“She’s so—so—” Your fingers were bending inwards to your palm from frustration. Everything on your face was scrunching intensely as you tried to find a word to describe the very woman who had already become the bane of your existence. “Aggravating!” Bursting out, your head leaned back as you looked at the sky.

Her presence—the thought of her alone—was bringing you immeasurable amounts of wrath. It was not healthy, you knew that. But you could not fight against it.

You could not stop your mind from wandering to her. It made you feel sick. She was poisoning you from the inside, infecting your brain and spreading through your body.

Her words from two nights ago were playing in your head again. Who would even say something like this? Especially, to the Royal Heir?

She was out of her mind and trying to make you lose yours. You would not let her. You would do anything to stop her madness from spreading to you even more.

“Everything she does, everything she says.” You let out a loud, uncontrolled groan in an attempt to express how unhappy she was making you. “She’s impolite, she’s spiteful, she’s—she’s—”

“Like you?” Your head shot to the person whose indifferent face was focused on an apple.

You had to take a second when your arms dropped to your lap to stop yourself from flicking his forehead.

Suddenly, you regretted going to the gardens with him. It was supposed to be a relaxing day, one that would help with your problems. Either solve them or make them go away.

His eyes moved to you when there was no reply, an eyebrow arched in your way as he took a bite of his fruit.

“What?” He asked casually, slightly confused when your glaring did not stop as you remained quiet.

“How dare you, Peter?” Because how? He was supposed to be your best friend, not everybody else’s defender.

His head moved back as he was lying on his side, leaning on one arm. “Excuse me, but you said it yourself.” You did not say anything of that sort and you fought hard not to smack his hands when he started counting, putting up one finger at each word. “Impolite, spiteful—”

“I’m not—” Your louder statement fell on deaf ears.

He just kept going. “Probably angry, probably prideful—” He was galloping too far. “I would also assume arrogant at times—" His arms spread lazily as much as they could in his position.

"Alright!" You said louder, a hand coming up to silence him as your eyes closed.

Maybe there was some truth to his words. You were not always perfect, you had your flaws—your imperfections. Everyone had those.

Everyone had moments when they had to let go of what was building up inside.

It did not mean you were like her. She sure as hell was not like you.

“She’s still a horrible person.” You told him sternly, the look in your eyes was fiery as you were getting more irritated. “I can’t believe I have to marry—her.” It had never been funny, but you felt like crying for help now. “Out of all people.”

There were so many of them. So many Kingdoms that your father ruled over. So many Princesses in them, waiting for someone to take their hand.

Maybe if you had shown interest at least in one, you would not be in this mess right now.

All of this denying, rejecting—it went for nothing. You were being forced to marry after all of your attempts to avoid it, foolishly thinking that getting rid of all those girls would put you a step closer to marrying your love.

Eve.

She was the only one who kept you grounded in this mad place. The only one you could see the future with. A woman that had nothing but pure kindness in her heart.

And the only one you were forbidden from loving.

Your parents would not say anything to you about it directly, but there had been comments about how you’d had to find a close match.

The importance of the future bride’s status had been put on you ever since you could remember.

It had never even been a debate. Your mother had tried to help as much as she could have, but even she couldn’t have changed the laws and ways of the Kingdom.

Not even as a Queen.

And you could not choose your bride—to some extent, of course. You had a free hand as long as they were of a noble birth. As much as Eve came from a family of a Baron, it was not enough.

It felt like nothing you wanted would ever be good enough for them.

“I think you are exaggerating a bit.” Peter’s voice brought you back to the real world.

You were not sure where you would rather stay, here or in your head. Neither was great. Neither could let you calm down and live in peace for a while.

“She wished death on me.” You told him pointedly, leaning closer with your head as veins on your neck popped from straining it.

Your eyes almost fell out when he lazily turned his head, eyes rolling in the process before looking at you.

“That is insane to say even for you.”

“I’m not lying!” Your arms flew up at the accusation. It was getting hard to like him today. “I said starvation was better than marrying her and she told me to do it!”

And you still stood by it.

But his squinted eyes made you pause. The way his eyebrow raised in suspicion made your thoughts backtrack.

“Then you proposed the idea.” He said like it was obvious, like it was your fault. “She merely encouraged what you yearned for.” He looked down, turning the fruit around in his hand.

He had to be joking or having auditory issues—because there was no way he heard himself a second ago.

Your mouth was agape as you stared at him in shock. This was not your best friend. This was an impostor.

You did not know what to even say as he finished his apple. He liked to joke around. Teasing you was one of his favorite ways to spend time.

But this was different.

This was personal.

She made it personal.

And you needed to feel like at least one person was on your side when everyone seemed to be against you.

His face turned to yours, eyes squinted from the sun that was shining at them. The corner of his mouth raised from how blinding the light was.

“Are you mad?” His question was met with a hard glare from you. The state of your face should answer it enough. A sigh passed his lips as he glanced down. “Alright.” His palms faced forward. “She should not have said it.”

