(E) 06/11/22 Original A/N: Here's chapter 7! Hope you all enjoy it! Just a heads up, I've changed the rating to M for some future chapters just to be safe. My writing will probably still come under T and I'll do some trigger warnings at the start of the chapters if they're needed! I don't plan on writing anything too graphic but just so no one's caught out it's there! I also wanted to say that I am participating in nanowrimo this year, specifically for this story! So even though I will still only be uploading once a week, I should be quite a few chapters ahead by the end of the month so there won't be any chance of a missed week! And thanks also for the reviews and everyone answering me query! I don't think it will be fixed for this chapter? I'm assuming there's just a bug in the system? Anyways, I'll stop rambling now lol.
Chapter 7
We spend the rest of the day on the balcony, either reading our respective material or chatting about random subjects. It finally feels somewhat normal.
Evening comes around faster than I would have liked, and before I know it, it's seven o'clock. There's a knock at the door. Christina gets up to answer it, calling out to me that it's Edward.
I get to my feet and shut the balcony door behind me. He smiles and bows when he sees me. "Good evening, Your Highness." He says.
"I'd rather you just call me Tris, Edward. And no more bowing."
He looks uncertain, but nods his head regardless. I guess that's one good thing about having authority.
"I've come to escort you to dinner. I would feel better if it was me instead of one of the Tosken guards, at least until we get to know everyone here better." I nod my head, grateful for his thoughtfulness. He turns towards Christina, "Marlene is waiting on the landing for you."
She thanks him, then starts to make her way down the stairs. I turn back to Edward. "Just let me grab my cardigan." As the evening progressed, the weather had cooled significantly. He nods and I dash back over to the sofa, grabbing my oversized clothing. I was pleased to know I would still be able to wear some of my Athuan clothes here. I make my way back to Edward, and shut the door behind me. Before I can make it one step down, a figure is rushing up the stairs.
"Oh!" She says, coming to a violent stop, nearly crashing into Edward. He catches her with ease, giving her time to righten herself. "I'm so sorry!" I see that she's a maid, dressed in their signature black and white. She's got pretty blonde hair and dainty features. She looks up at Edward, no more words leaving her mouth.
Edward puts some space between the two, "Are you alright?" He asks, forever the gentlemen.
She seems to snap out of her trance, a blush forming over her cheeks. "Oh, yeah! Yes, I'm completely fine! It's my fault for rushing up the stairs like that! I was just late coming to collect the Princess- there was a commotion in the hall with a few of the Princes- which is normal- but Peter wouldn't let anyone pass and-" I cut her off, knowing she's just nervously rambling.
"Don't worry about it, Edward was going to walk me down, anyway." I see her relax slightly, then worry again.
"Um, that's fine. But now I can't go back downstairs. If the housekeeper sees that I haven't done my job, she'll put me on Dairy duty and I really don't get along with-"
I put my hand up and she fell silent. "What's your name?"
She starts fidgeting with her hands, "Myra, Your Highness."
I smile at her, hoping she doesn't think I'm going to do anything that would get her in trouble. "You and Edward can both escort me to dinner. Then, whilst you wait, you can take Edward around the grounds and look for some places you think I would like to go." I only say this so that they have something to do whilst I eat. Also, I can tell Myra is already nursing a budding crush on Edward; what harm could come from spending some alone time together?
Edward looks at me, confused, "I've already done a full check of the grounds, your- Tris. I don't need-" I look at him, trying to convey the need for him to shut up. Finally getting the message, he motions to me to walk ahead. Myra goes first, with her actually knowing how to get to the dining room. I start walking down the steps and can feel Edward behind me. "I know what you're doing, Tris."
I look back at him, smiling sweetly. "I don't know what you're on about." Without another word, I carry on walking down the stairs. I hear him laugh and our conversation ceases.
It only takes around five minutes to make it to an old looking set of double doors. Two guards are positioned outside of them. I shoo off Edward and Myra, promising them I'll let them know when I'm finished. They believe me, not knowing I'd have no way to contact them with a smashed phone. I can find my way back to my room by myself.
The guards open the doors for me and I walk through, already seeing that the whole family is already seated.
The table is long, with a large amount of space between each seat. The King and Queen are at both ends and the boys spaced out between them. I see an empty seat between Robert and Eric. The table is decorated exceptionally, candles and wine glasses and flowers filling the space, welcoming me forward.
