Princess Kate's slow morning ended once she finished her breakfast. From there, the day became a blur of beautifying preparations for her dinner with Andre. Her newfound fussy demeanor clearly irked the hairdressers she'd called on, as she requested some elegant style, waited for several minutes as they fulfilled her request, and then changed her mind once they'd finished and she'd got a glance at it. This process repeated itself almost a dozen times over the course of the morning.

Kate also turned an overly critical eye to their work, pointing out individual strands of hair out of place that she could have easily brushed into place herself. And usually, she would have. But today was an entirely different affair.

At long last, Kate's luscious brown hair flowed over her shoulders in a simplistic style leaving most of her tresses to hang naturally. The exceptions were two locks on either side of her ears, snaking around her head and twisting into one another at her nape in a thin and tight braid. Her hair also glistened from a variety of nourishing creams and butters the hairdressers had applied to enhance its silkiness in both appearance and feeling. They'd assured her that in an hour's time, the gloss would fade away and leave a natural glow behind.

From there, Kate hurried off to look her gowns over once more. She yanked each one out in turn and considered it, but for one arbitrary reason or another, they all ended up draped over her bedside, rejected based on nothing but some gut feeling or emotional fancy. Kate huffed at the fact that her bounty of gowns still contained nothing suitable for this evening's dinner.

Why does everything about this have to be so hard?

Kate sighed and went off to retrieve a maid, who patiently stood at her side while she went through all the dresses again. This time, a few more struck Kate as mildly acceptable, so with the maid's help, she slipped them on to test the theory. One indigo gown studded with gold caught the princess' eye for a while, and she strongly considered wearing that one until out of nowhere, the idea that it was too gaudy passed through her head, and from then on, she frowned on the fact she'd even considered it. Many other dresses fell to the same fate.

A perfect scarlet dress got tossed aside merely because Kate had no shoes to match it and harbored fears about getting a suitable pair in time for her dinner date. In the process of looking over her shoes, she spotted a breathtaking pair of shapely suede dress boots dyed purple and found herself absorbed in searching for a gown to match it. All the while, the poor maid still stood in a patient silence and shifted from foot to tired foot.

Kate gave up on the search after the first three purple dresses she found failed to meet her amorphous standards. She continued on through the stack fruitlessly, trying on a few here and there to no avail.

Finally, she came to the end of the pile and found a violet dress that drew her breath to her lips. Somehow, she had overlooked it the first time, and she found herself ashamed that she had. Bathed in a deep shade of glittering purple, the dress bore no complicated design, but instead possessed a simple elegance. And when she held the suede boots from earlier up to it, a surprised smile hopped to her lips at the match.

The maid assisted Kate in putting the glittery violet gown on, and upon looking over herself in the reflection of her handheld mirror, the princess grinned. She had found her perfect match. Now all she needed to do was touch up her makeup again, and she would be ready.

Only a few minutes later, Kate finished her preparations and let out a long, contented sigh. A sense of accomplishment surged over her, but it didn't linger long before anticipation took over. Her heart began hammering in her chest at the thought of the dinner being so soon.

Kate realized that she and Andre hadn't agreed on any specific time or location to rendezvous, so she stepped out of her room and found a servant. She instructed him to keep an eye toward the Feliz manor and guide Andre to her when he arrived. Kate said she would be waiting by the stables.

With that, Princess Kate began making her way there, the heels of her boots clicking as she traversed the corridors of the castle. An excited squeal nearly bubbled to her lips as she anticipated the wonderful time she'd have, but she managed to contain herself aside from a wide grin on her face. Her hands fidgeted to use up some of the excess energy her hyperactive heart was pumping out.

Kate stepped outside into the dusk and made her way to the stable, where she stood and impatiently waited for several minutes. Swaying from side to side, constantly glancing about, and sporadically humming to herself, the princess had become a ball of restlessness. It felt like a pressure building inside of her without any outlet. All she could do was strive her utmost to be patient.

