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The Accidental Princess (Part 3)

Prince Kit x Reader

Summary: A contract has been found, after twenty years, bearing your name and Prince Kit's... bound in matrimony.

Chapter Summary: Prince Kit gets to know more about you.

Word Count: 5.5k words

Warnings: Grand Duke is a bit of an a$$ but everyone knows that already, bit of period typical misogyng?? Louis and Kit both being adorable, not period accurate (but I try to stick to the real thing lol), FLUFFFFF, that's it??

A/N: Hey, guys! I know this was posted before but when I did a reread of it, it was all over the place. My bad!! It's the same thing but in the right order. Hopefully Tumblr won't c*ck this up this time. I love hearing your thoughts, you guys! Please don't be shy in leaving a comment or a review! Reblogs are totally welcome! Here is Part 3 of The Accidental Princess!

Masterlist

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 |

“Kit, my boy, I have been looking everywhere for you.” The king called his son as he appeared from the corner.

Your words of his mother being benevolent had brought him to the Hall of Portraits. He had left you with his cousin, Louis, since you were so enamored with him than you were with your husband. And yes, he was free to admit to himself that he was jealous of the rapt attention you gave his cousin while you gave him nary a look since being introduced to Louis.

Kit stood in front of the portrait of his mother, looking at her for a while as he remembered the day of her death. Queen Amalie had been jolly that day, hugging him and kissing his cheek as she greeted him a good morning. All she had planned was to be in her garden, planting and caring for the new species of flowers and herbs the Grand Duke had brought over from his home country. She had always spent her time of rest in the garden she loved. She had slaved herself the day before, absorbed in finishing her proposal for more international trades for the kingdom. Kit had been eager to read more of it but it was not meant to be. She had passed on the day after that. Kit, his father, the whole palace, and the whole kingdom mourned the loss of such good and intelligent queen.

“I had received word that the Princess Chelina wishes to arrive earlier than she intended. The Grand Duke thinks it a fine idea for her to know more of her future people.” The king said as he stood beside his son.

Kit merely nodded, keeping his eyes on his mother’s serene face on the portrait. “Is there a day or time we are to be expecting her in the palace?”

He turned to his father and found him staring at his mother as well. There was a sad look upon his face, a longing, as his eyes roamed over the master’s painting of her. Kit knew better than to linger by his mother’s portrait. His father had aged a decade since that faithful day and his health started to decline once she had been buried. It had not gone unnoticed to Kit that he was soon to take his father’s place on the throne.

“Zaragoza is seven days’ travel by sea and land to our kingdom. We shall see her at the end of the week.” The king cleared his throat and patted his son’s shoulder. “Your cousins have arrived.”

“I know, Father. I left Louis in the company of Y/N in the garden.” Kit told him.

“It is best you stay away from her,” said the king in a tone that did not permit defying.

But Kit was his son and he sometimes defied his father, even in small matters. “Is there a reason why?”

“She will get ideas that you wish to remain wed to her.” The king looked at his son.

Kit raised his brow. “She wishes to help with this predicament she has placed upon us.”

“I think she has done enough helping.” When Kit did not seem to back down, the king sighed. “Your mother would have known what to do, Kit.”

“Mother would,” the prince agreed.

“I miss her every day,” the king admitted.

“So do I.” he told his father. “What shall we do on the anniversary of her death? Would it be in poor taste to hold a feast?”

“No. Your mother would have allowed festivities.”

“Shall we hold one for her, then?”

“Yes,” his father replied. “She would have loved for us to be happy instead of mourning her. We shall hold it when the princess arrives.”

Kit nodded. “Do you think mother would have liked her?”

“Princess Chelina?”

“No. Y/N.”

The king sighed. “Keep her out of your head, Kit. Once she and you are separated, she will be out of the palace and of our lives for good.”

“It makes me wonder, father, why you are so adamant that I marry Princess Chelina. Isn’t what you stipulated that I only marry before I ascend the throne? You did not say she needed be a princess or a noble or titled, even.”

“She has turned your head, my boy.” The king said gravely. “I worry about that. I know her father. He had boasted before that his daughter could be very persuasive.”

Kit raised an eyebrow. “She has not done any persuasion towards me at all.”

It is quite the opposite, in fact, he thought surly. He could still vividly recall how you smiled prettily when you called his cousin by his name readily. He had been trying to make you call him by his name and you were stubborn and insistent that it was improper. For his cousin, it appeared that it was not.

“Princes are made for princesses.” The king said with finality as he looked at his son with a stern brow.

“Father—”

“I will not hear any argument from you, Kit.”

“Can I, perhaps, try to learn more about her?”

“For what reason?”

“She is a citizen of our kingdom, is she not? If you do not think her the princess, then we shall consider her a citizen of it.”

“There are others you can learn from.”

“None of them live in the palace.”

“Kit.”

“Father.”

The king sighed and turned to the portrait once more. “Do you see how stubborn he has become, Amalie? Our boy has not changed.”

Kit grinned. “I took after you, father.”

His father chuckled. “Very well, Kit, but be weary of her. The Grand Duke says she is coming after the books on the laws of the kingdom. She might seem innocent to you but for the Grand Duke, he finds her ambitious.”

“The Grand Duke insulted her intelligence by suggesting she read a book on herbology. Her reason for wanting the books on politics was to help us find a solution for this impasse.”

“The books are in a foreign language.”

“She reads German.”

The king’s eyebrow rose as he turned to his son. “Has she told you that?”

“The herbology book was in German.”

“When did we get an herbology book in German?”

“Must be mother’s since she loved tending to her garden.”

They both turned to the portrait of the last queen of the kingdom.

“Let your cousin keep her entertained, Kit. Remember that you are to be wed to the Princess Chelina. Hers is a country that we are in desperate need of alliance with. Your mother would have wanted for you to do your duty.” The king said with a tired voice.

Kit remained quiet. His mother had ingrained in him her love of her duty as the queen. She loved the people, considered them her family when she had moved from her home country to her kingdom. She always placed their needs above all else, heralding their small territory into greatness in her short reign as queen. If there was one person he idolized more than his father, it was his mother.

“Of course, father. I do not wish to disappoint mother in her expectations of me.” Kit said as he looked at his mother’s face once more.

“Good. Now that we are in agreement, there is some other matter I wish to discuss with you.”

The days in the palace were monotonous.

Your trunks arrived with all of the items you had asked for but you were yet to pick up on the books your father had sent over because of the Duke of Granville. Louis had been a great source of companionship, even at times he did seem a bit tiresome. You had known him from before, when your family had been invited by his father to visit their stately home. You were at an impressionable age then, you sixteen and he nineteen, when you first met him. You had wished that he reciprocated your feelings of infatuation but as you saw that he merely viewed you like a sister, you dashed all hopes of having your sentiments returned. Louis had also been a bit of a braggart, boasting of his worldly travels to you, before he learned that you were much more well-traveled than he was. Since then, you had a certain kinship with each other, one borne out of your love for travels.

“I must say, being out of the palace is rather invigorating.” Louis said as he stepped out of the courtyard. “Is this why I often see you out here with a book to your nose?”

“The sea breeze reminds me of my travels. Other than the smell of the flowers in the garden, I rather like the saltiness of the sea.” You took a deep breath as if to prove a point. “The book is merely for passing time.”

You looked at the sky and smiled as the sun’s shine kissed your cheeks.

“Still an avid reader, I see.”

“It was never lost from me, Louis,” you said as you turned to him. “Books, much like traveling, can take you everywhere your heart desires.”

He hummed. “And speaking of heart, my cousin seems to be besotted with you, my dear Y/N,” Louis commented with a grin as you both walked down the gardens.

“Your cousin is betrothed to a princess. I am surprised you do not know of the news.” You clasped your hands behind you, traipsing the pathway towards the late queen’s secret garden. My marriage garden, you thought to yourself wryly.

“That does not connect with my statement, Y/N.” Louis plucked a daisy and presented it to you.

You took it with a smile. “What do you wish me to say to that, Louis? That I am as infatuated with him as well?”

Louis’s chuckle echoed through the wind. “That shall suffice. Was it difficult to admit the truth?”

You shook your head, flushing. “That is not the truth.” You looked away from him to hide the pink tint of your cheeks.

“Not the whole of it.” Louis teased. The duke, apparently, was very observant and you declined to show him that he was speaking the truth.

You turned from him and walked on. “I see you have been looking at the abigails in the palace. Please tell me you have not made advancements of any kind to my maid Abigail.”

“No but now that you have mentioned it,” your friend regarded you with a boyish grin. Louis was also a lothario of sorts, in addition to being a brag.

“Louis! Don’t you dare!” You scolded playfully. “She has her sights set on Captain Thibault. I think he returns her sentiment.”

Louis sat on the bench and patted the space beside him. You sat and placed your hands on your lap, cupping the daisy he had given you.

“What makes you think that the good Captain is infatuated with your maid?” he asked.

“He is flustered around her,” you said simplistically. “And she is flustered around him.”

The duke’s grin was positively devilish. You dreaded to know what was going on in his mind.

“Was it like how you were flustered around me in Granville?” he teased. “Squeaky voice and ungraceful curtsy?”

You gave an unladylike groan. “I should not have admitted that to you.”

“Too late now, my dear Y/N. Quite too late.” He grinned.

“You are forever going to tease me so. I shall have to travel to the ends of the world to be away from you,” you told him.

“Or you could come with me to the square?” said a voice above you. “Escape my annoying cousin for a while.”

You looked up and saw blue eyes boring into yours. Kit’s. You knew the hue of his eyes even if you had only spoke to him a handful of times and had looked into them for lesser than that. You shivered at their intensity as he watched you.

You scrambled to your feet, dropping into another ungraceful curtsy. Louis only guffawed and you skewered him with a glance.

“Your Royal Highness,” you chirped, which only had your friend laugh out loud some more.

“Y/N,” Kit said good-naturedly to you. “Louis,” he said flatly to his cousin.

“Ah, cousin. It is so good to see you. A refreshing sight to see, am I right, Y/N?” Louis said once he had recovered from his bout of laughter.

You rose to your feet and looked at Louis squarely in the eye. “Yes, Your Grace. Quite,” you nearly spat at him.

Louis only grinned that charming smile of his. He knew how to spite you, the devil.

The prince cleared his throat and looked at you once more. “What do you say, Y/N? A trip to the square?”

“Any particular reason you’re going to the square, cousin?” Louis asked as he stood, clapping Kit’s shoulder.

“To get away from you, perhaps?” you supplied in a small voice. You had not realized it was loud enough for Kit to hear as well.

“I understand my cousin could be quite peeving but I did not think he has caused you this great a distress, Y/N.” Kit said.

You looked at the prince with wide eyes, turning pink when you saw the way he studied you. Why was it that he always looked at you as though you were the most fascinating thing in the world? His eyes were always inquisitive and they always held that sort of wonderment in them whenever he regarded you.

“Oh, no,” you denied, flushing feverishly. “Louis—that is, His Grace—and I were merely playing a game.”

“And a fun game it was,” Louis agreed. You resisted the urge to roll your eyes at the duke.

