That's what I was thinking that perhaps Spencer becomes her like personal guard because who else can Rian trust to watch his bride to be ;) xD//

Tate had eventually fallen asleep, tucking herself into the blankets before closing her eyes finally. Though it had taken hours with her thoughts being so busy at the time. The night was quite, no one really stirring which is what gave the maid the perfect opportunity to slip the note under the future Queens' door late at night and leaving unnoticed. And as the night dragged on, so did the maids worry- both for herself and the family that she held close: because they were threatened tonight unless she gave Tate the warning. Having no choice, that's exactly what she did and the dread that followed her home that night stayed. Because from what she heard about Tate from her personal maids was that the girl was much like the Former Queen- yet not.

Because while the old Queen loved the King, Tate did not.

The next morning was a slow one, no maids or knocks at her door. Giving her the morning to catch up on much needed sleep. By the time she dragged her wild nest from the bed it was close to noon that day. But what stopped Tate in her tracks was the tan note laying on the floor- her head cocking in curiosity. What was this? Tate hummed as she plucked the paper from the floor, unfolding it to read the only words written in bold black ink.

"The Future Queen must die."

The paper fell from her hands as she backed up looking around to see if whoever had left the note was still lurking. But nothing. Everything else was in its rightful place, except her. Not caring about the way she looked, she snatched the paper up again and dashed out the door to find Rian. Maybe Spencer if the brute wasn't in his moods. But then again, would any of them care? She stopped dead in her tracks- before she could make it fully down the stairs. 'Think Tate think.' She growled inwardly, before pacing back to her room and slamming the door shut. She had to think before she went crashing into the dining hall or whatever room Rian occupied at the moment. Her mind was a jumbled mess, switching between who could have threatened her and why? What threat did she pose to the people here? But the answer was clear, No one wanted a non royal blood to take the throne- No one.

But just as those gears started turning in her head, a knock came rounding on her door making her stash the note away into a drawer and open the door rather frazzled still. But it was only her maids, who chuckled as she walked in greeting her. "Slow morning, my lady?" One of them teased before working to find her an outfit for the day- whilst the other went to find the brush for Tate's wild hair. "Hm. This should do it." The girl hummed as she grabbed the dress from the closet and placed it neatly on the bed turning back to Tate- who still looked confused- "Are you alright miss?" She asked- her own confusion rising. "Y-Yeah." Tate answered, shaking her head to rid her thoughts but it was futile- even as she sat to get her curls tamed and dressing for whatever occasion was today. "It should be an easy going day for you. The King is going to be busy with funeral preparations, you could either have lunch since you missed breakfast or take a walk around the castle to explore me. Choice is yours." They curtsied before scurrying off, leaving Tate alone again.

But rather then sit and wait, Tate decided it would be best to find out who sent this note- and what they wanted. But first- food.

(Right?? Bet, this is going to be great ahah XD)

Where there is food to be found, one can guess that Prince Spencer isn’t far. The blond genuinely enjoyed eating, and possessed quite the insatiable sweet tooth at that. His appetite just so happened to be bottomless too; but that may be in part to him being so vigorously active. Which is what made sitting in the same place for hours now -slowly intaking the food that surrounded him- a very doable thing. Rian was directing his meals to be delivered to his study for the time being, which meant Spencer got to enjoy the dining hall space alone. Except he wasn’t enjoying it.

He was alone here. The sound of heavy silence didn’t let him forget that. And the quieter his settings, the louder his thoughts chorused. No- the louder the symphony of aimless thoughts screamed at him. Spencer had to begin tapping on the table to give himself a sound to focus on, a sound to silence the sounds only he could hear. Tap-tap, tap, tap-tap. The pattern went on. And with his other hand he raised a glass of tea that had long since grown cold to his lips. There were a lot of things bothering Spencer at the moment though- too many things. The funeral was the root of it all though, and Spencer had concretely decided he wouldn’t be going. More like he knew he couldn’t. No. He couldn’t stand there and watch his father get buried beside his mother. The thought of being in that place again made his chest swell with a nauseating amount of anxiety and grief.

