All The Kings Men

Chapter 18 Queens Thoughts

I glanced out my window into the court yard where my king stood talking to Fiona. She ran her fingers up and down his forearm. Clearly obsessed with him. Jealousy grew inside of me. She obviously felt like she had some romantic claim on him. There really wasn't anything I could do either. I wasn't sure what was more shocking their relationship or that no one in the kingdom really took notice of it. All I knew was that I loved him. No matter what I wanted to stand by him as his Queen. My heart broke knowing that it might only mean just as a friend.

The sun had just began to make its descent for the day. Soon the castle would be full of eligible men, I prayed that we could finally end the nightmare my ladies had been living. If only it would also end my own. My cycle was supposed to start in a few days. I had never prayed so hard that it would not come. That my duty could finally be fulfilled. That I would never have to do that terrible ceremony again.

I backed away from my window and began to take off my robe to start and dress for the ball. Lilly helped me place on my dress and do my hair. I sent her off to help Elly and Hannah. I wanted everything to be perfect for them.

"Your fashion needs help." Queen Elizabeth's voice made me jump. I turned eyes wide as she stood at my door. How did she enter without me hearing her? "And do they not feed you you're skin and bones. How will you ever carry my grandchild in that scrawny body."

"Mother Queen I did not hear you enter." I stammered.

"If you ever wish to fill my shoes you better start paying attention to what is happening behind your back my dear." Her words were icy.

"I will keep that in mind." I stated.

"I thought we could walk to the ball room together. You could formally let everyone know I returned." She said turning and exiting my room. I stared after her for a second before running after her.

"Umm...I really should wait on my ladies maids. This ball is for them after all." I said catching up with her.

"I already have prospects picked out for them. There is no need." She said adjusting her jewelry.

"Ah....what?" I asked confused. She hasn't even been here but a few hours. How could she have possible known and found matches for them.

"Lord Cartwright and Lord Lumsky are both widowed with great family names, lots of land and more importantly lots of money. They Are Lonely and both in need of heirs. They will not question the backgrounds of your girls." She replied.

"Old men?" I stopped walking. "You want them to Mary old men who they might not be attracted too."

"You out of anyone should understand how this works. It's not about love. It's about making sure they don't end up where you picked them up from. Despite your efforts word is already out about them. Did you even check your guest lists? Most of the men invited declined said for a few who will not bring honor to their families. Unlike you I am looking out for them." She stopped too and folded her arms.

Again how could she possibly know all this ?! When her husband was alive she always seemed to fall behind and not say much. Now I understood she was just behind listening to everyone. She wasn't wrong and my ladies knew what their duties are. However I had hope that I could fix the mess that the late king caused. I didn't have time to reply. Elly and Hannah rounded the corner dressed in beautiful gowns. If what the queen said was true they would be sourly disappointed. I prayed when we entered the ball room it was filled to the brim with men.

"Why are you helping ?" I whispered.

"So your mind gets back on your responsibilities and keeps my son and family on the thrown." She harshly whispered back. If only she knew my responsibilities were all I could think about. "Ah Lady Elly Lady Hannah it is so nice to see you again. I want to deeply sincerely apologize for my husbands actions. Had any of known what he did to you we would have sent for you immediately."

"All is well now." Elly replied with a smile. "We are just thankful for our Queen."

"She is most wonderful isn't she?" King Silas said approaching us. He gently took my hand in his kissing it. "This kingdom would be lost without her."

"Silas my son." Elizabeth hugged him. "I thought you would be busy with what we walked into yesterday."

"This night is about Elly and Hannah. The murders will not be mentioned tonight." Silas said holding out his arm to me. "Shall we?"I grateful left the Mother Queen behind me. I didn't have to turn around to know she was glaring after us. We entered the ball room and to my relief it was over flowing with people from our kingdom. The decorations looked beautiful and music echoed threw out the room. "May I have your first dance ?"

"You may have every dance." I said bowing to my king. He whisked me onto the dance floor. As we spun the sight of Matthew lurking behind a pillar caught my eye. His eyes locked onto mine. What was he up too ? I couldn't put my finger on it but he seemed to be up to something.