Kit only looked at you. “I see.”

“Off you go, pet,” Louis told you. “I shall miss you while you are away.”

You glared at the charming man. “I do not think I share the sentiment.”

“Oh?” He said, pretending affront. Louis pulled away from his cousin and advanced towards you. “You think you shall not miss me, Louis Toussaint, the Duke of Granville?”

You stayed rooted in place. “No. I dare say I won’t, Louis.” You told him with a false air of affection.

He leaned his face to yours, near enough to be considered improper, looking into your eyes with his happy, joking ones. “Liar.”

Your lips broke into a smile. You only hummed.

Kit cleared his throat.

Louis winked at you before pulling away. “She is all yours, cousin. I shall have to suffer spending time with my sisters while my dear Y/N is with you.”

Kit looked at you again. “Shall we? The horses are being fitted for their saddles. We shall leave at once.”

“I shall have to inform the king that I am to leave the palace grounds.” You told him. “I would need a chaperone and he shall be informed of my itinerary.”

“Whatever for?”

“A stipulation for my staying here,” you answered.

“Even when I am to take you to the square?”

“Especially then, Your Royal Highness,” you told him with meaning.

Kit seemed to have understood because he nodded. “Of course. Captain Thibault will be coming with us.”

“I can be your chaperone, pet,” Louis said.

“No.” Kit declared.

Louis raised a brow at him but he smiled at you after. “Are you really going to subject me to an afternoon without your lovely company, Y/N?”

“Your sisters are fit company, duke.”

Louis heaved an impressive fake sigh. “No matter. I shall have your unmitigated attention tomorrow, Y/N.” He took your hand and kissed your knuckles, deliberately taking longer than what was appropriate.

You bent a much more elegant curtsy than the one you gave the prince. “Louis.”

You rose when Louis dropped your hand. Kit still had his eyes on you. You shivered despite being under the blazing glare of the sun.

“I must confess something to you, Your Royal Highness,” you told Kit as Louis ambled away.

“What is it?” Kit asked as he walked beside you back to the palace.

“I am… not trained to ride a horse,” you said instead. You wanted to tell him that you feared riding the fickle creatures but you could not admit it to him lest he laugh at you.

“That won’t be a problem, Y/N. We shall take the carriage instead.” He smiled easily at you.

He nodded at the footmen who opened the doors to his father’s study. You entered what seemed to be an annex of the library, what with the number of books strewn about the table and the shelves teeming with more leather-bound tomes.

“Father, I wish to take Y/N to the square today. She told me you require that she has a chaperone with her when going out of the palace grounds?” Kit asked loudly in the room.

“Why are you taking her to the square, Your Royal Highness?” The Grand Duke asked instead.

You bowed down at the man. “Your Grace.”

He did not seem to pay you any mind. “It is improper, Your Royal Highness, for you to take a commoner on your trips to the square. People will talk.”

“She is a guest of my father’s, Grand Duke. I don’t see any reason why she should not be afforded the same courtesy as with the other guests of this palace.” The prince said.

“People will talk—” The Grand Duke tried once again.

“People do not know that she and I are wed. I was under the impression that you and father made sure the secret remain thus.”

“Your Royal Highness, it is not proper.”

“So is your insistence that I not bring her wherever I please. I would exercise caution with my next words, Grand Duke. You are speaking to the prince.” Kit said. It was the first time you had heard him use such an authoritative tone of voice. “Now, where is my father?”

“Calm down, my boy. No need to argue with the Grand Duke. He is simply worried that people will think our guest is your chosen bride.” The king said.

You bobbed another curtsy at the king who had just entered. “Your Majesty.”

“You said she is to require a chaperone. Is there one you have chosen for her or is she free to choose?” Kit asked his father.

“One of your cousins could chaperone her, Kit.”

“Louis is spending his time with his sisters. Can’t she just take her maid with her?”

You saw the king wave his hand away in agreement. “Fine. Now, leave us. We are quite busy.”

“Very busy,” claimed the Grand Duke as he looked at you with his spiteful eyes. “Such a problem you have brought upon us, girl.”

You bowed your head, breathing deeply and quietly. “Forgive me, Your Majesty, Your Grace.”

“Let’s go, Y/N.” Kit said. He touched your elbow and led you out of the study. He had left you to get Abigail while he went ahead to instruct one of the footmen to ready the carriage. When everything was ready and done, you both boarded the coach. Kit specifically asked that Abigail ride with the coach up front so that he may have time to talk to you about certain matters.

“Forgive me for being absent these couple of days, Y/N,” Kit said as the carriage rolled forward.

You were sat in front of him, your back to the road. Kit had changed into a less formal coat, its base the color of moss with golden ropes artfully embroidered to give its regal design. His cravat was the color of his eyes, blue and beautiful. He looked sinful as he sat before you with an air of nonchalance. He and Louis were cousins and although there were similarities between them, Kit was far more superior, not only in rank but in other things as well. Louis was a braggadocio whilst Kit was more reserved. He let his presence speak for himself.

“No need to apologize, Your Royal Highness,” you told him with a shy smile.

Truly, there was no need for him to apologize to you. You knew he had been quite busy, especially when you heard that the Princess Chelina was hoping to arrive earlier than was expected of her. The palace had been running amok with all the preparations for her arrival and for the feast that was for the anniversary for the death of Queen Amalie. You had wanted to help in any way you can but you never found the perfect moment to offer it. You also had not wanted to be a burden to them, remembering the unkindly words the Grand Duke had said to you.

“I wish for you to call me Kit, Y/N.” Kit said as he watched you. “You call my cousin by his name. What makes mine any different from his?”

You touched the daisy that was still in your hands. “The duke is… not as unattainable as you, Your Royal Highness.”

“Kit.” Kit insisted. “And unattainable? I’m afraid I don’t understand what you mean.”

“I—”

The carriage lurched and you were thrown from your seat and onto Kit’s lap. You felt his hands on your arms as he held you steady. He peered down at you, eyebrows drawn in concern. Your hands braced his thighs and you felt the corded muscles under his leather breeches. Your heart thudded in your chest and you swore you heard them thunder in your ears. You swallowed as you looked at his mouth then his eyes.

“Are you all right, Y/N?” he asked, worry marring his features.

You nodded mutely, still entranced by the blue of his eyes.

“Perhaps it is best you sit beside me.” He helped you up and planted you beside him, securing you closer to him when the carriage lurched again.

He called for the Captain. You heard Kit instruct him the stagecoach to drive carefully should you be thrown from your seat once more.

You felt your body grow hot and you had no idea if it was because you were surprised at being thrown across the carriage or because you were sat beside your husband. You did not dwell overmuch on the feeling because you did not want to put a name to it lest it made you hope.

“I am fine now, Your Royal Highness. No need to keep me locked in my seat.” You told him, clearing your throat because it had suddenly gone dry.

Kit pulled his arm away and you breathed easier. “I shall have to teach you how to ride horseback so we do not encounter such problems like this when we travel to the square again.”

At the mention of horseback, you felt your heart wedge in your throat. You clutched your hands together, feeling them damp. “I—I thank you, Your Royal Highness.” You said as you swallowed thickly. “I look—look forward to it.”

He gave a thoughtful hum. “No, you don’t.”

You turned to him. You found him regarding you silently.

“Are you afraid of horses, Y/N?” he asked gently.

You took a deep breath and nodded. “An absurd fear, I know,” you said before he could.

“Is that where you got your scar from?”

You felt his finger brush against the side of your face, touching your healed skin. “I had been thrown off a horse when I was much younger. Its hooves almost trampled me if it weren’t for my father who had pulled me from under the angry animal. It instead caught my cheek and I was left with this as a reminder of that day.”

“How do you go about your travels if you don’t ride a horse?” he asked.

“I travel mostly by sea.” You gave a small wistful smile. “I confess I have found my sea legs long before I could properly ride a horse.”

He smiled at you. “Then we shall make a day of it. I shall still teach you. One of the mares has a very kind temperament. It shouldn’t be spooked so easily.”

“That’s very kind, Your Roy—”

“Call me Kit, please. And you have not answered my question. How am I unattainable while my cousin is?”

You looked down on your lap, playing with your fingers. The daisy had fallen on the floor of the carriage now, its white petals dirtied with boot marks.

“He is a but a duke. His… title makes me less nervous around him.” You told him.

“I make you nervous?” Kit asked.

You looked at him shyly. “Very much so.”

“We must remedy that, then. If all it takes is for you to be comfortable around me to call me by my name, then we shall do it.” Kit’s face turned thoughtful once more.

“There is no need for that.” you said.

“Then you shall call me by my name?” Kit watched you closely, his face now hopeful.

“Why do you insist that I do?” you asked, amused.

That seemed to have baffled the prince because he did not reply right away. You bit your lower lip, looking away.

“You have to forgive me again. I often speak too liberally. I am a curious person.” You said, avoiding his eyes.

“I shall forgive you if you call me by my name.”

You bit the inside of your cheek, smiling a little as you turned to the prince. “You are uncompromising, are you not?”

Kit chuckled. “I take after my father in that aspect. Now, Y/N, it is a simple favor. I hope you don’t deny me of it.”

“If it shall please you, then, very well,” you said. “Kit.”

The prince beamed and all of the air rushed out of your lungs. He looked much more charming than his cousin, much more handsome and princely as his mouth stretched into this stunning smile. Your eyes stayed on the curve of his lips for a while, feeling your body heat up and your cheeks go aflame with your blush. Never, never had you ever had this reaction before.

“It pleases me, Y/N, to hear my name from your lips.” He grinned.

You smiled as you settled in your seat, playing with your hands. You both were silent for a while but you felt the change in the atmosphere inside the carriage. It felt different… to be friends with your spouse. It was one thing you did not anticipate happening and one thing your heart should be wary of.

“Where did you learn German?” Kit asked as the carriage rolled to a stop inside the town.

“I had an unconventional upbringing. I wasn’t brought up by a governess because it had been hard to find one willing to travel the seas. Instead, my father schooled me on the history of our kingdom and the countries he had seen.” Talking to Kit had been much easier now that you had started addressing him by his name and not his title.

A liveried footman opened the door and the prince descended. You gathered your skirts in your hands, emerging from the door. Kit took your other hand as he helped you down. You clutched at him suddenly when your foot slipped, gripping tightly until you were secure on the ground.

“Thank you, Kit,” you whispered.

“My pleasure, Y/N,” he murmured. “Shall we?”

You nodded as you followed beside him. You straightened, calming your heart as you recovered from your near slip.

“I would assume you learnt the language through your father?” Kit asked as he stopped at stalls and looked at the various fruits and vegetables that were for sale.

You stopped beside him. “Yes, and through the people. While my father worked, I went on excursions. I talked to the citizens of the country and learned everything I could through experience.” You smiled at the merchant. “Your apples look quite delicious, sir. I think them worthy of a position in a nobleman’s table.”

The man preened at your praise. “I thank you, Miss. Please, have one as my thanks.”

“Oh, I thank you but I would not wish for you to miss on a sale.” You told the man.

“Do you want one?” Kit asked beside you.

You turned to the prince. “Only if you shall, Your Royal Highness.”

