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Chapter 23

Boredom was seeping into every membrane in my body. I napped for a while, stared out the window for a bit, fiddled with my gloves but nothing was working. Agnes has forgotten to pack a book despite me telling her numerous times Perhaps she "forgot" to because she got tired of me reminding her every five minutes.

Newt was fast asleep across from me so I had no one to talk to. All I could was sit and wallow.

We had left rather early in the morning in order to reach Bohemia in 3 days. My heart raced at the thought of visiting the country. I'd never been to an opera or seen any theater besides the little plays put on in the Big Hall for my parent's entertainment. The streets of Bohemia were famed to waft with warm pastries. The Cream Puffs I would try! The excitement made me bounce in my chair but it quickly passed and I was left bored once again.

The Britannica countryside was full of lush vegetation that winter had turned into barren brambles and brown blotches of land. The lack of snow was going to be awful on the farmers. I'd be highly annoyed if my first year as Queen was racked by a famine due to lack of snow cover.

After a while, my attention turned to examining Newt. His head was rested on the side of the carriage and his arms were crossed over his chest. I hadn't noticed before but he had a tiny scar on his cheek, barely noticeable but the sun was hitting him just right. The sunlight made his eyelashes and the tips of his hair look almost translucent. He was handsome, not in a way that intimidated you, but rather his appeal was soft and inviting despite the sharpness of his cheekbones.

I knew that I'd been wrong in my treatment of him, he was a good person. For a while, I thought that I didn't like him cause I had to marry him but I'd come to realize that wasn't it. Something else was pushing my insolence. I wasn't sure if it was fear but it definitely felt like it. The real question was what did I fear? Newt was so nice and decent so I shouldn't fear him. My guess would be I was scared of losing my freedom, not that I had much, to begin with.

I sighed loudly and slumped him my seat. My deliberations only kept me busy for so long. I had an entire day to kill and nothing to do. I wanted to scream.

Two hours of complete boredom passed before they decided to rest the horses. I lightly shook Newt awake after a page had come and knocked on the carriage door.

I was eager to get out of the carriage so I didn't wait for him. I was in such a state to get out that I forgot that Newt was supposed to get out first or that if I wasn't careful I would step on my dress and fall. Which I did, on all fours.

"You know, if you had waited for me to get out first and help you down, that wouldn't have happened."

I ignored Newt and pushed myself up. My cheeks were burning with embarrassment. My knees stung from the impact and my dress was all dirty.

I tried my best to get the dirt off but it was still sprinkled on the fabric.

Thankfully, only Newt had seen my tumble. The carriage had been steered towards a woodland and the door I had decided to get out off was facing the tree line.

I walked around the carriage, Newt closely behind me. The small area was rounded and it had a fire pit in the middle. It had been obviously been used before for the same reason we had used it. I could hear a stream nearby and the horses were gone, most likely being watered.

My legs felt weak after sitting for so long but I started to slowly feel proper circulation reach them as I moved about. As I looked around, I realized Agnes and Teresa were nowhere in sight.

"Where are my ladies?" I asked one of the guards who had walked by just in time.

"The Commander sent them into town for supplies, your highness."

The Commander, otherwise known as Minho, had no right to do that. They were my ladies.

I looked around for the culprit and found him surrounded by some guards, they were looking over a map.

What a silly title, commander, all Minho had ever done was go to a special maze guarding school. His experience was limited yet here we were being led him.

I felt a hand on my arm and turned to see Newt.

"Perhaps we can wait, wouldn't want to embarrass him on his first real assignment."

I frowned and hesitated "All right but they better not have gone alone."

"I'm sure they didn't. Now come along we need to stretch our legs."

I wasn't sure if Newt had learned to handle me or if I was getting more reasonable.

Newt and I walked the same trail the horses had taken. Thankfully, Newt hadn't offered his arm but I couldn't give him a reason to.

