Thread: Distrust & Intentions || Prodi & Mach

Surprisingly enough, Max could sense a happiness from Charlotte. He'd expected this day to be somewhat steeped in false smiles and hidden hurt, but there was none of the in her. She waved in genuine joy to the crowds, drinking in their love, and despite the little time they managed to actually spend together - and none of it in private - he could tell that while there was some doubt and concern underneath, she was enjoying this moment for what it was. And that pleased him to no end. Now, once the reception began, he could fully assess the feelings of the attendees. Charlotte's father offered only a firm handshake and a long, piercing look of disapproval, and many of the young women in attendance flocked to 'congratulate' him, seemingly eager to put their names out for the title of mistress, though he had no intention of taking one. Still, there were those who saw this as a marriage of politics, and many of the hopeful debutantes wanted desperately for that to be the case. Fortunately, he was able to slip away from them, shoving a few of his groomsmen in that direction to take advantage of the situation in their own way. Several times he managed to glimpse Charlotte through the crowd, exchanging glances and small smiles, and other times she didn't notice him looking, simply wondering at the sight of her. Once he spotted her speaking to an old friend, Ingrid, who he'd known for a long while in so many different ways, someone he trusted to be a friend to his new bride without overstepping anything. Ingrid was a friend, and he knew that he could count on her. His father appeared several times at his side, commenting on how successfully the plan worked out, and how clearly this marriage might work out anyway. Max fought back a scowl at his elder, brushing him off with slightly sharp words until his mother silenced those with a stern look. She offered her own congratulations in a smile and a soft kiss on the cheek. Let yourself love. She said simply, and then she and his father slipped onto the dance floor for a slow dance together. The party wound slowly down, and he'd long since noticed Charlotte's departure. He lingered to see the guests farewell with his parents and hers, as if trying to keep the two kings separate. He'd actually stopped to help his parents as they began to organize the transport of wedding gifts back home when his mother caught his arm again. Go see your bride. She instructed, and Max stopped, surprised, and suddenly nervous. He slowly nodded, disappearing into the castle. The walk up to her room was one of nerves and uncertainty. Could there be a consummation? He wanted to allow her a way out of this if she didn't want it, since they had already had sex, but also... He felt as though he could offer her something truly exciting and thrilling tonight, with the two of them as lovers doing this for them, and no one else. But if she was uninterested? His hand lifted the latch on her room and he entered carefully, closing the door behind him before turning to face the chamber, catching sight of her in a dressing gown at her vanity, removing pins and flowers from her hair with delicate touch. He crossed the room to stand behind her, looking at her reflection with an expression of wonder. I've never seen you look as beautiful as you did today. he said simply, his fingers unbuttoning his jacket, as if finally freeing himself. His eyes watched her for another long moment before he crossed to the bed, sinking to sit on the edge. Charlotte. I think it's only fair of me to... to offer that we need not consummate our marriage tonight... if you don't want. WE've technically already done so, and I can understand if you would prefer not to. He frowned slightly, worried that he sounded like he didn't want to be physically intimate with her, but the words were out now. He'd correct that misunderstanding if it occurred. If there was anything he could do, it was prove his attraction to someone.