle it with anymore wine, and the presence of a certain poet. He'd been thinking over their interaction, word by word, moment by moment, since it'd happened. This Wyatt fellow hadn't been exactly what he'd predicted, physically or otherwise. It wasn't like he anticipated him to be more like himself. Honestly, he wasn't sure what he had expected him to be like, but still not quite so different from he. All they really seemed to have in common was that they were of similar age, which meant he like Chuck, was also older than Blair. And while that wasn't uncommon for ages of suitors and whom they seek, he was having trouble imagining them as children together. It seemed like every time he tried, all he could see in his head was Blair at her current age, and this Wyatt fellow touching and kissing her just as she currently was. His feet stopped suddenly below him, and he felt his hands clench into fists. He turned slowly, looking at himself in the ornate, large mirror, across from him. He stared at his own reflection, narrowing his eyes as he did so. He'd always been pleased with his looks, not that he had to be as a prince, but the women at court had always seemed more than happy with them. However, he couldn't help, but note how alarmingly different his features were than Wyatt's. If he was going to compare him to anyone, Chuck would say he looked much more like Nathaniel than he. And he began to then ponder if he'd ever noticed Blair staring at his friend, or admiring his looks. Nathaniel was definitely considered attractive. He'd seen how the girls had fawned over him, and he'd heard them whisper about his beautiful blue eyes or shaggy blonde hair. These of course were their words, not his, though he couldn't deny among the men of court his friend was one of the nicer looking ones.

Wyatt had these soft looking green eyes that Chuck in particular could not get out of his mind. They did look different than Nate's, so much thought peering from behind them. Yet they also seemed to hold this sort of lovesick quality to them, like the eyes of a puppy dog. How fitting. As Chuck had predicted he above all else had the eyes of a dreamer, the look of one. He couldn't envision Blair looking into them and finding any of the same things she found when staring into his own. Chuck could tell he and the other man were so different in nature, along with looks, that one surely couldn't prefer both.

So, which would she have if really given the choice, if one wasn't a prince, if he wasn't a prince?

And then it suddenly struck him, this was NEVER something he'd thought of before. He had never found himself a place in life where he would need to ponder, or wonder what life would be like without his rank and title. And he found it very uncomfortable to consider now. It wasn't natural for him. He sighed in frustration, rubbing his brow.

Why did it seem as if lately Blair was always pulling out foreign emotions and feelings from him? And was it a good thing? He wasn't certain yet.

The doors burst open, interrupting Chuck's thoughts, as he looked up to see who it was. He watched as Nate sauntered into the room, holding a jug of wine in one hand, and two empty cups in the other. He held them up to Chuck, presenting them, before he set them down on the table and poured them each a glass. Chuck walked over to him, taking it as his friend held it out to him.

"That was quick," Nate remarked alas, his eyebrow raising in question. When Chuck only drank in response, he shrugged.

"I just thought you'd have more fun with him, is all. Though I will say his face when you grabbed him was quite hilarious—"

"I didn't find anything about the interaction funny," Chuck interjected, throwing his friend a look so he'd be aware he wasn't in much of a joking mood.

Nate sighed, "Your highness was not happy with his answers?"

Chuck scoffed, rounding it off with a bitter laugh.

"Answers? Not sure you could call them that. He speaks in circles. I don't feel any of my questions were actually answered. If anything, I only have more questions."

"Mhmm. Perhaps a private interrogation would have been better," Nate wondered aloud, though seemingly cautious as he did so. It was as if he wasn't quite sure the idea was a good one, even as his own lips suggested it.

"Perhaps, but something tells me I'll need to seek out other means of finding the full story here," he muttered, finishing off his cup of wine. His hand reached for the decanter to refill it. But then he paused for a moment, trying to gauge how drunk he was. Only tonight it was hard to decipher which he felt more affected by, the alcohol, or the events of the evening.

"What did you have in mind?" his friend asked, looking to him as if ready for any kind of instruction. He probably was in all honestly, if anything, Nate was loyal to him. He'd do just about anything Chuck asked of him, short of hurting women or children. Not that Chuck had ever asked him to do such a thing, or ever would, and he knew this was one moral line they shared in.

