Its here, its finally here.

Guest Review: I know right, she cries so much. I'm glad you're excited for the wedding (continuation) Thanks for the Review!

BTW'S THIS CHAPTER IS SUPER LONG.

Chapter 21

"You have big feet for a girl." Newt said, handing me another pair of shoes.

I glared at him but took the shoes. Maybe these ones would fit.

They didn't.

With the help of Sonya, we had gone to Camille's atelier. It didn't surprise me the palace had its own personal dressmaker. Splurge, splurge, splurge. No wonder they taxed so high, they needed to fund their vanity.

Sonya sighed "Camille will have a fit."

I rolled my eyes "Why can't I just use one of my own?"

Newt and Sonya both looked at me with disapproval.

"You can't be seen with normal shoes on your wedding day," Sonya said "It would be atrocious."

I narrowed my eyes "Well none of these fit me. It will be more atrocious if we miss the entire wedding."

"Maybe if we can get one of your pairs, I can quickly stich some pearls or fabric on them."

"Wonderful Idea!"

This girl would be a great addition to my troupe of ladies. I just hoped her parents weren't idiots and denied her a great opportunity.

"I can go get them." Sonya said, curtsying before leaving the room.

Newt was examining the various bows that Camille had set up. The woman, surprisingly, had styled her room in a lavender color. No annoying pink, I had never minded the color until I stepped foot in this palace. Oh and red was also starting to get on my nerves.

"What's your favorite color Newt?" I asked, I'd grown extremely bored waiting for Sonya.

He turned slightly towards me "Green, Why?"

"I was just wondering." I said. He didn't look like a green guy, I was expecting blue or red.

"What's yours?" He asked, picking up a bow.

"I'm not sure. I vacillate in between purple and grey."

"I think you prefer purple. You wear it the most."

Great, we'd only been married a day and he already told me what my opinion was.

Too bad he wasn't wrong.

"Maybe I'll wear more grey. I'm sure Janson and your mother would just love that."

"Oh yes and I'll take up periwinkle pink. We'll be a dynamic duo."

I smiled at him but suppressed my laugh.

I needed to keep my distance.

I wasn't sure why, I just knew I had to.

"I think it would be advisable if we concentrated on the Deadland Tribe members together. Display a unified front. We also need to keep my Uncle away from them. I can't even fathom what he would say to them." Newt said, fully turning towards me, he leaned against the cabinet with the bows.

"Quite right. Your uncle will be unbearable today if he caught wind of the crowd, which he most likely did. We should start with the main family members; the diplomats serve no actual purpose, they're compulsory."

Newts eyes narrowed slightly, I saw inquisitiveness in them.

He considered his words carefully before he opened his mouth.

"You didn't go to finishing school did you?"

He knew I hadn't.

"No, too boring I guess. Mother wanted to teach me poisoning tactics and manipulation."

"That's not what I meant at all-"

"Its all right Newt. Its no secret my mother is less than ethical and I'm not a lady, at least not the ones you're used to. I can barely stitch but I know my politics very well."

The boy was daft. What did he think I did before my brother was born?

Perhaps he hadn't really thought about it. I barely thought about him a month ago. There was no reason to.

"And you do too. Or at least I hope so. It would be a pity if that fancy boarding school did nothing for you."

Despite my calm disposition, I was put off. I wasn't sure If it was at him or something else.

However, I wasn't going to take it out on him. I promised I would stop that.

Thankfully, Sonya walked in and I didn't have to deal with the obvious tension.

"I think these shoes will do, your grace. It will just be a little while to make them presentable."

"My, my, my consummating the marriage already?"

Minho was insufferable.

"No, we just had to take care of something, Minho. Why would you even ask such a thing?" I asked.

"Well, you guys went missing for quite a while. Janson wanted me to look for you but I didn't want to catch you in the throes of passion so I stayed here."

Newt shoved Minho slightly; it only made him cackle.

"Such prudes. You never have any fun." He said, sipping from his wine glass.

