“It was a choice I made,” Ophelia replies calmly, having had no problem with waiting. She knows that he told her she could go ahead and eat but that’s not what she wanted. “I wanted us to eat together so I didn’t mind waiting a few minutes.” She doesn’t bother trying to hide the look of amusement on her face when he decides to fix her plate for her.
She gives a slight shake of her head, entertained by his antics, before she thanking him. Now that he has arrived, she doesn’t hesitate to eat her food. Though hungry, she eats it at a proper place, not so much as dropping a crumb. Hunger is no reason to forget one’s manners.
As expected, the food is absolutely spectacular. The French toast nearly has her moaning. Humming quietly in approval, she continues to eat her meal. She’s a sucker for sweets, even first thing in the morning. Never would she turn down a sugary treat.
Kaillas couldn't help but smile at her answer, no matter how small it was. He was so used to being taken advantage of by everyone here. No one would have hesitated to start without him. But she had waited from him and he was happy about it. Or as happy as he could be.
He continued to watch her through his peripheral vision. She certianly ate prettier than he did but he didn't miss the notes of enjoyments in her face. Especially at the French toast. He would make sure to tell the kitchen to make her sweet breakfast items every morning. Crepes and pancakes and waffles. Anything to keep her happy.
The realization hit him like a train. He would do anything to keep her happy. He liked her. Despite his insistence that he wouldn't and his want to send her away, he liked her. The thought caused him to inhale sharply and sit up. He had almost finished with his food but he found he couldn't finish it, even though his stomach was protesting at the stop. He wasn't sure how he liked this feeling. He didn't think he did.
He was quiet for the remainder of breakfast. He just sat there, sipping his water quietly, and watching as everyone ate. He would have found enjoyment at their hangovers had he not been so startled by his realization.
Ophelia notices Kaillas's sudden change in demeanor and the shift in his energy. His previous lightheartedness seemed to dissipate, replaced by a more contemplative and conflicted state. She finishes her breakfast, savoring each bite, but can’t help but feel concerned about what had caused this change in him.
As she sets her fork down, she turns her attention towards Kaillas, giving him a light smile. "Is everything alright?" she asks, her voice gentle and filled with genuine concern. "You seem a bit lost in your thoughts. If there's anything you'd like to talk about or if there's anything I can do, please let me know."
She understands that this situation is rather overwhelming, and she wants to offer her support to Kaillas. She values the chance to form a friendship and hopes that he will eventually feel comfortable opening up to her, should he choose to do so. For now, she’s happy to patiently wait, giving him the space he needs to collect his thoughts.
Kaillas was startled as Ophelia spoke to him. He blinked rapidly before turning his attention to her. He had spaced for a moment. Something that wasn't good. It left him vulnerable for an attack. But he had, too lost in thought. He stretched his fingers out in front of him, a stress response.
He nodded his head twice. "Yes, I'm okay." And he said nothing more. He didn't want to expand further on his recent discoveries. Not to her. Not to anyone. Because if he said it out loud he was speaking it into existence. And if it was true, he would slip down a slippery slope. It would mean someone else that could be used against him. And while being a royal was always a risk, because someone out there always hated them, if they found out she was a weakness, they would do anything to exploit that. And Kaillas would do anything for the people he loved.
"If you are finished, we should start with your day." Kaillas hadn't originally meant to be part of her schedule. They weren't supposed to meet again until dinner. But he had changed his schedule around, which should have been his first indicator, so that he coukd accompany her on her tour. Perhaps not the best idea. He wasn't very good at explaining things. The best he could do was say "office," but it was too late now. He was seeing this through. Catalina would be with them so he hoped he could piggyback on her to further explain.
Ophelia observes Kaillas carefully, sensing his unease and the weight of unspoken thoughts. She can tell he is holding something back, something that troubles him deeply. But she respects his silence, understanding that there are certain things he isnt ready to share. One day she hopes that they’ll get there.