The small amount of chatter ceases when they acknowledge my presence. Queen Evelyn stands and greets me at the door. "Thank you for joining us, Tris." She motions to the empty seat and I make my way over. Robert gives me a friendly smile when I sit down, Eric, on the other hand, ignores me. I brush it off, not too bothered about being the centre of attention. I look ahead and see that Four is seated in front of me. Peter is to his right and Al to the left. Four gives a small nod in greeting, then goes back to eating the bread on the table.
I pick up a roll shaped like a shell, with poppy seeds on the top. It smells delicious. I rip it open and take a bite. They're still warm. At home, we have bread, but nothing like this. Because of the cold weather, the bread can only rise with our generated heat. The rise in Athua could never match this.
"Never had bread before?" I hear Four say. I stare blankly at him, unable to understand his need to comment on everything I do.
I place the roll down. "No, actually. Due to the climate all we can eat are frozen foods- we don't even have ovens! They'd obviously seize up because of the freezing temperatures." I smile sweetly at him, and Robert chuckles next to me.
Four rolls his eyes, a twinkle appearing in them, "You know, I could almost believe that. I bet you all have to huddle in one room as well when you sleep and take turns to poke the fire-"
Evelyn interrupts, "That's enough, Four. This isn't dinner conversation." She looks pointedly at him, waiting for a response. I see him nod at his mother, but when his head turns back, his smirk returns. I shake my head at him, tutting in disapproval. He shakes his head to himself as the staff start bringing in the food.
They serve some sort of game, with vegetables and roasted potatoes. The staff leave when everyone has been served and wine poured. The chatter begins, but I stay out of it, falling into my own head.
I'm mindlessly poking at the vegetables on my plate when I feel someone poke me on my waist. I look up and see everyone has gone quiet again. "Did I miss something?"
I see the King give me a sympathetic look before speaking, "I was just asking how your day has been going. I expect you're a bit overwhelmed."
I start to nod, overwhelmed is definitely one word for it. "I'm doing okay, thanks for asking. Um, I haven't really done much today, just hung around the room with Christina." He nods his head, looking overly interested.
"How do you like the room?" The Queen asks, seeming genuinely interested.
"It's great," I answered truthfully. "I've never seen anything so wonderful."
She smiles fondly, "It was hard for me to leave the place, it's magical, isn't it?" I agree, thinking about the tower.
"Seems a bit exposed, to me." Peter suddenly says. I arch my brows, hearing the bitterness that comes with his words.
Queen Evelyn ignores the tone, "You would think that, but the glass is mirrored, so you can't see in from the outside."
"Is that jealousy I hear, Peter?" Four asks, pushing at Peter's shoulder playfully. Peter looks ready to retaliate, but Four continues, "Is just that Peter once tried to trade his baseball cards with Nita when he was 9 to have that room. No one told him it was an unobtainable feat. "
"Ahhh." I say, "Makes sense." Peter's hand grips his fork tighter, looking as if he's just holding back the urge to stab Four with it.
Four looks back over at him with an easy smile. "It's just fun, Peter, please put the fork down." Peter doesn't look like he finds the playful taunting very funny. He quickly stands, leaving the room. The door slams behind him. It's hard enough to make the glasses vibrate. Looking back over to Four, a mixture of amusement and shock passes over his face. "So easily wound up." He ends up saying under his breath.
Queen Evelyn and King Marcus look at him disapprovingly. Robert next to me looks as if he's barely holding in a smile. Eric seems bored and Al uncomfortable.
Ignoring what just went down, King Marcus turns to me, "So, Tris. Tomorrow you will begin your tour of the factions. I know it seems to have been sprung upon you, but it is customary for the tour to begin the day after the return home."
My hopes for a gentle introduction diminish with his words. It would have been nice to get my bearings of the castle, my new home, before being paraded around the country like a new toy.
"I understand." I reply, knowing royal duties are non negotiable.
I sit in silence for the rest of the meal. Desert gets brought out, but my appetite has vanished. I excuse myself when everyone is finished, hoping to just go to my room and mope around for the rest of the night.
As I make my way down the hall, a door opens on my right. A man of average height walks out, locking the door behind him. He looks to be in his mid to late 30's, with dark brown hair styled impeccably. He looks oddly familiar and I have to think for a moment before I'm able to place why. I think he was one of the advisors that met the King when we came to the Palace.
He turns towards me and starts to walk down the hall, trying to place his keys in his pocket. He looks up and stops dead in his tracts, his keys falling to the floor by my feet. I lean down to pick them up, offering them to him. "You dropped these." I internally scold myself, of course he knows he dropped his keys.