Your eyebrow twitched at the statement. It was uncertain whether you should trust these words.

“Really?” You questioned, the unconvinced tone grouped with a suspicious look made the boy roll his head as he opened his mouth.

“Well—” There it was. “If you hadn’t said anything in the first place—” He was staring down at the blanket, gesturing with his palm up. “Then she wouldn’t have been provoked to reply.”

“She provoked me first!” You burst out again. Someone could compare it to a five-year-old tantrum. Someone like Peter when he gave you a parental look.

You were the Royal Heir, but you felt save enough to act like a normal person with Peter. No theatrics, no snobbish behavior.

Just you.

And at times, it involved your anger being let out freely.

“Her attitude is terrible, you’ll see for yourself.” Your arms went behind you as you leaned on them.

It was such a nice, sunny day—and you were wasting it on thinking about her.

“Aren’t you letting your displeasure cloud your judgment a bit?” A whine involuntarily left your mouth at his stupid question.

Of course, you were not.

Not when it comes to her.

The thought rang in your head, making you look to the side as you bounced your leg. Were you unfair? Your anger stemmed from the situation your own family had put you in.

They deserved your wrath.

She’s impudent.

Your brain looked for excuses to justify your dislike of the girl.

She’s disagreeable.

She was just as much to blame as they were. She was a part of the problem—causing you problems.

Rustling sounded from your right side, making your head whip in confusion as you snapped out of your thoughts.

These gardens were right outside of the palace, nobody had access to them besides your family and servants.

But anybody who was on duty would be insane to do anything here. They would lose their job—or worse.

Peter’s baffled look met yours as you both wondered what was going on, eventually deciding to get up and investigate the case.

Smacking sounds were getting louder as you got closer, your hand reached to move away the branches.

“That’s not very Princess-like.” Two girls jumped apart upon hearing your voice, their eyes went wide as they quickly wiped their mouths, leaning against a statue.

“You idiot.” Your sister remarked, rolling her eyes as she groaned loudly. The girl next to her was panting, trying to compose herself.

Your eyebrow arched at how misheveled their hair was, their clothing was off, and they had marks on their skin and lips.

“Wow, be happy it was me and not our lovely mother.” Peter’s head was shaking like a disappointed parent as he covered it with his palm. “If she comes across your little sessions—”

“She will not.” Kate said sternly. Her eyes looked at you pointedly through her eyelashes.

“If you’re careful enough.” Your arms crossed over your chest. The older sibling in you was coming out with the way you felt like you knew better.

The younger girl’s mouth curved into a smirk as she dusted off her dress. “What? Like you and Eve?” Your face dropped at the bite she delivered.

Of course, you knew she knew. Still, she did not have to fling it into your face like that. Peter’s snort was quickly silenced when you smacked his arm, not looking away from your sister.

“Be careful with her, Lena.” You directed the words at the blonde girl who tried to stay out of the siblings’ feud. “She likes to play dirty.” Kate’s eyes squinted and you responded with the same, getting into a small staring contest.

“I wish she did.” You regretted this entire interaction when you heard the mumble, causing your face to grimace.

You felt physically ill at the comment, possibly able to throw up. Peter was not much different, turning around as he put his fingers into his ears.

Your sister, however, seemed proud as she sent Lena a wink.

“Elliott!” Your eyes widened at the familiar voice. Here she was coming. She could not be far, judging by the volume.

“You better run if you don’t want trouble.” Warning your sister, you watched how she grabbed Lena’s hand and scurried off, mumbling a quick ‘love you’ in your direction.

Taking a deep breath, you were mentally preparing yourself for this encounter. It had not been a good last few days. The tension had been getting worse between your mother and you ever since the Maximoffs had arrived.

She wanted you to play a perfect Royal Heir, a perfect match for the Maximoff Princess.

And you?

You hated the role she chose for you. Controlling your anger toward her was becoming impossible the more comments were being thrown your way—the more she demanded and expected from you.

Peter’s eyebrows raised repeatedly in amusement as he kept glancing back and forth. “Are you not going to acknowledge the Queen?”

“Shut up.” You leaned closer to his face as you passed him, quickly uttering out in a low voice before raising your gaze with a wide smile. Just in time as the older woman came close enough to an earshot. “Hello, Mother.”

You greeted her, but your face quickly changed to fury when you noticed a certain brunette not far behind with her own mother.

“Oh, Peter, darling.” Eleanor almost squealed out in joy upon seeing the brunette boy standing next to you. He did not waste time letting her grab his hands as you shot deadly glares at Wanda. “How wonderful to see you here.”

“Pleasure is all mine, Your Majesty.” He bowed down—his lips lightly connecting with her skin. “You look exceptionally gorgeous in this weather, yellow truly is your color.”

She giggled at the compliment like a teenager. Your eyes could not be stopped from rolling to the back of your head, seeing the interaction.

Sometimes, he was an absolute butt-kisser.

