Lady In Red

61

Lydia had always been an observant woman. It was a skill honed over years of servitude, watching nobles navigate courtly games with sharp tongues and sharper smiles. But never before had she felt such an unshakable sense of unease as she did now.

It started subtly, she noticed how Dr. Selene lingered. Usually, after delivering the Queen's herbal soup, the physician would offer a few words of advice before excusing herself. But that night, Selene stood by, arms folded, eyes fixed on her, watching—waiting—until the last sip of the soup had disappeared from the porcelain bowl.

When Ruby finished, Selene's expression remained impassive, yet something in her demeanor made Lydia's stomach twist. The physician bowed, gathered her things, and left the room in silence.

Lydia thought little of it at first. Perhaps the physician was simply ensuring the Queen followed her prescription. But then it happened again the next evening.

"Why does she do that ?"

"What?

Lydia hesitated as she brushed out Ruby's hair, watching her reflection in the mirror. The evening candlelight cast a soft glow over her, but Lydia's mind was anything but calm. She had to ask.

"Selene" she began carefully, "have you ever noticed how she watches you drink your medicine?"

Ruby's fingers paused in the middle of wearing stockings "Watches me?"

Lydia nodded, setting the brush down. "She stands there until you finish every last sip. It feels... unusual."

The Queen let out a light chuckle, proceeding to pull up her stockings "Lydia, it's simply a physician's duty to ensure her patient follows treatment."

"But you are well now," Lydia pressed gently. "You have no illness—why must she monitor you so closely?"

Ruby sighed, turning to face her maid with a small, reassuring smile. "You worry too much. Selene is only being diligent. She has served the royal court for years—I trust her."

Lydia swallowed her frustration, lowering her gaze.

"Perhaps I am."

*~*

Queen Ruby stepped into the King’s library, a silver tray of tea in hand, intending to serve him before heading out for a walk. The scent of rich, spiced tea filled the air, blending with the scent of aged parchment and ink. The moment she stepped inside, King Xerxes, who had been reading at his desk, lifted his gaze to her. His golden eyes darkened with something unreadable.

Without hesitation, his voice cut through the room. “Leave us.”

The advisors and guards present exchanged quick glances before bowing and swiftly exiting, closing the doors behind them. Confused, Ruby barely had time to react before a strong arm circled her waist. With ease, Xerxes lifted her onto his large mahogany desk, the cool surface pressing against her palms.

“ Your- Majesty-” she started, but her words were silenced as he leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a slow, commanding kiss.

Seeing her, suddenly in his study was a trigger. He couldn't help kissing her, his heart was melting seeing his Queen nervously walk towards him with some tea in her hand and blushing while about to serve him. Perhaps he was taken aback because this was the first time she had dared interrupt him during his work. He couldn't help but grab her and touch her.

Her breath hitched, fingers gripping the edge of the desk as his warmth surrounded her. It wasn’t rushed, nor forceful—yet it left her powerless. When he finally pulled away, she was breathless, her cheeks burning. His thumb brushed against her jawline, his expression smug, his finger tracing the swollen part of her breasts before kissing her right between her cleavage.

Heart racing, Ruby quickly pushed herself off the desk, nearly stumbling as she turned away. “I—I have to go.”

She fled the room without another glance, her pulse wild in her throat. Her cheeks are red and her body hot and heavy. She was running away from him and he loved it.

Behind her, the deep, rumbling sound of the King’s amused laughter followed her down the corridor.

The afternoon sun bathed the castle in golden warmth as Ruby strolled across the training grounds, her long gown brushing against the stone paths. The air smelled of sweat, steel, and earth, a contrast to the perfumed halls of the palace. The rhythmic clanking of swords against shields and the grunts of soldiers filled the air, their rigorous training uninterrupted by the Queen’s presence—until she reached the center of the grounds.

There, overseeing the newly recruited guards, stood a familiar figure—Oliver.

Dressed in his long black coat and a creast over his chest giving him the title of serving a Royal member of the family, his hair had grown, his stance now much developed and giving a commanding presence, he was every bit the knight she remembered. His watchful eyes scanned the field, tracking the movements of each recruit, his sharp mind calculating their strengths and weaknesses. But as his gaze landed on the Queen, his expression shifted to surprise before he immediately rushed forward, bowing deeply.

At his silent cue, the entire row of recruits behind him turned and bowed in unison, their voices calling out in respect,

"Your Majesty."

A faint smile touched Ruby’s lips. “At ease.”

The recruits straightened, and Oliver took a step forward.

“I did not expect to see you here, My Queen,” he admitted, his tone carrying both warmth and formality.

“I wished for fresh air,” Ruby replied. “And I find it fascinating to see the kingdom’s strength being built firsthand.” She glanced at the young guards, most of them barely out of boyhood, faces still marked with the eagerness of youth. “How do they fare?”

Oliver exhaled, glancing over his shoulder at the recruits before returning his gaze to her. “Some show promise,” he said, “but others have much to learn before they can be trusted with a blade in battle.”

Ruby nodded in understanding before tilting her head slightly. “And what of your duties? How has it been, guarding the Princess?”

Oliver’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, he hesitated. Then, with a resigned sigh, he admitted, “Difficult.”

The Queen raised a brow. “Difficult?”

He ran a gloved hand through his dark hair. “The Princess overworks herself,” he said, shaking his head. “She barely rests, constantly throwing herself into studies, politics, and training. I have tried reasoning with her, but she insists she must prepare for the future.”

A hint of concern crossed Ruby’s face. She had always admired the Princess’s determination, but there was a limit to how much one could push oneself before breaking. “That sounds familiar,” she murmured, mostly to herself.

Oliver smirked slightly. “I suppose stubbornness runs in the royal family.”

The Queen’s lips twitched in amusement before her gaze softened. “Then it must be difficult for you, having to stand by and watch.”

“It is,” he admitted. “But I swore an oath to protect her. Even if it means enduring her relentless need to prove herself.”

Ruby nodded. “And today? Do you have a rare moment of peace?”

Oliver straightened. “I was excused from duty for the day, so I thought I’d check on the new recruits. I wanted to see if any had the potential for the royal guard in the future.”

“A day off, and yet you are still working,” Ruby noted, shaking her head. “You and the Princess truly are alike.”

Oliver chuckled. “I cannot accept your statement Majesty, for I would never compare myself to the Princess's work ethic. They are always far superior. But I find it difficult to sit still when there is work to be done.”

The Queen studied him for a moment, appreciating his unwavering dedication. It was rare to find someone so committed to duty, and she knew that the Princess was in good hands with him by her side.

“I trust you will take care of her,” Ruby finally said, her voice carrying a quiet seriousness.

Oliver met her gaze, determination burning in his dark eyes. “With my life, Your Majesty.”

Satisfied with his answer, Ruby turned back to the recruits, watching as they continued their exercises under the keen eye of the castle’s seasoned knights.

“Then I will leave you to your observations,” she said. “Thank you for your time, Oliver.”

He bowed deeply once more. “It is always an honor, My Queen.”

With that, Queen Ruby turned, making her way back towards the castle. But as she walked, a nagging feeling remained in her chest—a worry that the Princess was pushing herself too far, and that one day, even Oliver wouldn’t be able to stop the consequences of her relentless drive