Adrian continued walking and didn't seem like he would respond. It wasn't until they were in the castle hallway before he started speaking. "He is beautiful. A rare breed called Akhal-Teke. I always thought he looked like liquid gold especially under the sun light," he said, sharing a bit more of his thoughts than he originally intended. He tilted his head slightly as acknowledgement that Alessandra was walking a few steps behind him. A small smile was on his lips. It wasn't a particularly bright and friendly smile but it was a smile nonetheless. "Do you like horses, ...?" he paused and looked thoughtful. He was sure he heard her name when she had said it earlier. But apparently he had dismissed it as unimportant. "What was your name again?" he asked, figuring he should at least ask and try to remember. It would be bothersome to have to keep on asking.

Alessandra continued to follow Adrian with no intention to speak again because it was already obvious enough for her that Adrian couldn't stand her existence. She wondered why, but she knew she wasn't in the place to ask many questions or be as outspoken as she usually was. She knew it was how it will be after her father had gifted her to the royal family. Anger rushed through her as images of the night their father and the royal guards broke news to her and the rest of her family.

Horrible.

Alessandra was brought out of her thoughts when Adrian spoke. She was surprised he even bothered to reply after leaving her stranded for so long. She was even more surprised when he gave her a smile-- She wouldn't deny the man was handsome-- Maybe it was the royal blood. She thought as a blush colored her cheeks softly as he asked her if she liked horses.

"Mhm. They are fascinating-- Elegant, classy-- Breathtaking. But it is my first time so close to a horse." She said, almost admiring the image she had in her head of a sleek horse running across wide land scapes, its mane and tail swaying in the wind, each defined muscle flexing. The horse almost seemed flaunting-- And Alessandra loved it.

Alessandra raised an eyebrow as he asked her for her name, before she could stop herself-- "I believe you weren't paying attention during the meeting earlier. I believe my name has been spoken at least four times." She lightly scolded as she held out her fingers in four.

She blinked as she realized again who she was speaking to. "U-uh.. Alessandra your majesty." She hurriedly said as she kept her eyes on the floor.

Adrian would have continued their conversation about the horses but the light outburst from Alessandra didn't sit well with him. He stopped walking and turned around, the smile that was on his face only a few moments ago had been already been replaced with a dark frown. His hazel eyes flashed with increduoulity. "Well, pardon me for asking again. It hadn't cross my mind that your name was so important that I had no right to ask it again. I had no intention of offending you," his voice dripped sarcasm. He stared at her for a second and mentally thanked his mother for attaching to him a girl that did not know her place. He turned around and walked away, his strides long and fast. He didn't look back and he didn't speak again.

It took several minutes to get to a huge ornate door. Adrian pushed it open to reveal an large but cosy looking library. But before Alessandra could take a better look inside, Adrian turned around and blocked the doorway. "You don't intend to stay and watch me read, do you?" his voice was outright unfriendly now. "Just... find something to occupy yourself with. I care not what you do. Just stay out of my sight." And with that, he turned around and disappeared into the library, the door closing behind him.

Alessandra abruptly stepped back as he turned to her. She stepped back even more as he spoke. She honestly expected a reaction a lot worse-- In a way she was thankful, and in another, she was cursing the day she had even been born to her family. She wasn't born to serve-- She didn't know how to stay in place-- She was raised to be just the town girl who was a little smart and intellectual than the rest. Her only hope in life was to cross paths with a noble, not a Prince. It took her all her will to not speak back once more. Instead, she took her discomfort and anger to do her best and catch up with him.

Alessandra was almost peeking into the library when Adrian blocked her view.
Her cheeks colored red in anger and discomfort. She didn't even want to follow him around-- No matter how prestigious a handmaiden was to the town people-- She already hated it. She nodded to his orders and simply turned and walked away.

The exhaustion of their early morning trip and the emotional side of it were finally getting to her. She sighed softly as she aimlessly walked back the hallway they came from-- Maybe she would meet someone who could help her adjust to the new situation. Couldn't being a handmaiden come with clear instructions?

