He noticed her hesitance, standing by the door. "I can leave, but you would have to lock the door behind me, just in case. I don't want to make you uncomfortable." *** Wren watched carefully, observing the woman with a thoughtful and critical eye.
She hesitated, going over to the door and noticing the lock to the bathroom. "No, don't... don't worry. You've already done so much. Would it..." She frowned, looking conflicted. "Would it be okay if I used your bath?" * * * Charlie looked up nervously, his brow furrowed before he spoke. "Hello..."
He nodded. "Of course. I will set out fresh clothes for you outside the bathroom door." *** She watched them, remaining quiet.
She exhaled slowly, her shoulders relaxing for the first time since he had seen her. "Thank you, sir," she said quietly. "You've been very good to me." * * * The evening passed. The woman, named Catarina, was quite quiet until the food was brought out. Charlie picked up his fork before she spoke up. "Should we not pray first?" Wren would see Charlie looking bewildered, but the king nodded hastily. "Yes, of course. Charlie, would you care to lead us?" Charlie's head turned to his father before he sighed and spoke. "No, thanks." There was an awkward silence.
He tilted his head at her. "You can drop the formalities. I'll be out here." *** Wren looked a little confused, squinting slightly at the table.
She nodded, retreating into the bathroom and closing the door behind her. The door locked and the faucet squeaked as she turned on the shower. * * * Catarina squinted at him. "No... thanks?" Charlie shrugged. "Yeah. I'm not really religious." She was staring daggers at him now before she jerked her head towards the King, who was glaring at Charlie. Charlie frowned before looking over his shoulder at Wren. "Maybe I should leave..."
He got out some fresh clothes that would fit her, setting them by the door before lying onto his pillows. *** Her brows furrowed, and she tried to look reassuring, tilting her head.
Her shower was very short and she came out a few minutes later, the towel wrapped around her, her wet hair dripping water. She seemed embarrassed as she took the clothing, looking over at him. "Thank you." * * * "No," both the King and Catarina snapped at the same time. Catarina spoke. "This is most troubling. We'll have to work on converting you, Charlie."
He looked up, his expression warm and welcoming. "Of course." *** Wren squinted at Catarina, her disliking would be evident to Charlie.
This seemed to embarrass her even more and she disappeared back into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. * * * Charlie looked incredulous. "Convert me?" "Yes," she said primly. "We shall arrange another outing so I can inform you more about the church. We must save your soul, Charles." The King spoke up. "That sounds wonderful, Catarina. Charles certainly has a lot to learn from you."
He tilted his head slightly, looking a little confused. *** Wren raised an eyebrow, watching them incredulously.
She came out a couple of minutes later. Her cheeks were rosy from the heat of the shower and the cream silk shirt draped over her frame gracefully. The pants were a little large for her, and they rested on her hipbones, the slightest skin exposed. Her deep, shadowy eyes, although looking sleepless, were still alert, watching him thoughtfully. * * * Charlie fell silent, looking at the two of them before standing up suddenly, the silverware rattling with the action. "I'm sorry, Catarina, but... this is a mistake." "Charles," his father hissed. "Sit. Down."
He didn't notice her return. He had gone to the balcony and was sitting on the railing, the glow of the lanterns soft in the dim, purple light of the sunset. He swung his legs, feeling the wind gently blow through his hair. *** Wren tensed, her posture straightening slightly as she stared at the group.
She came up behind him, leaning up against the banister next to him. "It's beautiful," she said quietly. * * * Charlie was obviously agitated, shaking his head. "No. This isn't right. Come on, Wren," he said, leaving the table and heading for the door.
He looked over at her in surprise before nodding, looking back at the sky. "It is." *** Wren stood straight, joining him with a frown.
She was silent for a moment, leaning on her hand. "So this is where you watch," she said slowly. "I'll look for you, next time." * * * He moved through the doors, closing them behind him and taking off, walking quickly.
He looked over at her uncertainly. "Please be careful.." *** She followed close behind, unsure if she should say anything.
She looked over at him thoughtfully, giving him a small smile, the first one he would have seen since she was freed. "Sure, sir," she said primly. "I realize you won't save me a second time." * * * After a moment, he spoke. "Can you... Gah! Can you believe them?!"
He groaned playfully. "Just call me Ezekiel. None of that 'sir' nonsense. Besides, I'd save as many times as needed. I think of you as a friend." *** She shook her head honestly. "I really can't. They went for it this time. How silly."
She considered him, her gaze softening. "A friend. Hm. I like it." * * * "I can't marry her! She's a religious... loony!"
