TAKE MY HAND | A.K ✔

𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧

Sometimes, Margaret wonders if she's safe. It's been three months since she first escaped her kingdom. While she trusts the King and Queen wholeheartedly, she can't help but let the paranoia seep into her brain.

There's been rumours going around of riots in kingdoms. Those riots begin to grow a revolution, overthrowing any monarchy that stands in the way. Margaret herself doesn't even want monarchy anymore. She's read books from enlightened scholars discussing the freedoms of democracy.

She debates on whether things could've been different had her parents agreed to democracy. Her parents could be alive right now.

Margaret is snapped out of her thoughts when Jasmine taps her shoulder.

"Anna? Is everything alright?" Jasmine asks, sitting down next to her at the table.

"I am just nervous. All these rumours are starting to worry me a bit, is all," Margaret sighs, looking down at her clasped hands.

"It will all be okay. I am sure things will settle down eventually."

"I truly hope so."

The rest of the day goes by smoothly. Margaret notices that Awsten's a bit more distant today. He is probably very busy with his studies.

She cleans his room and the rest of her section in the castle as per usual. As dinner comes to an end, Margaret cleans up the tables. She finds Awsten in the kitchen leaning against the wall.

"Anna, whenever you have the chance, can you meet me in my room?" Awsten asks softly, reaching out to caress her cheek.

"Of course," she nods, offering him a smile.

"I will see you in a bit, my love."

With that, Awsten's gone. Margaret quickly finishes up the remainder of her work, hurrying to her quarters as soon as she's finished. She removes her bonnet and fixes her hair a bit. She puts a black corset over her black dress. Once she's done, she's on her way to see Awsten.

Margaret knows her way around the castle far better than she did before. She finds her way to Awsten's room in no time.

"Awsten-" Margaret begins to greet him, but is cut off by him pulling her into his room.

Awsten cups her face with his hands and kisses her as if it's the last time they'll ever kiss. The desperation in the kiss leaves Margaret weak in the knees. Margaret is led to Awsten's bed and pushed down as he gets on top or her.

"Hi," he giggles, kissing her again.

"You really know how to greet a girl, Awsten," Margaret mutters, pulling him closer by his collar.

When they eventually pull away, Awsten lays down beside her. Awsten hums quietly as he plays with her hair. Margaret closes her eyes, enjoying the company of the one she calls her lover.

"I am going away tomorrow. It is the birthday of a dear family friend. Have you heard of the Rocha's?"

"One of the Noble families in the Kingdom, I believe," Margaret recalls.

"Yes, that is right. It is Jawn's birthday and they are throwing a massive celebration. Would you want to accompany me, Anna?"

She sits up, twisting to look at Awsten with shock. "With you?"

"Of course. There is no one I'd rather be with."

"I ... I am not sure. I don't want to intrude. And- and I have so many duties to attend to. I really do not think it would be a good idea for you to be seen with me. It could ruin your image."

Awsten sits up to kiss Margaret's cheek.

"Darling, I could care less about my image. All I want is to be with you. Please, come with me."

Margaret thinks about it for a few seconds. Awsten gives her wide, puppy dog eyes. How can she refuse him?

"Well, I cannot deny the Prince, now can I?" she asks jokingly.

"Mm, no, you cannot, my dear Anna."

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