Lady In Red

39

"Madam"

Lydia's gentle call woke me up from my deep sleep. I felt tired as if my body was hurting. As I look at her she smiled waiting for me to sit up and wrap myself in the robe she held. The minute my tried to sit up the pain in my lower belly initiated. I groan holding the sheets to my body as I was naked while she helps me sit up.

"Goodness, Your hair is a mess, Mistress."

Of course, it was. From what I recall, I didn't quite get a break for two hours.

"Oh.." I said looking down and understanding why my condition was that bad.

I look at Lydia in pain and then at the ladies preparing my robes for today,"Ask them to leave-"

"It's alright-"

"No..i-its embarrassing-" I whispered when she realized what I meant.

"You may leave" She stated before rushing them out and coming to my aid.

"It hurts so bad-" I groan standing up and looking back to see blood over the sheets. I was embarrassed to even think about what the king did after he found out. What if he hated me? What if he saw this mess?

"This so embarrassing Lydia. What if His Majesty left early because of this? How am I show my face-"

"The King? Madam, he left just an hour before I woke you up. I do not think he even knows"

I sigh lowering myself in the hot bath and closing my eyes as she tends to my hair.

"I must let the King's mother know about your monthly passes Madam. I was told to do so by her ladies-in-waiting."

I frown looking back, "Why?" She shrugged.

"I suppose they would want to know if you are with child?"

"I do not wish to approve"

"As you wish-"

Ever since my childhood, we women have kept such things away from others' ears. Our Queen from back home kept it from the court until the very date itself. I didn't wish to be a hanging frame for everyone to see in this court. My cycles were nobody's business. I hated the thought of anybody knowing. Or so I wanted... I should say.

I smile at the Dowager as she bows at me slightly.

"I hope you are in good health." She didn't answer to my greeting.

"And I hope you are with child soon. Since this month is obviously wasted.." She said looking down at my stomach. My hand immediately presses over my belly while I stare at her in confusion.

"I assure you the court will have their heir -"

I gulp as she steps ahead, I feel my heart beat in my ears as she smirks.

"You my Queen have no place here without a child in your womb. I have my eyes on you"

"DO not let them take control over you Ruby"

I breathe out and smile again, "There will be no need for that Madam, I know my duties very well and I assume you have your own to fulfil. You shall be the first to know if I am with child, you will need no further news apart of this." my curt reply was surely disrespecting to her as she looked at me with such condescending eyes, But all I could do was give her a slight bow in respect and leave.

I was scared for my life while I stood before her, but I had to remind myself of my position. My queen didn't prepare me to be a feeble woman.

As we passed the halls of the east wing and entered the gardens I turned around halting the others behind me in surprise.

"Was that disrespectful? Was it that bad?" I asked Clara as Lydia's feared expression gave away her thoughts.

My eyes flicker from Clara to Fred but he stands nonchalant.

"No Madam. It wasn't." I nodded before turning around and walking to my library.

"Did you tell anyone?" I asked Lydia and she shook her head.

"She wouldn't need to Madam, There are many maids who are loyal to the Dowager. Of course, she has her ways." Clara stated flipping through a book.

These past few months Clara had begun to feel at ease next to me. She wasn't as rigid as before. Finally spoke her mind and gave me her opinion. I was happy since I would rather have an opinionated woman than a quiet one by my side. Especially when it is her.

"You mean to tell me the Dowager might know everything about me including my cycles just because of my maids?"

She nods once.

It filled me with anger, I did not wish to be a daily news to her.

"Fredrick, find me that woman who would love to gossip about her mistress's life more than being a quite loyal woman to her mistress."

He held his laughter back before leaving.

"Madam, it will not be easy. She is the Dowager." Lydia stated.

"Yes, well I am the Queen. And I simply do not wish to be an entertainment to them."

I bite my lip watching him sit his chair in the his study and read something. I hadn't gotten the chance to see the King ever work. He looked charming to me, but I suppose in a terrifying way.

The swords of the guards crossed before me as I stepped near slightly agar door making me flinch and step back.

"Our Apologises My Queen." He stated.

Ah yes, I couldn't enter unless I was asked too. The door suddenly opened wide revealing Sir Andrew, His eyes go wide and he waved the guards off.

"Never cross the Queen. She needs no permission" He grits eyeing the guards meanancingly. I laugh to lighten the situation as the guard kneeled apologizing.

"They are doing their duty, No worries. I was only passing back. Now then, take care-" I was about to leave when He stopped me.

"Your Majesty, the King waist you" Andrew stated bowing and opening the door revealing Xerxes, staring at me with anger.

Well s**t.

"You are dismissed" I whispered to Lydia and Clara.

"Good afternoon your Majesty" I greet standing before him and he leans back on his chair.

"Come here," He said patting his thigh.

I obey without a second thought.

But I wasn't even announced. How did he know?

I quietly sat over his leg and suddenly felt myself blush. He seemed indifferent to what happened in our sheets just some time ago. He leaned back staring at me with a quizzical brow while I hid my eyes in shyness. Not to mention how my maids had seen his marks cover my body while was taking a bath. That was embarrassing.

"How are feeling?" He asked taking my hand

"Well" I replied, I was feeling the worst cramps ever. My stomach hurt. My legs were numb due to my first day. I was on my way to sleep before he invited me in.

"Hmm..then"

I started pushing him back as he hoisted me up on his desk. His face right before me as I panic. He kissed me roughly, pulling down my dress neckline before peppering me with kisses, from my collarbone to my swollen chest.

"No-" I whispered as he pushed my hem up and placed his hand over my thigh. I pulled back holding his hand.

"No, I am not -" I clear my throat.

"I am riding the crimson river today sir"

He froze for a second before pulling his hands back and pulling my hem down with it. Wrapping his hands around my waist and giving it a squeeze.

"Then what are you doing promenading about?"

"I was on my way to my gardens. For some tea"

He nodded.

"You should rest Ruby"

I nodded biting my lip and he fixed my cleavage pulling my dress and kissing me once before helping me down his desk.

"Where did you come from?"

I gulp looking at him. I didn't want him to know I came from the royal court halls. He didn't like me conversing with insignificant people. I suppose it had something to do with my views influencing them and causing misunderstandings.

"From the grounds. I was taking a stroll"

"I do not like you taking a stroll on command grounds Ruby you know that. "

I nodded suddenly trembling under his eyes.

"No more walking on the grounds where my personal guards cannot see you. Yes?"

"Yes"

"Good girl" He said kissing my forehead.