The King's Bride

It's Time

Everleigh arrives at the tavern earlier than usual and waits for Lucia, sitting at one of the tables, nervous with what will await her once she leaves the place where she was given a new start.

She hears Lucia walk in and seeing her waiting for her.

-"Is everything alright?" - Lucia can see how nervous Everleigh is, as she walks over to her.

-"It's time." - She stands, tears already lining her eyes, seeing the woman smiling softly at her words.

-"It's about time, if you ask me."

-"Lu, I don't think I would've made it through the last few months if it weren't for you. Thank you for all you did for me. I will never forget it."

-"Just be happy, that's all I want for you, hon. And if you're ever nearby, just come and say hi. Remember, there will always be a place here for you if you ever need it."

-"I will and I know. If you ever need anything, just let me know. As soon as I'm settled, I will write you."

-"Now, off you go, hon. Make sure to make every day count. Oh, and give them hell." - Lucia smiles at her.

-"I will."

Everleigh laughs, hugging her tight, tears falling. She eventually lets go, wiping the tears away, and leaves. As she walks around the village, headed for the cottage, she wonders what Lucia will think once she finds out who Everleigh really is.

She thinks that she will find a way to repay her for all she did for her, one way or another. Lucia was the mother she didn't have, the friend she needed when she felt all alone and the one person to see her for who she really is instead of who she is supposed to be. She will never forget that.

Everleigh reaches the cottage and sees that Josh is already there, waiting for her. She greets him and asks him for just a few minutes so she can change, Josh nodding and following her inside.

Josh stands by the door, his back turned while she changes.

-"Did you take care of everything you needed?"

-"I did, thank you."

Everleigh thinks that she had already spoken to her landlady earlier that morning and all she had left to do was say goodbye to Lucia, as she finishes getting changed, tears filling her eyes again at the thought of Lucia. She grabs her bags and tells him she is ready.

Josh turns then, taking her bags from her, and follows her as she leaves the cottage that was her home for the last few months. Everleigh stops for a moment, looking at the cottage, remembering her first night there, how she and Lucia got so drunk they almost didn't open the tavern the next morning.

Everleigh smiles and gets on her horse, looking back one last time, before following Josh out of the village.