Braiden gave her a bright smile that cause his eyes to sparkle. “I would dearly love to call you Esther, my lovely wife,” Braiden said gently. His voice soft. He wanted their marriage to be filled with nothing but good memories. He yearned for a closeness with his wife that few arranged marriages shared. Something his own parents had been lucky to have. Well outside of the few affairs his father had had in the early days of their marriage. Braiden didn’t want anything to taint Esther’s introduction to his court. He could only guess how it would be for her to start a whole new life in a whole new land. That couldn’t be easy.<br/><br/>He knew in his heart that they would be just fine. That they were well compatible, but in his bring he felt a slight trepidation that something may not work out between them. He knew it was stupid. Of course there would have to be compromises, but surely they would be just fine. Yet still he worried. Braiden could remember his mother’s words clear as day.<span style="font-style: italic">’The first days of your marriage will set the stage for your future Bray, you need to lead by example with your wife. Never treat her as anything other then your treasured love and devoted queen. For she will be your greatest ally and strongest advisor.’</span>Something he couldn’t help but remember as he regarded Esther.<br/><br/>“I am glad, I tend to enjoy breakfast to be a simple meal rather then all that fuss. I find it much easier to commence the day. As for lunch. I am usually out in the field training or in the Throne room overseeing requests from the people. Thus these times are usually quick simple meals that can be eaten while overseeing my duties. Dinner’s are usual a feast similar to last night only on a slightly smaller scale. The large and intricate feasts are usually reserved for celebrations and major events,” Braiden explained as he gave her a smile. He enjoyed the fact she was not picky with her meals. “It will still be up to you to decide what you wish to have served and where.”<br/><br/>He paused and regarded her keenly, “I would like you to be present at any function you feel comfortable with. I shall not demand your presence, but I would deeply welcome it. I would like for you to be seen as my chief advisor, even though I cannot give you that title. Your opinions and incite are welcomed in my court and valued by me,” Braiden stated simply. He was determined to make her aware that he wouldn’t treat her like other noblemen might. He would have her as his queen in more then just title. He wanted her by his side. Always.<br/><br/>Braiden couldn’t help but feel a fluttering in his chest the moment her hand touched his arm. He watched her delicate fingers stroke his arm down to his hand when she took it. Entwining his fingers into hers he gave her another smile to show he appreciated her words, but listened to her next words before he would speak. “That is what I greatly desire. For us both. To be free to speak to one another as our hearts desire. To answer your question. I cannot speak freely to anyone. Well I could have to my father and mother, but as they are no longer with us. You my beloved wife, are my only confident.”<br/><br/>He drew her hand up and lightly brushed a kiss over her hand. He didn’t release her hand right away savouring the casual contact for a long moment before he gently released her hand so she could choose where she wished to sit to eat. There was another chair at his desk. There was also a table where they could sit more comfortably. “Where would you wish to have breakfast?” He wondered briefly if the balcony wouldn’t be a better choice as it overlooked the garden. “Why do we not go and sit on the bench on the balcony. I can bring our breakfast out and we can enjoy the warmth of the sun and the fresh scent of the gardens?” He offered after a long pause. Hoping she would enjoy it as much as he enjoyed the garden expanse. “My mother had the garden created as her own little private get away. I always enjoyed running through the twisting paths when I was a child.” He shared that small detail of his childhood with her. A wistful smile curving his lips.