Wine? I expected champagne. If there wasn't any champagne today, this whole wedding would be an embarrassment. Even I was aware of that.

"Did anything interesting happen while we were gone?" I asked.

I had long held a theory that in balls, weddings, banquets, and soirees something always went wrong. No, not my shoe debacle. Some scandal would emerge, someone would fall from proper society, a relationship would be crushed. It always happened. I would bet my life on it. The way to avoid it happening to you was to stay away from the little bubbles of conversation that appeared at the edge of the dance space. That's where I'd noticed most of the damage happened.

"Besides the rumors that you two ran off to eat each others faces, No, nothing, at least not yet."

Minho smirked at me and I smiled back. He did have his redeemable qualities after all, maybe that's why Newt kept him around.

"I cant wait to see what will happen this time. Its always so entertaining."

"You know Roan, for all your indignant righteousness, I've noticed you do enjoy a good scandal."

I looked at Newt in shock, he was sipping from a wine glass to hide his own smirk.

Had he just made a dig at me?

"We all have to have fun somehow," I said "Don't be such a prude Newt."

Minho laughed and Newt stared at me, amused with my provocation.

"I have an idea!" Minho said rather loudly "Lets make a bet."

Newt groaned "Absolutely not."

Despite my better judgement, I relented. "What type of bet?"

"Roan, have you not learned your lesson?"

I waved Newt off.

"Lets hear it Minho."

I was eager to beat Minho. I needed to regain my honor.

Minho smirked "Well its simple, you have to guess what type of scandal will hit the newspapers tomorrow."

"Minho that is ridiculous. Besides, Roan doesn't have time for this. We have diplomacy to execute."

"How about this, it's a long party with many guests. We have this hour to gain intelligence. There will be three rounds, each round incrementing in points, From now till dinner, dinner which is always the most exciting part of the night, and then from dinner to…" I stopped, I didn't want to bring up what happened two hours after dinner.

"From dinner to your wedding night," Minho continued, smirking, "The first round is worth 5 points, dinner is worth 15 points, and the last round is 10 points. Winner gets to choose the punishment, nothing scandalous or disreputable. Deal?"

I looked at Minho's outstretched hand, this obviously was a mistake, but I wanted to win more than I wanted to be reasonable. No pain, no gain.

"Roan you shouldn't do this." I heard Newt, urging me to reject Miho. Sadly, I was too invested, I was picturing my sweet revenge.

"Deal." I said, taking his hand to shake it. Minho didn't squeeze my hand too hard but my hand was still tender from the cut. I suppressed any physical signs but I definitely felt the pain

Newt shook his head "Completely insufferable, the both of you."

I let go of Minho's hand and turned towards him.

"We have Deadland members to talk to Newt. Lead the way." I said, outstretching my elbow.

Newt took my elbow and looked disapprovingly at the both Minho and I.

"This is only going to end badly for the both of you." He said, pulling me away from a giddy Minho.

I patted his arm with my free hand "Nothing scandalous or disreputable."

"What happens if there's a tie?" Newt asked, turning his head to look at me.

I faced him and said "There isn't going to be a tie because I'm going to win."

Newt rolled his eyes. "Where should we start?"

I scanned the ball room. The place had windows all the way to the roof, the wooden panes were painted gold. The windows only took up the southern wall, they gave a panorama into the gardens. It wasn't a pretty sight, it hadn't snowed and everything was dead, the sunlight helped but not by much. The other three walls were white with ornate gold squares on the bottom that were painted grey and then a space of white with the outline of a golden rectangle, the inside was also painted grey. The top of the 20 feet walls had the Brittannican Insignia painted in gold. The roof was full of baroque patterns and square panels full of golden and royal blue swirls. The biggest Chandelier hung in the middle of the room, a hundred candles all dangling alongside long triangular pieces of glass. There were smaller chandeliers every ten feet. The edge of the ballroom had long tables with white tablecloths, they were full off desserts and pastries, I felt relief when I saw the flutes of champagne all lined up and eager to try a cream puff.

