A Crown of Thorns

Virtue

Ryan's pov.
"Ugh Freya." I huff trying to catch my breath. "That was amazing."

"It always is." She says standing up to pull her dress slip back on. She's a dainty little thing her waist tiny and her shoulders refined. Her skin is a olive color and her lips almost as red as smushed cherry. Big strands of auburn hair fall over her eyes.

"Can you stop staring it's a little creepy." She shoots me a smirk.

"I'm sorry your just so beautiful."

"Ryan. You know the deal." She pulls her pink skirt up over her petticoat.

"Yes. It's only sex. No feelings. And I can't tell anyone. I know the deal." I stand and dress myself then walk to stand behind her.

"Yes. Now can you help me with my corset?" She bats her long eyelashes at me. I move and start to lace her back to her refined self.

"You know a girls virtue is the only thing that she has going for her. Unless she's wealthy but it's still not her own money."

"Mmm." I hum in response.

"And you do know the only reason I gave you mine is because your a prince and could possibly help me find a husband."

I pause "Wait what."

"Yes. You are my prince soon to be king and you wanted me. How was I supposed to resist. And I was hoping I would get something good out of it." She says fixing her hair in the mirror.

"I would have never done.."

"Just save it Ryan. What's done is done. I just hope you help me out since I help you with your... urges." She turns to face me. I frown in response.

"Well, if you don't leave now your going to miss your dinner with your future husband. Your grace." She curtseys turning back into proper duchess she was trained to be. I roll my eyes. And walk out the door regretting all the things I had just done.

I rode back to the castle and let the servant take my horse. I walk quickly to the dinning room and sit down next to my brother.

"I apologize I and lost track of time." I say toward my mother and father they nod and continue speaking to each other.

"Where were you." Robbie whispers.

"I was just out riding." I place my napkin in my lap and pick up my fork.

"Really? Who?" He smiles. I shove a piece of steak in my mouth to muffle my laugh.

"What's so funny." Shaun asks.

"Um...nothing" I smirk to myself.

Shaun is sitting next to Andy and sammie is on the other side. Andy is quiet and pushing his food around on his plate. His blonde hair failing in his eyes.

"What is there something on my face?" He asks wiping his mouth with his napkin. He caught me staring...

"Oh um no I just Um."

"So when are you two getting married?" Sammie cuts me off.
Andy's face lights up red.

"When I say so." My father chimes in.

"And when will that be." Shaun asks.

"When all the papers and alliance things are settled." He smiles.

"Are you two going to have babies?" Sammie says stabbing a carrot and pointing at us.

I laugh and watch Andy's face darken.

"Um not no exactly." I chuckle. Andy meets my eyes and it sends a shiver down my spine. I look away.

The dinner went on we talked of things about the sicknesses and political events but nothing more about the wedding. After dinner I follow Andy to his room.