Winterfall

As I left my office, I couldn't help but think about how to get this situation over with. I could let Theo go full kill mode, as he put it. He is very territorial nowadays and vanquishes Marcel, but I am not ready to face that aftermath yet.

I walked down the hall and the stairs and waited in the grand hall. Part of me hoped he wouldn't show, but I knew better than to get my hopes up.

"You're different, Princess." Marcel's voice rang through the hall. It was more authoritative. "I like it."

I rolled my eyes, "Please. Flattery will get you nowhere, Marcel."

"Why change? I liked you before."

"I wallowed in my sorrows enough." Simple. With Theo on mandatory bedrest, someone had to pick up the slack. And I'm good at it. It's natural to me. However, I will never tell him that.

"Whatever the case is, it gives you a boost of…dignity. Makes you slightly more appealing."

"Slightly more appealing? First, you claim you liked me before. Now it's slightly more appealing?" I felt appalled at this and slightly hurt.

"Don't get me wrong, a woman of power is quite thrilling, but they can never get as much done as a man can." Damn him. He was trying to piss me off, and well, it was working. Thankfully, Theo was doing a damn good job at keeping my emotions in tack; otherwise, I would have punched this bastard by now.

I stood there with my arms crossed as his face fell into a grin. "Please, I can get as much done here as you can."

He stepped towards me, "Is that a challenge?"

"I don't need a damn challenge to prove myself."

His grin twitched. He was getting damn amusement out of bullying me. "Easy, Princess, I hate to get your fine locks all roughed up."

"Why did you want to see me, Marcel? If it's just to pick on me, I have other things I'd rather be doing."

"Huh, you have changed. We need to discuss a few details involving the wedding."

I rolled my eyes. "What about it? I booked the vendors this week. Everything is pretty much done."

"Well, that's a plus. I told you we should have just hired from the beginning."

"And I told you, I have always wanted to plan my wedding."

"Whatever the case, that daunting task is done. I heard people stand up with you about these things?"

Shoot. With everything going on, I just remembered the general wedding party. Who would I have as my maid of honor? I could ask Quinn. She's the only female friend I have. I could ask Queen Eleanor to stand with me as well. And King Alaric would take a groom spot. Having those two in the wedding part would be a bad idea. I don't need to put the other kingdoms at that much risk. But it would be their choice.

"Yes, typically in the form of a wedding party. Consisting of a best man and a maid of honor. Followed by a few other people like the flower girl and ring bear."

"I was thinking, since I don't have much pull with many people, would you entertain the thought of having Crimson part of the bride's wedding party?"

Fuck no. "Sure, she won't be my maid of honor, as I have someone in mind for that."

"Fair enough, I know she will appreciate it."

"If Crimson is going to be a bridesmaid, I have one request. I want Theo to be a groomsman."

His eyes twitched at just the mention of his name. "That is fair enough. An eye for an eye sort of thing."

"He doesn't have to be your best man, of course."

"Great. Could you plan the rest of the bridal party? I don't have much outside of Crimson."

I thought about it, "I can do that." At least this way, I can plan who will be on the frontline with us.

He smiled, "I have to meet with her soon, but Princess, I want you to sit with her and get to know her."

I held in my sigh as I already knew I hated that bitch. She infiltrated the Council and probably killed Sybil in the process "Sure. Just not today. I am booked." It wasn't a complete lie. The party for Jasper was happening at five, and it was noon. Not to mention, Frederick wants me to go over that stupid pledge with him again.

"Tomorrow then?"

"Tomorrow."

He turned to walk away but spoke one more thing, "And Princess,"

"What?" I growled.

"This new you. As I said before, it gives you an edge. Makes you…more mature."

I didn't respond. I just let him walk away. If I were to answer, it would have been something along the lines of that fucking bastard.

Theo laughed. I could always get rid of him. Give me the word.

We aren't ready.

We aren't, or you aren't?

Fine. I'm not. I need to be stronger. I need to be able to save us both.

I need you to be safe. If I had it my way, I'd lock you in a tower that day. But I know you want to be on the frontline, and I won't take that right away from you.

I sighed. I just need both of us to be patient until the fall. The more we plan and prepare, the better our odds will be.

Look at you being wise. He was right, Maria, you changed it this past week.

Someone had to take charge.

And it fits you well. Your father would be proud.

We dared to talk about my mother nowadays, knowing that my mother is the leading route cause of all of this. Just the sheer thought of her irritates the shit out of me.

Thanks, that means a lot.

Mhm.

He stopped the communication as I could sense someone else approaching him. As I stood there in the grand hall, I thought back to the last run I had with Marcel. My magic had just been released, and I was a complete mess—unstable as hell—and now I am able to hold my grounds against him. Yes, I have Theo suppressing my bad emotions as my father's ring was fully charged, but hey, improvement, right?

After a moment of reminiscing, I walked back up the stairs, went back to my office, and waited for a familiar knock at my door.