Mending the Breach

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Prince Riordan Carlisle


Chased back to Triadon by her sense of duty and the gentle nudgings of Lady Selena, Emma threw herself back into the tasks she'd abandoned during her respite in Meirin. She had yet to speak with her family or her putative betrothed, a deliberate act on her part until she decided how to best approach each situation - mending the breaches with her brothers, seeking out her aunt's unflagging good sense, and attempting to broach the subject of the alliance marriage with Nikolai. The latter was the one to which she looked forward the least, knowing full well that matters between them were uncomfortably strained at best, and a disaster at worst.

Before she could take the initiative, a note from Riordan arrived with her breakfast, requesting that she meet him in the castle gardens for a quiet discussion. Emma felt equal parts wary and hopeful, knowing that their efforts could easily devolve into another argument that further severed their ties at a time when they needed to be closest. It was a risk, she knew, but one well worth the taking. She missed Riordan, missed trying to help him adjust to the burdens he took on with their father's increasing incapacity, and seeing who he was becoming. Certainly the influence of Lady Selena had not been missed by her.

Taking care to dress in a gown that made her feel confident, one of her favorite linen gowns dyed a lavender hue, she tied up the glossy dark curls with a matching ribbon and slipped on pattens against the damp grass after the heavy morning dew. Emma made her way down to the gardens, her gaze alert for signs of her brother's presence. Where was he?

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

Dressing how one felt was a wise way to approach things. Even if faking confidence could inspire true confidence to form within. Riordan had learned that lesson himself over the past few months, especially while attending the council meetings. The more confident he appeared to me, the more confident he actually was and the more successful the meetings turned out to be. The Prince didn't really over analyze just how it worked; he was more pleased that it actually worked in the first place.

At the moment, he was comfortably resting on a bench and gazing at a flower he spotted near the shore of the lake. There was no thoughtful or pensive gaze on his face as he did so, he was paying attention to the opening flower and the bee rummaging around for its nectar. Riordan always thought bees were interesting little creatures. The product they made astounded him as much as the structures they crafted and it was clearly through teamwork.

Feeling a presence nearby, he spotted the young woman swathed in lavender. A smile bloomed as he moved to a stand and he held out his hand to her.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

The smile reassured the flutter of nervous butterflies in her stomach as her eyes locked onto his face. Emma couldn't see the signs of anger or disappointment in Riordan's eyes that she'd dreaded, making her relax more as she lifted a hand to slip into his. "Good morning, Riordan." The words were offered quietly, almost in a timid tone as she came to a halt before him, still examining his features cautiously. So far, so good but she knew the harder words were yet to come. And they were deserved. Bracing herself, she mustered a faint smile. "You look well. I hope I have not kept you waiting too long."

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

Oh, bother all of that. Rather than exchange how they felt with words and propriety, Riordan drew her into a hug. They were in the gardens, true, but he trusted Darton to keep any would be spies and nosy persons at bay. As he hugged her, he appreciated the warmth she gave off and her familiar scent. Once a few moments had passed, he released her and put a hand on her shoulder. "If you had waited any longer, I think that hug may have been more of a crushing embrace," he teased with a warm grin. "Welcome home, Emma. It is truly good to have you back."

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

The hug was an unexpectedly welcome surprise, one she returned tightly. Nothing put her mind more at rest than that embrace. Tears stung her eyes for a moment, hastily blinked away so as not to embarrass either of them. A weak, watery laugh rang out to hear him, looking up with flushed cheeks and shimmering eyes. "I stayed away too long, but I'm home now and I need to get down to business." Her shoulders squared under his hand, a mingle of determination and pride. "It's time to grow up."

She tilted her head, her eyes moving over his face with greater clarity. "How have you been, Riordan? Truly been. I know I left you in a very bad position in going off to Meirin, and I am sorry." Emma didn't smile with those words; if anything, she dropped her gaze with shame. "It was wrong of me to do so, when I should have stayed and tried to better explain myself and the situation. I hope you can forgive me."