Chuck opened his mouth to respond, but before he could the doors opened again. This time they revealed the royal secretary, Daniel Humphrey. He looked between the prince and Nate nervously, pressing the large book he held even tighter to his chest, before stepping fully into the room. He bowed at Chuck and the prince noticed how disheveled he looked. It was evident someone had pulled him out of bed when Chuck had sent word for him. Dan though not the best or most fashionable of dresser, was always formal and careful in how he put himself together. But tonight, his hair was curlier looking, and he'd missed a button on his shirt. Usually, Chuck would have commented on this, but tonight he didn't care how unpresentable he looked.

"Your highness, forgive me for taking so long to get here. I had already readied for bed, and I had to dress again before making my way down here," Dan explained nervously, confirming what Chuck had suspected. For even if his appearance had not given these clues, it was evident the man before him wasn't much for banquets or partying like the rest of court. It was an easily believable story he retired early to bed in the evenings.

He nodded, "It's alright, Humphrey. I needed some time to myself to think anyways, and it is after hours. Would you like some wine?" Chuck asked, but he was certain he already knew the answer.

Dan shook his head, smiling politely.

"No, uh, thank you, your highness. Though I do appreciate the offer. It is most kind of you," he acknowledged, bowing his head again as if to show his gratitude.

Nate snorted a laugh, both men turning to look at him. He then rolled his eyes, shaking his head, and taking his own full cup of wine over to the sitting area in front of the fireplace. He sunk down in his seat, leaning back as if to relax, before he cleared his throat to speak.

"Tell me, Mister Humphrey. Have you ever been involved in a royal scheme before?" he asked, looking still some amused by the idea of bringing Chuck's seemingly soft servant in on the ordeal. Dan didn't respond, but only looked to the prince, trying to show on his face he wasn't sure how to respond respectfully.

"I'll be needing your assistance with something, Humphrey," the prince clarified, not that he needed to. He was certain his secretary was smart enough to deduce as much, being called here so late at night, and with such urgency. Dan bit his lip, looking nervously before he nodded in agreement.

"Of course, your highness. How may I be of assistance this evening?" he asked.

"I require nothing of you tonight, but to listen for your task tomorrow. When morning breaks, I should like you to call upon Master Wyatt. I want you to have a meeting with him," Chuck explained, his gaze moving to meet Nate's, even though he spoke to Dan.

"You want him to meet with Wyatt? Do you really think he can be threatening enough?" Nate interjected, glancing over at Dan skeptically. The secretary, if insulted, made no move to suggest as such. But it was clear his closest friend was slighted by Chuck's choice in the matter. Evidently Nate wanted in on this.

"I don't need him to be threatening, Nathaniel. I just need him to deliver a message, however if you'd like to be present to make sure it's done so in the right tone, you may," Chuck told him, thinking it not the worst idea. Nathaniel was right about Humphrey. He was about as intimidating as fly, but he had proved to be useful in other ways thus far. After all, if one could be a fly on the wall, one did hear a lot of useful information. And his father had taught him from a young age that one of the most valuable things at court was being privy to all you could.

"Yeah, I think I'd like to be," Nate agreed, nodding his head. Chuck couldn't help, but slightly smile at this. He was pleased his friend was so ready to have his back. He only hoped this reasoning had more to do with his love for the prince, than his disdain for Lady Blair.

"Very well then, Nathaniel," Chuck approved before turning his attention back to the other man, still standing there and awaiting further instruction.

"Duke Archibald shall conduct this visit with you then, Humphrey. And you may do it here, in the royal offices, so that it may seem official. But I would like you to take lead in the conversation, unless the duke should feel he needs to interject to help aid in making your point," the prince explained, and he was certain his secretary understood the true meaning to this. He figured Dan had spent enough time around Nate to know the difference between them, other than breeding and rank of course.