“Give us a basket of your finest apples,” Kit commanded and nodded at the Captain, who was standing behind him.

You heard the jingle of the coin. Kit passed you an apple and you thanked him, holding the luscious fruit in your hands.

“Thank you, Your Royal Highness, and Miss.” The man said as he pocketed his coins.

“I gather you not only read German but you also speak it?” Kit asked once you had advanced from the stall.

“I would say I speak many languages. I am often the topic of conversation when I come with my father during his meets with other dignitaries and noblemen. As I am a curious person, I took it upon myself to study their languages so I knew what they were talking about.” You smiled at a flower seller. “Your blooms are very beautiful, madam, and their scent so fragrant.”

“Thank you, Miss.” When she saw the prince, she bent into a curtsy. “Your Royal Highness.”

Kit nodded at the woman. “What is it they talk about?” He turned to you.

You had bent over at one of the flowers, smelling the sweet scent of the rose. “They are surprised that my father opted to bring his daughter with him, not his son. I have no siblings and I have nothing to do whilst my father is away. I always insisted that I come along with him because I am fascinated with his work. The other dignitaries and noblemen think me overambitious for wanting to be like my father, since the fairer sex can only be for the home.”

You straightened and turned to the prince, only to find him hand you a bouquet of lavenders.

“Your favorite, if I remember correctly?” he asked as he presented the buds and blooms to you.

You smiled softly, taking the bunch from his hands. “Yes, they are, Kit.” You shyly put your nose on the buds, inhaling its sweet scent.

Kit smiled and he thanked the flower seller. He gestured for the way and you both ambled on.

“Was your father made aware of these topics?”

You nodded. “It is a difficult situation for him; to try and defend his daughter and risk not brokering agreement with the country or to let them insult me but have an agreement done. I developed thick skin since then. I’ve learned to not care for their words because it would not give me success if I do let it dishearten me.”

You both talked as you made your way around the square. People bowed and curtsied at the prince while you commented on the things you have found beautiful or worthy of praise. It was not as beautiful as the markets in Castilla or in Florence but it had it’s own charm unique only to your kingdom. The people were friendlier and happier. They seemed to enjoy their labour, instead of whinging about it.

It was nearing nightfall when you both rode back to the palace. You had learned a lot from Kit as well. He had told you of his aspirations for the kingdom, the laws he wanted to pass and proclaim. He talked more of his mother and her plans for more international trade. He had even asked for your opinions because you had seen what it was like in the other countries while he only learned them from books. For the first time since you had decided you wanted to be a diplomat, Kit’s simple question made you feel like you were one step closer to achieving it.

The merchants all had offered a piece of their sale to the both of you and you arrived at the palace bearing one of everything that was available for purchase in the square. Your most prized possession was the bouquet of lavenders he had given you and you had only let it go for Abigail to bring to your chambers.

“I shall warm your bed for you, miss,” Abigail said when you all had arrived back in the palace.

“Thank you, Abigail. Please, take some of the fruits for yourself and for the kitchen staff. I shan’t be able to eat them all.” You alighted the carriage with the prince’s help once more.

Abigail smiled and bowed at both you and the prince. “Thank you, miss. Your Royal Highness.”

“Let us tell father you have arrived. Perhaps he wishes to know you would like to go have dinner as well.” Kit grinned.

You chuckled lightly. “Do not tease your father, Kit. He is merely worried.” You followed him.

“Then I shall be happy to report that there’s no reason for him to be. We have both survived the trip to the square unscathed.”

You both smiled at each other.

The doors to the dining hall opened and Kit strode in. You stepped behind him.

“You took your time, my boy, but it is no matter.” The king said. He stood from his seat at the head of the table. “Come, Kit, and welcome the Princess Chelina of Zaragoza.”

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The Accidental Princess (Part 5)

Prince Kit x Reader

Synopsis: A contract has been found after twenty years, bearing your name and Prince Kit's... bound in matrimony.

Chapter summary: A feast for the late Queen is held.

Word Count: 6.9k words

Warnings: Badly translated German (I just used Google translate so pls, it's not me T.T), period-typical misogyny, that's it? Also, I took liberties and made their dance into a Landler instead of a waltz. You can watch it here.

A/N: HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY! I hope 2022 would be better for all of us! I'm sorry it took too long for the fic to come out. You'll see why in the end. TAGLIST for the fic IS STILL OPEN! Just send me an ask if you want to be added to the list :) Also thoughts, reviews, comments, suggestions, requests (and reblogs!) are very much welcome and appreciated! Please enjoy Part 5 of The Accidental Princess!

Masterlist

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 |

You adored feasts and balls. You enjoyed all sorts of festivities, even small ones that welcomed home dignitaries from other countries. Their customs and traditions were beautiful in each country you had been to. It was also during these soirees that you had learned numerous folk dances and sampled their cuisine. You had never chosen a favorite; it was quite impossible to compare one to the other when they had been completely different in their style and tradition.

In all the festivities you had gone to, Queen Amalie’s death anniversary was one you were surprised to celebrate. Royals mourned their losses with subdued feasts and with speeches that told of their life and achievements. While there was certainly a feast and stories of the late queen’s life, you had not expected for there to be dancing. Or even the presence of foreign royals, what with the invitations being sent out quite later than the usual.

“Would you like some refreshments, pet?” Louis asked as you both walked back from the dance floor.

You had stayed close to Louis for the entirety of the feast, only greeting Kit when he had entered the ballroom. You kept in mind what the king had said, despite your heart’s protestations. Kit was to marry Princess Chelina. You were destined to travel the world and learn more of being a diplomat for the kingdom. You were in no shape or form to be a princess. Chelina, meanwhile, was Kit’s perfect half. With their marriage, the kingdom’s armies would be fortified with the best militia and the kingdom itself would be one step closer to opening more channels for international trade. The marriage would realize what Kit had planned for his kingdom.

Kit’s eyes captured yours from across the ballroom and you noted the intent gaze he had about his face. You knew he had been watching you the whole night. You had not gone to see him inside his mother’s garden the night before and from the look of annoyance on his face, you knew he had been there, waiting for your arrival. Your feet had been ready to go but you remembered what you had promised the king. Who were you to defy the king, despite what his son had said?

“Y/N,” Louis called.

You broke eye contact with Kit and turned to your dear friend, smiling apologetically. “Forgive me. My mind was elsewhere.”

“Your mind or your eye?” Louis jested.

You rolled your eyes at him affectionately. “What were you asking me, Louis?”

“I was merely asking if you wanted lemonade to drink. You look rather flushed. I would not want to lose a dance partner tonight.” He told you.

“On the contrary, I think you would rather lose me to find excuse to take the Princess Chelina for a waltz.” You looked at him wryly. “You were abuzz with excitement when you learned the maestro had a Spanish dance for the princess.”

Louis raised a brow at you. “You know of that Spanish dance as well, pet. How are you sure that my excitement was not for you?”

You chuckled lightly. “Because I know you, Louis, and I know that you want to have at least one dance with your cousin’s fiancée.” You pulled away from him. “I shall let you go now. Do not worry about me. It is not my first ball where I am left to my own devices.”

“Y/N—”

“I am fine. A lemonade and fresh air shall revive my spirits.” You smiled at him before bobbing a quick curtsy.

“I shall find you after our dance, pet. Do not be going anywhere.” Louis took your hand and kissed your knuckles, winking as he left.

You walked towards one of the footmen, taking a glass of lemonade before heading to one of the open verandas. The breeze was cool with a tang of salt from the sea. It was a beautiful summer night, the moon full above the palace. All of the flowers were in bloom in the gardens beyond you. You heaved a deep sigh and sipped your refreshment.

Queen Amalie’s books all had information about the plants Digitalis purpurea and Aconitum napellus. It was baffling why she had concocted a poisonous blend with intentions of drinking it for herself. You had not known her to be so deeply despondent to resort to drinking such cocktail. You may have not known the queen for long—or even at all—but from all of the stories people had talked about her just earlier the night, she did not seem to be miserable enough to try and end her life with a dangerous tea blend. But it was a possibility, however questionable it was.

No, you don’t think that, your inner voice said to you. You did not think the queen would do that to herself. Perhaps she was reckless? You thought to yourself. Perhaps. Perhaps not.

Queen Amalie had loved her garden. Kit had shared that she loved planting and caring for her blooms. Someone with delicate health knew better than to spend much time under the glare of the summer sun. Someone with extensive knowledge of said plants and herbs also knew the proper precautions when handling such danger.

Despite Louis’s speculation of the sun being the culprit for her death, you felt it in you that the sun was not at fault for such terrible ending of the queen. You had an inkling it had something to do with the tea and the dangerous petals mixed within it.

You looked at the gardens before you and you sighed once more. Who were you to start an investigation on how Queen Amalie passed? What was there to investigate on? The petals, the herbs, the tea, her love for the gardens; they were all coincidental. If you noticed it, other people would have noticed it before you as well.

“The Duke of Granville had kept you to himself the whole night, Miss Y/N,” you heard a voice call from behind you, bringing you out of your silent musings.

You put your glass of lemonade down and turned, curtsying at the sight of the Count of Blois. “Lord Blois.”

The Count took your hand and placed a respectful kiss on your knuckles. “It is a surprise to find you in your home kingdom. Weren’t you always one for traveling?”

You chuckled lightly as you stood. “There were some matters that needed my presence in the kingdom, my lord. Although, I shall be back on the ship to travel once more soon.” you told the kindly noble.

“Ah. Is that so? Where shall you be traveling next?”

“Aragon, my lord.”

“Another Spanish country. There shall be more of your astounding tales to tell. No other person had come close to convincing me to plan on traversing the seas to try the foods of Castile other than you.”

You smiled. “You shall not look any further for the Cook has prepared an Aragonian meal for the princess. It is not much different than the food from Castile. I am confident it shall satiate your hunger for them.”

Blois smiled. “Then I shall give them a try. May I have you for the next waltz, Miss Y/N?”

“I will be honored, my lord.” You placed your hand in his waiting one, walking with him back to the ballroom.

Since the Count’s taking of you to a dance, you had not one respite for the next six sets. Lord Blois had started a trend of the peers asking for your hand for a waltz or a quadrille or even a polka. The nobles and the two princes—Prince Giacomo of the Two Sicillies and Prince Frederick of Prussia—who had asked you to dance had been your friends and acquaintances from other kingdoms and overseas.

You and your dance partners talked of how the countries and territories had fared since you had left. Their economies had increased and you congratulated them for having done so. With your gentle persuasion, you managed to convince the princes and the nobles to consider going to the square and peruse the products of your tiny kingdom for them to bring back to theirs. You allowed yourself to believe that you made a difference, that even your small chats had contributed to the spread more of your kingdom’s bounty and wares to other foreign lands.

Like Lord Blois, they also expressed their surprise in finding you in your home kingdom. You had not realized how well-known you were for your travels. You laughed along with them as you jested that your feet were not meant for only one place.

“Wie ich sehe, hast du den Großherzog kennengelernt,” Prince Frederick, the Prince of Prussia, noted as he danced with you. (I see you met the Grand Duke.)

