Chapter Text
“All rise for Queen Eva!” Oliviero called out, before mimicking a trumpet playing. Eva came striding in, head held high with her crown of daisies, as her ‘robe’ dragged behind her. She turned and gazed out on her subjects.
“And King Oliviero!” she said in the same way, doing her best at a trumpet impression. And in strode Oliviero, clad in his own crown and ‘robe’. His chin stayed up, his steps measured and his shoulders square. He took his place beside his queen.
“Loyal subjects. We are humbled with the honor to serve you. We swear to you, on our lives, and on our names, that we will continue to stand for you, fight for you, protect, defend, and cherish you. For you are what makes our kingdom worthwhile. You raise our kingdom higher with each breath, and each step, and we will do our best and more to ensure that our kingdom remains kind, fair, and loyal to the final breath,” Oliviero announced.
“For now, we are no longer two kingdoms, divided by fear and hatred. No longer will brother fight brother, nor father fight son. No mother will grieve both son and husband lost to war. No child lose father to a blade. With our union, we unite our two people, and become one, in peace and love,” Eva continued, taking Oliviero’s hand in hers. They looked out on their crowd of stuffed toys and pretended to hear their cheers and applause.
Then the party began. They dance and laughed, passing stuffed animals between each other, Oliviero cutting in on Eva’s dance with Duke Teddy of Grahamburgh. They stopped every once in a while to wind up the music box that played a sweet melody. Eventually, though, their subjects tired, so everyone shuffled home to rest. Oliviero and Eva sat on the balcony watching the sunset.
“One day, that will be real,” Eva said quietly, thoughtfully.
“Yes, it will,” Oliviero replied simply.
“Are you scared?” Eva asked. Oliviero shook his head.
“Not with you with me,” he answered. She smiled at him, their fingers set together as their feet dangled from their treehouse.
“You sure you’re not scared?” Eva taunted as they stood at the altar, the subjects of their soon to be united kingdom all around them.
“Not at all,” Oliviero replied smoothly, taking his betrothed’s hands in his. A few words and an exchange of rings and they were King and Queen. They gave their speeches, they danced their dances. Oliviero even cut in on Eva’s dance with Lord Nazario as he had with Duke Teddy those years ago. Then the night came to an end, and they retired to their quarters, sharing a glass of wine while looking out as the lights went out, one by one.
“I’m terrified,” Eva confessed quietly, her words whispered like a secret to the stars. Oliviero hugged her tight to him.
“Me too.”