She nods in response to his assurance that he os okay, though a strong sense of concern lingers. She’s a naturally empathetic person so it troubles her to know that someone is upset and there’s nothing she can do to help them.
She hadnt realize that he would be joining her today. It’s a pleasant surprise. “I look forward to spending the day with you,” She says sincerely, excited to try and get to know him better while she learns more about her new kingdom. This should be a busy but good day.
“I’m ready when you are.” Her food is finished so she sees no reason to linger in the dinning hall if they have places to be. “What’s the first thing on our agenda?” She asks, looking forward to whatever it may be.
Kaillas still rattled by his own revelations. It should have been a sign that perhaps he shouldn't be the one taking her on this tour. Not when he wasn't feeling himself. And even when he did feel himself, he was still on the quieter side. He didn't see any reason to speak of there was none.
As it looked like everyone was finishing up their breakfast, he pushed back and out kf his chair, offering his arm for Ophelia. Chairs scraped as everyone stood and bowed as the two exited the dining hall. Breakfast was over and it was time to go about their days.
Catalina was following behind. She knew she was going to have to do most of the speaking. Kaillas had joined purely to accompany them. She knew better than anyone he wasn't going ti be much help. He wasn't a talker. And this was a job for a talker. Someone to explain where everything is. And she was the kind of person for that. She knew everything. Even the secrete passages.
"We'll start with the most important things today," she said. "The palace is big and there's alot to it. I don't want you to get overwhelmed with information."
Ophelia looks up at Kaillas as he offers his arm, a smile playing on her lips. She gently wraps her arm around his, obviously happy that he’s going to be joining them today. She understands that he might not be feeling himself, but she appreciates his effort to accompany her on this tour. In her mind, it’s a sign that he’s warming up to her.
Catalina's words brings her attention back to the present. She gives a nod, excited to get started. From what she’s seen, the palace is gorgeous so she’s looking forward to taking it all in. "Thank you. I'm grateful to have you as my guide. I trust your judgment in showing me the most important aspects of the palace." She pauses for a moment, glancing at Kaillas, hoping that he still wants to do this.
As they walks through the palace's grand corridors, Ophelia took in the opulent surroundings, marveling at the intricate details of the architecture and the lavish decorations. She knows that there is much more to discover beyond the surface, and she is eager to uncover the secrets.
Kaillas looked down at her, returning the gentle smile. He ignored the few whispers that spurred at his gentle gesture. Had he truly wanted to be scandalous, he would have leaned to kiss her temple. The joy it would give him at their gasps was almost enough to do it. But he knew it would only worsen his emotional turmoil so he refrained.
Catalina watched them for a moment more before beginning to speak again. "The first floor is really just a bunch of random rooms and offices. Most of them aren't very important. But we'll take you to the kitchens and ballroom on this floor. As well as His Majesty's office, if he is alright with me taking you there." At the King's nod, she beamed, adding another stop to their tour. Kaillas spent a lot of time in his office or meeting rooms. For some reason, there was a lot. Not just a war room and regular meeting room, they were all for different things. It was quite annoying. But Kaillas spent most of his time in his office or the war room.
The kitchens were closest so that was their first stop. While Catalina opened the door, they didn't go inside. The cooks were busy cleaning up after breakfast and prepping for lunch already. As they spotted the king, they all stopped to bow until he told them to continue their work. "Best not to disturb them right now. But if you're up late, you might catch one of the princesses sneaking in for some sweets." Catalina had caught the girls more than enough times.
The ballroom was next. It resided in the center of the palace as it was the biggest. A staircase descends into the ballroom. Several large chandeliers adorned with diamonds were hanging from the ceiling. The ceiling had been painted by a master artist over a century ago. There was space to place tables and chairs for guests when an event would be held. As beautiful as it was, it was a mess at the moment. The servants were in the process of cleaning it and decorating it so that it would be ready by the end of the week.
"Apologies for the mess, Your Highness. It's been a long time since we've held a ball. They're still trying to prepare everything for the wedding."