Queen Anne was walking the same hallway and spotted Alessandra when she turned the corner. "Alessandra," she called out as she approached. She noticed the exhaustion and the lost espression on the young girl's face. "I suppose dealing with Adrian would be tiresome. Come, accompany me. I am quite sure you have not been able to familiarize yourself with the castle as of yet. And there's no one better to show you around than one of those who have lived here the longest," she waited for a few seconds, giving the young girl an understanding smile before continuing to walk.

Alisa gave Alessandra a smile and gestured for her to follow along with Amelie.

Alessandra was caught a little off guard, not expecting to come across the Queen herself. She straightened her back a little and flashed her a smile. "Thank you." She mumbled softly as she followed closely behind Amelie. She contemplated on asking the Queen why exactly did she choose her for Adrian-- It seemed like it would be disastrous. The Prince needed someone stronger yet with good compliance. He almost seemed impossible to deal with.

She looked up to ask but decided against it. She knew it would come across as rude. So she just followed closely behind Amelie.

"Giving Alessandra a difficult time, I see," Adam said as Adrian walked past, his nose buried in a book.

Adrian grabbed the book he had been reading the day before from the table and settled himself on the seat opposite the younger prince. "I do NOT need anybody following me around like a dog waiting for me to throw it a bone." He opened the book, the frown still on his lips.

"Oh, now, she's a dog," Adam closed his book and gave his older brother an amused look.

"Would you prefer I call her a thoroughbred then?" Adrian shook his head. "Thoroughbreds I am fond of. This girl... She thinks too highly of herself to scold a Prince."

At Adrian's words, Adam bursted out laughing. "I must congratulate this handmaiden of yours. First day in the castle and she has already scolded the crown prince. Imagine that. What an accomplishment."

Adrian gave the younger prince a sour look.

Adam didn't seemed at all fazed by the look the older prince gave him. "Seriously though, try not to be too harsh on her. I heard she had been given to our family as some sort of payment for a debt."

"While I appreciate your candor, Adam, I see no point of discussing with me the reason WHY that girl ended up in the palace. I could care less if she was some vagabond that the guards have picked up on the streets. I'll speak to Mother about having her work in the kitchen or somewhere she won't be able to bother me."

"Best of luck then. I doubt Mother would agree. If I were you, I would just assign her menial tasks. It is what she is here for. No need to make her hate you for... well, being you," Adam spoke freely.

Queen Anne had been humble enough to walk every hallway, every corner, every room with the three handmaidens. Even though Alisa had offered more than once to give the girls the tour herself without the Queen. Yet Queen was determined to explore the castle with them. At the end of the tour, it was a couple hours before dinner when Queen Anne called Alessandra closer.

"You have got such a nice dress, Alessandra. I have let them prepare a few more dresses for you as you will be a representative of the royal court in a way. Hm." She kindly suggested as she walked further away from Alisa and Amelie, who were going to see Amelie's room.

Alessandra looked down at her dress-- She knew that the compliment was merely a compliment as to not offend her, and she was grateful for that. Unlike her eldest, she had the deceny to not hurt feelings. She smiled at the mention of a new wardrobe. Like any girl, Alessandra sure loved dressing up.

"Thank you, your majesty." Alessandra mumbled softly as she fell into pace with the Queen.

"I understand the court life may be a lot different than your town, but I hope you'll adjust wonderfully." Queen Anne said with a gentle smile as she turned a hallway and lead Alessandra into a room-- Or rather a suite.

The room had a little accompanying reception that was all in the soft pink color and creme cushions that matched perfectly with the beige and brown walls. There was minimal decorations, but a lot of room for many. The Queen smiled at Alessandra's awed expression as she explored the room a little further. The bed was higher off the ground with brown mahogany wood and little delicate detailing on the sides.

Alessandra looked back to the Queen with evident appreciation that the Queen only laughed at. "I will give you the time to refresh. Adrian should be on the dinner table by time. Do not forget." The Queen ordered softly before leaving the room after Alessandra gave her a bow.