Quickly though, his eyes snapped up with a frigid glare to the entity that entered the dining hall- as if he was enraged at the audacity someone had to interrupt the thoughts he was dying to get away from. However, the glare dissipated as he cued into who the person was- Tate. She appeared concerned, maybe. Spencer decided it may be due in part to her attending the funeral of her father’s killer tomorrow though. As he drew his gaze back down to the table, he ceased his rhythmic tapping. “You probably came here to find some peace, hm? And instead you found me again,” Spencer uttered quietly, bitterly, his gaze refusing to move up from where it was trained down on the table. He repeated what she said to him last night, though last night it hadn’t bothered him. In truth, it didn’t really bother him right now either. Nor did Tate. But it was easier to deflect his emotions outwardly at anyone he could than to keep them caged.

“I haven’t had the chance to look through my father’s things for you,” he spoke again, as if that were an apology for his brief moodiness, “But with most of the focus being on the funeral tomorrow, I’ll have a large window of opportunity while I’m here to sift through his chambers, his offices on the southmost side of the castle, and wherever else I have time to look.” He finished, still keeping his gaze strictly downcasted. Not because he couldn’t bear to look at Tate or anything, but only because he knew his eyes were a little too easy to read- and they reflected emotions he didn’t want to show. Mostly ones pertaining to an unspoken sadness, but feeling sad made him unreasonably angry at the same time- so he was merely uncomfortably caught between both emotions.

A sigh left her as she spotted the young prince at the table, though she felt the tense air in the room. Briefly wondering what was bothering him, but also remembering the note burning holes in her hand as she grasped it. With a loud thump she hit the bottom of a chair, sitting down. Maybe she shouldn't eat the food, what if it was poisoned? But then again, the prince seemed to be indulging just fine. Her stomach grumbled, but she still didn't grab a plate and fix herself something. "Where is Rian?" Was all she uttered back, looking around for said King but not finding him.

"Spencer, That's the least of my worries right now. I-I.." The words died on her tongue because what if it was him that left the note? He hadn't liked her from day one and he also knew of his fathers hand in her fathers death. Tate straightened up at the thought, both ignoring his question and word about finding information about her father. Why would he threaten her though? He had no reason, or did he? Finding herself in a tangle of emotions, Tate ran her fingers through the wild curls anxiously. Shaking her head, she threw the note his way in a rush; to both get rid of the burning feeling and the anxiety of telling him. "They want me dead. Whoever sent that.." She whispered finally. "I found it this morning. It was laying on my floor- don't know who or when." She added- taking her bottom lip between her teeth.

A threat against her life, but what about her family? Tate quickly stood, startled at the thought as she paced the floor. "Spencer my family..If they..I need to go. I need to go now." And with that briskly walked back out the doors. She couldn't believe that she didn't think about her family, because if they threatened her then what would they do to them? She needed to get to them, protect them.

//short im sorry o.e its also shitty//

(Don't diss your posts, they’re great, I love them <3)

To say Spencer scowled at the mention of where his brother was… was an understatement. “He’s busy.” Was all the prince grumbled. Typical. Rian is first on everyone’s mind, Tate’s too now apparently. Spencer disregarded the waiver to what she said next, and her tone, and instead was on the verge of barking at her; telling her to forget his help, and that he didn’t care anymore. But before his anger-induced impulsion could get the best of him, his brows quizzically furrowed at what Tate so quickly threw in his direction. His childish nature desired him to throw it back and walk away- why would he care about a stupid note? However, what she said did finally coax his gaze to move up to see the more deeply disturbed and fearful glint in her eyes. Spencer reached out to take the note into his own hand, looking over it carefully before his eyes moved back to Tate.

