Audaz;

While he tried his best not to frequent the Palace, it was hard to stay away right now. His own cousin had been taken and for some reason, it had drawn him more towards his relatives and their whereabouts. But Toby was human, and had sometimes come with an empty stomach which had caused him to find his way towards the kitchen. He didn’t want to cause a hassle for the kitchen staff though, and literally just asked for a piece of bread. Enjoying the piece outside of the kitchen, he looked at the approaching figure. “Want some? There’s plenty more where this came from.” 

The lull of the afternoon had kept the palace quiet, when she had buckled down and anticipated a heavy workload, all she was left with was a bit of paperwork here and there. In between her team and the hours she had clocked in over the last few nights -- it was no surprise that work had gotten a tad quiet. She didn’t make a habit of getting too comfortable, it was always quiet before a storm and she wasn’t going to let it best her, what she could afford was to take a bit of break, tea and a few snacks would be enough to keep her mind from wandering too far. Her smile widened as she took note of her company, “always--” grinning as she situated herself across from him, “I didn’t know that you were in today--” she murmured, digging into the tea sandwiches. It was no secret that the Buchanan cousin did not frequent the palace, he was definitely a pleasant sight. She had always found her conversations with him to be entertaining and his kindness had always etched a smile on her lips. Tobias was uncomplicated in that nature, the type of antics she would expect from the Henstridges. it was never something she fretted about when it came to him. 

The Inner Workings of Valeria Vanderbilt: Eleanor Carlisle [5/?]

❝To be honest with you, I don’t have the words to make you feel better, but I do have the arms to give you a hug. Ears to listen to whatever you  want to talk about. And I have a heart, a heart that needs to see you smile again–❞

This predicament however made her feel uneasy, it was one thing when her client requested for a new beginning -- for a different image, for the spotlight to become far less harsh, but it was another matter to cover something up for the whole, rather than the individual. Adeline Henstridge would not be collateral damage, that was one thing she promised herself when she was given her task. She couldn’t fathom why it was a secret, it made her human and if anyone had taken a second to see the whole, her flaws contributed to the person she was. Valeria didn’t doubt the woman’s ability to weave through this disaster with a strong head on her shoulders, but she was weary of the implications. A brief nod at the guard as she was allowed into her rooms, “your highness, tell me that you’re up--” calling out as she strode into the main area of her rooms, “we have much to do and I need you to be somewhat coherent--”

Tears threatened the spill at only the memories of their last happy Christmas together, of the day his best friend was still breathing rather than lying still in a coffin; his hands shook, although he pretended that was only from the cold and not from the guilt that had plagued him for the past two years. It was difficult to suppress such a sentiment, but he forced himself to at the arrival of Valeria and Adriana. They were the ones who deserved to mourn this day for the husband and father they would never again see open their thoughtful presents; Edward would stay strong, so that they didn’t half to. “Hey there, princess,” he greeted, crouching down so that they could hug properly, instead of her just hugging his legs. Adriana was too young to understand why they were here today or whose name it was on the ornate marble tomb, but one day she would and he dreaded that day. After a moment of holding her, more for his own sake, he stood and opened his arms for her mother. “No…No, I don’t think I’ve ever been, nor will I ever be. But, for Caleb, I supposed we’ll have to.” A small smile turned up his lips, offering support rather than happiness. His eyes stayed on her for moment, remember a much different Christmas many years ago.

Edward sat nonchalantly on the couch, a bottle of ale poised precariously in his loose grip. “Mate, I still think you’re mad. Dementors are much scarier than Death Eaters,” he argued, laughter interrupting their rather heated debate.

“I’ve got to disagree, again,” Caleb retorted immediately, talking whilst munching on some chips. “Death Eaters know some hardcore magic; they can Avada your arse before you even blink. Dementors rip you apart slowly so you’ve got - ”

“Exactly!” Edward interrupted, throwing his arms in the air. His slight intoxication ( and passion ) caused him to forget the bottle, leaving it to roll onto the couch and spill its contents on the leather. “Shit. Sorry.”

Caleb let out a hearty laugh, one from the very depths of his soul. ( And which Edward would likely never hear again. ) “Don’t worry about it; I think it’s fake anyway.

