Reasurence

                                    

                                          
Tullia shut the door behind them as they entered Monroe's chambers. 
"Tullia!" Monroe flopped onto her bed. "Can you believe this? The Queen hates me." 
"I think hate might be a strong word." She replied. 
"She does. I know it! I've ruined her innocence little boy." She grumbled. "Maybe she's right." 
"Right about what?" Tullia asked. 
"Maybe I am in over my head and leave now before I'm in too deep." Monroe frowned. 
"No, Monroe you have to stay strong. You have to believe that the Prince cares about you." Tullia sat in the bed and looked at her friend. "Do you believe?" She asked. 
Monroe opened her mouth to answer, but was interrupted by a knock in the door. 
Tullia answered it and bowed. "Prince Adler." She turned and lead him into the room. "The Prince, my lady." She announced. 
Monroe sat up. "Thank you, Tullia. Why don't you go make sure everything in your chambers are in order?" Monroe suggested. 
Tullia nodded. "My lady, your highness." She bowed her head and left the room. 
Monroe stood up and took a deep breath. 
"I'm sorry, Monroe. If I had known that would have happened, then I would made sure you weren't there, so you wouldn't have to have heard it all." Adler said. 
"So, you would have preferred it if it was all still said, but just behind my back so I wouldn't be as pissed and embarrassed as I am now? Great." She faked a smile and then frowned as the walked over to her vanity. 
Adler grumbled. "No, Monroe. I hoped it wouldn't have happened at all. Any of it! And next time, it won't. You will have breakfast with me in my chamber every morning, and dinner every night. You won't have to interact with my parents until our wedding day, which will hopefully be soon." 
Monroe turned around. "Can Regina join us on some of those days?" She asked. 
"Sure." Adler nodded. "If it would please. That is all I want, for you to be happy." He moved closer to her. "I love you." He wrapped his arms around her. 
Monroe hugged him back and forgot about all their troubles the few moments she was in her arms. When he released her, the ugly thoughts came flooding back. Adler noticed her sudden mood change. 
"What's wrong?" He asked. 
Monroe sighed. "Nothing." 
"Yes, there is. What is it? You can tell me." 
Monroe grabbed Adler's hand and lead him to her bed. They sat next to each three on the side. 
"I worry sometimes that you  are only with me because you were looking for a way to get out of your current marriage. Then after sometime, you will be rid of me and replace me with a newer model." Monroe frowned. 
Adler smirked. "Do you really think me capable of that?" He asked. "Come on, Monroe. That's crazy. I love you. I never loved Regina that way. I don't want to be stuck with her for the rest of my life for that reason. You can see how that can't be a happy way of living." Monroe nodded to reply. "I want a chance for a fulling marriage and some children too. I believe these are things that you can give me." Adler explained. "You have nothing to fear, I promise you. Not Regina, not my fake marriage, the council, or even my mother. I am going to work tirelessly to make sure of this." He leaned in and kissed her cheek. 
Monroe rested her head on his shoulder. "I love you too." She smiled. 
Adler our his hand under her chin and lifted her head. He leaned down and kissed her lips. He moved an arm around her back. Monroe put her head back into his chest. She shut her eyes and listened to his heart beat. Monroe drifted off to sleep to the sound. Adler gently kissed the top of her head. He gingerly got off the bed and made  sure Monroe was lying comfortably in the bed before exiting into the hall. 
He started to walked away when he heard a door open. He turned around thinking he would see Monroe, but instead saw Regina on the other side of the hall. 
"You were not the person I was expecting to see." She tilted her head to the left. 
"Same here." Adler replied. 
"Well, you will do too. I painted another painting and I wanted to show it off." Regina smiled. 
"What about your ladies?" He asked. 
"They looked at it and said they loved it, but they have to do that. I need an unbiased opinion." Regina explained. 
"And you think that I will give you that?" Adler asked. 
"Well, you are the Prince, so even if you don't like it and tell me the truth, then what can I do to you? Besides, you are my husband and people in relationships are honest." She walked into her room. 
Adler followed her in. He approached the easel and observed the beautiful landscape painted on the canvas. 
"It's wonderful." He smiled. "Where did you get the inspiration?" He asked while looking at the beach. 
"I loved this beach as a child and can still picture it clearly." 
"Obviously." He looked closer at the detail in the waves. "It is very well done. Nice work, Regina." 
"Thank you." She smiled. "And you are not just being nice?" 
"No, of course not." He looked at her. "How good are you at painting people?" 
Regina shrugged. "Not the best." 
"I might have you paint Monroe. It could be something fun you two do to bond or something." Adler suggested. 
"Sure. You tell when and I will be there." Regina smiled. 
"By the way, I wanted to let you know that if you still want to use your get away days, then I will cover for you. You could back to this beach from your childhood for a day or something." 
"I'll think about it." Regina responded. "How about you? You going to have me cover for you again, or is that not necessary now that she's here?" Regina asked. 
"I might want to take Monroe on a few trips here and there, but not right now. Now, I am putting my energy into our divorce. Which reminds me, of oh could write a detailed letter about why you believe this is a good idea and leave out my affair, that would be much appreciated." 
Regina nodded. "I will get that to you later tonight. It shouldn't take long to write. I have a lot of complaints." 
Adler chuckled. "I hope we'll remain friends." 
"Oh, I plan on it. Besides, you probably have some handsome rich friends that I  need to meet." Regina giggled. "After all, I will be a free woman soon."