Aveline never got the chance to ask for an explanation from Theo.
His silent demeanour was enough to tell her that he wasn’t open to talking about it.
Did we know each other or something?
When though?
For the rest of the bath, Theo carefully massaged fragrant floral oils into Aveline’s skin and washed her hair until all the grime of two day’s worth of travel was gone.
In return, Aveline made sure to check that his injury was healing well and returned the favour.
“Stop looking at me like that.” Her hands worked the oils into Theo’s skin as she applied light pressure to his muscles.
“I like it when you take care of me.” There was a strange look in Theo’s eyes as he tilted his wife’s face to meet his.
His grey eyes were searching for something in her hazel ones.
Aveline didn’t know what.
“I like seeing you here.” He kissed the middle of her forehead.
“With me.”
What a sap.
But he’s cute.
“Where else would I be?”
Aveline didn’t want to think about the answer.
From losing her mother, getting disposed and forgotten by her family – either she was going to live an insignificant life or be used by her father.
The second thing happened, but thinking about what she’s gained in return, it wasn’t too bad.
What she didn’t expect to gain, was a promotion and a crown.
❀
It was nearly dawn and Aveline was still awake.
Theo had one arm around her stomach as he snored softly in his sleep.
She tried so hard to keep him on his front to not exacerbate the injury, but he was just as hard to move as expected.
It was their first time sleeping together as a couple.
Aveline didn’t know what she was expecting, but Theo passed out almost right away.
He sweetly kissed her before settling in and going out like a candle’s flame.
Then he started twitching slightly as he mumbled incoherently in his sleep.
Her fingers traced his cheekbone as she brushed a strand of hair away from his face.
What are you dreaming about?
When she was younger, she dreamt of what type of ruler she would be: how she could help the people?
Will she one day marry someone worthy?
How will she manage conflict?
Mama had always told her that she was destined for great things.
When Mama died, that dream died with her.
Aveline watched as Astra became the beloved heir and she was pushed aside.
Then, Aveline dreamed of living a quiet life where she’d spend her days foraging, studying and helping.
Be out of the way and in her own world.
Once, she never doubted that she would become queen.
Then she spent years believing she never would.
Now she’s lying next to a king who proud to call her his.
Theo twitched in his sleep before snuggling closer.
Aveline tried to hold in her laugh and closed her eyes.
She didn’t expect that the sun would be up the next time she opened them.
Theo was gone; his side of the bed cold.
Where did he go?
Why didn’t he wake me?
Aveline rubbed her eyes as she sat up.
For the first time in a while, Aveline didn’t know what to do with herself. This story is hosted at novelping.com.
In Farren, she used to have a mental schedule and task list that kept her busy.
Even with the wedding preparations she knew what her day looked like.
No one had actually told her what they expected of her here.
Am I supposed to just…
loiter around?
Luckily for her, Wren entered at just the right time.
“Good afternoon, Your Majesty!” Two house servants entered behind to with some trays of food and drinks.
“Afternoon?”
How long did I sleep for?
“That journey must have taken a toll! Come, have some food!” Wren led the way through the stained-glass doors to the balcony.
Aveline didn’t have the time to fully appreciate the grounds until now.
The balcony opened up a magnificent view of the ocean.
The water glittered and merged with the sky as far as the eye could see.
To the right was the castle upon the hill and to the left was farmland.
Under the balcony, there was also a small garden with a sitting area for sightseeing.
There was also a sandy area for training.
The balcony itself had an outdoor seating set with flower baskets along the railing’s edge.
Aveline could hear some grunting and clangs of metal from down below.
Wren was busy making sure that the table was set up correctly that she didn’t notice Aveline peering over the edge to see –
“Your Majesty, no!”
But it was too late.
Aveline felt her blood boil.
Wren was almost shouting when she tried to coax the younger away.
“You should be careful! Or else you’ll be trouble!”
The clangs stopped and the men from below peered up.
Theo dropped his sword the moment he saw his wife’s icy stare.
Lark flushed as he slowly stepped back from his friend.
“It was his idea, Your Majesty!” He pointed at Theo.
The other man gasped in betrayal.
“He used his power over me! I couldn’t say no!”
Aveline was so livid that she didn’t have it in her to respond.
Instead, she turned away and sat at the table.
Wren had put on a lovely spread but Aveline wasn’t in the mood to appreciate the small details when she just saw her husband, who was supposed to be recovering, sword fighting!
“Some tea to calm your mind?” Wren smiled sheepishly as she served some mint tea from the pot.
She also started fixing Aveline’s plate when the woman didn’t move.
It was a light spread of seafood, vegetable cakes and bread.
There were also sweet options with fruit and jams.
Looks like I got to get used to seafood.
I can’t wait to try more.
But first…
By the time Theo made it up, panting like a hound, Aveline was crunching on some bread.
He shared a cautious glance at Wren, who avoided his eyes before sliding into the seat next to his wife.
“Did you sleep well, my wife?” His hands twitched as he settled awkwardly next to her.
You seemed like you did.
Aveline ignored him to add some jam to her bread.
“I hope you enjoy the food here, but let us know if you want anything specific. I don’t want you to miss any food from Farren.” Theo rambled on.
Can I send you to the castle?
Aveline took a bite of her food.
“You’re spiralling.” Wren mumbled from the side.
When Theo sought their support, all three subordinates were suddenly interested in the flower pots around them.
“Say something else.”
“My Queen?” Theo’s voice rose a little higher as he gulped.
At that, his wife finally turned to acknowledge him.
“Who is your queen?”
“You are.”
“Since when?”
“Officially in two days.” Wren interjected when Theo froze again.
“The ceremony is almost ready.”
“Wait, what do you mean?” Aveline pivoted to face her lady-in-waiting.
“We only have the rehearsals, then we’re ready for the real thing.” Behind her, Theo nodded in agreement.
This man – will it kill him to tell me things?
“When were you going to tell me?” She turned to her husband.
At her glare, he put on his best puppy eyes like he’s innocent.
“When you woke up!”
“Or after you finished your swordplay?” Aveline raised a brow, “What’s the point of me treating you if you’re not going to listen?” She crossed her arms and leaned back.
“It’s for a good reason!”
“What reason could be good enough that you would risk straining your shoulder?”
The air shifted as Theo and Wren shared a look.
Why are they so serious?
Wren joined them at the table.
Oh, they’re serious about this…
“That ambush,” Wren began apprehensively.
Aveline felt her blood run cold at the memory, but she kept her reactions in.
“Was ordered by someone in Farren.”
What?
“Sorry, say that again.”
Did I hear it right?
“The prisoners said that you were a threat… to Farren.” Theo added as he took her hands.
Aveline didn’t even know that they were shaking.
“H-how does – how does that work?” With Theo holding her hands, her legs started to twitch anxiously.
“I’m from Farren.”
Who would do such a thing?
I’m the one who was forced to leave!
How can I be a threat?
“We’re preparing security for your coronation.” Theo slid closer to wrap his good arm around Aveline.
“I want to make sure that another attempt won’t happen.”
Aveline blinked.
The ambush wasn’t even about Theo.
Nor the peace treaty.
It had been about her.
So, someone really is trying to kill me?
Who?
Why?