"Perhaps we should greet my Mothers clansmen. The Moidecii Fortune basically funds all of my Mothers extravagances." I said, turning to face my relatives.

Despite my general trepidation towards Newt I had come to learn that when it came to these situations it always helped to have a friend. A trained friend was always better.

I hadn't seen the Moidecci in five years, they were my parents replacements. Mother couldn't come because of her pregnancy and Father would never come to Britannicca alone. He was hopeless when it came to mingling. I limped from the same limb. I struggled with the snare, the common ground I could handle but not the snare.

Thankfully, Newt had impeccable charm. It didn't work on me, I could obviously see past it but he was pretty good. The sincere act he put on really won over most.

They saw us coming and whispered together before adjusting their masks; all wide smiles and twinkling eyes.

The same mask Mother wore.

Aunt Giovana curtsied while Uncle Prieto bowed. They were twins, equally devious. Mother hated them, being cousins they had battled for the inheritance until Mother was bethrothed to a Crown Prince, a fact she never let them forget. In reality they were my first cousins once removed but it was easier to call them Aunt and Uncle.

The entire family shared dark, raven, hair. However, thanks to father I didn't get the familial stoutness.

"Marqui Moidecci, Marquise. It's a pleasure to have you representing Princess Roans family." Newt started the conversation, his voice wavered at first but by the end of his greeting he was in control of himself.

My Aunt smiled and fluttered her fan, I didn't miss the flirtatious flick of her wrist. Downward swipes were always meant for silent invitations. I wasn't good at watching how my wrist flicked so I avoided fans. However, I knew the language. Newt new it too, I didn't doubt it. When her fan hit her chest, I lightly nudged Newt and made a mental space to ask him if he was interested in the indecent advances of a woman twenty years older than him. When I felt slight pressure on my ribs, I knew he received the messages.

"Oh we knew we just had to come. My darling cousin is heavily pregnant and we didn't want to leave or darling niece all alone on her wedding day." Uncle Pietro spoke first. He was balding but some hair still formed a horse shoe around his head.

"I gravely appreciate Uncle. If you weren't so far away, I'd visit more often." I offered a smile. One they knew was fake.

'Well now that you live here, you'll be closer. You can visit more. Your grandmother would love to see you, she's so proud that you've snatched such a great catch." Aunt Giovana said, casting a long and lingering look towards Newt. I was growing annoyed by her libido. Yes Newt was handsome but this woman was not only married and a mother, she was also twice his age. Besides, by law she couldn't have anything to do with Newt now that he was married to me.

Newt decided to take advantage of the situation.

"Oh I would love to meet the rest of Roans family. I hear the Moidecci plantation is beautiful, just like their women."

My Aunt wallowed under Newts words. Her fan sent him all sort of messages. If I hadn't been so put off by her behavior, I would have found it amusing.

Uncle Pietro took the conversation a different direction "Indeed. Lovely Roan will make wonderful children. A boy first of course, but Moidecci girls are always pleasing to the eyes."

I had to keep myself from scowling. I was sick of hearing about my future children.

Aunt Giovana saw an opportunity arise for her "But dear Pietro don't forget how handsome the Isaac men are. Their children will be just dashing."

"You are too kind, dear Marquise." Newt said, lowering his head and sending her a small smile.

The red fan went frantic with flutters.

Their flirting was making me nauseous.

"Do you plan to visit our corner of the world on your honeymoon?" Aunt Giovana asked.

I looked at Newt, I hadn't given much thought to the honeymoon, those notions went the same way the wedding night did. Out the door and into the trash.

"We do indeed. Roan has expressed an interest on visiting the tribes."

Aunt Giovana glowed with happiness.

"But you will go to Bohemia, right? The City of Love is in Bohemia." Uncle Pietro asked, his eyebrows were furrowed.

Newt nodded "It would be ludicrous to miss it. Parsille is one of our definite destinations."

