Bethrothed (Closed for Craneman8686)

[MzSeductress]

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Sophia Luna Croswell sat at the bay window in her quarters admiring the land beyond her mansion on the estate and its beauty. Growing up in a prestigious family she had never wanted for anything. She was catered to, well taken care of , had plenty of guards and friends but there had always been something missing to her. It was her job as a princess to keep up appearances, rub elbows with all the right people and say all the right things.

She sighed running her finger through her hair and moved to her easel to sit and finish her painting , she had wanted more than this life , It was happy but sheltered and being 18 she knew that she soon wouod have to live him to her parents agreement with the Berkshire family's heir James Berkshire, a man she hard hardly known but was assigned to marry before she was even born.

She had no say in this, neither did he on the matter, it was their United to fulfill to continue their legacies but she couldnt help but wonder about the prince she had met back at the ball held on her 16th birthday and smiked softly.

He purposely had not been invited by her parents due to issues with the family but due to it being a masquerade, he and a few of his friends had made their way inside of the event unnoticed for a while that was until her father noticed how well she was getting along with him at the end of the night and had demanded they leave at once.

She remembered the scent of his cologne and the feel of him against her at the slow dance, the way he held her and the way he had spoken with her. She had asked to see him unmasked in private and he asked the same and she was shocked seeing the son of her father's rival and he was stunned by her beauty up close.

She had seen him on a few occasions at other events but she knew her father wouldn't ever want her near him.

After a few hours, she knew she was supposed to attend a royal event and was dressed and primped accordingly in order to look beautiful for James who her parents knew would be there and they wanted her to be familiar with.

She sighed getting in the private car her priorities focused on the event but also hoping to bump into the son of her dad's nemesis.

 

[Craneman8686]

Winston Mowbury had been raised up in his father's shadow as the heir to the kingdom upon his father's demise. He was pushed into royal court meetings and negotiations but was never allowed to take part in them. Just as in his father's shadow, he should be seen and not heard. Until he became older and talks were made about an arranged marriage to join with a neighboring kingdom.

Winston became withdrawn and started to refuse going into meetings with the king. He would secretly slip from his room and leave the mansion they lived in and spend time in the orchards at the edges of their land by the river.

On one of his escapes, he had met with ome of the younger men in the kingdom and was told of a masquerade ball taking place at Croswell estate, his families rival. They both made plans to sneak in for a while and sneak back out before anyone noticed who they actually were.

While at the ball, moving through the crowd, he happened upon a young woman in a jeweled mask and without a word, he took her hand and began dancing. Something about her felt right in his arms as they moved with the music and her scented perfume filled his senses almost like he was in a daze. Soft words were spoken to each other and they slipped into a corner and both took off their masks. A soft smile crossed his face when he looked into the eyes of Sophia, the daughter of Lord Croswell. Knowing the turmoil it would bring if he was found to be at the ball, he slipped his mask back on and walked away. Leaving the estate but his mind buzzed with Sophia's look and scents and the comfortable feeling of holding her.

Weeks passed after the ball and he tried to forget her, knowing nothing would ever be able to happen past the short minutes that they had shared at the ball. Until one evening, his father knocked at his room door and informed him of a party they would be attending the next day.

That morning he woke and donned his suit and made his way down to the front drive of the mansion where the car was waiting. He slipped into the backseat as the gaurd swung the door open and sat properly, like a good prince next to his father as they were driven away from the estate to another what would probably be boring event.View attachment 2188381

 

[MzSeductress]

Sophia rode silently in the car with her parents their instructions and guidance to her going in one ear and out of the other. She knew the advice by heart by now, it wasn't anything she hadn't heard before.

They arrived after a while and she was helped out of the car and escorted into the event smoothly and she mingled a bit before being gradually brought towards James Berkshire who seemed to be getting alot of women's attention, something she knew as he was very handsome but him flirting back was what put her off and certainly something she hadn't wanted in a suitor, in fact she didn't want names at all but had no say.

She gave a polite smile and curtsy joining the social group of royals their age to mingle and she noticed the Mowbury's arrived and behindbthem their son, Winston.

She heard rumors of him being bethrothed to Alice Cadbury of the Dawn Kingdom but she hadnt heard it confirmed. Alice hadn't arrived yet but Sophia couldn't help the small tinge of jealousy knowing that, of course she hadnt been in any better situation seeing as she was in the same situation with James.

