He laughed slightly, lying back. "That's deep." *** She shook her head. "They can't force you to say 'I do' Charlie. We can figure it out."
“You choose to go out into town, even though you could have anything you could ever want in here,” she persisted, turning to lie on her side. “You helped a nomad out of prison, despite the consequences it could hold for you. And now, you choose to let me sleep in your room rather than making me go home. My people have a name for someone like you.” *** “I have the inclination to trust you,” he said slowly, leaning back on the stairs and looking up at the stars. “There’s going to be hell to pay when we go back.”
He tilted his head curiously, turning on his side to look at her with bright eyes. "What is it?" *** "I know," she said honestly, her tone somewhat sincere. "There's no dodging it."
“Fatureteur,” she said, watching him thoughtfully. “The direct translation is ‘fate-breaker,’ but it’s basically someone who doesn’t want to live the life they’ve been given.” *** He sighed, standing up and offering a hand. “You’re right, as usual. Ready to go back?”
He smiled slightly. "It's a pretty word. I just prefer to explore, is all." *** She took it, standing as well before letting go. "Yes. Let's go."
She gave him a small smile before resting her head down on the pillow, closing her eyes. “I’m sure that’s all it is.” *** He exhaled, shaking his head before starting off.
He smiled slightly. "Duh." *** She followed him as they returned. (Zoop!) She opened the door for him.
A small smile played on her lips, but she said nothing more, turning her face into the pillow. Her hair had dried mostly by the fireplace and it caught the light like spun gold. * * * He gave her a look before entering. The hall was empty except for his father, sitting at the end of the table. "So."
He observed her thoughtfully before closing his eyes as well, turning over. *** She didn't say anything, turning to his father and resting her hands behind her back.
(Zoop?) * * * "I don't really want to talk," he said slowly, looking over at his father. "I will not marry her." "Jesus, Charles, when did you get to be so headstrong? Do you understand that we are out of options?" Charlie squinted, pursing his lips. "What do you mean?" "Our kingdom is drowning. Catarina comes from a very profitable country. We could save ourselves from destitution. It all rests upon your shoulders."
(Yoop!) *** Wren finally spoke up, looking at the man. "You have chosen the worst possible candidate. Not to mean offense, my lord."
Clara woke slowly the next morning, shifting sleepily. * * * Charlie looked at her gratefully, but the king glared. "You're dismissed, Wren. This conversation doesn't concern you."
Ezekiel was curled up next to her, fast asleep. *** She squinted. "I bow to Sir Charles," she said lowly. "Not to you. That's my assigned duty."
She looked over at him in surprise, reaching out and gently rubbing his back affectionately. The sound of the doorknob turning caused her to jump to her feet and hurry over to the balcony, slipping over the edge and hanging down out of sight. "Ezekiel?" called his father, turning the knob. * * * Charles' head jerked over to her and he spoke quickly. "That's okay, Wren," he said. She would be able to hear an underlying panic in his voice as he looked at his father with a nervous laugh. "You're dismissed. Thank you for your protection."
He sat up quickly, looking around. He made sure she wasn't around before answering the door. "Yes?" *** He would be able to tell she was annoyed, but she sighed and left the room obediently.
He looked confused but spoke quickly. "The captain of the guard has found a large gypsy hideout," he said hastily. "He was planning to go in last night, but I told him to hold off until this morning, so I could bring you along. I want you to see what they do. Maybe you'll rethink your status on these laws." * * * (ZOOP?)
Ezekiel's heart dropped and he panicked internally. "Er.. Yes. Give me 40 minutes to prepare myself and I will meet you in the main hall. I've only just woken." *** (Yoop!)
He frowned, looking around. "You need to hurry," he said disapprovingly before closing the door behind him. * * * The next morning, Charlie was in the library, muttering to himself as he worked.
He nodded before looking around wildly. "Clara? Please still be here.." *** Wren entered, her expression stern as usual. She approached and maybe brightened a little. "Charlie."
She pulled herself back over the bannister, her eyes wide. "That's my family, Ezekiel. I need to go." * * * He looked up, still frowning, although his shoulders may have relaxed when he saw her. "Wren. Hi."