Ophelia observes the interactions between Kaillas and Catalina as they continue their tour of the palace. She’s curious about how long they’ve known each other. From what she can tell, Catalina is the person Kaillas enjoys being around the most, apart from his sisters of course.
The mention of various rooms and offices pique her curiosity, especially the abundance of meeting rooms and their specific purposes. It hints at a complex and organized system within the palace. She wonders how long it’s going to take her to figure out her way around this place. If she ever gets lost, it won’t be fun to figure out where she is and how to get to where she needs to be.
As they approach the kitchens, Ophelia understands the reluctance to disturb the busy cooks. They have quite a lot of people to cook for after all. The mention of princesses sneaking in for sweets adds a touch of playfulness to the atmosphere. “Don’t be surprised if you catch me joining them,” She says with a light laugh, only partially joking.
The ballroom, despite its current state of disarray, captivates Ophelia's imagination. The grandeur of the space, with its chandeliers and painted ceiling, hints at the palace's rich history. She envisions the ballroom transformed into a dazzling venue, filled with joyous guests celebrating a special occasion. She’s nervous about getting married but at least the wedding is going to be gorgeous.
“Hopefully hosting a ball is a possibility for sometime in the future?”
Kaillas saw the way her face lit up at the mention of sweets. He made a mental note to visit the kitchens later today and ask for them to make a few extra sweets to leave out at night. He already did so for his two sisters. Otherwise, there wouldn't be anything in the kitchens for them to steal. Everything was made fresh each day. There was nothing left over once the day was done. It was given to the poor or to the pigs. Except for the sweets that were left out for the princesses.
The ballroom was a mess but there wasn't much he could do about it. Not with all the preparations. "There will be a ball after the wedding," he lowered his head to murmur to her softly. "But there are no plans to host anything else." It would be their first ball in a long time. His sisters had been busy and they couldn't officially host a ball without Kaillas approving it. And he had been busy of late. "But," he murmured, glancing back at Cataline before back down at her, "As Queen, you can throw as many as you would like."
It was just one of the duties of the queen, to host events such as balls. Kaillas didn't know about a thing when it came to balls. What was a good cause for one? How to decorate? What flowers to use? It just wasn't for him. His sisters had tried to teach him but he never quite understood why orchids just couldn't be used. It was too much work and far too confusing for him to figure it out. But now there was someone that could.
Catalina had taken a step back, letting the two of them have their moment. She had a smile on her lips. She knew Ophelia would be the right person o soften their hard king. Of course, she had been the one to find the princess. There was no way those idiots on the council would have known anything about her without Cat first planting the idea. Now, she wouldn't get any credit for it but it was alright. Seeing the two of them happy was payment enough. She knew Ophelia was young when she chose her but Kaillas was a good and honorable man. She trusted he would take good care of her.
Kaillas was so close his lips were almost brushing against her forehead. He to restrain from pressing forward to leave that small kiss. He didn't know if Ophelia would even appreciate that. So he didn't. "Come, let me show you my office. I want you to know where to find me if you need me." Because that was where he spent most of his time. Now, Ophelia would have her own office in time but it wouldn't be until after their honeymoon. And he would let her choose which one she wanted.
(So I was gonna have Elora explain things a lot better (yk the sex part XD) and I was wondering how graphic do you want me to be? Do you care or are there some words you don't want me to say?)
The quickest way to her heart is through sweets and animals. As long as she has access to both, she’s going to be perfectly happy in her new home. She won’t broach the topic for awhile but she does hope that Kaillas is open to the idea of her getting a dog. It’ll keep her company during the times that he’s busy and his sisters have other tasks.
Ophelia feels a flutter of excitement as Kaillas mentions her ability to host upcoming ball. She hadsalways admired the elegance and grace associated with such occasions, and now she has the opportunity to make her visions come to life. She has attended quite a few balls in her life and has loved all of them. "I greatly look forward to hosting future events. Especially now that I have a dance partner.” This last part she says teasingly as she ever so lightly bumps her shoulder into his in a playful manner.
