Lady In Red

13

As I look at King Xerxes my stomach flips remembering what we did back in the carriage and walking back in the same carriage made me even more nervous to say anything.

I was frozen, couldn't speak, and was utterly shocked as he grabbed me and kissed me. I didn't even know it was allowed to kiss the king. Oh... I was married to him, I forgot who I was.

I gulp sipping on the cup of tea and watching the road ahead.

"Madam." Lydia hands me my kerchief and I thank her for wiping my runny nose. Every since I got out my nose was runny.

I finish my tea quite quickly and set it down on the table ahead. Within a minute one of the local men who prepared the tea came to clean the table for us. He bowed to me and I smiled back at him.

"Shall we get going your Highness?" Sir Andrew asked and I nodded getting up and walking toward the carriage with King Xerxes leading the way and Sir Andrew behind me while the soldiers got on their horses.

"Uh- Y-Your H-highness!"

I stopped turning around at the same man running toward us. Not a moment after I blink the king had walked before me blocking my view from that man while Sir Andrew walked to stand to my other side.

I watched in worry as the man, now scared of their reaction to his call, slowly bowed his hand presenting my handkerchief in his hand and extending it.

"Oh-"

I didn't realize I had dropped it. King Xerxes slowly lowered his guard and watched that man but I stepped forward to thank him. Unfortunately, I was suddenly pushed back by my waist. Ignoring the butterflies in my tummy and I look at Sir Andrew who took the kerchief from that man's hand and handed him extra coins as a gesture of thanks.

I smiled at that man who did not dare lift his gaze from his bow.

"Ruby."

I nodded walking back to the carriage and sitting down. I looked out towards Sir Andrew who held my kerchief but before I asked for it he threw it into a fire burning nearby. I frown as King Xerxes sits down beside me. As if he knew exactly what I was staring at he looked at the fire before me and closed the door.

"We cannot risk you getting infected by their touch. Even a cloth can be a risk."

"B-but they didn't seem ill-"

"The mountains carry a lot of illness in people because of the cold. Believe me, Andrew did it for the better."

I nodded leaning back on the seat.

As the carriage entered the kingdom borders I look outside at the secluded road leading towards the castle, the back road to avoid the villages and large towns. I feel my heart getting heavy as I take a deep breath and think how different it would be.

The carriage stopped and I gulp as the footman opened the door. King Xerxes was the first to step out and he nodded at someone who stood out in my vision. I licked my lips scooting towards the door and I wait for King Xerxes to help me down as he had done before. But He didn't. I watched new woman walk up to me, her attire clearly different than anyone around, bold and scary. She stopped before the door and bowed before she extended her hand I look at it before glancing at the King who never looked back at me.

With a sudden heart ace, I take her and let her help me down. As my eyes looked up, I took in the huge walls of the border standing strong before the castle behind it. I stare in complete awe at the black stoned border covered in beautiful vines and lush trees possible to cover the road leading up to the hidden back gate.

"This way your highness." said the woman who had helped me.

I look down at her and then at the King who has taken his steps ahead of me towards the gate. I frown unable to understand his sudden coldness.

Had I angered him?

I walked slowly towards the gates having no desire to embarrass the King by standing beside him.

I smile at the butler standing before the gate who bowed at me before leading us in.

"Any new reports?" King Xerxes asked and he disappeared into a different hall I was left standing there with no explanation. Only for a few moments before the women came back again.

"I will be your guard as appointed by Sir Andrew. My name is Clara. I am at your disposal."

I wanted to stop them from bowing every time they talked but I didn't know how to.

"It is good to meet you, Clara. Thank you for guarding me."

"This way-" She said stepping aside and gesturing me towards the stairs leading somewhere.

"This is the back of the castle. This is where your chambers will be." She mentioned as we walked through the empty corridors.

As soon we entered the chamber I blinked and stared at the huge room. To my left laid gowns over a large couch and multiple wardrobes and vanity and to my right the bed with two different rooms to either side of the bed.

"I will be sleeping with your personal lady in waiting in the chamber connecting to yours my Queen," Clara said walking to the right door of the bed and I followed her. It was another powder room where I could get ready and have tea with large windows. I watched in utter shock as she opened a concealed door that led to a large room.

"This goes on forever," I whispered and turned around only to be stopped as three women stood before me.

"Good evening Madam. I will be your secondary maid Maya. I shall take care of your dressing and bath. Mia and April will be looking after trivial matters. Please let us know if you need anything. We shall ask your personal Lady for your likes and dislikes."

I smiled nodding and look at Lydia who gulped at the overwhelming pressure.

"Thank you," I whispered before walking back into the main chamber.

"Will the King be sleeping in a different-"

"Yes, as he wished. The main chambers for You my Queen and King are through there." She said pointing at the door beside the fireplace in front for my bed.

"This side of the corridor will be your personal chambers. I shall give you a tour once you have recovered from your journey."

I nodded sitting on the bed.

"We have already prepared a bath and all necessary things for your grooming madam. Please this way"

I walked into my bathroom as I sigh at the luxurious parlor. This was what I got in turn for my happiness and possible sadness. With the way, King Xerxes acted the minute we got back it was possible he did not wish to show any concern for me in his kingdom. After all, I was just a human.

I let them take off my clothes and undo my hair. I stopped Maya before she took my petticoat off.

"Uh-I-"

"I will let Miss Lydia handle the rest"

I sighed in happiness that she understood. I wasn't comfortable letting women see me except Lydia. I was just shy.

~*~

Lydia huffed arranging her mistresses belongings before taking her own to her chamber. She was provided a single one for her personal privacy. Thankful to no have them around for sometime in her personal space since they intimidated her she smiled brushing the sheets of her small chamber bed before a small ache caught her off guard making her hold her stomach and sit down.

It wasn't her monthly passes. She groaned before falling back into bed, having no desire to ask anyone for help. But lying down was even worse. She felt extreme pain at her back, suddenly realizing how the ride here had been uncomfortable for her. Swallowing her pain she closed her eyes and massaged her back when a knock caught her attention.

"Our baths are to the left of the corridor. I shall attend the Queen as you finish your business. But let me know before you leave. The water is already warmed for you." Maya said.

"Thank you. Yes, I Will " She replied before grabbing her things and walking to take a shower, finally after all that travel.