She’s not sure how much time has passed before she finishes, signing the bottom corner with “Meghan H.” before putting the piece of charcoal down.
“Thank you again for letting me draw you.” she smiled, turning to let him see the picture.
He smiles brightly. “Oh wow…it’s beautiful. I love it.” In all honesty, it looked even better then those ‘professionals’ who would paint him. He hums, fixing his cloak. Just as he opens his mouth to say something, he hears the all to familiar sound of clanking metal and the palace bells ringing. Damnit they noticed. He stands. “Thank you for your time but I really have to go. I hope i see you again sometime!” He turns.
Meg feels herself blush at the praise, while simultaneously feeling a swell of pride. “Thank you. It's been a while since I had such a model to sketch.” she admitted before hearing the bells and stomping sound of soldiers approaching. “I hope so too.” she nodded as she stood. “I should be going as well e. I left my mother alone at the shop for too long.”
Aaron smiles at her, then rushes out of her view. Once he reached the palace, he huffs. The gates were open. Great-
He climbed the wall and managed to climb into his bedroom window, only to be met with his butler and old friend. “Prince Aaron. Honor to have you here.” He raises an eyebrow.
Aaron cringes. “Sorry- I just-“
He was cut off. “I know I know…I’ll tell your parents you were out in your own little world painting. They’ll calm down. Anyway. Supper is ready. Follow me.” He smiles and leads Aaron to the dining room after he changes. He spent the rest of his afternoon ‘explaining himself’ and trying to come up with a good excuse for being late. After that, he flops down onto his bed and closes his eyes. He’d definitely try to see that girl again. Maybe he could get to know her more…
Meg sighed as Aaron disappeared and started on her way back to her mother’s bakery, dodging soldiers to avoid trouble. It had been a much more rewarding afternoon than she had thought it would be when she went out. And the picture… She couldn't get it out of her head how much he had genuinely seemed to like it.
As soon as she got home, she put her satchel and sketchbook away and washed as much of the dark stains off her hands as she could before going back to help her mother with the bakery until they closed.
The next morning, Aaron did the same thing as the day before. Climb the wall, head to town and look for that girl. He walked to the center of town and looked around. Where was she? He sighs and sat down by a fountain. He hoped she was still there. He had brought his own sketchbook and art supplies with him, wanting to draw the girl he had met. He hums and gets to work, keeping that mental image of her in his mind.
Meg, on the other hand, did not feel a particularly strong need to find that gentleman. Though she had enjoyed his company and drawing him had been a pleasure. For no reason she could think of, she started her day a little earlier than she usually did and went out for a morning walk with a warm roll for breakfast.
She wandered aimlessly toward the fountain with a soft smile, taking in the calm of the morning before everyone else crowded the area. It was so peaceful when she noticed a familiar figure nearby. “Sir Aaron. What a surprise to see you again.” she smiled as she approached.
He looked over to her and smiled. “Pleasure.” He chuckles, “how are you this fine morning, m’lady?”
“I am well. How are you?” she smiled back, taking a seat next to him.
He hums, “I’m actually pretty good. Thank you.” He actually did feel good today. He didn’t feel sick. Which was great news. He went back to work on his art piece, adding finishing touches.
“I'm glad to hear that.” she said sincerely. “I did not realize you were also an artist.” she commented, catching sight of his supplies.
He chuckles. “I dabble in the arts…”
Meg nodded simply at his words. “And what masterpiece are you working on today?” she asked, tempted to look at the picture.
“You.” He shows her the finished product. A lifelike drawing of her. It was almost like he had trapped her in the book. He smiles.
Meg blushed at both his reply and the image he had captured of her. “Oh! It's beautiful.” she complimented. “Though I think you may have been generous.”
He laughs softly. “I just drew from memory.” He smiles warmly, setting his book down.
“Incredible.” she murmured, unable to find any other words to express her thoughts. “You are very talented.”
He blushes slightly. “Oh th-thanks…”
“I mean it.” she insists politely. “I doubt that I could draw anything like this from memory.”
He smiles, looking at her. She was too nice. Her personality was on point. Even if he hardy knew her. He laughs softly. “Well…thank you…”
Meg smiled softly and nodded before looking back at the picture, unsure of what else to say.
He smiles, then carefully rips out the page and gives it to her. “Here…”
“Oh, no. I couldn't possibly accept this.” she said, shaking her head. “It's too much.”
He laughs, “It’s only charcoal and oil pastel. Please, take it.” He sets the drawing in her hands.
“Thank you, sir.” Meg smiled softly, finally accepting the picture. “It really is beautiful.”