I took my seat next to Ash in the meeting hall, at the head of the table. The squire assumed his position at the front, waiting for the others to be seated.

Once everything was in order, he droned, "Today we will be continuing the debate of war with Canterbury."

Even I could tell he was tired of announcing the same topic ever since the king's death. I presumed that the Aunt Claire was taking care of the domestic matters, as the queen mother, for the time being.

"I believe the popular opinion remains the same, am I right gentlemen?" Marcellus boasted with a smug smile as a noisy consensus followed his words.

I yearned to slap that expression off his face, but knew better. I couldn't wait to see his reaction to what Ash was about to say.

"I appreciate your opinions, everyone, but I have reached my decision. There will be no war." His voice resounded off of the cold, stone walls.

Marcellus could not contain his utter shock. It was my turn to play smug now.

He began to protest, "B-but Your Highness—"

"Allow me to finish." Ash interrupted, "I am not willing to put the entire kingdom of Sedalia at risk for one pathetic life. The rogue committed a very grave sin by taking the life of such a great man and for that, he will be punished by powers beyond us. I refuse to commit an even greater sin by proclaiming war against all the citizens of Canterbury for the act of one."

The whole court sat in silence for a few minutes. I gave Ash's hand a comforting squeeze, proud of his eloquent reasoning.

"You can't possibly mean that." Marcellus countered.

"But he has a very wise point, Marcellus." Another elder advised.

"Wise? He's barely crossed twenty! How could a mere boy like him know what someone as honorable as his father would have wanted?" The old man spat.

"Please be aware of how you address the King." The squire intercepted, reminding Marcellus of his place in court.

"I saw prince Ashton grow up with my own eyes as I've spent years advising his father, who was a true king. Ashton, you can't merely be king by title, you have to earn that honor." Marcellus continued.

I opened my mouth to express my distaste at his degrading words, but was interuppted.

"Grandfather!" Annabelle hissed, alarmed by his disrespect towards the crown.

"Marcellus, please calm yourself before you lose the respectful position you currently hold in this court." One of the other men spoke up.

"I will not! Why can't any of you buffoons see the injustice that is being served? Do you want the King's life to go in vain?"

"In vain? Grandfather, the late King, bless his soul, died an untimely death! He did not pass away to accomplish anything other than peace. What nonsense are you speaking of?" Annabelle rebutted.

"You wench, shut your mouth! Who was it that allowed you to take a seat here when a worthier man could have been here in your stead?"

Ash slammed his hand on the table, startling everyone into a tense silence.

"My decision is final. Marcellus, your presence is no longer necessary in this room. Out of respect for your service to my father, I will refer to your dismissal as retirement."

Marcellus fell back in his seat, "D-dismissal? Your Highness, h-how could—"

The squire interrupted him, "Court is dismissed. Marcellus, if you would please follow me to sort your pension out."

"Your Highness!" Marcellus rose up to approach Ash, but the guards blocked the old man from advancing any further.

He looked at me, "You wench! What thoughts did you poison him with? This isn't over!"

"Guards, please show him out." Ash muttered, stepping in front of me as a measure of defense.

At these words, the guards dragged him out as civilly as they could and the other council members followed. Annabelle gave me an apologetic smile as she passed me, which I returned.

Ash turned to me in the empty room, "Are you alright?"

I nodded, letting out a breath that I didn't even realize I held.

"Just a little tense." I answered.

"Let's get some air." He stated, leading me out the courtroom.

I focused on maintaining my strides with his, unable to meet his eyes. His charisma didn't surprise me, but the way it affected me did. I wasn't easy in any way, but his simple mannerisms, including the way he stepped in between me and that awful man, gave rise to new feelings. Feelings that I never thought I'd catch from him of all people. I've certainly felt these butterflies flutter before, so there was no mistake where they would lead me, but I was scared of taking that path. It was all too sudden, after all, I would've gladly taken a stake to him, or at least the prospect of him, less than a month ago. How could a man change so easily? Or has he always been the same and instead, it is my perception of him that has altered so greatly?

We stopped in front of the entrance to the gardens. As soon as he opened the door, we were met by the welcoming sweet floral scents and comforting sun rays. I drew in deep breaths, growing intoxicated by the sight and smell. I followed him to the stone bench that overlooked a small pond. The meeting, stifling as it was, settled in the backs of our minds.

I chuckled while taking my seat beside him, shifting his attention to me.

I couldn't help but echo the words that led to one of our very first pre-marital spats, "So, we're married."

A knowing smile formed on his face, "And you're even lovelier than I could have imagined a month ago."

"It's already been a month?" I asked, staring at my surprised reflection in the pond.

"Well, two days short of a month."

"You kept track?" I smiled at him.

"Not on purpose. I'm an intellectual, remember?"

"Or rather, a human calendar. For a second there I thought our wedding day actually meant something to you." I feigned disappointment, knowing he was spewing complete lies.

He was so smitten.

"No I didn't... Ah..." He let out of a sigh of defeat, "I'll drop the act. Yes, I kept track."

"Remember Sir William?"

"That nosy knight that brought you back to Trephine during our honeymoon?" He scrunched his nose.

"Without him, I might not be here today."

"Nonsense, I was on my way to search for you anyway."

I looked at him out of surprise, "You were?"

He looked away and cleared his throat, "I told you I always cared for you..."

I laughed, trying to play off how touched I felt by continuing the conversation, "Anyway, he gave me advice that night."

"Which was?"

"He suggested that I leave you if I still found you unbearable after a month."

I studied his expression, which scrunched up out of anger as he rose from his seat.

"Sir William, you said? Why that scum... who does he think he is? He dares to advise the Queen with his mere status, and such poor advice at that. Why, I should—"

"Ash, calm down." I interrupted him, gingerly pulling his sleeve back.

He still struggled to contain his jealousy. A part of me liked his possessiveness, though, but I didn't like that part of me.

"You're not actually thinking of... are you?" He couldn't bring himself to say it as he sat down again.

I laughed, playfully pushing him, "No, I wouldn't dream of leaving the kingdom in your hands."

"What a relief." He sighed, although his words were tainted with disappointment.

I knew exactly what he wanted to hear, but I was too scared to admit it to him. I didn't want to accept that I was staying for him, that I had grown fond of him.

A few moments of silence passed before he broke it again, "We look beautiful together."

I followed his gaze to the pond. Our reflection did look rather picturesque, framed by flowers and all. I subconsciously leaned on his shoulder and he responded by wrapping his arm around me. Now, we were portrait perfect. Realizing what was happening, I started to sit straight again, but his arm restrained me.

"Let's just stay like this for a while. Please." He whispered.

I didn't protest. Besides, the scent was just so intoxicating. Everything felt so...

Blissful.