Engaged/George and Caroline 

Caroline had endured the carriage ride to the palace in London with her mother in total silence. She normally enjoyed the visits to London and seeing her relatives there, but this was one trip she could do without.

When her cousin George entered and greeted them so cheerfully, she could only guess that his parents had not yet made him aware of the news. After all, he couldn't be happy about this, could he? She graciously accepted his greeting, and then turned away, still fuming at her parents and her aunt and uncle for this.

She waited for someone to break the news to George.

"So what wicked mess did you get yourself into this time dear coz, to have them drag you all the way to London, hmmm?" he said grinning mockingly at Caroline as they were led into the sitting room. George and Caroline were very much alike. Both had very strong personalities and often rebelled-but George did not get caught as often as his cousin. Upon sitting down George saw his father and his uncle the Duke of Brunswick already seated. "So what brings us all together like this? Everyone is healthy I hope?" he questioned. It was not a holiday and the meeting had not been planned to his knowledge. George couldn't think of anything else that would have caused a need for such a gathering except a severe illness or death in the family.

His father King George III turned to face his son. " No we are all well. George, your uncle and I have long thought that an alliance between you and Caroline would benefit not only England, but the United Kingdom and surrounding areas as well. It has been decided that you two will be wed within the year."

Marriage! George snapped to attention and his head jerked toward his cousin. She did not look pleased either, but nor did she looked surprised. Good god she knew! He quickly rose and walked to where his father stood. In his father's reign etiquette was simple. No one spoke unless the king spoke to them. They would then follow his conversation. Only the king could start a new topic and no one was expected to contradict him. As his son George was allowed some leniency but not much. Yet this time he could not help but risk his neck and break the rules. "Father" he hissed in a low whisper so as not to be audible to the others. " How *could* you match me with Caroline? Lord, you know how we got along as children! We are better now but...... could you not let me choose for myself! Besides no matter what you wish to make of it you know perfectly well I am still wed to Maria!" At Maria's name the King stiffened. "By MY law your marriage was not legal. And don't you dare raise your voice at me. Your mother and I were matched against our consent and we are fine. So shall you and Caroline be. End of discussion". With that the King, and George's aunt and uncle left the room to talk further about their plans leaving the two cousins alone. Rage bubbled up inside him. White, hot blinding rage, against his father, his uncle, and against the position he was born into that put him into this situation. Hot tears stung his eyes, but he would not allow them to fall. Not knowing what else to do George violently slammed his hand into the window sill, ignoring the rising bruises and not daring to turn around.

Caroline shifted in slightly in her chair. Still fuming inside with the same rage that now filled her cousin. At least he was not looking forward to this either. She watched as George hit the window, thankful he did not send glass shattering about. After moments of tense silence, she nearly screamed, "I don't want this either George."

Her tone surprised him (what couldn't after that news?) and, taking a deep breath, he slowly turned to face her. "I *know*" he said pointedly. "What right have they to dictate our entire lives Caroline?! Especially yours!" George nervously ran a hand through his hair. " Caroline I will not beat around the bush. You and I are civil, even amiable at times, but have we ever genuinely gotten along? When we were children, society had a field day with the arguments and scrapes we had. I admire your character and granted we have our similarities but truth be told am I someone you would enjoy spending the rest of your life with?" He wanted to run and hide under a rock until he was old and gray. He wasn't sure about his cousin's take on him but *she* was not the type of person he had in mind for a wife.

"The only time we were ever amicable is when we were drunk; we were always happy drunks, though I doubt even France, when in her good days, could produce enough wine for this occasion." Caroline spat with contempt for her cousin. It was true, as younger children and teenagers society had a field day on the gossip the pair would generate. It was not often that they saw each other because of past scraps, even when visiting the other's home, the resident often left until the visitor returned home.

George gave a feeble laugh. Not the laugh of one amused, but the kind of laugh given when a man knows the truth is spoken and out of defeat cannot argue it's irony. He let his body sink into a nearby chair and regarded his cousin, his fiancée. "What do you propose we do then? Surely with all the trouble we've created in the past, we can come up with something if we put our heads together. Claim to be Catholic? Stay drunk for the rest of our days, or just beat each other senseless until our dear parents part us for fear of our safety?" Deep down George did not believe this could be contested. But he was willing to try.

"Claiming to be Catholic will get us both kicked out of the family and exiled. I doubt there's enough alcohol in all of Europe to satisfy wither of us, although I'm all for beating the little sense you have out of you until your parents ship me back home." she said, turning away from her cousin.