With a shrug, Edward didn’t concern himself with it much further than drying the spot off to be able to sit again. He left for a moment to grab another round of drinks, and upon returning he asked, "So, how is Valeria? Are you two as disgustingly happy together as you pretend to be?” Although the topic was presented in a light-hearted matter, the girl meant just as much to him as any of his sisters; even the mention of Caleb breaking her heart would result in some severe consequence. Nonetheless, the two of them had been dating a short few months and Edward needed to check in.

This changed the atmosphere of the room from casual to somehow serious, albeit still light-hearted. As his best friend sat back down, Caleb stood up, as if preparing to give a speech. “Okay, so I, uh, I’ve been meaning to talk about this with you for a while,” he began, piquing Ed’s interested. “You’re going to think I’m crazy - This is crazy, but I…” he paused, finally meeting Edward’s eyes since he stood, “love her.” A grin broke out on his face, so bright that the entire room seemed blinding. The happiness - the genuine emotion behind it - was infectious.

A similar grin, although not quite as large, appeared on Edward’s face. “You’re joking with me - it’s only been a few months! You love her? You’re sure?” And as soon as he said this aloud, it all made sense. They weren’t two strangers who met in a coffee shop, but best friends finally realizing affection was love. “Have you told her yet?”

“Yeah, I have,” he said, the grin somehow growing larger; Edward thought his cheeks must have been sore, but Caleb didn’t seem to notice. “But there’s something else and it’s - okay you’re probably going to hit me. It’s stupid, but it’s not. It feels so right and life is short. I don’t want to waste a second, so” he pulled out a large, but simple ring and handed it to Edward “I’m going to ask her to marry me. I just…I want to be with that incredible fucking woman for the rest of my life.”

Edward was shocked; Caleb had by no means been a womanizer, but then again, they were still young. He had been with Eleanor for much longer than Caleb and Val had been with no promises of marriage between them; it was soon. However, it made sense. There was something about the two of them that made Edward believe in destiny, in soulmates. He stood slowly, then declared, “As the future King of England, I approve of this union!” Edward pulled his best friend into a hug, the two of them giggling like school girls. “Bloody hell, mate, you’re married! This is…this is mad!”

“We don’t even know if she’ll say yes,” Caleb replied sheepishly.

“She will. Don’t worry, she definitely will.”

That moment was so incredible. Two friends had gone from arguing about fiction to planning an elaborate proposal, all plans of which were ruined by a series of strange events. Caleb ended up pulling out of the ring and asking Valeria without the swans and coordinated snowfall, and to Adeline and Juliette’s surprise, she still said yes. Moments like those would be forever lost to them now, all because of a drunken mistake no one could take back.

With Adriana in his arms, they made their way through the cemetary of mourning families to the grave they were looking for. It was ornate for the Vanderbilts, but still simple in the way Caleb would have wanted it. The rain seemed to have stopped for moment, just for them, just so they could shed their own tears. “Hey, mate,” he whispered to the stone, hoping desperately that Caleb would walk out of the shadows and reply. “It’s Christmas and we…we really miss you.”

“I’m still waiting for it to get better--” she mumbled against his shoulder, the fabric a little wet from the pour and though it served as a momentary distraction, the weight of what was happening still tugged at the chords of her heart as she enveloped in a hug. Two years -- two years had gone by and the hollow place in her heart that ached -- that blatantly mourned for the life that was lost never quietened. She coped -- she had mastered the art of coping, the selflessness that came with putting aside her grief, putting her daughter first. Adriana was the only reason why she wasn’t drowning in alcohol somewhere far off, somewhere where she wouldn’t have to think. She had been her saving grace and on this day, that ache -- that pain that had remained quiet screamed in volumes. It was a day that they mourned, a day that they reminisced of that empty void his absence had created. This season hadn’t always been one plagued with tears and misery, if she could take a second and breathe -- she could attempt to recall those fractions of happiness -- her marriage that had been everything she wanted. 