I had never been to Bohemia, Mother thought their etiquette too advanced for me and kept me back in order not to embarrass the crown. Excitement grew in my stomach, eagerness exploding, it was quickly squashed when Aunt Giovana touched Newts arm.

"You'll love it. A couple can find all sorts of excitement in Parsille." Her eyes were hooded under her eyelids, her chin tucked in. A basic flirting tactic.

"I'm quite sure. How I would love to spend more time with you but we must at least acknowledge some of our other guests. Wouldn't want to seem rude. We will most definitely bid you good night. Couldn't let you leave without a proper send off. What type of niece would I be?"

With that I tugged Newt away. I needed a cream puff.

"No wonder mother hates her." I said, once I was in front a good plate of cream puffs.

I could feel Newts gaze digging in to me. I turned to face him as I bit down on the delicious cream puff.

He was smirking "You know Roan, If I didn't know any better, I'd almost say you were jealous of your Aunt."

I narrowed my eyes and chewed the cream puff slowly.

When I was finished, I responded "I was not jealous. I was worried she'd soil the family name by throwing herself at you."

Newts smirk didn't disappear. "Really? I thought we were supposed to foment good relations with tribe members. Flirting with your Aunt seemed to be in order with the plan. However, if it makes you jealous I'll stop"

He was getting bold. I preferred the depressed Newt from earlier this morning.

"I wasn't jealous. There is no reason for me to be but if you want to trapeze with a woman half your age who am I to stop you?"

"My wife, Roan.'

I felt the blush spread all over my face. The scarlet coloring taking over my face.

"I told you I wasn't going to stop you from seeing others." I said, regaining my voice but not my original complexion.

"Easier said than done, darling. Now come along, we have diplomatic ties to forge."

And I thought Minho was annoying.

I wouldn't be able to remember how many women Newt charmed or how many balding men I smiled at. It wasn't in my nature to do so but after Newt greeted them I coaxed them into easy conversations. Generally, the conversation flowed between all the parties but towards dinner time I let Newt do all the talking. I was growing light headed, this corset was going to kill me. I would have already perished if the eighteen inches had persisted.

When the dinner gong was hit, a sigh of relief escaped me.

The royal family would eat together, my relatives would be there also, some special guests would grace the table. I had no idea what Anotnietta had planned for the other 380 guests. I was sure something was in order but my head had started to throb and I didn't care.

I was impatient during the toasts. There was one from Uncle Pietro, the regent, and the woman from the ceremony. I didn't register anything. My mind was buzzing and all I could do was stare at the roasted pig in the middle of the table.

It wasn't until I had gotten through a third of my plate that my head stopped buzzing. Sound rushed back in my ears and my annoyance soared to heights never experienced by the human body.

I glanced at Newt, he looked chirpy, but then again he wasn't being constricted by iron stays.

I felt a biting remark snarl at the back of my throat. I used wine to wash it down. The tightness had loosened around my head but I knew it would return. I couldn't eat much due to the corset and the food deprivation was going to make me unbearable, I just knew it.

I couldn't pinch my hand, it was already damaged enough, I couldn't snap at people, I was trying to be nicer. Regardless, I needed a release and I needed it fast.

All our hard work would be destroyed if I couldn't control myself. All the smiles, attention, and compliments Newt and I had handed out would all be wasted if I snapped at someone. I wish I could just pay people to be allies and not side with Hiberia, that would be much easier. A good tariff deduction in the tribes favor would work much better than the diplomacy Newt and I were dealing.

I decided to voice my thoughts to Newt.

He gave me soft smile and placed his hand on my mine.

"It will all be over soon Roan, a few more hours and were done. Just hang in there."

His actions would have been almost comforting if a chill hadn't gone up my spine.

I smiled weakly at Newt and returned to looking at my plate. Eager to break the contact. The premise of the next few hours made me lose my appetite.

All my hard work would definitely come undone. The walls seem to inch forward, ready to devour me, the stays of my corset pressed tighter in to my ribcage. I could have handled the pressure if it wasn't for the heat that had started behind my eyes.