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

"You were frustrated and hurt. You're facing a tremendous change in your life. If I were in your position, I think it very likely that would have made good my escape to Arton if it meant getting away from it," he reassured her. Truly, he did feel that way. Granted, it was, more or less, a royal's duty to marry for state, but most royals had some advance notice before being forced to do so. Emma had had very little notice, indeed.

Shifting, he started walking down the path and trusted Emma to walk along with him. "There is nothing to forgive. Worry not on it. As for your question, I have been just fine. Busy, of course, since I am taking more responsibilities at managing to the Kingdom, but I am surprising myself in learning that I can more or less handle the rigor of leadership."

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

The lack of notice combined with Nikolai's reactions to her worked their curse on her head, bringing her to the point of flight, sending her to a place where she could think clearly for a few days. Lady Selena had been gracious enough to offer some quiet words of advice about bringing reluctant men about and smoothing a previously rocky path, advice Emma intended to put into action soon enough. It was just finding the courage to do so!

Walking beside Riordan soothed her jangled nerves a little, the moreso for knowing he wasn't angry or outraged. He understood. And forgave her, bringing a wave of relief to swamp over her. She smiled truly for the first time since returning to Triadon. Riordan had always been there for her and this time was no exception. Listening to him, she was intrigued. "You sound... enthused. Does this mean you've decided you want to be King?"

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

Riordan tried to be there for her. He didn't feel that he had been doing so over the past few years, but he was trying his best. That was all he really could do, and he knew that was all Emma would ask of him. It was hard to imagine that they had been at rather severe odds just a scant few months ago. So much had changed. Riordan was still trying to process most of it.

"That is an interesting question, actually," he chuckled quietly and looked down for a moment. "It's a combination of want and need. I do want it, but I also I need to do it. Certainly, I could allow the reins to be passed on to Tristan, but he has no desire to be King. If Tristan weren't to take it, then our Aunt would more than likely attempt to take the Crown. It's better that I do it. It will prove more stable for the Kingdom in the long run. At least, that is what I hope. Fortunately, in behaving like a proper royal, I've discovered that I do enjoy it... for the most part."

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Neither of them were perfect; Emma had done her share of failing him in turn, so in a way, they were even. Despite the trials and tribulations, the old closeness was returning, for which she was grateful. A premonition hung heavy over her, telling her they'd need each other more than ever soon. As much as she did not want to think about it, Emma also understood the halcyon days were rapidly dwindling where she could still be just a young girl, a daughter, a sister. Riordan had reached the same realization, if she was any judge. A quiet sigh escaped her for a moment before she focused on her brother's words.

"Tristan is better suited for something else, I think. He is not..." She paused, trying to find the correct word to describe their younger brother. "Not... ready, I think, to don the mantle of sovereignty, where you are. There is the makings of greatness in him, just not in the same way as you. Which is a good thing - he deserves to shine on his own." Hoping she made sense, she nodded thoughtfully. "You're right, though. It's better that you do it, and I see so many changes in you, Riordan. I'm beyond proud of you."

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

Rumors were followed by trails, which in turn led into most unexpected places. For Tristan, who wasn’t following any of them for a change, the current trail led toward Lake Trilliad, where he found himself meandering down a random path, for now not hearing anything of importance. Well, of course there were birds and other noises around, and he paid less attention to them than he would’ve had to unexpected voices on his path. Hesitating before going further, Tris caught the end tail of his sister’s words, which, thanks to the silence, were probably more audible than she wanted them to be.

Blinking in surprise at finding the topic of discussion to be of curiosity, he approached the pair, hoping he didn’t take them by surprise. “Hello, Emma, Riordan,” he greeted with a smile and curious expression to his face. “I do believe my ears were burning. Hope I’m not intruding?” Looking from one older sibling to the other, he wondered what they were talking about to make them sound so serious – entirely too much so. Perhaps it was about Emma’s recent retreat? Certain he’d find out, the teen looked from one to another again, for now staying where he was. Luckily for his siblings, he was dust-free for now, as he didn’t nose anywhere in his wanderings just yet, but he was certain it won’t take him long to find a passage dusty enough – well, as soon as he left company of his siblings, anyway. Sometimes he was too curious for his own good, and this conversation was no exception to it.