“Panicking will do-” too late. Tate abruptly rose from her chair to pace, and Spencer watched her with subtle irritation. In all honesty, the premise of the note unsettled him quite a bit, but he wouldn’t dare let that show. And then she mentioned her family… and the prince knew he had to make a very logical decision very quickly. But Tate reacted in a similar way Spencer would have- she jumped to the idea of protecting who she cared about. Spencer pushed himself out of his chair and took on a brisk jog in the direction Tate went, throwing open the doors before catching up to her. The prince placed a heavy hand on her shoulder to force her forward motion to stop, and he moved to stand in front of her before taking his hand off of her. “Tate. Listen.” He demanded pointedly with a drop of his tone.

“This is a very delicate situation, and if you want to protect your family, consider this first. The location of your residence is not common knowledge, in fact, very few would even know. Anyone who wanted to know would have three options; bribe someone who they think might know, spend hours laboring over the tax commissioner’s records that are restricted from most people’s access, or get you to reveal the location by drawing you out.” He paused, taking in a breath as he was trying to collectively gather his thoughts. “We don’t know who we’re dealing with, what position they hold, what they have access to, or how intelligent they are. But I do know that everyone within the castle walls last night will be subjected to rigorous interrogation, I’ll see to that. I can send a few guards on a covert task to keep watch over your family if it’ll ease you, but I can’t guarantee you’ll be seeing them anytime soon…” Spencer trailed off, growling at the next thought that came to mind.

“And we have to tell Rian. He has something I need.” Spencer muttered more so to himself, but he grabbed Tate’s wrist -rather tightly- and began to storm in the direction of Rian’s study. Spencer couldn’t risk Tate trying to slip away to run home, or to get killed in the few seconds she was alone… so he took no chances by giving her no ability to protest him dragging her along. “Here.” Spencer said, letting go of her wrist after reaching the top of a staircase and passing her the note she had thrown at him. The prince stopped in front of a pair of large doors as he glanced at Tate and stepped to the side; nodding with his head from her to the doors to encourage her to knock. “I’m not doing all of the work here… make sure to tell him its you.” He whisper-shouted, but he knew Rian would get to the door a lot quicker for Tate than him.

Tate whimpered as he stopped her dead in her tracks, but he was right. As he always seemed to be. "Spencer if something happens to them.."She trailed off again, not letting the words fall from her mouth because there was nothing she could do. Maybe it was already done. "I need you to send someone. But only the people you trust- as you said, We don't know who it is. Could be anyone." She huffed, jaw ticking as he grabbed her wrist once more and dragged her away. She had no time to protest, "Rian is busy. And what could you possibly want from him?" She uttered.

But it wasn't long until they stood in front of the large oak doors. A sudden nervousness settling over her, because how would Rian react when the note was shown to him? And more importantly that Spencer knew before him. With a wildly beating heart she knocked on the door once, giving a glance to Spencer. No answer, So she knocked again this time calling out softly, "Rian..Its..Tate." And again she waited for the doors to swing open. Backing away as she waited for sounds behind the door. Maybe he wouldn't answer the door for even her, backing away more when it seemed like no one was going to come, "Seems I'm on my own."

\<3 thank you, I get very subconscious about my rp'ing skills aha. Scared I'm gonna scare ya away.//

(Aw, no need to worry lol, I enjoy reading what you write ;))

Spencer really didn’t need this right now- he didn’t need to be worrying about someone else. But it wasn’t really his choice; and if he wasn’t trying so hard to indulge in selfishness then maybe he would express his worry. She trailed off when it came to her family, but he was already thinking the same thing, but it would do her no good for him to say that. “Easier said than done,” he muttered in response to her request for him to send someone, but he didn’t trust anyone but himself. But maybe there were a few he could trust with this task alone… maybe, Spencer would revisit that thought shortly. “Rian is always busy.” Spencer scoffed. “I want a lot of things from my brother, just one thing in particular right now though. A ledger.” Spencer replied quickly, his mouth moving just as fast his thoughts were racing.