"Yes, your highness. I should be happy to have Duke Archibald assist in the manner," Dan replied dutifully, though likely everyone in the room knew Nate's company was not his favorite. Most people at court knew Nate acted in the prince's interest, and within his favor could seek whatever means needed to do so. And something told Chuck Nathaniel and him were easily more willing to go to more extreme of means than Humphrey, to get their desired outcome.

"I want you to proposition Wyatt with a royal sponsorship, for quite a lot of money, however much money it will take," he clarified, and he could feel Nate now looking at him. He was certain his friend was surprised by his words, as seemed Humphrey by the look on his face whilst he received the orders.

"You're going to pay him off? What you think if you give him enough gold, he'll stay away from her? Not very like you," Nate remarked, interrupting them. However, neither man turned to acknowledge him. The secretary kept his eyes with the prince out of respect, and Chuck merely continued on with his commands.

"Tell him he shall have this sponsorship for as long as he needs, if he follows it's conditions," Chuck revealed, looking down at the wine left in his cup. He swirled the red liquid around in it, noting how deep in color it was tonight. It reminded him of blood. He smiled menacingly at the idea of it being someone in particular's before looking to Dan who's suddenly spoken up.

"Conditions, your highness?" he asked, looking for whatever stipulations Chuck intended to pair with this offer.

"If he takes this patronage, he may not write about anyone, past or present, currently residing in the English Court. And once accepted, he's to do all his writing elsewhere, meaning he shall remain outside the English court in its duration. Have him go back to France, if he likes it so much," Chuck explained, his voice tinged with bitterness.

"You would like him gone again so soon?" Dan asked incredulously, a sort of perplexed expression forming on his face. The prince could only gather his secretary thought it unreasonable to ship him back off, after arriving so soon, but Chuck could care less about that. He nodded.

"I would like him gone permanently," he clarified, his tone almost menacing as he said this. He wondered if the other man would pick up on this, and he was almost certain Nathaniel would. His friend was likely surprised he wasn't taking more extreme measures already, but Chuck was determined to act cleverly on this, rather than brash.

"And if he turns down this offer, your highness? I of course think it is a generous one, but he is from this court after all. To ask some to leave home would be more than they are willing to give up—" Dan started apprehensively, but silenced almost immediately when Chuck gave an irritated look in response.

"I think he'll find he'll be giving up a lot more if he refuses," Chuck snapped, a dark look flashing across his face. He realized afterwards he'd taken a step towards his secretary in anger, and also raised his hand in the process. He didn't do so because he meant to hit Humphrey, he hadn't done anything deserving of that, but rather just lost his place in his anger. It wasn't really the man before him he meant to threaten, but any and all defiance on this particular subject.

Dan stood there for a moment, staring down at his feet, as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He seemed either conflicted about these orders, or perhaps just fearful in how to respond to them. Chuck found himself growing only more aggravated by this. And apparently, the other man in the room, Nate, seemed to notice this, for he seemed to speak up in response to it.

"We shall see it done, your highness. I am sure if Mister Humphrey isn't equipped to convincing him with your preferred methods, I will be with mine," Nate interjected, sort of grinning to himself. This wasn't because he was violent or cruel in nature, but that he was always eager to partake in tasks that would further prove his loyalty to his friend. And Chuck figured with things being less than perfect lately, and the slight tension Blair seemed to add between them, had made Nate very keen to situate himself in the prince's complete good graces.

"Good," Chuck responded simply. He set his cup down on the table beside him, and rubbed both his eyes, wondering how late it was.

"You look tired, your highness. Perhaps you should retire to your chambers. I am sure the royal secretary and I can finish up here," Nate suggested, rising and walking over to him. He spared Chuck a small smile, as if to say without saying, he hadn't meant to insult the prince, but only express concern for his welfare.