She pretended to be interested in the conversation with him , mostly commenting on her beauty, politics and upcoming social events. She smiled and talked politely but her mind was focused on the man who belonged to another who had just entered the event and her eyes glanced briefly at their fathers who seemed to be glaring at one another .

 

[Craneman8686]

Winston rode quietly next to his father and listened as his father once again began explaining the expanse of their kingdom and the ongoing negotiations to gain more allies. Winston looked out the window at the countryside passing by that would one day be all of his. "Yes Father." He replied when asked if he understood everything he was being told.

"I expect you to act like a prince at this event. Be respectful to the other Lords and Ladies. And stay out of trouble." His father told him and Winston only sighed in response as it was always the same thing he heard before any event. Thankfully the rest of the ride was in silence and soon the car pulled up at their destination and they climbed out.

Winston fell in line behind his parents as they walked towards the huge double doors and two gaurds swung them open. A single bell toller before "Presenting Lord and Lady Mowbury, accompanied by Prince Winston Mowbury." A man's voice sounded out to everyone already inside as they steppeed through the opened doors. "Here we go." Winston thought to himself.

He stopped as his parents continued walking deeper into the room and waiting crowd. Wine glasses were stuck into their hands and Winston quietly looked around the room. Spotting Sophia standing with the Berkshire prince. What was his name? Justin? Jacob? No...ahh James, that's right. Sophia's soon to be arranged husband as he had heard his parents talking. He smiled and nodded his head at her slightly in greeting before looking away and seeing Lord Croswell slip into a staring match with his father. Oh the humor....and he was the one that was supposed to be polite, his father had said?

 

[MzSeductress]

Sophia gave a small smile and nod spotting the prince and contained the chuckle at their fathers pointless feud turning back to the conversation with James who went into detail about his future for his kingdom and what a fine queen shed make at his side.

She contained her frown at that , she could tell what kind of woman the prince wanted right then someone who's be pregnant with children constantly and who obeyed his every word, Sophia was a bit more independent than that and she began to discuss some of what she saw for her future and she could tell James hadn't wanted to hear much of it.

" Beautiful Sophia, well come to understand each other fully when we we'd, you'll be a queen, you wouldn't need to worry much about you doing those kinds of things for your future, you'd be set with me, and in our lifestyle, volunteer events for the commoners and charities are not something us upper royals neec to take part in, we can just send money and it'll be handled" James stated

She almost scoffed at that, she had been royal but Sophia also had a big heart and liked to help hands on something her parents hated she did but let her partake in time to time because they themselves would never socialize with commoners of the Kingdom but she wanted to be a far different leader then they have been.

 

[Craneman8686]

Winston began making his way into the crowd. Smiling and greeting everyone and engaging in light conversation. Another bell tolled and the announcement was made that the Cadbury's were entering. Winston turned as the doors swung open.

Lord and Lady Cadbury strolled through looking proud with their daughter, Alice, in tow behind them. She was to be Winston's arranged wife in the next year but he wasn't the least bit attracted to her. He watched her walk in and turned his head, glancing over at Sophia again.

Minutes later, Alice was escorted over to him. He took her hand, as was proper, and gave her a slight bow. Noticing the blush on her cheeks as she curtsied in front of him. Soon, the din of conversation filled the hall again as conversations resumed.

Alice was attached to his hip, following him around like a lost puppy. Their family was a small kingdom and the Cadbury's had approached his father with the arrangement in hopes of establishing themselves more. Even with Alice following, he couldn't keep himself from casting glances towards Sophia throughout the event.

 

[MzSeductress]

Sophia turned hearing the announcement of the Cadbury's arrival as the doors swung open and they made their entrance. She glanced at James a moment who seemed to admire the rich fashions of the family and then Alice and she sighed at the man's wandering eye.

Alice was a royal she had been familiar with due to the closeness of their kingdoms and their fathers trading business but she seemed very plain and meek to Sophia when she had tried to get her to open up.

She glanced over at Winston a moment knowing of their arrangement and quickly looked away not wanting to get caught. She felt James hold her by the arm and wanted to pull away but minding her manners she gave a soft smile as he paraded her around like a shiny new trophy.

She heard the congratulations of the crowds they met and how much of a lovely couple they made and remained quiet on the matter although James boasted a bit arrogantly about his bethrothed.

She saw him pulling his way toward the crowd Winston and Alice were in and suddenly felt something she never felt before. She was nervous and anxious she hadn't stopped thinking about Prince Winston and knew it was wrong because of how their fathers felt and their assigned marriages but that didn't make her want the man any less.