Spencer only raised his brows and rocked back and forth on his heels impatiently in response to Tate’s glance. Hurry up, hurry up, hurry up. Spencer figured Tate was frazzled enough by her dilemma, which was the only reason he bit back a snide comment to her meager call as she knocked on the door. The prince’s irritation began to rise with his elder brother and his inability to be quick. As Tate stepped away though and uttered, Spencer rolled his eyes. “Giving up so fast are we?” Spencer remarked before he stepped forward and raised his fist to pound on the door more urgently… just before the door swung open to reveal Rian- his eyes growing with confusion. “It took you long enough, your future wife could have been murdered in the forty-years it took for you to get to the door.” Spencer spit venomously, offering no context before he pushed past Rian into the spacious study.

“What are-” Rian began to ask, though his eyes moved to the other figure that stood beyond the door’s threshold. “Tate- what’s wrong?” Rian asked, gesturing for her to enter the study as well… but the brunette was understandably highly puzzled at the moment. And concerned. Although Rian wasn’t sure what was more concerning; Tate’s demeanor and what she grasped in her hand or the fact Spencer was expertly combing through a shelf of various ledgers that contained rather confidential information.

“Found it,” Spencer announced, pulling a larger book down and tossing it onto Rian’s desk that was already filled with a variety of open books and stray pages. “Everyone who works within the palace walls is required to sign their names, and write that they swear to serve the crown, and blah blah blah. Every council member is required to sign their names and swear themselves to uphold their duties as well… if we’re lucky, the handwriting on the note will compare to someone here, and then we have a lead.” Spencer explained, more so talking in Tate’s direction versus acknowledging Rian- who was still trying to piece everything that was happening so suddenly around him together.

Tate jumped when Spencer started to pound on the door, moments later his brother answering looking confused as ever. She couldn't help but notice his eyes dart to the paper she clutched in her hand before she marched into the office as well. "What your brother is trying to say is- Someone in the castle wants me dead." The words a mere mumble from her lips as she passed the letter to him and moved toward Spencer who was busy tearing through pages and pages of a book. "What if they made someone else write it? I mean c'mon if they are that stupid to threaten me days before the wedding then they cant be that stupid to write it themselves." It was a valid point one that had her all the more stressed.

"Rian, My family...I need someone out there to protect them, I can't leave them to fend for themselves. My uncle is a hunter yes, but the twins...they would be helpless. He never taught them what he taught me." It was plea. A desperate one. One that made tears brimming her eyes as she turned back to the younger brother. "Anything? Anything at all.." She questioned though knew they would come up short handed. The person was smart, they would cover every track they made including the loose ends.

"This doesn't make any sense. I mean sure, I get that no one wants a commoner to ascend the throne but it's not as if I chose this. But the only way they can stop it..is by killing me." Tate huffed sitting down onto the velvet couch. "To make matters worse, I can't even make sure my family is alright with my own eyes because my every move is going to be watched. No doubt you as well Rian." Spencer was the only one that they maybe wouldn't watch but then again- if they were smart..they would.

Now- if it weren’t for the fact that he trusted Tate, Rian would have assumed this was an elaborate hoax by Spencer just to see him unglue. The prince has gone to very great -very detailed- lengths in the past just in spite of Rian, but the King trusted Tate. And if it was serious to her, it was serious to him. Silently Rian took the note, and read the single line over and over again. It was daunting, chilling even. Rian had always been raised to be wary of anyone attempting to knock him off the throne, but never did he think someone might actually take a shot. Let alone at the soon-to-be Queen. The King was briefly speechless though, staring at the few words written.

“That’s why I said if we’re lucky. It’s still worth trying… and will only prove that the person who did this put a lot of thought into it. And who knows if they’re clever enough to know how to stay several steps ahead of us all.” That was the likely case here though- Spencer knew that. It was so frustrating that it was almost exciting- this was almost like a game. It appealed to a part of Spencer in that way, and he was determined to play back if it was the case- and not just play, but win.