"Well isn't this a pleasant way to begin our lives together." George spat. "Oh God" he said covering his face as he realized the impact of the words that had just escaped his lips.

"What difference does it make to you anyway? You have it easy. Most kings have affairs and mistresses, what do they need a wife for, just so long as they have their heir what does it matter?" Caroline stood and angrily waved her hands in the air. "What about me, stuck in a country I don't know with people I don't know. All I have here is you, and that's not much to speak off. No doubt once you have your heir you'll be done with me anyway."

"Easy?" he said shocked. "Easy? You have NO idea how wrong you are ." George retorted his anger rising again. Crossing over to her he got as close as he could permit himself , face bright red. " I am ALREADY married dear cousin." he sneered. " Oh Father won't recognize it because she is Catholic but I have since been married to a woman I actually desired to spend my days with! Instead I am being forced to re-marry before this one is even annulled. The only good thing in my life has been ripped away from me and you call my life easy?" He stopped to catch his breath but continued with even more force and venom. " As for mistresses and you not knowing anyone well, you've never lacked the company of men for long and I have no doubt that is one of the many reasons that got us here in the first place. I wouldn't be surprised if you found something on the side here in London as soon as you found out!"

"Oh, well isn't that, how do you say, bloody wonderful. My husband to be is a bigamist to be ass well. Where not even married and it seems you'll already have something on the side and don't you even start with my past, you know nothing but random gossip here in England I'm sure." she said, continuing to raise her voice, hoping that their parents would hear and soon realize their mistake.

"I already have something on the side? I believe I have a *wife* is what I have. My bride is not some harlot. Which is one thing you two don't have in common. You think gossip is all I know? Do you think Father doesn't talk with the Duke ever? Oh we have spent many hours amusing ourselves over your doings Caroline."

"What my father tells your father is gossip he gets from the servants. Besides, even the few things I did do, trying to marry a Catholic was not one of them."

"Her religion has nothing to do with it. She is a better person then you or I could ever hope to amount to." George responded sadly. If in the first five minutes of their engagement they could not stop arguing what would he have to endure for the rest of their lives?!

Caroline couldn't help but to give a loud, wordless scream. "So is this the life we are destined for? I am for ever to be chained to," she paused trying to come up with an insult, but none seemed to carry to the damage she wished to inflict, "chained to you?"

"I suppose so" he replied tiredly. "Although not by choice." George was having a hard time standing a few minutes of this. He would not be able to take this forever, some compromise had to be reached. " Caroline we both know where we stand with the other but isn't there anyway we could tolerate each other? IF even for a little while. Other then living in separate quarters and never eyeing each other again."

Caroline sat back down with a scowl on her face. "I suppose you can at least attempt to tolerate each other, at least for a short time. once you have your heir it wouldn't matter anyway."

"Why must you continue saying that? Perhaps our personalities will have undergone a change by then. We should not go ahead and try to predict the future for ourselves. Besides we are more alike then you think, you and I. Why, we are both rebellious, stubborn, strong-willed nobles who abhor our parents at this moment in time."

Caroline hated to admit it, but he was right, but that was part of the problem, they were both too stubborn and strong willed to ever give into the other. She sat in the chair and sulked, "I suppose, perhaps we should try figure out a way out of this mess our parents put us in."

George sighed and, since the battle seem to have abated for the moment, seated himself next to his bride to be. " I am open to anything at this moment." he said, hopeful that his crafty cousin could come up with something.

"Maybe you should convert and become a Catholic like you first bride." Caroline snapped.

George's stature remained unchanged but his eyes blazed and his voice was stern. "Caroline! You will NOT bring Maria into this anymore. We are here and now and engaged and that is what we have to deal with, not your petty desire to throw everything back in my face."

"Oh, don't act all high and mighty with me, your *highness*" Caroline hissed at him, "The fact that you're the prince and first in line for the throne doesn't mean anything to me, and don't act as though you can control me just because you are about to become my husband."

By now George was having a hard time controlling himself. " So I should let your mouth and manners run wild? I *think* not. I would have no need to control you Caroline if you could do it yourself." The woman across from him was becoming more and more repulsive. For a moment George had a childish wish that the couch was a creature that could gobble her up and swallow her whole. Alas, it was still stuffing and fabric when he checked again.

"Who are you to talk about manners and the like? May I remind you that I am not the only one with a wild reputation. Don't believe I know anything? Rumor has it that just this month you attended a ball escorting not one, but two women. Rumor also has it that you spent the majority of that night entertaining a third woman. Oh yes dear cousin George, rumors fly to the mainland as well."

