forum Royal Dilemma (o/o Closed)

Started March 04, 2022 by @emilyevewrites group

tune

Eleanor jumped at the knock. She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she barely heard it at all, but she hurried quickly over to the door and pressed her slender hands against the wood. "Who is it?"

“It's just me, my Queen.” Thomas assured, a soft smile in his voice as he patiently waited for her to let him in.

Eleanor grinned and quickly opened the door for him. She beckoned him to come in and shut the door behind him. “Well?” she asked quickly. “What did she say?”

Thomas’s smile grew as he walked into the room. “She accepted your invitation. And said that she is looking forward to seeing you.” he answered.

Eleanor’s eyes widened with shock and joy. “Oh gods, Thomas! Did she really?!” She clasped her hands over her heart and grinned excitedly. “Oh gods!”

“She did!” Thomas nodded, matching her smile. “And she actually talked to me. She asked my name and recognized me as your guard.” he added, still fairly surprised by that fact.

Eleanor’s eyes widened even further. “She did?” Her expression dulled a bit with confusion. “Where did she recognize you from? She didn’t see me with Sirus, did she?”

“I think it was from when everyone arrived.” he suggested before blushing as he remembered the scene he had glimpsed when Queen Irene had opened the door. “No. I believe she was… otherwise occupied at the time.” he assured.

Eleanor nodded quickly, relieved to hear that Irene hadn’t seen anything that had happened in the gardens. But she was confused by Thomas’ blush.

“Wait, what do you mean she was otherwise occupied…” She trailed off as potential realization hit her, and she blushed.

Thomas cleared his throat as he felt his face warm. “Well, I don't mean to spread rumors but… I saw a bottle of wine in her room and her king consort seemed… tired.” he explained. “He didn't even get up from the bed to look toward the door when she answered.”

Eleanor’s eyes widened. “Oh!” She blinked quickly, her mind working swiftly to figure it out. But suddenly she stopped and shook her head. “It’s none of my business,” she said quietly. “I don’t need to know… but which dress should I wear?” She approached her massive wardrobe and searched for the perfect garment to wear when meeting casually with the most powerful queen on the continent.

Thomas nodded, agreeing that it was not any of their business but… “I’m afraid I may not be the best one to ask for advice on that.” he admitted, watching her look for a suitable dress.

Eleanor frowned slightly as she continued looking. "I don't want to call Lucy," she said, half to herself. "Though I probably should. This meeting is important." She drew back slightly and looked over at Thomas. "Did Queen Irene have any maids in with her? Could you tell?"

Thomas hummed thoughtfully before shaking his head. “No. I couldn't tell.” he admitted. “Though if I can say it… I’m not sure if I would be surprised if she did or not.” he told her honestly. Because Queen Irene was a very powerful, influential person. He could easily imagine her with dozens of maids to help her with anything. But at the same time she did seem like the kind of woman who could do everything without help from anyone.

Eleanor nodded slowly. "I hope I'm not too dressed down," she murmured aloud, looking back into her wardrobe. "Merrianth's royal colors are purple and black. If I wear a purple gown… but would it look like I'm trying to step across her boundary?" she worried aloud, biting her lip softly.

Thomas shrugged almost helplessly. “I'm not sure… But, do you have a dress with our colors on it and black or purple ribbon or trim on it?” he asked. “It might show more… unity between you?”

Eleanor's eyes lit up. "Yes! That would be lovely!" She reached in and snatched a golden dress with blue filigree up the sleeves and around the skirt. "I believe I have some ribbons… here!" She grinned and took up her sewing kit excitedly. "I can stitch this and be done in time to meet Queen Irene in the West Wing."

Thomas smiled, both glad and relieved that Eleanor liked his suggestion. Though he hadn't meant for her to alter one of her dresses… But she had been trained as a seamstress before so who was he to tell her not to.

Eleanor slipped out a bold purple ribbon with black lace along the edges. "Perfect," she said eagerly, and with that, she began to sew the ribbon around the sleeves, hem, and neckline of her dress.

Thomas smiled softly at her enthusiasm and took a seat nearby just to watch her work.

Eleanor became lost in the stitches soon. She was enveloped in her work, making sure each little motion was perfect. She couldn't have the ribbon fraying or coming undone. That would embarrass her beyond belief, especially if Irene found out that Eleanor had done the stitching herself. She was determined for it to look flawless.

Thomas just watched silently, not wanting to break her concentration, in amazement at the level of detail Eleanor was putting into the clothing. Yet another incredible quality of hers. And it showed just how skilled she was with needle and thread.

Eleanor finished lining the ends of the sleeves and neckline. She held it back and examined her work, glancing up at Thomas. She lifted the fabric so he could see the result. "What do you think?" she asked kindly. "Does it look alright?"

“I think it looks very nice.” Thomas nodded, smiling at her. “Though I have to say, I’m more impressed by the fact that you just made that.”

Eleanor blushed lightly. "If my mother taught me nothing else, she taught me how to sew," the queen remarked quietly, tracing her fingertips lightly over the ribbon. "I hope Irene will appreciate it."

“I believe she will.” he nodded, admiring the woman before him more than the dress. Oh, she had done a beautiful job, he was sure. But he had meant it when he said that Eleanor would look beautiful in anything. “I almost believe she would appreciate it more if you told her you had done this just for her.” he admitted though he was unsure if his Queen should actually bring up that fact.

Eleanor hesitated a moment, looking down at her even stitches and the swirling patterns of the ribbon. "Do you really think she would?" she asked quietly. Her eyes studied the fabric intently, then she lifted her gaze to meet his eyes. A slight chill ran through her. The way he was looking at her… No one had ever looked at her that way before. She felt completely loved and admired under his gaze.

“I think so. Don't most people appreciate when things are done for them?” he asked. Thomas smiled softly when her eyes met his and gently placed his hand against her cheek. “I know I would.” he almost whispered.

Eleanor leaned instinctively into his hand and closed her eyes. “You’re right,” she whispered back, her warm exhaled grazing his wrist. “You’re always right.”

Thomas let out a breath as hers caused a trail of goosebumps to rise on his arm. “I… I wouldn't say always but… I hope I am on this.” he admitted, not raising his voice.