 

[Craneman8686]

Winston listened to the congratulations for his and Alice's arrangement. He plastered a smile across his face dutifully and thanked each person for their well wishes as they moved through the crowd. Alice's mother, Lady Cadbury, even stepped up from the depths of the crowd to express her happiness.

Winston bowed to her politely as she took and patted his hand. Her eyes filled with joy and possibilities of what this would mean for their kingdom. Should he go through with it to fulfill the obligations his father set in place? For the betterment of what would one day be his kingdom.

The couple moved through the crowd again and from behind a group, James led Sophia and stepped in front of himself and Alice. The two princes greeted each other with handshakes and forced smiles. Winston turned to Sophia and took her hand. "M'lady, a pleasure to see you." He said as his eyes smiled at her, remembering how they held each other during the ball. He bowed politely and placed a kiss across the top of her hand.

 

[MzSeductress]

Sophia mingled when the arrived to the crowd greeting Alice with a smile and curtsy and she did the same as the prince's greeted each other. She felt Winston grab her hand gently and smiled as their eyes met each other's.

" M'Lord, it's a pleasure to see you as well" she said softly blushing slightky feeling his lips on the back of her soft hand and she gave him a polite curtsy. She remembered that night vividly she hadn't wanted him to leave but fate seemed to have other plans for the two royal.

She moved hesitantly back beside James who had no issues tucking the princess at his side seemingly have already claimed her and she knew if she truly did not go through with this arrangement James just might given her some issues.

She saw how Alice followed Winston around and sighed, she knew the woman was shy but she could also tell that Alice liked him, both pairs had duties to fulfill for their kingdoms she just wondered how ironclad their arrangements were .

She saw James pardon himself to discuss a bit of business and felt some relief from being escorted around by him. She pardoned herself and made her way to the balcony she spotted earlier because nothing calmed her like a beautiful view.

 

[Craneman8686]

Winston nodded as James excused himself to step off with another group of Lords and Princes. Winston moved away with Alice as Sophia walked off. He did his best to not turn his head and watch her.

Shortly after, the Lady Cadbury approached them and took her daughter's hand. Excusing both of them to Winston, she led Alice off into another group of women.

Winston walked around and picked up two glasses of wine. No one paying attention to his actions, he made his way to the balcony partially hidden by elaborate curtains. Ducking his way slightly through the opening. "Pardon me m'lady, would you care for a glass of wine?" He asked Sophia as he stepped out with her.

 

[MzSeductress]

Sophia was lost in thought as she admired the view and smiled softly hearing Winston approach the familiar scent of his cologne alerting her. She turned at the familiar voice and the offer of wine and smiled gently thanking him.

"This is very kind Thank you M'Lord" she said taking the glass he offered her. This was her first time alone with him since hed crashed her ball and Sophia moved to sit on the viewing bench outside on the balcony awaiting him to join her and blushing slightly when he did.

" It is a lovely event, lots of business about, but decent all together, I believe they'll start festivities soon..,it has been a while since I've seen you... Alot has happened" she said glancing toward the door slightly referring to their arrangements and chuckled softly " Though I'll not surprised with us coming of age" she said knowingly she had just wished royal princesses had a say in what they wanted, prince's had a bit more say depending on the family.

 

[Craneman8686]

Winston nodded his head as she thanked him and took the second glass from his hand. Her eyes, her smile...she was the one he should be with and marry. If only their families hadn't arranged both of their separate weddings, maybe.

He watched her step over and sit on the stone viewing bench. Without invitation, he stepped over and took a seat next to her. The closest they had been to each other since the dance. The sweet smell of her perfume wafting over and filling his nostrils again as he breathed her in slowly.

He smiled at her soft voice and what she said. "Lovely?" He responded with a smile. "I hate these events. I would much rather take one of the horses into the orchard or river than have to attend more of these. But sadly, I'm in no control of my own life, it seems." He looked over his shoulder at the draped door as she spoke of them coming of age. "My arrangement is stupid. I dont want to marry the Cadbury princess. My father gave in. They are unable to offer him anything." He said a slight bitter tone in his voice even though he spoke softly.

 

[MzSeductress]

Sophia listened to the prince as he spoke his masculine voice soothing to her and chuckled softly. He was much like herself when it came to events like these, but she dare not voice that to her parents.

