Deviating from the original plot

Chapter thirty-seven

Once they reached the stall, the vendor—a stout man with rosy cheeks and a jolly smile—greeted them. "Evening, ladies! Care for some cider or something stronger?"

"Cider will do," Victoria said, placing the plate of skewers on the wooden counter.

They settled onto the bench near the stall, sipping their drinks as they listened to the music drifting through the air.

"Hey," Freya said, nudging Evelyn lightly. "Enjoying yourself now?"

Evelyn took another sip of her drink and nodded. "Much more than earlier, honestly. And... thanks for getting these for us."

Freya waved it off. "Please, I only did it to make a quick escape. You and Maple over there were radiating tension earlier."

Evelyn raised a brow, then laughed. "You're really sticking with those ridiculous names, huh?"

"I think they're adorable," Freya grinned. "Sweet names for sweet ladies—it fits."

Evelyn shook her head, smiling. "You're ridiculous."

"And yet, not wrong," Freya replied. "But seriously though, you and Maple weren't exactly sugary sweet earlier. Mind if I ask what went down?"

Evelyn let out a sigh. "We first met a few months ago. She accused me of trying to steal her fiancé."

Freya blinked. "Wait—what? Seriously?"

"Mm-hmm. You might've heard the name—Celeste Ashford. She's engaged to the Crown Prince."

Freya gave a low whistle. "Okay, now those fake names make a lot more sense now. You three are kind of a big deal."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "We're just people, really. Nothing grand about it. Anyway, Maple and I agreed to be civil. I don't even like her so-called fiancé. He's absolutely insufferable."

"A whole Crown Prince is insufferable?" Freya said, raising a brow.

"You have no idea," Evelyn muttered.

Freya laughed. "Well, for what it's worth, I don't think you seem like the type to steal someone's man. In fact, you strike me as someone who might prefer the other side of the garden."

Evelyn nearly choked on her drink. "What—excuse me?"

Freya chuckled. "I'm pretty good at reading people, and you give off a very 'not into princes' vibe."

Evelyn said, trying to compose herself. "You're overthinking it."

"Maybe," Freya said, sipping her drink casually. "Or maybe I am right."

"Stop talking," Evelyn muttered.

"Do the other two know?" Freya asked.

"No," Evelyn replied.

"You just indirectly admitted it though, good for you," Freya said with a sly grin.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Not everyone is open-minded. I'd rather keep certain things to myself."

"I get it," Freya said. "Especially with your kind—stiff, proper nobles."

Evelyn sighed but didn't argue. Their conversation was soon interrupted by the sound of a man clearing his throat as he approached Victoria.

He stepped forward and offered her a single rose. "I couldn't help but notice you from across the way. You're absolutely captivating, miss."

"Oh my, thank you," Victoria said, accepting the rose with a surprised smile.

"May I ask your name?" he continued.

"Uh... my name is Honey," Victoria replied.

"Miss Honey? "How fitting," he said smoothly, taking her hand and kissing it. Anne giggled quietly, while Celeste simply shook her head, amused.