You turned to said man, finding the noble looking at you through squinted eyes. Your stomach roiled at the ominous expression on his face.

“Kennen Sie den Großherzog?” you asked, looking back to your dance partner. (Do you know the Grand Duke?)

“Ja. Er ist ein Adliger aus meinem Land.” (Yes. He is a nobleman from my country.)

Your brow raised. “Ist er ein Preuße?” (Is he a Prussian?)

The prince nodded.

Your brows furrowed as you thought to yourself. If he was Prussian and the princess Aragonian, how were they related to one another?

“Weißt du vielleicht, wie er und die Prinzessin Chelina verwandt sind?” you asked. (Do you maybe know how he and the Princess Chelina are related?)

The prince spun you gently in his arms before answering. “Ich glaube, seine Schwester hat den Prinzen von Aragon geheiratet und die Prinzessin ist seine Nichte.” (I believe his sister married the prince of Aragon and the princess is his niece.)

You nodded. “Ich verstehe. Spricht er Deutsch, der Großherzog?” (I understand. Does he speak German, the Grand Duke?)

“Ich sollte so denken. Schließlich ist er Preuße.” Prince Frederick pulled away from you. He bowed when the music ended. (I should think so. After all, he’s a Prussian.)

You gave the prince a curtsy. You clapped at the orchestra for such a wonderful dance and held on to Prince Frederick’s offer hand. You took one last look at the Grand Duke and found him interacting with his niece.

So, the Grand Duke was Prussian and he spoke German. It would mean that some of the books he gave Queen Amalie would have been in the German language. Including the first herbology book I’ve read, you thought.

“Wann konnen im Sie em palast erwarten, fräulein Y/N?” asked the prince as he led you back from the dance floor. (When can I expect you in the palace, Miss Y/N?)

“Ich fürchte, ich kann Ihnen keine Antwort geben, Hoheit. Ich hoffe, es ist bald soweit. Ich hatte mich immer danach gesehnt, nach Preußen zurückzukehren.” You told the prince, standing before him. (I am afraid I cannot answer you, Your Highness. I hope it will be soon. I had always longed to return to Prussia.)

“Ich lasse die Türen für Ihre Ankunft offen. Es ist so lange her, dass ich in Ihrer wunderbaren Gesellschaft war.” said the prince. (I will leave the doors open for your arrival. It’s been so long since I have been in your wonderful company.)

You chuckled lightly. “Sie schmeicheln mir, Eure Königliche Hoheit. Ich danke dir für das Kompliment.” (You flatter me, Your Royal Highness. I thank you for the compliment.)

Prince Frederick smiled affectionately at you. “Es ist ein wohlverdientes Kompliment. Ich hatte noch nie das Vergnügen, seit Ihrem Weggang mit jemandem zu sprechen, der so intelligent und schön ist wie Sie.” (It is a well-deserved compliment. I have never had the pleasure of speaking to someone as intelligent and beautiful as you since you left.)

You flushed. “Ich bin sicher, die Damen Ihres Hofes sind viel schöner und schlauer als ich.” (I am sure the ladies in your court are much more beautiful and smarter than I.)

“Keiner von ihnen besitzt deine Lebendigkeit,” he told you with a tender smile. (None of them have your liveliness.)

“Sie ist eine ziemlich temperamentvolle Person, nicht wahr?” said a familiar voice behind you. (She’s quite a spirited person, isn’t she?)

You felt your heart thud suddenly in your chest. You turned to the voice, finding Kit looking at you, and you curtsied before him.

“Your Royal Highness,” you said.

You felt his stare through your bowed head and you swallowed. You were not ready to confront him. He had been staring at you the whole night with ire on his face and you knew it was because you failed to come to his mother’s garden.

You stood as Prince Frederick bowed before Kit. “Eure Königliche Hoheit. Dir und deinem Vater mein aufrichtiges Beileid. Deine Mutter war eine wundervolle Frau.” (Your Royal Highness. My condolences to you and your father. Your mother was a wonderful woman.)

“Danke, Eure Königliche Hoheit.” Kit only uttered. (Thank you, Your Royal Highness.)

“Und ja, Fräulein Y/N ist ziemlich temperamentvoll. Ich beneide Sie, Ihre Königliche Hoheit, dass Sie sie in Ihrer Nähe haben. Ich hätte mich nicht von ihr getrennt. Sie ist ein seltenes Juwel.” Frederick told the prince as he looked over at you. (And yes, Miss Y/N is quite spirited. I envy you, Your Royal Highness, for having her close by. I would not have parted with her. She is a rare gem.)

You flushed once more, turning your eyes away shyly from him and into Kit’s. He was looking back at you intently, a brow raised.

“Ja, ist sie.” Kit said, keeping his eyes on you. “Verzeihen Sie mir as Eindringen, Eure Königliche Hoheit Ich möchte das Fräulein nur um den nächsten Tanz bitten.” (Yes, she is. Forgive me for the intrusion, Your Royal Highness. I just wanted to ask the lady for the next dance.)

You looked away from Kit, your body shivering at his icy stare.

“Ja, sicher.” Prince Frederick took your hand and bowed over it, kissing the top of it. “Es war mir eine Freude, Sie wiederzusehen, Fräulein. Ich freue mich auf deine Rückkehr nach Preußen." (Yes, of course. It was a pleasure to see you again, Miss. I look forward to your return to Prussia.)

You curtsied at the Prussian prince. Your lips were drawn to a smile that did not reach your eyes. “Danke für den Walzer, Eure Königliche Hoheit.” (Thank you for the waltz, Your Royal Highness.)

“Das Vergnügen ist meins.” Frederick looked at Kit and shook his hand. “Nochmals mein Beileid.” (The pleasure is mine. My condolences again.)

Kit had been watching you since he entered the ballroom. It was impossible to not notice you because you had been the most beautiful in all of the ladies present, Princess Chelina included. Even when you had worn your simplest of dresses, he would be quick to find you because everyone else had been wearing eye-catching clothing that highlighted the simplicity of yours. Your beauty echoed through the full halls of the palace and he saw that he was not the only one drawn to you. Other nobles and princes had been drawn to you as well.

He watched as the Prince of Prussia left, feeling the green-eyed monster slither its way to his chest once more. All your subsequent dances after Louis had been with other noblemen and you had been happy in each of them, conversing unreservedly. He knew you reveled in speaking with the foreign guests, especially so when you had spoken in another language. He had not understood one of your conversations but basing on the way your eyes brightened and your voice pitched higher, he knew you were speaking passionately about the topic. It made him jealous that he was not the one to witness such fondness from you.

He had watched as you interacted with Prince Frederick. You seemed to be in raptures whenever he opened his mouth. He knew the prince, thought him quite similar with his cousin Louis, and Kit figured that perhaps you preferred men like his cousin. And Louis and he were opposites of each other.

Kit turned to you, finding half of your body turned away from him as if readying to flee. “I must find the Duke of Gran—”

“I believe I asked you for a dance, Y/N,” he said firmly and regretted his tone of voice when you looked at him. There was apprehension in your eyes, a bit of fear as well, and guilt washed over him.

“Of course, Your Royal Highness,” you said meekly, looking away from him. Your tone did not sit well with him. “Forgive me.”

Kit cleared his throat, feeling it constrict behind his cravat. He took your cold hand in his and squeezed it. He did not feel you return the action and he felt like a cad for letting his jealousy get the best of him. You were faultless. You were just being yourself with your other dance partners and he was jealous that you were acting differently towards him.

“Shall we?” Kit asked.

“Yes, Your Royal Highness,” you said in a small voice.

He led you to the dance floor. He bowed as you curtsied at him and with the first strains of the Landler music, you both got into position. He pulled you close to him, feeling your body flush against his and saw the pink tinge of your cheeks at your nearness to each other.

He danced you gently, watching your face as you both spun across the floor. He found you limiting your reactions, trying your best not to let yourself be lost in the music.

“Is something wrong, Y/N?” he asked. His voice still held that authoritative tone in it. His hand gripped yours, an attempt to tell you how apologetic he was for it.

You cleared your throat and shook your head. “No. Nothing is wrong.”

Both of you were silent as you danced. Kit watched as you waltzed elegantly in his arms, seeing how you slowly felt more of the music in your body. You hopped and skipped and spun in his arms and he let himself smile as you allowed yourself to dance passionately.

“Are you not going to ask me how I know how to dance the Landler?” Kit asked as you reached the part where you were close enough to start a conversation.

“I assumed it is part of your princely training,” you murmured.

His voice turned hushed. “The Landler was my mother’s favorite dance. She and father always danced it at every ball they threw.”

“Oh,” was all you said.

“I had only danced with her for a handful of times. Father was her favorite partner. In fact, if I were to take my father’s words to heart, I believe this was what they danced on their wedding, their first dance.”

You swallowed and looked away from him, just in time for him to spin you. When you returned in his arms, he found himself looking into your soulful eyes.

“We never had a first dance,” Kit thought out loud.

You looked over his shoulder, refusing to meet his eyes. “Please do not speak of that, Kit.”

“And why not?”

You kept quiet. It was slowly driving him mad that everything that came out of his mouth was the wrong thing to say. How was it that he never did right by you since the Princess Chelina’s arrival? What had happened since that wonderful time you both had in the square?

“Y/N?” he tried.

You finally looked at him and all words evaded him. Your cheeks were flushed and your breathing short and shallow. There was an emotion in your eyes that he could not name but he knew he felt it in him too. Was it love? Was it regret? Did you pine for him like he did for you? All those questions and not one answer.

He felt himself shiver as he held you against him. The next few positions in the dance required the two of you to be closer to each other and he understood why this specific dance was his mother’s favorite. His nearness to you made it seem like he could feel his heart beat the same time as yours. It was a much personal dance, made to only be shared by lovers. The intimacy of it, despite being in the center of the palace ballroom, was enough for Kit to let out a deep groan of desire.

He saw you shiver as well when he placed both of your hands on your waist. Your eyes grew bigger in the candlelight and all emotions of fear and apprehension were gone in them as he beheld you. In their place was a different emotion that made hope bloom in his chest.

The song slowly drew to a close. He held both of your hands in his, spinning you halfway until your back rested against his chest. He breathed in your scent of lavenders and lemon, committing to memory the contours of your back. You looked up at him as he looked down at you.

“Come with me,” he whispered.

You shivered and he saw the minute nod you gave him. He felt you let go of his hands and turn until you were facing him. You dropped into a curtsy while he placed his right hand on his chest, bowing at you.

Kit heard the applause but it was drowned out by the beating of his heart in his ears. He breathed deeply, watching you as you rose from your curtsy. He held out his hand to you and you took it, letting him lead you to the gardens.

You let go of his hand when you had stepped out of the ballroom and kept a respectful distance from him. He frowned.

“Did my father talk to you, Y/N?” he asked as he turned to you.

You shook your head at him, eyes away from his face. “No.”

“The Grand Duke?”

You shook your head once again. His frown deepened.

“Then why are you silent? Why did you not approach me at all any time during the feast?”