" I don't wish to attend these either , it's moreso an older royal and business occasions but its our duty right?" She said giving a soft smile she took a sip of her wine as he continued and paused for a moment as he mentioned not wanting to marry Alice.

"Ah, I am in the same arrangement myself with James, our pairing does not quite make sense to me alas ,my father wants me to fulfill dutes and James father wants businesses with mine, i have no say myself .. but i will voice some of my concerns eventually " she sighed knowing how that conversation with her parents would go.

She wanted it to be him.. if she could choose it would be, she was certain he would make her happy, they had been alone for a few moments and she already felt more relaxed with him than she had with James earlier.

 

[Craneman8686]

Winston knew he shouldn't be bitter but he was old enough now that his life shouldn't be controlled with decisions made for him. Sophia's soft laugh brought him out of his thoughts and he looked over at her as she spoke.

"Yes, I suppose it is." He replied to her comment of it being their duty to be present at these events and uphold a modicum of order and everyone having the same views.

He cast Sophia a slight smile as she said that she was in the same predicament as him. A twinge inside of him excited him that she was not invested in her arrangement to James either. "And how do you believe that voicing your concerns will come across to your parents?" He asked lightly.

 

[MzSeductress]

Sophia looked away for a second and sighed then looked at him " I am certain they will not be happy at first, but I know they would not want a miserable marriage for me even if the future were on the line" she said softly knowing it would definitely take some convincing , but her parents loved her more than the duties of the Kingdom, she also had an older brother who could marry up a few years her senior, she wasn't in that tight of a situation as most princesses now that she thought about it, she just knew James would not give her up easily because he was a prideful man.

" And what of you?" She asked gently " Do your parents know of your concerns toward your marriage?" She asked hoping he would reconsider his arrangement as well, it was hard for both of them but now that she knew how he truly felt about Alice she was surprisingly relieved.

 

[Craneman8686]

Winston sat and listened to Sophia as she told him how her parents wouldn't want her to be miserable. If only it would be that easy with his father. His mother may possibly understand but he knew that once his father's mind was set, there was no changing it. It was like she read his mind as she asked as soon as the thought went through his head.

"They do not. But it would not go as easy with my father if I broached the subject with him. He would scold me and lecture me on how it was my duty to our kingdom." He sighed and looked out over the balcony railing quietly for a moment. "I may possibly just have to give up my claim to the throne."

 

[MzSeductress]

Sophia paused for a moment. He would give up everything he knew? His spot for the throne,his life, possibly his family for love? She knew her farher might now take it as lightly either, especially when she revealed who she actually wanted insted of James. Her father despised his! Their mother however had no issue with one another.

She reached and touched his hand gently and gave a small smile " Let's hope he will reconsider if he knows what youre willing to risk" she said softly. She pulled her hand back gently blushing seeing how it lingered and looked over the balcony as well.

She could sit here all day talking with him, it was so effortless, so easy, she knew they both wanted more than what they were given and what they deserved , but their fathers were stubborn kings and it wouldn't be anything easy in either situations

 

[Craneman8686]

Sophia's hand sliding over his broke his thoughts and he looked down at her hand over his. A slight touch calming him andnl his thoughts. He raised his eyes and looked at the side view of her face as she gazed out over the lands.

Their silent moment was broken by a few raised voices inside of the banquet hall. As he rose to return inside, he paused and turned back, looking at Sophia. "I would like to see you again." He said plainly, putting his interest out in the open to gauge her reaction.

 

[MzSeductress]

Their comfortable silence was broken by the sounds of voices in the hall as she stood slowly after he had raised to return inside. She heard him walking toward the entrance but then he stopped and turned toward her stating that he would like to see her again.

She was stunned knowing that would be something of a challenge for the two but she nodded and gave a soft smile " And I you, I'm sure we can arrange that to happen milord." she said and blushed a bit " We should go inside, festivities have started"

 

[Craneman8686]

Winston smiled briefly at her response accepting his offer of seeing her again. He nodded at her suggestion of returning to the festivities.

Stepping away, he reached and opened the curtain and stepped through. What had sounded like raised voices because of the festivities. Instead, he saw his father and Lord Croswell in front of each other having a heated argument between themselves.

 

[MzSeductress]

Sophia walked through the curtain not to shortly after expecting to see festivities going on and instead it was the two esteemed royal having a shouting match between each other.