"Wild?" George laughed out loud at her accusation. "You call that wild? Being naturally charming and using it to one's advantage is hardly something I would call wild."

"Say what you will but I have never been with three men on one evening." He turned serious again and made a point he hoped his cousin would take to heart. " But it would be wise to keep in mind Caroline whose house this is and fighting with me will do you no good."

Caroline fumed at his comment and his ease and seriousness with it, "I know exactly whose house this is. In a few short months time it will be my house, and don't you forget that."

"Caroline," George said has his voice grew menacing. "You might share my space but what's mine is mine, as is my right. In fact *you* shall be mine as well so careful how you tread." He had put up with too much from his father: condescension, contempt, and disgust, and had earned all that could be considered his own. George was not about to let a weak woman try and override what was his.

Caroline rose and was about to let him have it when the door behind her opened and the King entered the room. Caroline bit her tongue and turned her back as the queen and her parents followed to join the unhappy couple.

@King George re-entered and surveyed the scene. Not that he cared how well the two young people got along, but he was curious. Both were red-faced and frowning. "Well, well ,well" George said aloud to his sister and brother in law, devoid of feeling as was his habit:. " There are already getting reacquainted. Wonderful."

$Caroline fumed, but rather then scream she quickly approached her mother, "Mother, I can not believe that you expect me to live out the rest of my life with, with, well with that, over there."

"Caroline!" her mother snapped, "You will marry George whether the two of you like it or not, and that is all there is to the matter."

"Mother, I'd rather spend the rest of my days in a nunnery then to live here with him.

@"I promise you it won't offend my pride if she refused me and did Aunt Augusta." George interrupted to spite the young woman.

$We have nothing in common, absolutely despise each other and the only thing we manage to agree on is that this is a horrible decision for both of us, why is everyone here content on making our lives miserable." she pouted, stamping her foot and raising her voice for all to hear.

@"Caroline!" the King responded sternly. " That sort of behavior is very unbecoming and extremely childish for a young woman of your age. You are both adults and will work it out between yourselves and if you cannot, then your unhappiness is no fault but your own." He looked pointedly at his son. " This decision is FINAL and I shall hear no more arguments." He did not bother to ask if she understood. He was the King, it was the business of others to pay attention and comprehend.

$Caroline drew in a deep breath and turned her back to her uncle. He may be king of this land, but she was German, not English, and he was not her king. She lowered her eyes in defeat and solemnly asked, "What have you decided on while away?"

@George too was anxious to hear if the adults had made any decisions during their discussion and turned to listen.

The King raised his eyes when his niece turned her back on him but his was a delicate situation and he would not press his luck further. And no doubt her mother would speak to her about it later on. "My wife and Augusta inform me that it takes time to plan a wedding so I am giving them four months from now. On that day you two shall be wed and set up residence where ever you choose nearby."

Caroline turned, "Four months, that's all the time I have is four months? Please mother you don't expect me to remain in this god forsaken land during that entire time."

"We had not planned on it Caroline, but perhaps the time with your cousin before your wedding would benefit the both of you." Caroline's mother said.

"I would argue that time apart from each other both before and after the wedding would benefit us." she replied.

@"No more of your back talk Caroline, learn to respect your parents. I had planned on allowing you to return to your home for the time remaining but perhaps some time around court will smooth the edge of your unappealing attitude. You may go back long enough to get your affairs in order-

At the mention of Caroline's "affairs" George could not help but snicker. Where his cousin was concerned no doubt that meant more then organizing her household items.

The King cast his son a disapproving glance for the outburst and continued. " But after that return to London."

$"Respect my parents?" Caroline gawked, "I have very much respect for my parents, that is I did until they took it upon themselves to ruin my life by marrying me off. And as for my unappealing attitude uncle, I am not the only one that has issues with this arrangement, I'm just the only with the courage to say it." she said as she shot a look at George.

@"Caroline no more! Your parents and I did what was best for our lands and that included thinking about more then your personal preferences. And I know perfectly well what George thinks about this arrangement."

$"You do what's best for your lands but without consideration for what your children feel? You care more for large masses of dirt over your own flesh and blood?" Caroline snapped, near the point of bursting with anger.

@"ENOUGH!! " The King shouted. "The millions of people that live on the land do take precedence over two, yes. But you shall not question me any longer young lady! Either hold your tongue or remove yourself from my presence at once." The King was so aggravated with his niece that he simply turned his back to her and began to speak to his sister.

