The Queen and the Theif

King

I showed Cassian to his room. He had been quiet all day since I got there. I got ready to leave, shutting the door.
"Juliette?" He asked, voice full of worry.
"Yes?"
"Are you ok?" The question startled me, but I couldn't be truthful.
"Yes"

The next day I met with Eulysis and began plans on what to do about the protests when a knock came at the door.
"Enter" I called, full of authority. Cassian entered the room looking uncertain.
"Juliette, Love?" He said "May I speak to you?"
"Go ahead and say it"
Cassian looked at Eulysis, unsure, before mumbling at the floor. "I didn't see you at breakfast. I just wanted to make sure you ate."
My eyes softened. "Yes Cassian I did. Thank you."

On the way back to my room, I couldn't help my mind to wander to Ezra. Kind Ezra. I don't know how to feel about it anymore, after all, I am an engaged woman.

I walked into the great hall, where breakfast is made. I glazed at Cassian, deep in conversation with a well dressed member of my favored gentry. The most politically powerful people in Saton get a seat at my table. That is Alexander I think. His family have run my banks around the country for as long as Saton has had records. I call Cassian, whose eyes shoot up in surprise, not expecting recognition.
"Cassian, I would like your chair moved next to my own." Cassian looks extra surprised then, but his eyes dart mournfully to Alexander as he stands up. A sigh escapes me. "Guard, please move Cassian and Alexanders chair by mine"
The guard nearest to me stands up and moves the chairs. Cassian's a chair to be put next to mine, at the head of the table on my right. Alexander, who looks terribly excited, is moved next to Cassian. My general always took the left.
As everyone was seated, not a minute late, I stood up. All eyes, previously in lively conversation with my neighbor, turned to look at me.
"Hello, my favored gentry!" I said, looking at all the faces, with blatant respect plastered across them. I confidently continued. "As you all know, I have been gone for a week and a half to Scotland, and it has not come out fruitless." I motion for Cassian to stand up. "Today, after this meeting and meal, I have gathered with the kingdom included in Montoya, to announce that I got engaged while away in Scotland!"
Cassian stood up, and said "Hello council of Saton! If you are not familiar, I am Crown Prince Cassian Willamer of Scotland, son of Queen Mariland Willamer and the late King Augustene Willamer. I proposed to the Queen this weekend, and I was lucky enough for her to accept." Murmurs ran across the room, and approving smiles flashed across several faces, other skeptical ones.
After a hefty meal, amazing as always from my cooks, everyone walks to the balcony with me and Cassian in the lead.
Once outside, I walked to the front of the balcony, and the crowd was quickly silenced. I let my eyes do a sweep over the crowd, seeing thousands of faces looking like ants from my balcony.
"My people." I say "I am pleased to say that my trip to Scotland has not come out fruitless. I have found you a worthy king!"
Murmurs rise up from the crowd and are quickly silenced. Joy paints the faces of some, worries others, and some confusion.
Cassian walks up. More murmurs.
"I am Prince Cassian Augustene Willamer of Scotland." Suddenly something hits me, he looks like a king should. Like my king should. This is exactly what my kingdom needs, someone to rule who is kind, and just. I have been unfair to my people, so this is my apology I suppose. As I glance back at him, I can't help but be struck by his beauty again. His shoulders are held high, his eyes true and honest. "I promise to rule with the kindness and dignity each and everyone of you crave, and I promise to only make changes for the better."
Then suddenly he takes me by the waist, and kisses my lips for only a second. Or maybe a second too long. I don't want to stop.
"There you have it. We will be wed in a month's time from today. Your king." The crowd erupts in screams. "My king." I murmur only quietly enough for me to hear.
He bows, followed by my curtsy. Offers his arm, which I take, and we enter back into the castle with a whoosh of the big door.

Cassian excuses himself from me, to go off with Alexander. A quiet ache grows in my chest, I want to scream at him not to go.