TAKE MY HAND | A.K ✔

𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

The next day, Margaret is getting fitted for a new wardrobe to wear while they were staying at the Rocha's. Lia, Jasmine, Shilo, and Jenna aid her in getting the layers on.

"I am amazed. This dress is stunning on you, Anna," Lia says from her position beside her.

Margaret looks at herself in the mirror. The current dress she had on is golden. The stays has small ruffles on the neckline, her sleeves made of a see-through material and end about three quarters down her arms. She spins around, admiring the way the dress follows her movements.

"I agree," Jasmine smiles.

By the end of the day, Margaret has six extravagant dresses. She also has a few night gowns as well as some new shoes.

Another week goes by. The day has finally arrived. Margaret says goodbye to all of her friends. Jenna and Shilo follow her out with Gracie. King Roscoe and Queen Ginny bid them farewell before heading back into the castle. Gracie hugs her brother goodbye.

"Tell Jawnathan I say hello," Gracie demands.

"I will, promise," Awsten laughs.

Awsten offers Margaret his hand to get into the carriage. She accepts, stepping up into the carriage, Awsten following soon after.

The journey is only a few hours. The two spend the whole time talking about what they'll do upon arrival. Awsten mentions that the ball will be tomorrow, giving them plenty of time to rest.

There's a crowd of people waiting when they arrive. Margaret's grip on Awsten's hand tightens. She knew she shouldn't have come. There's bound to be someone that recognizes her.

"Anna, my love, it will be okay. Everyone is going to adore you," Awsten promises, kissing her temple.

"I am rather scared, Awsten," she admits, looking out the window.

"I will not leave your side."

Margaret nods as she lets out a breath.

They are greeted by the Rocha family. Jawn sprints up to Awsten, hugging him tight.

"Awsten Constantine Knight!" Jawn exclaims, pulling away.

"Jawn Rocha!" Awsten exclaims back.

Jawn looks at Margaret, a smile on his face. "You must be Anna. Awsten told me a lot about you in his letters."

"Jawnathan, be quiet," Awsten mumbles, pulling Margaret into his side.

"I am Anna indeed. It is a pleasure to meet you, Sir Rocha," Margaret says.

After a tour of the small castle, they're taken to their room for the night. After he changes into his night clothes, Awsten flops onto the bed and looks up at the canopy.

"Anna, I am lonely," Awsten says with a laugh.

"My love, have you ever had to take off at least six layers of clothing as well as a stays, then change into your nightgown?"

"Fair point."

Awsten gets up to assist Margaret. Once she's only in her under layer dress, Awsten kisses the back of her neck, wrapping her arms around her waist. Margaret feels his breath against the crook of her neck as he kisses it.

Margaret shoos Awsten away so she can change into her night gown. He reluctantly does so. Once she's changed, she turns to see his eyes on her.

"Awsten!"

"You are just so pretty," he pouts, opening his arms out for her.

She rolls her eyes, "Rich coming from you."

After glaring at him a bit longer, Margaret joins him on the bed. He wraps his arms around her once the curtains are closed. Margaret closes her eyes, appreciating the way Awsten's fingertips trace patterns on her arm, lulling her into a peaceful slumber.

When they wake up, servants are knocking at their door. They bring in tea and tell them that breakfast will be ready in the Great Hall shortly.

Margaret wears a cream colored floor length dress. Ruffles extend from the bottom of her bodes to the floor, the bustle beneath adding fullness to the dress. The sleeves are simple; a slight poof to them and off the shoulders.

Awsten's wearing his signature deep blue corset, while Jawn is wearing a maroon colored one.

As they walk to the Great Hall, Awsten's hand stays at the small of Margaret's back. She keeps quiet while the two boys discuss the events for the rest of the day.

The breakfast is lovely. Margaret tries not to eat much, knowing well enough that if she does, it'll be difficult to get her dress on for the ball tonight.

They play croquet outside and eat lunch later on outside as well. True to his words, Awsten stays at Margaret's side the whole day. The rest day goes extremely well. Margaret adores Jawn. They become very close in the time they talk.

Awsten seems much happier today. He's smiling and laid back, just like the boy Margaret met three months ago.

They get ready for the ball that night. Maids assist Margaret into her blue gown. It matches the deep blue of Awsten's favorite corset. It's similar to the dress she wore earlier in the day, except the sleeves are three quarters down.

Awsten and Margaret walk into the Great Hall with their arms linked. At Jawn's side is his fiancé Daphne. Margaret enjoys Daphne's company. She seems to balance out Jawn's chaotic nature, but also add more to it in the group of four. Margaret feels as if she fits right in with them.

She sips her champagne as she listens to Awsten talk to some other Lord. She tries to keep her head down as not to draw attention to herself. Although, seeing as she's standing next to Prince Awsten himself, it's difficult to go unnoticed.

The lovers dance the night away when they're not conversing with people. They waltz to the most beautiful orchestra Margaret has ever head. She can't tell if it's the orchestra that captures her or if it's Awsten.

He smiles at her as they dance around. He's a bit clumsy and steps on her toes more than she can count. Margaret doesn't mind though. She's just glad she's enjoying the night with the person she wants to be with.

"Anna, I love you," Awsten says as they sway to the music.

"I love you too, Awsten," she replies with a warm smile.

"I'm glad to hear that."

The couple share a kiss, sealing their love and wrapping it in a bow.

Their week with the Rocha's is magnificent. Each day is like heaven for the two of them. Away from responsibilities and away from Margaret's fears. The week gives her time to cool off and let her worries wash away.

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