“You should have Elliott with you at all times.” She remarked with a smirk. “They could learn a thing or two.” Your mouth hung open at the lighthearted joke when her amused smile spread even wider.

“That’s what I always say.” Peter laughed with her, making your expression change instantly. You could kill with one glance, which was the exact reason he was avoiding looking at you.

“Perhaps you would like to join us for a stroll?” She glanced at you both in question, going back and forth as she waited for a response.

She seemed to be in a good mood today—very different from the last few days. A warm grin gracing her lips made your walls crumble as the prospect of spending time with your mother seemed rather appealing.

As long as she would not switch back into her Queen persona, you would not argue.

“Of course!” The boy turned to you, smiling widely and raising his eyebrows. Repeatedly. Like he was sending you a message to agree.

You simply nodded, deeming it enough and making them both chuckle in happiness.

She quickly took you to the other two women who were looking around the garden with fascination.

“Your Majesty.” Peter said, bowing with a polite smile as you exchanged greetings with the women. “Your Highness.” He looked at the brunette girl next. You noticed how his eyes carefully went all over her, looking for something before he smiled wider. “I could not wait to make your acquaintance.” His pearly-white teeth shone brightly at the girl while he held his palm out as an invitation for her. “Peter Parker.”

You wanted to fight. You wanted someone to arrange a battle. Because you could not believe your eyes at how sincerely she grinned at him, taking his hand and shaking it lightly.

“Wanda.” She replied shortly, her tone was calm and kind—just like the look in her eyes.

Unlike with you.

“The future Queen.” He added politely, giving respect to her title as he bowed again.

Her mouth twitched slightly before she shook her head. “Wanda is enough.” His head tilted slightly in question, but a grin followed right after as he accepted her wish.

Why was she so nice all of a sudden?

So deceitful.

He would find out how insane she was soon enough. She could not keep this up for too long.

Queen Iryna wanted to say something before a silver-haired man almost ran up to all of you.

His breathing was slightly ragged, but he was fast to regulate it as he bowed to the rest. “I apologize for my tardiness.” He let out with a regretful look painting his features. “Father needed my help before I could come join you.”

His sweet approach could make you vomit rainbow, but you stopped yourself from gagging at the exchange he had with your mother.

Glancing at Peter, you hoped he would feel the same, but your face became blank when you saw his entranced eyes focused on the older Maximoff’s features.

Now, the eye-roll was impossible to stop before your mother started walking. Queen Iryna took a spot beside her as both of the twins followed right behind them, leaving you and Peter at the end.

You had met the boy in the last two days, having a short conversation and not liking it. He seemed polite, even kind, but you did not want to have anything to do with him or his family.

Especially, his sister.

Peter, however, seemed to be fascinated with him as his eyes were jumping all over Pietro’s head, going lower to his shoulders and back as he subconsciously bit his lip.

“Calm yourself.” You whispered jokingly. “We are in public.”

His scoff-like laugh made his head throw back before looking at you. “Says you.” His words made your eyebrow quirk. “She is a sweetheart.” You could not believe what you were hearing as he nodded at the brunette girl in front of him.

“You must be going mad.” Your hands connected behind your back as you frustratedly shook your head, looking to the side to watch the flowers.

“What is so terrible about her then?” He asked in pure curiosity. “What is it you want that she can not give you?”

Everything.

To you, she was the only thing that kept you from everything you ever desired.

“I want peace, normalcy.” You told him right away but calmly, your arms spreading a bit as you gesticulated.

He only huffed out a small laugh, facing you as he spoke. “I’m afraid, my friend—” His arm went to your back, tapping it in a comforting way. “That it is impossible to achieve in this life.”

It was not.

You knew it wasn’t. It was within arm’s reach, slipping through your fingers each time you tried to catch it.

“I could have it.” Your certainty made him give you a questioning look, an eyebrow arching in your way. “With Eve, she makes me feel normal.”

His laughter ruptured so loudly that the brunette girl glanced over her shoulder, her eyes skimming both of your faces in suspicion.

Your eyes hardened at her immediately. This conversation was none of her business, she could focus on other things instead of putting her nose elsewhere.

But Peter quickly sent her a polite smile, his gestures almost reassuring like nothing was happening.

“She helps you run away.” You almost lost your step at the confidence in his tone. “Makes you feel free because she’s your escape from reality.”

You could not help the scoff that left your mouth. It was exhausting how everyone seemed to be against her—against your relationship.

“Isn’t it the point to love someone who makes you dream?” Your neck strained when you turned to look at his face.

He wore that know-it-all smile. The type of grin that screamed how badly you were going to lose this debate.

“Not when you never wake up.” His gentle eyes looked into yours. A million things were running in them, words he wanted to tell you but wouldn’t.

Words that you would not listen to. He knew it. He knew you. But the silence and the look painting his features told you enough. The corners of his mouth moved slightly as he averted his gaze to the ground.

