All The Kings Men

Chapter 16 Queens Thoughts

"Is all accommodations set for the hall tomorrow ?" I asked Lilly the maid in charge of our clothing.

"Yes my queen." Lilly motioned towards the gowns she had laid on my bed. "Every gown is complete."

"Splendid. My ladies must look perfect, they are to meet their future husbands tomorrow." I clapped my hands.

"Both of them?" Lilly asked.

"I hope so." I smiled at her. She glanced down with an expression I could not read. "Is everything alright ?"

"Of course my queen. Everything will be perfect for them."

"Queen Thea Lady Hannah and Lady Elly are here to see you." A guard tapped at my door.

"Please send them in right away." I smiled and watched Lilly squirm out of the corner of my eye. She quickly fixed her dress and hair.

"Thea !" Elly squealed. I am so excited. I can't believe you're doing this for us !" I couldn't help but draw her into a happy embrace. She had always been child like. I thanked God she hasn't lost her innocence of her spirit.

Hannah locked eyes with Lilly and the both immediately acted rather stand offish. Clearly something happened between the two of them. I could only pray that Hannah had been behaving herself and not acting cruel. Her heart had grown hard from her experience at the tavern. I couldn't blame her and felt guilty for it. But the servants did so much for us I did not want them mistreated.

"Which can I try on first !" Elly ran up to Lilly who clearly wasn't used to her bouncy energy.

"Which ever catches your eye." Lilly smiled at her warmly. "I will make any adjustments needed.

"Queen Thea. Lord Matthew is requesting a quick word with you in the hallway." A guard knocked at my door. I made eye contact with Hannah who read my discomfort. I nodded leaving my ladies to decide what dresses they wanted.

Entering the hallway I found Matthew perched next to a pillar. "Cousin Matthew."

"Queen Thea, I do hope I'm not interrupting anything." He smirked.

"Of course not." I lied. "I thought you had left. Are you extending your visit?"

"Yes I had some business to attend to and your King graciously offered me lodging for the next few weeks." He stated. "One of my priorities was to offer a large apology to you. I think a little too much wine may have left the wrong impression of me."

"It was not the wine that was troubling but your words." I said shyly.

He chuckled. "My proposal was not to disrespect you in any way. I simply know my cousins....predicament." We both glanced to the guards who were not far away. He glanced at me and my expression confirmed to him I knew as well. "Despite what my cousin and family may think I do care about this family. About our legacy. About our rule. I am fearful that his...your predicament.....Might cost our 400 year rule to come to an end. I fear for your life Thea." He stepped closer to me. He had the same Red hair as Silas. A family trade mark. But he was much taller then the kind and muscular as well. "You do not have to say a word. Don't even give me an answer. But just know my offer will always be open." His face was so close to mine now I could feel his breath as he spoke. His cologne filled my lungs.

"Queen Thea we really need your opinion." Hanna's voice startled us both. Matthew immediately made distance between us. I turned and nodded.

"I will ponder your words Cousin, thank you." I smiled and took my leave into my chamber. Elly was behind the changing curtain talking Lilly's ear off and trying on dress after dress.