I blinked rapidly and sipped from the wine. My reverie was slipping, I looked around the room, eager for a distraction. I had gone a good bit without crying and I wasn't going to ruin my record, especially not in front of all these people.

The forces however were with me that day. A timely distraction arouse in the shape of Georgios the regent.

If he had been drunk it would have made sense but he wasn't. I hadn't seen him all day, thankfully. I hadn't seen anyone I knew all day.

His laughter carried over the entire table. I had mostly ignored it until he turned his attention to Newt.

"Oh my nephew! After tonight no more virgin! My brother would be so proud!"

The Regent's revenge was subpar to his usual behavior.

The table went deadly silent. I glanced at Newt, a scarlet blush had started to creep up his face.

Antonietta cleared her throat and tried to move the conversation along.

"The weather today was-"

"Sshh woman I want to say something to my nephew." The regent stood on sturdy feet, he held out his goblet "Newt, today you become a man! The world as you know it will never be the same after this night. A plethora of possibilities will be open to you. There is nothing more comforting or as sweet as the warmth of a woman-"

Newt stood abruptly. "If you all would please, join us in the ballroom, I believe some dancing is in order."

Newt gave me his hand and I took it. He escorted me out of the dining room and disposed me next to Thomas once we arrived back at the ball room but disappeared after that.

I hadn't spoken to my cousin all day and I was more than grateful. I had no need for forced pleasantries.

"This is the longest day of my life. It never ends. There is always someone that needs a greeting or attention. I just want to sleep."

Thomas patted my back. "Soon, Roan, Soon."

"Have you seen Teresa?" I asked, looking around the ballroom for her.

Thomas stiffened beside "No. Why would I know?"

I looked at him, he was acting defensive, not that I cared. I was too tired to care.

"I haven't seen her all day. Poor lass must be all alone in a corner. Help me find her."

I tugged Thomas along, we went from corner to corner but didn't find her. I went to side rooms of the ball room where card games were played but she wasn't in any of the tables. Our trajectory was heavily interrupted, the abundat guest list all wanted to congratulate me.

I'd grown worried after an hour of no luck. Where could she be? I found a footman and stopped him.

"I need you to find my lady, Teresa, tell her I need to see her immediately."

The footman bowed and scampered off.

"Where do you think she might be?" I asked, looking at Thomas. The last thing this day needed was a disappearance. My nerves would not be able to handle that.

He pursed his lips "She was at the ceremony but I haven't seen her since then."

"You don't think something happened to her?" I asked.

Thomas was about to answer when I felt a hand on my arm. I turned to see Newt.

"We need to dance at least once Roan. My mother will have a fit if we don't." Newt said, moving his head in the direction of the dancing couples.

"Try and find Teresa, Thomas, please." I said, letting Newt lead me away.

It wasn't that I couldn't dance but dancing with new partners for the first time had always unsettled me. Dancing with Newt was most unsettling, close contact with Newt was also most unsettling.

Newt had timed his interruption accordingly, the small orchestra was prepping for a new song when we reached the edge of the dance floor.

The dancers carved a path for Newt and I; they obnoxiously allowed a space in the middle. They thought it proper, being our wedding and all. It was unnecessary.

Once we reached the middle, Newt bowed and I curtsied. He held out his hand once he straightened out. I took it, I didn't have gloves on. That would cost me some social points.

"You need to step closer Roan." Newt whispered. I could feel the eyes of everyone, the orchestra was taking its sweet time rustling through their music sheets.

With a good ounce of hesitation, I stepped forward and Newt placed a hand on my waist just as the orchestra began its song. I let out a sigh of relief, the eyes of the dancers around us would now be distracted.

I felt Newt's hand apply pressure on my waist. I'd nearly forgotten I was supposed to move. I always danced better when I wasn't thinking about it.

"Have you seen Teresa? I have no idea where she's gone." I said, hoping that the conversation would distract me from my movements.

"She's busy doing some wedding business. Its part of her duties as your lady in wedding." Newt answered, he was talking to my forehead.

