After a million years!

Chapter 30

I bit my lip as I watched the scene before me. This was not good at all, the royal family and what looked like some parliament officials had gathered in the throne room. On the left side of the room, five men were on their knees; their clothes were haggard and dirty. Their hair matted around their faces from sweat and rain. Some of them had bleeding welts or eyes that were starting to swell.

And they did not look like cranks.

I gave Newt a side-eye.

A set of three guards stood behind them. Their hands were on the swords, ready for any sudden movement made by the battered captives.

Antonietta sat on the queen's throne, my future throne, while a muddy and shoeless Georgios paced back and forth. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword. Of course, the only heir and the current regent, had joined the battle. How prudent.

There were many hushed conversations. I couldn't hear many of them in my spot next to Newt. It seemed that no one wanted to speak the situation in to existence.

However another distraction quickly broke the quiet veil of tension in the room.

It happened so quick I almost missed it.

Georgios wiped sweat from his face and charged at one of the captives. He moved with such purpose and quickness it was inevitable when he ran a sword through the captive

I had never heard the sound of someone dying by a sword but it was a very distinct gurgling sound as the man chocked on his own blood.

I didn't realize I had shrieked until I noticed my hand had come up to cover my mouth.

The man collapsed when Georgios pulled out his sword. The dying body crumpled to the floor and a slow puddle of dark crimson blood started to spread over the grey marble floor.

I heard Antonietta let out a loud sigh.

"Again with the dramatics Georgios." She put her hand over her forehead in a patient but condescending frustration.

Georgios wiped his sword on the wet coat of the dead man and sheathed it.

"My work here is done," He began walking out of the room when he stopped in front of us "If I were you two, I'd watch my back, the vultures play when the swords away."

Antonietta scoffed at his words and stood from the throne. As she started to leave the room, she doled out her orders.

"Guards get rid of that body. Take the others to dungeons and find out why they disguised themselves as cranks. Counselor Silva please draw up a statement declaring simple thieves and deviants stirring up false alarms," Antonietta brought her attention to Newt and I "You two will make public appearance for the court explaining the false alarm, show fortitude and control."

I left the throne room with a bad taste in my mouth, the thought of vultures and dead men at the forefront of my attention.

I was slouched on the settee while Newt went over the statement we were supposed to read to the court.

"…In light of these events, the crown would like to invite you all to a small soiree on the eve of the coronation to brighten and uplift spirits. Our brave guards and regent have eradicated the threat of these unscrupulous deviants and thieves who impersonated a dangerous threat. We understand this was a nuisance and would like to compensate the grievance with the night's festivities…"

Newt threw the parchment on the table.

"Something is not right. Men dressed as cranks lurking outside the city gates, only five survivors. The battle was over so quick…I.."

Newt furrowed his brow and pursed his lips.

"What do you mean?" I asked, my already burgeoning curiosity made me sit up and lean forward.

Newt looked at his hands while he fiddled with a trinket from the table.

"Well after the alarm was called…the majority of commoners were rushing into their homes and we reached the edge of the city fairly quickly. There were around twenty men but instead of going through the city gates…they just stood there…and it was 20 men…it doesn't make sense."

I racked my brain for an explanation.

"They seemed surprised to see us there…and… they looked so familiar."

I couldn't help but bite the side of my cheek. An impending anxiety starting to make its way though my body.

"Newt…I fear…things…something is not right. My false assassin, the man who attacked Teresa, and now this. Its too many things. I fear your uncle is right. We will need more then just good diplomacy and soirees."

Newt looked at me "How did you know your assassination attempt was fake?"
"I…uhhh…well."

Newt sighed and stood slowly "It does not matter. We better get this read while the nobles are still gathered in the main hall."

I followed Newt out the door. His disposition was downcast and forlorn as we walked through the palace.

It frustrated me seeing him that way.

I reached for his forearm "Oh Newt…don't look that way. We will figure this out."

Newt couldn't meet my eyes, he faced away. "Those men…what if they were innocent, Roan?"

I took a deep breath and reached for his hand, squeezing it. "Then we will make justice. If they were framed, we will find who is behind this and make sure they pay for what they caused. It is not your fault."

Newt sighed. "I would like to go riding after the announcement. Clear our minds of this."

"Of course, the fresh air will help clear our heads."

I hooked my elbow through Newts. I wanted to show him support.