Her heart skips a beat as she looks up to him and notices just how close they are. For a dfew kit second, she’s convinced that he’s about to kiss her forehead. But, he doesn’t. A twinge of disappointment tugs at her but she doesn’t say a word. Perhaps she was just misreading the situation.
As Kaillas invites her to his office, Ophelia offers a slight smile. "I would be delighted to see your office and know where to find you." She knows that it’ll be important for her to have some idea of what his whereabouts are in case something important comes up.
Inside the office, she takes in the surroundings, observing the shelves lined with books and the stack of papers on the desk. She takes a few steps closer to the desk, tracing her fingers along the edges.
(Be as graphic as you want to. It’ll make the situation even more awkward and hilarious XD I’m good with anything honestly)
(Great haha XD. I won't hold back)
Kaillas was, unfortunately, a wonderful dancer. It went hand in hand with his military training. He needed to be graceful and light on his feet. His training was a dance itself, the only difference was that he had a sword in his hand. His sisters were delighted when they found out he was a wonderful dancer. When they were all younger, back when he had first talent he crown, they would make him dance in their rooms in the middle of the night. It was how they got so close, their late-night waltz. Though, it was more them stepping on his toes as he led them around. And now that they were older, they had never lost that love of dance. Every now and then, when one of them had a nightmare, he would take them out into the gardens and dance under the stars. It gave them both some peace even if it was just for a little while.
"I'll dance with you all night long." The words left his lips before he could think twice. He went so far as looking bashful and a sliver of a blush appeared on his cheeks. A blush?! Kaillas never blushed. The first and last time had been the first time he had seen a woman's naked body. The day he had become a man. It was really nothing more than a slight tent on his cheeks that was barely noticeable and could easily be passed off as from the heat. If only Kaillas played it cool, which he could.
His desk took a little bit longer to get to than the other rooms had. All the offices and meeting rooms were blocked off from everything else. They had their own part of the palace. As it wasn't just his office. The members of his court also had their own offices. Today it was empty. it likely would be for the whole week. Too much partying and drinking and activities going on. He knew a couple of them would find their way in here, such as himself, but most of them would be seen elsewhere.
His office was larger than the others and with the best window. Perks of being king. He had a mahogany desk that had been stained almost black. The desk was exceptionally clean. A habit that the military taught him. Everything needed to be clean and organized. Anywhere that he worked was organized. And he didn't like it when people messed with his things.
Kaillas and Catalina hung back near the door as Ophelia explored the room. Cat was giving Kaillas a look he most certainly did not like. He knew that she knew that he now knew that he cared for the princess. Even if it was just in its early stages. That had only met just yesterday. But that didn't mean feelings couldn't develop in that time. And unfortunately for Kaillas, they had.
Her cheeks instantly turns a bright crimson red at his words. Men have been complimenting her for years not not a single thing ever said to her as affected her like this. And he wasn’t even trying to get a reaction. She notices the faintest red tint on Kaillas' cheeks, and it instantly brings a smile to her face. She finds his this endearing, a glimpse into the softer side of the strong and noble king. Keeping a calm and composed face is something expected of the king so she feels incredibly luckily to have witnessed a small crack in the mask.
Not even for a second does she trust herself to open her mouth and respond to that. With how scrambled that just made her brain, she would make an absolute fool out of herself and she knows it.
As she continues to explore his office, she marveled at the meticulous organization and cleanliness. It reflectes Kaillas' disciplined nature, a trait she admires in him. Though exploring the room is a nice distraction, she can’t get her mind to stop wandering back to that interaction they just had.
"It's a truly impressive workspace," she comments, needing to say something so she’s not just standing there. "I can see how much dedication you put into your duties. The kingdom is lucky to have you.” She’s not aware that she’ll get her own office. It certainly won’t be as organized as his is.