“It’s normal to be nervous--” she should have been expecting to him, they were nearly twenty minutes from starting and standing there, near a window -- she had all been begging for some sort of pep talk, “I’m not nervous and you look very handsome--” she didn’t need to turn around to state fact and as she did, she wasn’t surprised by the accuracy of it. “I have a car out -- the engine is running, the drive ready to go considering your lack of faith in my driving expertise --” he started, “you nearly got us killed Eddie--” she added, “it was a roundabout -- those things are very confusing--” he had rebutted, “you were the only car in it--” she stated exasperated, looking into his eyes for a second before they both busted out laughing. 

“I love him--” the complete clarity had her in awe, the strength and assurance in her own town -- the lack of restlessness in her heart, the steady beat that gave her power, “you know I love him, don’t you?” the look in his eyes, that smile as he supplied her with a simple nod. She wanted this, there were moments where she just knew and last Christmas was when she had decided her fate. 

Her hand had reached over, her fingers trailed along the sheets -- the empty sheets, the sheets that were supposed to be occupied by her boyfriend, the man who was responsible for the lack of sleep she had experienced over the last night or so. It was Sunday -- he didn’t run on Sundays, he slept in with her before they embarked on a Disney marathon with Ed. Her gaze lifting from her pillow, she turn her head about -- startled to find him kneeling by her bedside. It wasn’t his form that her wide eyed and sitting up, pulling the sheet tightly to her chest -- it was what he was holding. The sunlight streaming through their windows had the gem glistening. 

“Hey--” he had whispered, his smile was one of pure joy and yet in his eyes, she could see the hesitance. The nerves -- the fear, “hi--” she breathed out, her gaze finally staying on his, look at it -- she couldn’t breathe and yet staring at him, she felt calm. “Three hours --” he answered, it was as if he knew that she was going to ask about how long he’d been waiting for her, “yes--” she whisper, “hear me out -- " it took him mere seconds to register what she had said, “did you? I didn’t even--” he fumbled, his eyes wide and bright like a child on Christmas, “yes--” she stated clearly, her laughter bubbling away as he tackled her, stealing kisses as he fumbled with the ring. She hadn’t hesitated -- it felt like second nature to her, it felt right and real and this was forever. She just wanted him, he could propose with a ring made of twigs and she’d still want him for the rest of her days. 

“I want joint custody--” the man started -- bringing her back to this moment, despite the teasing, she knew what this day meant, what Caleb meant to him and as she took his arm as he led her toward her father, “Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays -- i’m joining in on Sunday, i refuse to forfeit pancake Sundays, we both get to hold his hand” she compromised, the mirth in her eyes had him laughing, “i’ll have my people talk to your people--” he mumbled as he handed her to her father, quick to press a kiss against her forehead, “I love you--” he murmured and the sincerity in his words had her enveloping him in a quick tug, “see you out there--” he promised as he sprinted out the doors.

It didn’t take too long for the procession to start, “are you ready?” the man who had given her a name, a home and this sense of belonging questioned, she knew that if it came down to it, he’d help her out of the bathroom window, but with her steady heart she nodded, “I like him, you know?” he murmured as they waited for their cue, her gaze darting at him as she quirked a brow, “i never thought anyone could be worthy of you -- of your drive, of your kindness, but the first time that I saw you laugh around him, I saw the way he looked at you -- I knew that man was going to spend his life worshipping the ground you walked on--” he chuckled as the doors open. 

His head bent down and all it had taken was Edward to tap his shoulder for him to raise it, his smile wide  -- even from a distance she could see the tears in his eyes, her walk proud and fast, she wanted to get to him. Her father held her grace as he stopped them before him, they were grinning like idiots as he breathed out, “you look beautiful--” she didn’t need to glance at Eddie to know that he was sobbing, she knew that in a matter of seconds tears would cascade down her rosy cheeks as they attempted to soothe the other, get their vows out and spend the rest of their lives together. She knew that this was it. That this was the moment that defined her life. 

She knew that, that was the moment that she’d hold on for the rest of her life. In a quiet cemetery as Adriana held her hand and she tugged away from Edward, she knew that, that moment would stay with her. The look he gave her as he first saw her down that aisle -- the vows that they had spluttered out amongst the people they held dear -- the first dance he endured even though she was a wretched dancer. Edward’s speech -- his vow to protect her and to protect them. Nothing could take that from her, even if the universe took him. She always had those moments. Moments she held onto with her dear life. The sight before her was nothing knew, it was a place that she felt calm -- despite the hell her heart was in, the beat was steady. As if she knew he could feel her, telling her to breathe -- telling her to take a step forward, to keep moving because Caleb Vanderbilt hadn’t fallen for a ghost of a woman, he fell for one of the most alive people he knew. Someone who didn’t let the world beat her down, her fingers trailing along the grave, as a smile, albeit broken crept at her lips, “hey baby--” she whispered, “Merry Christmas --” 

The Inner Workings of Valeria Vanderbilt: Adeline Henstridge [4/?]

