Let's start the year with an update.

I know this idea is nearly two years old since I got it from one of my courses on relationships. I came up with it while studying for a midterm.


Photo #129: Brewing Storms Within Palace Walls

Most of the photos Eadlyn's seen so far were happy memories which is what Eadlyn would like to think is all the time but she knows that's not true. Like other families and other couples, her parents weren't always the picture-perfect pairing the country liked to think they were. Sure, they never put their turmoil out there for the people because, why would they? It wouldn't comfort anyone to know their king and queen weren't doing well.

But that didn't stop tabloids everyone knew were fake. One angry picture taken out of context with a flashy title will draw anyone's attention. Like in this one her father has up on the wall for some reason. Brewing Storms Within Palace Walls? Eadlyn has to admit that it's a tempting title. She looks at her parents in the photo, frowning at each other (and likely at some external event) and notices how old they've gotten. When did that happen?

Eadlyn can safely say there were no storms within the palace walls, aside from their current predicament. She doesn't know the situation surrounding the photo but she can safely say it wasn't leading to divorce. Now she wonders why they seemed mad in that photo.

-o-

They've been told that long-lasting and satisfying marriages evidently include a lot of companionate love which is what a couple wants for the long-run. It's always okay to feel on a decline. Not everyday can be the honeymoon since real life is happening. Passionate love always seems to level off once the marriage sinks in and kids come along, and then throw a kingdom on top.

America stands under a parasol at an outdoor charity gala in the Whites. She and Maxon were invited by a philanthropist and the other guests in their presence were high names in Illéa. Other philanthropists, celebrities, charity CEOs, and members of high classes (those who were former Twos or Threes).

America was engaged in a riveting conversation with three elderly ladies but broke away when the topic of clean water in the south turned into designer jewels. She excused herself, saying she had to powder her nose, and went inside to hide for a moment. Nobody questioned the queen roaming the main floor of the estate and she did powder her nose when she found the powder room, but when she came back outside, she rested underneath a different parasol.

Nobody noticed her except Maxon who came to join her. America wasn't sure where he was but she could tell but the distaste on his face that he wanted to leave too. She has a hunch that he went through a similar non-charitable moment and had to politely excuse himself.

"Areas that need funding became a jewelry comparison," America informs Maxon when he stands next to her.

"I think my social circle by the pool knows a good golfing green or two," Maxon adds, "or a country club."

"Some charity gala this is," America scoffs. "They're just doing this to save face. At least, from what I've seen, the elites are. The CEOs for the charities were playing along since, well, they seem to have no choice if they want some donations."

"I spoke to some before I made the excuse to go find you. Coincidentally, you stepped out."

"I had to powder my nose."

Maxon makes a mhmm sound with a grin and America narrows her eyes. Maxon mocks her expression as if they're newlyweds and they both break into smiles. She leans into his shoulder and he kisses her head. From the corner of their eyes, they spot one of the event photographers with a camera pointed at them but they're not sure what moment was captured on film.

"I invited said CEOs back to Angeles so we could talk more," Maxon says. "I'm not in the mood for jewelry or golf discussions anyways."

"I refuse to step on a golf green."

"I have a mean swing."

"You do not."

"Maybe we should go so I could show off."

America scoffs. "Maxon."

He laughs a little, smiling down at her. "Do you think anyone sees us just standing here?"

"All eyes are on us," America mockingly frowns before breaking into a smile. "We're giving them something to look at. They won't know what we're discussing. Let them wonder."

"We should probably head back before we come across as snobbish, don't you think?"

"You have a point. So how about I handle the gold conversation while you tackle jewelry?"

"Deal."

Maxon wraps his arm around her waist and squeezes her tightly before they head in opposite directions to start new conversations. In reality, they'll try their best to steer the conversation back to charities, which is the purpose of this gala. On the way, Maxon and America lock eyes and wink at each other before turning to the other people and give their best smiles before reengaging in the moment.


I had two completely different plans for this chapter but I love how it ended up.