"Why?" I asked, I had to turn in a circle before I faced Newt again.

"Lets not talk about that right now. I'm confident you don't really want the answer."

I frowned and fought the urge to step on his feet. I didn't like being told what I liked or rather, what I didn't like.

"Well how would you know? You haven't told me." I said, proud at my diplomatic response.

"Trust me in this Roan. If you don't trust me in anything else trust me in this." Newt answered, spinning me once more. He hadn't needed to, I think he just wanted to break the tenuous eye contact that had ensued.

"All you've done is make me even more curious," I knew I would mess up the steps if I didn't urge the conversation on "I'm sick of this corset. My entire torso aches."

"You'll be out of it soon, only half an hour is left."

I highly doubted Newt thought his words through. It gravely severed our dancing, I tripped over my own feet and Newt stumbled over himself. We would have otherwise fallen but I caught myself and stabilized Newt.

It took a while for us to regain the formation.

I couldn't help but giggle. We were both blushing from the embarrassment. It was easier to laugh about the situation then to sulk. Newt joined in my gaiety, the rest of the dance went by smoothly, albeit it was full of giggling.

We danced three more songs before we were interrupted.

"I would like to claim a dance with your wife, if you don't mind that is." James stood behind me an eager smile on his face. I nearly jumped from joy

"He won't mind," I said, I was about to curtsey and ditch Newt when I realized that would be violate my promise, "Well I at least I hope so?"

I turned to Newt, he was smiling slightly.

"Go ahead, besides I promised my sister I'd dance with her."

"Thank You, your highness." James said.

Smiling, I curtseyed at Newt before turning towards James; I curtsied again and took his hand for the next dance.

"You've been quite the social butterfly today, I'm offended you made no effort to say hello to me." James said, turning his head away, feigning his displeasure.

"I had to make the rounds before I got to my favorite people." I said, peeking past James shoulder. I wanted to make sure Newt wasn't stranded. He had started dancing with his sister and I felt better for leaving him. I'd see Newt for the rest of my life but James didn't come around every other day.

"I guess I'll forgive you but only because its your wedding day."

I rolled my eyes "Its not that special of a day. Its just an excuse for a big party."

"Not special! Roan after today your whole life will be different. For starters, you have literally been bound to the person who you will share the rest of your life," James started to smirk "Oh and weddings, especially royal weddings, those always make me giggly."

I narrowed my eyes "Why?"

I wasn't sure if I wanted the answer.

"Well after tonight, in the words of your now uncle, no more virgin."

I stomped on James foot, a scarlet haze taking over face.

"My bad." I said, before spinning.

James glared at me "I don't know if I want to even give you your wedding gift after that."

I smiled and shrugged.

"If I were you, I would be excited. The crown prince is more than scrumptious to say the least. Look at the silver linings Roan."

"Do you want to be stepped on again?" I asked, raising my eyebrows.

"I'm only trying to help Roan. You shouldn't be scared, it will only make it worse."

I frowned "But I've been told…its just that… James," I lowered my voice "I'm supposed to bleed, shouldn't that indicate trepidation?"

"It won't be much, just a little bit and it only hurts for a little while"

"But there will all sorts of people there."

James shook his head. "Only two and they won't stay for the whole thing."

"Why are you trying to minimize my martyrdom?"

"Roan, I know you're scared, I'm only trying to help."

"Well then you'll distract me and catch me up on todays gossip. I have a bet to win."

James sighed but complied, by our second dance I was caught up with all the interesting happenings of the day.

We didn't get to dance any longer, we'd run out of time.

The gong was hit.

That stupid gong

My body froze, shards of ice pricked my skin.

I felt Thomas grab my arm lightly. I jumped; I hadn't realized he had come up beside me.

"Don't worry, we have a plan." He said.

I stared at him in confusion. I would have pried further but Aunt Giovana and Uncle Pietro had arrived to whisk me off.

I glanced back at Thomas and James while my Aunt and Uncle led me away.