❝I like messy people; people who don’t fit in a box or stay between the lines, but whose integrity is greater than any rulebook and whose loyalty is stronger than blood –❞

The Inner Workings of Valeria Vanderbilt: William Henstridge [2/?]

❝Please cancel my subscription to your issues--❞

The Inner Workings of Valeria Vanderbilt: Edward Henstridge [1/?]

❝Your best friend isn’t the person you call when you’re in jail; most likely, he’s sitting in the cell beside you❞

The prince rarely spoke to any of the staff about their personal life and he didn’t quite understand why he was doing that now. Perhaps it was the Christmas spirit that seemed to loom around every corner. The wreaths all around and the music that seemed to come from every room. “That’s nice,” he mumbled. The small smile that had been tugged around his lips seemed to immediately fade away when she mentioned his father. He tried to recreate it, but there was a strain on his jaw that showed his insincerity. “No. I’m not.” He would try to come up with some kind of excuse, but none that came to mind seemed to be good enough. “Not this year, at least.”

“Oh--” it was all she supplied on the matter, his tension was palpable and she didn’t need to read his file to know that his relationship with his father was strained. Leaving him like this -- it didn’t feel right. No one deserved to be alone on this day and despite her own circumstances, she still had Adriana. She had Edward who surely would pop over a little bit later on in the night. “I love cocoa--” she started, wanting to thump her own head against the wall for how she had started, “I mean, I usually go to the kitchens and make a cup at this hour, a little something before I head out -- I wouldn’t mind some company?” she left the request up in the air, she didn’t know what to expect. He could blatantly refuse her, she could never say that she had him figured out, regardless of his answer, she had tried. 

William was honestly surprised to see her. Though he was an expert at pretending not to care about their staff’s personal lives, he knew quite a bit about them all. Then again, knowing that she was a widow and had a child didn’t exactly earn him a gold medal. The fact that she was here on Christmas Eve was somewhat depressing, and he felt bad for her. “I won’t hold you up too long then,” he nodded, taking a step to the side and blowing the smoke out slowly as he looked her up and down. “After all, you have someone to go home to.” It came out more depressing than he had intended. After all, he couldn’t say that he had no one to go home to, he did have one person, though he wouldn’t be welcome.

“Is it a lot? If it can wait until tomorrow, I am certain that people will understand.” The prince shrugged lightly, shoving one hand into his pocket and after another drag, pushing his cigarette out in a plant pot. 

She knew better than to pity him -- he always had a knack for honing in on it and she did not have the mental patience to endure a lecture on how he didn’t need that, yet he couldn’t stop that tug in her gut. Wandering about in a lone corridor, if that wasn’t in any way a cry for help, she didn’t know what was, “My mamá is keeping her entertained--” she mused, her own parents were catching a flight out later that night, some tropical destination and she had been a tad occupied to catch the proper details. “It’s nothing that I can’t get done tomorrow night--” she agreed, tucking the files into her bag, “you’re not spending Christmas with your father?” the question had not been designed to be nosy, it was not her intention -- she was just a bit confused. He had a large family and to find him out here alone, regardless of his mannerisms and attitude toward the bunch, it was odd. 

And then, despite all the chaos that had been surrounding the family for weeks now, it was Christmas Eve. Everyone had their own little celebrations with family and friends and all restaurants were booked full. When he was young, he had been forced to spend every Christmas Eve with his father. They’d sit at the far ends of each table and eat their dinner awkwardly. But after their encounter a few days prior, he doubted that they would be getting together tonight. He didn’t bother to check. He had tried contacting friends, but all were busy with their families or he perhaps those were just excuses meaning that he just wasn’t welcome. 