She sighed embarrassed by their fathers behaviors and glanced at Winston and could tell he was as well. She spotted a few royal families gathering and she noted her mother' and Winstons mother displeasure.

She was suddenly sidled by James and whisked away and she glanced back at her arguing father then at Winston for a moment the man she actually wanted to be beside.

 

[Craneman8686]

Winston barely registers James moving up and whisking Sophia away. His full attention on the heated match between their two fathers. No one was doing anything to calm the situation, so Winston stepped forward into the crowd and reached for his father's arm to pull him from the situation. His actions were met with a heavy backhanded slap across his high cheek. The strength of his father staggering him a moment.

He glanced back up and saw his mother looking at him with concern in her eyes. Without a word, Winston turned and headed towards the doors. Along his way, Alice was in his path and reached for him. "M'lord..are you alright?" He heard her question but ignored her as he pushed past and arrived outside. Summoning one of the gaurds, he gave the order to be taken back to their estate. This event was over for him.

 

[MzSeductress]

Sophia noticed the distasteful display from Winstons father and it angered her slightly but she couldnt do much in the situation with James clinging to her to "protect" her as if she were something fragile.

She watched as Winston stormed out of the event and saw the concerned looks along the way but it seemed he hadn't stopped for anyone noticing the stunned look on Alices face as she entered the hall.

She excused herself once again from James and made her way over to the two men giving them both gazes as they were separated. She began to speak feeling her mothers gentle hand on her arm to stop her but she continued anyway stepping between them "Father .. I wish to leave ..I am not aware of what transpired..but I am disappointed in what ive witnessed... this isnt a way for us royals to carry on" she said calmly but coldly clear upset behind her words to both men giving her and Winstons father a disappointed look once more before walking off.

She felt her mother's disapproval at what'd she done but if no one did anything both would continue to disgraceful behavior and neither were dumb enough to strike a princess in a room full of people.

She held her dress as she hurried toward the exit with stares at her and she asked one of the private drivers to take her back to her place , leaving her mother, the gala and her bethrothed stunned at the gentle but chilling statement she just had made.

 

[Craneman8686]

Winston slid into the backseat of the car and slammed the door closed. Still fuming from what his father had done in front of everyone. The driver slipped behind the wheel and the car pulled away.

Winston rode in silence for most of the way but as the car neared the gates of their estate, he finally spoke up. "Bernard?" He called up to the gaurd driving him. "Yes, m'lord." Came the response. Winston continued, "I need you to do me a service, Bernard. But it needs to remain a secret. I need you to see what you can find out on the movements of Princess Sophia of the Croswell clan. I would like to know where she will be."

Winston trusted Bernard as he had not only been a personal gaurd for him but felt they had developed a semblance of unspoken friendship and respect for each other. He caught Bernard's eyes in the rearview mirror and he simply responded with a nod. "Yes m'lord."

 

[MzSeductress]

Sophia rode home quietly as she was whisked away by the guest driver and brought to her estate and greeted by her personal attendants Finral and Lindy. Lindy was a friend to her a few years older than her and very kind and understanding , where as Finral was her guard, he was a bit older than both and took his job serious having been Sophias guard since she was a tot.

The upset was clear as she was presented out of the car and both wasted no time trying to make sure the princess was ok. Sophia couldn't help the soft chuckle as the two somewhat fussed about her silence wanting to do anything to make sure she was ok not just because of duty but genuine concern.

She asked Lindy to grab her some tea as Finra stayed a hair in front of her gurading her as he walked her to her room. She knew that would possibly be her prison the next few days after stepping into the men's business back at the event, she would accept, she needed some time to process her feelings about Winston and how she could possibly get out of this arrangement anyway.

They approached the door and she stopped as he stepped inside doing a quick check before coming out greeting her. She gave her guard a kind smile " Thank you Finral.. Finral may I ask something of you?... I know you are in connection and have an understanding with most of the royals guards.. Prince Winston of the Mowsbury's... " she said looking down at her hand for a second then back up at her guard who looked stunned but understanding as she spoke " Yes umm can you... can you find out how he is for me and where he will be? I know this is a bit outside your duty but.."

Fin put his hand put stopping her and chuckled knowing that anything she asked would be confidental " My orders were to keep you safe, happy and protected.. if this is what you wish me to do princess i will.."

Sophia gave a small smile and thanked him before stepping in right on time as Lindy approached with tea and came to undress her after Finral had left helping her settle and relax for the eve before her parents were to return.