Thomas gave me a reassuring nod before turning away and heading off.

Aunt Giovana had grabbed onto my elbow and lightly pulled me along when we had been near prying eyes.

Once we were in the dark and twisting hallways, her grip turned harsher.

She kept a smile on her face but the vileness she exuded came out from her pores.

"Listen girl, your mother sent us a letter. She is worried you'll disgrace us," She stopped so she could turn and look at me "All you have to do is lay there. Its simple. Don't fight it, its going to happen whether you like or not."

She resumed her pulling. I had promised myself I wouldn't cry, so despite the gash on my hand I dug my nails into my palm.

The pain that shot through my arm was enough to distract me from the stinging in my eyes.

There were at least ten chairs placed outside one of the doors in the wide hallway we had turned in to. Antonietta, Rosemary, Georgios, and Newt were all there. Janson and the woman from the ceremony were also there. I hadn't seen Janson all day either. The redeeming moment of the night was when Agnes and Teresa appeared together. Good that, no abductions so far.

Agnes led me away and into the room.

The nausea overtaking me was going to make me puke all over the place. That would really disappoint Aunt Giovana.

I'd come to learn, later that night, that this was Newts room. There was a screen near the door, that's where Agnes and Teresa took me.

"All right, your grace. I need you to be very still." Agnes said, her voice soft.

I nodded and closed my eyes.

Teresa started to pull all the pins that held my hair together. The headache that had been building throughout the day began to dissipate.

I was surprised when Agnes unbuttoned my dress but I wasn't going to urge her to follow protocol.

When she untied the corset, I had to heave in air. The pressure points that had worn me down throughout the day began to dissolve.

I would have relaxed had Agnes not striped me completely. A thin screen was the only thing that kept my nudity from the public eye.

Teresa and Agnes both started to lather my body with oils on small round brushes. I put one of my index fingers on the side of my head and the other finger on the opposite side. It was to keep me from screaming. When they were finished, Agnes tied a garter that replaced the one I scuffed up and Teresa helped me in to a new nightgown.

I opened my eyes when Agnes proclaimed me finished.

"I want a pillow and I want to scream in it."

Agnes rubbed my back "It will be over before you know it.'

I doubted it, I gravely doubted it but I didn't want to give Agnes lip, she was being kind.

I needed to buck up. I needed to be brave but above all I would not cry. I couldn't cry.

I took deep breaths and gripped my forearms.

"All right lets get this over with."

I stepped out from behind the screen. I was fueled on anger and indignation. That combination always got me through particularly long days.

To better my situation, I decided to ignore the chatter of the people on the outside of the room. I concentrated my attention on the desk that had been added a few inches from the door. There were some important looking files on it. I would have to sign them after the fact. The terrible, awful fact.

I'd been so focused on distracting myself and reading the parchments, I nearly jumped out of my skin when someone put a hand on my back.

"Roan you need to be in the middle of the room." It was Minho.

I was more than surprised to see him but I didn't feel like talking. His rank wasn't high enough for him to be here, well at least not yet, Newt couldn't promote him until he was king.

Newt was in the middle of the room and the urge to puke came back again.

With slow steps and deep breaths, I joined him.

Newt gave me a reassuring smile but he looked nervous. As he should.

The people on out in the hallway silenced and found their seats.

What happen next, made all the pieces fall in to place and I finally relaxed.

Minho and Thomas pulled their chairs out and sat behind the desk with the documents on them.

That's what Thomas meant when he said he had a plan.

Minho lifted his hand, the signal to proceed. A smirk ever present.

"I'm sorry." Newt whispered, before taking a deep breath.

I gasped when I felt Newt reach inside my nightgown to untie the new garter. His fingers were slick with sweat. He untied the ribbon and retreated, he put it on the table with the documents.

After that, Teresa and Agnes left the room, shutting the door behind them.

I took a deep breath of relief.

With care, Thomas and Minho shuffled out of their chairs. Making sure not to scrape their chairs against the floor.

