forum Royal Dilemma (o/o Closed)

Started March 04, 2022 by @emilyevewrites group

tune

Eleanor took a shallow breath as she entered the dining hall, accepting Thomas' bow and striding to her seat. Much to her delight, she discovered Irene was in the seat next to her. Much to her disdain, Sirus was seated across from her. It took all her self-control not to snap at him off the bat. Instead, she smoothed her skirt as she sank into her chair. She found it odd no one was speaking, so she lifted her eyes to look around the table. She immediately realized why.

Oh, stars. Everyone was staring at her. More specifically, at her dress. More specifically, at the skin it revealed.

A glance at Marcellus proved to be needless. She knew what his reaction would be already. He was ogling far beyond what was necessary. It was all Eleanor could do to keep from rolling her eyes.

Suddenly, there was a small scuffle heard only a seat or two further down the table. Eleanor glanced over to see Lionel rubbing his side and the woman beside him, Queen Génévieve, glaring at her. It took Eleanor a few seconds to realize what had happened. The other monarch had been staring at her for too long, and his wife was now pissed.

Eleanor reached up to tuck her hair behind her ear just as Irene leaned over to whisper in her ear, "Well done." A shy smile grew on her lips, and she looked over to meet Irene's grey eyes. There was a new sparkle of mischief in them. On Irene's other side, her consort Julian was subtly inching himself forward to look as well. Eleanor sat back a bit, completely surprised by the reaction she'd gotten. But then her eyes lifted again to look at Sirus.

The man was studying her intently with his eyes narrowed and a subtle smirk tugging at his mouth. His gaze was intense, but Eleanor met it wordlessly and all but glared at him. It was a bit of a risk since the visit was diplomatic and they were all under a banner of peace. But what he'd done to her in the gardens couldn't be overlooked. She despised him. Her internal anger flared as red as her gown.

So much so that the woman on her right side took notice and frowned. She lightly touched Eleanor's elbow to get her attention, inclined her head ever so slightly toward Sirus, and arched an eyebrow.

Eleanor realized she'd never told Irene what had happened in the gardens. But now was certainly not the time. Eleanor shifted to sit up straighter in her seat and offered a barely perceivable nod. Later.

Irene was satisfied and widened her gaze to the king at the head of the table. "Marcellus," she said, her clear voice striking through the otherwise silent room. "You are ever a gracious host. What say we start the feast? I'm sure it will be delectable."

Thomas was likewise relieved to see Queen Irene sitting beside Eleanor and equally irked by even just the presence of Sirus. Hopefully having a friend so near her would help Eleanor be strong.

Though he tried not to blush or clench his fists when everyone stared at his Queen. King Marcellus was somewhat excusable since they were married despite his treatment of her. King Lionel was something of a surprise, but Thomas found it somewhat funny that Queen Génévieve had to remind her husband that she was also present… Hopefully, Eleanor’s dress hadn't made an enemy of the third Queen at the table.

Sirus… the image of having the snake’s eyes gouged out briefly crossed his mind, which was something of a shock. Was he really that… protective of Eleanor? That hateful against Sirus? Thomas wasn't sure and that alone made him nervous. Nervous enough to the point where he barely noticed the subtle interactions between Queen Irene and Eleanor. Though the Queen’s little speech helped bring him out of his mind and refocus on his job.

Marcellus jerked to attention at Irene's words and nodded as though just realizing his duty to begin the dinner. "Yes. Let us feast in honor of our mutual alliances with each other and to the ending of the thrice-crowned queen's imperial campaign. May we see the kings and queens restored who have fallen."

A round of agreement sounded from around the table as the food was brought out.

Eleanor pursed her lips slightly and didn't speak much during dinner. She ate politely and shared a few more words with Queen Irene. Her personal silence was enjoyable until a devious voice cut through the air like a whip as it spoke her name.

"Queen Eleanor," Sirus said, eyeing her and sending all other quiet conversations into silence. "I have to ask… what compelled you to wear such a lovely dress to our dinner?"

The question stilled her, and she did her best to keep her face impassive. Though judging by Sirus's expression, she was failing at that.

Eleanor pressed her lips into a thin smile. "I thought my dear husband should like me to look as complimentary as possible," she answered shortly.

Sirus's eyes narrowed further. "But shouldn't such a revealing garment be saved for only a husband's eyes?" he asked slyly, attempting to trick her into a condemning answer.

"Surely, Queen Eleanor wanted to impress us with her beauty," Irene chimed in, sensing Eleanor's hatred towards the man. "And she has certainly done so, would you not all agree?"

Génévieve quickly turned her head to glare at Lionel, who was suddenly transfixed by his wine goblet.

