Music in the Woods [4/21, Emmaline/Nikolai, C]

[Prince Nikolai Fyodorov]

Given her somewhat recent discovery of the arranged marriage, Nikolai thought that she handled this quite well. "I see," he said, releasing the momentary tension in his shoulders. "I must say, you are dealing with the news admirably." Taking everything in stride was a good quality to have and he was impressed. This situation was going much better than expected and he hoped that she would not reveal a horrible trait at the last minute.

He wished that he could answer with what she wanted to hear. "Not as such. We all have our own duties and we respect that. My mother hosts brunch every Sunday, which is delightful." Perhaps this was a cultural difference with families, or his own was merely more focused on their duties. Having a wife could change that, though he was unsure. "I am the first of my siblings to be married, as I am the oldest. Also, our marriages are to accompany important alliances." Everything had to have a purpose and some had more than one.

"If we do not have the chance to meet, then I will be looking forward to her letters." Nikolai appeared thoughtful. "Letters are an art form within themselves. I have a friend who likes to draw small sketches in his letters, which are quite amusing."

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Emma had her share of flaws that she was not about to hide from Nikolai. She wasn’t perfect, nor was she going to pretend otherwise, no matter what. “You’re being kind, Nikolai. I’m dealing with it admirably now, but that wasn’t always the case. I.. was stunned, to say the least. My father was far from gentle in telling me about it, and my reaction was not that enthusiastic in favor of it, not by far. Still,” she shrugged calmly, “intellectually, I knew my father would choose my husband, that it would likely be a marriage of state and that he’d made sure I wasn’t in complete ignorance of Sarkozsy, the language or your culture.”

She came to a stop, turning to face him resolutely, looking up at him in all soberness. “I am going to be very honest with you, Nikolai. I’m sure I was not what you were hoping for when you were told of the proposed alliance. I’m full of flaws, I will make many mistakes. Please be patient with me. I will do the best I can to be a good wife to you, a companion. I’ll learn all that I can to be a good Queen to your people. Hopefully,” she added with a weak smile, “your mother will be patient with me as well and teach me as my own could not.”

It cost her in courage and strength to speak so openly to him, knowing that matters were far from settled in terms of their marriage. Emma did not want to deceive him, however; Nikolai struck her as a good man, one who deserved honesty. She did not know if they could find love together, but without honesty between them, it would never grow. The talk of his family wasn’t forgotten, but she’d desperately needed to get that off her chest. Falling silent, she dropped her face to study the ground, uncertain if she’d done the right thing or irrevocably ruined an alliance before it had a genuine chance to begin.

[Prince Nikolai Fyodorov]

Several people told Nikolai in no uncertain terms that Honesty was one of the foundations of any relationship, platonic or romantic. He supposed that their impending marriage would only improve if they were to state everything matter-of-factly, though did not expect her candor to begin right now. He could appreciate wanting to unburden oneself as well.

"Adjustment to such an announcement requires time," he remarked with sympathy. Both men and women had to sacrifice something for their duties to country and House, but Nikolai wanted to ensure that sacrificing happiness was not an option or possibility.

What had he expected? Nikolai had supposed he needed to be as polite as possible, grit his teeth and get the wedding over with as soon as possible, while finding something to keep himself from losing his sanity in the meanwhile. Maybe this was foolish hopeful thinking, wanting something more. Still, she seemed to be trying as he was, even more so by revealing so much up front.

"I shall try my best as well." His words were few, while he met her gaze and held it for a while. All this honesty from her took him aback as well as proving she was a decent person. What to do now? Her eyes dropped to the ground, never a good sign. His hand reached out to hold her shoulder, caressing it with his thumb for a couple of moments before he dropped his hand back to his side once more. He had no idea where to progress from here, but she had no reason to be ashamed.