#people would've known about that ol chesnut

[diamonxds]

"Does turning my back on my own brother not prove my loyalty?” Cleo hissed through clenched teeth. “From the wars commencement to its close I have done nothing but redeem myself and prove to Lukas and his alliances that I am worthy of any position a man should take,” she said. “My brother is dead, my banishment is lifted, I am the true heir to the Redford throne but I cannot sit upon it without you,” Cleo continued. The usually emotionless Queen couldn’t help but let her fury and frustration seep through the cracks of her facade. Oliver humanised her and his refusal to give in to her demands tortured her mind. “I am reckless and bold, but far from naive,” Cleo explained. “I am the only royalty in the North who doesn’t despise the South for their victory. My cousins will take my kingdom from me if I do not return husband in tow,” she said. Cleo had never desired to marry. Her initial refusal to do so had resulted in what debatably was the spark to ignite the civil war. House Xavier was a noble house that remained to be respected by many of the founding families. The Reyes could do nothing of her rule if she were to be intertwined with a Xavier. “Lukas will not permit me to leave the South alone without proof that my loyalty to House Blue is true,” she looked at him with pleading eyes. “You find me beautiful; you gaze upon me with curious eyes and don’t heed to your brothers warnings,” Cleo stepped forward. “So, what is it that stops you from accepting my offer when it could benefit us both greatly?” @mversefunhouse