"Familiarity can be blinding.” His eyes looked up, staring ahead of him again as he sounded like one of his poems. “Just as much as hatred.” His gaze found you again as a corner of his mouth tugged up in a smirk.

Your face scrunched in puzzlement. His little word riddles did not make any sense to you.

But before you could give it more thought, everyone was stopping around a big fountain that was in the middle of the garden. The water was spilling from the statues in it, making it look more magical with flowers decorating it around.

You came to a stop not far from the Princess, your hands intertwining behind your back as you stared at the water, hearing your mother tell others a story about the fountain.

“I see you are still breathing.” The Maximoff Princess remarked, looking at you from the corner of her eye.

An involuntary snort escaped you before you raised your gaze just in time to see her mouth twitch.

“It usually takes a few days to come into effect.” You replied, tilting your body in her way.

Her hum was low, almost inaudible as the splashing water muffled it. Her body was facing forward, but her head was turned to you slightly, eyes staring at the carved, marble statues in thought.

Yours, however, lived their own life as they glued to her face, actually seeing it for the first time.

It seemed delicate. Smooth. You could only assume how soft to the touch it must have been. She looked mature but young at the same time.

Gentle.

Gorgeous.

Your gaze tore away from her when she glanced at you. The thought slipped into your head and you shook it, hoping it would get lost in the million other ones.

You could feel her eyes burning into the side of your face, but you held yourself from looking back.

You would not.

You could not.

Your eyes were only for Eve.

You were Eve’s.

“Perhaps you just need to try harder.” Her words made your head drop and stare at the ground with an amused grin.

Her shoes made a clicking sound against the stoned pathway as she started walking away after the others, making you finally look up.

Her face was covered with hair, exposing it as she turned her head to glance at you over her shoulder. One of her eyebrows arched in your way with a small smile before she disappeared from your line of sight.

This was wrong.

Not like her.

But you only had known her for a handful of days.

Your gaze dropped to your feet, sucking in your lips before clicking your tongue and letting a grin creep up on your face.

She dealt cards for a dangerous game.

And you had no idea what the rules were.

“No! What is this?!” Your mother’s unhappy tone was not a good sign.

Especially, in a setting like this one. Her firstborn child’s wedding preparations.

“I said white lilies.” You would not want to be in workers’ skin now. “Lilies.” She repeated slowly, frustration showing in her quiet groan. “This is Amaryllis.”

Her hand raised to her forehead, rubbing it quickly before she threw her arms in the air. The groan could be heard at the other end of the palace.

You, on the other hand, could not care less about this whole ordeal. The what, the when, the how much—it did not matter to you.

But your presence was required.

By the Queen.

She had been impossible to calm down, to handle, for the entire day. There was zero tolerance in her body even for the slightest mistakes. And there had seemed to be a lot of those.

You were standing to the side, letting her take over everything. There was nothing you were interested in to have an opinion.

The wedding itself was not of your interest.

“She will behead someone soon.” Your sister mumbled to you, her mouth hiding behind a glass of wine.

Your chuckle gathered a few looks as you tried your best to compose yourself. Everyone seemed tense, probably from all the scolding and modifications the Queen provided with her presence.

They tried not to show it, but you could see it. It was not ‘appropriate’. Their jobs depended on their performance and behavior.

The sound of your laughter died in your throat when a certain brunette entered the room. Her white dress stole your entire attention as it sprawled all the way to her feet.

Your eyes quickly skimmed up to her face as your expression turned blank. Hers, however, was serious. Her steps were confident as she glanced at you only for a second before coming up to your mother.

“Oh, Princess Wanda.” The Queen’s lips spread into a wide smile for the first time today as they engulfed each other in a light hug. “Thank Goodness you have arrived.” They kept holding onto the other’s arms while speaking. “This is a disaster.”

Her complaints did not make the Maximoff’s grin falter. She only widened it reassuringly.

“Do not worry, Your Majesty.” Her hand gave your mother a comforting squeeze. “I would love nothing more than help.” Your sister kept mumbling incoherently, but you could not focus on anything else than the Sokovian’s voice. “This has been my dream since I was a little girl.”

You huffed to yourself. Marriage had been her dream. She sure as hell did not act like it. You were wondering if this was only another one of her tricks.

She was full of them.

Full of herself.

Your tongue poked out, licking your lips. She was doing this for herself. Nothing about her actions was sincere. You needed to remember that.

She was not good. Not for you.

“Are you even listening?” Kate’s raised eyebrow made you snap out of your thoughts.

“I—Uh.” Stuttering, you cleared your throat, thinking of any excuse as your eyes found your future bride again. “Of course.” You smiled brightly at your sister as your hand pressed against your stomach.

She raised her eyebrow even higher at your response, but your grin did not falter, hoping that she would believe you if you pretended long enough.

“Then what did I—”

“Actually, I have to meet Father.” You cut her off quickly, scrunching your eyebrows and pointing at the door before she could ask the question. “Excuse me, sister.”