With no one expecting him, William was at a loss of what to do. He couldn’t spend it like any other Saturday night. Clubs were deserted and pubs were filled with drunkards and junkies trying to find comfort. He would not sink to their level. Instead, he hung around the palace and the surrounding areas. The soft lulling of Christmas songs and carols from behind the windows numbed him. It was better than worrying about whether his father still expected him and what would happen if he did, as well as keep his mind off of Charlotte’s disappearance. He’d never been close to anyone but Nicholas, but having a family member go missing was still something that would keep one’s mind occupied. Occupied so much, that at first he didn’t even notice that, despite his disguise, someone recognised him. Thank God it was someone he knew, as he was not up to dealing with someone wanting to take a picture right now. “Shouldn’t you be celebrating Christmas?” 

It was her day off and yet she somehow found herself in the Palace, her job never truly ended, there was always a new story -- new chatter that needed to be quietened and that was what led her to her office and Adriana with her grandmother, at least until she could quieten some of the noise. She had expected to leave late, but what she hadn’t expected was to leave this late and as she wounded through the next corridor, she couldn’t say that she was too surprised at the figure guarding the window. Their last encounter had been anything but pleasant and yet here she was striding toward him regardless -- she had been right. Right to be cautious that night -- right to want him to be careful, with Charlotte’s disappearance, everyone was on edge. 

“Your highness, I could ask you the same question--” she murmured, standing about in a dark corridor was no way to be spending the eve of Christmas, regardless of her own plans for tomorrow, plans that some would state to be depressing -- at least she gave Christmas Eve a bit of joy, “I had some paperwork that needed to get done before I gave myself that luxury--” 

@valeria-vanderbilt

It was not an idyllic white Christmas, but a dismal one soaked in icy rain. A thick layer of grey clouds enveloped the city, releasing a flurry of water droplets down to the ground. Most citizens were safe inside of their warm homes, though, opening presents with their loved ones and partaking in a replete list of holiday traditions; they would decorate cookies or gather around the fire, discussing things as warm as the flames. Perhaps two years ago, Edward would be among these happy celebrators. He would make breakfast with his sisters, as they did every year - or, rather, Sophia would watch idly from the table, with Charlotte leading the operation, and Adeline complaining about how terribly long it was taking. A grin that made his cheeks sore had been cemented onto his face as he watched them open the towering piles of presents he’d supplied to them. Around noon, he had made his way to the happy Vanderbilts’ home with Harrison in tow. They each had a Santa Clause bag full of packages for the young fifth member of their foursome. Caleb and Valeria had danced around the kitchen as they cooked dinner; Edward and Harrison had sipped egg nog while they played some pointless and vaguely violent card came from the living room with Adriana looking curiously on from Eleanor’s lap. They had put on an old Disney movie while they ate the slightly-burnt meal; Harrison and Edward insisted that they were sober enough to find their way home, but Caleb blocked the door with the Christmas tree to keep them from leaving. Their last Christmas together was one he refused to forget, one he held on to for dear life; it was the happiest he’d seen Caleb before his death.

“Come on, man! A two is higher than an ace and you know!” Harrison claimed, throwing his hands in the air, although he seemed to forget he was still holding a glass. The thick liquid sloshed out and a droplet landed onto Adriana’s forehead.

The little girl frowned, then scolded, “Bad, Harry! I need…I need thre- three more presents.”

Harrison laughed whilst wiping away the egg nog with the sleeve of his sweater. “You’re just lucky I brought you twelve presents instead of the eight your parents agreed on, kiddo.” This seemed to please the little girl and she abandoned Eleanor for the better offer.

“You little traitor!” Len laughed, waving her fingers as she threatened to tickle Adriana into submission.

“Ana, don’t listen to this nut job,” Edward objected jealously. “I got you fifteen presents, plus a stocking. Wouldn’t you rather hang out with me? I’ll sneak you some cookies before bed - ”

Before Edward could finish extorting a two year old, her father walked over. “Are you two bribing my kid again?”

“Tell the prat that he only gets to bribe my child with Disney products; nothing else!” Valeria called from the kitchen ( where she was sneaking wine rather than paying attention to the oven ).