I couldn't imagine what Newt must have been feeling.

Mother had always told me that as royals, we held power over the lives of others and that, that power also gave us the responsibility to protect them. I could tell Newt shared the sentiment.

"You know, I think we should retire early tonight. Get some rest. The coronation is tomorrow. We will need to rest." I said, as we neared the doors of the main hall.

"I think we've had a couple of rather exhausting days. Maybe a nice warm bath would be nice too". Newt answered, a smile was slightly returning to his dejected face.

"Oh and some warm tea. We can sit by the fire and do some light reading."

Newt nodded his head and padded the hand that was hooked through his.

"Lets hope we can keep the court intrigue at bay for at least a night."

The valets placed outside of the main hall opened the wide doors for us and the crowd of courtiers piped their animated conversations to hushed whispering.

Newt faked a warm and inviting smile. He was so good at that.

I tried my best to not seem annoyed.

While Newt explained the fake cranks, I scanned the crowd.

I saw some Auriabians sprinkled amongst the heavy crowd of Britannicans. The room was fuller than usual. Antonietta had invited more nobles and other foreign dignitaries for the coronation.

My heart stopped when I spotted Aunt Giovanna and Uncle Prieto.

Bloody Hell.

Of course, mother would send her spies for the coronation.

Newt noticed me tense up and he gave me a side glance.

I remembered to attempt a smile at the crowd.

They were going to ask about an heir. I just knew it. Why was everyone so bloody preoccupied over whether Newt and I consummated our marriage? We were married, weren't we?

I would just have to do my best to avoid my relatives.

Newt finished his announcement with the news of a small soiree and the large crowd exclaimed in delight. This was a particularly exciting news for the younger girls. It was a good chance to look for prospective husbands.

"Newt lets leave before someone approaches us." I said, lightly tugging him.

Newt looked down at me amused. "You really do not like the courtiers, huh?"

I shook my head and nudged Newt lightly.

We still had chance to escape.

If only Newt had listened to me…

My jaw nearly dropped when I saw Lord Benjamin with Isabelle on his arm approach us. An older woman accompanied them; she was more mature version of Isabelle.

Bloody hell.

This girl had slapped me in a hallway and now she came towards her former lover and his wife.

Lord Benjamin and Isabelle both had the usual soft and practiced courtier smile. The trio curtsied and bowed before us.

I fought the urge to sigh loudly.

"Your highness, it is just awful that someone would plot such a devious and malevolent act. I am glad you were able to put an end to it." Lord Benjamin said with a bow of his head.

False pleasantries were so annoying to me. I wish people would just say what they wanted.

"Indeed, we are very well protected by the crown." Isabelle gave Newt a coy look and hid behind her gilded fan.

My grip on Newts elbow became tighter. Of course, she would say that. My skin felt like it was on fire.

"Lord Benjamin it was a valiant effort by the Kings guard. They have never let us down."

Yes Newt. Ignore her, make her feel insignificant.

My jealousy was beginning to shock me.

"Yes their training is quite extensive. They are truly a staple of the foresight your father held before his passing. I wanted to see if we could all speak privately, your highness."

I couldn't repress the frown that appeared on my face.

At least, I did not have to speak with Aunt Giovanna and Uncle Prieto.

"Of course, please follow us to the drawing room next door."

As we turned, Newt shot me a knowing smirk. He nudged my ribs lightly.

I looked at him, there was amusement lighting his eyes.

Well at least one of us was having fun.

Once we entered the drawing room next door, our two parties sat across from each other on the settees. I fought the rigidness in my stance but it was nearly impossible.

"Your highness, I have called this meeting with you for one reason only." Lord Benjamin started.

"My father has asked me to look for a bride and after careful consideration; I found a more than suitable bride in Lady Isabelle. As customs states, every time courtiers from two different regions of Britannica marry, they need the Kings approval. I humbly request your blessing in our union. "

Newt glanced at me, the same smile tugging at his lips.

"Well I am not king yet but I understand your logic. Of course you have my blessing," Newt then proceeded to throw his arm over my shoulders and pull me against him. "There is nothing to light a man's life like a good match."

Isabelle's mother smiled brightly and clapped her hands together. "Oh you have our eternal gratitude, your highness."

"It is the crowns pleasure to make its subjects happy. When do you plan to marry?" Newt asked.

Lord Benjamin looked at Isabelle. Her faced was void of emotion, the only thing present was her practiced smiled.