"My chambers," Chuck repeated, more so to himself than the other men in the room. He knew that wasn't really where he needed to go. There was somewhere else he should be going to now, someone else more than likely now awaiting him quite readily. He'd avoided her all day, essentially assigning her to house arrest though she was never officially charged of course. Still, she'd not been able to leave, and he'd given those containing her very little information to provide her with for why that was. He wondered if she would be angry with him, and he knew it was more than likely. Inwardly, he groaned, not sure he was up for a fight with her tonight. He couldn't let his anger get the best of him, let the wrong information be revealed before he'd intended. He definitely didn't want to bring up Wyatt yet, his arrival, or him meeting him. This was a topic he also knew he couldn't put off for forever, but how to bring it up? She'd been very dismissive of it before, when Serena had first mentioned him. It was evident she didn't want to reveal much about him or their previous relationship. Which was why he had come to the conclusion he needed to see Blair's physical reaction to Wyatt for himself. Ironically the thing he both needed to see most was also something he was dreading more than anything.

Sure, it was possible the best outcome would occur. Blair would see Wyatt, and there would be little to no emotion in her face. She would have no kind of reaction towards him, or feelings of any sort. But this seemed unlikely. Clearly, Wyatt had more than enough feelings towards her to express them in numerous poems. And something told him this wasn't a simple case of unrequited love.

"Your highness?" Nate asked cautiously, touching a hand to Chuck's arm. Chuck's glance quickly connected with his, and he nodded.

"Yes, Nathaniel. Just tired. I shall go to bed now," he announced, turning to leave the room. He purposely had not specified where he'd be doing this sleeping, both because he wasn't certain yet himself and because he didn't want any follow up questions from Nathaniel about seeing Blair. He felt both men make movements behind him and he knew they were bowing before he took his exit, but he didn't turn back around to acknowledge it. Instead, he pushed through the doors and headed back down the corridor. Not sure which way he'd go yet when he came upon which choice in passage he'd take, one leading to his chamber's, or Blair's.

XOXOXOXOXO

"Your highness, you're here? We didn't expect you tonight," one of the guards outside Blair's room remarked, straightening himself as he stood up fully. It was clear he had somewhat dozed off while on his post. Something Chuck would typically go off on him about, especially since he was the higher ranking of the two, but he was tired tonight. And the other guard seemed fully awake, and with it. Though oddly for some reason he had smiled at the prince when he'd arrived, as if pleasantly surprised to see him. Chuck disregarded this though, again coming to the conclusion it wasn't worth too much thought after the rest of the evening's events.

"I wasn't aware I'd tasked you with keeping up with my schedule. I thought I'd put you in charge of guarding Lady Blair's quarters," Chuck remarked, not being able to help but cast a bit of shade at the man. He'd spoken out of turn, after all. Guards really needn't speak unless spoken to, or having upmost important information they needed to divulge. Him remarking on Chuck's whereabouts however, did not fall under this category.

"Of course, your highness. I did not mean to speak out of station," the guard grumbled, and Chuck swore again the one opposite to him spared a quick smile, seeming to delight in this. He figured this must be that they simply didn't get along, but that was none of his concern.

"Whatever. Just open the doors and let me in," Chuck ordered, not bothering to look at him, but instead stepping back so they could do this. He watched as one retrieved a key to unlock them, and then together they opened them in unison for the prince to move through. He didn't thank them, but simply waved his hand at them as he passed.

"Lock them back," he gave as a final order in passing. Neither said anything else, and after a few seconds he heard the doors close and lock behind him again. He made his way through Blair's quarters, stopping to peer in each room, and make sure she wasn't in them. It was late, but she was used to staying up with how much him and Nathaniel had been partying the past few weeks.

He noted her tea room was empty, though a complete mess. Apparently, his guards had taken his orders quite literally, and not even let a servant back in to clean it up. He sighed, shaking his head as he came into her dining room. Narrowing his eyes at a table of untouched food, he stopped for a moment. Most of it had surely spoiled, and not a single bite had been eaten from it. He'd have to talk to Blair about this. She could be angry with him, but starving herself wouldn't be a means of punishing or getting back at him. He'd noticed when they first met her eating habits were off, and he'd done all he could to subtly encourage she develop more healthy ones. After all she was one of the smaller girls at court. She didn't need to lose anymore weight. In fact, he preferred her at a healthier size, were it up to him. It brought out her shape more, which was something he much delighted in viewing. Of course, how she wanted to look was her choice, but he'd have some guidelines as to her staying healthy. He didn't want her putting herself into a position that were she to fall ill one day, her body not have what it needed to recover. He'd just have to be careful about how he brought it up. It was one of her most sensitive topics, and often a point of contention for them. He sighed, walking out of the room, and making his way to her bedchambers. Apparently, she had retired for the evening, after all. He stopped in front of her door, and went to push it open.