There had been a grin on Caleb’s face in the midst of such cheerful chaos, as he should have. He was married to the love of his life and had an incredibly, if somewhat spoiled, daughter with her. The group had never been so close - despite Harrison’s sudden busy schedule - and the holiday atmosphere proved this.

This year, however, in the midst of tragedy, Edward was visiting his best friend in a cemetary. The familiar name was etched into marble, rather than standing before him as flesh and bone. A black umbrella shielded Edward from the flurry of wind and rain, and he held a neatly wrapped present underneath his arm. Inside of the box was a framed picture from their last Christmas, with a letter written to the friend he desperately needed. The words cried for help, for advice, for his sudden resurrection. It apologized for not insisting they take the driver that night. It begged him to save Charlotte, if he somehow was able to. But, overall, it revealed how much Edward missed Caleb and the parts of himself that died along with him. Lost in nostalgia, he waited for Valeria and Adriana to appear, so they could celebrate the holiday together. It seemed to pointless, though, with Harrison’s cancellation and the other surrounding events casting a shadow on the day. They were a group of five down to three - a widow mourning her husband, a man mourning his brother, a daughter mourning the father she would never know - celebrating Christmas in the rain.

730 days. 730 days since this day, a day that had once been the epitome of joy and laughter was reduced to a trip to the cemetery. Since she was a child, Christmas had always been special, even when she had resided in Mexico, her mamá had always ensured that it was a holiday to remember. Even with the struggle, a decent meal and a toy -- even if it wasn’t what every child had desired a time, her mamá had always give her something. she had countless Christmases that meant something to her --yet the ones that she held close to her heart, the ones that she cherished and held onto with every fibre of her being were the ones that she had spent with Caleb and their family.

“This is ridiculous--” she groaned as they sat her down on the couch, “don’t start with me Val--” her husband had ordered, despite his playful nature, there was no way she’d be helping out with Christmas dinner, the two men sandwiching her on the couch was more of a guarantee, “seven months -- I’m seven months pregnant, I can move --” she huffed indignant, “you waddle--” Edward interjected, “definitely a waddle -- it’s cute--” Harry offered, a sheepish smile at his lips as Caleb was laughing his arse off, “the roast Caleb -- the bloody roast--” the light smoke emitting from the oven was never a good sign, “one of you nuts go and help him--” she ordered as Harry jumped up and helped him get a handle on the food. 

“You know, you married a loon--” Edward mumbled, their smiles wide as they watched the duo attempt to finish cooking their meal, “as if you’re any better” she teased, poking his side, only to have whine out to Caleb, “do I even want to know?” as he made his way over, pulling her tightly into his side. “I was defending your honour, your dear husband was basically dragging your name through the dirt--” Val murmured, innocent as day as Edward all but lost it, “was not--” he interjected. Despite the slightly burnt meal, and the bickering of who loved Caleb more and arguably one of the most disastrous game of poker they have endured, the fact that they could barely look the other in the eye was enough of a statement on their competitive nature-- the night was perfection.  

Their last christmas -- the last one that they had as a family was well engraved in her mind, it was the Christmas that ruined all future attempts, the one that had set the bar that Valeria couldn’t even bare to exceed. Something that she knew left Edward just as empty, it was Christmas that had sparked up their current tradition, neither of them could bare to spend this day without him-- 

“Val, come look--” tugging at her arm as she was dragged away from the dishes into the living room, the silence had left them wondering, but the sight before them filled her with this warmth -- that feeling of complete and utter completion, that her heart was too full for the people before her. Their guests who were puckered out, “really?” she chuckled, as Caleb had grabbed a blanket and placed it over Edward, careful to tuck in the sides, “he could get chilly and that would lead to him getting sick -- and we both know how disastrous it gets when he’s sick--” Caleb stated defensively, a chuckle slipping from his lips as he was careful to walk past Harry who had found a way to make a little pillow fort for himself on the ground. Her own smile widened at the sight of Adriana curled into Len, rather than finding comfort in her own room the little two year old and chosen her aunt’s warm embrace. “New tradition?” he murmured, entrapping her in his arms as he rested his chin atop her shoulder, “sleepover? You sure this isn’t an excuse for you to wake up to Eddie?” she teased softly, entwining her hands with his, his laughter lulling her as they swayed, “new tradition--” she agreed, “I love--” 

“Mamá--” Val shot out of her thoughts, startled to say the least and as she peered to her little perpetrator, the look of concern etched on her four year old’s face was enough for her to attempt to muster a smile, “mamá -- you okay?” her little bean questioned, her face squished in her little hands, “yeah baby, I’m okay--” tugging her into a hug, “we’re here--” she murmured against her coat, “what now?” she hadn’t realized that the car had stopped. “Mamá -- we’re here--” she stated quietly, two years into this well aware that this day wasn’t one for laughter or teasing.