Minho put a finger against his mouth and the three boys got to work.

They pulled the covers of the bed and ruffled some sheets. After that, Minho took out a knife from the inside of his coat pocket, Thomas let the knife dig into his hand. A small circle of blood stained one of the sheets.

All of it was done in silence. Thomas and Minho needed to leave soon if it wanted they wanted to follow protocol and make this hoax as believable as possible.

Before they left, I rushed to Thomas and gave him the biggest hug I had ever given anyone. He patted my back and he and Minho signed some documents before slipping out.

Leaving Newt and I all alone.

We couldn't talk to each other. I took a deep breath and pinched my nose; all I wanted to do was sleep.

Newt went to the bed and lifted up the stained sheet. Then he put it on one of the chairs near the document table.

We waited around four more minutes before opening the door, the people outside clapped. Georgios, Antonietta, Janson, and Pietro all entered.

Georgios congratulated Newt and patted him on the back.

Janson was examining the stained bed sheet. I could feel him giving me glances but I concentrated on singing the five different documents placed before me. Janson came up beside me to sign underneath my name.

"I'll send the sheet back to Suecia with an official so nothing happens to it and your virginity prior to this isn't questioned. You know, what I find interesting is that there is no blood on these documents. Thomas has a paper cut."

He knew, he always bloody knew.

"Oh really? Those sting an awful lot, It's a good thing no blood got on these documents. They'd need to be drawn up again. It'd be such a hassle, considering everyone has already signed them."

Janson and I stared off, his displeasure radiating from his gaze.

"All right, we've interrupted enough let them return to their nuptials and the celebration is still going on downstairs. If you would all please…" Antonietta smiled kindly and motioned for the doors. She waited for everyone to leave, even for the footmen to remove the table and for the notaries to take the documents and seal them.

She turned towards Newt and kissed his forehead "Sleep tight, my sweet boy."

Antonietta gave me an unimpressed look and then left.

"Very clever, your highness. Perhaps you deserve more credit then you are given." I said, folding my arms.

Newt shook his head "It was my idea but Thomas and Minho took the real risks and did all the work."

"Regardless, I would like to Thank you."

Newt stopped blowing out the candles in his room and turned to look at me.

"Your welcome." He said, smiling softly.

I smiled back "What happens now?"

Newt shrugged "You can sleep or read. There's not much to do at this point."

I was exhausted. I looked at the bed, all the covers were still messed up.

"On the bed?" I asked, feeling stupid after saying it.

Newt had his back to me, he was fiddling through his drawers.

"I don't mind sharing if you don't."

I looked around the room, there was no other option and my eyes had started to twitch.

I might as well get used to it, sharing a bed with Newt was the prognostic for the rest of my life. I was too tired to fight it.

I straightened the covers that had been mussed up, fluffed the pillow I was going to use, and then got under the covers.

I felt ridiculous.

It wasn't until Newt had completely blown out all the candles that I didn't feel so silly.

My breath caught in my throat when he joined me in bed.

"I know this is awkward but let's just try to settle in," Newt said "Its been a bloody long day."

I smirked "I thought golden princes didn't say bad words."

"Don't be cheeky. I can say anything I want."

I rolled my eyes "Sure, if it helps you sleep at night."

"I can curse." Newt said, shifting in the bed.

"You have the physical ability to do it. Not sure if you'll do it."

"I just did it." Newt pointed out.

"In privacy, what about in public?"

"No proper prince would curse in public."

"Thank you for proving my point."

Newt scoffed "This isn't over, if my eyes weren't shutting by themselves, I would fight this."

"Excuses but I'll relent. Good Night, Newt."

"Good Night, Roan."

Talk about a doozy. This chapter is like 7,000 words, Oh my gur. I just wanted to crank this baby out, so I just pushed it instead of breaking it in to pieces. I reckoned it would be more frustrating to post three chapters for y'all. So I just kept going.

Hope you enjoyed it!

Critiques or Advice are always appreciated!