Kaillas looked back at Catalina, looking for her to answer that. He didn't think he could. None of the ladies at the court had any babies with them. All their children were back home at their estates with their nannies and servants. Perhaps some of the staff did but they shouldn't be brought in the palace. At least not without putting them in a secure place to be watched by someone.
Catalina thought for a moment. A couple of the maids had some babies not to long ago but they didn't often bring them to the palace. They had other children or family to watch over the child. "I don't think there are any babies at court, Your Highness. I suppose once a Lady giver birth, as Queen, you are free to visit her. And there are a few orphanages in the city if you would like to visit." There were children of all ages in those. Unfortunate things happen that leave children parentless. It was just the way of life.
"How would you like to see the astronomy tower?" Kaillas asked, trying to steer the conversation another direction. He didn't want to talk about babies. Because he didn't want to hear that she wanted babies. Because he was not ready for babies yet.
Ophelia is admittedly disappointed by this answer. She was hoping that there would be at least one. Perhaps there will be one around the palace eventually. “Oh no. I wouldn’t bother a lady after they’ve had a baby unless they want me there.” She may not be an expert on the topic but she does know that it’s exhausting. “I would like to visit the orphanages.” She would love to bring food, clothes, and some toys to the children to brightens their lives a little.
Children may be fun to be around but that certainly doesn’t mean she wants to have a baby any time soon. She’s still young so it isn’t as though they are on a time crunch.
The quick conversation change doesn’t go unnoticed. The slightest hint of a frown tugs at her lips but she quickly returns her face to a neutral state. She isn’t sure what exactly she did to displease him. Things have been going so well until now. “If that is what you want,” She agrees simply, willing to move on if Kaillas deems it necessary.
Catalina took a small step forward. " a couple of maids have had children in the past six months. Perhaps I can speak to them to bring them up for you one day." After the honeymoon and after she had gotten settled in. "And the orphanages would be delighted to host you. We will plan a date for the future."
Kaillas noticed the shift in Ophelia almost right away. It made him frown. He didn't like talking about children. He didn't particularly like being near then either. He wasn't good with them. Children were scared of him because of how he looked. Because of his scar on his face. It didn't help he didn't know how to talk to them either and that scared them too. That's all he did, was scare them. It made him uncomfortable to be around them. He could only hear so many cries and screams before he distanced himself and stopped trying.
"I am asking if that's what you want," he said softly. "Personally, the sterile smell is starting to irritate my nose." A half lie to try to get them out if the infirmary. The smell did mess with his nose but he was always trying to find a way to see that smile again.
With a weak smile, she shakes her head. “There’s no need to bother the maids. I don’t want to make things difficult for them.” She knows that their jobs are hard enough. It would be selfish of her to ask them to haul their children to the palace just for her to play with. She agrees to planning a day with the orphans, fully intending to shower them with gifts of all sorts. As many as she can afford if she gets her way.
Unlike Kaillas, Ophelia adores children of all ages and they tend to feel the same about her. The crying, of course, is unpleasant but she doesn’t mind soothing them. It’s a big scary world out there and sometimes babies just need a good cry. She can relate to that. However, the king’s dislike of children may be an issue. She may not want children right away but she does want them eventually. Even if she didn’t, the kingdom expects a royal baby to take over as king one day. They’ll need at least one child and she fully plans on raising it herself. She doesn’t want to send it off to be raised by a nanny and not know her.
“The astronomy tower sounds delight,” She assures him, knowing that it’s time to go. She makes sure to keep her tone just as pleasant as it has been. It won’t do anyone any good if she silks. Besides, ths infirmary isn’t the best place to stick around. They need to continue on their tour.
Kaillas and Catalina share a look with each other before turning their focus back to Ophelia. The astronomy tower was a bit of a walk, one that Kaillas was silent for. Cat, on the other hand, prattle on as they walked. She spoke about the painting and sculptures and any other thing they walked by worth mentioning.
Kaillas had all but tuned her put. Some of these he knew and some he didn't. But either way he didn't care all that much. It wasn't his thing. He sidnt care about decorations or when something was or by who. He didn't need those things. Even his rooms was just above the minimum, for a king that was. Some things he had no choice in. Some things had been chosen for him, like the throw rugs and couple of paintings. He had a few trinkets from his time in the military. His first sword placed on the mantle of the fireplace. And a few items he had picked up in the towns he had passed by. But it wasn't anything wonderful or extraordinary. It was just Kaillas. Not king. Not royal. Not ruler of the kingdom. Just Kaillas.