He frowned, feeling something heavy against the other side of the door, preventing it from opening. There was no way it was locked, as there wasn't one on this particular door. Blair's quarters didn't need one since they were full royal apartments, and she had guards stationed outside her front doors. He pushed again with more force, and found it budged, but only slightly. Then it fell back again, and closed on him. There was clearly something on the other side of it, blocking his entry.

He sighed, gritting his teeth as he mustered up all the remaining strength, he had to push it forward, this time with all of his weight thrown into it. Finally, the door pushed open, though slowly and only to a point. However, it was enough for him to push his torso through, and slip inside. He grimaced, grabbing at his side where one of his injuries had been. He had used it to push through the door without thinking, and was sure he'd pay for it tomorrow in soreness. He looked down at his leg, wondering if it would also be irritated come morning. Just another thing he didn't need right now, with everything else going on.

He looked up, realizing the bedroom was pitch black, and freezing cold. There was no fire in the fireplace, or candles lit around her room like usual. He felt down in front of him, trying to figure out what had been blocking it. From what he could tell, it was most likely Blair's chest that usually sat at the end of her bed. It was an old and heavy thing, and he was honestly shocked she'd been able to move it herself. He paused for a moment, his thoughts wondering for a split second if she'd had help, before he reminded himself that wasn't reasonable. Blair's guards had been under strict orders to not let anyone through, and judging by the state of Blair's apartments, they'd clearly listened. And the mess left from the day, along with the cold and dark room showed that in hindsight such an order had been a mistake. He should have at least sent a lower ranking servant to clean her quarters, and tend to her fire. For now, along with being dark, it was rather uncomfortable. There was a definite draft and he thought there'd be a good chance he could see his breath were had there been enough light in the room to do so.

He rubbed his hands together, before feeling his way over to her fireplace. It had been a long time since he'd built a fire himself, but luckily Blair's room was well equipped with all the tools that made it easier. It took a moment, but finally he got a little one started and slowly it began to illuminate the room in a low orange light.

"You better have wrapped up at least, Waldorf," he muttered to himself as he got back up on his feet. He'd be upset with her if she'd let herself get cold enough to fall ill from it. He turned around, looking upon her bed, and seeing the curtains were not drawn. So, she would be freezing then. He took a step towards it, but halted, now getting a full view of the bed. Only from this angle he could now see it was empty.

Blair was not in bed. He felt his heart sink and his head whipped around, looking anxiously all over the room. It didn't take long for his eyes to find her. She was curled up on the floor, in a corner. He rushed over to her, immediately taking her in his arms and pulling her to his chest. Her skin felt like ice and he could feel goosebumps raised all over her skin.

"Blair? Blair, wake up!" he beckoned, touching a hand to her cheek to try and gauge her temperature. He noticed she had what looked like dried tear paths down her cheeks. Clearly, she'd fallen asleep crying. The thought tugged on his heart some, and he felt a pang of guilt that his actions had some how led her to such a state.

"Come on, wake up, pretty," he said again, though he could hear more urgency in his voice than before. He gently patted her cheek, and picked them both up off the floor, carrying her over to the fireplace. He laid her down on the fur rug in front of the now blazing fire, and got up to grab some blankets off her bed. When he'd returned to wrap them around her, he noticed she began to stir. Still, he kept to his task and tucked her in with them, laying himself on top of her afterwards to try and further seal her in with the warmth. He leaned over her, toughing a hand to her face again. She felt a little better. And alas, her eyes opened, and she was staring up at him.

