Chris shifted feeling rather uncomfortable, that was until Annika's mother grasped his hand. Chris laughed a little and bowed, "Thankyou Ma'am" he talked with Isabella for a while. She was so kind and funny. Everything his own mother was not. Chris watched as Annika came back with her brother. He smiled briefly extending his hand towards Annika's brother, "Good day, I'm P.. Chris" He felt like saying prince but he felt it too sudden to proclaim himself a prince. He smiled up at Annika and glanced around the room. Everything looked well orgainsed and well placed. -I could get use to this- Chris chuckled to himself before following the rest of the family towards the kitchen.

Annika led Penton toward the kitchen, her other hand grasping Chris's. Penton kept his eyes forward the entire time so he didn't trip. She knew he wouldn't want to collapse infront of company- he had a meltdown when he was little because he fell infront of another king. Annika looked over at Chris then back at Penton. How was she going to explain what happened to her brother without bawling like she usually did? How would Chris react? When would be the best time? She bit her lip as her brain worked overtime until her mother smiled and threw her arms around Penton, holding him up and allowing him to lean on her so he could catch his breath. She whispered something to him and he rolled his eyes, a hint of a grin on his face. Annika practically dragged Chris to the table, going to the other side so Penton was across from her. A butler came and tried to pull out chair but she sent him away. "I am a big girl" she said to the butler. He smiled then walked away. The staff was used to her trying to fend for herself

Chris allowed Annika to pull him along only glancing back once. He seated himself down on a chair and looked over to Penton. He wanted to started a conversation but had no clue what interested him. "So uhh... Penton what interests you?" He paused before picking up his fork and picking some food up.

Penton looked up from his food. "I have a few hobbies but I mainly hunt with bows and arrows instead of guns." Annika grinned a little when she remembered the day he accidentally shot an arrow straight through her favorite plush unicorn. He had gotten the bow and arrows for his seventh birthday and she hadn't put her toys away when he was learning to shoot. She screamed and told on him and her mother sewed the unicorn back together. Penton shifted in his sear and took a bite of the salad placed infront of him. Annika looked over at Chris, her knee grazing against his ever so slightly.

"Would love for you to show me sometime" he paused and looked toward Annika desperate for help. The air in the room remained still and Chris shifted uncomfortably. He settled down when he felt Annika and resumed eating.

Annika winced at the silence. Her mother cleared her throat. Penton continued chomping at his food. Annika looked over at Chris, scarfed down her food then placed her fork back down. "Please excuse us, Mother." She stood and grabbed Chris's hand, pulling him from his seat and marching upstairs. "Annika" her mother called. "Annika what's wrong" Penton yelled, getting up and hobbling to the doorway.

Chris sighed and followed Annika up the stairs, "I'm sorry.... Not use to this" he shook his head and glanced around the room feeling somewhat uneasy. He was anxious about his brother being home. -I need to tell Annika about him before we get home so she doesn't get a surprise- he focused back on Annika her eyes had the sparkle in them that Chris loved.

Annika didn't even listen to Chris. She pulled him into her room then closed the door and threw her arms around his neck. "Don't speak, please" she whisper-pleaded. She did not want to cry, but she could feel the tears snaking down her cheeks. Her mind was racing. Penton, his past, and what he's wanting for her future was tearing her heart into pieces. If Penton was going to be able to walk her down the aisle the wedding would have to be postponed until he had enough leg strength to make it through the entire wedding ceremony

Chris gently placed a kiss on Annika's forehead and grasped her hands, "What's the matter? You're trembling" He pulled her closer and gently stroked her hair. Something was obviously hurting Annika and he needed to know what it was.

Annika shook her head and rested her chin against his shoulder. "Penton wants to walk me down the aisle but he isn't ready to yet and I don't even know if Father will let him or much less walk me down the aisle" she rambled, her eyes watering at the thought of having to walk alone.