Chapter 46 - Does that bother you?
1521 Words
She might have been stubborn before, insisting not to change her style, what she’s used to and continue to be by Vince’s side. She doesn’t even bother with dresses. She continues to practice her sword and she’s honing her archery with Corrine. Most of all, she’s busy studying enchantments and learning new ones. Education-wise, Vince is more proficient than her. He was properly taught while growing up whereas her foster father only managed to teach her the basics. She’s no lady. She’s no princess. What she knows about nobility are the few things she learned when she became his companion.
Still… in four years, Vince would be crowned. They will have their wedding. She’ll be crowned princess at the same time. She’s future queen. And she’s undeniably unprepared. She sighed.
“What are you thinking?”
“Do you think I can stand next to you as your queen?”
He was surprised by her question. He didn’t realize she would be talking about this topic.
“You’re the only one who can stand next to me as my queen.” He assured her. There’s no one else besides her. He shifted behind her, cradling her between his legs. He snaked his arms around her waist and propped his chin on her shoulder.
“When we go back, I’ll try to read about nobility and etiquette.”
Her statement was unexpected.
“What’s going on with you?” He softly asked. He is supportive of whatever she wants to do, but this one is contradictory to her previous position. He admired the way she adamantly refused to be molded into an idea of a princess.
“I am aware how much the counsel disapproves of the way I conduct myself.”
“They still respect you.”
“But it was out of my respect for my status and not because they genuinely like me.”
He sighed, cuddling her more. He likes being able to freely do so without prying eyes. “Does that bother you?”
“Say… they would have proper respect for me when I properly conduct myself, won’t they?”
“You don’t have to.”
After a long silence, she replied, “But I want to. I haven’t really taken the responsibility ever since I was introduced as Princess Natalia. Sure, people know my history as Nate. But still… seeing as how I’m getting all these privileges as the princess, I should also acknowledge the responsibilities that come with it, right?”
Vince couldn’t deny that. “That is true. But…” How should he say it?
“I don’t… as long as you remain happy, then, you can do so. But if it troubles you and stresses you out, I’d rather you don’t push yourself too much. You’ll be my queen no matter what.”
His last sentence made her smile.
“I don’t want to be a useless queen when the time comes. I want to be able to properly talk to you about the issues and concerns of the kingdom. If I’m clueless and not knowledgeable, I wouldn’t be able to do that, would I?”
“Hmm… I can teach you.”
“You’re already very busy.” He still joins the knight training, and then studies enchantments. He would attend official meetings where the kingdom’s concerns are raised. Once or twice, he would join short missions. Then, there’s their adventures in the fae.
“I can always make time for you. How about an hour in the evenings?”
“Or maybe half an hour? I can read books and records to start.”
“Alright. I’ve already been telling you stories of what I’ve experienced before and the problems the kingdom faced in the past. This time won’t be too different.” It will only be focused and he’ll have to choose to tell stories with greater significance to the kingdom.
“That’s true, too.” In a way, she’s somewhat familiar with the recent history of the kingdom because of those stories he shared. The war and the things before that? Not so much.
They remained sitting for another half hour before they decided to walk around the garden.
“Do you feel relaxed now?” Vince asked, holding her hand.
She took a deep breath. The flowers smell nice. “Yes.” She could only admit that. They stopped at a few places to admire the flowers. She picked a white rose and kept smelling it as they walked.
There was another thing she’s contemplating.
“My prince…” She called out as she decided, but blushed when he turned to look at her, one eyebrow was raised. He wasn’t expecting her to address him that way.
She bit her lip for two seconds. She’s aware that she’s going against the very things she previously decided on.
“Except for when we go on a mission or an adventure, how would you feel if I…” Her voice faded, can she actually say it?
They stopped walking as Vince faced her, holding her other hand.
“Hmm?” He’s not sure if he should be expectant but given how her cheeks have turned red…
“I want to try wearing dresses.” She was looking down as she said it, terribly embarrassed. Who was it who strongly refused doing so months before?
Vince touched her chin and made her look at him. “You look beautiful in anything…”
She could almost hear the but… she can’t help her lips from curling upwards.
“But you do look more beautiful in a dress. It suits you.”
“You look strong… fierce in your current wardrobe. A little intimidating.” He likes her either way is what he’s trying to say and she understood it clearly.
“So, if I start wearing a dress…” She wanted to know his opinion.
“If you like it, then go ahead. Whatever you’re comfortable with.”
During this period of confusion, she found herself clinging to him most of the time. Even now, she went to hug him.
“I can already imagine my mother looking pleased.” Her grumbled words made him laugh. She’s not wrong.
After their hours of lazing around in the garden, they returned inside the castle. Nate asked her mother for help, regarding dresses. The queen was very pleased indeed, immediately sending someone to fetch the seamstress and designer of her own wardrobe.
Vince was somehow interested as he watched the process. Nate looked lost in the midst of all the materials and measurements; he went to take a look when she pleaded with her eyes. They chose the colors for the clothes, as well as the materials she’s most comfortable with.
Even the king watched for some time when he heard about it.
As the dresses and gowns won’t be made until days or weeks later, Queen Natasha pulled her into a room where all her previous clothes are stored. They have been properly maintained and still look brand new.
“I’m sure we’ll find something that would fit you.” Her smile was already fixed as the maids showed the clothes one by one. Knowing her daughter, she didn’t dare ask why she changed her mind or what brought it on. If she does, Nate might feel embarrassed and back out. The queen’s not letting this opportunity go.
Even Vince was enraptured as she watched her try on various dresses.
Nate somehow feels glad at seeing both Vince and her mother happy about it. There was adoration in their eyes.
Queen Natasha goaded her into trying out one immediately, so she went to dinner wearing a light green dress.
Dinner was a merry affair. The queen talked about the lovely clothes and the various occasions they are normally worn. The parties they have attended when they were younger. The atmosphere in the dining hall was lovely. Upon the mention of balls, the king asked his wife for a dance. It was adorable. Vince followed suit and offered his hand to Nate. She laughed softly before accepting. She doesn’t know how to dance but the way her parents are dancing seems simple. They were only swaying left and right. They were both humming a tune that sounds familiar to her ears.
Vince touched the strands of her hair. It felt ridiculous to her to have a ribbon on her hair. She’s not a child.
“Are you planning to keep your hair short or…?” He tucked the strands behind her ear, then gently touching her nape in the process as it moves back down to her waist.
“I’ll try out a longer length. If it proves unnecessary, I can simply cut it again.”
Vince tried to imagine it. “Are you trying to make yourself look more feminine?”
His expression showed his concern and Nate could understand his thoughts.
“I’m a princess. I should start embracing it.”
“I’d rather you embrace me.” His mumbled words reached her ears and she let out a clear laugh. Her parents looked over.
“Having fun?” The queen’s glad to see her that way.
“Yes…” She plainly replied as she returned her gaze on Vince who was smiling now.
He dared to lean over and press a quick kiss on her lips. Well, she doesn’t care about propriety much. She leaned over and hugged his waist closer, pressing herself to him.
The royal couple pretended not to see and left them to it. The king gently caressed his wife’s stomach where another child of theirs is growing. There was so much love in both of their expressions.
Nate was sent nightdresses. They were loosely fitting so she can wear them readily.
- Writer