---

Alessandra had taken her sweet time exploring the wardrobe that was filled with dresses of all lengths, of all materials, shoes, accessories, powder, lipstick, and hair tools. It was more than she had ever owned in her life. In a way, it made her feel better about being given to the royal court. She knew it was about time for dinner, and so she changed.

She chose an ankle-length burgundy dress, in a soft velvety material that hung into all the right places, it had little cap slevees in black lace along with a complimenting V-cut by the chest. Alessandra let her hair out of the pins that held them back. She smoothed down her hair and decided she looked decent enough to be seen among royals. But to her, she was beyond stunning. She never knew she could fit into such an expensive, glorious outfit.

---

Alessandra stepped out of the room with now black flats. It took her some wrong turns to find the room a servant had told her about. The music room, where Adrian would most likely be. She took in a deep breath as she heard the piano from behind the door.

It took her a few extra moments before she knocked the door and peeked in before slowly stepping in and closing the door behind. She remembered the tips Alisa had mentioned earlier as she took a short, gracious bow to Adrian.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your majesty. But it is time for dinner." She said with a small smile.

Adrian was lost in his thoughts as his fingers moved adeptly on the piano keys, the melody he produced both melancholy and sweet. A recent conversation he had with Adam played in his head.

---

"What do you mean?"

"Speak to them as you would speak to me," Adam said. "You are polite and well mannered when speaking to our subjects, I give you that. But there's that tone you use that puts them off. You know, that tone that says I'm a king and you are all below me."

"Speak to them as I speak to you? They are peasants. You are my brother," Adam retorted arrogantly.

"That's it. There. That tone. Exactly," Adam wagged a finger at the older prince. "You can't expect the people to bow to a king who thinks their lives are inconsequential as a bug's," he chuckled. "And bugs aren't even inconsequential at all. Each has its own purpose for being in this world," he shook his head. "I've even heard people in the villages speak about how I will be a better king."

Adrian frowned. "Then maybe you should be king," he stood up, annoyance evident in the way he paced the floor.

"You are our father's first born and rightful heir to the throne, Adam answered smoothly.

Adrian stopped and turned his hazel eyes to the younger prince. "I think the question here would be... Do you want the be king, brother?"

Adam stayed silent and merely shook his head before he turned back to the book he was reading.

---

He was so distracted that he didn't notice Alessandra walk in and only noticed her when she spoke. Whether it was because he was too distracted or he didn't recognize Alessandra in her new outfit was not evident. He looked towards her and smiled as the last note faded into silence. "Yes, thank you. I will be there shortly."

Adrian walked into the large dining hall a few minutes later. He raised an eyebrow when he found only Adam there. "Where are father and mother? I thought this is to be a family dinner?"

Adam looked up ang gave his brother an easy smile. "You have been too busy with your music that you just missed them. An important matter has come to their attention. He looked towards Alessandra who had entered the dining hall after the crown prince. "You look lovely, Alessandra," he praised.

It was only then that Adrian actually noticed his handmaiden. He turned towards her and openly studied her. There was nothing hostile about the way he looked at her and his eyes even hinted a bit of admiration at how she looked. He said nothing as he sat across Adam.

"I heard talks about an arranged marriage," Adam stated as the older prince sat down.

"Mine? I am not surprised. I do not expect to marry for love. My marriage would be for mutual gain and nothing else. A way to strengthen our kingdom and the kingdom of my future queen. I suspect father has already made arrangements with Bareahard...or perhaps Connelly," Adrian said as he began eating.

Alessandra was surprised he had managed to give her a smile as he looked up. She expected a frown, or some sort of incomprahensive sentence of how he told her to leave him alone and get busy. Alessandra nodded slightly and stepped back out of the room in order to avoid getting scolded again for sticking to him. She sighed softly as she waited briefly for him to walk out. She followed closely behind to the dining room. She was quite sure that she was definitely doing what a handmaiden should do, not being extra annoying or clingy as he made her out to be.