He seems frozen in place, the longer he's still, the more uncomfortable I get. "Are you alright?" I ask, hoping he starts acting normal again. He finally seems to snap out of his trance, but now looks more uncomfortable than I did moments ago. I gingerly hold out my palm with the set of keys on and see a key chain with a picture of a beautiful woman on it. I look up at him and smile, "Is this your wife? She's beautiful." And she is. Long brown hair, sparkling green eyes, a kind face. The keys are snatched out of my hand suddenly and are out of sight within seconds. My eyes shoot up in shock, my mouth falling slightly open. "Excuse me?" I say, not used to my kindness being reacted to so disrespectfully.
His eyes go wide and bows at the waist, an apology already out of his mouth. "I'm so sorry, Your Highness. I don't know what came over me." He seems shaken, and I'm not sure if it's from me seeing the picture of his wife or what he thinks will happen because of his reaction. I am slightly put off by his treatment, but I won't be bringing it any further, everyone has their bad days.
"I accept your apology, Sir. But I do expect respect when I have only given you the same."
He rightens himself, seeming slightly more at ease, but not completely. "I was just a bit shocked to see you out in the hallway by yourself, I'm about to make my way into the dining room to talk to you all about the itinerary for the next few days." I nod along, not believing one bit that that's the reason for his reaction. It definitely does not explain the key incident. I gesture for him to go on. "Right, yes, yes. Just let me-" He pulls out a piece of paper from the pocket inside his suit. "The tour is going to last 5 days. You'll be going to each faction, spending one day and one night. The morning after you will board the train to the next. You'll be going in a clockwise fashion, with Erudite being first. The Prince of that faction will meet you at the previous faction's station, going on the journey with you. It should give you some time to get to know each of the boys better."
"Okay." I say, "What time are me and Eric leaving tomorrow?" The thought of spending a train ride and then a whole day with Erudites Prince is already giving me a headache.
He flips over his sheet, "8:30am." He bows quickly, and moves past me, heading towards the dining room. He stops with some restraint and turns back. "There's a set of phone numbers on your desk in your room, call them if you have any questions or need help."
I'm about to say that my phone's broken, but he's already out of the hallway, the door shutting behind him loudly. I sigh, feeling drained. What an odd conversation.
...
I wake to a soft glow of light filtering through the room. My blinds, still tucked away, no help at all with helping me go back to sleep. Being both menataly and physically exhausted from my conversation with the King's advisor last night, I told Christina I was just going to go straight to bed, completely forgetting to close the blinds.
I look at the clock, seeing that it's 7 in the morning. I shut my eyes, trying to relax enough to fall back asleep, but my body is awake. There's no possibility of nodding back off. I can only blame myself, having gone to sleep at 8pm.
I roll out of the comfort of my new bed and make my way down the few stairs to the bathroom, deciding to just get ready for the day. It only takes me around 20 minutes to get showered and dressed. I decided not to dry my hair, knowing the sun will dry it in no time. I have on the long royal blue dress that was hanging off of my dressing room door. I wear it more for the people of Erudite than myself. It's pretty, but I wouldn't have chosen it.
I leave the dressing room behind, feeling for my broken phone in my pocket. I'm hoping I will bump into someone that can help me get it fixed. I know that I'll be in Erudite later today, but I can't see myself having any down time there. I make my way down the stairs, my focus set on going down to the beach at the south of the palace. It's been on the back of my mind since we got here.
The palace is quieter than I've seen it, I don't come across one person on my way through the maze of hallways. Tosken must be a late rising country.
I come to a set of doors and push them open. Before me is a large ballroom, empty apart from the impressive artwork hanging off the walls. I can imagine how impressive this room is when there's a ball in procession. I'm about to leave when I see that the rooms' doors, like the ones in my bedroom, are concealed to look like windows. I run across the floor, coming to the exit. I pause, remembering that they'll be locked due to the time of day. My enthusiasm plummets, but I can't resist and push the handle down anyway. I lose my balance slightly as the doors fall open with my weight. I catch myself before I hit the floor. I try to compose myself, smiling, thinking about how embarrassing that could have been. Lucky no one's out.
I walk to the edge of the stone balcony and look out. Curving through the vegetation are stone steps. They're not too steep, a gentle incline down to the beach. The water looks still, the wind yet to pick up. I go to the steps and make my way down. Every once in a while I come across a passage going somewhere unknown. I look into a couple, seeing a stone bench here and a fountain there. I can just about see a fish pond in one, but am too focused on getting to the sand to look any deeper. I try to remind myself that there's no need to rush anything, I live here now. The flowers and bushes seep onto the path slightly, the natural path of the plants kept intact. The steps start to become more unstable, with the sand rolling under my flimsy pumps.