They entered the astronomy tower. There was a big blackboard that had writing on it that Kaillas couldn't decipher. Something about the planets and stars. There were a few desks pushed against the walls and a few desk chairs. But in the middle was a giant telescope. It was gold with metal fixtures and engravings. Kaillas hadn't been the one to purchase it, it had been his parents. And it had been the biggest purchase on one thing ever made.
Kaillas stepped behind Ophelia, his fingers brushing against her side. He dipped his head to murmur in her ear. "I'll bring you back at night. It's truly extraordinary. You can see the universe through those lens."
As they make their way to the astronomy tower, she quietly observes Kaillas's disinterest in the decorations as Catalina talks about everything. She rather enjoys hearing the history behind the artwork, enjoying all of the facts that are being shared with her. The worth of the objects mean nothing for her. She cares not about having things that are expensive. The only interest she has is why they were made. She loves to hear about the history and the sentiment behind it all.
As they enter the astronomy tower, Ophelia's attention is instantly drawn to the blackboard filled with celestial writings, indicating the study of planets and stars. She hasn’t the slightest clue as to what any of it means but it’s fascinating nonetheless. She peers momentarily at the desks and chairs arranged along the walls, but her focus is captivated by the sight of the magnificent gold telescope in the center of the room. With widened eyes, she just stares at it. Not once in her life has she seen anything like it. It’s marvelous.
Feeling Kaillas's fingers brushing against her side, Ophelia turns slightly as he murmurs in her ear, sharing his intention to bring her back to the astronomy tower at night to experience the extraordinary view of the universe through the telescope's lens.
“I would love nothing more,” She says softly, gazing up at him. The effect this man has on her is nothing short of absurd. His simple but sincere invitation practically has her melting.
Catalina had quietly backed out if the room to give them some privacy. She wasnt in the hall where she coukd easily be discovered and they woukd know she had left the cpuple alone. No, there was a small office to the side that she had disappeared to so that no suspicions would be raised. She knew Kaillas didn't care about such things but that Ophelia did. And neither of them would risk her reputation.
Kaillas was looking down at Ophelia, a gentle smile in his lips. His hands had moved up to cup her arms, holding her with the gentlest of touches. She was such a soft, small woman. He was afraid he would break her with even the wrong look. A man could always admit when he was afraid and Kaillas was terrified he was going to hurt her. She was young and small and looked so fragile. It woukd be so easy for a man like him to hurt her. Emotionally. He did know how to control himself physically.
In the comfort of privacy, he did lay a kiss on her head then. Right on her crown. It was the barest of kisses. He was hesitant, timid. Everything that he was not he was right in this moment. The day that Kaillas was scared of a girl he thought the world would collapse. Yet here he was and the world was fine. And that terrified him more.
(I'm at work so I probably won't be on much)
It takes her a moment to notice that the third person in her little tour group has disappeared. She appreciates the moment of privacy, sensing Catalina's consideration in giving them space. As Kaillas cups her arms with a gentle touch, she looks up into his eyes, seeing a mixture of emotions reflecting in them. His smile and the tender way he held her makes her feel cherished and protected.
She feels the soft touch of his lips on her head, a gentle kiss on her crown. She closes her eyes for a moment, savoring the soft touch and the intimacy of the moment. Placing her hand lightly on his face, she brushes her thumb gently against his cheek.
“I will not break, Kaillas,” She says softly, not wanting his actions to be filled with fear and concern when he’s around her. She knows that she looks weak compared to him but she is stronger than what she appears to be. She won’t shatter at his touch and she needs him to know that.
(Okay! I’m at a mini state fair so my activity will be pretty sporadic)
Against his better judgment, he leaned into the hand that cuped his cheek. A quiet sigh released from his lips as tension seeped out of him. Just this small touch was helping him relax. It surprised him how much she truly affected him. He had never felt this way towards anyone. He had always been indifferent. Yes he had needs that he fulfilled but that was it. Nothing ever went any further than that.
His eyes fluttered back open as she spoke. He smiled softly at her, moving his hand to cup her cheek, mirroring her actions. He was quiet for a moment, staring down at her. He supposed only time would tell if he did break her. Her words didn't quite soothe him over. He still feared he would hurt her.
"There's one more thing I'd like to tell you. But it'll be a bit of a walk." They needed to go downstairs and walk across the palace grounds. He had made the arrangements early this morning and he was excited about it.
As Ophelia feels his hand mirroring her gesture, she can’t help but lean into his touch, a small smile playing on her lips. The connection they share is undeniable, and she cherishes these tender moments with him. She can tell that he’s still hesitant about certain things but she hopes that with time he’ll calm down and learn that she’s tougher than she appears.