Alessandra gave Prince Adam a smile as they walked into the dining hall. A soft crismon color spread across her cheeks at his compliment. "Thank you, Prince Adam." She answered with a short bow. She was shocked to find Adrian staring at her with no shame, what shocked her more was that hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. Her cheeks heated up greatly even causing her eyes to tear up; She wouldn't deny she expected a compliment but received none of course.

She was about to take her leave to let the brothers speak freely when Adrian admitted that he knew he wouldn't marry out of love, and it was definitely okay with him as it was for the benefit of the kingdom. Being raised to be her mother's second in command, and a housewife in the future, the only ray of hope for her was love. Spending her life slaving away to a man and their kids all for love. To have someone accept the absence of it was beyond her.

" That is sad news. Even more that you admit it." She mumbled, but she was definitely not avoiding his gaze, but rather staring at him as she stood closer to Prince Adam. Yet again, she knew she slipped and spoke unethically to the Crown Prince himself, but she, surprisingly, kept her gaze on his this time. He actually had the chance to love, and he didn't seem to care that he was giving it up. It annoyed her.

Adam looked up, alarmed at how Alessandra spoke too boldly in front of her brother. "Alessandra..." he started to warn her.

But Adrian didn't react the way his younger brother expected him to. He, instead, met his handmaiden's gaze and held it. "Unfortunately, my life is not a romantic story as I’m sure you are accustomed to reading in fairy tales. I do not spend my time gallivanting around looking for princesses to save and whisk away on my horse. My reality is to form connections advantageous to the betterment of this kingdom and its people. I would need to form alliances to avoid war or use it to fortify ourselves against war. If I were to turn my back on the responsibilities that I find resting on my shoulders and choose love, where would that leave Whitehaven?" he paused and looked thoughtful. "Perhaps if I were to fall in love with Bareahard's princess or Connelly's Duchess, then that would be good and well. But in the end, what real difference does it make? It doesn't assure me of love in return. Besides, I believe the princess and the duchess both have a worse attitude than I do.”

Adam almost blew out the food he was chewing at his older brother’s side comment. He dabbed a napkin to his mouth and nodded. He took a second to swallow before he spoke, choking back the laughter a bit.
”Yes, I would have to agree with that,” he said. ”I am not, however, saying that you are a horrible person,” he added, a twinkle of amusement evident in his eyes.

Adrian narrowed his eyes at him. ”Too late, you already said it," he bantered back. And then he turned back to Alessandra, a little of the condescending tone he always had creeping back into his voice as he continued speaking. ”If I were to fall in love with a commoner…Let me put it this way. If I were to fall in love with you, what benefit would my marriage to you give the kingdom? I believe the other kingdoms would not take it lightly that I chose a commoner to take for my wife than one of the nobility’s daughter. That, in itself, would be enough to incite war. I suppose I would need to abdicate the throne,” he turned to Adam as he said the last words carefully.

Adam waved his fork carelessly as he chewed, his eyes at the chunk of meat still on his plate. ”What? You’ll have me put on the throne?” he asked. ”I do not believe that is the road for me to follow.”

Alessandra raised an eyebrow in surprise as he held her gaze and continued the argument. For the first time during the entire day, he treated her as somewhat equal, or, at least higher than he obviously thought of her. She contemplated his answer, biting on her bottom lip slightly as the situation at hand.

Of course it wasn't a fairytale. She never dreamt of love in fairy tales. He also had a point-- Whwt assurance does anyone have of getting love back? But she thought he was a prince-- Wouldn't he be the easiest to receive the love of others? Especially if it was another princess or duchess, one who also dreamt of strengthening her kingdom.

She didn't and couldn't reply to what he said. She agreed on it all. The side of her mouth shot up slightly into a smile at Adam's comment.

The way he started his words again.. If I were to fall in love with you.., any and all signs of amusement was wiped off her face as he carried on. Her face became red in anger. Here he went again. Insulting her, even if indirectly. She tightened her fists, her knuckles becoming a little white.