"He was impertinent enough to discuss it earlier although considerably more discreetly then you choose to announce your views." She would talk back no more. Who could refuse the King's order? With that he turned to his sister and muttered " Augusta, I had assumed you disciplined your children...."

$"Well George, I knew Caroline would not easily accept this decision, however I am shocked by her behavior. I'm sure once she gets over the initial shock and calms herself she will be more reasonable." Augusta said, trying to smooth the waters between her brother and daughter.

@"I should hope so." The King growled. During the entire discourse George had looked on in amazement. Caroline and talked back , more then once, to this father! had shouted even! George used to think his cousin had had courage but after viewing that display....she could be no other then completely and utterly irrational.

$Caroline scowled and approached her cousin George, whispering in his ear in an attempt to provoke him, "So this is the kind of man you are? Not even an ounce of courage to stand up for yourself? If you can't even do it to your own father, what kind of king will you be?"

@Realizing that Caroline would argue anything, he did not even flinch with this added insult. " Instead of being headstrong and foolish as you just were, I have learned to pick my fights. And I am wise enough to know that this is one I cannot win. And foresight like that makes for a damn good King"

$"So, when a strong country decided to invade your shores, and you're not sure if your army can handle it, you'll stand aside because it's not a battle you can win and let your country be overrun instead of fighting the good fight?" Caroline snapped.

@He could have slapped her. And might have if there hadn't been so many people in the room. He had never harmed a woman, but there was a first for everything wasn't there? This relentless back and forth of her venom tongue was enough to make poor George want to rip his hair out by the roots. It took all George's effort to restrain himself and remain on the couch. Perhaps if he began to take it all in stride she would change her tone? "Well that is another matter entirely. But I don't see why a woman such as yourself need be concerned with such matters." He replied.

$His indifference infuriated her even more. "Because," she said through gritted teeth, "if a man won't step up and be a man, then who would such responsibilities fall to?"

$Hmmm. It hadn't worked as he had expected. But he had only tried it once, it was worth another shot. " Caroline, do not fret over such affairs. Do not fear having to rush into battle for me! No, your responsibilities will consist of no more then women are expected to handle." He said with an exaggerated air of wisdom.

$"So, dear cousin, what exactly does *that entail?" Caroline snapped, wondering what George thought of the fairer sex.

@George raised his eyebrows in surprise. This woman would not give up!" Well you would know more about that than I now wouldn't you?" he retorted.

$Caroline nearly screamed and turned to her mother, "If you think that I'm going to let him touch me you're mad. If it's a heir you want, find some other think to be with him."

@George could not understand. Normally he was the toast of the town, with women absolutely falling over themselves in his presence. But somehow Caroline missed the charm that other females thrived on. Not like he desperately wanted Caroline fawning over him but it would be preferable to this yelling. How dare she yell at her own mother that way? And in such a tone? What happened to women being seen and not heard?

It was then the King, red with rage, spun on his heels, strode quickly to where his niece stood, and slapped her soundly across the cheek. He had caught her comment just as he was leaving the room.

$ Caroline stood there dumbstruck as her uncle struck her across the face. She was about to burst except the king beat her to that.

@"I have warned you more then once Caroline and I'll be damned if a young girl dare defy me so openly!!" he yelled near shaking in his wrath as he grasped her roughly by the arm. " I have banished people from my land and left them penniless for less defiance than you have the gall to display now." he hissed in her ear. " Seeing as we are unfortunately related, I must treat you little better. Perhaps some time alone to think about your actions will teach you how to be a lady!" Waving over an attendant he instructed her to be taken up into her room on the east wing with the door to be locked behind her. " Let her be brought nothing save water as needed. Do not even bring her bags upstairs. If she wants to act like a heathen then let her live like one for the time being and she how she fancies it then." he whispered to the young man. Done for now, the King turned and left.

George was left with his mouth gaping open. His father could be irrational, yes. Strict, yes. Foolish and unreasonable, yes. But never in his life had George witnessed his father violent. Even as a young boy, his father would scold him for offenses and then send him to a tutor to be whipped. Not that he could blame his father entirely-not so many minutes ago he had wished to do the same to his incorrigible cousin.

$Caroline watched as her uncle stormed out. One of the servants motioned for her to follow, but she stood her ground, standing straight and crossing her arms. After a moment of silence another attendant crossed over and roughly grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the room towards her room where she would be locked up until the king deemed fit.

