Switched

Little Miss Red

Little Miss Red

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Eve kept her eyes on her hands, her small, pale hands- one folded over the other so no one could see that she was grasping her skirt tight. The skirt was beautiful, the whole dress was beautiful, and at any other moment Eve would have felt like she was in a dream wearing such a thing. A midnight blue with silver stitching on the neck and hem, which matched the silver crown which also held the matching blue veil over her face. She had been wearing the veil ever since she left the castle. It was her first disguise from the people of Avalon. No one in the kingdom could know except those of the family and a few in the royal guard. For months she had planned for this day, but the only thing she was happy about was that the veil hid her tears.

The king and queen sat opposite from her in the carriage, not speaking much. The king and queen seemed to take turns sleeping, resting their heads on each other’s shoulders. They seemed stone faced when both awake, but as the other slept the worried looks crept through. They were nervous, but at some point during the long ride the queen looked over at Eve, as if for the first time since they left that morning, and realized she wasn’t the one who needed to worry.

“My dear girl…” The queen stopped, and Eve understood there wasn’t much to say in this situation.
“Please, my Queen, it’s my honor and duty.” Eve’s voice came out soft, for she was afraid if she spoke any louder she would not only give away the worry in her own voice, but also wake the king. However, the queen moved forward, giving her husband no mind as his head slid forward a little, and she placed her gloved hand upon Eve’s.

“My husband and I can never thank you enough.” The queen squeezed her hand, and as the pressure around her hand tightened so did her heart. Eve squeezed her eyes tight, not willing the tears to fall. There was this mixture of fear and happiness. Eve really did believe that this was the right thing. She was saving a family from being torn apart, a country from falling into depression- whether they really knew it or not...But the fear kept creeping back and all Eve could do was try and think of other things. After awhile, she began to daydream, and her grip on her skirt loosened, but a few hours later they arrived at the capital of Ireon, and she tensed up again.

As they headed up the long main road to the castle Eve looked out the window at her new ‘subjects’ and saw faces that looked a lot like the faces back home- unhappy faces. The lump in Eve’s throat began to get worse, but she tried to keep it together. The queen gently shook her husband awake, and for the final mile up the road they talked over strategy. What Eve should be saying, or in this case what she shouldn’t be saying, and what she should be doing. Eve quietly nodded at all of it, her grip tightening to the point she could feel her fingernails through the fabric on the palm of her hand.

As the carriage stopped the queen placed her hands once more on Eve’s and smiled.

“You are brave. It will be alright. Just breath and stay by me.”
Eve took a big breath and nodded before the carriage door opened, the footman helping out the king, then queen, and then Eve.

“King Rowan, Queen Gwendolen, and Princess Juliet. It is an honor to have you here.” A man in general attire approached and bowed to the three of them. “I am here to escort you to the throne room where a feast has been set for your arrival.”
He stood straight and turned, leading the royal family indoors. Before the doors closed as they entered Eve looked behind her at the now evening sky. The sun was starting to set….Tomorrow, when the sun rose again, she would be married in that morning light. This was her last day as Eve, tonight was her first night as Juliet. That tight feeling in her throat again, but the queen’s hand brought her back as it wrapped around her shoulder.

“Come my dear. It’s time to meet him.”
 
Cory brushed his man servant aside, fixing the lapel of his coat himself. His blonde hair was already beginning to escape it's carefully brushed confines. He sighed and pushed his hair back once more.
His mother appeared in the doorway, a tall, striking woman, especially in her emerald green gown. Cory and her shared the same fine features and blonde hair, although her's was done up atop her head.
"Hi mama," Cory said softly. The woman chuckled, stepping forward and pressing a soft kiss to her son's cheek.
"Come, my lad," She smiled, looping her arm through his, "You need to escort me to meet your bride."
Cory smiled and patted his mother's hand with his free one and, together, they walked down to the Throne Room. Cory guided his mother to her chair at the center of the dais, next to his father, who rose and seated himself as his queen was set beside him.
The young man stepped just behind the ruling thrones, his hands clasped behind his back, his face schooled to a careful blankness.
Inside, his thoughts were a whirl, he'd long known he would have to marry for political gain, but it was a different matter now that the time was upon him. Shallowly, he prayed she would be beautiful and intelligent. It would be a long partnership if she couldn't carry a decent conversation with him.
There was a feast set in the next room, and the heady aromas wafted through the open doors made the prince's head swim. He hadn't eaten for most of the day, too busy spending his time drilling troops and practicing at jousting.
A herald stepped forward, indicating to the guards to open the huge, double doors.
"Presenting the King and Queen of Avalon and their daughter, Princess Juliet," the herald's voice rang out across the room, loud, echoing and very formal.
 
