Lady In Red

63

The soft rustling of leaves carried through the air as Ruby sat beneath the canopy of a tree, a delicate porcelain cup resting between her fingers. The garden was quiet, except for the gentle chirping of birds and the occasional clinking of teacups as Lydia poured her another cup. The Queen's shoulders had relaxed for the first time in days, the tension of the court momentarily forgotten in this serene corner of the castle grounds.

She had been in her library all day yesterday and since this morning, cooped in her pending work of answering letters and making decisions which was much overdue. She could only finish those tasks as a result of the Princess's exceptional help.

Ruby had sent a big bouquet of flowers freshly taken from her gardens to the Princesses ' chambers that morning with a thankyou letter. Although this was quite improper as an outsider to send a gift to anyone in this kingdom could deem as an act of bribery. But Ruby did it anyway.

She gave a sigh, putting the book in hand on the table and taking to cup of tea.

It was a rare moment of peace—one that did not last long.

A butler stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, Duke Eden has arrived and requests an audience."

Ruby blinked in surprise, setting her cup down. Duke Eden wasn't a frequent visitor, though she had expected him sometime this week. She glanced at Lydia, who met her gaze with quiet understanding before nodding to the butler.

"Let him in," Lydia said.

Moments later, Duke Eden entered the garden, his polished boots making little noise against the stone pathway. He was a tall man with golden-brown hair, always neatly styled, and a charm that made him popular among nobles and courtiers alike. He approached with an easy smile, bowing elegantly before her.

"Your Majesty," he greeted, his voice warm. "It is always a pleasure to be in your presence."

Ruby offered a polite smile. "Duke Eden, what an unexpected surprise. Please, sit."

He took the seat across from her, chuckling, accepting the tea Lydia poured. As he sipped, his gaze drifted toward the blossoms swaying gently in the breeze.

"Well, your Majesty did mention you were here if I ever wished to talk."

Ruby smiled as the butler served him tea and some cake and biscuits were brought.

"Your garden is as lovely as ever," he remarked. "A reflection of its owner, no doubt."

Ruby chuckled softly. "You flatter me, Duke. But I assume you have not come merely to admire the flowers."

Eden leaned back, his expression shifting to something more serious. "No, I came because I wished to speak with you about Her Highness, Princess Regina "

Ruby tilted her head slightly. "The Princess?"

"Yes," he nodded. "I have noticed she has been... distant lately. I cannot help but wonder if she is troubled. Or perhaps she has begun to consider what it would mean to marry someone like me." He exhaled, stirring his tea absently with a spoon. "She has always been an ambitious woman, but lately, she has seemed uncertain. I would hate to think I am the cause."

Ruby gave a small, knowing smile. "The Princess has always been a woman of her own mind. If she is distant, it is because she is thinking, not because she has lost interest."

He sat in silence. Ruby, although a human and always somewhat intimidated by everyone in this castle, found him fearless and strong. The duke might talk calmly and have a soothing aura, but he was just as dangerous as the fighting soldiers on the border.

His soft facial expression didn't match his large body. But she had grown into the character of knowing where she sat. No matter who it was, at the end, it was only the King who would be higher to her crown, no one else. So she took quite the liberty in engaging conversations with the royals sporadically as they gained her trust and accepted her. One of them was the Duke.

After all, nobody could be as scary and intimidating as the King. And she has seen that very well.

Ruby leaned just a little closer after seeing his frown, "Sir, you have nothing to worry. The Princess is shy, after all. She had been confined to her chambers for years. And, I discovered your bond, so do not fret. She will come around sooner or later."

Duke Eden smiled upon hearing those words. "Yes, I know. I will be most delighted to court the Princess till she finds her comfort in this engagement." His sincere words delight the Queen.

What sweet words coming from the mouth of a man who, in Ruby's eyes, exerts such a formidable aura. Just like all here.

As they continued their conversation, soft laughter escaped Ruby's lips, the kind of genuine amusement that made the atmosphere lighter.

However, on the far end of the garden, a pair of dark eyes watched from above.

King Xerxes had been making his way across the stone bridge that connected the garden to the watchtower, on his way to find his Queen as she wasn't in her library as always to his disappointment. He slowed his steps, his gaze settling on the scene below.

There she was, gracefully seated, speaking animatedly with Duke Eden. A small, private smile adorned her lips, and her posture was so relaxed that she never seemed to be in his presence.

Xerxes felt an unfamiliar prick of irritation coil in his chest. His sharp gaze darkened as he watched the Duke lean forward slightly, his smile easy and comfortable. The sight of another man drawing such an expression from Ruby made his jaw clench.

Without thinking, he descended the bridge and strode toward them, Amdrew following him.

The air changed the moment he approached.

Duke Eden, ever perceptive, stiffened slightly, feeling the weight of the King's presence before he even turned his head. Ruby, noticing the sudden shift in atmosphere, felt her breath hitch when she saw the imposing figure of her husband stepping into the garden.

Xerxes moved with purpose, his hands now in the pockets of his trousers, his tall frame casting a long shadow as he approached. He did not speak at first—he did not need to. The sheer force of his presence was enough to send a ripple of unease through the gathering.

The Duke quickly stood and bowed.

"Your Majesty."