𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄.
chapter fifty- four; My Friends And I
" We are an immovable force, Kenna. "

IT WAS FINALLY the day of Francis's coronation. Elspeth understood it had been an extravagant event to be a show of strength, but it still felt strange to attend such a joyous occasion so soon after the plague.

Nevertheless, she chose a deep blue gown that matched Demetre's jacket.

After all, it would be their first event as an official courtship.

"Have you told Francis yet?"

"I didn't have a chance between sparing Nostradamus and setting up today's festivities," Demetre informed regretfully, "It will be apparent, Petal."

She smiled despite herself.

"Is it silly that it makes me happy?" She said, "Showing it off like this?"

"Not a bit," Demetre said seriously, readjusting his cuffs, "I plan on telling any poor soul that tries to speak with me."

Elspeth laughed, taking his arm.

"Oh dear," She said, her expression falling, "I'll get so many dirty looks today."

"What-- why? Petal, you look heavenly."

"Not because of my dress," She blushed, swatting his arm, "Every noblewoman you've turned down will be spun up."

"Ah, worry less about that," Demetre grinned, leaning over, "Worry more about this."

Elspeth let out a giggle of surprise as his lips caught her own. He was so sweet when he wished to be; so tender and kind.

She lifted a hand to hold his face as they kissed. She wanted to savor that moment for a lifetime.

But, alas, all good things must come to an end. The kiss broke and they had to set out for the festivities.

It would be a day to remember, at least.

↬

Elspeth walked through the grounds on Demetre's arm. Their attire made a statement that garnered the eyes of many nobles. But Elspeth was encapsulated in the bright mood Demetre found himself in; one that rarely appeared outside of their wing in the castle.

"Oh, and what is this?"

Elspeth grinned at Kenna's teasing tone, she approached with Sebastian and both wore amused smiles.

"If I hardly knew better, I'd say the two of you make a quite handsome couple," Kenna said, raising a brow, "But I know my dearest childhood friend would tell me if something like that were to happen."

Elspeth rolled her lips.

"You absolute tease!"

"Kenna, quiet!" Elspeth laughed as Kenna grabbed her arms, "Everything happened rather quickly--"

"Oh, you've got to tell me everything," Kenna said, tugging Elspeth into her side, "Excuse us, boys, we'll be busy for a while."

"Kenna!" Elspeth laughed again, looking to Demetre.

But Demetre only smiled at her. Because she looked so happy. So bright and full of life, being pulled away by Kenna as they giggled over one another.

"I'll come save you once Bash and I grow bored of the festivities!" Demetre called with his own grin, "Have fun, Petal!"

Demetre laughed as Kenna nearly skipped in glee. He watched the girls stumble together, lacing their arms and leaning their heads together as they began to walk through the festival grounds.

"I wasn't fond of us being at odds."

"Neither was I, Demetre."

The man glanced at Sebastian.

"I know that you are happy with your wife," Demetre said, "And I am happy for you, Bash. I hope you know I mean that."

Sebastian looked at Demetre, a man he'd known most of his life, a man who he had never seen without the weight of the world on his shoulders.

And suddenly he looked so light.

"I do."

Demetre smiled, looking back across the festival grounds.

"I also know that you will always hold a part of your heart for Elspeth," Demetre said breathing out, "I harbor no anger at you for it. . . I'd rather say I cannot blame you. I just want. . ."

"I'll not lie to you. I've told even Kenna the same," Sebastian said, "Elspeth was the first person to make me feel like I was worth something. Like I could be loved, just as I was. . . Of course, she will hold a special place in my heart. . . But I have come to realize I could never be the man she deserves. . . My love for her only means I wish for her to find her happiness. I believe it's with you."

He lifted a hand, resting it on Demetre's shoulder.

"We have always been friends, Demetre," Sebastian said, "I understand our arguments were only for her sake. I hope we can both forgive them. I know Kenna would have my head if it was my fault the four of us couldn't be in the same room."

And Demetre's face melted into a smile, bringing Sebastian into a hug and clapping a hand on his back.

"I missed you," Demetre admitted, still smiling as he pulled away, "Francis is starting to bore me to death."

Sebastian laughed loudly as Demetre slung an arm around his shoulders, guiding him through the tents.

Both were quite pleased to be back to how they always had been.

"He really said all that?!"

"Could you shout any louder?" Elspeth whispered, her cheeks growing hot as she tugged Kenna's arm, "All of France will know before Francis or Mary do."