Sirus narrowed his eyes but respectfully dipped his head. "Of course, Queen Irene," he cooed, returning to his food instead of pressing further.

Thomas watched the dinner in silence with the other guards standing around. Though he didn't pay much attention to the general conversation since much of it wasn't of importance.

Though his hand clenched at his side when Sirus had to comment on Eleanor’s dress. He was proud of her deflective reply and deeply relieved when Queen Irene stepped in to help defend Eleanor and finally silenced the snake.

Eleanor was grateful for Irene’s intervention in their conversation. She was even more grateful for the change of topic, despite the awkwardness that lingered over Sirus’ pressing remarks.

Lionel cleared his throat. “Marcellus, what of Cleopatra? Might her reign soon be over?”

The other monarch gravely shook his head. “My toast was merely a hope,” he explained. “Rumors are the conquering queen will march on Reinerre before the season’s end.”

Murmurs broke out between the leaders.

Irene leaned over and whispered to Eleanor, “If that witch ever tries to take my kingdom and my crown, I’ll have her head,” she muttered.

Eleanor blinked quickly before nodding in return. “Yes…” she agreed quietly, a bit startled by Irene’s sudden violence. She cast a look at Thomas, hoping dinner would be over soon.

Thomas did catch interest when the conversation turned to the kingdom thief herself. Everyone knew her reputation and her goal, so it wasn't much of a surprise when they brought up the next suspected kingdom of her attack.

He vaguely remembered the king and queen of Reinerre from a previous visit back when he was still in training. Though he distinctly remembered how sad their daughter had seemed for the few brief minutes he had seen her.

He looked back over at Eleanor and met her gaze. Though he couldn't smile at her here. He couldn't do anything that would give them away. But he may have looked at her a little longer than he should have.

Irene noted where Eleanor's gaze led, and she quickly tapped the other queen's wrist to catch her attention. Eleanor looked over as Irene mouthed almost inaudibly, "Meet me in the library after dinner?"

The younger queen's heart began to race, but she nodded briefly.

Thankfully, the rest of the dinner didn't take too long. Irene smiled kindly at Eleanor and slipped her hand through her consort's arm. "I'll see you shortly?"

"Yes," Eleanor murmured in reply, striding towards the door and signaling Thomas to come over to her.

Thomas stiffened when he saw Queen Irene glance his way and kept his posture for the rest of the meal until Eleanor beckoned for him to approach. He so badly wanted to smile at her or ask if everything was alright but he didn't.

Eleanor hurriedly laced her arm through Thomas's and practically pulled him out of the room. Once they were in the hallway, she glanced back over her shoulder to make sure they weren't being followed before speaking quietly, "Queen Irene and I have agreed to meet briefly in the library before settling in for the night. I should like to go there before heading back to my rooms."

Thomas was surprised by her speed, though he didn't blame her for wanting to get away from Sirus quickly. “Of course.” he nodded slightly at her explanation and walked with her to the library.

"Thank you." Eleanor nodded and released a pent-up breath of frustration. It irritated her how much Sirus got to her. She wished she could be as casual as Irene in dismissing him.

“Are you alright?” he whispered once they were a fair distance away from anyone else.

"Yes," Eleanor murmured in reply, though immediately after, she went into a whispered rant. "I just can't stand Sirus. I'm sure he means to use this visit as a means to embarrass me every opportunity he gets. It's infuriating. And I can't believe how much they all stared. You saw Lionel, didn't you? It was humiliating. He wouldn't take his eyes off of me until Génévieve struck him. Even Julian was trying to look. I swear to the stars, I'll never wear this forsaken dress again."

Thomas raised a brow at the quiet ranting but nodded. “I don't blame you. I can't stand him either.” he whispered with a brief encouraging smile. “I'm sorry you were uncomfortable but, if I may, I thought it was a little funny that King Lionel had to be reminded that he was with his wife.” he admitted. “And I wouldn't worry about Julian. Queen Irene will most likely deal with him later.”

Eleanor couldn't help it as she raised her eyebrows. "You thought it was funny?" she asked, more confused than anything. After a moment, she shook her head with a wry smile. "I suppose it was a little bit funny. But he shouldn't have been staring."

“Yes, a little.” he nodded. “Though I agree they should not have stared at you like that. But I would not blame them if they had just been admiring your beauty instead of leering like pirates.”

Eleanor exhaled through her nose swiftly as a means of agreement. She rubbed a bit of the fabric in between her thumb and forefinger. "Yes. I just hope any potential relationship I have with Génévieve isn't completely soiled now."