Entwining her fingers with hers, umbrella in the other they strode towards their companion, “Uncle Eddie--” was all that was said as the little girl took off to hug her uncle, it was if she knew that he needed it. That they all needed even a fragment of warmth to get through this day, “hey Hercules--” she murmured as she stopped before him, “are you ready?” 

It was comforting to know that she had still had a friend in Valeria; as it seemed she could barely count her friends on one hand, given her obvious distance from everyone at palace. She felt like an outsider, more so now than ever, and it left a bitter aftertaste in her mouth. Eleanor found herself questioning whether she had ever really belonged in the first place —  her friendship with Sophia and her relationship with Edward had always solidified her place in their social circle, but now she only felt ostracized. She found solace in the fact that Valeria still viewed her as a close confidante, and the thought brought a small smile to her painted lips. “It is quite all right,” she began, hazel hues thanking Valeria with the words she could not say. “I have always regarded you as one of my closest friends— we have been through so much over the years, I am pleased that you share the same sentiment.”

Eleanor had already begun to feel guilt at her admission, as if she were a young child getting a bully into trouble on the playground, but Edward was hardly the bully in this situation; neither of them were, but the prince had delivered  some low blows, and he needed to account for them. She had always known that Valeria would hold Edward accountable, as a woman and as his best friend, but most of all as someone who loved them both and wanted to see them happy — and together. All Eleanor could do was nod her head in response, allowing dark curls to cascade down her ivory shoulders as Valeria voiced her disbelief and rage. The young woman had not spoken of this moment to anyone, besides her brother who had pried it out of her when she had returned home distraught and in tears. Now was no different, and she could feel the heat in her cheeks return as they flushed a bright pink in embarrassment; the last thing she wanted was to be photographed in such a state. As if reading her mind, or rather her expression, Valeria began to lead her out of the crowded ballroom, her fingers entwined firmly with Eleanor’s as the two made their escape. “Thank you, I—” Eleanor hesitated, her petite frame slumped against the corridor wall for support as she began to collect her thoughts. This was by no means an easy conversation to have. “I did not tell anyone what he said. Out of loyalty, or shame, perhaps. Maybe I should not have told you either.”

The brunette had hoped to avoid this moment ; the one where Valeria would tell her all the ways in which Edward had done wrong by her and how he still loved her despite it all. Eleanor knew the love they had shared could not simply vanish in a matter of weeks, but that hardly erased what he had said and what he had done during the weeks that followed. “I know that he was grieving, and that is why I cannot hate him for what he did. He had just lost his mother, and the King— I know he never approved of our relationship, or of me. I know, in part, that is why our relationship ended. I cannot even begin to fathom the pressure Edward felt from his father,” she said, shaking her head as if to dispel any negative thoughts she may have been thinking in that moment. Edward did not deserve the words that that threatened to spill from her lips; the words that would paint him as the villain in this story, when the only villain had been her blood status. “We planned a life together, Valeria. I planned for a marriage and for children, and for a future with the only man I had ever loved. I am not in love with the Crown Prince of England; I am in love with Edward, just Edward. But that could never be enough, could it?” A rhetorical question of sorts, Eleanor knew that her friend could not answer this for her. It was question that could only be answered by Edward, but she knew that he may not even know the answer anymore. “Nearly a decade together has merely been reduced to tears and heartbreak. There is nothing more I can do than to let him be happy— to find someone better suited for him and for the crown. That is a sacrifice I will make for the both of us.”