From behind the King and Queen Eve peared and saw the whole throne room, full of Ireon diplomates and nobility. At the end of the long room sat the King and Queen of Ireon, and their son... It was a little hard to see him through the dark veil, but what she could see stopped her heart for a moment. He was striking, but Eve only played it off as fear, which wasn't too terribly far from the truth. Eve placed one hand over the other as she walked behind her 'parents', trying hard not to shake from the nerves. It seemed, for a moment, that Eve might just collapse where she was, but to keep from doing so she looked down and just focused on counting her footsteps. 1,2,3,4-

By the 32nd step they had arrived at the thrones, but Eve had almost bumped into the queen, but stopped herself and curtsied low, just like she practiced. "It is a great honor to be here. Thank you for your warm welcome." The king said, the three of them slowly rising. The queen also gave thanks but Eve kept her mouth shut and continued to look down at her hands.

"We are happy to have you here." The Ireon Queen said, and her voice made Eve look up. She was a lovely woman, for where her queen had lovely dark hair she had beautiful blonde hair. She seemed kind enough...For a moment, Eve felt at ease, until she looked again at the prince and lowered her head again. Even though the veil hid her she was worried he would somehow see her nervousness. It went straight from her face to her hands, as she gently rubbed her thumb against the back of her other hand. Eve could feel it growing very warm all of a sudden, and tried to calm herself by counting the tiles she saw on the floor as the royal families introduced themselves. Eve only got to 7 when she was interrupted.

"This is Princess Juliet. Our one and only daughter." The queen took her hand and gently pulled her in front of them. She looked up at the Ireon royal family before doing another low curtsy "It is a pleasure to meet you." She said softly and as sweetly as she could, trying to hide any nervous tone. When she got though that sentence without her voice breaking she felt a sudden pride about herself, until the Ireon Queen spoke up-
"It is a pleasure to meet you too, my dear...Although, I wish I could say I have really met you...You're lovely face is hidden from me."
Eve kept her head low as she rose. "Forgive me, my Queen." She gave a small glance over her shoulder at the Gwendolen behind her, to which she gave a small smile and nod, a small way to say it was going to be okay.

With the nod the king stepped forward and gently lifted the delicate silver crown off her head, and the queen gently pulled away the veil. Eve blinked down at the floor from the sudden light. It was the first time she had seen the world without a cover since the day began. Once the king had set the crown back on her head she looked up and gave her softest smile. The crown and dress stood out now from her bright red hair, which had taken hours to put up in beautiful braids. For the first time Eve wore makeup, and the red lipstick on her lips stood out against her pale skin, small round face, and pale blue-gray eyes. She hoped they would be fooled. Eve never thought herself as beautiful, but now she had to live up to what Princess Juliet had set up for her.

"Now, it is a pleasure to truly meet you." Eve said, and gave another small curtsy.
 
Cory stepped forward, offering a hand to Eve. His eyes were glued on her, riveted infact. His mouth was dry and he had to swallow before he could speak.
"Please, rise."
His father rose to his feet, holding out his own hand to his wife, he spoke to the visiting vassals,
"Why don't we proceed to the feast and leave these young people to get better acquainted?"
He lead the way to the large room beyond, taking a seat at the large table beyond.
"Juliet," Cory said softly, once their parents had gone, the name sounded funny to him, it didn't fit her somehow. He swallowed heavily, "You're much prettier than I expected," He finally managed to say.
What was wrong with him? He was never this cotton mouthed around women, even if he had to say so himself, he was rather smooth, but with this one. He felt like a fool.
"I hope your journey wasn't too long and you aren't too tired-" He stopped, running a hand through his hair, sitting himself in his father's throne, not really noting what he was doing.
"This is silly isn't it?" He said, "I'm sorry. You must be confused and terrified. Not knowing what kind of man I am, or what kind of situation you are being flung into. I'm sorry for that, I really am, it wasn't my idea or choice, but even so, I've got the better end of the deal than you do. But even so, I'm glad no more of our people will die in this war." He stopped and smiled sheepishly, "And I probably should let you get a word in edgewise."
 
Eve looked at his hand, which was so large...Eve felt nervous, unsure of herself even. Should she take it? Before she could make up her mind the king spoke and everyone started to leave. She looked at Gwendolen, her eyes pleading for her not to be left alone. What was she going to say to him? What was he going to say to her?!