@Henry was new to the King's service but was as dedicated as they come. As he dragged the upstart young girl up the stairs he looked down his straight servile nose at her in disgust. Opening the door to her room and giving her a push in, he left her with a piece of advice. " I suggest that you come around to the King's way madam. It shall be easier on everyone if you do." Locking the door and tugging on it for good measure, he headed back downstairs.

After four hours of Caroline being locked alone in her room, George was sent to bring her some water and a terribly small plate of food from dinner. Why he had been elected he didn't know, but he was NOT pleased. George took a detour to his own rooms to grab a bottle of brandy-he'd rather have Caroline drunk then yelling. Though perhaps his father's forcefulness and some time alone had done her good. He would see in a moment. Arriving at his destination he knocked on the door an unlocked it.

Tired and weary, Caroline lay silently on the bed. She heard the knock, but declined to answer it, and did not so much as flinch when she heard the door open. She closed her eyes and hoped whoever it was would make the visit quick.

Thank God. The woman had calmed down and appeared to be sleeping. Treading quietly to her nightstand he placed the plate down and, chuckling, laid the bottle of brandy beside it.

Caroline opened her eyes and saw the small tray with the food as well as the bottle of brandy on her table. She shifted her eyes from the table to George and back to the table, unsure of what to do and unwilling to make the first move.

"Ah so you are awake. Did you enjoy your nap?" George inquired trying to conceal a grin.

Caroline meant to sneer at his expression, but restrained herself. "I did until someone interrupted it.

"My apologies then" George said smiling, not genuinely sorry in any way. "Well then should I leave you to your nap until morning?"

Caroline just sighed and shrugged her shoulders. She looked back at the brandy instead of at George, "I don't suppose you bought two glasses for that."

George raised his eyebrows suspiciously. Was she implying that he should stay? Well if she could act half-way pleasant then he could attempt the same. " If we are one day to share a bed dear cousin, we can share a flask. Unless it bothers you...."

"If we have to share, we have to start somewhere, I see no reason why it might as well not be with a bottle." Caroline wearily sat up and poured some of the brandy until it nearly filled the glass. She lifted it and took a fair gulp and extended the glass to her cousin.

"Here's to us and our miserable, dictated lives." George said as he grandly lifted the glass high then brought it to his lips. The smooth liquid warmed him as it leisurely slid down his throat. As he refilled the glass he commented to his cousin 'You know, you are much better company when you are not quite so fired up."

"I'm even better company when I'm allowed to live my own life, as I am sure you are as well." Caroline remarked with a sigh. Taking the full glass from George for another sip of the brandy.

"Amen to that" he replied wryly. They were being civil for one of the first times that he could remember and it wasn't as unpleasant as he would have imagined.

"So then," Caroline said, feeling slightly subdued, "where do we go from here?" She handed him back the half filled glass as she proper up some pillows to sit against.

George stayed silent for a moment, staring into his brandy. The brandy, the bed, the noblewoman-all reminded him of Maria and past mistresses that he had shared such an environment with. An odd feeling began to make it's way through his body. It was a natural response-a man of his promiscuous habits would no doubt be aroused by a setting such as this. Perhaps it was just the alcohol or a rush of adrenaline but George tried to squelch it immediately. The facts remained-it was his cousin, the woman who had shown her true colors downstairs, who had bullied over him in the distant past and attempted to so in the present. Clearing his throat George responded. "I'm not so sure I know...."

Caroline took the glass from George's hand and finished of the brandy before refilling it and returning it to his hand. She leaned back and stretched. "Well," she said through a yawn, "that makes two of us." She settled back and closed her eyes, not fighting as the strong brandy began to take it's effect.

Gulping down the remainder of the brandy George picked up the flask to refill his glass. 'I'll be jiggered." he muttered, "it's empty." Silently cursing his luck he told Caroline he would be right back and left the room leaving the door open.

The Prince was a little unsteady on his feet. He had always been one to hold alcohol well but he'd had an abundance this afternoon. During dinner, after Caroline had been sent upstairs, he'd had a good deal of wine. In fact during most of the meal that was all he concentrated on rather then listen to everyone's plans for his future. Excusing himself from the table early he had gone upstairs and had more then half a bottle of brandy. The other half he had poured into the flask for Caroline, which he had helped her finish. So obviously by this time he was.....sufficiently sloshed. Yet as soon as he entered his own chambers he began looking for another bottle.

Caroline didn't flinch as George left, nor was she joyed at his departure. The warm brandy running through her veins had let her relax and forget her troubles of the early evening. She entered a bit of a dreamy daze and didn't awaken until she harm George's sloppy footsteps approaching her room again.

