He frowned, observing the streets. "I'm trying to sort things out." *** She nodded, entering his quarters quietly.
She looked over at him and nodded reassuringly. "I know you are," she said. "Thank you, by the way. You didn't need to interfere like that." * * * The drapes were drawn and Charlie was in bed, slightly asleep. His glasses were perched on the edge of his nose, and a book laid open in front of him. His eyes were closed, but his breathing shallow and he shifted slightly when he heard the door open. "Mmph... Wren?"
He gave a slightl nod. "Some of the rules seemed silly. Where are we going?" *** She approached the bedside, looking down at him in worry and perhaps a small amount of guilt. "It's me. Are you alright?"
"I'm going to the market," she said smoothly. "And you are following me." * * * He sat up, beaming at her. "Hi. Yes, I am fine. Don't listen to Bernard; he's just bitter."
He pursed his lips, his head tilting curiously. "I haven't explored the market much." *** She folded her arms, squinting slightly. "I can tell."
She looked over at him thoughtfully, raising one eyebrow. "You don't need to come with, sir," she said smoothly. "I just am running some errands." * * * He laughed, sitting up slightly. "Did you enjoy your day off? Because we're going out again today."
"I know I don't," he replied easily, looking around. "I'm just curious." *** "I did night watch in the streets," she told him. "Rather than going straight home, anyways. Are you sure you should he going out so soon?"
She shrugged smoothly, entering the bustling merchant's market. "Normally, I don't make my purchases here, but it's a nice day." * * * "Nope!" he said enthusiastically. "But I am sure I don't want to be here anymore. Come on."
He nodded, following her. He seemed interested and curious. "It is a nice day." *** Her worried expression only grew as she waved her arms. "I don't know about this. Bernard will get upset if I let you go out like this."
She walked into the market, opening her pouch and with a slight hand movement, she took a small pastry, leaving a coin in its place. She offered it to Ezekiel, raising an eyebrow. * * * "Bernard can eat an egg," he said flatly. "Come on, Wren, live a little."
He took it, his head tilted slightly. "What's this?" *** She seemed hesitant, but nodded and stood back. "Very well.."
"They're good," she said, gesturing. "It's commoner food; you might not know much about it." * * * He brightened before heading for the door. "We can avoid him, anyway."
He brought it close to his face and inspected it curiously, before tasting it. *** She followed him uncertainly, her posture tense. "Can we?"
It was a sweet, crumbly scone with some sort of peachy, vanilla icing. "It's good, no?" * * * "Sure. I'd rather not be scolded right now," he said with a small shrug.
(you broke my heart) She seemed pleased by this, tucking her hands behind her back. "I'm glad." * ** He moved through the hallways quickly, his long legs making strides. He turned the corner and stopped. His father glanced up at them. "Ah. Charles. I wanted to speak to you. Are you feeling better?"
(forgive me) "You should visit me in the castle sometime," he said brightly. "I know a secret way." *** Wren went quiet, watching them curiously.
She laughed lightly, but it sounded a little sad. "I would be arrested if they found me, sir." * * * Charlie frowned, tilting his head. "Yeah, a lot. What did you want to speak about?" "We've found you a potential wife," his father said proudly. "The marriage would be most... beneficial."
He rolled his eyes slightly. "Well, firstly they wouldn't find you. Secondly, I'm the prince. I could make sure you're not arrested." *** Wren listened thoughtfully, but remained quiet, her eyes on the ground.
"What if we ran into someone with more authority than you? I don't mean to seem ungrateful," she said, twisting her hair almost nervously. "But I can't go to prison." * * * Charlie seemed stricken. "Excuse me?" "You knew this day was coming." "Yeah, but not so soon. I don't..." "Just meet the girl, Charlie. She deserves a meeting."