I make it to the last step, coming around a tall bush. I step onto the sand finally and look out at the water. I'm expecting to see the sleeping sea, maybe a bird or two enjoying the quiet. Instead, the water is being jostled around by Four departing it.
Memories of yesterday flood back to me and I finally remember that Four wanted to meet me down here for a tour at sunrise. I groan, remembering that I was just going to ignore his suggestion and sleep until 8:20. Cursing myself, I make my way over, realising that he has spotted me. I decided that I'll just pretend that I didn't forget and I had always meant to meet him here.
I come to stand a metre or so in front of him, giving him a tight lipped smile. I feel slightly awkward, as he's only in his swim shorts. He picks up his towel and starts to dry himself off. "You're early." He says, looking me up and down. I resist doing the same and keep my eyes firmly on his face.
"I was awake so there was no point hanging around the room." He nods his head, reaching down for his t-shirt. As he bends I can see the muscles in his back contracting as he moves. I quickly avert my eyes as he turns around, his shirt finally covering the distraction.
The sun is just coming up, leaving a golden glow across the beach. Standing in front of the light does wonders for Four's already perfect features, which is only a bit annoying. He motions me down the beach, and I do as he wishes, it being too early to disagree. We walk in an uncomfortable silence, the sound of gulls circling the only noise. I look over to him and see his attention is focused straight ahead. "So," I begin, "is swimming a hobby of yours?" Small talk is not one of my strengths.
He looks over at me, "You could say that." Looking towards the sea, he asks, "You swim much?"
I think back to the incident on the boat, "A bit. More technique, less laps."
We come to the end of the sand, the beach turning into boulders. We make a right, following a small path up to the west side of the palace. The cobblestones are just big enough for the both of us to walk side by side. Our arms touch now and then and I try to pretend it doesn't happen. But once in a while I see Four look down at me, his expression unreadable.
We make it to the end of the path, coming to a bunch of stables. There's more than 20 bays, with a wide walkway down the middle. Horses poke their heads out here and there, clocking onto me and Four.
"They think they're getting fed." Four says, making his way up to a black horse. I follow him, reading the name on the stable door. Bess
"Is she yours?" I ask, seeing that she's the only black horse out of all them.
He nods, looking up at Bess, "Got her when I was 14. I wasn't one bit interested in horse riding. Thought it was a girl sport." I roll my eyes, and he starts backpedalling. "I obviously don't think that now. Me and my brothers all got one for our birthdays that year, but I'm probably the one who rides the most." He pauses, seeming to think hard about what he's going to say next. "It's nice to just get out of the castle, get out of Dauntless, and just be alone, pretend I don't have to worry about anything."
I can't help but stare at him in disbelief, unable to connect this fragile Four to the cocky, sure of himself one I've vaguely got to know.
He looks over at me, a pink sheen painting his cheeks, "What?"
"Nothing." I reply defensively, smiling to myself.
He looks at me, unconvinced. He pats Bess on her neck, then crosses the walkway, coming up to an empty stable.
He looks over to me, seeming slightly agitated, "You know, you're supposed to follow the tour guide."
I shoot my hands up defensively, mimicking him the day before. "Sorry. I didn't realise this was so formal." I make my way over to him, leaning next to the empty room. "Is that better?" I ask, hoping that I get under his skin at least a bit.
He ignores me, turning back to the stable. "This is Snow." I peek into the dark stable, confused. My confusion quickly dissipates when I see a nervous looking horse standing in the corner of the stable. They're very beautiful, with a fully white coat, kept in an impressively clean condition.
"He's new." Four begins, bringing my attention back to him. "He's only been here a few days, as he was supposed to be Nita's Choosing gift." I nod, it makes sense why the horse seems so nervous.
I put my hand in, palm facing upwards, hoping to lure him over. I see Four move besides me, then puts a carrot in my hand. I incline my head slightly at him, then turn my attention back to the timid creature.
Snow sniffs the air slightly, his focus finally turning to me. He moves with precision, stopping every foot step to re-check his surroundings. He finally made it to my hand, and I wait, holding my breath. His eyes show his indecision, but in the end, the carrot is too enticing. Deciding I'm not too much of a threat, he takes the carrot and eats out of my hand. I let out my breath, smiling at the animal. I've never been around horses before, Athua was too cold to keep any for riding.
Four leans in, and Snow reverses suddenly backwards, hitting the back of the wall.
I look at Four, unimpressed. He smiles shyly at me. "Guess I'll have to work on gaining his trust."
Turning back to the horse, I say, "So, what are you going to do with him? You know, now that Nita's not here?"