"Well Isabelle wants to have a wedding in the palaces gardens. We would like to follow the custom. We were wondering, if it was not too much, to have it here in the summer."

Newt waved him off "Of course not! It is not at all a burden. We will gladly have it here."

"We truly thank you, your highnesses. We wish you the absolute best in your upcoming reign." Lord Benjamin said and bowing his head once again.

"And we thank you, now if you excuse us, my wife and I have some matters to attend to."

The air was still nippy from the previous winter. The only sight of the coming spring was the lack of snow and some budding grass.

Newt seemed to have regained his high spirits. He made his horse dance in circles before me and I laughed.

"You see love! Our problems are staring to work themselves out. Isabelle will be out of our lives soon, my uncle will have lost his power, and soon enough everything will fall into place."

I didn't understand what made him so happy about Isabelle and Lord Benjamin marrying but if it kept tension from the morning away, I would take it.

Newt was saying "love" much more now and I was not sure how I felt about it. Was it just a term he used now that we were amicable friends? Or did he think something else?

Did I think something else?

Those seemed like questions that I should avoid and that is exactly what I planned to do.

"I think there is a stream near here where the horses can get some water." Newt said, looking back at me as he headed his horse toward the loom of the hill we were riding on.

"Lead the way, your highness." I said, I had the horse trot until I made my way next to Newt.

"I haven't ridden a horse for fun in months." Newt said beaming at me.

"Lets relish in the moment before we have to go back." I said, riding was a commonality back home. Father had a nice stable of horses bred to survive our winter temperatures. They were shorter than the average horse but their thick coats allowed them to survive the cold mountain winter.

"If you were not a princess, and could be anything in the world, what would you be?" Newt asked.

I considered bringing up the chicken farm I planned to start to escape our marriage.

"I wanted to be a trained scholar. Father had approved for me to train at a prestigious academy before my mother drafted our wedding contract."

Newt paused for a minute. I hope I had not ruined our nice afternoon.

"What about you?" I asked hoping to break the silence.

"I would have liked to run a greenhouse. I do not have as much time as I would like to cultivate the ones we have at the palace. Even less so now that I will be king."

I decided in that moment to make a mental note of what Newt had just said. It seemed like an important facet of him.

"You know my mother taught me all of the poisonous herbs and how to detect and use them."

Newt laughed at my comment "Well I hope we never have to use that particular set of skills.'

"I also know how to fix a carriage wheel and I can read the ancient texts."

It felt nice to make mundane conversation with Newt. Our conversations were usually so heavily packed with affairs of state.

"Well I'll be sure to keep you around then." Newt teased.

"Oh really? You'd get rid of me?" I joked. I could hear the stream up ahead. There was not much of a wood to the east of the castle. It unsettled me to be so out in the open.

"Maybe. If your cold feet keep waking me up at night."

I couldn't help but flare at his quip "Well I wonder who will get up at night to restart the fire for you then."

"I wont need anyone since your cold feet wont be freezing the bed anymore." Newt said laughing.

I rolled my eyes at him.

"No need to worry love. I'm actually growing quite fond of your cold feet."

A blush took over my face and I saw Newt look with pride at what his words had done to me.

The cheek and the nerve of the man.

"Sonya, I cant pick one and besides its just a small soiree, what's the point?"

I didn't want to pick a pair of earrings. They were all heavy and I wanted to avoid a headache.

Sonya bent down to my ear level, through the mirror she watched Alby help Newt dress for the night.

"Madam, rumors are already spreading of Isabelle being released from her role of mistress. It is imperative that you look your absolute best"

I slammed my fist on top of the vanity. I hadn't planned on doing that but my body did not know how else to process the information.

The noise from my slam made the room pause.

Newt and Alby gave us confused glances.

"Everything all right over there love?" Newt asked tentatively.

I took a deep breath to contain my temper.

In an even voice I spoke. "Sonya and Alby I would like to speak with my husband privately."

The two servants shuffled out of the room quietly. I looked at an unnerved Newt through the vanity.

I stood and smoothed out my dress. Enough was enough.

"I do not want Isabelle to be married here. I want her gone and apparently, the rumor is that she was released from being your mistress today. I was not aware you had one." I said, my tone was even but the passive aggressiveness I intended was not lost on Newt.

