“How’d it go? Are you still you?” Lilith asks circling Charlotte.

“I'm still me,” Charlotte smiles stopping Lilith, “I met your mother-”

“What?” A look of both panic and anger engulfed the soon-to-be queen's face.

“Don't worry-”

“Don't worry? I was worried you'd turn into my father now I have to worry you’ll turn into my mother two! I don't know which is worse,” Lilith mumbles, running her hands over her face.

“I'm not going to turn into your father or your mother,” Charlotte laughs cupping Lilith's face in her hands.

“You don't know that! They're infectious, evil beings. One minute you think you're safe the next you're stuck in their trap they call love-”

“Lilith-”

“And you'll never get out of it, once you're in you’re in. Trust me I've tried-”

“Lilith!” Charlotte raised her voice catching the attention of the few maids and manservants in the halls. “Sorry, sorry,” Charlotte waved at the servants, “Sorry, I didn't mean to raise my voice-”

“No, no your right. You're not going to turn into my parents.” Lilith sighs, “But if you start telling dad jokes or being overly cheery-” Lilith smiles at the stern look from Charlotte, “Good, you're still you,” Lilith smiles pulling Charlotte into a bear hug.

“I tried to tell you-” Charlotte was cut off by the kiss Lilith pulled her into.

—————————————

“So when's the wedding?!” Charlotte coughs, spitting out the water she was drinking.

“Jesus, you scared me,” Charlotte sighed, brushing off the eldest Morningstar siblings’ question.

“You didn't answer my question,” Zach smiles, elbowing his friend like they were in middle school and Charlotte had a crush.

“I don't know,” Charlotte shrugs, setting down her water bottle.

“You don't know when your own wedding is? Didn't you guys start planning like a month ago?” Zach frowns, trailing behind Charlotte as she makes her way out of the kitchen.

“Lilith’s doing all of the planning. I'm just doing what I can,” Charlotte shrugs as they step out into the garden. taking in the fresh air.

“Soooo, she’s not letting you do anything?” Zachary smiles, jogging to catch up with Charlotte.

“Yeah,” Charlotte sighs, plopping down onto the bench nestled in some bushes. 

“And how do you feel about this?” Zachary asks, plopping down beside her.

“I hate it. I want to be able to help. She's doing too much, with our wedding and her coronation and all the new responsibilities…I just don't know what to do,” Charlotte mumbles, crossing her arms.

“How about a vacation? You know just long enough to enjoy your last days as a nonmarried couple,” Zachary offers.

“Yeah, but how will I convince her to do that?” Charlotte asks, turning to the Morningstar, “She’s not going to want to leave all of this unfinished.”

“So don't give her a choice,” Zachary smiles mischievously.