*Unedited*
To Charlotte, it would have been a lie to say that Genevieve's life would be peaceful arriving here…in fact, she was certain her life would be more peaceful living in a disastrous kingdom, rather than with the king.
Having lived with Maximilian for more than a decade, Charlotte already knew the hassles and troubles that inevitably came with living around the king.
But worse, Genevieve turned out to be his bride…. And the closer a person was to him, the messier things got.
Seated next to Genevieve, Charlotte's eyes held a certain sense of solemnity and sympathy towards her.
Nevertheless, she noticed at her question how Genevieve turned extremely quiet. However, her tender eyes held the obvious answer.
With a smile, Charlotte decided to make Genevieve more relaxed by offering her drink. She felt her question might have been too straightforward, making Genevieve uncomfortable and wanted to come with a gentle approach.
"Would you like some tea, Milady?" Charlotte offered, however, the princess slowly shook her head.
"No, Thank you. I-I'm okay." She declined, making Charlotte momentarily purse her lips.
However, Charlotte quickly interjected, "You can call me, Charlotte, Milady."
Charlotte's quick offer caused Genevieve to smile, "You can call me by my name, Genevieve" the Princess responded to Charlotte's delight.
"I prefer to call you, Eve. Can I?" Requested Charlotte and the princess nodded in a response.
Seeing that Genevieve had declined her offer for tea, she sighed, not wanting to bother her by asking why she declined.
A glimmer of excitement was evident in the lady's eyes, "I'm so happy to meet you, Eve." And Genevieve felt a bit anxious as to why Charlotte got so excited about her presence.
Charlotte continued, "You know ….it is still a surprise on how you are here, Eve. I have never thought I would get to see a day when the King would bring home a bride."
"R-really?" Genevieve responded.
"You know, Eve. The king is someone who has never harbored the idea of marrying. He has always hated the idea of getting a bride…he sees it as a waste of time."
Charlotte's sudden revelation caused Genevieve's eyes to light up in surprise.
For all Genevieve was knowledgeable about, she knew the king to be a tyrant, not someone who never wanted to marry. She had never heard about this specific rumor.
B-but if h-he wasn't interested in marrying, why did he accept her father's offer? A million thoughts ran through her tender mind.
She was pulled back to reality by Charlotte's voice. "But when he suddenly told me he was getting married, I felt so astonished, Eve, because the king is someone who never goes back on the decision he makes. But whoever he was marrying, I knew she would never be a normal princess, I knew she would be an angel. I'm so happy, you're that person, Eve."
As the duo sat on the hanging bench which swung, a little bit to and fro, cold air blew past them, swaying Genevieve's brunette hair to the side.
The admiration that filled Charlotte's eyes because of her couldn't be concealed.
"T-thank You, Charlotte." Her small and timid voice replied, with her tender smile not faltering.
However, Charlotte's tone turned more solemn as moments passed by. She suddenly locked her left hand with Genevieve's, her gaze turning thoughtful.
"However, I know it must feel a lot saddening to be away from home, coming to a totally strange kingdom. It's not easy having to adjust to a new life so suddenly."
Charlotte didn't need an angel to know that Genevieve was forced into marriage to the king of Darkshire. After all…no sane princess would ever want to get married to a tyrant….a crazy one at that.
"But I want you to know that you're not alone in this. I'm here for you, whenever you need a friend."
Genevieve felt a flicker of gratitude at Charlotte's words, but she couldn't help but wonder why the woman seemed so nice and eager to help her. After all, Charlotte was the king's personal assistant, and Genevieve had been brought here against her will. What did she stand to gain from being kind to her?
"You must be wondering why I'm being so friendly, aren't you?" Charlotte asked, her voice soft and understanding.
Genevieve nodded, relieved that Charlotte seemed to understand her doubts.
"It's not every day that I get to meet someone so special to the king. Who is surrounded by a crowd of people displeased by her presence in the castle."
S-special? Genevieve was unsure about that word. She never thought she could be that way in the eyes of anybody….talk more about the king.
Charlotte gave a knowing smile when she read Genevieve's contrasting expression.
"Oh Eve, I understand what you think," Charlotte said, her voice gentle and understanding. " I know that the King is quite terrifying and dangerous to be around. But there's more to him than meets the eye. He's not without compassion, even if it's hidden under layers of his tyranny."
Genevieve hesitated, unsure whether to believe Charlotte's words. She knew that the king was a complicated man, but the thought of him being kind was so hard to imagine.
"I know it must seem overwhelming, but I promise you, the king isn't as frightening as you think," Charlotte continued, her voice full of conviction. "He may seem heartless and brutal, but, Eve, if you eventually open up to him, you'll see that he might not be the way you seem to see him. He's the kind of man who can protect you, if you let him."
Genevieve felt a flicker of surprise. She couldn't shake the feeling she got from Charlotte's words.
P-protect her? She was sure he would be the death of her.
And as regards to Charlotte's idea about opening up to the king, Genevieve was certain there would never be a time when such thing as bonding would ever be between her and the king.
She would always remain a prey to the Predator.
Charlotte couldn't help but burst in a light giggle, seeing Genevieve's eyes which held many intense emotions when she talked about opening up to him.
Her giggle caused Genevieve to be pulled into reality.
"I'm sorry, Charlotte," Genevieve said, her voice trembling slightly with fear and uncertainty. "I-It's j-just that I'm s-so s-scared, being here in a strange place, with a man who seems so...so powerful and d-dangerous. I don't k-know what to d-do."
Charlotte reached out and took Genevieve's hand in hers, her expression full of sympathy.
"It's perfectly normal to be afraid, Milady," she said, her voice soft and reassuring. "But I want you to know that you're not alone. You have me.
"I may be the king's personal assistant, but I'm also a person, just like you," Charlotte said, smiling warmly. "And I understand what it means to be in a place where you don't want to be. I also believe that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and crompassion, regardless of their status or position."
Genevieve felt a sense of relief wash over her as Charlotte's words sank in. Here was someone who genuinely cared about her well-being, someone who wasn't afraid to show her kindness in a place where kindness was scarce.
"Thank you s-so much, Charlotte," she said, her voice cracking slightly with emotion.