Lady In Red

53

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

Her first thought was that of danger put upon her Majesty; she seemed oddly stressed and in pain. She was alright moments before. Clara couldn't help but look around for any notion of an intruder or a cup of water or food she might have taken. Perhaps it was on the table back at the ball room. Lydia's words brought her out her thoughts.

"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."

*~*

"The Queen's lady-in-waiting has sent a message, asking to be excused for the rest of the night. She apologies for her absence."

Andrew whispered next to the king as Xerxes tilted his head before snapping his eyes to him.

"What happened."

"I was simply told to relay this message. From the looks of it, her Majesty might be feeling unwell"

Xerxes frowned, "Fetch Clara and the physician."

Andrew nodded leaving him as the King was occupied with discussions.

The ball however never stopped. Regina looked up at the King, sitting alone on his throne. The Queen's seat was empty. A frown settled upon her face, and she worried for her.

"Are you feeling unwell?" Duke Eden asked prompting her to chuckle shaking her head nervously.

"Princess." He called as they both danced slowly to the music. Her eyes lifted and he smiled getting her full attention.

"It will be in my interests tonight to stay close to you. As, I would one day be honored to take your hand in marriage."

She blushed as he waited for her reply. She nodded slightly, her eyes avoiding his. But her blushing cheeks told him everything he needed to know.

Content in the Princess's answer the Duke ended the dance as the music finally stopped, bowling to her as she curtsy's back before taking her hand and guiding her towards some refreshments.

"Have you been writing?" He asked staring at her inked fingers.

She brought her fingers up to take a look and chuckled, "Yes, I have been working just before the ball started. A few unanswered letters for the Queen."

Taking a sip of his liquor before hesitating to continue the conversation he finally broke their comfortable silence.

"You would not have to worry about working when you marry me. You could live as lavishly as you wish. Do whatever you wish."

Regina felt her heart drop slightly. Her eyes creased and her face presented a light disappointment. She looked down unable to say anything. But the duke tiled his head to see her face better.

"What is it? Have I said something wrong?"

She shook her head from side to side smiling. Although it was a fake smile.

"Please tell me." He insisted.

"I like working. I might seem tired but the Queen granted me the permission to work because I insisted on it. "

The duke's face stayed nonchalant for a moment before he chuckled at her, "You don't seem to think you would work for the rest of your life?"

"Yes. Would that be wrong? If I didn't -"

The duke frowned, "When I am given the title of a Prince. My wife wouldn't need to work at all. Why would I agree to that when you simply do not have to. Unless of course, you love your work"

Regina was fast on replying to him, "Yes, yes I do love working. I love writing." Her words ended in a light whisper as she looked away sipping on her drink while the Duke stood amazed.

He smiled at her innocent face, "You may do what you wish. I simply, disagree that you should be involved in the Queen's affairs. Especially after our engagement. It could be led to differences between families."

Regina frowned deeply. Sighing looking away. But the Duke's hand gently touched her chin pulling her face towards him. She felt her heart skip a beat as her cheeks heat up.

"I would never stop you from doing what you love. But unfortunately, someday you might have to give up working next to her Majesty, there is only as much you can know about her affairs. Or one might say you are trying to take over the Queen's court." He finished with a light-hearted joke laughing softly.

But to Regina, it was a joke. She smiled taking his hand as he led her towards the floor for another dance. Before her was the man of her dreams, her future husband and a to-be Prince. Her life would be simple and happy. At the back of her mind though, all she could think of was her work with her Majesty which she so desperately clingled onto. Having no standing in the court, the constant suppression imposed by her mother led her to believe that working would be her way of standing by herself, being somewhat of importance to the court.

And what would happen if she quit? All the things she had worked for, the charities. The auctions, and the decisions made for the people of the kingdom by her under the Queen's authority, all of them will never be recognized as her work. It would just fade under the Queen's name.

The Duke noticed her silence as they danced. But her hands on his were a way of letting him know she was enjoying her time with him.

"Come." He whispered.

She blinked, a confused expression settling on her face as they both slowly exit the ballroom and walked towards the great hall and up the flight of stairs.

"You are taking me to the tower?" She asked as two of her maids followed her.

When the doors opened to the roof, she stopped her maids from following them.

Regina sighed as the cold wind brushed against her body. A heavy coat settled over her shoulder from the duke before he walked towards the brick railings.

"Beautiful isn't it? The tiny lights." He remarks.

"I wish to travel to the different cities of this kingdom. I had been wished for that opportunity for a very long time."

Regina looked at him,"Why haven't you done it yet?"

He gave a sorrowful smile, "I haven't had the privilege of leaving my work."

"I hope you do soon then" She stated and he looked at her.

"I wish you could join me one day."

Although she didn't like traveling, she nodded. Her eyes stayed on him as he turned his face away. She was finally calm, away from the constant music and chatter. She could take her time observing him. His soft voice didn't match his broad muscular figure. But his face remained calm and composed. He gave one the feeling of safety. Unlike many men here, the duke was one of the rare men who spoke and acted with kindness.

Any lady would be thrilled to be with him. Yet she found herself questioning her future.