This is meant mirror National Novel Writing Month. Obviously it won't be that long because it is for the web.
I have an opening scene in mind, and a rough idea for some characters, and how I want it to play out. If you have a better idea for a title, say so in the comments. I don't have much of a sense of how I want it to end. I just know I want to have fun with it. I hope you have as much fun reading it.
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Part 1:
"I don't want to be Queen." The admission had been building inside Evie since her father died. At first she pushed back against it, attributing it to competing stresses of mourning, and planning for a coronation. Once she said it though, a certain weight was lifted from her shoulders. It felt true; it felt right.
"So don't," a muscled arm snaked around her, pulling her close. She wriggled free, and propped herself up on an elbow looking down at her bedmate.
"So easy to say..." She began before he reached a finger up across her lips. She laughed at the gesture. "Everyone wants me to fail. Everyone expects me to be the one running away," The satisfaction of doing the unexpected put a smile on her face.
Her parents died under mysterious circumstances while away on a state visit, with little investigation. Eric took her into his household treating her as one of his own. She had no idea he any idea of making her the heir over cousins Simon, Edward, Olivia, and Alice.
Her parents died under mysterious circumstances while away on a state visit, with little investigation. Eric took her into his household treating her as one of his own. She had no idea he any idea of making her the heir over cousins Simon, Edward, Olivia, and Alice.
"Be the best Queen Wallison has ever seen." She snuggled against his arm, smiling. Max's optimism was one of things she enjoyed most about him. He was one of the youngest commanders in the household guard's history. They'd known each other since they were teenagers, enjoying an easy friendship. One night it blossomed into more, and neither looked back.
She stroked his stubble-filled chin. "I'd lose you,"
"One of us has to lose. If the realm loses, I win. I lose, and the realm wins. If their relationship were to go forward, he wanted nothing like that between them. Do you want the truth?" She moved back to her side of the bed facing him.
Go ahead. "
He took both of her hands in his and looked up. "You shouldn't make decisions like this right now; you're still in mourning. You're planning a coronation, learning how to govern a country."
"True." It echoed her own thoughts. It was a lot to take at 30; when her friends were having babies, she was learning statecraft. She wanted someone at her side, and there was no reason she couldn't elevate him. Once she wore the crown, the pressure would be on her to marry, and provide an heir for Wallison.
He took his smart watch from the bedside table. Three missed calls from the duty officer. He swung his legs over the side of the bed. "My break's over love," She watched him don his black uniform with red stripes on the shoulder denoting rank. He located his boots near the chair at the end of her bed, and pulled them on.
He strode towards the side of the bed snapping to attention: "I'll leave you now Your Majesty,"
"Dismissed Commander,"
*****
Max retrieved his earpiece from the front pocket as he strode down the hall. As he opened the staircase, he turned it on. "You have something for me, Smith?"
"In person, sir."
"I'll be there soon." Max tapped his earpiece off. Eric's autopsy said he'd died of a sudden heart attack. The man's fitness level was that of someone half his age. He started his days with a jog around the castle's perimeter, followed by some weight training. On rainy days he'd stick with swimming in the indoor pool. There was no history of heart problems in the royal family.
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