As he mentions there is something else he wants to share, Ophelia's curiosity piques. She nods in agreement, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. “What are we going to look at?” She asks curiously, more than happy to see whatever it is that he wants to show her.
Whatever it is, she can tell that he’s excited to show her so it must be something amazing. The astronomy tower is already impressive so she can’t imagine what would top it.
Kaillas dropped his hand from her cheek despite wishing to stay there in that moment. Her skin was soft and smooth. His was not. His hands had calluses and were rough to the touch. Every part of him was hard with muscle or ridged with scars. And this woman in front of him was everything that he was not. She was soft and gentle and pretty. This was what his people needed. A queen like her.
So instead of doing what he would like to, which was more than just stand there touching her, he moved to her side and offered his arm once more. "You'll just have to wait and see," he said softly, smiling at her. He was doing and awful lot of smiling. He didn't know how he like it. Catalina had appeared and was standing off to the side, feigning interest in some of the work. It was only when the pair were arm in arm did she turn to then with a smile. She knew exactly what they were going to do.
This was there longest walk to their destination. Catalina explained a couple things here and there but was mostly quiet. She was letting the two of bask in each other. Even if they were quiet. Try as she might, she just coukd get Kaillas to speak that much. He used be such a loud boy before being sent away. But they had done something to him and now he was like this.
They made it outside finally and onto the castle grounds. "You remember the courtyard I presume," Kaillas said with a teasing voice. He remmebed how Ophelia had been a little flustered then. He pointed out the Queen's gardens with a raise of his hand. "The gardens," he simply said. Because that was ever so helpful. But they had a little bit further to walk.
The stables finally came into view and just as he had arranged it, there were several different horses inside stables. One of then would have a new owner. It was just up to Ophelia to choose which one she wanted.
Ophelia feels a mixture of emotions as Kaillas withdrows his hand from her cheek. She can tell that he’s still having some inner turmoil about the contrast between their physicalities. However, she finds his ruggedness and the stories etched upon his skin incredibly captivating. To her, they are symbols of strength, resilience, and a life lived with purpose.
She raises her brows before nodding, now very curious about what this big surprise is. She takes his arm once more. "I'm looking forward to seeing what it is," she replies, her voice filled with a gentle excitement. With Catalina joining them, Ophelia notices the knowing smile on her face, wondering what is going on inside of the woman’s head.
As they walk through the palace and onto the grounds, Ophelia lets herself be immersed in the silence between them. There isn’t a need to be talking the entire time. She’s happy to just be in his presence.
When Kaillas mentions the courtyard, Ophelia's cheeks flushed slightly, remembering her previous encounter there. She follows his hand, her gaze falling upon the gardens. “The garden seems lovely. Katya mentioned that she’s the one who cares for it. She’s doing a wonderful job.”
As they approach the stables, her eyes widened with surprise and delight. She marveled at the assortment of horses inside, each one beautiful and majestic in its own way.
Kaillas chuckled quietly as Ophelia blushed. He would remember how his indecency made her blush. He would have to use that against her. After they were married and it wouldn't be scandalous if anyone caught them. But he had to remember her age and be careful how much he teased her. She was still so young. He didn't want to do anything with her until she was comfortable. And older.
He smiled at the mention of his sister. Yes, she had been taking care of the garden. He remembered the first time he Vaught her Ata night after tending to the garden. All he had seen was her covered in dirt and he had been horrified that something had happened to her. He had been half ready to go on a murder rampage until she had explained what she had been doing.
"She has a green thumb. If she wasn't a princess she would likely run an apothecary." Katya had a likely to plants and their medicinal value. Not just how pretty they were. Sometimes she helped out in the infirmary if it was needed.
The stables had several horses lined up. All stallions, mares were a bit more unpredictable. Each one was a different breed. Each breed had a different strength. It was up to Ophelia to choose her horse. A man aporached them, bowing. These horses were his finest. And it was an honor to sell them to the King. "You Magesty, Your Highness. I have my best horses here for you to look at. Is there anything you are looking for? Speed, jumping, beauty."
In her defense, no one had warned her what state the king would be in when they came to the courtyard earlier. She was shocked and unprepared to see him shirtless and so…sweaty. Granted, even if she had been warned, she reaction likely would have been the same. Though his teasing does make her blush, she doesn’t mind it. It’s nice that he’s comfortable enough around her to do so.
