He shrugged slightly, his mood having been dampened. “We’ve won the war, but after you left, the future was uncertain and I just... we needed money. And now, I don’t know how to back out.” *** She looked up at him playfully before reaching up and kissing him, her hands cupping his jaw gently.
She frowned, her eyes searching his gaze. "Are you going through with this? I don't think she will make you happy, Charlie.." *** He blushed, kissing her back.
He frowned, looking down at the ground. "I don't think so either, obviously. But... I have to do what's right for the kingdom." * * * She pulled away after a moment and without skipping a beat, she pulled him back into the dance.
She stood up, approaching him. "Charlie, I seriously believe you should rethink." *** He looked confused, pulling away slightly as he watched her.
He looked down at her, frowning. "It's not something I have the ability to dictate," he said heavily. "I have to marry her, Wren." * * * She also looked confused at him pulling away, although that smile was still on her face. "What?"
She looked like she wanted to protest more, but backed down. "Alright. I apologize." *** He looked uncertain. "Why did you do that?"
He gave her a small smile. “There is nothing you could do wrong in my eyes, Wren,” he said gently. “Don’t fret.” *** “Do what?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “The kiss? I thought you wanted that.”
"I never had any doubt," he teased, raising an eyebrow. * * * "Want to kiss you? Yeah. Is this going to be a problem?"
She gave him a small smile, returning to her seat. *** He paused, shaking his head. "No, no. I was just surprised."
He returned to his work, setting upon dusting the corners of the room. "I haven't let any of the servants in here," he said bitterly. "I didn't want to be disturbed." * * * She gave him a small smile again, offering her hand to him to continue the dance.
He gave her a small smile, raising one eyebrow. "A little rough," he admitted. "But okay." * * * (Zoop?)
"I wouldn't say mostly," he said with a small shrug. "Your loss took a toll on me." * * * They were walking home later that night. Clara was a little drunk, having had a few drinks, but she was still quite poised, her arm resting around Ezekiel's waist.
She looked up at him gently, her gaze softening. "I'm sorry." *** Ezekiel had a few drinks as well, holding onto her arm with a grin.
He laughed slightly, coming over to her and patting her head gently. "You can't be sorry about being captured," he said quietly. * * * She looked up at him, squeezing his nose playfully. "Are you gonna be able to climb back up?" she asked, leaning against him.
She stood up, hugging him gently. "I can be sorry for leaving." *** He laughed slightly, squeezing her hand. "I'll be okay. Don't worry."
He looked surprised, slipping his arms around her waist and quickly hugging her back. "Oh. Well, yes. You can be sorry about that; I told you not to go." * * * They approached the base of the castle and she tilted her head back. "Are you sure?"
