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[ the weeks seemed to drag by so slowly for him whilst robert were away, having little-to-no interest in the happenings around him throughout the duration of the other boy's leave. more often than not he would be seated by his window, gaze locked on the path that robert would surely return on. it was there that he stayed for most of his days, leaving it only to eat, bathe, or when his mother summoned him. regardless he would put on a smile for those around him, as if nothing was amiss and would say that his brother would surely return soon, that he would be gone for only a short while.

that short while turned into weeks. months. far longer than robert had ever been gone before. on his bad days he wondered if his brother had grown tired of his position (of their situation) and thus would not return for good, but those thoughts were always shadowed by the hope and faith he had in his prince. surely the day of his return would come.

opens his eyes slowly when the sound of music reaches his ears again, lifting his gaze back up towards the crowd of dancing people before him. after some time of simply gazing he sits up straighter in his chair, the one that is forever to his mother's right. does not look at her as she speaks to someone, his curiosity nonexistent. instead he raises his glass and slips at the liquid inside, going back to his silent thinking (of robert, of other things that had been on his mind for quite some while) as a somewhat glazed look overcomes his features once more. ]

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Of course not. [ also pauses, peering up at her curiously. ] You... thought otherwise?

[ another pause, then a slight shake of the head as she decides to answer honestly. ]

I was given the impression that my services would no longer be required after your brother's return.

Ah, if... that is what he had told you. [ presses a hand to his cheek, feeling embarrassed. ] Oh dear, I am quite unsure now... but it is perfectly acceptable if you wish not to. I would be ashamed and disheartened to know if I were keeping someone trapped inside the palace walls for my sake.

[ begins to smiles slowly, carefully. shakes his head to dismiss those thoughts. ]

No, you were made for greater things. I apologize. You may go back to your normal duties once Robert returns.

[ raises a brow, then chuckles lowly. ]

You misunderstand me.

He's told me nothing of the sort. It was entirely my assumptions. Simply, I was uncertain whether you'd wish me by your side any further than necessary upon his return.

[ a soft intake of breath. ] I accepted this position knowing fully well what it entailed, Annabelle. I will stay by your side longer if you wish, because I treasure your safety. But you must be the one to choose. Not your brother, nor your mother. Do you understand?

[ slowly makes them come to a stop, blinking up at her. huffs out an amused breath when her words sink despite the straight face. ]

My safety...

[ gaze goes back up to her again. ]

I am perfectly aware of that, Alicia. However... [ lifts his hand once more, touching the corner of her eye with the tips of his fingers. ] You are losing something in being here. Your expressions are different. They are not forced, but you are more tired than when I first saw you.

[ another shake of his head before he slowly removes himself from her to take a step back, wanting to be face-to-face when saying his next words. ]

Many people treasure my safety. This is nothing new. Do you not see that you are here more to keep me company than to guard? There are plenty of people that reside in these walls to protect me, but not one that I can openly speak to like this. So if to guard is your main goal... then you are just like the others. And I do not wish for that.

[ listens quietly, then allows the confidence to drop from her expression as she allows the exhaustion to show itself plainly for a moment. ]

Annabelle. My reason to be here, as well as my main profession, is to protect you. No amount of pleading will change that truth. It is my duty, and that is the only method by which we can ensure undisturbed contact between you, a princess, and I, a commoner.

And I'm not sure what your books have taught you, but friendship does not work in such a manner. I cannot simply give you my affection. [ a shake of the head, followed by her raising a hand -- to flick at annabelle's forehead while a soft smile twists at her own lips. ]

Because it cannot be given twice, silly princess.

[ at those expressions he finally smiles, quirking an eyebrow upward. lifts a hand to take alicia's own, pulling it away from his face. ]

Hmm, is that so. [ uses his other hand to pinch and pull her cheek, as if getting back at her. ] Very interesting, I assure you.

[ lets go finally, interlacing his hands behind himself. ]

I believe I have gotten what I wanted, anyway. Therefore I will excuse you for thinking that I must plead to have things go my way.

[ jerks a little when annabelle first makes contact, a little startled. when he pulls away, she responds promptly with a wipe to her cheek with the back of a hand. snorts. ]

Ah, how far this kingdom has fallen for excuses to be required when speaking the truth.

[ steps back a few paces, pressing a fist against his mouth to clear his throat. points at her finally, voice changing to mimic robert: ]

Be silent at once, woman. Draw your blade. We will fight as real men should.

. . . !

[ stares for a moment before she bursts into loud chuckles turned full-blow laughter, backing up a touch to shrink into herself a bit in lasting mirth. a solid minute or two passes before she's able to straighten again. wipes at the corner of her eyes with her fingers as she speaks, eyes bright. ]

I'd love to, sire! But I've much to lose when I ruin that lovely dress of yours.

[ allows himself to smile brightly as she laughs, controlling it back into a frown when she finally speaks. voice is still low as to imitate his brother, humming. ]

It is rather nice, no? [ turns slightly, pushing a foot out from underneath the gown. ] How about these heels? Do they suit me?

[ a few more chuckles escape before she's able to clear her throat to respond. ]

Oh, they're perfect on your -- [ pfft ] -- petite feet, my liege. Not to mention that they help with your height.

[ puts his hands on his hips. ]

My height was not of my choosing!

[ eventually changes back to his typical smile, voice going back to normal. ]

... or so he says.

[ laughs some more, but the sound a little softer & clearer this time around. shakes her head. ]

I know from direct experience that those words are what he says, princess. Your performance was excellent.

[ laughs lightly, moving to finally stand closer to her again. ]

Oh? Perhaps I should resign from my position and become a wandering jester instead.

Why set your sights so low? I believe you may make a better actor, Annabelle. Main roles for the court plays.

[ slowly begins their trek again, making his intentions clear. ]

That sounds like a fine idea. We will have to announce this at once.

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