You could see her eyes roll as you moved to leave. But it was the least of your worries. Her eyes would roll at you a thousand times per day.

You were used to it.

What you were not used to was strangers barging into your life and flipping it upside down.

You were conflicted. It was hard to tell if it was making you angry or helpless. Maybe both. Maybe even more than that.

“Your Highness.” Your head whipped in fear when a hand grabbed your arm, a muffled voice reaching your ears.

They were ringing from all the thoughts in your head, all the worries that kept instilling fear in your chest.

“Eve.” You breathed out. The pounding in your chest would not stop as you stared at her wide-eyed. “What are you—” Taking a look around, you put your arm over her before moving to a more secluded spot in the hall. “How—Why—” You could not get the question out.

The ringing in your ears was very slow to go away as the previous thoughts kept nagging at you.

“Settle down.” She giggled at your frightened state, her hand landing in the middle of your chest. "My father has arrangements in the palace today. I begged to come with, so I could see you.” Her big eyes were staring at you with happiness as a wide, open-mouthed smile graced her lips.

You were frozen in place, not sure what to reply with as your mind felt like a hurricane. Nothing seemed coherent enough to understand.

Only stutters left your mouth as you licked your lips quickly. Eve’s expression faltered, her eyebrows pulling together in concern.

“Are you well?” Her hand went to your cheek, cupping it.

Your eyes fell close at the contact as your head twitched to the opposite side before stopping yourself.

The warmth spread on your face as she rubbed her thumb against your skin.

“I am alright.” You finally said after opening your eyes and looking into hers.

She stared a little longer, searching for more, but there was nothing more—nothing that you let her see.

Your worries would not burden her. It was yours to carry.

“I was wondering if you would like to meet in the gardens tonight?” Her voice sounded small as she asked, a bright smile appeared on her face that was full of hope.

Full of certainty.

“I—” The doors of the room you had left previously opened, making you look in their direction.

The Maximoff Princess stepped out, saying something to a person inside. A warm smile graced her lips as she turned around to leave when she looked to the side.

Her body faltered, coming to a full stop as she stared at your frozen eyes. Frozen on her. You felt terrified. Your heart was beating out of your chest the longer her staring continued.

Her gaze lowered from yours, the look in it switched instantly as her lips pressed tightly together. The glint was gone as emptiness took over, making you feel like a ghost was looking into your soul.

It made you panic.

That was when you realized Eve’s hand was still resting on your cheek. You were quick to grab it gently before bringing it down, giving the brunette in front of you a tight-lipped smile.

Eve’s baffled look changed as soon as she saw the Princess, putting both her hands at her front and taking a step away from you. The embarrassment running on her lowered face was vivid. It was the first time anybody caught you two in a compromising situation.

Looking back to the door, you saw how stiff Wanda’s body became as she averted her eyes, turning around and walking away with her head held high.

“I apologize—”

“No.” You quickly stopped her. It could be a wrong move, but you slowly reached for her hand, holding it lightly before squeezing. “I apologize.” Her eyes jumped to yours at the words. “I cannot tonight.” They faltered, looking to the side when you added.

Your chest squeezed in pain at the sight. You felt like the worst person in this entire universe.

You were letting her down and there was nothing worse than seeing her hurt because of you.

“I will do my best to recompense.” Her lips rolled in as she squeezed her eyes before looking at you with hints of tears in them.

“Of course, Your Highness.” Her voice wavered as she spoke, bowing at you and taking a step back.

“Eve—”

“I will see you whenever you are available.” Her head bowed again before she sped-up her movements, her palms reached to her face as she quickly scurried off through the hall.

“My lady.” Your lips whispered into her ear as you stood behind her.

The warmth of your breath hitting her skin made the girl shudder.

She instantly turned around, her hair flying to the side at the quickness of the movement.

And there she was again. The face you loved so dearly. The one you wanted to hold like a wounded bird.

There was something hypnotizing about her that you found hard to resist. And you did not want to resist it. You wanted it fully. You wanted her fully.

Maybe it was how the sight of her would always light up your face. The deep, red blush could hardly be covered by how widely the corners of your mouth would spread.

Life would be injected into you within seconds just from a simple smile gracing her lips you wished to kiss. You could only imagine how soft they were. How perfectly they would fit with yours.

And her eyes—those eyes.

A thousands, if not millions, of others had a similar color to hers. But they were different. They had an enchanting effect on you. Each time you looked into them, you felt like the whole world crashed around you.

It felt like a spell that held you in place and would not let go until it was satisfied. And it was never satisfied.

You were never satisfied.

There was never enough of her.

Her gentle look with a sparkle no one else was able to instill, her soft hands that felt just right around your shoulders as you would dance in the darkness of the night, in secret, away from everyone who would damn her and you for having the other’s heart.

There was nothing more you desired than embracing her and never letting go. She was your sun, the only light that made you keep living—not just surviving.

And for that, others made you suffer.

Including the ones that were supposed to support you above all.