“Would you rather speak with her tomorrow, instead of King Lionel?” he asked. “Not only to explain but to mend any bridges.” he suggested, especially since Queen Génévieve seemed to have some influence over her husband.

Eleanor pursed her lips in thought. "I should speak to both of them," she murmured. "Though not at the same time. Perhaps it would be wise to speak with Génévieve first, then Lionel." Eleanor shook her head subtly. "I can't believe he stared at me like that with his wife right there."

“Of course, my Queen.” Thomas smiled at her decision, though he had to bite his tongue to keep from chuckling at her second comment. “Neither can I.”

Eleanor let a small smirk work its way onto her lips, and she glanced briefly up at him. Her cheeks were light pink with her blush still fading from earlier.

Thomas met her gaze and smiled softly, strongly tempted to caress her cheek or touch her hair. But he managed to hold himself back for now.

"Eleanor!"

The queen in question whipped her head forward to see Irene beckoning her at the end of the hallway. She hadn't realized they were so close to the library already.

"Irene," she called back, smiling broadly at her friend as she approached.

Thomas nearly jumped at Queen Irene’s call and only managed not to because of Eleanor’s hand on his arm. “Your Majesty.” he bowed politely, moving to take a step back as she approached.

Eleanor slipped her hand free of Thomas's and moved to take Irene's extended one. Irene studied the guard as Eleanor took her hand, and she smirked lightly. "Thomas," she greeted quietly before tugging Eleanor away and out of earshot. "Darling, you must tell me… what is going on with you and Sirus? The tension could have been cut by a blade."

Eleanor sighed and nodded. "Yes. I met up with him today before I met with you. It was at his request and in the gardens. Among other things, he made me stumble into a bush and then pushed me into the fountain."

Irene's eyes widened with anger. "That conniving, no-good, son of a–" she began, but Eleanor squeezed her hand to stop her from continuing.

"I'm alright. I just think he means to embarrass me as much as possible during this visit. And I gave him all of the ammunition he needed when I wore this…" She gestured to her dress with a disdainful expression on her face.

Irene's own expression softened. "Darling Eleanor, that man is a high-society rat. Don't listen to anything he says. You looked absolutely beautiful at dinner tonight. I've never seen Génévieve so jealous. She was always the one that got all the attention before you. But don't worry about her either. Once she meets you, I'm sure she'll see reasonably that you weren't trying to steal Lionel."

Eleanor blushed wildly. "Alright," she mumbled shyly.

"If you like, we could even meet up together. That way nothing might happen. Génévieve is fine enough to get along with if you know how to speak with her," Irene continued.

Relief washed over the younger queen. "Yes," she agreed quickly. "Yes, I'd like that very much. I'll have a notice sent to you and Génévieve in the morning."

"Lovely. And one more thing…" Irene's eyes sparkled mischievously, and she lowered her voice even further so it wouldn't carry. "I saw the way he was looking at you, Eleanor."

"Who? Marcellus?" Eleanor asked with a soft frown. "Oh, he looks at me that way all of the ti-"

"No, no, no," Irene interrupted her quickly. "Thomas. Your guard. He was staring. And don't think I didn't see the way you were looking back at him."

Eleanor's heart began to race. "I-I-I… N-No, you… you must be mistaken," she stammered. "I-I don't know what you're talking about."

Irene closed her eyes and sighed. "Eleanor…" Her eyes opened again and were genuine. "You can tell me, you know. I'm not going to go running to Marcellus and get you in trouble. It's been years since I've had a friend. I'm not going to spoil it with you."

Eleanor let out a deep breath. "Alright… yes, you're right. I'm in love with Thomas."

Irene squeezed Eleanor's hand tightly in her own. It was all she could do to keep from squealing with excitement. "By the goddesses, that's so romantic!" she whispered excitedly.

Eleanor giggled quietly and glanced over at her guard. "Yes, it is," she whispered back.

Thomas felt his heart racing as Queen Irene looked at him. It might have just been his imagination but her gaze felt more intense than earlier. He forced himself to take a calming breath as he stood back and waited.

The two queens talked for a moment longer before parting ways. Eleanor approached Thomas with her eyes wide. "Back to my rooms now," she instructed.

Thomas raised a brow at her expression but simply nodded, holding his arm for her to take as they started walking.

Eleanor took his arm and hurried at a similarly rushed pace from when she left the dining hall to get back to her rooms. Once they were there, she pushed the door open and pulled him inside quickly so she could shut it behind them. "She knows," Eleanor blurted.

Thomas was surprised by how quickly they managed to reach Eleanor's room, though he was glad of the privacy to be alone again but her words made him freeze. “What? Who knows what?” he asked, hoping his fear was wrong.