The King's Bride

Wrong One To Mess With

As Everleigh had predicted, the following weeks were filled with Lords and Ladies demanding to speak with Jensen, expecting an apology and being told to suck it up, as well as if they didn't like it they could always leave Court. A few Lords actually threatened to do just that, but eventually opted to stay.

During those weeks, Everleigh had been on her best behavior, only talking back when she really couldn't hold it in anymore, making a conscious effort to, even when telling them off, be polite about it, much to Mackenzie's amusement, who had been present for more than a few of those interactions.

However, there had been one interaction where Everleigh had made sure her opponent knew exactly what they were getting into when they decided to come for her.

Flashback

Everleigh is coming back from a ride with Mackenzie, the two talking and laughing as they discuss wedding plans, both Jensen and Everleigh having already settled on a date, when they run into Lord Evans in an empty corridor.

Lord Evans is polite when he first sees them, nodding in greeting to the both of them, but as he walks past and realizes they are talking about the wedding, his mood changes.

-"My apologies, Ladies, but is the wedding still happening?" - The question catches both women off guard.

-"Why wouldn't?" - Everleigh looks straight at him.

-"Considering that you, Lady Everleigh, left without a word, it was expected for the King to find a new bride. One more... suitable for the job."

-"Lady Everleigh didn't leave without a word. His Majesty knew where she was and what she was doing, not that they owe any explanations to you." - Mackenzie is angry, there's an edge of it in her voice.

-"I'm sure His Majesty knew, but that doesn't mean he had agreed to it. After all, no man wants a runaway bride that only returns when it is convenient for her."

Mackenzie is about to give him a piece of her mind when she is stopped by Everleigh, Everleigh's hand on her arm.

-"If ignorance was a virtue, you'd be a saint by now, Lord Evans. The things you don't know could fill this whole Castle and then some. Yes, I left, but that doesn't mean I was a runaway bride or that His Majesty didn't agree to it. His Majesty knew where I was and when I was returning, as well as gave me his blessing to do so before I left. So you see, not a runaway bride."

-"Such a shame, really. You could've been happy, if only you stayed away." - He shakes his head.

-"Really, a veiled threat? Please, I've seen more formidable foes in a toddler's tantrum, my Lord. And by the way, who are you again? 'Cause last I heard, you're not even on the Private Council anymore, so... What makes you think that I give a rats ass about what you think of me?"

Everleigh chuckles as she watches Lord Evans open and closing his mouth in search for an answer, but not being able to.

-"If you'll excuse us, we have a wedding to plan. Good day, Lord Evans."

Everleigh and Mackenzie walk away, the latter laughing softly, leaving Lord Evans dumbfounded and utterly pissed in the middle of the corridor, Everleigh walking away with her head high and a feeling of pride in herself filling her chest.

As expected, Lord Evans ran to Jensen after their conversation and demanded an apology. And, also as expected, Jensen told him to suck it up and deal with it, something Lord Evans wasn't too happy about. Everleigh was certain that if he didn't like her before, now the man downright hated her.

She didn't let that get to her, though, as she started noticing that some of the same people that once had made her feel like she didn't belong there, were now reaching out to her and some even apologizing for their previous behavior.

Everleigh accepted their apologies, but deep down she knew they were only apologizing because they knew it wasn't a good idea to be on the bad side of the woman that was soon going to be their Queen.

She didn't care. The only thing she cared about now was her wedding day, a day that was fast approaching.