𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞

Eastbourne Castle.

"thank you" richard thanks the server as they place his dish in front of him.

it was now noon, and lunch had just been served. in the great hall, a long dark wood table sat in the middle of the room. chairs surrounded all sides, table pieces and decorations sat in the middle. sliver plates and cups were placed in front of each noble, as they were given their food.

richard sat near the edge, with his father on the shorter side of the table beside his mother, Queen Lynne.

Elton and Ashlyn sat parallel to richard, as the guests.

once everyone had received their food they dug in.
an easy conversation set in as everyone ate.

Micheal and Lynne politely greeted Elton and Ashlyn and asked them about their father and mother.

"tell me elton, how is your father? i haven't seen him in a while" micheal asks as he looks up from his plate.
"he is well, been busy with his trades. mother says he must take a break before he gets to stressed"
micheal smiles, "ah sounds like him"

"and you ashlyn? how is your father?"
"he is doing great" ashlyn nods.
"and your brothers? levi and calum?"
"levi is actually expecting another!"
"oh that is great!"

richard tunes the conversation out, his mind has been strangely occupied with marriage ever since his father had brought it up earlier this morning.

he knows it's important and that as the only son he is bound to he married. as for true love, it was unlikely for a prince, his father was the perfect example.

when richard grew up, his father and mother had started sleeping in separate rooms. they told him it was because they just needed space.

they were fine to act civil and share a few kisses here and there when in front of a crowd.

but when alone and in the comfort of the castle, they stayed away from each other if possible. their whole relationship was an act.

"ah rednovich!" richard finally tunes back into the conversation when he hears his father call out.

"greetings!" the red head waves as he walks closer to the nobles.
"Elton? how are you mate?" Red smiles big at seeing his friend, elton having stood up to give the man a hug.

"Lady Ashlyn, nice seeing you" Red bows and kisses her hand, sending her quick wink.
"where have you been, rednovich?" richard asks.
"ah i've been out near the stables all morning, and i also told you to call me Red!"
richard waves off his friend.

Rednovich had lived in the castle with the Bowens for years. Micheal had been best friends with his father , before he had passed away.

Red being underaged had nothing. with no other family go to, micheal took him in. richard thrilled his friend would live with him from now on.

Red talks a seat beside ashlyn, and starts a conversation with her and Elton.

Richard finishes the last bites of his food just when his mother speaks up.
"richard, have you given any thought to it yet?"
richard inwardly groans, "no mother, i already told you. i don't want too"