Velvet Lullabies

“No thanks.”

“Princesses don’t smoke?”

“Something like that.” Adelina laughed.

“I’m Ely, by the way.”

“Adelina.” She replied.

“I figured. You know, since you’re the guest of honor.”

Adelina laughed. “Yeah, I guess so.”

“So why are you hiding out here?”

Adelina took a seat in one of the plush outdoor chairs. “My feet hurt.” She told Ely with a laugh. “What about you?”

“My family.”

Adelina smiled, “I know that feeling.”

Ely put out the joint and sat down next to Adelina on one of the chairs. “So how does it work?” she asked. “This arranged marriage thing.”

Adelina shrugged. “Still figuring it out I guess.”

They were quiet for a moment.

“Have you met my wonderful sister?” Ely asked, sarcasm dripping from her words. “Lila.”

“Yeah,” Adelina smiled, “She’s very nice.”

Ely scoffed. “Pe

rfect, according to my parents.”

Adelina laughed. “How so?”

“She married the perfect man. Just like they wanted. Apparently, that’s all girls are good for these days.”

Apparently.

“I take it you don’t want to get married?”

“No.” She paused for a minute. “I don’t.”

“For me,” Adelina said, “It wasn’t that I didn’t want to get married, it was more that I didn’t want to lose my choice in the matter.”

“Yeah.” Ely nodded, “I think that’s it. So, what did you do?”

Adelina shrugged. “I guess Lucian gave me a choice, and that was what I really wanted.”

Ely laughed. “So, it just worked out?”

“Yeah, I guess.” Adelina smiled. “Sorry that’s not very helpful.”

“No, it is. Thanks.”

“So, who’s the prospect?” Adelina asked.