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

The hear that Emma was proud of him was significant. Even though Riordan was confident in his own ability to change and be a leader, it was nice to receive reassurance from other people, especially those within his own family. A genuine smile formed. "Thank you, Emma. It means a great deal to me to hear you say that." He had been about to go on about Tristan since she had brought him up, but he was cut off by the man himself.

The smile turned into an amused smirk as he glanced over his shoulder toward his brother and then arched a brow, "Oh, they were, hm? You're getting better and better at approaching unheard. Perhaps I should send you to spy on some people in Court," the suggestion was a joking one. Mostly. "Come, Tristan," he gestured for him to come closer, "Give your sister a proper welcome home."

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

"You've turned things around. I'm not so wrapped up in myself that I'm completely oblivious to your efforts, Riordan." She smiled, turning as well to see Tristan approaching. He always did have an unerring knack for knowing how and where to find them when he was the topic of discussion, a gift Emma often admired. She had the grace to look a little sheepish, but she hadn't said anything uncomplimentary, only a gentled form of truth. Tristan was young, he was not precisely suited to wear the Crown, but there was the making of greatness in him when he determined his course. And it wasn't going to be the first time she'd shoehorned her foot into her mouth over one of her siblings.

"Hello, Tristan. You're looking well. How goes your adventures with Princess Katya?" Might as well salt the wound here!

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

Returning Riordan’s amused smirk with one of his own, despite his ears slowly going red from mild embarrassment at the praise, Tristan glanced between his older siblings. “I hope so, dear brother, else I wouldn’t be able to gather information without being overheard. In some cases, it’s best to be in the know, though in others, it might lead me to trouble. Perhaps I’m already doing some of that spying.” Winking at his older brother, he drew his older sister into a light hug as he came closer, feeling himself going redder around more than just ears at the mention of the Sarkozsy Princess and biting back the commentary about Emma’s own relation with said Princess’s brother.

“Adventures? What adventures?” Being red as a brick did really nothing to deny any involvement or that he enjoyed the time they’d spent together so far, and far it be from him to try to convince his siblings otherwise, especially when he was starting to fidget in place. Turning to give Riordan an assessing look, Tris gave a mildly amused smile. “Want a hug, too? And how is Lady Selena doing?” Both his siblings had things he’d be able to bring up if they wanted to pull his leg about the foreign Princess, and while he could admit it to himself he liked Katya quite a bit, he wasn’t quite ready to admit it to others, much less his elder siblings. They’d have to wait for it until him and Katya actually found out where they stood – if there was anything for them to be standing.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

"I could see you as a spy, actually." Emma's grin finally returned to her face at the sight of her younger brother. "A very dashing one, in fact. But somehow, I wonder if you'd enjoy that. It would be very exciting." She looked over at Riordan, curious to his reaction to her suggestion. There were worse ways for a Prince of the Blood to make his mark on the realm, and Emma very much doubted Tristan wanted to be relegated merely to marriage, no matter how lovely Princess Katya might be. The thought amused her, however.

Seeing his ears turn red, she wisely bit her tongue, not wanting to embarrass him further as she stepped back from the hug. He could too easily twit her about her situation, despite her sensitivity to the matter.

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

"I thought spies always clung to the shadows, being ghastly and ugly things that were never meant to see the light of day," Riordan offered teasingly and then thought on it more seriously. "Actually, having a prince of a spy might be useful. People certainly would not expect it. He's already proven that's he adept at doing such things, too... much to the chagrin of certain individuals." The idea of it amused him. "What do you think, Tristan?" He looked toward his brother, then.

It did not escape Riordan's notice that Tristan turned red as a beet, and Riordan truly could not hide the grin that it brought forth. "Hmmm. Interesting, indeed." A hand came up to wave off the hug, "Not just yet, brother. Let's save those for reunions and congratulations. Lady Selena is doing just fine, thank you. Our relationship is progressing smoothly and naturally. It feels as though I should have known her all along." He laughed quietly at himself.