“Your Royal Highness.” Her cheeky smile quickly turned into puckered lips as she bowed, her fingers delicately lifting the sides of her emerald-green dress.

You loved that color on her. It was her favorite.

“How are you finding this—” Looking around, you had to bite your tongue as the bubble of your separate world burst and you remembered why everyone gathered for this unfortunate event. “Well, let’s not bother ourselves with insignificant matters.”

Your state improved when her saddened face turned into a cheerful one. It felt heavy on her chest just like it did on yours. You were aware of that.

And you would do anything to make that weight disappear. You would not let anybody come between you two.

“It is alright.” She uttered out, eyes falling below your neck as she swallowed quickly. “I realize what needs to be done and I am making peace with it.” Her doe eyes looked into yours once more and it was almost enough to make the worry go away. “I do not want you to battle these thoughts on your own.”

Your cheek was met with comforting heat as she cupped it, her thumb brushing over the bone as you melted into her touch.

You missed it so much. The last couple of days, your family would not take their sight off of you.

It was torture.

“I know.” Raising your hand, you covered hers, lightly squeezing the sides in an attempt to ease her mind.

Her other hand joined, cupping your face entirely. “I adore you.” Her small voice held strength in the words that made your gaze snap to hers. “And nothing will change it.”

Air escaped through your nose as your lips stretched into a soft smile. “You stole my heart the very day I almost lost my head.”

Her laughter was music to your ears as her hands dropped to your waist. You could listen to that sound for eternity and long for more.

The light peeking through between the curtains lit a part of her face, causing it to look like a scene from a fairytale.

You wanted to live a fairytale of your own. If only the world were not full of cruelty and laws that did not make any logical sense to you, it would be a fairytale.

And she would be the heart of it.

Your face dropped. Swallowing thickly, your mind went to a place where all of your anger had been kept ever since you had learned how to feel it.

All this secrecy, all the hiding.

It was not right.

It was not fair.

And there was no one to blame but your family.

This ridiculous Kingdom was at fault and everyone who agreed with its rules.

If it were not for them, you would not have to be hiding in the corners of this giant place.

“Would you care to dance?” She looked at you through her eyelashes, a confident grin on her face while you stared at her in puzzlement with parted lips.

You refrained from doing anything publicly, even if it was innocent dancing.

“Eve, I—” The words were stuck in your throat. Was it worth it to possibly risk everything you had for a dance? Your eyes were skimming along her arms for an answer. “Actually, I would.” Straightening to your full height, you smiled at her, taking her hands into yours.

You were done hiding every part of what and who you loved.

They could not take this away from you, not simple dancing.

Her lit-up face only proved more that it was a good decision and a second later you were leaving the secluded area to enter the Great Hall where everyone was enjoying themselves.

“Well, then—” Her step had a jump to it as she interlocked your fingers, a pure look painting her features. “Watch your step, Your Highness.”

She quipped, her head bowing slightly as she kept grinning at you. She never failed to make you laugh, her humor was one of the many parts you loved about her.

Her eagerness was another as she was pulling you through the crowd in an effort to reach the middle of the room where others danced.

This moment was a rare one where you felt true happiness. Not wearing a forced smile, not having anger instead of blood running through your veins.

Your head could be at peace with her. She never made you feel like a caged animal. She never, not once, tried to use you to her own advantage.

She loved you for you.

She loved you despite your family.

Despite your flaws.

Despite the obstacles that had been trying to keep you separate every day.

“Everything good is earned through hardship.”

That was her personal way of life.

“How else would we know the willingness to find each other time and time again.”

She would often whisper that in your ear as you lay in the darkness.

The sensation of her fingers running delicately along your chest burned on your skin from the memory.

“Elliott!” Your daydream was over when you heard the familiar voice. Subconsciously, your fingers wrapped tighter around Eve’s hand, making her come to a halt and whip her head around.

Her face was full of concern as she stared at you. “Your Highness?” The worry in her voice made your chest squeeze, but there was no time for you to respond.

“Elliott.” Not before your mother appeared in front of you. “Where have you been? I could not find you anywh—” She quickly became quiet when her eyes found the brunette girl standing next to you. “Oh.”

“Your Majesty.” The girl quickly bowed down, her hands grasping the sides of her dress and pulling them lightly.

The Queen’s mouth twitched, hands going over each other as she tried to stay as professional as she could in the moment.

You could assume that by the way her eyes were judgingly running all over Eve while keeping her head up.

“My child.” She cleared her throat, moving her gaze to you. “Your presence is of utmost importance elsewhere.”

Of course.

“Your Majesty.” Bowing slightly, you sent her a look while pressing your lips together. “I believe my time is owed to our guests during such a—” Clearing your throat, it took everything in you not to say what you truly wanted to. “—fine ceremony.”

Her eyes were screaming at you, you could only imagine what kind of internal scolding she was keeping for later.

