Evelyn's POV

Lively music notes riveted throughout the ballroom as couples waltzed in the center. I anxiously peeked down from the window of the private dressing room as Adele added finishing touches to my hair, which sat in a braided updo circled by a wreath of flowers. Soon, Ash and I will descend the stairs, into the ballroom, after having our official titles announced for the first time.

"Ev, I can't finish this if you're positioned that way!" Adele complained while yanking me back and shutting the curtain.

"Ow!" I yelped as she sat me in front of the mirror.

"Evelyn, you look beautiful!" My now mother-in-law and former queen gasped as soon as she entered the room.

"I can do wonders!" Adele joked, standing back to appreciate her work.

I couldn't help but stare at my reflection. Light curls framed my heart shaped face, accentuating my delicate features. The minimal rouge she used made me look pure and innocent, with rosy cheeks that accented my pale pink lips. My deep brown eyes looked bright and playful against the shimmery, nude eye color. My lashes have always been on the longer side, adding a flirtatious overtone to my gaze. I'm not vain, but I admittedly looked stunning in my champagne colored gown. I couldn't wait to see Ash's reaction!

"It's almost time for you and Ashton to enter, dear, so I'll see you out there in a bit!" Aunt Claire bid before taking her leave.

Shortly after, I heard her name announced, with her new title as the queen mother.

I took one last look before approaching the door.

"Remember our plan!" Adele teased before opening the door for me.

She gave me a light push into the grand foyer, and across the hall stood Ashton in all six feet of his glory. He wore light grey attire, complementing the delicate color of my dress to make a royal combination. I studied his stare as it lingered on my form a few seconds too long. He was very obviously impressed. We met in the middle and he held his arm out for me. I hesitantly looped mine with his as we neared the stairs.

"You look stunning." He complimented in a husky tone.

The sound of his voice sent shivers down my spine, but I delighted in the feeling. I suppose he forgot that whole court fiasco from earlier. I wasn't going to remind him now, though.

Adele's words rang in my mind, "This night, it's all about you two. Not the kingdom, not the court, not even the crowns, even if this is the coronation ball."

Precisely. It's about us, me wooing Ashton into my train of thought. I'm not going to call this seduction. I couldn't let my pride acknowledge that. However, I absolutely can't butcher this.

"You look dapper yourself." I answered, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

He can't know that I was fazed by his compliment.

"Merely 'dapper'"? He asked, leaning in so his deep blue eyes bore into mine.

I looked away, trying my best to stay composed.

"Yes."

He let out a low chuckle before straightening up. We approached the herald, who gave us the cue to enter.

"His Majesty King Ashton and Her Majesty Queen Evelyn have entered the ballroom!" He announced, after which he resumed his position at the entrance to introduce other arrivals.

Queen Evelyn still sounded so foreign to me. The crowd clapped and made way for us to enter. Ash led me to the very center of the ballroom before facing me again. He took one of my hands in his while snaking his other around my waist.

I was confused, "What are we doing?"

He shot me a playful smirk, "Dancing."

And just like that the music picked up again and we were gliding across the ballroom. A few moments in, other couples joined us.

"You dance well." He commented.

"That's because you weren't my dance partner." I retorted, remembering the hell he gave our dance instructor when we were younger.

He feigned a pout, "I did fine when I felt like it."

I rolled my eyes, "That's the problem."

He expression darkened, "What?"

Uh-oh, I was treading on thin ice. Adele's words resounded through my mind again, "Ash is insensitively sensitive, so try not to hurt his fragile ego."

"I mean," I whispered, closing the gap between us so I could talk into his ear, "wouldn't it have worked out better if we were partners in that class?"

He laughed, "Or I would've made you fail too."

"What makes you think failure is something I'm capable of?"

This time he leaned into my ear. I felt my heart rate rise.

"What makes you confident enough to dismiss the idea?"

I backed away and looked at him thoughtfully.

"Ash, I want us to rule this kingdom in harmony. I want us to be as successful as your parents were. Can you promise me one thing?"

He studied my expression, "I'm listening."

"Please control your emotions around me. At least show me that you're making an effort." I stated in a resolute tone.

His stern blue eyes softened as he answered, "Aren't I, though?"

I shook my head, "You have to try harder than that if you want to win me over, Ashton."

Before he could respond, the music stopped and the song was over. I let go of him, curtsied, and walked off, hoping the promise he made on our honeymoon would resonate with him. I spotted Sky in the crowd trying to flag me down with his rambunctious waves.

"Your Majesty, you look stunning!" He bowed, pausing to kiss my hand.

I laughed feigning a posh accent, "Why thank you. But please Sky, call me Ev like you always have."

"The formal address does make you sound old."

I giggled, "Exactly."

"Will you give me the honor of sharing this next dance, Ev?"

I smiled at him, "Of course!"

Like that, most of the night was spent dancing and chatting with old friends. Ash was never far from my sight though, usually lurking nearby, examining my moves. Do I sense jealousy?

"Ugh, my feet are killing me!" I wailed as I slumped down on the ottoman, next to Adele.

"Look who's popular!" She giggled, referring to all the invitations I received on the dance floor.

"Oh please, it's only because I'm the queen now." I stated.

"Or because you're the most gorgeous woman in this room."

I shook my head, laughing, "Not when you're here!"

"I suppose I could take the title if we dubbed you as the most gorgeous married woman. Never mind me, but do you see Ash over there? It looks like he's coming our way."

I followed her gaze and saw him making his way through the crowd with a drink in his hand. I immediately straightened up and looked away, trying to seem disinterested.

He cleared his throat once he was in front of us, "Adele, can you please leave?"

She looked at him, "No, I'm quite comfortable here, actually."

He rolled his eyes, "I think I have more of a right to sit with my wife than you."

"She was my sister before she was your wife."

He looked at her with a blank face, "No, it's the other way around. She became your sister-in-law only after marrying me."

Addie gave him an exasperated look, "How were you born so dense? I need some fresh air, the stupidity is suffocating. I'll see you later, Ev."

She got up and shot me a wink before leaving. I returned it with a mischievous smile. I felt the cushions sink as Ash took the space beside me.

He handed me a drink, "Here. You must be thirsty with all the dancing you've been doing."

I was, so I took it before giving him a monotonous thanks and downed the drink.

"You do realize that out of all these people, you danced with your husband the least."

"Well, I also believe these people value me more than you."

He let out an exasperated sigh, "Evelyn please-"

Before he could finish his sentence, another man approached me from the dance floor. He bowed at my knees, "Your Majesty, could I have the pleasure of being your next dance partner?"

Just as I opened my mouth, Ash interrupted.

"I'm sorry sir, but my wife," he annunciated the last two words, "would like to be in my company for the rest of the night."

Before I could protest, he took my hand and dragged me out of the room.