malere speaks "ah lady astelle! you're back, by how long you took one might think you were sick."
astelle speaks "lady malere, i thank you graciously for your concern, but fret not, i'm not sick"
ava gives astelle a glance of suspicion.
ava speaks "astelle, may i speak to you in private? it is rather important."
astelle speaks "of course lady ava."
astelle and ava head to the east garden.
ava speaks "astelle, do not lie to me. What is going on?"
astelle speaks "i do not understand your majesty, nothing is going on."
ava grabs astelle's hand "then, why are you nervous?"
astelle's face darkens "it is none of your business your highness."
"it is if you're my fiance!" ava speaks in a firm tone.
astelle speaks "i do not see you as my fiance, you are merely a friend to me."
ava speaks "what..?"
astelle continues " yes, your highness. i am only marrying you because of our families."
Ava stared at Astelle, the silence between them growing heavier by the second.
"You... you don't mean that," Ava whispered, her voice cracking slightly. The usual composure of the princess slipped, exposing a raw, vulnerable girl underneath. "We grew up together, Astelle. You promised—"
"I promised to protect you, your highness," Astelle interrupted, her voice entirely devoid of warmth. "And I have kept that promise. But do not confuse loyalty to the crown with romantic devotion."
Astelle pulled her hand out of Ava's grip. The gesture was deliberate, . Astelle smoothed her dress her posture elegant, her eyes fixed on the garden rather than looking Ava in the face.
Ava stepped closer, her anger flaring up to shield the sudden ache in her chest. "Is this because of what happened at the northern border? Because my father sent your family to the frontlines? If you hold resentment, tell me! Don't hide behind this cold facade!"
"It has nothing to do with resentment," Astelle replied calmly, thIt is simply reality. You are the heir to the throne, and I am the daughter of a duke. Our union was arranged when we were children to secure the nobility's support. I have always accepted my duty, but I will not lie to myself—or to you—about what this is."
"Duty?" Ava let out a bitter laugh. "Is that all I am to you? A political transaction?"
"You are my future sovereign," Astelle said, finally looking up. Her gaze was unreadable, dark and distant. "And you will make a fine ruler, Lady Ava. But my heart is not something that comes attached to my title."
Ava felt a lump form in her throat. For years, Whenever the weight of the crown felt too heavy, Astelle was the one constant she could lean on
"If that is truly how you feel," Ava said softly, her voice returning to its measured, regal tone, "then why did you look so rattled when you returned just now? Malere noticed it. I noticed it. You are hiding something, Astelle."
Astelle's eyes narrowed slightly, a fraction of her composure slipping away. "I was merely taking fresh air in the courtyard. The heat inside the ballroom was overwhelming."