I saw his brow cloud in annoyance "Them being married here is a good gesture for our nobles in the north. My uncle isolated them and showing them hospitality will help ease the tensions. As for the other matter, the court likes to expand trite matters into scandals to entertain themselves. I thought you knew this."

I narrowed my eyes at him and frowned in displeasure "I do not like that the court paints me as your discarded breeding mare and Isabelle as your star crossed lover. I am not here just to push out heirs and play the role of a submissive wife."

The annoyance seemed to leave Newt and it was replaced by a knowing smile.

"Love…if you were simply a breeding mare, I would not have falsified an entire wedding night. Now finish getting dressed and make sure you dress to impress so that these courtiers think twice about their future queen."

I tried to quell the fluttering in my heart at Newts words so I simply looked away while nodding my head.

The dress I was wearing today was a light golden with heavy brocades on the bodice. This time the dress enveloped my arms and neck in lace. I was not used to Camille's extravagant designs. Back home my dresses were usually one color with perhaps some silver or gold thread on the sleeves and hem.

I picked drop earrings that encrusted pearls in gold. Hopefully they were not too heavy.

I had two options at this court. I could become a demure and silent wife or I could try to embody power and dignity.

The answer seemed simple.

I kept my back as straight as I could and made sure that my face was held high but not turned in a snobbish slant. I knew that with their rumors they wanted to cause instability and insecurity within me. I would not give them that satisfaction. They would have to try harder.

The ballroom was more crowded than usual.

I needed to demonstrate that I was worthy of my position. I forced the best smile I could.

The night was doomed from the very beginning.

However, I did have Minho to entertain me

"This soiree is more dull then the sole of my boots." He held a glass of champagne in his hand; it looked like his forth,

"Well no one in their right mind will risk offending an Arubian, I don't mind it actually." I said, I had requested a tea from the kitchens. My stomach had started to feel rather tight.

"Of course you wouldn't. Sometimes I wonder if you have more in common with my mother than I do."

I rolled my eyes but I noticed the exhaustion evident in Minho. His tongue was not as sharp as usual.

"We need to greet some courtiers and act like we want to be here. Newt will not be happy if he finds us just standing." I said.

Minho let out a loud sigh and sat down his glass.

"I'll lead the way."

We however did not make it very far.

Aunt Giovanna and Uncle Pietro made their attack.

"Oh my darling niece!" My aunt spread her arms and forced me into a tight embrace. I felt her nails dig into my arms. It was her evident attempts to intimidate me that gave her intention of manipulation clear.

She pulled away and clasped her hands together "How time flies! Two months since your wedding and look at us now! On the eve of the coronation."

Uncle Pietro finally chimed in "Yes we have been hearing all sorts of things these past months. Rather tragic the death of the regents only son."

"He will be terribly missed. He was a very talented member of the Maze Guard." Minho said.

"Oh yes, you are a maze guard as well aren't you?" My aunt asked her devious eyes narrowed.

"He is and he is a very good one might I add. I am glad we have him on our side." I said. Despite my rivalry with Minho, there was no need to give my aunt and ammunition.

"How lovely and what family do you stem from?"

If my Aunt figured out Minho was low born she would make a fuss. The Moidecci were heavily against mixing with anyone outside their blood purity.

"A very good one, now if you excuse us. I really need to find my husband."

I did not care if I was being rude to my relatives; I did not like them enough to worry about their feelings.

Minho followed me but as soon as we were far enough away he spoke " I am not ashamed of being low born. I am here because I earned my place."

I stopped and turned to face him "You have nothing to be ashamed about. I simply wanted to spare us my families penchant for being insensitive. I'd still want you around if you'd been born in a city sewer."

Minho gave a small smile "Oh do not worry about that. I can handle my own and for the record I was born to baron of a small plot of wheat farmers, not a city sewer."

"Well I'd love to visit. You know how I love the countryside." I said turning back around to look for Newt. "Have you seen my husband? If he is not around to supervise us we dont need to greet anyone."

" Your husband," I didn't miss the teasing tone In Minho's voice " said something about privately playing cards with some Auribians."

I frowned. Why hadn't he mentioned that to me?

We were supposed to have an early night. We had a coronation tomorrow.

I hadn't really thought about what it would mean to be crowned. I had pushed it out of my mind as much as I could. I did not what to meditate on all the complications it entailed.

Well without Newt there was not really much of a reason to stick around. Minho needed rest and without Teresa I was left to my own devices in front of the court.

