Beguiled

Part Six

When she awoke she found herself alone in bed. Though she felt like their intimacy the night before had been strong, it seemed he could not wait up for her. But knowing what his place was there in the palace, she directed her thoughts to the possible fact that he could have been called upon.

With her initial concern fading she slipped out of the bed, and not a moment later a knock happened at the door. It was not her place to be there, nor to allow someone in, so she froze, keeping quiet. Then she heard a kind woman's voice speaking from the other side, "Miss?"

She opened her mouth but closed it a beat later, clearing her throat nervously, then she called out, "Come in!"

She withdrew into herself, feeling concerned that she had been too confident, as though this was her room. The woman who walked through the threshold seemed hesitant in her own way, yet as kind as her voice as she smiled. She was carrying a bundle of fabric in her arms, "The King's aide requested that you wear this. You are to attend morgenmete with the King."

At first she was surprised, then horrified, then she came back down to being nervous. She had never before thought she would meet the King, let alone share a morning meal with him. She hadn't even ever wanted to meet him. She had heard horrible things about him from the townsfolk. She could feel her heart pounding in her head as the woman approached her, handing her the dress. She took it with a soft smile, "Thank you."

The woman nodded downward with a kind expression before turning and leaving the chamber. Iris stood, unfolding the dress and holding it out in front of herself. It was akin to the one she had worn to the masquerade with the exception of it being not as round. It was perfect.

She spent a good few minutes putting it on, smoothing it over and over in anxiety, wanting to look her best. She fussed with her hair, pinched her cheeks, and pressed her lips together. She looked into the mirror and finally felt ready, though her nerves were frayed. She took a deep breath and walked through the door. Reaching the stairs she carefully descended, trying to ignore the fact that she was still barefoot. She blushed when she saw Colin at the foot of the staircase. So handsome. They grinned at one another, and once she took the last step he took her hand and kissed it, "You look absolutely stunning."

She blushed further but then she embarrassedly whispered, "I haven't any slippers."

Colin smirked and brought a hand out from behind his back, and within it he held a pair of stilettos, "Which is why I fetched these."

She brought her fingers up to her mouth and giggled before thanking him. She set them on the floor and slipped into them. They were gorgeous, the perfect match for her glamorous dress. She looked to Colin to find his expression humored and she simply smiled back, beaming with giddiness. He looped his arm through hers, "Shall we?"

She grinned and nodded, though her stomach fluttered anxiously.

They walked together into the dining hall as Colin whispered, "Don't be nervous. I'm right here with you."

It made her feel more confident, better about the fact that she'd have to show etiquette that she wasn't used to. The charming man led her to a seat beside the Queen, holding it out for her, and she sat. He bent down to the crook of her neck, "I'll shall be just over there," and then he kissed her cheek.

She blushed profusely, knowing everyone could see, especially the King; and when she looked over to him he was staring at her with judgement, already. She immediately looked down to her plate, even if just to show respect. The food looked rich and appetizing. She chanced a glance upward at Colin who had taken his seat to the right of the King. He smiled, his eyes shimmering, and she smiled back. He looked so regal. Everyone stayed still, a long moment passing, waiting, until finally the King took a bite of his food. Everyone else followed suit. She was correct, the food was succulent.