He breathed a sigh of relief, leaning down and kissing her forehead whist hugging her tightly to him. She didn't move, but he felt her adjust her breathing under his weight. He pulled back up so that he wasn't putting all of it on top of her, though he didn't fully remove himself either. He didn't want to, not yet. He placed his hand atop her curls, and began to stroke her forehead with his fingertips.

"Ch—Chuck?" she asked finally, and her voice sounded very hoarse. It confirmed she'd been crying before she'd nodded off. He knew that was how it sounded when that happened, because this hadn't been the first time he'd heard it. There was that feeling of guilt again. He tried to ignore it, and focus on her wellbeing. He smiled at her.

"Who else would it be?" he responded in a soft voice he reserved for only her. He continued to smile at her, to assure her he only meant to tease her or lighten the mood. She didn't smile back at him however, but only stared, very wide eyed. Then she began to whisper to him, and he could tell it was intentional.

"Where am I?" she asked.

He frowned at her, worried she was indeed sick now, speaking like she was out of it.

"You are in your room. Where else would you be?" he said, trying to sound reassuring while not also letting onto how much her words had bothered him.

"I am?" she said back to him, her eyes then moving quickly around the room as if to look for physical confirmation. Her breathing quickened again, though as her eyes took in her surroundings it seemed to slow down some. He took hold of her cheek, turning her face so that she was looking at him.

"Blair, are you alright?" Chuck questioned, feeling extremely concerned now. He didn't care if it was the middle of the night. He was strongly considering calling on the royal physician. She gazed at him for a moment, and then began to look around the room again, before turning back to him. He was trying his best not to let on to his growing frustration with the situation.

"This is not the tower?" she whispered, her voice still sounding very unsure.

Chuck felt himself instantly defensive when he heard that word come from her lips. He didn't like her talking about that place, or worrying about it. And he certainly didn't want her associated with it, or the two even mentioned in the same sentence. It wasn't something that even need cross her mind.

"What do you mean, Blair? We are in your room. I promise you we are. Did you have a nightmare or something?" he beseeched, looking to her with much concern.

She nodded slowly in response, staring up at him in a way that reminded him of a frightened little girl.

"I think so," she breathed in agreement. He'd finally gotten some kind of an answer from her, but he didn't feel totally satisfied with it.

"Did something or someone cause it?" he pressed further, hoping inwardly she wouldn't say his own actions had been the culprit. He knew he hadn't given her much of an explanation for keeping her in her quarters that day, but it wasn't like he'd sent guards to place her under actual house arrest. Surely, no one had mistreated her? Just contained her, as he'd told them to. Right?

"I—I don't know," her answer interrupted his thoughts. He could hear the conflict in her voice, and he sensed there was something she wasn't fully revealing.

"Did my ordering you to say in for the evening upset you that much?" he asked finally, taking the plunge even though the answer may make only shame him. However, he'd be some surprised if this was the case. It meant she had been so quick to think the worst of him, to instantly believe he would hurt her, or send her somewhere someone else would.

Blair looked at him, but only for a moment, before her eyes fell from his again. She shook her head slowly.

"They—they wouldn't let me out," she told him, still stuttering with her words some. He figured she was referencing her guards. Chuck nodded at her carefully in response.

"Yes, I know. But that's okay. Did they not tell you I wanted you to stay in for the evening? I thought you could use a night in, get some rest," he lied. He didn't feel good about the dishonesty, but he wasn't ready to get into the real reasons for everything now. And she didn't seem like she was up for any kind of intense conversation.

"They wouldn't let me call on you," Blair furthered, furrowing her brow as if to show the true displeasure she felt towards this fact. "I didn't know what was going on—"

"I'm sorry," Chuck relinquished, feeling an overwhelming sense of responsibility now. "I won't do it that way again—"

"Did you tell them to threaten me?" Blair asked finally, and she had a strange sort of look in her eye now. Though they were so physically close to one another, she seemed to look at him in a way that made her feel very, very far away.

"Threaten you? No. No! Did someone? Who?" Chuck questioned, sitting up and looking towards her door. He thought of the two guards posted outside her apartments, and began to feel the anger rising in him, headed straight for them. After all, aside from the royal dressmaker and jeweler they were the only people she'd been around all day. And he was pretty certain the dressmaker and jeweler had no qualms with her.