When he first said Juliet she didn't even notice, until she realized she should probably answer better to her new name. She turned her gaze away from the door and up at him just as he complimented her looks. At that moment she was shocked more than anything. She looked up at him silently, taking in his words, his movements, his everything. If Eve hadn't known any better...she would have thought the prince to be flustered. But why? Eve always believed princes to be anything but flustered, though she started to understand more as he spoke, as he apologized. For the first moment Eve felt something more than shock and fear, she felt sad. Whether she was sad for herself or for him, she didn't know. Maybe she was sad for both of them. Even so, she smiled a bashful smile back at him, doing her best not to look down at her feet, though she placed her hands together again, her thumb once again rubbing the back of her hand.

For a moment Eve tried to think of what Juliet would say. They had been together for years! Despite being from two different worlds they were good friends....Juliet would charm her way out of an awkward situation. Everything she did was graceful, everything about her was beautiful, that's why everyone loved her so much they were willing to sacrifice the safety of not only one girl, but a whole country...Eve gave a small giggle, laughing for the first time in awhile, though the laugh had a small tinge of sadness to it. The poor prince...He thought he won a pretty prize, but all he won was a pebble compared to the true diamond. The whole Ireon kingdom was about to be conned out of their true victory prize.

Eve looked around the grand throne room, taking it all in before looking at the prince, sitting on his father's throne.
"Please, don't apologize. Princesses are born to marry princes. Near or far, friend or stranger- it doesn't matter. It happens eventually." Eve took in a deep breath, trying to calm herself, deciding she didn't have to be Juliet...That would be exhausting.
"Besides, I'm also happy to know no one else has to die..." Eve kept her smile, but looked down at her feet. "Me being terrified is better than a family losing another son, father, or husband."

Eve realized she might have said too much and looked up at Corey quickly. "But please don't think I'm unhappy. I hear that you are a wonderful prince. Your kingdom loves you. You are going to be a great leader from what I hear. I'm honored to be your bride." Eve now felt flusted and nervous again, feeling she had already messed everything up. What happened to being graceful and elegant, even if it wasn't to Juliet standards.
 
He listened to her words, looking around the room as she did, looking at it, for the first time in years. He had played in his giant room as a child, giggling and laughing to hear his own voice echo back to him, he had sat in this room for many, many years, listening to the stories and complaints of the people as they approached his father for help with their lives. He had sat here in his father's place when the king went to the battle front.
"War is-" He paused, remembering his own time on the battlefront, "There should never be a reason for it. You're right, no one should lost a family member to it." He smiled up at her, rising to his feet, "Thank you, you don't know how much your words mean to me." He offered her his arm, "Perhaps we should go join the feast, you must be starving." He chuckled, "I know I am, I forgot to eat today."
He paused for a moment, then said softly, "This may be a weird question, but we're not going to be alone very often. How set are you on having children? Because I'm hoping to hold off for a little while, i know we should be working on furthering the treaty and the monarchy, but it can wait another year or two, can't it?"
 
Eve was relieved to see that so far they seemed to see eye to eye. When she said that she heard that he was a great leader and his people loved him, it was hard to separate that from all the terrible stories you hear from your own people. Yet, so far he didn't seem like such a bad person. He thanked her so kindly for her words, which right now were more just to get on his good side.

As he came down the steps and offered him her arm, she didn't' hesitate like she did before, but placed her hand gently on his arm. As she did so he asked his question and her eyes grew wide. For a moment she was speechless, wondering where this question was going, but once he finished she looked up at him, wide eyed with her face bright red. She blinked and then raised her hand to her mouth to hide her laugh. She was so surprised that she couldn't help but burst out. The thought of children hadn't even crossed her mind! Eve kept forgetting that for Corey this was real, not some sort of trick. To him, she was his bride, and the future mother of his children.

Eve tried to picture it, at first she pictured the kids and then she pictured how it would happen- but those second thoughts made her heart beat too fast and her face grow even hotter. Now Eve couldn't even look at him and instead turned her head where he couldn't see it and finished giggling. Once she had caught her breath she wiped away a tear. "I'm sorry for laughing. I really am." She placed her hand on her cheek which hurt from smiling and was still too warm. "Please, take no offense, it just surprised me, that's all." She took another deep breath before regaining her poise and gave him a teasing smile, "I don't think you'll have to worry about children for while."

Eve gave a small pull on his arm as she stepped forward, pulling him out of the akward situation and towards the door.
"I'm also starving, and I don't think I can wait any longer."
 
Cory wasn't if he should be offended or not by her laughing, but he smiled anyway, he liked her laugh, for some reason it lifted him. Cory decided he really didn't want to analyse that.
He chuckled and lead her into the hall.