I see him looking at me from the corner of my eye. "He's yours."
I turn slowly, unsure if I heard him correctly. "Mine?"
He looks down at me, like I'm dumb. "Yes, yours. Snow is the Princess's gift, you are the Princess."
I ignore him dumbing down his explanation, unable to quell the excitement bubbling inside of me. The thought of a new challenge is overwhelming my emotions. Images of me riding Snow through the woods, across the beach. Getting up in the morning to get him used to human contact- it's something I never had in Athua, I never really had anything that was just mine- something I could be proud of.
Four's voice breaks me out of my thoughts. "He's still young, about 2 ½ years old. He's not been saddle trained yet, but the stable staff can help you out."
"Ah, I guess you're too important to teach me yourself."
He nods his head, "That's exactly right. I've got bigger and better things to do than hang around with you." His lips twitch.
I hum, feigning agreement. "Spending the rest of the week staring at your reflection?"
He nods again, "Can't get caught slacking."
I laugh at that, and his mouth finally breaks into a grin. His face completely shifts when he smiles, becoming undoubtedly even more handsome than before. His eyes shine, the skin around them creasing at the corners. I can tell it's a rare occasion, such candid laughter, and I suddenly feel lucky to be a part of it. I should slow down. He was annoying me just last night.
I push the intrusive thoughts away and realise Four's looking at me, expectantly.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't listening."
He doesn't seem surprised, "I guessed that." I look at him trying to seem apologetic. "I asked if you're looking forward to this week."
I turn back around, looking at Snow. "Not really."
I can feel his attention still on me. "It's Erudite first, isn't it?"
I nod. "It's not like I have anything against the faction, it's more just spending a whole day with Eric that's making me dread it."
Four's quiet for a few seconds. " He may come across as a bit cold, but he means no harm, he's always been like that."
I look at him, knowing he's not understanding what I'm trying to say. "It's hard to be excited about spending time with a person who has ignored my presence basically since the moment we met. At least Peter looks me in the eye when we exchange pleasantries."
He seems to understand. "Yeah, I guess I get where you're coming from. I don't spend much time with him, it's hard to get along with someone when the conversation is so one-sided."
"Does Eric not want to be King?" I ask genuinely. I know if someone had that type of ambition, they'd not be opposed to any type of actions to get their goal.
Four shrugs, not looking too interested. "He seemed to be more interested in being King when Nita was here. But she had her sights set elsewhere, so I just assumed the rest of the boys gave up trying."
I'm trying to understand his and Nita's relationship, and failing miserably. He doesn't talk about her with any malice or anger. But remembering their argument before the choosing, makes me confused.
"Do you miss her?" I ask, unsure if I want an honest answer.
He looks conflicted, and my stupid heart drops. I see him come to a conclusion and opens his mouth to answer-
My name is being called from behind me. I turned to see the same man from the hallway yesterday evening. He's hurrying towards me, looking slightly dishevelled.
He finally reaches us. Breathing heavier than usual. "Bea- Your Highness." I'm put off by the near use of my first name. He looks like he's fumbling for the right words to say.
I hear Four behind me, "Are you okay, Andrew?" His face falls for a second.
"Yes, I'm fine. It's just that it's 8:35 and the cars are waiting."
I look at Four, finding that he looks surprised, too. "Time flies when you're having fun." I say jokingly, playfully punching him in the shoulder. He rubs the area dramatically.
Andrew clears his throat. "I'm sorry to interrupt, Your Highness. But we really must get going."
Feeling sorry for the poor advisor, I start to walk towards the main entrance of the palace.
A thought abruptly enters my head and I stop in my tracks. Fishing in my skirt pocket, I pull out my phone. Rushing back to him quickly, I place it in his hand. Trying to ignore the skin to skin contact, I look up at him. Seeming a bit distracted, I clicked my fingers in front of his face.
"Hmm?"
"Do you think you could get one of the staff to find a person able to fix this? It's got all my stuff on so I really don't want a new one."
He looks down at his hand, nodding his head. "Sure."
I smile, one step closer to feeling like I haven't shut all my family out. "Just got to fix my necklace when I get back and I'll actually be able to breathe again." Not really meaning to say that out loud, my cheeks heat up. "Anyways," I digress, "I'll see you sometime this week."
Giving me his full attention at last, he grins. "Don't have too much fun in Erudite, you know how high they can get on all that knowledge."
"I can't promise that, Four. They can be very convincing." He smiled at that, making dumb butterflies fill my stomach. I give him a half hearted wave, and run back over to a stressed out Andrew. Smiling apologetically at him, I follow him back up the path to the Palace.