Blair only stared back at him, now almost looking accusingly. Something had clearly upset her, and spooked her enough for her to look at him as if… as if… she didn't trust him. He then took hold of her hand, and moved to help her up.

"Can you walk?" he asked. She nodded back at him, and he pulled the blankets around her, as if to signal he wanted her to her to keep them pulled close. Then he took her by the hand and pulled her quickly, though not forcefully, back down her corridor. He went right to her main doors, about to pound on them, when he felt her hand tug on his. He looked back at her, realizing she'd frozen on the spot. She stared at the doors, wide and dreary eyed. Then she wrapped her arms around herself, turning as if she was considering retreating back to her room. He pulled her close, kissing her forehead, before touching it to his own so that he could make eye contact with her.

"You have nothing to be scared of, sweetheart. We're just going to sort this out," he promised her. He then gave her hands a reassuring squeeze, before letting go of them, so he could turn around and pound on the doors. They opened immediately, revealing both guards. Ones eyes instantly fell to the floor, while the other was clearly looking past him to Blair.

"Is everything alright, your highness?" he asked, moving his eyes from Blair to Chuck. "Is the lady alright?" he furthered.

"Doesn't seem to be," Chuck retorted, quirking his brow at him, and making sure to give a very pointed look. The other still refused to make eye contact with him.

"What did you say to her?" he furthered, clear accusation in his voice.

"We were only following your orders, your highness. Why? Did the Lady Blair say we said something?" the other man asked, his eyes moving past the prince again to stare at Blair. He smiled at her, but it was in a greasy sort of way. Chuck didn't like it, and he found himself instinctively moving in front of Blair, taking her out the man's view.

"No, and I promise you do not want her to tell me. Do not make me ask her what you did wrong," Chuck told him. He took a foreboding step towards him.

"What did you say to her? The orders I gave you would not have upset her this way," Chuck said knowingly. He felt extremely on edge, and even more protective.

The guard laughed, but the prince could hear the nervousness in it.

"Your highness, please—"

"Answer me, now!" Chuck yelled, hitting his hand against the door. It hurt, but he didn't care. He could still manage to connect it with the man's face next if he didn't provide him with the proper answers soon.

"Though I cannot recall the exact phrasing, your highness, he essentially told her she could go to her room or go to the tower. He implied you'd be fine with her being sent there. She was quite upset already, and I am sure it scared her, within reason. Such a place would terrify any woman or child. I do not think he meant to actually do it, but I did not approve or think it kind of him to even use it in such a way," the other guard alas broke his silence, his eyes lifting from the floor. The accused guard turned to look at him, instantly outraged by what Chuck was sure he'd consider a betrayal from his partner.

Chuck looked back at Blair and saw she was staring intently at the man who spoke. He could tell both by her expression and her confusion from earlier that night, this was likely the truth.

"Forgive me, your highness. But my fellow guard is both of lower rank and seeming to have trouble recalling what actually happened," the one spoke up again, gritting his teeth and glaring at the man who'd told on him.

Chuck ignored this though and instead walked back over to Blair, taking hold of her hands in his. He leaned in, speaking very tenderly in her ear, and giving her his best reassuring look he could manage while also feeling so enraged on the inside.

"Is that what happened, Blair? Did they threaten you?" he asked.

Blair stared at him for a long while and then shook her head slowly.

"No, they didn't. He did," she clarified, holding up her hand and pointing a finger at the guard the other had accused.

"The other one didn't do anything, but follow your orders."

Chuck nodded, giving her a small smile as if to show appreciation for her answer. Then he turned around, demeanor changing completely as he stormed back towards the two men. He grabbed hold of the one she'd pointed at, giving him an intense shove. The man stumbled back, almost falling over, but catching his balance at the last moment. He looked up at Chuck, both shocked and clearly frightened.