The noise, light and smells in the large room were overwhelming. Heads turned as they walked in, but Cory lifted his chin and ignored the stares. He led her towards the grand wooden table at the far end of the room, groaning under the weight of the food placed upon it.
The young prince pulled a chair out for his bride to allow her to sit and took the place beside her.
His father paused his conversation with the visiting king to look at his son. Cory smiled and nodded to his father, then turned his attention back to Juliet.
"Can I get anything for you?" He asked, taking his own plate and offering to fill hers as well. He was eyeing off the suckling boar with a great deal of hunger.

His mother lent over to whisper to her new daughter-in-law,
"Easiest way to a man's heart, is through his stomach and that is particularly true of my son."
 
Eve looked at the magnificent spread and did her best not to drool. It was her first time actually being able to eat at one of these glorious feasts, and the poor girl realized just how hungry she was. After a long day of worrying her stomach was slowly starting to undo the knots it put itself in and so Eve was willing to eat anything that was put on her plate.

"Anything is fine, really." She gave a small smile to Corey, and then giggled at his mother's comment. As food was set down in front of her Eve gave a side glance at Corey and wondered what foods he liked the most. Although Eve wasn't a master cheif she did know how to cook for herself, so maybe she could win a few brownie points with him...Shaking her head Eve got the thought out of her mind, knowing that there would probably be no time nor reason for her to ever fix herself anything. People would find it strange if the princess was fixing her own food.

Letting the idea slide Eve started to eat, and she had to remember every little rule about it. Sit up straight, don't shovel food in, nag, nag, nag. As Eve took a sip of wine she glanced around the room and saw that a few eyes were actually on her, and so the knot formed in her stomach again as she set the glass down. Looking at the rest of the food on her plate, Eve didn't know if she had an appetite anymore. However that changed when the desserts were brought out. Cakes, puddings, cookies- everything fruity or chocolatey- Eve saw them all and perked right up. As everything was spread on the table Eve had a hard time choosing what to place on her plate...Not wanting to seem like a gulton by picking one of everything to try.
 
Cory watched his bride eat, smiling a little to himself as he devoured his own plate. He was glad that she seemed to have a healthy appetite, an active man himself, he ate equally to keep his body the way it was.
"Ignore the looks," He advised quietly, "I was told you were fairly reclusive, so you're probably not used to so many people, but if you just ignore them, they eventually become a part of the background." He looked at the plate between his hands for a moment, shockingly empty for once, "You don't need to impress any of them. It took me many years to realize that none of them could change or judge how I act, I can only act as best as I see fit. I know I am a good man who tries his best, no matter how they interpret my actions, at the time, I acted as I saw best, with the information I had." He grimaced, "not to say, I haven't regretted my actions at any time. I've tried to live by doing no harm, but that doesn't always work when you must decide on the life of a man who murdered his entire family or who hurt a child." Pain touched his voice, obviously such decisions had affected his whole life and the way he viewed the world since, it went against the grain of his own philosophy, but the law left him little room to move.
He chuckled a little as she sat up as the desserts came out.
"Sorry," He said quietly, "I don't think I've ever seen anyone but a child so pleased to see sweets. Not that I can blame you."
He pointed to a giant, sugary confection, teased into the shape of a swan, "Our cook seems to have gone over board once again."
He glanced through the mass and spotted his own personal favorite, hot balls of dough, rolled in honey or maple syrup.
"Have you ever tried a doughboy?" He added thick cream to his bowl and offered Juliet one on his spoon.
 
Eve was comforted by his words, happy that if she ever had to marry a man she didn't know it was him. So far he had been nothing but kind to her, which she wanted to return to him, it was her nature to do so. As he talked about his mistakes she heard the pain in his voice and, for some strange reason, it pained her. She could never know how it must feel to decide someone's whole life or how it must be to deal with the bad apples of a country. Eve wanted to believe that the world was good, and for the most part it was, but she knew everything must have balance. Though that didn't excuse any villain of their deeds it did make it easier to accept that bad things did happen, but good would always return.

Eve had moved her hand to place it upon his, but stopped herself as she thought- Soon, I may just hurt him the same way. Eve started to wonder what would happen if he found out what was really going on. Would he be so understanding? No, probably not, and Eve would understand, but it was her neck on the line. Such thoughts of honesty or sympathy which might get her caught had to be pushed aside.

The gloomy thoughts disappeared when he commented on her behavior, which she smiled at and shrugged. "I've always had a sweet tooth. I could be sick as a dog, not wanting anything to eat, but I will never turn down something sweet."

