Lady In Red

60

"To Captain Alaric," she wrote,

"a token of my admiration for your unwavering service to the crown. May this blade serve you as faithfully as you have served us."

Regina pressed the crown's crest over the melted wax, sealing the letter, and letter her messenger took it. Her eyes moved to the men wrapping another present before her.

"To Lady Elspeth, a humble offering to one who preserves the stories of our realm. May these words inspire you as your work inspires me."

"To Lady Marguerite, a small adornment for one who adorns our court with her grace. May it bring you as much joy as your presence brings to us."

"Handle them with care." She said softly nodding to the messenger as he bowed taking the presents and the letters with him.

Regina gave a sigh leaning back on her chair as her maid poured her another tea. Oliver, her guard watching her from afar.

"You have done a lot today Madam. You should rest."

"No." Regina interjected, "I have to go look at the food rations given this month, three guards were poisoned. I cannot fall back." she stated standing up and walking out the Queen's library. Her personal letter sitting over her table piled up from the last three days which Regina glanced at for a moment before walking out.

She wondered if the queen truly was unwell. Or was it something else? Perhaps she had conceived. Finally.

She walked with haste towards the other side of the castle. The trees were bare, and fallen leaves carpeted the ground. The cold wind slapped against the skin harshly at every step. Her black hair blew in the winter whites. The path to the south of the castle was open mid-way. Letting everyone feel the chilly breeze. The sun almost setting and soon she could hear the soldiers do their daily rounds. She smiled at the doors that were open. Walking straight to their quarters, thinking of having a bride conversation with the newly appointed General.

Her eyes settled on him as the grounds came into view. She walked further and saw the Queen standing with him talking. He noticed her bowing quickly. The queen noticing him turned around and smiled.

"Regina. How lovely to see you." Ruby chirped walking towards her.

"Your majesty," Regina said giving a curtsey.

"What brings your heart away from the warm side of the castle." Ruby joked and the general laughed. Showing their conversation had been going on for a while in good laughs. Regina blinked at the random statement but continued her answer.

"I was here to check up on the food. I heard three guards fell ill-"

"Yes, they are better now. Do not worry, I got the report this morning and had the kitchens cleaned. They had stale bread." Ruby stated frowning.

"Yes, my men tend not to look at the food before gulping down," General stated.

Regina frowned smiling a bit, "But I thought I ordered the cooks to throw away any perished goods."

"Madam they ate out of the throw-away pile. I call it a self-punishment."

Ruby laughed softly trying to hold back her laughter as the General shrugged. Regina just chuckled lightly before looking at the grounds.

"Is there anything you would like done, perhaps the grounds to be leveled-"

"You have already done enough, Princess. I thank you for looking after my boys." The general, Branden Fort, bowed with his thanks.

The two ladies left the southern tower and walked back to the greenhouse.

"Please sit," Ruby stated sitting in the chairs as tea was served.

"I must thank you for taking over these past days. You see my monthly cycles are very painful, I need bedrest for two days at least. And then the morning after the physician visited, I felt so sleepy. I didn't realize it was evening till my maid woke me up."

"Oh, Madam you do not have to explain to me-"

"Oh but I should, You do so much work for me and I heard you invested in new beds for the guards this season. Something I wouldn't think of. And holding a ball for the soldier's wives. That was very considerate."

Regina smiled feeling happy as she sipped on her tea. "I only hoped you would feel better." But inside she felt sad for the Queen. It had been a few months since the marriage treaty and her crowning. Yet there was no sign of an heir. Not that Regina wanted anything to do with it. She was wondering if the Queen was upset herself. Disappointed in herself.

She looked much more cheerful. But one could never know.

"I have sent out the invitations already. All four dukes and dutchess would be glad to attend. It will be a private affair though, since I did not want to disturb the allowance. Only the families of 20 soldiers and some important royals." Regina explained.

"That is wonderful. I suppose you would need help setting the dinner menu. Let me help you. Although I know nothing about how the people here prefer their food." Ruby stated frowning a little, "I have to hand it to you, so young yet so accomplished. You could rule the world,"

Regina never knew how to send invitations. Keep a ball. Write letters to the council or provide rations. But she learned it through her tutor. She was actively learning through him while the Queen was just pushed into the field. Having the knowledge she did, it only applied to her previous kingdom. Everything she learned, was different from here.

"You flatter me, Madam," She said blushing.

"I am sure you will understand within a few months."

In fact Regina's tutor has asked her to teach the Queen many things. But she has stalled it. Waiting, thinking what would happen to her little position once the Queen was independent. And learned her duty. What then?

Would she be just married and thrown out of this court?

These thoughts clouded her mind constantly, day and night. Regina thought about her future over and over again. She didn't have the heart to tell the Queen these things, fearing that she would take it the wrong way.