Chris laughed softly, "I'm sure he's just fine" Chris picked up his phone, "5:36am, almost time to get up" he drew his hand through his hair and watched the first rays of sunlight peak through. "Did you have anything planned for today?"

"I hope so..." she followed his gaze to the window. "I don't know. I probably need to check in with Scarlet..." she muttered to herself. "I think I may be able to wear the dress I designed years ago!" She sat up, her eyes twinkling as she pictured the sketch of the dress

Chris smiled, "I'm gonna try and miserably fail to engage with your brother" Chris knew that even though they would be forced to marry he wanted to have a somewhat healthy and long-lasting relationship with Ann's family. "Ima get up now" he pulled back the sheets are walked towards the bathroom door picking up a puffy sleeved shirt as he went. He exited the bathroom looking more awake and walked over to the bed before sitting down. His blonde wild hair tamed down and lying flat, his blue eyes darted around the room while his mind was carried away in thought.

Annika waited for a second, trying to think of where Scarlet would be at this time. When Chris came back out, she stood. "How dare you" she said, reaching up and ruffling his flat hair. "It's better this way." she smiled and left his room, making her way to the maids rooms. "your Highness" the maids fell into curtsies as she walked past and she smiled and tipped her head at them. "Do you know where Scarlet is" she asked a maid who had bent down to pick up some rags she'd dropped. The maid lifted her head and smiled brightly, dropping to a curtsy then standing, wrapping her arms around Annika. "I've missed you, Princess" Scarlet said. "I've missed you so much." Ann said "but I am in need of some expert sewing" Scarlet smiled then gripped Annikas hand, leading her the sewing room. "Need your sketches?" the maid asked. Annika blushed and nodded, clasping her hands in front of her chest. "I can finally make my dress!"

Chris smiled and closed his door behind him, he ventured towards the front door and out. He walked around the grounds taking in the beauty of the scenery. He sat down on the wet grass and looked towards the rising sun, "Just so beautiful" he said outloud. After enjoying the fresh crisp air, Chris returned inside to find the castle busy with activity.

Annika sat down and scribbled some details onto the sketch of her dress. She loved the design and couldn't wait to actually wear it. She looked up at Scarlet who was nodding with approval. I will get started right away!" she said. "Thank you, Scarlet" Annika said, standing and hugging the girl. "I really miss you being with me, but I am happy you are happy." Scarlet gave a weak smile. "I can be your maid again, you know. I don't need to hide out down here all the time" Annika shook her head. "They need you. I need you, but i have learned how to care for myself for once" The two girls giggled and Annika waved to her, tipping her head when Scarlet curtsied to her.

Chris sat down at a nearby chair and just watched. The bustling castle comforted him. He just needed a way to talk to Penton about anything. Chris sighed and wandered over towards a kitchen feeling rather hungry.

(Ima play both of the siblings now)

---

Annika left the sewing room and headed to the gardens, taking the back way to see if her mother was out with the landscapers. She sighed when she spotted her deep in conversation and continued to the large trees that outlined the perimeter of the garden. Ann sat on a bench and stared at the fountain in the middle of a circle of hedges. She pulled her red hair over her shoulder and stared at the water, trying to get her thoughts straight.

---

Penton came from his room, his dirty blonde hair a total mess. He hadn't gotten a lick of sleep last night and was struggling to gather his strength. He started down the hall, taking a breather before making his way down the halls. His crutches helped. but he wanted to walk as much as possible. When he neared the end of the stairs, he noticed Chris in a chair and he huffed out his frustration with his presence. Why had he come along with Annika? She was perfectly capable of riding or driving here. She knew how to call a cab.

Oooooo this is gonna get interesting)

-

Chris studied the inside of the kitchen and pulled his hand through his hair feeling uncomfortable. -I don't know how I could talk to Penton, he seems so set in his mind- Chris walked back up into his room grabbed his keys and walked towards the door -Maybe a bit of a drive would help clear my head- he walked out the front door and walked towards his car unlocking it and stepping in. He felt like inviting Annika along but she seemed rather busy with her dress, besides he needed time to think. Pulling the car out from the huge driveway he guided the car towards the crystal lake and parked it nearby. Hopping out he seated himself near the lake and just spent time chilling and thinking.

(maybe... we'll see)

---

Annika stood up and went to her room, picking flowers on the way. She wrote on a fallen petal, folding the large petal and giving it to a maid. the girl curtsied and practically ran down the hall. Annika giggled then opened the door to her room. She heard a subtle knock on the door, so she jumped up and threw the door open. "Scarlet!" The two smiled as scarlet dropped into a curtsy. "Come in" She said, allowing the girl to walk into her spacious room. "Do you mind braiding my hair?" She asked, sitting on a small bench infront of her mirror. "I have missed this" Scarlet said as she weaved the flowers in and out of the braids she began to make atop Annikas head.

---

Penton noticed Chris leaving and he visible relaxed. He went to the barns, pulling out Champ, a three year old Clydesdale he had been training through his accident. Champ tossed his head and bumped him as he put him in cross ties. Penton continued down the aisle, listening to the stomp of hooves as Champ tried to turn to looked at him. He stroked the hindquarters of his prized possesion. The Silver Akhal-teke mare flicked her tail and snorted, wheeling around nd lowering her prideful head. "Hey Harp" penton greeted. Champ nickered to him from his place further down the row and Pen chuckled. "patience big guy. I'll get the carriage eventually"