Her partial patience was rewarded when footsteps rounded the corner of the stable and Andre appeared. Kate quite literally gasped at the sight of him, dressed up in a dark green collared jacket that perfectly suited the contours of his manly body. A swirling leafy design of silvery hue had been embroidered into the silk, serving to effectively accentuate Andre's already impressive height. While his pants and shoes matched the jacket's color, the fluffy dress shirt he wore underneath contrasted with a soft white.

Andre approached Kate with an easygoing grin perched on his lips and his hands casually folded behind his back. He strolled up to her while maintaining strong eye contact and a thoroughly masculine gait. Kate found herself forgetting to breathe as she became lost in his light brown eyes.

"Good evening, your highness." Andre greeted, his words perfectly paced and further elevated in Kate's esteem by their low pitch. He reached one hand out, revealing a bouquet of white daisies.

Kate gasped at the sight of the flowers and reached out a trembling hand to take them. "Thank you!" she squeaked, "They're lovely."

"Not only them." Andre remarked, "You look absolutely stunning."

Kate's cheeks heated, and she let out a nervous giggle. "Why, thank you. I can't help but admire your aesthetic myself."

"I aimed only to please you, your highness."

"Well, you have succeeded, and exceedingly so."

Andre ran a hand gently over his slick black hair and chuckled. "Excellent. May I?" he asked as he offered her an arm to loop hers through.

Kate's only reply was a rushed nod, and then she intertwined her arm with his, a shiver coursing down her spine at the warmth of his muscular limb surrounding her own. A giddy sensation stirred inside Kate as she strolled alongside Andre, his greater height and bulk making her feel small and delicate. While she normally would be outgoing and talkative, the overwhelming emotions she experienced now snatched any potential words straight from her tongue before they could be uttered.

"So," Andre spoke slowly, "I trust your day has been most pleasant?"

"It has! I spent its entirety in anticipation and preparation for this moment, so I suppose now my desires will find fulfillment."

"I certainly hope so. If my own desires find fulfillment, the meal will be as pleasing to your palate as I am to you as a table-mate."

Kate laughed nervously, eyes widening when they cleared one of the castle walls, allowing her to catch a glimpse of the Feliz manor a ways off. Several decorative torches flickered across the estate and paved a path to the front porch, as if to give her a warm welcome. Then she realized she still hadn't replied to Andre.

"Yes...me too." she stuttered.

After Andre lightly laughed, he fell silent for the rest of the stroll to the Feliz manor, leaving Kate to focus on the sensations around her. They passed between the rows of glowing torches and ascended the steps to an expansive front porch, complete with all sorts of furniture to render outdoor sitting as leisurely as it would be inside. A trio of swords hung on the far wall, with battered edges suggesting their prime had been ages ago.

A well-groomed servant opened the door for Andre and Kate, and he accepted their thanks with a gracious bow. The princess' mouth went agape in wonder as she took in the entrance chamber. A vibrant crimson rug covered the glossy wooden floor, and at eye level, a pair of paintings from one of Monterayne's finest artists further beautified the space.

Andre led Kate down a few hallways, each somehow lovelier than the next. She had known the Feliz family was always entertaining some guest or another, but now she could see why. Even though as a princess, she was well acquainted with luxury, something about this house's aesthetic had a certain warmth about it along with the beauty, making it feel both comfortable and resplendent at once.

Finally, Andre pushed a gold-rimmed door open and guided Kate into a cozy chamber with a small table and two chairs. An empty vase sat on the circular tabletop, surrounded by a dozen flickering candles. On either side of the decorations waited a cream-colored plate with a spoon and knife on the right hand side and a napkin on the left.

Andre gently took the bouquet of daisies from Kate's hand with a smirk. "I do assume you wish not to hold those the whole time?" he asked mirthfully as he placed them in the vase.

Kate laughed. "No, I should like to be able to eat freely."

"Well, that upsets my plans of feeding you like a baby while chained to your chair."