Rian’s gaze finally moved up from the note to Tate as she pleaded, and his eyes softened at the sight. It was actually heartbreaking to see so much fear in her eyes, even more so as the tears began to brim. “I’ll send someone as soon as possible Tate, I promise.” He said gently, Rian wasn’t as close to any of the guards or knights under his order though, which meant he would have to rely on Spencer’s knowledge to pick only the most trustworthy.

“I already have a few people in mind to send.” Spencer muttered as he combed through the last few pages, shaking his head in response to Tate with an exasperated sigh. “No. Nothing.” Both brother’s gazes moved to Tate as she began speaking, with both of their gears in their heads working as well. “It doesn’t matter if you chose it or not, you’re a threat to tradition regardless. Maybe whoever wants you dead thinks your a threat to our customary way of life too. If we make an exception with a Queen lacking noble blood- what else will the Kingdom make exceptions for?” Spencer shrugged. Too many exceptions will make royalty and the class divisions appear pointless, and people will begin to believe that a new form of government will benefit them. Maybe this person saw the bigger picture of the potential downfall this small thing could have on the kingdom, or maybe this person had a very selfish, personal reason for wanting Tate gone.

Rian couldn’t rule out what his brother said, but he went on listening to Tate as well. She was right; they would both be being watched. If someone wants Tate gone because she isn’t of noble blood, Rian couldn’t imagine they’ll love a King who openly accepts someone like Tate claiming a seat of power. But would they be bold enough to directly threaten him too? “Whoever this is knows us all better then we know them, and that poses the greatest problem. Tate is the focus clearly, but that may not be the case for long…” Rian sighed, glancing down as he mulled over his next steps.

“Someone in this palace that worked overnight is guilty of playing a hand in the delivery of the letter. Either someone who works here delivered it themselves, or a guard allowed someone who had no business being here last night inside. Someone can point us in the right direction, I’ll threaten to cut out tongues and burn the eye sockets out of everyone here if I have to.” Spencer stated casually, but he was ruthless and cruel enough to follow through on his word… it wouldn’t be the first time.

But what Spencer said -as morally questionable as it was- did give Rian an idea. “Spen, your formidable reputation precedes you. You’re clever, as well as a skilled enough combatant to discourage anyone from directly testing you. And those qualities are what make you a perfect protector. I think you know where this is going.” Rian said, glancing between both Tate and Spencer. “Until we know, or at least have an idea as to who wants Tate dead, she needs to be under careful supervision, preferably most of the time until this is over. I can ensure everything else -including any interrogating- goes smoothly.” Rian added, glancing to see whether Tate starkly hated the idea of being placed into or not. Or to at least see if she liked the proposal more than Spencer currently did. But Rian knew he couldn't always be in a place to look after Tate- especially if he was going to be a future target. Putting two targets side by side was a terrible idea... but Spencer? Rian didn't foresee Spencer ever being caught in the crosshairs of a murderous plot.

It put Tate on edge as he confirmed what she already knew. There would be nothing to find in the books- because whoever wanted to see her dead was to smart for that. She stood again pacing around the couch to stand in front of Rian. "The only people I care about right now is the family that took me in and gave me life back. I can't let them suffer for something that could potentially be my fault." She groaned, wishing that the answer would just smack her right in the face. But of course her life was never going to be that easy. And they were right, whoever did this had their reasons weather it was personal or political. "They were smart enough to cover this, They wouldn't let a loose end just be a loose end." It was frustrating not knowing where this was going, much less having to rely on others to keep her family safe.