Since Cambridge, Valeria could only recall being surrounded by the boys, aside from her little gem that came along far later, she was never troubled with having solely male best mates. It worked -- her mum had always said that she had a bit of a tomboyish nature to her, that it wasn’t necessarily ladylike and Valeria wouldn’t have it any other way. She never really truly understood the benefits of having a female companion until she met Eleanor, she was a friend. She wasn’t simply her best mate’s girl, she had a personality of her own and Val had taken great pleasure in getting to know her, understanding her -- with everything that they had gone through, she was truly a close friend, “always--” a small smile etched at her lips, it was enough to sum up her sentiment of the issue. She hoped that any doubt that Eleanor had was gone  -- at least in regards to where Val and Adriana stood in the midst of the chaos.

She had never been the master of comfort, it was something that tend to leave her in an awkward state, lack of eye contact -- a distance and yet that all changed with Adriana, it was as if something in her had cracked. It will come naturally -- something her mamá had promised, something that quieted her deepest fears and in this moment space felt the most natural. Not moving aside and yet giving her a moment to compose herself, her gut wrenched for her -- she wasn’t with her love because of the lack of choice, she had no say in what had happened -- she was helpless. This didn’t have to be Eleanor’s fate -- they didn’t have to have that heavy heart, that ache that didn’t fully quieten regardless of time, “no -- don’t do that--” her voice clear as day as she managed to wrap her head around the mess that this was, “Eleanor -- love, look at me--” she ordered softly, “you have nothing to be ashamed of--” she couldn’t silence the fierceness in her tone, “you’re far more loyal than what he deserves in this moment and you did the right thing, I’m glad you told me and what I say to him will not solely be out of duty to you -- he needs to hear it, I wouldn’t be his friend if I let him dig himself into a hole of self-pity and let him ruin one of the best things he has in his life, so no -- you are not to blame--” she promised, taking her hands in hers as she gave them a quick squeeze. 

There was a smile that Edward had reserved for Valeria since the first time they met at Cambridge - it was somewhat small, gentle, and full of complete admiration. ( He had always been Val’s number one fan, a title he constantly fought for between both Caleb and Harrison in their younger years. ‘I met her first, so really it’s my right,’ was his usual argument, to which his friends typically replied, 'You can’t sue that excuse for the crown and for Val. It’s one or the other.’ And, of course, if he could have chosen, he would rather be cheering Valeria on than attempting to lead the country. But, alas, there was no changing fate. ) This smile appeared on his lips as she sat beside him, abandoning her own concern of the weather just as he had. “Oh, come now. Even I have some things I’d like to see under the tree,” he retorted with a slight laugh. Her next words, however, abruptly changed his casual demeanor. At first he said nothing, not even to her request to change their location. He leaned with his forearms resting on his knees, hands clasped in front of him. He continued watching people - mothers chasing after their restless children, lovers trying to hide gifts from the other. After a few moments of this thoughtful silence, he finally replied. “And which girl would that be? My sister, who was kidnapped at my deceased mother’s ball without even a soul looking after her, or my ex-girlfriend, who I had been…snogging in the library just moments prior?” Edward shook his head. It was incredible how terribly complicated things had become. “Let’s grab a bite to eat somwhere, then. Somewhere dry perhaps, unless you know of any good underwater eateries.” He nudged her gently with his elbow and stood, although his attempt at lightening the mood was strained.

“Really? Care to make a list? Adriana has her very own and I’ve been meaning to ask you for yours--” despite their age, their childish vigour when it came to the holidays always had her eager. She knew how stressful the holidays could get, with her job it was a miracle that she had anytime for shopping, but she did her best to steal a moment to run to a few stores, lists were her miracle and was the only reason why her life wasn’t currently in shambles. “Eddie--” she started, scooting forward on the bench as she nudged her shoulder against his, “your sister will be fine, she’s a strong woman--” she knew better than to make promises that she couldn’t keep, but it wasn’t about her promises, but her faith in the right people, “Samuel is the best that we have, trust him -- he will do everything in his power to bring her home, this is not on you-- you need to stop taking responsibility for actions that you cannot control” shouldering the burden had always been his problem, in any scenario -- he’d hold himself accountable and the weight of his heart simply got heavier. “We both know I was referring to Eleanor -- you snogged her?” she repeated, cocking a brow as she stood up at his suggestion, “you read my mind and my dear, this conversation is far from over. Do you remember the restaurant around the corner that we used to go to? It seemed pretty scarce in there --”