#dtto

M: Why did you drag me all the way out here?

T: Do you not remember this place?

M: Of course I do.

T: Then you remember what you first showed me here.

M: Yes, you are the only person I’ve ever shown.

T: That was the day I knew I would never leave your side. The day you showed me everything you are.

M: Oh….

T: I brought you here to tell you I love you. All of you. Every side of you. Even the one you hide from the entire world.

M: Can I say something without you getting upset?

T: I cannot promise that, but I can promise to be reasonable.

M: I might not hate being married to you.

T: Why would that make me upset?

M: Because all I’ve done is be angry and I took it out on you. You didn’t deserve it.

T: No, but you had no one else to take it out on. It’s not the first time I’ve taken your temper. And I could have left any time it got to be too much.

M: I guess.

T: If you want the truth, I don’t hate being married to you either.

M: Can I kiss you?

N: At least they are speaking again.

V: That is a good sign.

N: They still don’t spend enough time together.

V: Give them time. They are still adjusting.

N: If only we could do more.

V: We are doing all we can.

N: I am worried about them.

M: Are you two conspiring against us?

N: Always, m’lady.

V: It is just a picnic. There is no harm in at least asking her.

T: You know that isn’t true.

V: It would be hard to make things worse.

…

M: I missed doing this.

T: Really? You stopped taking picnics?

M: Of course not! But they are not the same without you.

T: I would have to agree. There is no one I would rather sit alone in the forest with.

M: Aww you trust me to keep you safe?

Four Months Ago

T: What are you looking for that you can’t find in any of your suitors?

M: Something that doesn’t exist.

T: And what would that be?

M: Someone who will accept me. Both sides of me. And wouldn’t run away and force me to hide who I am all the time.

T: How will you ever find that person if you refuse to let anyone close enough to start to trust them?

M: I’m sure there is someone who could learn. But I don’t think I will ever be able to let anyone that close.

T: You let me that close. You showed me everything and I never ran.

M: That’s different.

T: How so?

N: We should tell them.

V: Tell who? And what?

N: You know exactly who I mean,Vik. And what.

V: Talia, I know you mean well but how well do you actually think Princess Maya would take you telling her that Prince Theo is in love with her.

N: Considering her feelings for him-

V: It would be a disaster. She would think we are messing with her emotions and trying to make things worse.

N: Maybe Prince Theo would but Maya is different.

V: Not with how badly this situation is hurting her.

N: I can’t watch it go on any longer.