And herself because the next words that came out of Rian's mouth had her jaw dropping. "I-I don't need someone to watch over me." She tried to argue back, but again he was right. Spencer would be the only one able to protect her, at times when she couldn't do so herself. "I-I can't ask him to do that. He has a life, and it definitely doesn't revolve around me Rian." She added. But from the looks on both their faces, her fate was already decided and pushing Rian against the idea when he was stressed enough; well Tate growled with a nod. "Fine. But once this is over- Are we clear that I'm not to be watched over." She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

But even now with a plan set in place, Tate didn't feel safe nor comfortable. Because reality was either one of them could very well have sent that letter out themselves. And so eager to help her fix this issue and find out who threatened her. But it also scared her that Spencer was going to be watching her every move. And much much closer then she preferred. "So what now? Do we act like everything is normal and I never got a death threat?" Another solid question, one she didn't know the answer to but it was obvious. Of course, she would have to act as if she knew nothing about the pending death hanging over her head. But the sudden security would certainly raise questions. "We have to make that look as naturally as possible. If Spencer is just following me around surely whoever sent it will catch on that he's my person guard."

Rian was taking the stand of staying calm, and level-headed… despite Tate’s added pacing him making him tempted to do the same. “I know, you have every right to be worried for them. But I care very much about their safety as well- please trust me when I say they will be okay.” Rian responded, hoping she trusted him enough to place a little bit of faith into his promise. What she then said was a difficult truth to swallow. It was imperative they put a stop to who was behind the threat, and yet… this would be no easy feat. Not by a long shot.

“She’s right; my life sure as hell doesn’t revolve around me being her babysitter.” Spencer threw out while crossing his arms, and he almost wished he cared just a little bit less about Tate’s life- but he would quite literally jump off of a cliff before he ever let either of them know he didn’t want to find either of them dead. He went so far as to dramatically roll his eyes as Tate agreed, huffing in agreement to what she ended with though. “Agreed.” Spencer stated, glancing at Rian.

The King pursed his lips briefly, but decided engaging too much on that topic would be a waste of precious time right now. “I’ll agree to discuss how carefully you’re watched over later- I didn’t just make you a promise Tate, I swore myself to your care to honor your father too.” Rian stated gently, yet firm enough to express he wasn’t taking her care lightly. Rian is a man of his word, and he wouldn’t falter on that until he drew his last breath. But that’s just the kind of person he was.

Both men shared a brief look with each other at Tate’s next -well pointed out- series of comments. “Well, don’t run around looking terrified for starters,” Spencer started, calling out her behavior earlier, “if this person really just wanted you dead immediately, you probably would be. Why else go through the effort of having a note delivered to you unless they want you scared? They want attention too… they probably want this to be a big deal. So we won’t play into it. Maybe that will make them upset enough to get a little sloppy with another attempt to frighten you.” Spencer said, trying to place himself in the shoes of this mystery being.

Rian didn’t know if he could trust Spencer to have this person’s mentality so quickly predictable, but it was better than nothing. “For now I think it’s important to show that you are a future Queen who is not easily made afraid.” Rian spoke soundly, confident that for now that was one of the best things they could do. But Tate was right about another thing- having a very unhappy Spencer tail her everywhere would be odd, but Rian smiled to himself just a little at his next idea. “For at least today… maybe it won’t be so odd. You said yourself Tate that you want to help with the wedding, yes? How about today you go into town to find a seamstress to begin tailoring your dream wedding dress, and the post-wedding evening gown you’ll be wearing. And regardless, it is customary for a royal -or a future royal- to be escorted by a knightly presence whenever they’re outside the castle. Whoever wants you dead wouldn’t know you’re going out today, and even if they’re following your every move, there’s nothing they can do to you in a public setting without making a scene or having someone notice.” Rian said, but the sight wouldn’t be too unusual. And Rian was definitely confident that nothing would happen to Tate in a highly populated area too.

“That sounds horrible,” Spencer childishly groaned, “if I’m going to be in town, I want to enjoy myself… not go dress shopping.” Spencer complained, much to Rian’s amusement.

“It’s not about you,” Rian reminded his brother, “but this is ultimately your decision Tate. I would prefer if you agree to my suggestion to go out -maybe even enjoy yourself-, but you are free to stay here if you feel it’s in your best interest.” Rian added, glancing at Spencer to ensure the prince wouldn't try to influence Tate's decision in any way.