• xxx She sat on the edge of window sill, eyes misty and unclear though it seemed she was watching the snow fall. Ever since the day of marriage, Rochelle had fallen suddenly silent. Only replying when spoken too, her character shaped from the rough-housing trouble-maker to the silent wife that did what she was told when told so. But could one really blame her? The crown on her head was so unexpected, the towns that rolled out in front of their castle was so unfamiliar. The past year had happened too fast.

            xxx The silence of the room gave a stiff atmosphere, tension locked tightly, and when her husband entered he could sense it. With a grimace he evaluated his queen, who had not allowed him to put a single finger on her-- the kiss during the wedding ceremony was the only allowance. True, he did not know her well, only having small visits when they were children plotted by their parents for more than one reason. In fact, even when they had visited each other house, both of the children were often occupied with the other families siblings. They knew little of eachother. Thus, the king was not satisfied-- he wished to not only touch his bride but also know her. Marriage was to find a partner for trust, companionship, and happiness.

            xxx And yet here they were, silent in their bedroom without even making eye contact. How had it already been three months since the wedding?

            xxx"..Rochelle," the man spoke, peeling off his damp coat while doing so. The blizzard outside had practically drenched him in watery snow. The black-haired woman inclined her head towards his direction as a response. He sighed. "You do not seem.. pleased today." His hands were clasped behind his back now while Dashiell advanced towards the window sill.

            xxx "I am perfectly pleased, nothing in the world could make me happier." Her stiff-sounding voice only made the irony arise more. Rochelle flickered a glance away from the window, finally her eyes focused and out of thought, as she dared to make eye contact with the king. They were young, oh so young. The woman barely above the age of a girl, her eighteenth year advancing in the next month. While the man was only twenty-one, and still quite boyish looking too. How odd, to think of him as king. Dashiell smiled at the look from his wife but the action caused her eyes to fall on his coat instead.

            xxx "The snow is getting worse; you must be freezing." By now Dashiell had reached her side but still let his arms fall behind him, Rochelle enjoyed her space. "You should bathe, then do tell me of the Raphius Kingdom. I always loved those visits, the people are so strange and yet lovely." She smiled at the memory.

            xxx He ignored her advice and instead pulled one of his hands from his back to make a motion that told Rochelle to sit up. After she did so, he sat where her feet had been on the window sill and turned towards the girl. She kept her eyes on the coat.

            xxx "The entire stay was cold and wet, as well as the trip to and fro. I will bathe in a matter of breaths, but before I go so I have something for you. A present for being so patient while I was gone."

            xxx A flicker of curiosity crossed her features as she turned her attention slowly back onto the man. Dimly she noted a hint of a beard beginning to grow on his chin. Oh my, I do hope he doesn't allow that to grow. He'll only look like too much of my father. "I don't need a present, your company is enough. Please go bathe, you are shivering."

            xxx "Sh!" Dashiell's head shook as he brought his other hand from his back, in it contained a small and shiny package. "Do not reject my kindness. I don't know you well, Rochelle, but I am positive you can't deny this." With so he beckoned her to lean forward as he unwrapped the crumpling paper. Rochelle raised an eyebrow, curious, but said nothing until a section of the paper was torn off, revealing a dark brown color. Without hesitation, Dashiell snapped the piece off and handed it towards her. "Try it please, it's for eating."

            xxx "What is that? Mud?"

            xxx "Of course not! It is a sweet the Raphius King practically lives in. They call it chocolate I believe and it came from one of their farms down the Saccroon region. Now stop bickering and put in your mouth right now or I'll force it down your throat."

            xxx "How romantic."