The courting trap

Forgotten Day

I cannot believe the honeymoon is officially over, and on this specific day as well. The last few days were filled with the peace and quiet I so desperately needed. Without the distractions and chaos of the castle we grew more and more comfortable with each other. We of course performed our royal duties, since that is to be expected of a newly wed royal pair.

The carriage groans as it comes to a halt. The short, greying coachman opens the door with a smile. "Your royal highnesses." He points the way with a quick bow. The mid-June sun rays hit my face through the opening.

I smile at him out of kindness, as I step out, Nicholas after me. My smile falters when I catch sight of the same bland, grey walls that I have always called my home.

"Huh." I huff. Crossing my arms over my pink dress with half sleeves and ruffles.

"Is everything alright?" He whispers in my ear from behind me, brushing my curled hair from my shoulder then leaving his hand there.

"Yes, of course. Why wouldn't it be?" I turn around and try my best to flash a convincing smile with my painted lips. His green eyes twitch. "Just not the welcome back I expected." I observe the closed doors, empty of the mountains of staff and my family, contrary to the other times I returned home after a journey.

He turns me to face him fully then holds my cheeks, a pained expression on his face. "I'm sorry." He whispers, caressing my cheekbone with his thumb. "Shall we go inside?"

I nod. He lets go of my face and holds out his arm, I loop my arm through his and he guides me towards the steps of the house.

To my right I notice Estelle converse with someone in front of the stables. Estelle started her journey back a bit earlier, so she could start preparing for my arrival. She took Willow with her, so I assume she already stationed her in her stable. As I step up the steps, I can now identify that someone as Matthew. "Matthew!" I call out, he looks up from his conversation. I wave enthusiastically and non-princess like and all the traces of warmth his face held before, vanish. He gives a stern nod, likely because he has to, then redirects his attention  back to Estelle.

"What in the world was that." Nicholas wears a scowl, his eyes on Matthew, when he meets Nicholas' gaze he quickly looks down, intimidated.

"I have no idea." I half-lie. If I explained why Matthew resents me, Nicholas would never let it go.

"Do you want me to take care of him?" He stares ahead. The doors are opened for us.

"Take care of him?" I repeat his words for clarification.

"Yes." He doesn't offer any more explanation, but the seriousness in his expression gives me all the explaining I need.

It then dawns on me, I stop us halfway through the entrance. "God no. No need for that." I wave him off.

"Just know, if he disrespects you again, the offer still stands." He shrugs like it is nothing, then starts walking again.

"That won't not be necessary, thanks" I scoff.

"Victoria." A voice sounds through the nearly empty entrance hall.

I freeze, I did not miss the sound of that voice. "Mother." I smile, which I rarely do towards her. She does not return the gesture. "I need you to follow me." Is all she offers.

Excitement sparks in my stomach. "As you wish." I can't stop from smiling, I drop my arm from Nicholas' and trail behind Mother like a duckling, trying my best to stop myself from running, I must look silly speed walking like this.