“I know she said that the gardens will fall to me when we marry but I think it’s best that she continue to maintain them. It brings her joy.” She wouldn’t dream of taking that away from her. Besides, the gardens are stunning right now and with her lack of a green thumb, she would likely ruin how lovely everything is right now.
Ophelia looks to Kaillas, to the horses, and then back to the king. The wheels in her head are obviously turning. While she doesn’t want to make assumptions, she’s pretty certain that she knows what’s going on. “For me?” She asks him softly, wanting to make sure that she’s on the same page as him.
She knows that he mentioned wanting to purchase her a horse but she certainly wasn’t expecting it so soon. Of course, she’s not complaining but she is surprised.
Kaillas nodded his head. Katya would be happy with that. She loved gardening. It gave her something to be in control of. Something to calm her and offer her peace in trying times. It was more than just a hobby. Just like training was more than a hobby to him. It helped center him. "She would appreciate that," he simply said.
Looking at the stallions, he noted each one of them. The Andalusian was the prettiest. Sleek black hair, perfectly proportionate. He was a show horse for sure. For his looks, that was. Anything else woukd remain to be seen. The Quarter Horse was the fastest horse. It was what they were known for. As well as how well they can be trained. There's nothing they can't learn. The Arabian horse is the most famous of them all. Not only is it one of the oldest but he was beautiful and intelligent. Kaillas had his own Arabian horse. It was the one he would suggest but he was bias. There were a couple other breeds but nothing as noticeable. At least nothing that a soon to be Queen would need. The mustang could be used if traveling in different climates. They were tough horses. But Ophelia shouldn't have a need for that.
Kaillas urged her forward, to meet the stallions and to find her own. Or several if she truly couldn't choose. "For you," he said to her. "Choose whatever you would like. Chose them all of it makes you happy."
Ophelia feels a sense of excitement as Kaillas urges her forward to meet the stallions. Though she still thinks that giving her a horse is still a much too extravagant gift, she isn’t going to say no now that the horses are standing here in front of her. This is a big decision and she wants to make sure she makes the right now.
As Ophelia approaches the stallions, she carefully observes each one, taking note of their unique qualities. The Andalusian stands out to her with its sleek black hair and perfect proportions, radiating an air of elegance and beauty. The Quarter Horse intrigues her with its reputation for speed and trainability, making it a versatile choice. And then there is the Arabian horse, renowned for its age, beauty, and intelligence.
With Kaillas's encouragement to choose freely, she feels a little more confident now. As lovely as all of the horses are, she’s the most interested in the Shire. The stallion is huge and imposing to look at but as sweet as a puppy dog. She stands on her tiptoes in order to scritch the horse behind his ears. With a dapple grey coat and the softest brown eyes she’s ever seen, it’s safe to say that she’s already very fond of the gentle giant.
Turning to look at Kaillas, she offers a sheepish smile, an indicator that she’s made her choice. It’s certainly not the most convenient horse she could have picked and she’s aware of that. However, she’s already attached.
Kaillas hadn't been expecting for the princess to chose a Shire horse. It was much too large and nothing they needed. The horse was bred for farming. They pulled the plows and helping with the labor. Nothing they needed at the palace. While there was certainly use for one on the Manu farms throughout the kingdom, the palace was not ideal.
But Ophelia had fallen in love with horse and that was that. The decision was made. He couldn't say no to her. Not as she looked at him with those eyes, that face. But he would have said no matter what she had chosen. Even if she had chosen the ugliest and stupidest of the lit, he woukd have given it to her. Not that the Shire was stupid or ugly. Just inconvenient. They'd had to expand a stall for the horse to fit properly.
Kaillas looked at Catalina and she pulled the horse trader aside to handle the costs. Kaillas approached Ophelia. "What are you going to name him?" He asked from behind her. His knuckles brushed against her back. This would be the last time they had together until dinner. He wanted to enjoy it while he could, stealing touches when he could.
The horse is certainly the most inconvenient horse she could have picked but it’s not her fault that the stallion decided to be the sweetest creature ever. How could she say no? Though they may not need fields plowed or things hauled, the stallion will be her companion and a riding horse. It’ll be an interesting sight to see a small woman riding a giant horse but she won’t mind the stares. It’ll be worth it.
She turns around, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she faces Kaillas. She leaned slightly into his touch, relishing the fleeting moments they had alone. "Thank you, Kaillas,” She says sincerely, absolutely thrilled that he’s agreed to let her have the horse.
“I think I’m going to call him Cheesecake. A sweet name for a sweet horse" she replies with a smile, her voice filled with affection for the majestic creature standing beside her. The name is a little silly, especially since the horse looks a little intimidating but she’s sticking with it.