Kit saw how you swallowed and looked down on your hands. He figured it was a nervous habit of yours, playing with your fingers, and he did not understand why you would be nervous around him. He did not understand the sudden change in you at all.

“Y/N—”

“Are you angry with me?” you asked in a small voice.

He stopped before you, unbelieving what he heard. Angry? He knew his tone had been authoritative when he addressed you before but it was only a residual from the conversation he had from one of the hard-headed royals. He would never be angry with you.

“Angry?” he asked, aghast. “Why would I be angry with you?”

“Because last night…” You stopped talking, moving away from him.

He had waited for you in his mother’s garden last night. He had an inkling that you would not show yourself but he did not hold it against you. You were level-headed and practical. He had hoped that you would not heed his father’s words and come meet him. When you had not, he understood you. Of course, he did.

“I had hoped you would come,” Kit said quietly as he walked beside you.

“I’m sorry,” you sighed.

“Don’t be. It is I who should apologize to you,” he said.

You looked at him, eyes confused.

“I shouldn’t have made you feel this way, Y/N. I shouldn’t have forced you to accept that proposal. It was wrong of me.”

“Oh, Kit.”

“They were the words of a desperate man. Forgive me.”

You smiled sadly at him. “All is forgiven.”

Kit felt himself breathe out in relief. “Shall we start over again?”

You took a deep breath, nodding as you let it out. He offered his arm out to you and you slipped your hand on the crook of it.

“You are quite popular tonight, Y/N,” he told you after a moment of companionable silence. He began leading you to the direction of his mother’s secret garden.

“They are friends of mine from my travels.” You said, other hand lifting your voluminous skirts as you walked beside the prince.

“If you do not mind me asking but what was it that made you laugh with every single one of them?”

Kit felt the air lift with your smile. His heart fluttered at the sight of the smile lighting up your face.

“They were surprised to see me here. I believe I am quite well-known for being anywhere but home.” You said softly.

“Is that so? Why don’t you stay for long in the kingdom?”

“I never found a reason to.”

“And now?” Kit asked, turning to you.

You looked at him with surprised eyes, perhaps not anticipating his question. He hoped. Oh, how he hoped that you saw your reason and that it was him.

“Kit…” You sighed, squeezing his arm. “How I wish that I could stay but I can’t.”

“Can’t or won’t?” he asked you again, the same question he had asked you yesterday.

You swallowed. “I won’t,” you whispered.

His arm tensed at your answer.

Your hand squeezed his arm once more. You only walked quietly beside him.

“Tell me of those friends of yours.” Kit asked of you instead. “Tell me how they came to be.”

He listened intently as you told him of your dance partners. You told him how you had met each of them and how you had developed a friendship with them that did not break however far you were from each other. You met the princes because of your father, while the other lords had been from when you were traveling through the country. Lord Veneering had been the oldest of your dance partners and your friendship with him was through his young daughter, who had taken a liking to you when you told her of stories from the Brothers Grimm.

“Prince Frederick seems to be quite taken with you,” Kit mused. He looked over to you and found you breathing in the cool summer air. There was a tang of salt to the breeze, as well as a mix of the scent of all the flowers in the garden.

“The prince is… an admirer.” you said.

He raised an eyebrow, feeling the constricting feeling on his chest once more. “An admirer, you say?”

“Yes.” You walked silently with him. “He is rather like your cousin, I find.”

“Ah, yes. Another of your admirers.” he nearly spat but he held himself.

“With Louis, it was the other way around,” you said with a smile.

“You admired Louis?”

“I was infatuated with him. I was sixteen when I met him and he was the most urbane of all nobles I had met and close to my age as well. We are only friends because he thinks me like a sister.” You said in a light tone. “I was quite all right with it albeit I was initially heartbroken with his rejection.”

The tight vise of the green-eyed monster loosened when he heard you say that you and Louis were only friends.

“I count myself lucky to be friends with him, however vexing he is.” Kit heard the smile in your voice and he allowed himself to smile.

“He is vexatious, make no mistake about that.” He told you with a grin.

You chuckled lightly at that. “That is the only thing that he differs from Prince Frederick.”

He only hummed, mood turning sour when he remembered that the prince was an admirer of yours.

“I find myself fortunate to be friends with all sorts of people. There are things to learn from common folk that you would not learn from nobility, and vice versa.” You said, swerving from the topic of the Prussian prince.

“I confess I do not have the luxury to do that.” Kit said. “Although, through your stories, I feel as though I am friends with them already.”

“It is never too late to start making friends with the citizens of your kingdom.” You told him.

“How do I go about making friends with the citizens, then?” he asked.

You smiled softly at him and he wondered if your lips were as soft as the smile and the words that came from them. “Well, you must simply have courage and be kind.”

He hummed, still engrossed at your beauty and intelligence. You raised a delicate brow at him, looking peeved.

“It is sound advice, Kit.” You said and he chuckled at your petulant tone. “Had I not been courageous enough to approach them, I would not have the pleasure of making these many friends from foreign lands.”

“No, no. I believe you. I was not mocking you.” He bent down and picked a lavender sprig. “A lavender, Y/N, as an apology.”

You took the sprig from his hand, fingers brushing against his, and he felt a jolt of desire rush through him. He cleared his throat, putting a stop to all of his feverish thoughts about you.

“Won’t they be looking for you?” You asked as you held on to the lavender.

Kit sighed. “Father would. I much rather spend time with you in the garden than be inside with all of the festivities.”

“Does it still hurt?” you asked suddenly as he led you to the door to the alcove.

He looked at you. “What does?”

“Whenever you think about her?”

He nodded. “It hurts more, now that I have realized it has been a year since. I still have regrets,” he told you. “I wish I hadn’t gone hunting. I would have stayed with her in her garden.”

“You couldn’t have known, Kit,” you told him softly. “It wasn’t your fault.”

You were right but it did not assuage the guilt he felt. “When I returned from my hunt, I was told she had been looking for me. She must have been so far gone because when I had arrived in her chambers, she was delirious. Had I returned earlier, she might have still remembered who I was.”

He felt your hand squeeze his arm. “I’m sorry…”

“The events… All of it had been so quick. I had hoped that she would recover, that it was just a bout of delirium brought about by the heat of the sun, but she did not, even after the physician had sedated her. All I could ever do was promise her that I would see through her plans. She had slaved away for it and it never came into fruition.”

“Then do. It is never too late for you to realize her dreams and plans,” you told him gently.

Kit was quiet as he pushed the wooden door open. He strode in, hearing you follow closely behind him and he closed the door.

“Whenever I miss her, I come here.” he said.

He watched as you walked around. You ran your hands on the roses that had bloomed and smelled some of them.

“I feel as though she is with me in spirit whenever I am here,” he said. He always found solace in his mother’s garden, and he smiled to himself at the happy coincidence that it was also the very place where he had married you.

“Do you talk to her?” you asked as you walked to him.

“Talk?”

“Yes. In some countries I had been to, they often talk to their dearly departed for guidance and strength. I figured you must do the same since you miss her.”

“I can’t say I have out loud.”

He walked over to a statue; the only one of his mother’s that his father had commissioned to remember her by. Why his father left it in the place he never set foot on, he did not know.

He felt you sidle over to him and he turned to see you looking up at the marble face of his mother.

“Is that her?” you asked.

“Yes,” he said in a hushed voice.

“She’s beautiful.”

Kit remained quiet as he looked at his mother’s face solemnly.

“Your Majesty,” you said reverently and he turned to see you curtsy before the statue. “I fear we have not formally met. Please excuse my forwardness as I introduce myself.”

He felt himself smile as he watched you.

“My name is Y/N. I am the daughter of one of your most devoted diplomats.”

“She is also my wife, mother,” Kit found himself saying. It was refreshing to him, to verbally speak to his mother and not just keep the conversation in his head.

It was your turn to smile, albeit it was small. “A peculiar story, Your Majesty. You see, when I was six and Kit was eight, we had mistakenly signed a marriage contract in this very garden of yours. I am at fault for that, madam, so please do not be cross with your son. Kit has been too understanding about the matter. I find he is like you in that aspect. Both of you are benevolent.”

He just watched you, seeing you talk so casually as if his mother was well and truly with you in the garden.

“He could be rather stubborn too, madam.” You grinned at him before returning to look at the statue. “He says he took after his father. I cannot tell because I had not been in the presence of your husband for long but if Kit says his father is unrelenting, then I shall take his word for it.

“Your son had also been a gracious host to me during my stay in the palace. I fear I shall miss his presence when I leave.”

Kit looked away, blowing out a breath. Every day was one day nearer to your departure from him. He hated it; loathed that he was helpless in making you stay even if he could command you to.

“But I shan’t worry overmuch. He has his father and you and this lovely garden of yours.

“He shall also be married to the princess of Zaragoza. That, I am most excited to tell you because it would mean that your plans can be put to action. You see, madam, Kit is very proud of your work. He has told me it will be his first proclamation when he is king. I confess I am very eager to see it happen. Our kingdom might be small compared to the other territories but we have resources that cannot be found anywhere else. I know these for a fact for I had traveled far and wide with my emissary father. Your plans and Kit’s enthusiasm to see them realized will bring our small kingdom to greatness. I shall be happy when it comes true.”

You were enthusiastic in your stories to his mother, like you and she had known each other for quite some time. It was special thing about you; your ability to befriend people you had only met. You were kind, and that made you more beautiful than you already were.

“That is all I have to say, Your Majesty. I have no flowers to offer you and I would not want to pluck any of the beautiful roses in your garden. Please accept this humble lavender sprig your son has given me.”

You placed the sprig at the foot of the statue and curtsied.

Kit looked at you, pride blooming in his chest as you regarded his mother’s statue like it was the real her. “She would have liked you, Y/N. I knew she would. You’re kind and brave and compassionate.”

You straightened and he saw the pink rise to your cheeks as you turned to him.

“I know I do.”

You swallowed. He saw how your eyes grew bigger in the moonlight. “Kit…”

“I am in love with you,” he confessed.

In love.

Kit was in love with you.

It had been your dream, to have the one you love return your affections but you knew that this was yet to be painful. Kit did not belong to you and you did not belong to him. You refused to believe his words because you knew that if you let yourself believe, you would hope. And hope was powerful; it was strong enough to hurt you and disappoint you.

You looked at Kit, feeling your eyes fill with tears and you turned from him. You could not stand to see the rawness of the emotions in his eyes because you knew those very emotions were the ones you felt in your heart.

“Y/N?”

You hugged yourself, taking deep breaths before facing him once more. “Kit, you shouldn’t fall in love with me. We hardly know each other.”

“Then tell me more about yourself. Tell me all of your dreams and your aspirations. Tell me your woes and how I can take them from you. I shall dedicate my whole life to knowing everything about you if that is what you wish.” He said in an aching tone.

You shook your head. You walked farther from him, on to the opposite side of his mother’s garden. “It is not I you should be dedicating your life to. You are to be married to Princess Chelina. She is the answer to all of your plans and wishes and dreams. I am but the problem your father and the Grand Duke wish to remove.”

