Arranged

5

Cosette

I watched as William got himself into a tense conversation with the redhead that had cut in earlier. Indeed I was also quick to grab a glass of champagne, as I was at a royal party with no one to talk to. A voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Calm down dear, they're cousins."

I looked to my right to find a tall brunette about my age. Her brown eyes sparkled with curiosity. She held out a slender hand.

"Avery. Pleased to meet you."

"Cosette. And you as well."

"And what brings you to the ball today, Cosette? I see that you've had your eye on a certain Evernorth all evening..."

I felt my face flush with embarassment, and was anxious to cover up the obvious mistake.

"We-we're not particularly affiliated in any way or anything, it's just that he is quite the only person I know here. He is engaged, you know."

"Yes, to a certain Danica Whittney, I've heard. In all honesty, dearest, I believe that you look much better on his arm than she does."

Avery had a charming, articulate way of speaking that fascinated me. It felt like I had known her in another life. She was so familiar to me, somehow.

"I appreciate that, but I'm just in the picture until things blow over at the Evernorth household."

"Oh you mean with the uncovered agreement?"

She was suddenly excited.

"Are you that Cosette? My dear, I'm quite pleased to meet you, then. Please do tell me how that is getting along."

I was properly shocked at her audacity. How could she have known so quickly?

"I'm sorry, but how do you know about that?"

She smiled earnestly.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. You see, I've been the personal source of royal information for quite some time now. I garuntee you that there is absolutely nothing that could suprise me at a royal gathering."

Silenced, I waited a beat.

"Well, it seems that William is only being cordial towards me for his father's sake. We've only met twice, you know."

"It's interesting that you think that. I've never seen William so entralled in conversation before tonight. But do tell me how you feel on the subject of Danica. I've been hearing too much drama on the subject as of late."

"He seems to be rather in love with her, and I'm sure that she was the point of enthrallment for him in our conversation. I really only hope that someone thinks so highly of me one day."

When I looked up, she had a curious expression on her face. I raised an eyebrow.

"You're in love with him already."

"I am not!"

Suddenly I was repulsed by my current situation. The last thing I was was in love with William Evernorth. This was practically a business transaction, for goodness sakes.