Kaillas towered over Ophelia. He was just taller. Almost by a foot. The height difference was cute. Ut he wondered how well his neck woukd fare having to bend down to ki- No. He wasn't going think that way. She was just too young to recieve those kind of affections from him. Innocent touches and soft forehead kisses would be all he would give.
He thought Cheesecake was a ridiculous name but he didn't show it. Not in his face, not in his stance, not in his words. "Cheesecake sounds perfect." He tilted his head, pondering. "Do you like Cheesecake then." The dessert, he meant. Because if she did, he was going to make sure it was served at their wedding. If she was going to be tied to him he wanted her to at least have something that made her happy.
Catalina finished settled with the man and passed him the proper coin. The unpurchased horses where taken out of the stalls and put back into the carts they had come on to. There was available space where the Shire had been. She turned back to the couple, hating to interrupt them but noon was approaching. "Apologies for the interruption, but we have things to attend to, my lady."
Ophelia practically has to crane her neck to look up at him. She doesn’t mind the height difference, though she’s anticipating that it will cause a few difficulties. Peering up at him, she can’t help but wonder what’s going on in his head right now. What she wouldn’t give to have that insight.
“I know that his name is silly,” She assures him with a light laugh, not wanting him to feel bad if he doesn’t like it. She just thinks that it’s cute and a little ironic. Though he shows no indications that he doesn’t, she’s positive that it is not a name he would have chosen. That’s alright with her. They don’t need to have the same opinions on everything after all.
At his question, she gives a nod. “I do. I like every sweet I’ve ever tried.” She isn’t a picky eater as a general and she’s even more open to try something if it’s sweet.
Though she knew it was coming, her heart still sinks when Catalina announces that it’s time for her and Kaillas to part ways. This has been going so well, she hates for it to end. Regardless of her feelings, she gives a tiny smile and a nod to agree.
Kaillas brought his hand up to gently touch her chin before removing it. "Nonsense. If you like the name then it is a perfect name." It was silly but that was alright. She didn't need to name her horse anything terrifying. She wasn't taking it to battle. It was just for her enjoyment.
Kaillas stepped back as Catalina approached them. He had known this was coming. Had seen how high the sun had risen in the sky and yet he wasn't quite ready to depart. But it was time. He had things he needed to do and so did she. Tea and lunch with the ladies of the court. He was happy not to be present. Most of the ladies made him irritable.
He held out his arm for her one last time. "I'll escort you ti the gardens before I take my leave." He wasn't going to let her walk back there alone. And anything to keep himself from being locked on a meeting or dealing paperwork. Paperwork was the vane of his existence but it needed to get done. And he couldn't pass it off to everyone. Some of it needed his attention.
Ophelia smiles, appreciating Kaillas' gesture and the touch of his hand on her chin. Today has been perfect but now the time they have together has to it. She has a lot to still do today and unfortunately he can't be with her the whole time. At least they'll be able to meet up for dinner. That'll give them a chance to catch up and talk about their days.
Tea and lunch with the ladies of the court is an obligation she can't evade, even if it she wants to. The thought of meeting everyone and trying to get them to like her makes her nervous. One little slip up and she could really mess things up. The ladies of a court can be quite vicious about gossiping. She's seen it happen a few times.
Accepting Kaillas's offered arm, she follows him through the garden. "Thank you for accompanying me on the tour. I enjoyed spending this time with you." She feels like she got to know him a lot more. The more familiar they are with each other the more comfortable she feels with having to marry him in a few days.
Kaillas looked over to her, offering a soft look. "I'll accompany you where you'd like." He had plans to take her into the town later in the week. Before they were married, if he could find time. There were wonderful shops in the city. He knew she woukd need a new wardrobe and while they did have a seamstress on hand for the royal clothing m, thay didn't mean she wouldn't want to ti see the clothing and accessories already available. There was a book shop and art galleries and a theater. Produce and goods were sold in carts in the streets.
As they approached the gardens, he noticed no one was there yet. That was alright. It wasn't quite time for then to meet though they were cutting it close. That way they could at least have a moment to say goodbye in privacy. Well, as private as it could get with Catalina and and attendants and guards stationed. But it was better than the ladies being present.
"I will see you tonight, my lady." He took her hand, bowing and kissing it. He ignored the couple of whispers behind him from the couple of female gardners. He knew news would spread soon how affectionate he was for her and that it must be love. The dramatics of gossip. It was going to happen either way. Standing straight, he turned and walked away.