Her nose wrinkled as she giggled again. "Perhaps we can switch roles on that."

"No need." Andre said as he pulled a chair out for Kate.

He rubbed her shoulders gently once she'd seated herself, and she quivered at the touch. Kate watched Andre make his way to his own chair at an easy pace and then sit down gracefully. And then she realized that due to her shorter height, the bouquet between them blocked her view of Andre. He also appeared to notice, so he nudged it over to alleviate the problem.

Kate grinned at Andre, and with a deep breath, she finally regained control of her nerves, at least somewhat. "So," she began, "your dwelling place is sumptuous indeed. I find it difficult to believe a man raised in such an environment would ever wish to leave, especially to participate in the trials of knighthood."

Andre shrugged. "My family's welfare is incidental, your highness. I suppose I could very well linger around here and partake of the comforts this estate has to offer, but that would do nothing for the world at large. Evil triumphs far too often, I'm afraid, and if I can change that, it shall have been worth any temporary discomfort on my part."

"Ah, I see. And what would make you feel like you'd accomplished your goal in that arena? Like you'd done enough?"

"Such a thing is difficult to quantify. If my goal were to set free the nations caught in Innutuk's fist, for instance, that would be rather shallow in the long run. Shifting borders and putting some other man in power over a land hardly does anything about the evil in this world."

Kate leaned forward, elbows resting on the table and chin on her folded hands. She blinked. "I think I understand your meaning, but I should like to be sure. Could you elaborate on that?"

"Well, I mean simply that...for instance, if the Innutukian occupation was kicked out of Rostacia and another man was appointed to rule the land, he could be as evil as the emperor who preceded him. And merely kicking an army out hardly changes any of the harm they did while present. This is why I want to be a knight, not a diplomat or some such negotiating type."

"So, in your view, politics have little bearing on matters of righteousness or the opposite."

Andre paused a moment before answering, eyes narrowed in thought. "Negotiation and diplomacy have their place, to be sure. I only mean that to accomplish the things I personally strive for, I must have a more direct hand in whatever matter I concern myself with. I desire for evildoers to tremble at my coming."

"I cannot help but admire your ambition, Andre." Kate said with a toothy smile.

"And I cannot help but be helplessly flattered to receive such praise, especially from your lips."

Kate opened her mouth to reply, but a gentle creaking in the far corner of the room stole her attention. A little door had opened that way, allowing a well-built server to enter. A platter of appetizers balanced in his palm.

The princess' eyes brightened when the server lowered the platter to eye level, allowing her to gaze upon the vibrant red apple slices drizzled with honey that lined the flat surface. He set the dish down on the table and bowed at the hips, accepting Kate's thanks with a brief smile. After informing Andre that the second course of appetizers would be out shortly, he departed as quickly as he'd come.

After exchanging a glance, Kate and Andre took one slice each and bit their respective pieces in half. Kate's countenance further brightened at the explosion of sweet juiciness in her mouth. Once she'd chewed a bit, she also tasted the tartness of the apple's skin, along with the honey's additional sweetness and textural enhancement. She eagerly finished her current slice before placing a few more on her plate.

Kate cleared her throat and looked up at Andre again. "The apples are unbelievable! Where were they grown?"

Andre smirked. "Our very own orchard, believe it or not. I am pleased you enjoy it."

"Living here must be sheer joy. I honestly cannot say my own father's castle has much more to boast of than your family's manor."

"Perhaps that is merely because of your familiarity with your current abode. After all, in my eyes, your father's dwelling place is the grandest, most spectacular arrangement I can imagine."

Kate laughed. "I suppose you're right. We have both spent so long in our respective homes that as comfortable as they may be, we appreciate novelty more."

"Indeed."

"I assume there are no lack of activities to participate in around the Feliz manor; what recreational activities do you enjoy?"

Andre finished his bite of apple before replying. "Well, you must remember that it has been about three years since I have spent more than a night or two here. But nonetheless, my recreation in my little free time is divided between painting and riding."