“What’s next?” She asks, smiling at the two. She knows that she has a lot to see so it would be wise to not stay in one place for too long. At some point, she would love to see the gardens but she understands that it wont be piority.
Kaillas only nodded his head once at the compliment, a silent thank you. His office was neat, masculine. He didn't think there was much to it. But he would accept the compliment either way.
"You will have your own," he said. "We have a few empty ones you can chose from. Or you can take someone else's if you really like it. The palace coffers are at your disposal. To decorate and for anything else." She could buy whatever she wanted. She didn't need his approval. And while he hoped that she would discuss with him any large purchases, he wasn't going to stop her.
Catalina stepped forward. "We won't go down to the basement but I'll explain it anyways. We have two layers to the basement. The first is the wine cellar. We have hundreds of aging barrels down there. The bottom layer is the dungeon. Please, don't under any circumstance, go down there. We try not to have many prisoners down there as we do have another prison located outside the city. But it is still dangerous and we do usually have at least one prisoner down there."
Not to mention to numerous torture rooms and devices. But neither of them brought that up. That was not something to say to a lady. It wasn't necessarily that they were keeping it a secret but they weren't trying to boast about it either.
"We'll take you ti the library next. It's on the second floor. Along with our infirmary. The second floor is also bedrooms for any of our guests."
Ophelia is pleasantly surprised to hear that she’ll have her own office. The prospect of having her own space and the freedom to decorate it as she pleased is certainly appealing. She does make a mental note to discuss any major purchases with him out of courtesy, but she is glad to have the autonomy to make decisions regarding her own space. She won’t go overboard but she wants to make it nice. As for Kaillas’ office, she does plan on putting a vase of flowers in here for him. Just something to cheer him up.
As Catalina explains the layout of the basement, Ophelia nods in understanding. The presence of a wine cellar is expected in a palace of this magnitude, especially since there are events that would require a large amount, but the mention of a dungeon gives her pause. She does understand the necessity of such facilities for security purposes, but she also recognizes the sensitivity of the topic. She appreciates Catalina's discretion in not delving into the details. Not many people wish to hear about such manners and she is one of those people.
“I have no intentions of venturing into the basement without proper cause,” She assures them.
As they move on to the library and the second floor, Ophelia follows along, rather eager to see it. The prospect of exploring the extensive collection of books in the library excites her. She loves to get lost in a good book. It can take away the worries of reality.
It’s good to know where the infirmary is, though she hopes that it isn’t used often. She doesn’t do well when people are sick or injured. The worry eats her alive, even if she doesn’t know the person all too well.
Walking up the stairs, the library is easy to find. It's not an extravagant library, at least not for one residing in a palace. They kept everything up to date and it was well organized but it wasn't anything beyond that. It was one of the few things in the palace that wasn't attended to financially as much. But, perhaps, with a queen who cared for books it could be transformed into something else.
Kaillas wasn't one for books. Not unless it was fir military tactics. But even then, he did enough reading with all of his reports and paperwork, he didn't want to read anymore that he already did. It wasn't for him. And like the gardens, without someone to nurture it, it was lacking.
The librarian noticed them, bowed deeply, then scurried off. He was afraid of Kaillas. Rightfully so, he was a terrifying figure to some people. It also didn't help that they had enough incident a few years back. He had tried to apologize but not only was he not good at that, the man would practically run away any time he saw the king. So he had given up trying.
"The library is organized by genre," Catalina said. "And on each genre it is separated by books and scrolls and letters and newspapers. While it might not seem like much, anything you cod need is here and easy to find."
The library is….disappointing. Everything else in the palace has been grand and wonderful. It seems as though the only person who comes in here is the librarian. She can tell that while he does do his job, the books are rarely touched. It's a shame. She has always found solace and inspiration within the pages of a good book, and her passion for literature will fuel her desire to transform the modest library into something more. Granted, she will need to ask for permission to make any changes but she can't see any reason why her husband to be would deny her this.
