Rose sat with her hands folded in her lap as the king studied her. For some reason his penetrating stare made her want to break out into a smile. Especially because every few seconds he threw a knowing smirk at Edwardus. While he took the time to study her face she found herself doing the same thing to him.

The first thing she noticed was he looked a but frail and tired. His skin was timeworn and wrinkled. His hair was a mixture of dark and white hair, giving it a kind of salt and pepper look.  His eyes had a jaded look to them, she could tell the years of ruling the country had taken a toll on him. It made her wonder if the same would happen to Edwardus. She pushed the nagging doubt aside telling herself she would always be there to help him keep love and laughter in his life.

His goatee and mischievous smile is what helped Rose to feel at ease with him, most men with a short goatee were usually easy going. His voice though was still strong and held a tone of authority that she was sure he used to keep people in line.

"Well Ms. Stevens I can see why my son is so smitten with you. You are indeed a beauty to look at. Your personality is very warm and friendly too." Said the king

"Thank you your highness" Rose replied with a slight bow of her head.

"Oh please my dear. You're carry my first grandchild and you're about to be my daughter in law. You're free to call me Achilles when we're in private"

"Then please call me Rose. It would be an honor"

"As you wish. Son, you have my blessing. It is a great joy to finally see you happy. Happiness is what ice always wanted for you and your sister. I know I've failed you as a father but I plan to right my wrong before I leave these earth"

Rose could feel Edwardus tense beside her. She gave his hand that sat on her leg a comforting squeeze telling him it would all be alright. He looked at her with a look of adoration and a smile in his face before turning to Hus father. However she kept her gaze on him for the simple fact that sometimes it was just too hard not to stare at him.

"Thank you father but please don't talk like that"

She wanted to reach out and smooth away the worry lines from his face but instead she just kept holding his hand.

"Don't worry son. It will all turn out how it's suppose to. You just focus on convincing the prime minister that marrying Rose is what's best and not marry the princess."

"Honestly I don't know why this is even an issue. Nothing more than a spoiled princess wanting to get her own way. Ever since that earthquake literally divided this country its been a nightmare trying to govern the country and the island under the same law. We don't even want the other island anymore. We don't want to become one. That earthquake did us a favor. What they need to do is move on and not stir up war over something so small"

"It will all be alright son. I trust you to make it all right. Just sit the old stubborn coot down and talk to him"

"Yes sir"

"Now if you young folks don't mind. The old man needs to retire to his chambers and get some sleep before the night's festivities"

Rose and Edwardus stood as the king made his way out of the room. His walk was slightly laden and Rose could tell Edwardus noticed it too. When she moved around him and placed her hands in his cheeks and made him look at her, she saw something like guilt in his eyes and it clutched at her heart. Before she could utter a word he brought his lips to hers and kissed her with a desperation she had never sensed in him before. She kissed him back knowing right now this is what he needed. Just to feel close. Just knowing she would always be right there when he needed her.

She pulled out of the kiss and sucked in some much needed air. She smiled and wrapped her arms around him.

"I'm right here" she said against his chest.

"Forever?"

She heard the question in his voice. She knew how worried he was that tonight might not turn out how he wanted but she believed in him so she held on to that. She lifted her face to look up at him.

"For as long as you want me"

"Forever and always"

"Then that it shall be"

                               ***
Rose kissed Emma and waved her off as she left with princess Elizabeth. She was proud of the friendship the two were forming. It put her worries aside that Emma would feel lonely and our of place now that she had decides to marry Edwardus and stay here.

She turned to look at herself in her bedroom mirror. They had been staying in Edwardus's wing of the palace since they got back from their trip. She smooth her hand over her slightly growing baby bump. She sighed and smiled.

"kanis tin zoi mou pio omorfi "

She turned at the sound of his voice. He was standing there learning against the doorframe with his hands in his pocket staring at her. She tried hard not to let her mouth fall open. The man was teulwy a Greek God. Beautiful in a masculine way. Body to make you drool for days each time you remember looking at him.

"What does that mean?" She asked

Her voice sounded breathless even to her own ears.

"You make my life more beautiful"

She blushed and looked back at her reflection. Her eyes fell to her stomach once more.

"You look even more beautiful now that the evidence of my child growing in you is becoming even more apparent"

"You're good for my ego"

"Right back at you"

She smiled and then looked away from his face.

"What's bothering you?"

"Nothing, I've just been a little confused since we sat down with your father"

"Confused about what?"

"Tabitha's father is a prime mister right?"

"Yes"

"Then how is she a princess?"

"Her mother was a queen"

"Was?"

"She passed away"

"Oh I'm sorry to hear that"

And she really was sorry. Tabitha might be a pain to deal with but she wouldn't wish ill on her.

"Her father was her mothers lover. Her mother was married to a king and I guess their marriage wasn't one that contained sexual acts. She fell pregnant when she started having relations with the prime minster. So Tabitha is a born royal. Her mother left her to her father to raise when she fell ill when the princess was a mere slip of a girl."

"Wow that's...um"

"Scandalous?"

She laughed and shook her head at him but nodded.

"Ready?"

She accepted his hand that he held out to her. Together they walked out of the room and down the palace halls. Servants bowed and smiled as they walked by. She returned their smiles and focused on the stairs as they began to descend.

"Don't make me fall" she whispered to Edward

"I've got you"

Persons began to turn and stare as they walked further into the room. She looked up at Edwardus as he lead her right to the dance floor for the first dance of the night. Apparently a royal had to give the first dance before the guest could dance.

"Dancing with you feels like floating on air" she said smiling up at him.

"Maybe because you're dancing on my feet"

She laughed and was about to playfully slap his chest but he caught her fingers and kissed the tips. She placed her head on his chest and smiled. She turned to see the queen smile at them and send a nod of approval before allowing the king to take her hand and lead her to the dancefloor. Then she saw princess Tabitha standing on the sidelines with her hands crossed while she glared daggers at them. The man standing next to her was stroking his chin while sending them a curious look. She looked up at Edwardus to find him already looking at her.

"I guess its now or never" she said to him.

He nodded and took her hand and walked to the father and daughter duo.

"Prime minister" said Edwardus in a guarded tone.

"Prince Edwardus. And ms. Rose Stevens I presume?"

"Yes sir"

"Can I just say that gown becomes you. Red is truly your colour"

"Thank you sir. You don't look too bad yourself."

His response was a hearty laugh. Edwardus squeezed her hand and she looked up at him to see him smiling down at her with pride in his eyes. He nodded at her as if saying she should keep it up. She looked back at the older man to see him replacing his kerchief that he had used to dab at his eyes. She ignored the death glare princess Tabitha was sending and daintily extended her hand to the prime mister.

"I do believe we have some business to discuss" she said

"I believe we do" he said taking her hand

They walked out of the ballroom with Edwardus and the princess close behind. Rose felt confident she could use her charm to sway this meeting in everyone's favor.

You've got this Rose.