"Ah, I see! I possess no abundance of proficiency in either of those arenas, but thoroughly appreciate those who do."

"What do you do in your spare time, Princess?"

"Archery is my favorite." Kate said quickly before slowing her speech to think, "But I also enjoy a good dance, and I have dabbled in playing the flute here and there. I know this is an odd one, but I also love simply meeting new people and getting to know who they are, if that makes any sense."

Andre beamed. "That makes perfect sense of a great many things. You are quite an amiable individual, and I must say that your inquisitive conversational style inspires fondness in those who are blessed to engage you. It is a rather charming attribute of yours."

Kate's face twisted into a playful smile that wrinkled her nose. "Why, thank you! I have sometimes wondered if I come across as interrogatory."

"Not at all. Your motive is clearly a sincere desire to understand another person. And I would say Monterayne will be fiercely loyal to you as a queen, not only because of your ancestry, but for you as yourself. Such a lovable individual who truly cares about her people...that is who they desire upon the throne."

"It makes me very happy to hear that. I had never thought of how a natural trait of mine can prove so beneficial."

Andre folded his hands together and nodded. "True charm is often effortless."

****

A few hours passed, and Kate and Andre's meal came and went. The food proved hearty and delightful, as pleasing to her palate as it was once it entered her stomach. Overall, the princess finished eating with a warm, happy feeling inside.

As darkness had fully descended and night brought no moon with it, Andre extended an offer for Kate to stay the night. She had strongly considered it, but then decided against it, not only fearing her own passions driving her to commit to anything she'd regret later, but also because even if she remained resolute, the mere appearance of unchastity could stir up rumors. She couldn't afford that.

Andre accepted the denial graciously and offered instead to escort her back to her room as before. Kate took him up on that proposal with cheerful vigor.

After retrieving a lantern to light their path back, Andre led Kate along, arm in arm toward the castle. Having exhausted most of their conversational ammunition during the meal, their stroll was mostly silent, each one quietly basking in the other's company and enjoying the pure air around them.

All too soon, the pair reached Kate's door. She sighed as she extracted her arm from Andre's and unlocked the entryway. Then, after nudging it open a little bit, she turned back around in the doorway and gazed up at Andre's face. Her heart swirled with passionate desire for him, and the thought that their night together ended here only intensified it. Her breaths shortened.

"Thank you for the dinner, Andre." she finally said in a soft voice, "I enjoyed myself very much, and your company left me in want for nothing."

Andre smiled. "You are very welcome, your highness. I thoroughly enjoyed the time as well."

A boldness Kate had never known she had took over, and she threw her arms around his neck, standing on her toes to attain greater height. Her face inched closer to his. "Perhaps we may do this again...sometime?"

Andre's hand came to rest in the middle of Kate's back, causing her to shudder. His eyelids closed slightly. "I think I can arrange that." he said in a low tone.

Kate trembled yet again when Andre's other hand caressed the back of her head, and with a gentle pull, he nudged her face even closer to his own. Instantly understanding what he wanted and also realizing she wanted the same, she closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his. Kate sighed with desire and melted into Andre's arms as they held together.

Too quickly, Andre pulled away, and though Kate wanted to yank him back, she restrained herself and let him step back. Her cheeks heated as she gave him an awkward smile.

"Have a blessed evening and a delightful sleep, your highness." Andre said with a slight bow.

"Thanks." Kate replied, still catching her breath. "You too. Have an incredible night, Andre."

"It will surely pale in comparison to my time with you, but I shall do my best."

Kate giggled at his remark. Then he nodded one last time and sauntered down the hallway. Only after he disappeared entirely from view did Kate retreat into her room and collapse onto her bed, so many emotions stirring in her breast that she couldn't identify them all, much less process them. One thing was certain, however. Her dinner with Andre had been everything she'd hoped for.

Perhaps she would find a partner before her birthday deadline after all.