I turned towards Minho "We should probably head to bed. You look exhausted and I get crowned tomorrow. I would like my wits about me."

Minho looked around the room pensively before agreeing. His quiet disposition clearly marked how ready he was to finally rest. He must have not gotten any sleep with the events of the previous night.

We were able to slip out of the suffocating ball room quietly. The courtiers were immersed with their dancing and card games.

The hallway felt like a breath of fresh air and the darkness refreshed my strained eyes.

"I should probably walk you to your chambers. The last thing we need is an Aurubian mistaking you for a maid in the dark." Minho said, while stretching his tired arms above his head.

"I don't understand the need to invite them when they are clearly a menace." I said, as we began walking.

"Prince Winston isnt problematic. We went to the same boarding school. I think the older crowd is the problem. Kings Andros lets them get away with just about anything."

I shook my head "I don't even think Kings Andros father was like him from what I've heard. Its more-"

Minho reached out and stopped me from walking. He put a finger to his mouth to shush me.

I gave him a confused look but complied. In the silence I heard the dim clattering of objects but what broke the silence was a shrill cry for help.

Minho dashed forward and I followed after him.

In the dim hallway, barely lit by candle holders on the walls, I made out two shapes. They were clearly struggling and the closer we got the clearer the image became.

A poor maid was being accosted by a man I had never seen before but the dark green of his clothes made it easy to identify who he belonged to.

Minho rushed head first into the man. He was able to push him enough to cause the man to stumble backwards and away from the maid.

I saw my chance to reach for the girl and pull her up. Her hair was disheveled but her clothes hadn't been torn. Besides a bloody lip she seemed complete.

She was sobbing as I held her in my arms.

Frustration started to rise within me as I tried to decide what to do. The man was bigger than Minho who was still recovering from his previous battle.

I couldn't leave the maid to and get reinforcements after she had just been attacked.

"Please go and find some guards." I grabbed the crying girl by the shoulders " tell them I sent for them and that they need to come. I will find you later."

The girl obeyed and rushed off in panic. I turned and saw that the man had overpowered Minho and was reaching for his neck.

I needed to act fast. As I looked around, the only weapon I could find was a vase with some flowers. I picked it up, it almost felt comical but with as much force as I could muster, I slammed it on the back of the man's head. The breaking of the shards on his bald head caused his skin to tear on the impact and blood to start brimming through.

Time seemed to stop as I waited to see what would happen.

I'd never attacked a man like that before.

To my horror, he let go of Minho who then fell on the ground and turned to face me.

Before I could run, he lifted his heavy hand and struck me across the face. The force of the impact sent me back and flat on my bottom. My eyesight went black for a bit, and I felt blood start to gush from my nose. My head was still spinning as I tried to back away on my heals and hands

As disoriented as I was, that did not stop the cascade of relief I felt when I heard the footsteps and shouts of guards.

I watched as three guards apprehended the man and tied him up. They had struggled for a bit due to the man's size but eventually they were able to subdue him.

I tried standing slowly. I was still slightly dizzy, and my nose was still bleeding. I used one hand to gain balance as I stood and the other to hold my nose.

"Your highness! Please do not stand!" A guard approached me and reached out to steady me.

"I think I can manage. Thank you for coming to the rescue. He really had me worried for a moment there. If you see my husband, please don't tell him my nose is bleeding."

I patted his shoulder and took the handkerchief he offered me. I pressed it on my nose and began to pinch with my free hand.

"Please take this man to the cells and I do not care if King Adros throws a fit, he will stay there until I see fit. Oh and the maid that was attacked, have her visit the palace physician and make sure to tell her that I want her to visit my chambers first thing in the morning."

"As you wish, your highness. Would you like me to send the palace physician to your chambers as well?"

"Please do so but only after he examines the maid." I said, as much as I wanted to finally rest someone should probably make sure my nose was not broken.

I was not sure what I dreaded the most, Newt finding out or the headache I would have tomorrow.

"It does not look broken your highness, I will however apply some healing oil to minimize swelling and bruising." The Palace Physician turned from me and headed toward his wooden box of tools.

"But the maid is not hurt, correct?" I asked, for a second time.

"You arrived just in time your highness. As I mentioned previously, I gave her some calming salts and a sleep concoction. She will be resting by now." As he spoke, he turned and began to lightly brush a minty oil over my nose and cheeks.