“Yes, indeed, the event is far too important.” Her stiff smile widened as she spread her arms, palms directed to you. “Which is why you shall dedicate your time first and foremost to your future bride, my dear.” She was visibly doing her best to keep calm as she lightly cackled.

You knew she did not find it amusing.

Eve’s gaze dropped, blankly staring at a farther spot on the floor as her hand shook.

Sucking in your lips, you sank your teeth into the bottom one in fury.

She had no right to interrupt you. She had no right to come and try to pull you two apart in the name of conversing with the stranger you were being forced to marry.

Taking a step forward, you shielded Eve while taking her hand in yours. Your whisper was a mix of irritation and begging. “There is plenty of time for everyone, Your Maje—”

“Now!” She gritted out harshly and quietly enough, causing Eve to jump as your mother’s eyes hardened at you instantly. “Elliott.” Her tone left no room for further discussion.

Even if you attempted it, her burning gaze was enough for you to know it was done and too public for an argument.

You could only clench your jaw in anger. “Of course, Mother.” It was frowned upon to call the Queen by this word around others.

You knew it very well.

But she was stepping over the line.

Her head tilted at you as she scrunched up her eyes. “I shall see you shortly.” You could see how she glanced at the girl next to you, her face changed, but quickly went back to a blank expression as she walked away.

Your family could be a lot. However, they were even worse when it came to Eve. You had never seen your mother act this way with anyone else.

Unless she hated them.

You hoped with your whole heart that this was not the same.

“I apologize, this was terrible of he—”

“No.” The girl quickly cut you off, her head directed at the floor. “She is the Queen, trying to protect her child.” Her shining eyes looked up at you. “You need to go, Your Highness.” The smile she wore was not sincere.

It pained you when she was hurt. Especially, when it was because of you.

“I will join you later.” You said quickly, hoping it would make it, at least, somewhat better.

“Of course.” She nodded slightly, the corners of her mouth lifting higher in a full smile.

You would see her.

Not even your mother could stop you from doing that.

Not this time.

“Ah!” Your mother gasped out, her mouth opened widely in a smile as she gestured to you. “There you are.” Her chuckle made her eyes squeeze as she looked at the other woman whose expression was similar.

A stiff smile graced your lips as you bowed your head at the older woman. “Your Majesty.” She returned the gesture immediately, a warm expression painting her features.

This night had been long and you could not see the end of it. Your personal hell.

The younger woman was standing with her mother, a flute half-filled with white, sparkling champagne gracefully held with her thin fingers.

She seemed as unhappy to be here as you did.

“My Princess.” The words barely pushed through your throat as you addressed the brunette girl.

You had no desire to pretend this situation was something you wanted. However, you would be respectful. The anger you felt did not make simple human decency disappear from your body.

“Your Highness.” She bowed, but not much. Her eyes were trained on you with a certain emotion swirling in them.

She seemed like a very serious lady. You could not lie, it made you curious. After all, you would have to be married to her regardless of what you wanted.

“I could not wait to make your acquaintance.” Queen Iryna let out as she leaned a bit toward you. You smiled appreciatively, glancing at her daughter whose eyes were darting all over the Great Hall.

“The pleasure is all mine.” Smiling dishonestly was second-nature to you by now. “It is not every day when a beauty like Your Majesty wanders these halls.” You hated putting on a mask, but you knew it was either that or the wrath of your family.

And you were tired of fighting about trivial things.

Your mother looked rather satisfied with your response, but you could not stop focusing on how the Maximoff Princess seemed to be in her own world.

“Oh.” The older woman giggled. “You are far too kind.” Her sincere eyes made guilt spark in you. “But I did birth this gorgeous face.” Her hand was placed under her daughter’s chin, lightly holding it and gaining the girl’s attention. “Is she not exquisite?”

The question was not seeking an answer, the way she spoke did not leave any room to debate the words.

The Princess smiled warmly at her mother as you watched them interact.

“Undoubtedly.” You finally uttered out. The girl’s expression changed significantly when her gaze fell on you. “Where are the others? I would love to meet the King and the Prince as well.”

You had no desire to meet any of them, but it could give you a chance to escape if they had gone somewhere else.

“Oh, yes!” Queen Iryna clasped her hands together, but you could swear you saw her daughter’s eyes roll at your words. “They have wandered off to entertain nobles from our Sokovian Port.” Her pearly white teeth were put on display as she smiled wider.

Your head raised before nodding shortly.

The dynamic did not make any sense to you. Of course, respect was owed to women in your kingdom, but the way it worked for them was completely different.

“I shall find them—”

“You shall stay here.” Your mother quickly stopped your attempt at getting away, her teeth grinding just enough to give you a warning and also to seem like nothing was going on. “I am certain they both will find their way here.”

You inhaled slowly, your body straightening to your full height in the process. She was getting on your nerves today. It was impossible to stay calm with her like that.