Having grabbed another bottle of brandy (for the prince had quite a collection of alcohol in his rooms) George slowly ambled back into the room. Collapsing on the edge of the bed he held out the newly acquired bottle. "Caaaaaroline" he said a little louder then necessary. "More fire for you?"

Caroline opened her eyes and gave George a classic, snide look. "You're drunk," she plainly stated as she took the bottle out of his hand and refilled her own glass. As she placed the bottle on the table, she moved her foot to give him a bit of a nudge hoping he'd get off the bed.

Turning his head in her direction he gave her a lazy smile." What an astute observer little Caroline is!" he said with a loud guffaw. Feeling her foot, he moved out of it's way by flopping backwards, farther onto the bed.

Caroline didn't bother to force the issue anymore and instead drew her feet back closer to her body. She continued to take sips, large sips that is, of her own bit of brandy, "How much have you had to drink tonight?" she asked in a sad attempt at small talk.

"I had some wine at dinner, then brandy later so one glass, two, three....." George's brow furrowed as he lost count. "Well ,well quite a lot!" He turned over to stare at her and asked grinning, " Do you not approve dear coz?"

Caroline looked into her half empty glass. Much more of this and she' be in very much a similar state, not that she was much better off. "No I don't approve." she stated as she finished off the glass and placed on the bedside table. She stretcher her arms and adjusted herself to lay down across the fluff pillows at the head of her bed.

"Well it seems I have offended my bride! Though she is very nearly drunk herself." George asserted to no one in particular. "What may I do to make up for my beastly behavior then?" he said melodramatically, laughing loudly at himself.

Caroline groaned and picked up on of the pillows. As George continued to drunkenly laugh at himself she moved closer and plopped the pillow over his head.

As the pillow hit his head George stopped his laughter and sat up, wide-eyed. "What in God's name was *that* for?" he asked surprised, his speech slightly slurred.

Caroline rolled over on her back again, "To get you to stop that most annoying laugh." Caroline in a bit of a drunken haze closed her eyes a bit and began to fidget and adjust the neckline of her dress.

"Many women find my laugh most attractive" George grumbled, his ego deflating in spite of his drunken state.

"I'd find a pair of ear muffs more attractive at the moment." Caroline mumbled, she gave up with her dress and folded her hands over her stomach, closing her eyes for a brief moment ignoring the fact George was plopped there next to her.

What was this? She was repelled by the Prince of Wales? He'd show her... "Earmuffs hmm?" he muttered as he lifted her head up and gave her a singular but intense kiss. The stench of the brandy was almost overpowering. Expectantly he held her waiting for a reaction.

She smelt his brandy breath moving near her but she didn't move, not until she felt his lips push against hers. She raised her hands to protest but then retracted. As he pulled away, she looked dumbstruck into his beady eyes. She ought to have screamed, she ought to have slapped him, but the brandy in her own body took over and she pulled him closer to her.

She had responded exactly as he had hoped. The alcohol added to Caroline's sudden change of heart floored him. Entwining his other arm around her waist he met her embrace and continued to kiss her, hard. Intoxicated, he was rougher then he should have been but so far Caroline wasn't resisting.

Caroline could taste the mix of wine and brandy in George’s mouth. She should have pushed away, but she didn't. Instead she wrapped her arms up under his and pulled his shoulders closer to her, let his mouth explore her own without complaint.

George grunted his approval. Holding tightly onto Caroline, George's mouth explored hers once again, then her throat. His drunken mutterings continued whenever his lips parted from her skin. Laying her back on the bed George's hands began to play up and down the front of her bodice.

Caroline gasped for breath each time George pulled his lips from hers, but it helped little. She felt his hands run over her body and in response to his drunken affections, and gathered the material of his tailcoat in her hands and attempted to slide it off his shoulders.

Feeling the tug of his jacket George wrestled to get it off. His inebriated frenzy was proving satisfying, so why stop? Throwing his jacket off the side of the bed he began to work furiously on the stays of her gown.

Caroline, in her drunken state, could feel George undoing the top of her dress. In a sober state she would have yelled at him to leave her alone. In a sober state she wouldn't have allowed him near her bed. But she wasn't sober, neither was he, and she didn't yell and she didn't fight. She let him continue to pull at her dress as she allowed him to press his lips over her lips and her cheek, and her neck.

Undoing her dress, George caressed her body but his eyes were having a hard time focusing. The alcohol was strongly affecting him but he was more then determined to stick with the task at hand.