You saw Kit advance towards you and you held out a hand to stop him. He did and, in his eyes, you saw how he longed to hold you. “It is because they don’t know you. They don’t know how wonderful you are, how smart and kind and beautiful,” he insisted.

“Those traits do not matter. I am not a princess. I do not have a country or an army or riches that will be of advantage to the kingdom.” Your heart clenched as you realized how poorly you were. You were a diplomat’s daughter. You had no proper upbringing. You did not even have friends in your own home kingdom. You were not fit to belong with Kit, no matter how your heart screamed that it wanted to.

“No, you do not have those,” Kit agreed and you looked at him in despair.

Had he realized how undesirable you were? Was he to retract his words?

“But you have your wit, Y/N, and that is what matters to me.”

He reached for you, prying your arms from around your body and holding your cold clammy hands in his warm ones. You looked at him as a lone tear fell down your cheek. He wiped it away with a finger and stared into the depths of your eyes.

“You are brilliant. I hate how you do not think yourself so because you have no title. You are my princess.” He whispered against you, finger catching a tear once more as you let yourself cry.

“Kit—”

“You do not need those riches or an army or the kingdom to entice me. I have those and let me give them to you.”

“No—”

“I just want you for who you are. I love you for who you are.”

You closed your eyes, your tears coming unbidden. You broke away and stepped from him. Your stomach turned and your knees felt like they would give way if you did not have anything—or anyone—to support you.

“Don’t make me hope. I do not want to hope because it will hurt when I can’t have you,” you whispered.

“But you have me, Y/N. You’ve possessed me. You own my heart and my soul. Everything I am is now yours.”

“Kit, please.” You wiped your tears. “Please, don’t do this to me.”

“Y/N—”

“I am not what you need. I am not what is expected of you.” You swallowed thickly. “I am just a passing fancy to you and you shall forget me when we are divorced.”

“I will never forget you.”

“Please, stop,” you begged.

You felt him cup your face. You were surprised in the intensity in his eyes, the anguish and the hope, the despair and the love.

“I love you, Y/N. I love you and that is enough for me.”

You broke down, crying as thoughts of love and uncertainty rushed through you.

You loved him with all your heart but it was the same heart that told you to forget him. It was the same heart who tried to outweigh all of the rational thoughts in your mind because you wanted to love and be loved in return. You wanted to give everything to Kit, your love and your life, but for the good of the kingdom, you knew you had to make sacrifices. You had nothing to lose and more to gain if you let yourself love him. You were the one who should make the sacrifice.

You looked into his eyes and your heart ached when you saw how strong his love was for you. You couldn’t bring yourself to make the sacrifice but you knew you must.

“Kit, I—”

“I refuse to believe you do not feel the same way about me. I can see it in your eyes that you love me. If you do not, tell me. Tell me and one word from you shall silence me on the subject forever.”

Your tears fell once more as you stared deeply into his eyes. “I—I—”

“Tell me,” he commanded.

“I can’t.”

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The Accidental Princess (Part 4)

Prince Kit x Reader

Synopsis: A contract has been found, after twenty years, bearing your name and Prince Kit's... bound in matrimony.

Chapter Summary: You make a startling discovery

Word Count: 6.7k words

Warnings: period typical misogyny, not period accurate, that's it??

A/N: HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE! I know not everyone celebrates Christmas so I hope you guys enjoy your day! Here is an advance gift for you guys who are reading The Accidental Princess!

Masterlist

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 |

You had known little about Zaragoza. You were more knowledgeable of its neighbor, Castile, since you had lived in the beautiful place for quite some time. Zaragoza belonged in Aragon and it was to be your next itinerary, had you not been detained in the palace for your own childish fault. You would have loved to see the country and its people and learn of its culture and language.

“May I present, the Princess Chelina of Zaragoza.” The Grand Duke announced with a flourish. “My niece.”

You kept your curiosity to yourself as to how the Grand Duke was related to such a princess. Princess Chelina bore no resemblances to the awful man. In fact, you would not have even guessed they were kin if she had not referred to the Grand Duke as “uncle,” despite the many times it has been said that they were. Where Princess Chelina’s features were exotic, the Grand Duke’s was ordinary. Perhaps he has married an aunt of the princess, you thought silently.

You watched as the Prince Kit walked towards his betrothed, taking her hand in his and bowing over it. He dropped a kiss on her knuckles. “Princess Chelina,” he said in that princely voice of his.

The princess of Zaragoza smiled graciously, an action that very much told you that she was a true-blooded princess. “You are as handsome as your picture, Your Royal Highness.”

“May I present our guest, Miss Y/N Y/L/N,” the king said.

You dropped into an elegant curtsy. “Your Royal Highness,” you revered.

“She is the daughter of one of the kingdom’s most capable diplomats,” the king said. “Have a seat, girl, next to the Duke of Granville.”

There was little conversation from you during dinner. Louis regaled everyone with his tales of his latest travels to the Moorish cities and he often included you and the princess in the conversation. Your replies were reserved and you let the princess tell more of her single-country travel. You did not want to seem overeager to share your trips because the Grand Duke had been eyeing you disdainfully since you had set foot in the dining hall. Whatever it was you did, it did not remove the anger and disgust in the eyes of the noble.

When dinner had come to an end, Louis had offered to escort you to your chambers. You had agreed and bid everyone a good night before leaving the dining hall with your hand on your friend’s arm.

“You look down, my dear Y/N. I thought time away from me would refresh you,” he jested.

You gave him a demure smile. “I fear I was wrong, Louis.” You said.

“Wrong?” Louis asked incredulously. “Has the world turned on its axis? Have you bumped your head on the carriage on your way to the square? What has happened for you to say such words that I did not realize were in your vocabulary?”

You chuckled, squeezing his arm affectionately. “I was wrong in telling you that I will not miss you when I left. I confess I did miss your… stimulating company, however vexing you are.”

Louis chuckled at your jape. He ambled on but walked in the direction opposite the hallway that led to your chambers. Instead, he went down the stairs.

“Where are we going?” you asked as you passed a narrow hallway.

“I saw you did not finish your food and I figured that perhaps the quail was not to your liking.” he said as he led you down further.

Scents of savory meats and freshly baked bread wafted to your nose and you smiled. The quail was fantastically done, much more delicious than that of other countries’ cuisine but it was not your appetite that was the problem.

You had only started being comfortable around Kit and you knew it would not do well to keep company with him, what with the princess’s arrival. The Grand Duke will surely keep an eye out for you intently now, in case you tried something that would cause a broken engagement between the prince and the princess. While you had told Kit that you were quite all right with being the subject of other dignitaries’ and emissaries’ ire and scandalous conversations, the way the Grand Duke eyed you was different and it brought a cold shiver up your spine. You always trusted your gut and the moment you met the adviser to the king, you knew there was something sinister about him.

“You are lost in your thoughts once more, Y/N.” Louis commented as he entered the kitchen. You only gave the man a casual shrug of your shoulders.

The staff all stopped in their work when you both had entered and bowed at the man beside you. “Your Grace,” they collectively called. “Miss,” they said to you.

“We do not wish to disturb you,” Louis said. “If perhaps someone can lead us to where we can take a spot of tea?”

The head housekeeper stood. “Of course, Your Grace. Come this way, please. I shall have one of the maids bring you tea.”

“We shall be making our own, if you don’t mind.” Louis said.

Once upon a time in Granville, Louis had spotted you making your own pot of tea when all of their servants had gone to bed. You had offered to make him a cup and some biscuits to go along with the refreshing drink. Since then, it had become a bit of a nightly tradition during your brief stay that you both share a teapot of your blend of tea and conversation of just about anything that came up to your minds.

“It took me quite a while to convince the housekeeper and cook to let me use the kitchen after dinner,” Louis said.

“Are you losing your touch, Louis?” You teased, smiling, breaking away from him. "I thought your charms worked on everyone? Or has the great Louis Toussaint fallen from his absurdly high pedestal that he placed himself upon?”

The duke looked put off. You grinned.

“Apologize at once,” he commanded but there was no real authority in his voice.

You raised a brow, amused at him. “Tit for tat, my dear duke. You laugh at my expense. I shall do the same to yours.”

He only hummed at your devilish smile. “Would you like biscuits with your tea, pet?”

“Please,” you said with a smile.

You took a pot and walked over to the shelves that housed the canisters of herbal teas and remedies. There were no names on the fronts of the tin and you had to open each one to find out its contents. In one of your travels, your father had brought you along with him to Portugal and you had been able to try an array of tea leaves that were not available anywhere else. They had been the best blend of tea you had ever tasted and you always hoped to find them in the other countries you had traveled to. It was a surprise to find them here in the kitchen of your unassuming kingdom.

Another shock was finding a blend of herbs that you had seen from your herbology book. You had been reading the book the past few days and took it yourself to study every single one that had medicinal properties and also ones that were deemed poisonous. Digitalis purpurea had belonged in the latter group. It was a shock to see it mixed with tea leaves in one of the canisters.

“What has you looking offended, Y/N?” Louis asked as he looked at you. “Don’t tell me they have run out of black tea leaves?”

You looked up from the jar. “No, Louis. They have the tea leaves of your choice. I would need to speak to the cook or to the housekeeper.”

“Whatever for?”

You poured the leaves in your hands and held out a beautiful purple petal that was nestled on top of the tea leaves. “I am sure this flower is poisonous.”

“Poisonous?” Louis asked. He was about to take the petal when you closed your hand on it.

“Don’t touch it.” You scolded.

“But you’re touching it.”

“Louis, I am serious. You might kill yourself if you accidentally put your infected hand in your mouth,” you said. “I shall return to make your tea. Let me take care of this matter first.”

You walked over to the kitchen, finding the housekeeper preparing the biscuits Louis had asked for.

“Madam, may I ask a question?” you asked as you neared the woman.

“Of course, miss. How may I be of help?” The woman straightened.

You held out your open palm, showing to her the tea leaves. “Might I ask where your have bought such beautiful blend of tea leaves?” you asked instead.

You knew better than to alarm the woman that what she was serving was harmful. It would not do well to induce panic among everyone.

She looked at your palm for a while. “I believe that is the concoction of Queen Amalie’s, miss,” the housekeeper replied. “Shall I prepare it for you?”

You smiled politely and closed your palm again. “I thank you but I must decline your offer, madam. Has anyone drank this blend before?”

“Yes, miss. The Queen had only drunk it once.”

You nodded. “I see. Have you served this to any of the members of the household?”

“No, miss, not since one of the maids got sickly from it.”

“May I inquire what happened then?” You poured the leaves back in the jar and closed it tightly.

The housekeeper looked unsure of telling you, hesitating like Abigail did before she answered your question as to what had happened in the palace during your absence in the kingdom.

“Did she seem different at all? Perhaps confused?” you prodded.

It took a while before the housekeeper answered your question. “Yes. She also cried out that everything she looked at was yellow.”

You nodded thoughtfully, remembering that it had been one of the symptoms of Digitalis poisoning. “Now, madam, I do not wish to alarm you but you must know that you cannot serve this specific blend anymore.”

“Might I ask why?”

“I fear this will not benefit anyone.” You told her gently, carefully choosing your words.

