The King's Bride

Afternoon Tea

Everleigh's and Mackenzie's laughter fills the space around them. Sitting in Mackenzie's room, having a cup of tea together while Mackenzie shares the latest gossip, Everleigh feels normal. Here she isn't the King's bride, she is just Everleigh and she is grateful to Mackenzie for that.

-"Are you ready for the Ball?" - Mackenzie looks at her over her cup.

-"Not really. Honestly, I would much rather stay in my room, than having to stand all night in a room filled with people that don't want me here."

The Ball has just been the latest source of anxiety for Everleigh. Even if it's still three weeks away, she can already know that she isn't going to enjoy it.

-"Maybe it will be a good thing. It will give everyone a proper chance to meet you. And who knows? Perhaps they'll change their minds. This Ball is the perfect opportunity for that."

-"I don't believe they will change their minds about me that easily, at least not until the Private Council's Lords tell them to."

-"You know, I always hated them. Even when they were advising our father. I sometimes wish Jensen would just replace them. I have no doubt if he did that, his life would be a whole lot easier."

-"That's easier said than done. Besides, we can wish all we want, but the only person that can actually do something about it is your brother and I'm not so sure he is willing to." - Everleigh takes a sip from her cup, watching Mackenzie shrug one shoulder before speaking.

-"Maybe when you're married to Jensen you can tell him to get a new Council, considering that the current one clearly isn't going to be willing to recognize you as their Queen."

-"I would never tell your brother what to do. Plus, if he doesn't say anything to the Lords that aren't happy with having me as their future Queen now, then maybe that's because he actually agrees with them."

-"Do you really believe that?" - Mackenzie looks back at her, surprised.

-"He has yet to prove me otherwise."

-"I guess you're right." - Mackenzie nods, understanding where Everleigh is coming from. -"But I still like to believe that he will prove us wrong."

-"Listen, I'm open to be proven wrong. I'm even willing to try and have a relationship with him, even if it's just a friendship, but as of right now, I don't see that happening. Still, no matter what might happen between us, I will still do what is expected of me."

Mackenzie nods, clearly already deep in thought, as she takes a sip from her tea. Everleigh watches her for a moment, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve after placing her cup on the little side table, wishing that Jensen would be a little more open to at least talk with her. Maybe if he has, they could come to some sort of compromise and not make things as difficult as they already are.

She knows better than to get her hopes up, as sometimes things don't go as we wish they do, but despite that, she knows that she will do her best to keep her end of this agreement, even if it will make for a very miserable life.