Lady In Red

52

She did not wear many diamonds. A simple diamond necklace gifted by the ambassador and simple earrings. Her lace gloves were adorned with tiny crystals and on her ring finger her wedding ring.

She didn't have the time to take off her dress, her inner petticoat all hot and heavy for her, although the king did not approve. It was his fault, after all. Her hair was left open, with both sides clipped away in haste. She grabbed the shawl from her maid, and ran out to the corridors, before seeing the King waiting. His eyes traveled from her face to her gown and back towards the stairs. A disapproving look plastered on him.

"I thought I made it clear I do not like blue on you."

"Your Majesty has himself to blame." Ruby talked back earning a light chuckle from that tyrant man. The servants behind snapped their heads in unison when his chuckle fell on their ears. Ruby took his extending hand and he squeezed her tightly before leaning into her ear.

"How's it between your legs Madam? Still dripping?"

She turned red. Suddenly feeling her bud hot and wet even after she cleaned up.

That feeling of his liquid spreading inside her was erotic. Never did Ruby imagine liking something so dirty.

His hand held her palm tight as they walked down the stairs towards the ballroom.

"Fredrick," Ruby chirped, smiling at him as he gave his deep bow before looking up. His eyes moved back behind the Queen, glancing at Lydia for just a moment before snapping back to Ruby.

"I have passed on the message of the Queen Mother's disposal in court to the Duke. The agreements between their families shall be under his hand now."

Ruby nodded walking towards the young Duke [ ].

He bowed to her before smiling softly. "Your Majesty."

"Hello []"

"I hope you have asked the Princess for her first dance? Perhaps something slow?" Ruby dared to tease the young duke as he chuckled looking away. His eyes stayed low, never looking up to her eyes as that was disrespectful.

Ruby did wish she had a normal conversation. She sat next to her King, her body leaning back on the chair, tilted side ways to face the King slightly.

As the music and chatter continued. The doors of the ball opened to a later entry of the princess. She had sent her lady in waiting to give an apology for her tardiness since had been horse riding early that day. Ruby didn't mind. After the Queen Mother clutches over her had lifted, the Princess seemed much more happy and carefree.

It didn't take long for the Duke to take her towards the floor.

"What are you thinking?"

Her attention diverted to him. The proximity between them was closed as he leaned in far too much, entering her little bubble. She jerked back softly, startled at his full attention on her as he had been entertaining important people before.

Now, she realized it was only the two of them sitting in the private area with only one guard behind them.

He eyes stared at her for far too long prompting her shift in her throne.

"I-" Ruby was about to mention the Princess. But bringing the Duke's and Regina's union would be a matter of court. And she was asked to refrain from bringing any matters of court before the King.

"Hm?"

His question couldn't be ignored.

"I was just admiring the ball."

He leaned back. She was suddenly devoided of the warmth he gave her.

"How do you think they pair?" He asked keeping his fingers under his chin as his elbow rested over the armrest.

"They?" she asked softly but her eyes followed his.

On the floor, were the pair dancing beautifully. The surroundings dim as they followed their steps elegantly. She shined under the chandeliers. Ruby had forgotten how the Princess has the title of The Beauty in the kingdom. She most certainly agreed.

"They look perfect together." Almost like they belonged with each other.

Her eyebrows creased together suddenly remembering their kind.

"Your Majesty-"

Xerxes turned his attention towards Ruby. Her eyes, lips her hair. All of it enticed him but he held himself back at the curious question of his Queen.

" If their union was purely for an alliance, what about their mates?"

It was the first time his Queen had asked him about their kind. Xerxes thought she was simply never interested. Or she could be scared. But her curious questions somehow made him happy. Weirdly, he never in his life liked questions.

The King, arrogantly enough, hated questions. However, he was more than happy to answer any and all of hers.

"We respect the bond between two of our kinds. We wouldn't accept it unless they were mates. Of course, there are exceptions. But for the royals. The blood and bond remains our priority."

She glanced at him shocked before turning her head back to the couple.

"So they are- But she never gave off that impression."

"My sister's is only eighteen. It is not something sudden like the tick of a clock. It's a slow process. Realizing it will take time."

"How did your majesty know?" Ruby asked.

He took her hand in his before kissing it softly, "The more you desire your mate, the faster you know." He said with his eyes fixated on hers but she looked down blushing.

The wine was beginning to taste different, and her head felt light. His hand loosened as the chancellor walked towards them bowing. His eyes were the only thing on her mind before she felt something between her legs.

She froze realizing and standing up earning the King's attention.

"Ruby." He called as she tried walking away. She turned around regretting not excusing herself.

"Excuse me, I have to use the powder room." She said as pain shot up her abdomen.

Ruby walked out of the balcony, striding towards the powder room with Lydia running after her. She waved her hand asking the other maids to leave them alone as they entered the chamber and shut close the door.

Ruby clutched her stomach crying in pain as her maid fussed around grabbing the cloth for her monthly cycle.

"You need medicine."

"No, it's fine."

"You have always been in constant agony month it comes. Madam. Let me call for help-"

"I do not wish for them to know It hurts that bad what if they make it worse!?" Ruby was concerned for her health and safety. The recent letters sent by the Queen under the guise of taking care of herself, were in reality asking her to never trust their physician.

Any new medication without their knowledge could be poison.

"Clara would never let that happen. She always tests them first." Lydia stated leaving her Queen and asking the servants for hot water and camomile tea.

"Your Majesty?" Clara entered the chamber her face instantly frowned in concern as she saw the Queen clutching her stomach.

"Madam just started her cycle." Lydia stated preparing some medicines which they knew would help.

"Why does it hurt so bad?" Clara asked kneeling before the Queen.

"Madam always had a bad cycle. But, it hasn't been this bad for a while."

"I will get the physician," Clara stated standing up and walking towards the doors however Ruby stopped her.

"No no. It isn't that bad. I just need to rest."