I watched my footsteps carefully, the ground was thick with dead leaves and broken sticks. It made a satisfying crunch when I stepped on it.

I was paying such close attention to the sound my feet were making I didn't notice the obvious.

Newt saw them first, it was a misshapen group of three, I didn't miss the orange paint splattered all over their clothes.

Newt reached out for my arm and pulled me back. I crashed into his chest while instinctively holding up my hand to my mouth. Newt did the same and started to pull me along backward. The ground would crunch underneath us and I came to hate the satisfying crunch I had become enamored by.

The group was busy down by the stream, I scanned the bank, looking for the horses only to find them nearly 15 yards away. The group would stay clear from the guards once they saw them but we were easy targets, far from protection and lathered in silk and gold that would all sell for a nice price.

I hoped Newt had his ceremonial butter knife under his coat.

One of the beggars turned and spotted us. He tapped his friend and all three turned around.

I glanced back at the guards. They were still too busy frolicking with the horses to notice.

I knew if I screamed they would come but then the three men would surely die. Even if they had no intention of harming us.

Thankfully, they turned away and scampered off and away from the bank.

I let out a sigh of relief and let my mouth go.

"Let's go back," Newt said.

I nodded in agreement.

Once we had turned, I hooked my arm through Newts and stood far closer than I usually did.

I felt like a coward but those men weren't painted orange for being saints.

Besides, what's the point of having a husband If you couldn't reap one of the primary benefits of marriage? I would give him a hereditary line while he ensured my survival. The concept was as primal as it was basic.

I glanced at Newt and saw a small smirk playing on his lips. I instantly pulled my arm away.

"Oh C'mon Roan, and here I was thinking you had warmed up to me."

He pulled my arm back and I relented.

"Well I had but then I saw I boosted it your ego and I wasn't so sure."

"I didn't boost my ego, I was just happy you saw the benefits of letting me escort you places."

"Oh yes, of course, that's why you're smirking not because you've proved your point?"

"Not at all. It would not be proper and like you've said before I am the perfect gentleman."

I scoffed and fully pulled my arm away.

"Completely Insufferable."

"Come here, I wouldn't want you falling again." New said reaching for me again.

I laughed as I pulled my arm away.

"You'll have to try harder than that." I said, looking over my shoulder as I picked up my pace.

"Roan, you've already fallen today. I'd hate for anyone to find out."

I gasped and stopped "Are you blackmailing me?"

"Are you refusing my help?" Newt asked, reaching for my elbow, he caught it before I fully moved it away. I could have jerked it away but I wanted to see what he was going to do.

"Well, maybe I can walk just fine on my own." I said.

Newt rolled his eyes and hooked his arm through mine "You've had a hard time proving it."

The atmosphere had relaxed from its original panicked state but Newt was walking faster than before.

"It's these stupid skirts they make me wear. They're too puffy. I feel like a pastry."

"You look like one too."

I scoffed once more and elbowed his ribs.

"I can't wait to try the cream puffs in Bohemia. I've been fantasizing about them my entire life."

Newt shook his head in amusement "There are better things in Bohemia than cream puffs."

"What are we going to do while we are there? I expect to see all the attractions. It's my honeymoon after all."

"Well, most couples that go to Bohemia don't spend a lot of time sightseeing. "

What an atrocity "Why ever not?" I asked, turning to look at Newt.

He bit back a smile.

"Bohemia is famed for its high-quality aphrodisiacs. I doubt they are allowing us to go for any other reason than that."

"That's just silly. Its sound like a perfectly good trip wasted."

"Perhaps to you but not for others."

I opened my mouth in surprise "Is the golden prince making innuendos in the presence of a lady?"

"Yes but you're my lady. I can say anything I want in front of you."

"A man's wife is his most prized procession, you'd dare sully my ears?"

"I think I'll end up sullying more than your ears darling."

"Another one! You're getting far too cheeky." I said, shaking my head in mock disapproval.

