Abhainn

It had been a rather miserable morning for Ladislaus; despite whatever his councilor says about the treaty Ladislaus himself isn’t too fond of giving his only sister to the enemy. Sure he knew they weren’t quote “Enemies” anymore but still after being taught to think one way your whole life it’s hard to change it in matter of days.

They have been traveling all morning to Abhainn, he had taken it upon himself personally to make sure his sister arrived at her future home safety. Besides he still had to make sure all the ends of this wretched treaty were set. Ladislaus never traveled anywhere without a full set of servants accompany him, not to mention his beloved little bastard erh daughter.
“Papa, are we there yet?” Little Matilda asked as she peeked out of the carriage window.
“No, Ducky we are not.” He said with a small grin.

If only his wife had given him such a clever child, then perhaps he would find the need to spend his nights with Lady Clementine De Souza instead of her. He cared for his wife, of course what kind of a monster wouldn’t care for sure a lovely creature. He just wasn’t in love with her, he respected her adored her even, but love? No, he didn’t harbor those types of feelings for his wife, at times he wish he did perhaps things would be different between them.

“Well Annelise,” he said looking at his sister from across the carriage. “Are you excited?”

The sun had come up. Ah, Eric thought to himself. Finally

His knights had stated to arrive with the morning sun. They were not, of course, his knights. Rather, they were the King's, but there was a certain amount of pride and honor that came with training such fine young men that he figured he was allowed to think of them as his own knights as well. When the lot of the boys had come onto the training field, Eric set them to work cleaning and donning their armor, telling them of the day's activities. They had to be quick with training today, for the King's betrothed would be arriving and the knights would have to be present in the throne room for the better part of the afternoon and evening. Eric reminded himself to stay away from the liquor today. Not that it would likely happen, but it was nice to believe he had given it thought.

----

Liam had wasted no time that morning in wreaking havoc, as was his nature. He'd been woken by his nursemaid with his usual breakfast of breads, cheeses and fruit (the latter had disappeared in mere moments), after which she attempted to dress him. However, this morning Liam was having none of it. When the elder woman had made the mistake of turning her back, the little boy dashed out of his room wearing nothing but his barely fastened trousers and the necklace round his scrawny neck. He laughed merrily at the sound of his nursemaid's frustrated shout -- he could hear it halfway down the hall. She'd be after him soon, and there was only one place he would be safe.

Liam tore through the corridors of the West Wing, a grin on his face as he made his great escape. He reached his father's chambers. Two guards stood at the door, but did not act when the boy pushed at the wide doors. There was little point in trying to tell the child no, especially when it came to visiting his father. He pushed through the doors and immediately leaped onto the King's bed. "Morning papa!" He cried excitedly, jumping up and down on the soft bed and wasting no time in sounding off a flood of questions. "Papa, today the girl is coming to day in't she? in't she? Is she pertty papa? Is she a princess? I bet she's real pertty then. Is she gonna live here with us? When's she coming papa?"

King Ladislaus of Sliabh

Ladislaus realized now that his actions could be deemed rude, he would have to make sure to correct himself as to not do so in the future. It had been a long journey after all and Ladislaus was quite tired, not to mention he hadn’t been in the company of a woman in twenty-four hours. I must be going into withdraw he thought as his eyes wandered to the woman across the room. Very pretty indeed, maybe Abhainn’s women aren’t vile ogres after all

“Yes it was so” He replied to King Charles’ statement. “And I am very tired, please pardon my rudeness we have been on the road all day, and I did not sleep much.” His gave peered at Matilda for a moment who every two miles would ask him if they were there yet.

What he really needed was his Clementine in his arms, and normally she would accompany him, if she was not on bed rest expecting his child. Yes, he was to become a father again but this time would not be there for the blessed hour. Instead he has instructed his mistress to write to him every day on her condition.

He noticed a look in his sister’s eyes, one that he seemed to find in many young ladies of court. She fancied him at the very least, surely it wasn’t love! Love was hardly a reason to merry anyone.

---

Normally, had he felt at ease or been in the company of a few more friends, Charles might have laughed along with Ladislaus's crude joke, or even added to it himself. However, in the company of an enemy and his bride to be, he gave a subtle frown and cleared his throat softly.

"The women here are more...decent than those it your court," he replied with a slight tone of disgust on his words. He turned his attention away from Ladislaus and back to Annelise, deciding he should be giving the woman a bit more attention. "Would you care to see where you'll be staying? I had my servants set up a guest room since I'm assuming you would much rather wait until we are wed to share a room." He started to walk toward the door and then stopped. He turned his head toward Ladislaus and forced a smile. "You are welcome to follow us, if you so wish to." Looking back at Gwen, then, he said, "As are you, my lady."

---

Regardless of whether the other two followed them, Charles walked toward the large staircase back in the front of the castle and slowly began to make his way up, silent the entire time, as if not knowing what to say. He entered the West Wing of the castle and, on either side, stood doors leading to different chambers, sitting rooms, and other domestic areas. He stopped suddenly in front of one and slowly pushed open the door, revealing thelarge guest room.

"I do hope it is comfortable enough for you," he said, stepping aside to allow Annelise in beside him. "What do you think?"

---

Charles laughed softly and gave a genuine smile as Liam hid himself behind the king, peeking out slightly at the princess. As if suddenly feeling more comfortable, he stepped forward and gave a low bow that sent a wave of pride through Charles. At least he'd done something right as a parent. Gently, the king rested a hand on his son's shoulder in a reassuring, fatherly manner.

"He is quite the charmer," Charles said, laughing softly. In reality, though, he was delighted to see them interacting so well. One of his greatest concerns had been Liam not approving of the princess. Well, that was his second worry; his first being the fact that the princess may resent him. He walked back toward the chair, letting his hand slide off of Liam's shoulder, and sat down again, watching the two.

---

Charles gave a light chuckle in response to her comment whilst crossing his hands to place in his lap. Her words brought a brief smile to his face, causing his cheeks to raise and crow's feet form for a fraction of a second.

"Thank you very much," he replied, watching the boy disappear from the room. "I was always worried I would not make a good father for my son..." He turned to look at her again, all traces of the smile gone from his face. "His mother died whilst in labor. I was only nineteen, she just a few years younger than me." Forcing a weak smile, he looked over Annelise quickly. "Just about your age."

He stood and stretched his back slowly before glancing down at Annelise again. "If you wish, I could give you a tour of the castle? But, of course, only if you are not feeling weary or tired."

---

Charles held out a hand toward Annelise and helped her up before he turned and walked toward the door. His calloused fingers fastened around the door's handle before he swung it open and held it for Annelise. Letting her pass, he continued out into the hallway and started down the same hallway in the direction of the East Wing. There were a few rooms that branched off of it, a few training rooms with swords and weapons hung around, another was filled with shelves of books covering every inch of the , and toward the end of the hallway sat a private study with what appeared to be an ornate, well-made chess board in the center of the room.

"This is my study," he said simply, gesturing around the large room. "It's quite calming, especially when you are in charge of an entire kingdom's well-fare." He smiled softly and stepped aside to let her in if she wished.