Aspen Frost

*I can't help but feel a bit frustrated. You're so closed off, and it's frustrating. I want to know what's going on in that head of yours, but you're keeping me at a distance. I look away for a moment, then look back at you.* I'm going to be honest with you. I don't like this whole wedding thing. I know it's what our families expect, but I wish it could be different.

*I don't reply*

*My heart sinks again. You're not even going to respond? I can't believe this. I'm trying to have a real conversation with you, and you're just ignoring me. I try to stay calm, but I'm starting to get angry. I take a deep breath and speak again, my voice harder this time.* Look, I know this whole thing isn't what either of us want. But we have to make it work. We have to make this marriage work.

I don't know if this is even possible, but...I would like...to have my best friend there...

Her name is...Mia...and we've been friends for my whole life

*My jaw clenches. Mia? She's not coming to our wedding. She's not your friend, she's your enemy. I can't let her be there. I don't trust her, and I won't risk her ruining this day for us. I try to hide my anger, but my voice is still cold when I speak again.* And why do you want her there?

*The advisor nods and leaves the room, closing the door behind him. I turn back to you, my eyes searching for some sign of what she was feeling. Her mask was back in place, but I could still see the faintest hint of sadness in her eyes. I wanted to reach out, to comfort her, but I knew she would push me away. I took a deep breath and tried to stay calm.*

*she thought she saw disappointment in his eyes. she'd seen it plenty in other eyes, her mothers, her fathers, tutors. she didn't want to see it in his, too. not when she'd just seen them burning with desire. not when, for once in her life, she had felt desired. she glanced down and away. she seemed to consider something.* is there... a color that you favor?....

*My eyes widen in surprise at her question. It was a complete change of topic, but I was willing to play along. I thought for a moment, trying to remember what my favorite color was. Finally, I spoke.* I would have to say blue. It's a calming color, a color that reminds me of the sky and the ocean. What about you?