Queen Iryna giggled, covering her mouth as you tensed your jaw. “Indeed.” Her agreement ticked you off, not being in the best mood for others to stand on your mother’s side. “You shall not trouble your head with them.” Her hand waved dismissively at you with a sincere grin plastered on her face.

“In fact.” Your mother started again and you had to physically stop yourself from making any non-verbal reaction. “We will leave you two alone.” You did not like this idea at all. Not even a bit. “Accompany the Princess around the palace, I am sure she would like to see her future home.”

She spoke to you gently, but the look on her face was stern. It quickly changed to a soft one when she moved her gaze to the younger brunette.

Wanda’s face scrunched up in an adorable way as she smiled at your mother. The action caught your attention as you stared a bit longer before the older women excused themselves.

Clearing your throat and looking down at the tiled floor, you shook your head.

“After you.” You bowed slightly, gesturing with your hand for the woman to go through the archway.

Her eyes seemed bored before she looked at you almost with despise. “I thought you were the chaperone.” Her words sounded breathy, like she was tired of you and this whole ordeal.

Her head lazily turned around before she headed where you pointed. You bit your lip, so you would not bite off your tongue by accident from how much she was testing your patience already.

Taking a small breath, you followed after her. Quickly catching up, you walked through the hallways, shoulder by shoulder. She seemed interested in the paintings and statues that decorated the palace.

You’d seen them a thousand times, there was nothing mesmerizing about them. Everything looked the same to you, no art would stand out—unless it was outstanding.

And that was rare.

As she was engulfed in the art, you would glance at the side of her face every now and then. She was a mystery—or maybe tried to be one.

Maybe she only tried to mess with your head. Whatever it was, you could not let it rest. You hated not knowing. You needed to figure her out before the wedding to know what you were up against.

The thoughts running through your head were making her out to be a monster. Some secret spy that wanted to ruin you and your family.

It consumed you so much that you did not notice her eyes looking at you from their corner.

“Is Royal Family not supposed to be well-behaved?” Her sharp words struck you quickly, her fierce eyes turned to you fully as you held yours in place.

You would not back down. Even if it was something as silly as this. Maybe you were a prideful fool, but you would not let her throw you around like a puppet from the first day.

She would learn quickly that you were not one to be ordered around.

“That’s humorous.” You let out, a small chuckle leaving your mouth. “I was wondering the same.”

Her jaw moved before she clenched it, the bone popping from the intensity as fire swirled in her eyes.

“At least you are aware of your actions.” She shot back, her eyes averted from you and faced forward. “I’m not quite sure if it makes it better or worse.”

The quirk of her eyebrow made something in you quirk. A low laugh slipped through your lips and made the girl glance at you lazily.

If she thought she was above you, she was highly mistaken. The only people above you were your parents.

This marriage already was making your life miserable, she did not have to make it worse. Making an enemy of you was her first bad move.

“I suggest you mind your words, Your Highness.” Your smile quickly vanished as your lips formed a thin line. “Or your stay here might shorten significantly.”

Her head whipped to you in seconds, tilting to the side slowly as her eyes glued to you in a question.

“Was that a threat?” Amusement was running all over her face, you waited until she would laugh in yours. “If so, send me back.” She took a step forward, getting closer to you. “I dare you.” Her whisper was low and dangerous as she was mere inches away from you.

Your noses were almost touching while she threw daggers in your direction.

Huffing out a chuckle, you hid your puzzlement at her words. “I do not think you are quite sure of what you’re saying.” Because why would she say that? Why would she want to be sent home?

Everyone would give up everything to be in her position. People’s desire to be a part of the Royal Family was so great that they often would go to questionable measures only to achieve it.

You’d seen multiple people of noble birth trying to sweeten up your parents just to convince you to marry their daughter.

Nothing mattered to them besides status. Most of the girls were not opposed to their father’s wishes of giving their hand to you.

The problem was—for them, at least—that you did not have eyes for any of them. You did not care what they were willing to do to be with you.

“I am very sure.” Her words were slow as she squinted her eyes at you. “I have never and will never want to marry you.” Her certainty surprised you just as much as what she said. “I could not care less about you and your desires.” She continued, her finger pointed at you angrily as you raised your eyebrow.

“I see we agree on something then.” A sickening smile spread on your lips, causing her to scoff in annoyance.

“You are insufferable.” She gritted out through her clenched teeth. The anger in your chest was slowly coming to the surface now that you knew just how much the feeling of hatred was mutual.

“And you are unwanted.” You spat back. Your face moved forward, but she did not move an inch, she did not even flinch. “I did not want this ridiculous wedding!” Your arms flew in the air as you could not hold it in anymore. “I would rather starve to death than marry you.”

“Then do it!” Her teeth showed from how much her mouth opened when she remarked loudly. “You will save the trouble for both of us.”

You were too stunned and too angry to say anything back when she turned on her heel and started walking away.

She did not care for you to follow her and you did not care to chase after her.

At least you knew what you were dealing with now. She would not bat an eye at your death—at you being in possible danger.

It was only the beginning and you already had enough.