"You haven't told them yet?" Kenna questioned, lowering her voice, "I would've thought Demetre--"

"Meetings, politics, noble arguments," Elspeth sighed, "Hardly any time to breathe since Henry passed."

Kenna hummed in agreement, catching sight of a group of noblewomen around Lola.

"Well, I cannot wait until you two are wed," Kenna said, "It will be a glorious wedding."

"Is it terrible I want something simple?" Elspeth winced as she said it, knowing Kenna would be horrified, "I wouldn't be upset just going to a small church--"

"Ellie, you can't," Kenna gasped, pulling the girl to a stop, "You are the daughter of a Duke. He is a well-respected nobleman, not to mention you both are in Catherine's favor as well as Francis's. And with Mary trying to win you back over, you'll have people fighting to pay for it all."

"Mary wants to win me back over?"

"She misses you," Kenna admitted, "I know things are tense now. And it's your choice to forgive her or not. But you could at least let her fuss over a wedding."

"I wouldn't want that," Elspeth sighed, "I miss her as well, but. . . Things are forever changed. I do not know if we can go back."

Kenna smiled sadly, pulling Elspeth back to her side.

"There's no rush," Kenna said, "So long as our friendship never changes."

"We are an immovable force, Kenna."

"That, we are."

Elspeth smiled before her eyes caught Mary and Greer speaking with Louis.

"He seems to be a kind man," Elspeth said, "Louis, that is."

"He was with you when Nostradamus. . ?"

"The only other person that arrived for him," Elspeth confirmed, "I should go say hello. Our first meeting was. . . less than proper."

Kenna raised a brow.

"I was perhaps slightly frustrated with finding out Nostradamus's accused crimes," Elspeth said, shrugging, "He didn't seem to mind it."

Kenna laughed, shaking her head.

"Well Lola looks dreadfully bored and a bit uneasy," Kenna said, sighing, "I suppose this is where we part."

"It's a terrible fate," Elspeth nodded, "Nobility is a heavy burden."

Kenna laughed, lightly shoving Elspeth forward before setting off on her own.

Elspeth was still giggling as she approached Louis, though her smile faltered when he turned away from Greer and Mary.

"Is he alright?" Elspeth questioned, slowing her pace.

"We. . . may have offended," Greer admitted.

Elspeth only shook her head, marching past them.

"Louis?"

The man turned, a brief smile falling on his face as Elspeth approached.

"Elspeth," He greeted, "I never got the chance to speak with you after your friend was freed."

"Yes, thank you for standing for him," She said, falling into step with the man, "There aren't many nobles who would do such a thing. Let alone princes."

"There aren't many nobles who would shout at a King."

"I met him before he was King," Elspeth waved off, "He'll always just be Francis to me."

Louis laughed.

"Truly, I thank you," She said, a soft smile falling on her features, "It matters a great deal that there are people who simply set out to do the right thing."

His smile softened but remained. Almost as if her words struck a cord she didn't know existed.

"It is only ever my intention to do such."

"Then I believe we will become fast friends," She grinned, though her eyes caught a figure peering out from a tent, clearly waiting for Louis, "I believe you are needed elsewhere."

Louis glanced behind him, spotting the woman that had caused a less-than-pleasant experience with Mary and Greer.

"Perhaps we'll have another moment to speak," Elspeth said kindly, her smile never faltering, "I could introduce you to Lord Langlois unless the two of you have already met?"

"Not formally," Louis said, his own surprised smile growing, "I would like that very much."

"Wonderful," She said, "Enjoy the festivities."

"You as well."

Elspeth began to dip into a courtesy-- she had not minded her manners in the past, but she knew such things were important, especially with not knowing someone well.

But Louis breathed out a laugh, "There is no need for that if we are to be friends."

Elspeth grinned, nodding.

"Understood."

Louis nodded, watching Elspeth turn on her heel and start a casual stroll through the maze of tents and people. She eventually craned her neck, waving at him with a smile, before turning back and spotting Demetre and Sebastian.

Louis could not help but laugh as her pace quickened, approaching Demetre from behind. Sebastian attempted to stifle his smile, but it exploded into laughter when Elspeth crashed into Demetre, throwing her arms around his shoulders, and the man jolted.

Once realizing it was Elspeth, Demetre's tense posture and glare melted into a bemused smile, lifting his arms to pull the girl into him as she fell into a fit of giggles.

Whether as an ally or a friend, Elspeth Liens seemed like a wonderful person to have on his side.

( AUTHOR'S NOTE. )
because Ellie and Louis
aren't gonna have a romance,
of COURSE I have to make them
be besties <3