Lady In Red

31

"I command you to withdraw your sword from my soldier, Clark Vincent," I command as he suddenly freezes.

His hand slowly moved back and his head hung low.

"Oliver, stand up and get back to your training. You shall report back to me once you are done. Well then General I hope you have a good stay at the castle before you leave. Now excuse us."

I said so in haste before turning around only to jounce into a chest.

My breath hitched, drying my throat, his presence which I had not noticed suddenly filled the air turning my body still as a rock.

My body melts as his hand wraps around my back preventing me from jerking back before he lets go.

I realise how I disrupted a training ground, possibly went against some rules and took a soldier under my staff. Such unprofessional behaviour was surely embarrassing not to mention the fear that set inside me as The King let go of me as looked behind.

When I lifted my eyes, all I could see was a neutral expression.

"My King." Clark Vincent gets on his knees and bows as all the others do.

I frown stepping back and behind him.

My eyes glance at Fred who never looked up to me.

"You have to decency to be on your knees for your king. Have you forgotten the protocol for the Queen?" Andrew's voice booms through the arena and I flinch as the king touches his sword.

Vincent said nothing.

"Who threw it?" Andrew asked Fred staring at the spear.

"It was me, My King," Oliver speaks up, Still on the ground.

I rolled my eyes, Great. Now I have to explain everything all over again.

"Leave him be," I whispered to The king softly.

I know he heard it although he had no response. His other hand touched mine only slightly, for a minute before he lifted his legs and bumped it into Oliver's leg.

I found it inhumane but again, they weren't humans.

"Back to work." The King said softly looking around but his command didn't need to be loud or harsh. Just three words were enough.

"General Vincent. There are some matters I would like to discuss. Please wait in the common library in the east wing." Andrew said.

I saw him trying to look up but he couldn't.

I realised none of them spoke before the King. I realize none of them ever even looked at him. I hide my face like a coward as everyone stands up and backs away, The king turns to me as a result my heart picks its pace, scaring me of his next remarks. I feared for my life knowing I did something wrong.

He said nothing to me, only glanced and moved ahead walking towards the halls of an unknown building. Andrew steps towards me as Fred finally lifts his head.

"He shall see you for dinner. Please come to the grand balcony by eight."

"Andrew!" I called and he immediately turned to me with a worried look.

I didn't know why but he was so much like the king. In a good way.

"Are they going to punish Oliver. ?"

"The decision is yours, My Queen. Not of ours to make. Have a good day." He said nodding at Fredrick once before leaving.

I sighed shaking my head and walking back up the stairs and heading towards the Blue Halls passageway.

***

I was yawning walking the halls, ready to have my evening tea, but the weather had turned warm and I wished to go take a walk in the castle gardens first.

"Maya could you-" I stopped looking back and only saw Lydia.

I frown. What's she supposed to attend to me today?

"Didn't I give you a day to yourself Lydia?"

She purses her lips, "Maya felt indisposed today. So I am in her place Madam."

"Oh"

Well, that's no problem.

I had nothing to do the whole day after my work. I wonder if this was how a queen's life is. Just work and sleep. Perhaps I could do something to entertain myself?

I had no desire to host any parties unless they were important, and I could never expect to spend time with the King as well. He seemed far too busy.

"Madam, Princess Regina is here to see you."

I smile looking back as she bows before walking towards me. Her maid is on her heels to catch up to her but I halt her.

"We will take a walk, wait here." Lydian nodded waiting with her maid as I gestured for Regina to follow me.

"Forgive me for intruding on your alone time-"

"No, Please. If anything I feel bored."

She smiled softly before speaking, "I have finished replying to many of your messages from the court addressing the issues at the border. I was here to take your advice and seek for approval on send aid to the farms out at the eastern borders. I have it written on paper and wondering if Your Majesty would allow some of the funds to be given for these aids."

I look at the paper in her hands and take it. Reading the required people and resources for helping the people and smile.

"Yes, of course, I would allow it. I shall have it signed by today and have someone look over it so it goes smoothly."

She sighs nodding.

"Next week, you are to keep an informal ball for charity. For the people working in mines. All that's collected will be kept in your treasury before it goes to them."

I nodded.

"Under whose guidance does this charity run?"

"Madam Sofiya, the dutchess. She has been running charities for miners for ages."

"I see. Then will you invite her as a guest for the upcoming tea party I so have to arrange?"

Regina nodded.

"How is your work? Is it too much burden? Shall I appoint someone for help?"

Regina shook her head.

"No, Madamn Thankyou. But I love working."

I could never quite ignore her shy frightened face whenever she talked about work.

"Why do you seem so -scared of your family knowing you work?" I asked frankly.

"No, I-I don't know."

She was much hesitant so I only nodded and spoke no further on her issue.