Corey then offered her a doughboy, which looked like one of the sweetest things on the table, and she gladly took the treat, eating it off the spoon and then savoring the sweet flavor. The maple syrup and honey covered dough was one of the best things she had ever tasted, and she closed her eyes and smiled as she savored it. Once she swallowed she looked over at Corey. "If you don't eat them off your plate quick enough I might just have to take them from you. Those were amazing." Eve smiled and then thought aloud- "I never would have taken you for a sweet person." Which she meant in more way than one, but hoped he would only focus on the food.
 
Cory chuckled, "I don't like sweets as a rule, but I do love doughboys." He may have read deeper into her words, but he was still a male, most things had to be spelled out for him.
He finished what was on his plate and leaned back in his chair, his day was catching up with him, the physical toll he had exacted on his body was now demanded sleep, now that he had refueled it and the food sat heavy in his stomach, lulling him to sleep.
A murmured a thank you to the page boy who came to remove their plates.
"My lord," The boy whispered.
"Yes, Bastion?" Cory said, just as quietly.
"Can we practice at the quintain tomorrow?"
Cory's lips twitched up into a smile, "Sure, lad, you sure you want to be eating mud all morning?"
The boy laughed, "No, my lord, I've been practicing, you'll see." He carried the plates back into the kitchen.
Cory chuckled, "I look forward to it, lad." He looked to Juliet, "What do you do in your spare time, Juliet? I somehow inherited the younger pages and squires most mornings they aren't at their books." He yawned, covering the action with his hand, "Makes for a long morning, as I need to see to my own training first."

Cory's exalted father, looked to his neighbor, "They seem to be getting along well," He murmured, smiling. He was secretly pleased that his son seemed able to charm the nervous young woman he was to marry. It was a good sign of a caring leader, to be able to put others at ease.
 
Eve smiled at the boy and Corey as they talked, feeling a warm sensation from the two. As Corey talked about training the pages and squires it remind Eve of the castle back home. When younger girls would come in she would work with them on sewing. The young pages and squires seemed always find ways to rip holes in something the wore, and everything needed mending. Everything Eve was taught she tried to pass down to someone if they were interested. Then Eve thought about her two months of 'princess training'. With little time they had to take whatever talents she already had and refine them into something ladylike. The only two things Eve was already good at was reading and drawing.

"In my spare time? I read a little, or draw if I can find the time and paper." She admitted bashfully. "Although, I think it's wonderful how you practice with the young boys. Obviously they really enjoy it." Eve remembered her small combat training, for those 'just in case' moments. Because she was small she was to use that to her advantage and after a few lessons she did pretty well. "Maybe I can watch you train sometime..." She said softly, giving him a small glance out of the corner of her eye. If she could see how he fought that would probably be in her best interest.

Suddenly there was a sharp tinkling of glass. A nobleman stood up, holding up his wine glass for a toast.
"To Prince Corey and Princess Juliet! May your wedding tomorrow be a joyous one." Everyone agreed, cheered and clapped before taking a sip of wine. After everyone finished up their wine it seemed that many were heading out for the evening. Eve could understand why, there was going to be an even bigger party tomorrow and people needed their shut-eye for it.
 
Cory tried to hide his belief that drawing was a useless past time. where did art improve the world? Even so, reading was good, it furthered one's knowledge outside of the world they had lived and known. He smiled though,
"If you can get out of bed that early, you are welcome to come watch us, sparring practice is at five sharp." He paused for a moment, then said, "Some of the women train as well, although not with us, they usually practice archery about ten or so, if you'd like to join them."
His head jerked up as they were toasted, he thanked the man with a raising of his own glass and sipping.
He rose and offered Juliet his hand, "I can escort you to your rooms, if you'd like. Unless you'd prefer to spend a little more time with your parents," He said, suddenly glancing at the Avalon, realizing he hadn't spoken to them at all, "I should probably apologize to them for my bad manners, I forgot all about them in my rush to know more about you." His blue eyes twinkled, managing to look both contrite and delighted at the same time.

"Cory," His mother said softly, curtsying to Avalon's monarchs in farewell. Cory turned to his mother and bent so she could kiss his cheek,
"Good night, mama," He said softly, hugging her, "I will see you for breakfast."
She laughed softly and patted his cheek, "Sweet dreams, baby boy." She walked out of the room, her ladies-in-waiting trailing behind her like ducklings.
Cory's cheeks flamed as he caught his best friend and body guard's look from his station behind them. Thomas blew his prince a kiss and Cory shook his head, frowning. Trust Thomas to choose now to embarrass him about his mother's affection.
 
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