Avelynns POV
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"Knock, knock, knock."
"Come in!" I shout at the person behind the door. The door handle turns, and Joseph walks in.
"Avelyn Are you okay?" Joseph asks
"Wow. Do you suddenly care?" I say, and he rolls his eyes.
"God, you're acting like I'm cold-hearted," he chuckles under his breath.
"I don't knoww there isn't any proof you aren't."
"Ha ha," he says out of fake annoyance. After a moment of silence, Joseph begins to talk again.
"I'm sorry Dad's forcing this marriage on you. It's so ridiculous that you must marry a complete stranger."
I nod and then respond, "I just wish he could see that it doesn't matter if it's a homosexual marriage or not. He says it's for the best of this country, but it doesn't seem that way."
He nods at this. "Do you even want to be the queen?"
"No, It seems awful. I fear that if I take on the role of queen, I will become all grouchy and mean like Father is."
"Hmm. Would you be opposed to me ruling?"
"You? I don't know. What princess would ever want to marry you?"
"Excuse me! That doesn't matter. I have someone in mind," he says, and I cut him off in shock.
"Really?! Who?"
"Well, you may already know this, but I have been in a relationship with Prince Matthew. We plan to gather his parents and my father to discuss our marriage."
"Really? Since when!"
"Well, our first time was at the spring ball of '32, and then again when he first came to stay with us this week."
"The spring ball?"
"Yes, the spring ball. We sneaked into his room during the queen's dance."
"You naughty boy!" I say and jokingly push his shoulder. We both laugh.
*Knock, knock.*
"The king would like you both to gather in the dining room in 5 minutes," says one of the housemaids and then goes silent, most likely walking away.
"What could he need now?" My brother says. I shrug in response. I quickly stand up, dust off my dress, and then we both head to the dining room.
Once we arrive, we spot Matthew already seated at the table, talking to Father, and Skylia standing by Father as usual.
"Good morning, you two. Calmed down from your outbursts?"
"Yes, Father I have. Did you sleep well Father?" Joseph says
", I slept rather well. Thank you for asking, Joseph. Anyways! now that we have everyone together, I would like to announce that this year we will be hosting the European winter ball here!
"Really? But we haven't hosted a ball since '24."
"Yes, I know that, but with me stepping down from the throne, it would be wonderful to have one final hurrah!"
"When is the ball? I just need to know so I can start on mine and Ave's outfits."
"Joseph!, I thought we discussed this; men do not participate in feminine activities such as sewing."
With this, my brother rolls his eyes before my father can begin to speak again.
"Anyways, we'll be hosting it on the 31st, New Year's Day, as you know."
"Alright, then. May I go now?" My brother says impatiently, as always. My father nods in response, and Joseph leaves the room, with Matthew following.