“I see.” The housekeeper nodded as if in understanding. “I had been meaning to throw it away but the last maid had removed them from their old tins and transferred them to the current ones without labelling them. I could only remember what it had been named, not what it looked like.”

“I shall be happy to label the tea leaves for you, madam.” You suggested. “But for now, may I keep this? I shall not want you to mistake it for the other tea leaves you have in your shelves.”

The housekeeper nodded.

“Thank you, madam. I would be happy to make you a cup of tea as well, for your service.”

You caught her off-guard with your offer, seeing as she looked at you with utmost surprise. “Oh, miss. I would not want to impose—”

“I am already making tea for me and the duke. What is one more to add to our little pair?” You smiled. “I shall reserve for you a cup. It is my thanks for your answers to my questions and for the biscuits.”

“Oh! I am honored. Thank you, miss.”

You returned to your little table and placed the tin beside Louis.

“Make no comment about the flower, Louis. I do not wish to alarm everyone.” You said as you walked towards the water basin.

“They have served it before?” Louis asked.

You rolled your sleeves up and walked over to the wash basin, dunking your hands in the water. “They have, although it was only for the kitchen staff as the poor victim had been one of the maids.”

You scrubbed your hands thoroughly until they were pink from the water and the soap.

“Now, I am weary of the tea you shall be serving me, pet,” Louis jested.

You chuckled as you wiped your hands. “Shall I leave you to brew your own tea, Your Grace?”

“I’m afraid I am more in danger of poisoning myself if I try and concoct your blend.”

You smiled as you walked back to the shelves. “Would you like a different blend of tea tonight? I was given a recipe for a sleep-time cocktail I wish to try.”

“So long as you would not poison me with your pernicious petals and leaves.”

You chuckled once more. “Now, be kind, Louis.” You took five tins from the shelves and brought them to the table.

“I shall endeavor to be more like you, pet. The kindest of all ladies I have the pleasure of meeting.”

You looked at him with a raised brow. “Flattery will get you nowhere.”

“We are already friends, my dear Y/N. It has gotten me somewhere. Now, tell me of your trip to the square.” Louis requested.

You opened the warmed pot. “We walked around the square and that is all that happened.”

“I don’t believe you.” Louis scoffed. “You had been gone for the better part of the day. I am sure there is more than walking that had happened.”

You hummed, smiling to yourself. You took precise measurements of each of lemon balm, passionfruit, skullcap, chamomile, and spearmint and added them to the pot.

“Your silence is answer enough.” The duke remarked.

“And pray tell, what that is.” You took the kettle of boiling water and poured it over the blend. “Because I did not give an answer to any question you have asked.”

You walked back to the shelves, letting the tea steep.

“This is a refreshing side of you, Y/N, playing coy. I confess I am considering returning your infatuation with me.”

You chuckled. “Oh, Louis. I am afraid I shall have to turn you down.”

“I know, pet. I am not my cousin, after all.”

Your hand stilled in its action of putting back the jars of tea leaves and herbs. “ I don’t know what you mean,” you told the duke with a forced tone of lightness.

The duke chuckled. “I shall stop. I do not wish to vex the person knowledgeable on poisonous plants and tea herbs. I would like to see another day.”

“And see the Princess Chelina too, perhaps?” You tried, turning to your friend.

“I don’t understand what you mean,” he said to you with an insincere tone and you chuckled.

“Now, now, playing coy does not become you,” you teased. “I saw how often you addressed the princess during dinner. You always asked her opinion even in the most banal of things. The Louis I know would have monopolized the entire conversation.”

“You are making me to be the villain. I included you in the conversation as well, even though you had nary an input.”

“There was nothing for me to say,” you said simply. You resumed putting back the jars.

“Tell me, Y/N. Why was the Grand Duke looking at you so disdainfully? What fault have you done to receive such ire from the man?” he asked after some time.

You remained quiet, finishing your task before you turned back to the teapot. You wanted to tell Louis about the dilemma you had put yourself in. You had trusted him with some innocent secrets before but you would not risk having him know about this one. The fate of the kingdom relied on your marriage being a secret, especially now that the princess has arrived.

“You are kind which is why I do not understand the malice in his words whenever he is forced to address you.”

You sighed. “I am afraid I cannot tell you, Louis.” You looked at him with a helpless shrug. “I am sworn to secrecy.”

“Even to your dearest friend?”

You nodded. “Should I let it out, I fear I am in danger of being sent to the dungeons for the rest of my life.”

“You’re being dramatic.”

“I’m afraid not.”

Louis searched your face before nodding. “Okay. I shall take your word for it.”

You smiled gratefully. You brought the pot over to him and poured the tea in three cups. The housekeeper entered with a tray of fresh biscuits and you made the tea to her liking, surprising the woman. She took it appreciatively, insisting that she leave you and Louis even if you had offered for her to stay. There was no fighting the woman so you relented but not before telling her that you wished to have your breakfast here as you would be doing the labelling of the tea leaves.

“May I ask a question, Louis,” you asked as you poured the last of the contents of the teapot to both of your cups. You both had exhausted yourselves with conversation about the princess, which the duke had monopolized this time.

“Yes, pet?”

“Do you have any idea how your aunt died?”

“What a somber question after such lovely tea, Y/N.”

You looked at him. “I am curious. All I heard is it had been rather so sudden.”

“Kit would not give me details as to how it had happened. All he had said was she had taken ill after tending to her gardens that morning and then passed on the day after.” Louis slurped a bit at his tea. “I would hazard a guess and say it was the heat of the sun.”

You nodded thoughtfully, considering his words. “The sun can be unforgiving to those who are not used to its rays.”

“Perhaps that is the reason why we are in need of hats?”

You chuckled lightly. “Other than they are fashionable, I should think so.”

Louis broke off a biscuit and offered the other half to you. “What shall we do tomorrow?”

“I would be kept to the kitchen. I would need to label the teas and find out if there are more of those flowers mixed in the tea leaves.” You replied as you took the halved biscuit.

“It is odd, isn’t it? Finding such dangerous plant amongst these harmless leaves.”

You nodded. “It truly is. It shall be quite an undertaking to find them all. You must suffer your sisters’ company again, duke, during my absence.” You nibbled on the pastry. “Or you can come along with your cousin and his fiancé. I am sure you would want to be in the presence of the Princess Chelina after what has transpired during dinner.”

“You are too astute for your own good, pet.” Louis said good-naturedly. “I shall do that, as per your suggestion. Although, I confess, I shall miss you again.”

You chuckled as you drank your remaining tea. When you both had finished your conversation and tea, Louis escorted you back to your room. Abigail had started the fire in the fireplace and warmed your bed for you, even placing the bouquet of lavenders in the middle of your bed. She had helped you unlace your dress and your corset and slip into your nightgown. You had thanked her once again for her help and had let her leave your room before you went over to your desk. You kept the tin of the dangerous tea blend out of reach, in a place you knew Abigail would not reach for. Taking your notebook, you sat on your seat and wrote with the lemon juice ink.

Come morning, you slipped into a less formal dress, opting for a simple skirt and shirt, before going down to the kitchen. You brought with you the book on herbology and some writing implements.

“Good morning, miss!” The housekeeper greeted with a smile. “I would like to thank you once again for the cup of tea. I confess I had never had such good rest than I had last night after drinking your blend of tea.”

You smiled at her. “You are most welcome, madam. I would be happy to share with you the recipe.”

“I will be delighted.” She led you back to the table where you and Louis had sat the night before. “I shall bring your breakfast shortly, miss. Shall I make you a pot of tea?”

“I shall be doing my blend once again, madam, if you do not mind.”

“Of course, miss,” the housekeeper said. “Do you require anything else for when you are to label the jars?”

“A roll of twine and a pair of scissors, if you please.” You put your book down on the table. “I shall try not to be in the way of your duties, madam.”

The housekeeper bobbed a curtsy and left you to your devices. You took down all the jars from the shelves and splayed them across your little worktable, peeking at the contents. You examined each leaf carefully, comparing buds and flowers to the book you had brought along, and when you had deemed them safe, you returned them in their jars. It was a surprise to not only find Digitalis purpurea in the tins but also Aconitum napellus in some of them. You needed to have a talk with the Cook with regards to your findings.

The housekeeper brought along your breakfast and the materials you asked for, as well as a warmed pot for your tea. You thanked her and when she left, you started on making another blend of tea. As it was steeping, you took to writing down the contents on the piece of parchment you had brought along. With the twine, you tied it to the body of the jar and repeated the process for the rest.

“His Majesty, the King, requires his morning tea, miss,” the cook said as she had entered your little alcove.

You looked up from tying the last label into the jar. “I confess I do not know how he takes his tea, madam. Although I do have a pot ready. Where does he take it? Let me bring it up to him.”

“Oh. I shall let the butler bring it to him.”

“It is fine, Cook. I am sure the butler is busy as well.”

The cook looked uneasily at you. “It is improper, miss.”

“I am merely being helpful. I saw that you needed all the help available for tomorrow’s feast. Should he question me, I shall tell him that I insisted upon it.” You smiled softly.

She nodded but still looked at you very unsurely. “Very well, miss. I shall prepare the biscuits for you.”

“Thank you, Cook.”

She returned with a tray and had told you that he took his tea in the gardens. You brought it with you, following the directions she had given and found the monarch sitting alone under the refreshing canopy of the tree. You walked over to him, curtsying carefully so as to not topple the warm teapot.

“Where is the butler, child?” The king asked as you placed down the tray beside him.

“He is busy, Your Majesty. I took it upon myself to bring you your tea. I believe they are hard at work for the feast tomorrow night.” You poured the tea in his cup carefully. “Would you like milk and honey for your tea, Your Majesty?”

“A bit of lemon and honey, child. Thank you.”

You did as you were told, putting in a squeeze of lemon and a spoon of honey, before passing the cup and saucer to the king.

“I shall leave you to your tea, Your Majesty.” You said as you curtsied once more.

“Stay, Y/N.”

You nodded and stood before him.

“Have a seat. I don’t stand for ceremony during breakfast. I fear it makes it hard to digest the meal when one hovers above me.”

You gave a small smile and sat on the other available seat. You watched as the monarch sipped at his tea before frowning at the cup.

“Is the tea not to your liking, Your Majesty?” you asked carefully.

“Is this a different blend? I find it tastes quite differently from the one my butler often brings me.”

“I could bring you another pot of tea, Sir. Your usual and to your liking.”

“No, child, no need for that. On the contrary, I find this rather invigorating. It has a lively taste to it, if you understand my meaning.”

You smiled. “I thank you for the compliment, Sir.”

He raised a whitened brow at you. “This is your doing?”

You nodded. “Yes, Sir.”

“You are knowledgeable on tea leaves, I gather?”

“Not quite, Sir. I only remember the tastes of those I love to drink and try to recreate them as much as I can.”

“You have quite a talent for making tea, Y/N.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

You both sat in silence, the king drinking his tea while you watched over in case he needed help in any matter.

“What shall be your plan after your divorce, child?”

You straightened and cleared your throat. “I shall travel with my family once more, Sir. Perhaps remarry if I find someone who shall have me.”