Freed from the top and most troublesome layer of clothes, Caroline began to take her turn again, pulling at the button's of George's fine vest. The alcohol continued to take its effect and she felt her head spin. She felt her head spin and she was becoming dizzy, and very glad she was laying down.

George stopped only long enough to help her fumble with his vest buttons. Continuing, he noticed through his brandy induced haze that she was participating but not responding anymore. She fiddled with his clothes but did nothing more then lay there. George pressed her tightly against him and whispered "Come now Caroline, surely we can do better than that?" between kisses.

Caroline rightly forced the vest over his shoulders in response to his statement. "Shut up George become you make me come to my senses." She snapped as she become more aggressive in pulling at his shirt.

In response George only became more forceful pressing his lips against hers once more, almost violently. He obliged by removing his shirt but in return, swiftly removed Caroline's dress from her shoulders moving it down to her waist.

Caroline, growing impatient herself, forced the dress, along with the petticoat, down over her waist and onto her legs. Under George's weight, she began to kick and squirm to free herself from it. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, holding her lips onto his while letting her body weakly move against his body.

Now that Caroline was nearly free from the constraints of her gown George clutched at her, tightening his grip in every way possible. His hands and mouth were wildly exploring, the two betrothed cousins becoming a frenzy of limbs, clothes, and tangled bed sheets. His vision was not clearing and he began to feel woozy but George was in no mood to slow down.

Caroline felt George's hands move over her body. She continued to pull at the remaining bit of clothing still covering his body as she felt his hands squeeze her. She leaned up and began to let her own mouth explore his neck and shoulders and chest, but it was long before she felt the dizzying affect of the brandy took control and she plopped back on the bed.

Her kisses sped up his lethargic pulse and George let her pull at what clothing was left. The brandy had taken a heavy toll on the both of them and his head was reeling. The room seemed to be moving with him and he kept a firm grip on Caroline to try and stabilize himself. Unable to any longer he rolled off onto his side and took a deep breath. Entwining his muscular leg with hers he pulled her close again, his hands near the small of her back. George continued his stream of kisses but they came slower as he tried to get the room to stop spinning.

Caroline didn't fight as George moved to the side and pulled her with him, although the way he pulled her leg caused her little discomfort. She rested her head down as he continued to kiss her, but slowly she drifted off without him.

George's attempts to steady his head and the movement of the room were not succeeding. He moaned, feeling extremely dizzy and buried his head in the crook of Caroline's neck. His hold on her began to loosen as he too started to fade. Within minutes he was gone as well, the pair passed out in each other's arms.

Hours later, Caroline began to come to. She was tangled in a mess of clothing and bed sheets and the limbs of her lover, whose head was resting against her neck. In the dark room she could not see anything, but could feel her lover's warm breath on her shoulder. Her face so near his neck and cheek, she slowly began to run her lips over his skin, trying to remember which of her lovers she had spent the night with.

George could feel something warm and moist against his skin, but it seemed so far away. As he slowly began to gain consciousness he realized someone was kissing his neck. A sleepy, but inviting growl emitted from deep within his throat. There was a dull throbbing in his head, no doubt from all the alcohol that had been consumed the night before. He tried hard to ignore it as he met the lips of his bedmate.

Caroline felt a set of dry lips met her own. She pulled her arms up and began to brush them against the arms of the man in bed next to her. She wanted to look into his face, but feeling his kiss decided just to keep her eyes closed.

The thudding inside his head continued but George was willing to overlook it for more of this wonderful pleasure that was being offered. Tickling the woman's back with his fingers he kissed her once again. It was too dark to see but George kept his eyes closed anyway. The smallest amount of light seemed to sear into the back of his head, even the faint glow of the sunrise. The small frame beside him and the way she gently aroused him-his companion could only be one woman. "Maria...." he whispered softly between kisses.

Caroline smiled as she felt strong hands wonder over her back and she laughed as he tickled her in her most sensitive spots. She was enjoying the sweet embrace until she heard the whisper. "Maria?" she snapped as she opened her eyes to see George holding her. "George!" she snapped, "as she kicked and pushed herself away from him. She quickly backed away against the headboard of the bed and pulled he blanket up to hid her partial clothed body.

George felt himself kicked hard in the side-this was NOT Maria. Slowly opening his eyes and squinting at the women he saw none other then Caroline, his enemy since childhood. He had been enjoying himself immensely just moments ago. What happened? "What the hell?" he said, thoroughly confused.

Caroline hastily wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, disgusted by the thought of what might have just happened. Well, she had allowed him to kiss her at least, but last night, who knows what had happened. She surveyed the setting quickly, she still had some of her undergarments on, so perhaps . . . she tried to shut the thought out of her mind and hoped that he would say something.