We had reached the initial resting site. Newt wasted no time in warning the guards and a small group of them scampered off to make sure the other guards were all right.

Minho personally saw us to our carriage.

"Where are my ladies?" I asked before getting in.

"I sent the two of them with Thomas and another guard to get some supplies. They'll be back soon. I figured a small group would draw less attention. I don't want anyone knowing which roads we're using."

"Very sensible of you Minho." Newt commended Minho before signaling for me to get in the carriage.

With a heavy sigh, I entered the boredom contraption.

Agnes and Teresa weren't too long in coming, after half an hour of sitting around the carriage started moving along.

"You know Roan, I think we should use this time to get to know each other better."

I couldn't see how the interaction would hurt.

"Marvelous idea. You start."

"Favorite food?

"Cream-"

"Food Roan, not desserts."

I frowned "Well I love mountain flower stew. What's yours?"

"I like a good steak."

"How manly of you. Hmm, Rain or Sun?"

"Sun, it rains far too much in Oxforshire."Newt answered.

"I prefer rain."

"What's worse a tea luncheon or a coming of age banquet?"

"Coming of age banquet. Too many ceremonies."

I truly did hate them.

"Oh, and everyone wears white and being the prince you have to kiss the cheek of all the girls being presented at court." Newt said, rolling his eyes.

"On the bright side. You don't have to that anymore." I said, lifting an eyebrow.

"True, I can only kiss you now. Wedding or an elopement?"

"Elopement, much more scandalous."

Our conversation continued to encompass silly questions for a bit but it didn't take long to turn to more serious things.

"Do you really think it's advantageous for your sister to marry into a Galiatian family? You know how they are." I asked.

Newt shrugged "Well I think it all depends on who she marries but I don't think it's wise that she marries until you and I establish a hereditary line."

"Who would take the throne if something were to happen to you and we had no heir?'

"If Rosemary marries Prince Winston she can't take the throne, parliament would never allow an outside influence in the royal family. My cousin, Zart, would take over. He is my uncle's son."

"Is he anything like your uncle?"

Newt shook his head "Much to my uncle's chagrin, Zart decided to be musically trained instead of going to boarding school. Zart is a great musician but not much of a strategist."

"Why would Zart take the throne and not your Uncle?"

"Parliament wants him out. They won't vote him in again after all the trouble he's caused."

"I find it interesting that your parliament would allow you to marry me. Aren't I an outside influence?"

Newt visibly stiffened "Mother bent their arm and you're not a man. They don't think you'll cause much damage as queen regnant. They also think you take after your Mother, mostly everyone thinks the reason Suecia rose to such prominence recently is because of your Mother."

I glared at Newt but it's not like I could fight him. Father would be lost without mother. He was too slow when it came to decisive choices.

"I never got to read over the marriage contract. Did you?" I asked I hadn't had the time to look it over. This trip would have been a good opportunity had Agnes listened to me.

"Just a bit. Ava went over the highlights. They wanted my approval on some of the things."

Yet no one had asked me what I thought "Did you work anything interesting in?"

"Not much, I gave you a hefty allowance by the way. I also gave you a writ of libertas. You're welcome."

I angled my face "Writ of libertas? How progressive of you."

"I figured you would like to keep your lands and property in the case of my premature death."

"About my allowance, how much is it?"

Newt smirked, "Enough for you to stage public apologies and bribe my staff without having to worry."

I sat up from my slouched state "How did you know I bribed Sonya?"

"You told me yourself, Roan!"

Oh, I guess I had. That day felt so far away, I was married now for goodness sakes. It had actually only been about a week since that day. My head started to buzz, things were moving too fast and I wasn't sure if I liked it.

The "commander" rested the horses two more times and Newt and I took a short walk each time. We didn't stop until late nightfall. Minho made the guards hide any royal insignias and gave us fake titles. Newt was a Baron and I a Baroness. Having a title so low made me uncomfortable but if it kept us safe I would suffer my demotion.

