Lady In Red

28

I smiled taking the letters from Andrew and he nodded once before leaving. I waited till the doors closed and slam the letter on the desk putting my hand on my head.

"How come I have to take care of the castle workers..." I mutter pouting opening the first letter and Fredrick sighs.

"I would advise hiring someone to take care of those however Your Majesty needs to see first for yourself the workings of the castle"

I narrow my eyes at Fred and snicker, "Sure. I have been told so many rules I can't keep up." I said reading the letter for permission to send money for the guard's attire and signing over it for approval. Fred took the letter from my hand and noted the expenses as I instructed.

"Who was employed with this task before?" I asked reading the next letter of an invitation for me to join the Tea Party for charity. I read over it intently before Fred spoke.

"The Eldest Princess, Your Majesty. She handed over her duties after your arrival."

"I see.."

She was quite the responsible sibling then.

"Could you please ask her to meet me then? Tomorrow for Lunch?"

"As you wish Madam."

I needed to be nice to at least one, the one who cared to be nice to me. Plus I would like to ask her about some invitations that I was in doubt about.

We heard a knock as I finished most of my work, "Enter"

"Your Majesty, the General, Sir Clark Vincent asks for your presence." one of my guards announces.

I closed the letter in my hand while glancing at Fred as he frowned glancing at me.

"I heard of no visits today."

"Yes, he apologises for his sudden arrival. He only wishes to have a few words regarding the lodges of the Soldiers coming back from the West. Since the King is not available it would be best Your Majesty looks upon this." He continues.

I stood up ready to receive him in the other section of my library where I could talk. But Fred turned to me.

"Perhaps I could go call for Sir Andrew and seek the King SInce it is a matter of the military ."

"It's about the soldier's Lodging for a few days, all I need is advice. I can arrange that. I don't think I should ask for help in every new situation Fred."

He seemed to be hesitant, turning his gaze to my back at Clara, but nodded as I walked towards the doors.

"Yes, I shall receive him in the library itself."

The man nodded before leaving. Clara and Fred followed me behind, "I shall wait in the powder room."

I sighed sitting on the red chair and Clara bowed before leaving us.

"Why can't she stay?"

"Servants and Guards aren't allowed to stay for such meetings. I shall have to leave as well if General Vincent wishes."

I frown having no desire to be alone with a man. The room might be twice as big but for me standing with their kind becomes ten times smaller.

When the door opened, My heart sank as I felt fear grip me. He looked terrifying. Long hair, a long beard, and sharp eyes and his face held a sickening emotion.

"Your majesty. It is a great pleasure meeting the new Queen, I hope you are well."

I gulp nodding and he takes my hand lightly kissing the back.

I wanted to snatch it away just as fast.

"How may I help you, General Vincent?"

He chuckled walking back and keeping his hand on the head of a couch before me. His eyes gave me a look that I dare not say.

"Nothing important of sorts, I only wanted to appear before our Queen, give my greetings. I have been guarding the forts of this kingdom for years and I see a new opportunity has arisen. I could be of good help to you in certain ....situations."

I could feel the bridge between my brows scrunches in confusion.

"I-I heard your soldiers will need an arrangement I shall have that done-"

"Ah.. Do not worry My Queen you do not need to involve yourself in such trifle matters. I shall have my servant arrange it."

How dare he cut me off?

My nerves were shaking under his gaze however I kept my eyes up to him. My head never lowered as I leaned back and my hands rest on the arms of the chair.

"Well then I hope you have a good day, Clark Vincent. I shall get back to my duties"

I heard a little snicker and he nodded and bowed.

My teeth clenched feeling as if he was making fun of me. I left that room having no further matters to discuss.

As the doors slammed shut behind me I picked up my dress and walked past Clara as she frowns at my angry expression.

"I do not want to see him again! "

I exclaim sitting on my couch and huffing.

"Did something happen Madam?"

I glance at her about to speak when Andrew speaks for me.

"How would you describe General Vincent? If I may ask"

Clara looked at him and paused.

"He asserts his authority in places he shouldn't. I hope that helps you understand his character more. "

Of course! He was the type of man who would do things beyond his authority on the bases of his victory.

I was never going to get used to being near them. I was disappointed at my fear.

~

That evening as I sat for my supper, I asked them to give it in my chambers. Sitting alone in the large dining room with multiple guards staring down just made me lose my appetite. I enjoyed the delicious food sitting by the fire and staring out at the windy sky.

"I heard Her Highness Katherine will be sending a painter for your portrait soon," Lydia said setting the bowl of fresh fruits before me and giving my finished plates to the servants. I dab my napkin over my lip looking at her.

"I didn't know they do it here."

Lydia frowned as I huffed taking a sip of my water, "You think anyone would be proud to see me on the portraits of their Royal family?"

"I-I do not think you should say that Madam" Lydia said looking around to see if there were any maids around.

"It's true but." I leaned back on my chair and rang the bell.

The maids took the plates away as I undid my hair and walked to my powder room. Brushing my hair as Lydia helped me undress while Maya prepared a bath.

***