"Your highness—"

"You're dismissed from your duties," Chuck interjected, not allowing another word to pass the man's lips. When he opened them as if to speak again, the prince held up his hand in a fist as if he meant to hit him. He wanted to, honestly. The man cowered in response, and Chuck paused, towering over him with his hand still raised.

"Get out of here. I don't want to see you again. If I do, perhaps I'll find it more suiting you spend your retirement in the tower," Chuck threatened purposefully. And he was certain this was not lost on the other man. He staggered back further, holding up both his hands to show immediate retreat.

"Yes, your highness—"

"Go!" Chuck barked again, his voice booming down the hallway. It was lucky Blair's apartments were away from others or else he'd have surely woken up more members of court. The former guard trembled when this happened, tripping some, as he hurried quite clumsily away, down the corridor. Chuck looked after him with dark eyes, his chest heaving up and down in anger. Then he felt someone touch him from behind, and he knew it was Blair. He calmed himself for her immediately, reaching out his arm and pulling her into his side. She hugged onto him, pressing her face against his chest. She didn't say anything, but he was pretty sure this was either her showing her gratitude, or at the very least, her relief. He kissed the top of her head, looking down at her.

"You're alright. He's gone now, and he isn't coming back," he assured her. He then looked back up at the remaining man.

"You were the lower ranking guard?" he asked.

The man only nodded in confirmation, seeming a little stunned by the ordeal himself. However, there was a kindness to his eyes when he glanced at Blair every so often, Chuck decided he liked. He didn't typically like men looking at Blair in any kind of way, but clearly this guard felt concern for her wellbeing. And it had been enough to speak on her behalf, against a fellow guard, when it came down to it. This was a quality Chuck thought a good one in this scenario, one that deserved a reward.

"Not anymore. I shall have them make it official in the morning. You're moving up in rank," he told him. "I want you on staff as Lady Blair's main guard now. You may even have your choice of your next partner, though I do encourage you to choose well."

"Yes, your highness. Thank you. I did not expect such an honor to be bestowed for simply telling the truth—"

"That's not why I'm doing it," Chuck interrupted, looking to him in astonishment. Was it not obvious? He nodded at the guard.

"While your honesty is required of you, you are being elevated because you've shown you mean to protect the Lady Blair as she should be. As I want her being looked after." He looked back at Blair, who looked very sleepy now as she leaned against his chest. He could tell she was still a little out of it, but she had definitely calmed down significantly.

"Yes, your highness. Of course, and it is my honor to do so," the man told him.

"Good. Very good," Chuck returned.

"I'm taking her to bed now." He waved his hand at the man before taking Blair by the shoulder and turning her around. Slowly and carefully, he began to guide her back to her bedroom.

"See, Waldorf, you needn't have anymore nightmares. I shall not let anyone around you who means to hurt you," he promised her. He told himself he wasn't a hypocrite for saying this, but it definitely made him feel like one. He couldn't help, but begin to feel he'd done just that by calling Wyatt to court. For what good could really come from his presence for Blair? He suspected nothing, but trouble at the very least for both of them. It was evident his being here, and Chuck's making moves in response behind her back, it had already hurt her. For what did she look tonight if not hurt?

No. No, it wasn't the same. He had to meet Wyatt, see how him and Blair were for himself. He needed to get to the root of her feelings for him, find the extent of what their relationship had been… or was still. This wasn't him trying to hurt her, but merely making sure it wasn't her who ended up hurting him. For that was one thing he'd never allowed, a woman to hurt him in such a way. Yet, he was also very aware that Blair had much more of an effect on him than any other to come before. However, this in no way insured him that her feelings for him were genuine. In his experience many people wanted something from him, and over the years quite a few had gone about interesting ways to get it. It wasn't impossible this had all just been some big, elaborate show on her part to use him for her own gain. He was taking a risk with her with his… heart. And he couldn't help, but wonder… Would it be worth it?

XOXOXOXOXO

A/N: Well, I was going to lead with an apology about it being a shorter chapter, but is twenty-one pages really all that short? I am sorry I couldn't get an update out Friday, had a bit busier of a week, but I still did a weekly update so woohoo on that! Hope y'all enjoyed and till next chapter!