"Well, let me tell you this. Prince Charming, as one of the commoners you have mentioned, I assure you. No commoner, as low as I am, would fall in love with your gracious majesty. I assure you if you ever go and decide to marry a commoner, she will have you for your authority. Believe me, I respect you. I do your majesty, but I must always tell you the truth. You will forever look down upon us, so, pardon me, it will be very hard for you to gain legitimacy, or the 'love' of a commoner. That is if you, your highness, lose your mind and decide to marry a commoner." She said, she knew she was in trouble, but she carried on anyway. Her tone was angry, sarcastic, but her voice remained low.

Adrian merely raised an eyebrow to what Alessandra said. Had his father been there, he would not have tolerated this kind of talk. But he found it a little amusing, if not completely annoying, for a lowly servant to dare to be angry at him to his face. And because of that, he let it slide. He turned back to his food and conversed a little more with Adam before he turned to his blonde handmaiden and for the first time since she arrived, gave her a clear cut order.

"Draw a bath for me," he said. "I shall be up in my room after I finish a drink with my brother. I'll be expecting the bath to be ready by then."

Alessandra continued staring at Adrian as he turned away from her and focused on his conversations with his brother. She breathed out a soft breath, surprised that he actually let her be with not even a single word. In a way, it killed her to think he may have another plan, or he may be scheming behind her back to have her beheaded-- Or something along these lines.

She had stuck mainly to the corner as Adam and Adrian spoke of more matters when Adrian addressed her. She was a little surprised he was actually giving her something to work with. She gave him a short bow. "Yes your majesty." She mumbled before giving a short how to Adam and exiting the dinning hall.

She climbed the stairs swiftly, but she lost her ways to find Adrian's main quart, but she eventually found her way into it. Knowing she was late, she rushed to the bathroom and started filling up the bathtub for him. She made sure it was hot enough to stay warm 'till he came up. She had provided the soap and clean water on the side. She found herself smiling slightly as she carried out almost the same routine she used for her mother and siblings-- She loved the sense of taking care of surrounding people. And in a way now, she liked doing this for Adrian.

Adrian stood up from the dining table, bid his younger brother a good night and made his way up to his room. Curiously enough, the topic about his arranged marriage and Alessandra's angry reaction to it occupied his mind. He truly believed what he had said--that he did not expect to marry for love. How could he? What royal did? His mother and father had been in an arranged marriage too. And while there was a somewhat relaxed camaraderie between the king and the king, he had always questioned the presence of real love between them.

Ever since he was little, he always knew he'd follow after the footsteps of his father. To be king, to marry whomever his parents deemed appropriate for him...and to rule. The knowledge weighed heavily on his shoulders.

Adam, on the other hand, was free to marry for love if he chose to. Love was something Adrian never thought of or easily dismissed. Perhaps love between brothers or love between him and his parents. But romantic love? It was a far fetched thought. And one he pushed out of his head immediately.

He pushed open the door to his room and walked in. He relished the silence and peace. He decided that he would read a little bit more after his bath and then turn in early. He made his way towards his bathroom and began removing his clothes. By the time he entered the bathroom, he was mostly naked. He removed his remaining clothing and draped them on a nearby chair. He turned towards the tub and was surprised to see Alessandra still standing there. Normally, the servants left his room right after drawing his bath and seeing her there was unexpected.

"You're still here," he said, standing un-embarrassedly naked in front of her for a few seconds before stepping into the bathtub and immersing himself in the warm water.

Alessandra had just finished drawing the bath for Adrian as he walked into the room. She stood up as she recognized movement, wiping her hands off and readjusting her dress to take her leave-- She was met with a-- very, naked Adrian. She squealed as her eyes roamed his body at least a couple times in shock. "Oh my Lord!" She exclaimed as she quickly turned as he slipped and relaxed in his warm tub. " I am really sorry! I--I didn't know you would come so soon, I-I-I lost my way to here. God. I am really-- really--- really sorry." She hurriedly said as she turned, give him a short bow while holding her hand over her eyes and then turning to leave, holding her hand at the side of her face to obscure her vision as she hurried outside the bathroom.