It slightly burned but I felt it cleared my damaged nostrils.

"I will be examining you tomorrow throughout the day to make sure nothing changes. Make sure to not sleep face down and if you bleed again do not hesitate to fetch me."

I thanked the court physician and bid him a goodnight. Once he left the room, I slowly turned towards Newt, he had been quietly watching from the other side of the room.

I was too scared to look him in the eyes. I wasn't sure what he would say or what he was thinking.

Newt suddenly approached and came to stand in front of me. With great trepidation, I looked up to meet his gaze

I couldn't decipher his face. Was he angry with me? Was he worried?

Newt reached up and pushed hair out of my face, He then began stroking my head. I leaned the side of my head into him. As much as I hated to admit it, I enjoyed the contact. It soothed me.

"We should probably get you out of those clothes and into bed."

Newt backed away and I stood. He gave me space so I could turn, and he started to unbutton the back of my dress.

There was blood all down the front of my new dress. So much for looking regal.

Newts' silent disposition was frustrating me. I needed him to chastise me or demonstrate anger. Something besides the quiet torture he was subjecting me to

"I know you're probably angry with me, but I sent the maid for the guards, and I couldn't leave Minho to fend for himself."

Newt released a loud sigh.

"Love, I am not angry with you. I just…I wish…this has just been a particularly challenging week. I am exhausted."

Newt paused the unbuttoning of the dress and put his hands on my shoulders.

"I miss the short moments of peace we get. Ever since…ever since the coronation began to loom closer…it seems like there has been a fallout of disaster after disaster."

I needed to say the right thing. Newt clearly needed support and reassurance.

"I will not deny that as of late things have been a mess, but I think you have a very noble and kind heart Newt. That's the first requirement of a great ruler. I have full certainty that we will find a way to navigate through all of this."

Newt resumed the unbuttoning and my dress fell to the floor.

"I sure hope you are right love. Otherwise, we are in for it."

I knew, in theory, that I could not escape my corset by myself. However, that did not stop the racing of my heart when Newt began to unlace the contraption.

"All will turn out well," I tried to make my voice sound as normal as I could "You'll see, soon enough we will forget all about this."

I nearly jumped out of my skin when Newt rubbed his thumb along the nape of my neck.

"You have freckles on the back of your neck. I hadn't noticed them before."

My voice was probably going to come out high pitched.

"Oh yes…they get darker when I've been out in the sun."

"I like them. And I don't know if forget is the word I would use."

I felt a blushing heat start to stain my face and ears.

"Well maybe not forget but at least we'll get past it. I can manage the rest of the corset. Thank you for helping free me." I said, shrinking away. I crossed my arms over the corset to keep it from falling off and rushed to hide behind the changing screen.

Once safe behind it, I lightly pulled at my disheveled hair. What was happening to me? I felt like a fluttering fool on the outside and a shrinking pre-pubescent girl on the inside.

I had to be the stress and lack of sleep. Once I regained my strength, my wits would follow.

I wanted to bang my head against the wall, but I doubted my nose would be able to handle any more battery.

After hesitating and delaying by taking an eternity to get ready for bed, I timidly slid under the covers.

I hoped to the ends of the earth that Newt was asleep. I think I deserved that much, after all, my head had almost been beat in.

But alas, it was not so.

"If you need anything for your nose, don't hesitate to let me know, love. I'll take care of fetching whoever or whatever you may need." Newt turned on his side to face me.

I couldn't help but notice how attractive his skin looked in the dim candlelight.

"Thank you, I think I'll be all right, there is no more blood, and it doesn't hurt as much as it did before."

" Hopefully the oil the physician applied can keep it from bruising terribly."

I shuffled around on the bed after blowing out the candle next to me. I wanted to find a comfortable position that would prevent me from brushing my wounded nose against anything.

"I'll take a bruise over a broken nose any day. Already broke it once."

Newt blew out the candle on his side and settled in.

"I am not surprised to hear that."

"My mother threw a fit. Apparently, proper ladies aren't supposed to fall face flat off the side of the wheat wagon."

I heard Newt give a small laugh "I fear our childhoods were rather different."

"Well you grew up in a capitol, its more civilized. You get away with more when you live on the side of a mountain in the middle of nowhere."

"I suppose. We best get to sleep. We're getting crowned tomorrow"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. How could I ever forget.

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