The Inn we stayed at was opulent but I didn't get to enjoy it. There was a pub on the first floor but only men were allowed. I had dinner in the room Minho had secured us and ordered a bath. Newt was cavorting with Thomas and Minho somewhere in the pub.

Agnes was brushing my hair when Newt appeared, he looked groggy and his feet dragged. He let out a yawn and stretched his arms.

"Are you almost done Agnes? I'd appreciate it if I could settle for bed. "

Agnes blushed "Almost, your royal highness."

I rolled my eyes. Poor Agnes had taken a liking to Newt. I couldn't see why.

"You can go to bed Agnes, I can finish, I'm sure you're tired." I said, I didn't want to see her fumbling about in front of Newt.

"As you wish, your grace."

Agnes set down the brush, curtsied for both of us and took off, her head lowered.

Once she left, Newt began to take off his coat. He groaned after a while.

"I forgot to call for Alby and who knows where he is. Would you mind untying the laces of my vest Roan?"

I froze, the brush still tangled in my hair.

"S-sure," I said, standing and setting the brush down.

As I approached Newt, the smell of ale was stronger. I didn't know if it was due to his intoxication or because he spent a good part of the night at the pub and the smell just clung to him.

Newt turned his back towards me and I pulled at the strings of his vest until they came off. My hands had gotten clammy so I struggled to pull apart the knot for a while.

"Did you have a lot to drink?" I asked.

Newt turned to face me, he was pawing at his collar.

"Just a few but ale always makes me sleepy."

He yawned once more, I grew tired of watching him pull at his collar. He was going to rip it.

"Here, let me." I pushed his hands out of the way and started working on the knot.

"You know Roan, you're nicer than you let on." Newt said, raising his head so I had better access.

"I know." I said, smiling slightly when his collar separated "There you go, you can take care of the rest."

I turned from him and headed for bed, my wet hair had been brushed enough. I was worried about the bed sheets so I had them send new ones in. They looked much cleaner than the others. I settled on the bed, it was much smaller than the one Newt and I shared in the palace. Once Newt had discarded his clothes and dressed for bed he blew out all the candles I had left lit.

He slipped in next to me and in the process his feet hit mine.

"Roan! Your feet are freezing!" Newt groaned tossing away.

"No one told you to touch my feet and the bed is big enough for you to not have to touch them, maybe you should be more careful."

"Maybe you should have circulation in your feet."

"Maybe if you weren't drunk, you wouldn't have touched my feet."

I heard Newt rustle about in the dark "I'm not drunk!"

"Well, your clothes smell awful."

"I was in a pub woman!"

"All right! Don't shout, you'll wake everyone up."

"Sometimes Roan you are very difficult to deal with."

Was he looking for a fight? After I'd been so nice to him?

"I know now go to sleep Newt."

"Fine but I'm not drunk.

"My mistake, you're not drunk. Now sleep."

We didn't get what you could call a peaceful night.

Newt kept shifting around and accidentally touching my legs.

He complained each time how cold my legs were and I accused him of being drunk.

It was a cycle that continued until dawn.

I was sitting up in bed. Newt had a pillow over his head and was grumbling about my "legs made of ice"

My eyes were fighting to stay awake but I could only sleep for a bit before Newt and I came in to contact.

This stupid bed!

It was far too small, we barely had any space between us.

"Newt why don't you just press your feet against mine so you get accustomed and we can finally sleep?"

Newt stopped his grumbling for a bit and left me waiting in silence. Slowly, I felt his legs touch mine for what seemed like the hundredth time.

Newt inhaled shortly before I felt him release his tense muscles.

"Are you good now?" I asked.

"I think so." He said, pulling his head out from under the pillow.

"Finally, now let me bloody sleep." I settled into bed, Newts legs no longer fully touching mine. His feet were against mine and as odd as it felt to have his feet against mine I was just so grateful that Newt had finally shut up that I drifted off after only a short while.