"Leave," Adrian commanded. He huffed as he watched Alessandra shield her eyes from him as she hurried out of the bathroom. He looked down at his body in the water. He thought he looked good enough. His body was well toned from his daily sword training and horseback riding. He chuckled amusedly as he remembered how her eyes had actually roamed his body before she turned away. Wait... Did she stay to catch me naked? his brow furrowed and he looked towards the door as if challenging it to open again. When it didn't, he shook his head, leaned back and closed his eyes.

Alessandra hadn't stopped dashing through the hallways until she got to her suite. She huffed out as she tried to regulate her breath again. Oh God. What just happened. She thought as she felt her cheeks, of course flaming hot from the encounter and the light jog through the castle hallways. She couldn't believe what just happened. She whined as she slowly settled on the bed and laid back. Scolded him. Yelled at him. Saw him naked. What more can I do to make my first day even worse. She silently thought as she ran a hand through her hair. Suddenly the exhaustion of the day taking its toll on her as she turned on her side and soundly fell asleep.

The next few months passed like a blur. Adrian eventually got used to having Alessandra constantly follow him around. He learned how to tolerate her and even held some decent conversation with her now and then. His aloofness towards her had lessened but he was never as warm as his younger brother was. The closest he got to being warm was when he taught her how to ride a horse.

Adrian walked into the stables and looked at each of his horses. One of them bucked. "No... perhaps one of mother's horses. I don't want you getting thrown over by one of mine," he walked over to one of the milder horses. "It'll be a bother to bring you back battered and bruised," he added with a shake of his head. When he had finally chosen the best horse for Alessandra, he gestured grandly to it. "This is Snow Queen. While her name sounds quite haughty, she is the calmest. She is perfect for first time riders." He reached out and the pure white horse nuzzled his hand.

A few minutes later, Adrian was urging his horse, a handsome black stallion, and Alessandra's Snow Queen into a gallop. "Hold on the reigns and give it a quick but gentle tug. Yes. That's the way," he instructed. He watched as Snow Queen carried his handmaiden on her back easily for a few seconds before he caught up to her. A relaxed smile was on his face as the wind blew through his hair. It was a very different smile compared to the ones he wore in the castle and in front of the king, queen and even Adam.

Several more minutes later and they were by a small lake. Adrian had alighted and was letting his horse drink. He looked out into the calm water, the expression on his face thoughtful.

Alessandra had grown calmer and more quiet as the days passed; therefore, she avoided getting in trouble with Adrian as she had done in her first day. In return, Adrian had also grown-- Nicer in a way, and she greatly appreciated it. Although she was almost always following Adrian around, Adam had managed to come into the picture. Adam was nice, gentle, and Alessandra would consider him the closest thing to a friend-- Even if the other handmaidens weren't as open to Alessandra as she had hoped.

She was greatly missing her family, but she had also written for them a few times, most times she didn't get a reply back. It made her feel more weighed and worried about what could be going on with them, but she also felt hurt. Didn't they miss her as much as she missed them? Want her back? Think of maybe one day being able to pay off the debt and bring her home? In a way, she didn't want to go home. She was then leading a systematic, more pleasurable life, but she was still a little home sick.

Asking Adrian to teach her how to ride was no easy task for her; She was terrified of his reaction, surprisngly he took it quite well and even acknowledged it. He took the time and effort to teach her the basics and all the know-hows.

Alessandra fidgeted excitedly as he picked out Snow Queen; Ignoring his comment about the 'bother' it would be to bring her back bruised snd hurt. She learned to let the comments slide without giving it much thought. She was in proper attire to ride a horse and so got on Snow Queen's back quite easily. The excitement was written all over her as she slowly urged the horse, and she started moving.

Alessandra giggled slightly, obviously proud when she noticed the smile Adrian held-- It was a rare sight for sure, but she couldn't help but think that he only looked a lot more handsome that way. A lot more approachable, but she held back her comments as she focused on the horse.

A few minutes later, she climbed off her horse with a little difficulty to stand by Adrian.

"Thank you, your majesty." She said softly, smiling up at him. "I really do appreciate it."