His 'Closest Friend'

"That one?" She asked, seeking validation.

Julia nodded. 

Sophia sighed.

"I've always despised that rule," Sophia inwardly groaned. 

"What does having a spouse to do with ruling a kingdom?" Sophia asked Julia. 

"Being forced to have a spouse won't make me a better ruler."

"Is there nothing we can do about it?" 

"Nothing at all?"

Julia shook her head exasperatedly. 

"Nothing," she said, clenching her cup of tea so tight it would've shattered had she not placed it down. 

"It's unfair, I know," Julia acknowledged. 

"But rules are there for a reason, no matter how unethical and unjust they are," Julia reasoned.

"Fairness isn't everyone getting what they want, it's everyone getting what they need, you should know that," Julia said. 

Sophia managed a smile. This was exactly why Julia made an excellent queen. 

Her people loved her. 

Hell, everyone loved her, Sophia included.