Brimsley and Reynolds

Chapter 12

A/N: The last scene of this chapter was one of my favorite scenes to write, I feel like it really embodies their relationship; simultaneously very simple and very complicated. This moment doesn't seem very complex, but it really speaks to how far they have had to come to get to the point where a moment like this can just feel simple and comfortable. Please let me know your thoughts, I can always use the feedback and love hearing from you guys!!!!!!

When Lady Danbury left that day, Brimsley had so much on his mind he felt he couldn't breathe. First off, The Queen had begun to express her desire to leave, leave. The very act of which would likely cause him to find his head on a platter. Then of course, whatever was happening with The King. It made no sense, his avoidance of The Queen throughout their honeymoon, and Reynolds was still keeping Brimsley in the dark. And then, there was the dog. The Pomeranian, as Lady Danbury had informed The Queen. It was loud, and bothersome, required constant attention and Brimsley was forced to baby sit the thing all day.

It was early in the morning as Brimsley walked to their meeting spot in the gardens. They had decided mornings were a better time to meet than lunch. Missing breakfast was of no concern to Brimsley so it didn't really matter. He had to take the dog with him. He walked as fast as he could, but would eventually have to stop and wait for it to catch up. Ugh. Of course this gesture just ended up creating more work for him. The irony.

Reynolds stood in their meeting place, his face impatient. "You are late, he will be getting up soon," Reynolds said in his superior tone.

"Well your gesture has short legs," Brimsley retorted. "What did you want anyway?" He asked, trying to keep the dog still.

"Did you allow her to have a visitor?" Reynolds questioned.

"Just one," he responded calmly. "It is her honeymoon," Reynolds responded, clearly frustrated.

Brimsley was extremely bothered by this. Reynolds had been keeping so much from him, but he now has the audacity to question how he handles affairs with The Queen? "It is the new Lady Danbury, I have always liked her. She is not going to tell anyone,"

"She does not have to tell anyone, the servants talk. The palace already knows she was there," Reynolds continued.

Brimsley had enough, "Well sir, perhaps it is time you leveled with me," Reynolds' face immediately changed. "What is wrong with your man? What is keeping him from her bed?"

Reynolds leaned in, "You worry about your own side of the world," he said flatly.

Brimsley chose not to speak as he followed The Queen to the dining hall. He could tell she was angry, as she had every right to be. If only he knew what was wrong with The King, what was keeping him from being with her. Then he might be able to remedy it in some way. But, of course, Reynolds had blocked him off, unwilling to let him know anything.

As a footman moved to allow The Queen into the dining hall, Brimsley felt his breath catch. Reynolds was standing near the back of the room, right next to The King. Queen Charlotte stopped as he stood. "Hello Charlotte," he said.

"Hello," she responded, almost sounding more like a question.

"Is it alright if I join you for a meal this evening?" He asked, smiling.

The Queen stopped still. "A meal?" She asked, unbelieving. "A meal, are you...... A MEAL?" She was angry, something The King clearly had not anticipated. Brimsley's eyes met with Reynolds' as The Queen stormed out of the room, The King following shortly after. They began to speak, but Brimsley wasn't focusing on them.