The Tyrant's Queen

27: roses and women

"Your Majesty." Matia curtsied, wheeling in a fresh night dress and towel.

"Ulla and Viva were permitted to return to your chambers for work. But if you would kindly extend them some grace and allow them to rest-"

"Of course!" Thalia winced. "They must be tired because of me."

"Not because of you, Your Majesty."

Thalia had almost missed Matia's tone- of light chiding and politeness in its queer mix. Was this how ladies of great lineage were reprimanded by their governess? So gracefully and delicately?

"As the maids in charge of you, it was their duty to ensure your safety at all times. Allow me to serve you for your bath in their place."

"Please, allow me to serve myself," Thalia interrupted, taking the dress and towel swiftly out of Matia's reach. "I would appreciate some solitude."

It'd been a long, long day. Pursing her lips, Matia inclined her head lightly. "Your Majesty. If you would permit me to speak regarding what had happened earlier-"

"Please, do." Thalia stifled a sigh. She wanted to slip into the bath tub, sink herself into hot water, and not talk to any soul for at least the next two hours.

"His Majesty...was concerned, Your Majesty." Folding her hands into her sleeves, Matia spoke with her usual composure.

"Highly concerned, if I might daresay. Searching for you himself or using his men, I opine, wasn't possible. For...security reasons. That is why he had no choice but to rely on the twins."

Was concern the apt emotion? Perhaps angry that she wasn't within his reach.

She, his possession, just like his chair, reading table, cigar or wine bottle.

"I see" was the only thing Thalia could say, rather crisply.

"I do not, like everyone else in the country, have any information on His Majesty's health. It is the case that only the royal physician is aware of a monarch's health condition.

"But in His Majesty's case, Your Majesty, no one knows about his health. He does not permit even the royal physician to check on him, just as he doesn't let the soldiers to guard his doors."

Why the sudden talk about his health? Thalia nodded. "I've heard."

"If I might daresay, Your Majesty- His Majesty does not seem to be well, pertaining to the state of his mind."

At that, Thalia perked up, glancing at Matia's face. Had Matia heard Lucien's screams in the middle of the night? If not, how could she have an inkling of Lucien's state?

The Lucien in the presence of Matia was nothing but a carefree, immature and whimsical young man who left politics to the officials.

"You mean to advise me that I should not do anything to...strain his state further. Do not concern yourself.

"For I am not to leave my chambers without official schedule or permission from now on," Thalia smiled wearily, not attempting to keep the bitterness out of her tone.

Hearing that, a thin smile tugged at the corners of Matia's stiff lips. "I am happy to hear that, Your Majesty."

Thalia blinked. "Have I misheard, or have you misspoken, Matia?"

"Please do not misunderstand," added Matia with a low chuckle. "I mean to say, I am happy that he seems so concerned about you. That he cares for someone."

"I have misjudged you," Thalia laughed quietly. "You were exceedingly more optimistic a person than I thought you were."

"I am far from that." Matia's eyes seemed to twinkle in amusement. "It is impossible to retain anything like optimism after working in the palace for two decades. The bath water will cool, Your Majesty."