Brimsley and Reynolds

Chapter 9

Brimsley knew what day it was even before he even opened his eyes. The chaotic rush he heard from the hall told him the day that he had been waiting for had finally arrived.

The Wedding; The Queen.

He opened his eyes. Reynolds had already gone, no doubt trying to ease the King's nerves before the big day. He readied himself for the day as he always did, this time paying careful attention to the way he presented himself. He had been yearning for the time when he could finally be of use, and now that it arrived he found himself completely overcome with nerves.

What if he messes up? What if the Queen hates him? This whole time he had been set on his position as Queen's man, wanting to be of use more than anything, but now the weight of this job is starting to become apparent. How does Reynolds bear it, being responsible for so much?

He lets out a shaky breath and walks out the room, headed to the entrance of the palace to meet the Queen. He was surrounded by a flock of footmen as he watches the Queen step out of her carriage, followed by a young man who looked as if he could be her brother. She is wearing a pretty blue dressed adorned with sapphires, and a matching hat. She looks up, taking it all in, but showing no signs of awe at the size or grandeur of the palace. "We will be heading to the fifth room on your right Your Highness," Brimsley says, extremely relieved that his voice sounds calm and collected.

He immediately decided he liked her as she took the lead, walking alongside her brother with no intimidation whatsoever. They began talking in a hushed tone, her brother admonishing her to "Be her most agreeable,".

As soon as they walked into the room where Princess Augusta was waiting, he could tell she was displeased with the Queen. Or shocked to say the least, and not in a good way. She began walking in circles around her, asking to see her teeth and hands. Taking no time in dehumanizing her, she immediately began speaking of how her duty was to produce as many heirs as possible for the crown. Ugh. She then proceeded to lick her finger and wipe her cheek, as if she expected to find something different beneath it. Of course, she didn't.

"Brimsley," Princess Augusta said suddenly. He turned and stepped forward slightly, somewhat surprised she even knew his name.

"Take Charlotte to the seamstress so we can have her gown fitted," He began to nod in response, but Queen Charlotte began to speak.

"Oh, no need. I already bought my wedding gown. 'Tis quite a perfect fit." She said, her voice calm but still commanding acknowledgement. Princess Augusta, however, wasn't having it. She began to go on about traditional gowns, and how they are in 'our fashion' and 'for our family', making her opinion that what Charlotte wants is of no importance to her very clear. The Queen tightly smiled, agreeing with Princess Augusta, as she really had no other option.

The brother congratulated her as the Princess and everyone else finally left, before soundly walking away, leaving Queen Charlotte and Brimsley alone in the room for a moment. A brief smile passed between them.

"This will be just fine," Brimsley thought hopefully. The Queen had begun walking, heading up a flight of stairs towards the seamstress. He followed behind, the perfect measure of five paces now habitual in his step. He paused as she turned around, looking at him strangely. She tried to gesture for him to join her, but he stayed behind where he was. She continued walking for a moment, but then turned around again, a determined smile on her face.

"Walk with me," she began, "I have questions," Brimsley couldn't believe what he was hearing, had no one explained her about his presence? This was going to be uncomfortable.

"That's not how it's done Your Highness." He said.

"What do you mean?"

"Well you walk there and I walk back here, Your Highness,"