She notices the librarian bowing deeply and scurrying away, his fear palpable. Ophelia glances over to Kaillas. "What was that about?" She asks curiously. The man's reaction to the king wasn't a normal one so she assumes that there is a history there. She doesn't want to be nosey but it doesn't hurt to ask.
Appreciating the information provided by Catalina, she makes a point to thank her. "I take it that not many people spend time in here?" While it will be nice to have the library to herself most times, she can't help but feel disappointed that this room has been so obviously neglected compared to other parts of the palace.
Kaillas made a strange face, reaching his free hand up tto i scratch the back of his neck. He looked away from her. "We had a little bit of an incident a few years ago. I moght have yelled a little bit at him and he's been skittish ever since." He had more than yelled at him. He didn't put his hands on him or anything but the man certianly had a reason to be afraid of Kaillas.
Catalina didn't stiffle her snort and he looked back to glare at her. It didn't affect her. She was like a mother to him. If anything, it was he that was scared of her glare. Even if she had no children of her own, she still had that motherly persona.
Kaillas shook his head. "Not as much. The few children that are here have some of there tutoring lessons in here." Katya being one of them. "We use what we need here but not many people come here for enjoyment." He shrugged his shoulders. It wasn't something that overly concerned him. As long as those that took care of the library were paid fairly, he didn't really care all that much.
Catalina stepped forward then. "It needs someone to provide it some care. That may be you, Your Highness. I know you could transform it to its true potential." Kaillas nodded his head along. He would provide everything financially.
If curiosity kills the cat, she’s dead. The way Kaillas is talking about the situation paired with Catalina’s snort has her dying for more details. She wants to know what exactly happened and why. There’s clearly a story there after all. Figuring that Kaillas isn’t going to offer up any addition details, she decides to ask Catalina when the king isn’t around. Hopefully the other woman is willing to open up.
Though she would absolutely love to restore the library, that’s a project she’ll have to take on in a few weeks. There’s already a lot on her plate. “I would enjoy giving it a try. It would be a shame to leave such a lively library in this shape.” She already has some ideas about what improvements need to be made.
“Next is the infirmary, yes?” She asks, wondering how much of the palace they’ll manage to get through before it’s time for whatever she has next on her agenda. From what she understands from her conversation with Catalina this morning, she has quite a few things she needs to do. Luckily, one of those activities is horse back riding with Elora. She’s certainly looking forward to that.
Catalina beamed. "This library could use it. You'll have every resource available for you when you decide to do so." She was happy the princess was already taking initiative. She would make a good queen. Cat had outdone herself now. They were a perfect match.
"Yes, the infirmary is next. It's mostly uses for any accidents that occur during training, any random illnesses, or accidents that might occur. Other than the guards, the kitch is most likely to end up in there. They cut their hands more often than not." She grimaced at the mental image. "Occansionally, we do have a couple births but most are done in their chambers or they're on bedrest at home."
They walk through the halls untol the smell of a sterile room comes to them and the doors swing open to reveal the infirmary. There's about eight cots on each side with its own little nightstand. The nurses station is at the front of the inromary and a door leading back to all of their remedies and medicines.
Yesterday was overwhelming and exhausting. After getting some sleep, Ophelia is opening up without a problem. It doesn’t hurt that Kaillas is unintintionally being smoothing. That dancing comment nearly had her swooning and he wasn’t even trying. It’s safe to say that she’s quickly growing fond of the man.
She winces a little as Catalina describes the types of injuries that are usually treated at the infirmary. Luckily, it does appear to be empty at the moment. One bit of information does perk her up a little. “Are there any babies living in the palace now?” She asks curiously, looking around the infirmary as they.
She loves babies. Though she doesn’t want any of her own for a little while, she adores the thought of snuggling with a baby. Whenever her handmaids back home had babies, she was always happy to watch the little ones while their mothers napped. She had to be sneaky about it since her parents disapproved but it was worth it.
