Ever After

fourteen | eadlyn

Ahren and Camille arrived just as we were washing our breakfast plates. They walked in, their own security falling in with ours, looking like countryside dreams. Camille's sundress hung just past her knees and matched her hair color perfectly. 

I glanced down at my outfit. Sure, I was wearing another one of Eikko's shirts, but at least I had put my own leggings on. Ahren smirked at my outfit, but every time Eikko looked at me, I felt adored. 

I embraced Camille as the boys shook hands. There was an obvious friendliness between them, and I was happy that Eikko had warmed up to my family so quickly. 

Camille giggled. "How has the trip been so far? I've never seen you so relaxed!" 

I smiled. "It has been stress-free and amazing. Thank you for making this possible."

She waved her hand, dismissing it. "It was nothing. Anything for you."

Ahren wrapped an arm around my shoulders and kissed my forehead. "Hey, Eady."

"Ahren."

Camille and Eikko greeted each other with nods and smiles. Eikko offered them the rest of our breakfast, but both turned down the fruit and yogurt. 

I turned back and leaned against him, letting him support me while we settled into a comfortable conversation. His hands rested on my waist. 

"So, you're going to stop by your house before heading back?" Ahren asks my husband, swinging an arm over his own wife.

I can feel the smile in his voice. "Yes. Eadlyn continues to say she wants to see it, even though it is just a house." 

I roll my eyes at the usual excuse of his home not being special but do not join the conversation. The boys continue to talk, so Camille reaches across and grabs my hand, nodding her head towards the balcony. 

I squeeze Eikko's hand at my waist and follow her, leaving the boys to themselves. We settle into the plush chairs and watch the rolling hills wake up for the day. 

"Have you and Eikko talked about children?" She asks. I smile at her French accent on his Finnish name.

I shake my head. "We haven't really talked about it. We both want a big family, but that's all we've said."

Camille nods. "I want a big family too, like yours. Being an only child is lonely. Ahren says we'll probably get that, considering the twin gene is passed down."

I smile. "Yeah, twins usually have twins eventually. Which is strange, because my parents don't have twin genes in their families."

"Surprise," she muses. "I think I want boys, too. A girl, of course, but boys seem a lot more fun to raise."

I giggle. "I think they are. Osten is hilarious, and I remember the boys getting into so much more trouble than I ever did. I was always the calm one."

"And, being a girl is difficult as a royal," Camille says. 

I reach across and grab her hand. "I know."

She smiles. "You were thrown into so much recently. Queen and bride. At least I get a chance to just be a wife. I cannot imagine how busy you are."

I shrug. "We were only married for two weeks before leaving for this, and it wasn't fun, but it was easy. We both have things to do during the day, and we make time for each other. Then after dinner, I try not to leave his side. We make it work. It's been nice seeing him all day."

Camille nods. "Night is the best time to be married, anyway." 

We both look at each other before cracking up. After a moment, she grabs my hand and stills me. "The reason I ask, about kids, is because I..." She bites her lip and glances inside, where we can see the boys still talking and laughing.