George too surveyed the scene. The sheets were tangled together, there were bits of clothing strewn all over the floor, an empty flask and bottle of brandy, his breeches were undone and Caroline had on but a few undergarments . Wiping his face and trying to clear his head he asked "Caroline......what happened?". George could not remember the night before well and he began to pale around the edges.

Caroline nearly fumed, "Nothing happened! If ever you think of this night again, we drank brandy or what ever was in that flask, and passed out, and nothing, nothing, else happened." Caroline backed farther away on the bed, wrapping the blankets tighter around her own body in a way of protesting herself.

"Nothing? Caroline as much as I would like to believe that-look around. Oh God........" George replied. Obviously they had both had a grand time but without the consent of their sane, reasonable selves.

"I did look around George, and that is exactly why *nothing* happened. Just the thought of what we might have done is too much." A slight throb began to grow in her head and she laid down, curled into a ball, on the bed against a pillow, with her back turned to George.

"Perhaps not as much happened as we think." George said hopefully as he touched her shoulder. "We are not fully undressed you know." George said this more for his own benefit. The fact remained that something *did* happen, neither were thrilled about whatever the elusive "it" was, and the ache in his head was not lessening.

Caroline flinched as she felt George touch her. He had a point, she still had a few layers and even her corset on and his britches, though partially undone, were still on for the most part. Perhaps nothing of consequence happened. Either way, the idea that she had let him touch her was enough to make her shudder, although knowing it was to be expected after they were married, at least until they had a child. Caroline began to rock back and forth on the bed wondering what he was really, really thinking.

George laid back on the bed and sighed. Pressing his hands to his temples to try and alleviate some of the pain he mused aloud. "If you want to look on the bright side, for a little while we did not wholly despise each other. You have to admit that we were enjoying ourselves a few moments ago until we figured out exactly who the other was."

Caroline, still angered at what might or might not have happened the night before, simple shrugged her shoulders. "Well then, we'll have to make sure our honeymoon spot is well stocked with wine and brandy."

George gave a sarcastic laugh. He did not have the strength nor the desire to reply. He closed his eyes and pulled the corner of the bed sheet over him. He was content to lie there until his father deemed it necessary to summon him for some unimportant servile business. His father! The King had locked Caroline in her room. George was given a key to bring her dinner last night but no one expected him to still be in her room the next morning. Someone would be coming to check in on her soon! Bolting up from his prostrate position caused his head to ring louder but there was not time to worry about it. "Caroline" he said hoarsely, "someone is going to be sent to check on you soon!"

Caroline just gave a soft yawn. "Let them, they'll find me peacefully asleep." Without considering what someone might think if they found George there as well, she pulled the covers more snuggly around her.

"What they'll find is you half clad, me in nothing but my britches, and our clothes all over the room!" he cried grabbing his shirt off the floor and quickly pulling it over his head.

"Good," she said, "Then perhaps they'll think we're getting along and leave us in peace until the wedding. We won't be forced to spend more time together in order to get used to each other."

He stopped his hurry and turned to stare at her. " Caroline in spite of our true natures our parents still view us as having *some* virtue. I doubt they would be overjoyed at us having spent the night together no matter that it seems we've changed our views about each other. Our mothers are strong Christian women and both our fathers encourage strict discipline regardless of the crime. I highly suggest you begin to care."

"Oh please George, shut up already. It's no secret that the both of us have had relations with other. You've even been married already! It's not as if our fathers are saints either, don't go on thinking that they spend every night faithfully with our mothers." Caroline said, growing tired of the conversation.

"I know very well my father is not faithful but he finds fault in everything I do. You have upset him enough already and I would rather not be around to take the brunt of his wrath if he finds we've slept together if it's all the same to you." George retorted as he began to collect his clothing and get dressed.

Caroline opened her eyes for a moment and watched as George replaced his clothes. "Fine then," she said, "don't let the door smack you on your way out." she snapped, angry her husband to be was so fearfully of his own father, but glad to be nearly rid of his presence.

After he was dressed George gathered the flask and brandy bottle, tucking it under his arm. Strolling over to the opposite side of the bed he leaned over and pinched her backside. " Don't worry I won't dear coz" he said with a wicked grin as he locked the door behind him.

Caroline moved to slap him as he pinched her, but in her half hearted attempt, missed. She would have pushed to get him back, but instead just plopped on the bed, more then willing to sleep off the rest of the alcohol.

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