“Your heart is not spoken for?”

You looked down on your hands, playing with your fingers carefully. How was one to tell that your heart belonged to the prince? Especially to his father who, like the Grand Duke, wanted to be rid of you?

“My heart belongs to someone I cannot have, Sir.” You looked up to the king and found him watching you. He beheld you the same way his son did and your heart ached at the comparison.

“It shall be a feat to find someone who can make my heart sing like it does whenever I look at the one I love.” You gave a small smile and looked away.

“Is it Kit?”

You looked down on your lap once more.

“He is to marry a princess, child. I hope you see that this will be an advantage for the whole kingdom.”

You nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Zaragoza is a big territory. It would do well for our kingdom to be in alliance with them.”

You nodded quietly. You understood his plan.

“You must leave him be. If he wishes for your presence, decline it. It will not do well for you to spend more time around him since you and he shall be divorced.”

“If this is what you wish for, Your Majesty, I shall.”

“I wish for nothing more but to see the kingdom in capable hands. I trust my son, Y/N, and I trust that his marriage to the Princess Chelina shall herald the kingdom to greatness it is promised.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. I wish the same for the kingdom.” You did, truly.

“And with you out of the way, it shall be easier. Zaragoza is a bountiful country. The princess has brought with her what our little kingdom needs.”

Your heart broke at the thinly-veiled insult. “I confess I had not been to Zaragoza before, Sir,” you said instead.

“Yes. It was your father’s next travel. Do not worry, child. You and my son shall be divorced before your father’s trip. You may have the chance to come with him and see the country. In time, you shall forget about my son and he shall forget about you.”

You swallowed. “Of course, Your Majesty.” When the silence had become unbearable, you stood. “Forgive me for being too forward, Sir, but I must go.”

You gave a curtsy and left the monarch on his own.

Kit did not know how the Princess Chelina was related to the Grand Duke. He had expected that her attitude would be the same as the nobleman’s but it was not. She was soft-spoken and intelligent and she conducted herself to be a capable princess. A worthy queen, if he was honest. She had all qualities that a future queen should possess and he should have counted himself lucky that he was paired off with the likes of her. She was all that the kingdom needed but for him, she lacked something.

She was not you.

You had been jolly during the trip to the square, talking to him so freely like he had found you doing with his cousin. You had spoken with no inhibitions and he delighted in every single thing that came from your beautiful mouth. There was no mistaking that you were intelligent as well with your splendid ideas and eloquent praises. Your compliments also flowed freely as you regarded the denizens of the kingdom. You were vivacious in the square and he was right into thinking that you needed the time away from the cold palace.

When you both had returned, he had planned to take his dinner with you away from the dining hall. He wanted to get to know you more, even though he had spent most of the travel to the square asking about you. There were always more to learn about you and he knew he would have devoted the entirety of the dinner just listening to everything you wished to say. He did not have the opportunity to do so because the Princess Chelina had arrived.

“Y/N, there you are,” he called as he saw you in the kitchen.

He had asked his cousin where you were since you weren’t present on their little excursion. Louis had told him that you took it to yourself to help label the jars of tea leaves while the rest of the kitchen staff were busy for tomorrow night’s feast.

“I was hoping we could resume our conversation from where we had stopped yesterday,” he told you. He leaned his hip on the edge of the table as he looked at your face.

You gave a sad but polite smile. “I’m afraid I cannot, Your Royal Highness.”

He raised a brow at his title. “I thought we had made progress? That you were to call me Kit?”

You shook your head at him. “We had but it’s highly improper for me to address you as such when your future queen is here.”

“She’s with my cousin.”

You gave him a wry look and he chuckled. He was feeling quite naughty, after all. “You know what I meant,” you said in a scolding tone.

“Well, my parents were never formal when they were addressing each other.”

Your delicate brow raised at his words. “I fail to see how that’s relevant with me calling you by your name.”

“They were married. We are married—”

“Kit!” you exclaimed in surprise.

He grinned. “There. We are back to calling each other by name.”

You chuckled lightly. “Uncompromising as ever.”

“Merely determined, Y/N,” he said.

You hummed. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“It would please me if you came with us on a ride around the kingdom. The Princess Chelina wishes to see the extent of it.”

“I cannot ride a horse. I had said as much yesterday,” you told him.

“And I had said I will teach you.” He bent his head to look into your eyes. “Although, I might not be the best instructor to teach you how to ride side saddle but I can teach you how to ride one as though you are going on a hunt.”

“Kit…”

“As much as I delight in hearing my name from your lips, I would rather you accept my offer,” he insisted. “I promise I shall not put you in harm’s way.”

“That is not what worries me.”

“The mare is also quite harmless.”

“Not that, either.”

“Have you nothing to wear? I won’t mind seeing you in breeches once more.”

You raised a brow at him then shook your head. “Kit, I can’t.”

“Can’t or won’t?”

“I can’t. I’m sorry.”

Kit looked at you, sighing as he stood straight. “Did the Grand Duke forbid you from talking to me?”

“No.”

“Did my father?”

You kept silent and he knew of the answer. He took a deep breath before regarding you once more.

“What did he tell you?” Kit asked.

“Kit, I’m sorry.”

“Tell me what he told you, Y/N. I know he is king but that is rather rude of him to disallow you from talking to me.” When you did not give him an answer, he called your name again.

“He said that should you wish for my presence, I will have to decline it.” You looked into his eyes and he longed to remove the pain that he saw there. “I have already caused enough trouble. I do not wish to put the kingdom in harm’s way should I disobey your father.”

“I don’t see how spending time with me shall do that.”

You sighed. “You have to favor spending more time with your intended. We are to be divorced. I do not see the need for us to spend more time together when, in a matter of a month or even less, I shall be separated from you.”

His fist clenched as he perched on the edge of the table. His upcoming nuptials to the Princess Chelina was only abstract in his mind. Now that you had put a time to it, he had only realized how soon it was… and how soon you would be gone from him as well.

“Believe me, I would not want anything more than to spend time with you, but I would not want the kingdom to lose a powerful alliance in Zaragoza.”

He nodded singularly. You were right. Of course, you were right. Spoken like a true diplomat, he thought proudly but also dismally.

“I am sorry, Kit. Truly, I am.” you told him in a sad tone. He was, too, but that would not deter him from wanting to be near you.

“Let our meetings be clandestine, then,” he suggested. “I want to spend time with you and you had told me as much that you do too. We can meet each other secretly, perhaps when the palace is asleep.”

You looked at him and he saw in your eyes how you wanted to say yes to his words. “It is not a wise idea, Kit.” you said instead.

“We shall meet in my mother’s garden.” He insisted. “No one else sets foot in the garden other than the gardener and he only does so in mornings.”

“Kit…”

“Y/N.”

“You’re betrothed to the princess.”

“You are a princess.”

You blew out a sigh. “A mistake, surely. A childish one.”

“Still a princess.”

You shook your head. “I’m sorry, Kit. Your father’s right. I shouldn’t be dallying with you because I may make more mistakes.”

“You were not aware that you took a marriage contract when we were younger.”

“And look at where it had brought us now.”

“It brought you to me.” Kit said with a small hopeful tone in his voice. “Please, Y/N. Consider my suggestion. We shall rendezvous in my mother’s garden tonight when everyone has gone to bed.”

You were silent for a while. Dread sat on the bottom of Kit’s stomach as he waited for you. When you nodded, however, his moods had buoyed and he felt himself beam at you.

“Now, I must go, Kit.” You said with a sigh.

“What? Go? So soon?” Kit scrambled to his feet. “Where are you going?”

You looked around the place, perhaps finding an exit for you to slip past. He saw your eyes land on the book in your hands.

“The library?” It ended up sounding like a question and Kit knew it was a flimsy excuse just to get away from him, as per his father’s orders.

He gave a determined nod. “Then I shall escort you.”

“Kit—”

“I shall take whatever time we have with each other. If it means we walk towards the library, so be it. My father would not find fault in that.” He gestured for you to go ahead of him.

You gave a small sigh as you walked. “Do not villainize your father.”

“I am finding it hard not to.”

You looked at him with a raised brow. He raised a brow back at you as well. You smiled that soft, beautiful smile at his naughtiness.

“I see you’re still reading your book on herbology.” he commented as he nodded on the book in your hands.

“It is quite fascinating. I have learned a lot from it.”

“My mother has more books on that subject. She loved her gardens and tended to it whenever she can, much to the gardener’s dismay.” He smiled at the memory of the gardener panicking when he saw how the queen had thrust her hands in the soil to pull the weeds off her precious roses.

“Your mother loves the garden?” you asked. There was an unusual curiosity in your tone.

“Yes. It is a passion of hers. She loved receiving bulbs and seeds because she would be able to plant them.” He nodded at the footmen and entered the library.

“I get it she knows which ones are poisonous and which ones are not?” you asked.

He raised a brow. “Poisonous?”

You nodded.

“I do not understand what you mean, Y/N.”

You opened the book that was in your hands and showed him an illustration. Digitalis purpurea, he recalled. You had been scribbling the same plant in your scrap of paper a few days back.

“This is a rather poisonous plant, Kit. Although beautiful, it can truly harm people. Imagine my surprise when I found it in the gardens. Some people can be infected with its poison just by simple touch.”

He looked at the plant once more. “I confess I have no knowledge if my mother knows which plants are harmful and which are not.”

You shut the book and looked at him. “It’s no matter. Perhaps an honest mistake that it was planted there.”

Kit nodded. “Of course.” He saw you reach over to the shelves and pull out another leather-bound book.

“What book shall you be reading this time?” he asked as he looked over at the new title of the book you now held.

“Herbs and flowers still, I’m afraid.” You commented. “Are all of these books your mother’s?”

He looked at the volume in your hand and nodded. “Yes. All the French ones are hers. I believe some of the German ones, as well, but I had not seen her read the specific book you were reading. The others, I think, they are from my ancestors. Queen Mariam had a particular fondness for the tree in mother’s garden.”

“Will you point me to the books that are your mother’s?” You put down the book on top of the table.

“Of course,” Kit said as he pulled out a familiar title to him. He passed it to you. “That is one of her favorites.”

You took the book from him and sifted through the pages, seeming like you were looking for something. “Do you know if she has ones about medicinal herbs?”

“She has one on herbs. I believe the Grand Duke gave it to her when he had also given her bulbs and seeds to plant.” He took a book from the shelf and passed it to you. “I am unsure if they are of the medicinal sort.”

You hummed at him absently, flipping the pages before landing on a spread of Digitalis purpurea.

“You are rather curious about this plant, Y/N.” he said.

You only looked at him and closed the book. “I shall bid you a good day, Kit. Thank you for escorting me to the library and showing me your mother’s books.”

He sighed as he straightened. He knew there was no arguing when you had made up your mind. “My offer on teaching you how to ride a horse still stands Y/N. I hope, in addition to our clandestine meetings, that you may take me up on that as well.”

You hesitated for a while before you nodded. You curtsied before him. “Good day, Your Royal Highness.”

He could only watch as you left. Somehow, he did not like seeing your retreating figure, feeling it like an omen to your future.

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