Lady In Red

42

I sniffed, holding my bust as Lydia tightened my laces. My eyes, are still swollen from my crying early. I was hoping Sir Andrew wouldn't speak of what happened to the king.

Yes, I wanted him to know, I wanted Vincent and the Dowager out of my sight. But a king going against his own mother would strike discord in the court as well as the family. I was nobody to be fighting for. Instead, I choose to only push the General's behaviour under The King's light.

"Is she ready?" I asked.

To avoid her maids from reporting Princess Regina's presence at the dinner I had her primary maid bring her dress to my chambers. I knew the Dowager would try her best to stop her from sitting with the King.

From what I gather, she had been successful in creating strife between the Princess and The King. Out of sheer spite and for her own advantage.

"Yes Madam" Lydia replied and I nodded putting on my earrings. It was a Formal dining. Held in the furthermost area of the castle ground. A private house.

"May I seek your audience, Madam?" Fred requests and I nod at Maya to open the doors while I sit before the vanity as Lydia fixes my hair.

"Keep it up Lydia as simple as you can" She nodded.

"As Fredrick?" I asked and he bowed before standing next to me.

"I mentioned how the dinner might be political. The King's first cousin, Duke Edon is an ally of your Uncle. It can help strengthen the agreements between them"

I nodded.

"What do I have to say?"

"Nothing of significance. A mere support for his decisions could help. I shall revert the message back to His Highness"

I sigh, tapping my fingers on the table. I had received many letters asking me to placate between two courts. The furthest boarders having disunity between soldiers could lead to loss of lives worse a rebellion. But on whose side would I speak?

"How can I ease a discord between the soldiers Fred? I cannot write to them asking them to withdraw their forces. And I am simply not authorised to ask King Xerxes to lay our soldiers low."

I am doomed to support both.

"I believe addressing both shall help. Might be equitable in your position"

I stood up nodding at him and he smiled leaving us while I walked to my side chamber.

I saw her pacing back and forth and smile at her.

"You will be fine. " I assure her.

I walked in with her Highness as the Duke bowed to us. She bowed back, I could see his eyes stare at her longingly but she drilled her eyes on the ground.

"Good evening your Majesty" She greets making me happy.

"As you have heard, Duck Edom. My cousin. He was unable to attend the first ball" The King shared and smile as he took my hand kissing it lightly.

"A pleasure your Majesty"

I smile as we walked to the table.

"I trust your journey was well your Grace?"

"Yes, very engaging indeed as we passed through the local villages. I am fond of travelling"

I nodded glancing at Regina who sat quite.

"You must remember Her Highness, Princess Regina. I heard you were well acquainted?"

He hesitantly nodded glancing at her. His eyes would still over her for just a moment before he brought it back to his soup.

"Yes, I hope you are doing well," He said softly. She smiled half-heartedly nodding.

"Wouldn't it be a delight seeing your cousin around often your Majesty?" I jest making Xerxes smile.

"Yes, indeed. The hunting season shall soon start, I gather you will be leaving town next week. Stay back at the castle for some time. Would help you gain some book knowledge over streets"

I chuckled with The duke.

"Yes, I would be honoured. "

"Perhaps you could join me at my ball next week, It a charity organized by Lady Sofia. Perhaps Regina might like a partner for dance. Yes?" I asked The king trying to read his face but in vain.

He wasn't displeased, neutral. I was glad however I saw no sign of disapproval on him.

"Y-Yes. Of course, I would love to. Only if His Majesty accepts me escorting the Princess that night" The duke chirped glancing again at her.

"I do not care"

Ahh..yes well my husband was sure causal. I made me drop my formality as well. I glanced at Regina.

But she only smiled and kept to her food.

"It would be better if you stayed for we need to discuss some issues," Xerxes stated gulping his wine.

I smiled taking my glass of wine, drinking some sips and intentionally tipping on over Regina's sleeve while keeping it down. Grabbing the King's attention.

"My goodness, Forgive me. I seem to have gotten the blur. " I said making hasty in unbutting her sleeve, she didn't notice till I had pushed it further up her writs revealing her wounds.

I stare at it as The duke stands up handing her a napkin and his eyes settle over them.

"Your highness, your hand."

"Its-its just an accident. I was clumsy"

She gave me a look, lying straight to my face and to them as I stared at her but helped her clean her hand.

"An accident?" The King asked catching us all off guard. His brow raised questioning her specious answer.

His eyes were staring right at her hand as she tried to cover it in vain. I could see it, an anger bubble up to his eyes.

"I think the Princess should retire. It was lovely meeting you." I said as she stood up hiding her hand and nodded. I asked her maid to take her back to her chamber before looking back at the duke who stood there in dismay.

"Was it really, an accident?" He asked me.

"It clearly, doesn't seem like one," I answer.

I smiled greeting the duke a good night as he left.

"You look ravishing," The king said kissing my cheek and I blushed.

"Thank you your majesty" I whispered as he pulled me close and kissed me roughly.

"Get back to bed, I shall be back in a few" I nodded receiving a kiss and turning to walk towards my chamber.

I glanced back to see him order Andrew's presence.

I suppose I had gained his attention to her, It was a benign little plot but efficient.

At least the King could see something that I could not put before him without evidence. And every time I requested her presence while I was with the King she would be indisposed. Possibly the general's trick to keep out of the King's eyes.

I sigh feeling light-headed after the strong drink and make haste to go to sleep finally.