𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 ✦ 𝘳𝘦𝘻𝘦𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘭

-05

Later that evening...

"I shouldn't tell you about it," you railed, "In your condition you shouldn't be distressed. But I can't keep it to myself or I will explode, which you would probably find infinitely more distressing."

Your older sister lifted her head from Ethel's supportive shoulder. "Tell me" Olivia said, swallowing against another wave of nausea. "I'm distressed only when people keep things from me." She was settled in the crook of Ethel's arm as he spooned some lemon ice into her mouth. She closed her eyes as she swallowed, her brown lashes resting in
spiky crescents against her pale cheeks.
"Better?" The prince asked gently, swabbing a stray drop near the corner of her lips. Olivia nodded, her face ghastly white.

"Open your mouth," he said, and fed her more flavored ice.

Ordinarily, you would have been touched by the glimpse into their
private life...it was rare that anyone saw Olivia so vulnerable, or Ethel so gentle and concerned. But You were so distracted by your own problems that you barely noticed their interaction as you blurted out, "Father has given me an ultimatum. Tonight he- "
"Wait," Ethel said quietly, adjusting his hold on Olivia. As he eased his wife
to her side, she leaned more heavily on him. He murmured something indecipherable into her warm toned hair, and she nodded with a sigh.
Anyone who witnessed the prince's tender care of his young wife could not help but take note of the outward changes in him, who had always been known as a cold-natured man. He had become far more approachable- he smiled more, laughed more.

Ethel's eyes color was a slightly different shade of Rezef's. A bit lighter. His eyes narrowed slightly as he focused on you. Although he didn't say a word,you read in his gaze the desire to shield Olivia from anyone and anything that might disturb her peace.
Suddenly you felt ashamed for having rushed over here. You should have kept your problems to yourself and instead you had run to your older sister like a tattling child. But then Olivia's green eyes opened, and they were warm and smiling, and a thousand childhood
memories danced in the air between you like jubilant fireflies. The intimacy of sisters was something not even the most protective husband could disrupt.

"Tell me," Olivia said, nestling against her partner's shoulder "What did he say?"

"That if I don't find someone to marry by the end of two months he would choose a husband for me. And guess who that is? Just guess!"

"I can't imagine," Olivia said. "Father doesn't approve of anyone."
"Oh, yes he does now. Thanks to your mother for giving him ideas" You replied ominously. "There is one person in the world they approve of one hundred percent."
Now even the prince was beginning to look interested. "That old woman...It is someone with whom i am acquainted?"

"It's Mag" you stated

Olivia stared at you blankly. Then she turned her face into Ethel's shoulder with a squeaky gasp. At first you feared she might be crying, but it quickly became apparent that she was giggling helplessly. "No...not really...how absurd...you could never..."

"You wouldn't find it so amusing if you were supposed to marry him" You
said with a scowl, crossing your arms

"Though, you two would make an adorable match" she winked at you.

"Olivia! not you either" you said
"I'm merely joking. Relax"

Ethel glanced from one sister to the other. "What is wrong with Lord Magnus? he seems a respectable enough fellow."

"That is true. We grow up together, just like siblings. It would be a bit weird if one of us married him." You inquired

"Your father esteems him, he is intelligent and he is to inherit his father's title. Quite the catch if i must say." Ethel said.