Thread: Distrust & Intentions || Prodi & Mach

The library was always Charlotte's favorite room of any place she'd ever been, no matter how it looked. Max's was no exception, and if anything she'd once loved it more than her own library at home. During longer visits when they were younger, her tutor had come with them--she could remember hours spent in this room. But the new look, while not familiar, was a very smart layout. Yes, this is very smart. It doesn't make the place feel crowded, and it looks as if there's more books than there was before. This... She's done a wonderful job here, now I'm more intrigued to see the grounds. And she let him lead her out of the room, through the halls. She was being honest, it was lovely. Having remembered her times of study there, she'd been just about to remark that when he had family visit, the children would find wonderful use in the new design. But then it had struck her--she wasn't simply visiting, and one day they would have children. Even when they were trying, reality seeped its way back in. Charlotte didn't think she had the ability to process more today, so she'd stopped the thought in its tracks. Ignoring the inevitable became easier when Maximilian lead her out onto the balcony. It took her breath away and gave her the sudden urge to feel the sun on her face. Thinking of her mother, she knew her mother would love all of it. Their grounds at home were known for their rich gardens, but this--while it had clearly been designed, there something so natural about it. Almost like it was meant to look this way. Her hands had left him to support her leaning against the stone balustrade. When he turned to her, she followed suit, curious. What is it? She asked, but there was a twist in her stomach now. He didn't look pleased, and it was becoming clear that their newly joined future was never going to be able to escape the conversation. What she hadn't expected, was the revelation Max told her. Her memories of his father were that of a stern man, but a man of good health. If it this was all true, she couldn't even begin to imagine what he must be feeling inside--no wonder he was so desperate. It made sense, but she wasn't sure it was enough for her to forgive him. Her eyes did not leave his face as he looked back out to the gardens, studying him earnestly. He was going to be a very young king...and she a young queen. But for him the burden must be heaviest. He would eventually come to have dominion over two kingdoms. I expect this is not something you or he will want to share with my father. Her tone was an honest one, with no bitterness or judgement in it. You should tell him. Not today, perhaps not before the wedding. But there will come a time when the three of you will have to meet--this is a joining of two kingdoms, after all. She brought her hands together again, still resting them on the balustrade. She didn't want to overstep or make him feel like she was telling him what to do, her manner was completely different from what it had been in his room before. Wouldn't it be easier for the kingdoms to be allies rather than to join them as one single entity? I'm not telling you what he should do, but I do know what will appeal to my father. If the Kingdom won't lose it's name or identity...well, I think it would mean a lot to the subjects of it as well. Yes, one day both will be ruled by the same crown, but for now couldn't two kings work together--but still, separately? She knew it was unorthodox for her to speak on such matters, but once upon a time her father had planned on her being more involved in the running of their people. Yes, she would have taken a suitable husband to be king, but she would have taken someone to work with her. Now, everything was going to be much different... As well, this idea coming from you, the one who will one day have both, I think it could endear you to my people. The uprisings haven't been as popular in our kingdoms, but if the people like each other, more's the better.