The Merger

The Fountain

Caroline was preparing you for church when you heard a knock at your door. She opened it ajar but stumbled back. Steve pushed through and ordered her to leave. You nodded to Caroline, telling her it was alright.

"You seem bothered, your majesty," you continued adjusting the shoulders of your dress in the mirror whilst the blond Prince paced around the room.

"Oh do I? I hardly slept after confronting father."

"You what?"  

"I wanted to hear it from his lips," Steve accidentally glanced at your bodice, forgetting what you looked like after seeing you in rags the night before.

"I'm assuming he confirmed," you stated, not straying away from him. You were almost chest to chest but you didn't know who you could trust in the castle and who could hear. Steve nodded.
"Then why are you here?"

"You're the only person I can talk to-"

A knock came at the door, it was a guard to escort you to church. You grabbed Steve's elbow and bicep, not believing how this scrawny little teenager came to be so muscly.

"Uh Prince Steven will escort me thank you, Edwin," you thanked him and began your walk, knowing he'd still be lurking in the background. "Meet me back here after breakfast," you muttered into Steve's ear.

But Steve never really left your side. He stood by you during mass and sat next to you at breakfast.

All on the request of your parents.

He tried murmuring sentences relating to politics to you but you wouldn't have it. Not being sure of who to trust in the room. When both sets of parents left the breakfast table he tried again.

"He threatened-" you kissed him. It was hard and without passion but it was still a kiss. Edwin stood by but took a few steps backwards just out of the room to leave you be. You let go of Steve once you heard the heavy door click.

"Is that what it takes to shut you up?" You shoved him away to catch your breath, "what did I say about spies in the castle walls? That's why we met at the pub, it's too loud in there for people to hear," you kept whisper shouting. Steve was still dazed by the kiss and even touched his swollen lips to make sure it actually happened.

"Um-I-"

"You're impossible!" You sighed before opening the door to exit, "apologies Edwin."

"Oh my, no need Princess.  No need."

Steve stood in the kitchen looking dumbfounded for a good minute. He couldn't believe you kissed him, sure it was to get him to be quiet but by gosh it was one hell of a kiss.

Everything about you has changed, physically and mentally. You're stronger, more determined and a lot feistier than the young girl he used to tease. Steve wasn't sure if he liked it or not. The prince made his way to your chambers, hoping to confront you on what just happened but your chambermaid, Caroline, told him you'd be attending to your royal duties.

"Shouldn't you be at a council meeting, your majesty?" Caroline's crow's feet barely moved as she made a sour face at the newcomer.

Steve merely nodded goodbye and rushed to the conference room. A smaller chamber just off the great hall with a large stone rectangular table that could seat about 10 people. He had clearly interrupted a discussion.

"Prince, how nice of you to join," your father began, "would you care to attend to my daughter over there?"Steve's eyes scanned the room until he found you to the right of him. Sitting on a tall wooden chair, feet barely touching the ground and arms crossed much like a child.