The Queen's padded court slippers tapped pleasantly against the marbled floors as she glided in the direction of the royal offices, the cape draped over one shoulder billowing out behind her.
The Knight had informed her of something over breakfast that had surprised her, and she hadn't had the chance to acknowledge it with the person whom it concerned. So she now hastened to the opposite end of the palace with swift feet.
The door leading into the offices was, per her request, carved intricately of mahogany. An insignia was detailed in the wood, the mark of the division of scholars within the Kingdom, beneath which was the Kingdom's own crest.
The Queen came to an abrupt halt just before the door, reaching out to give it three jarring knocks. A pause, then a series of clicking noises echoing across the hall from within the room. The door opened to reveal the Seneschal, a frown of annoyance that quickly melted into mild surprise. "Your Majesty."
"Seneschal," the Queen replied. "I have something to say to thee."
"I beg thy pardon, my Queen?" The Seneschal was extremely good at concealing his inner emotions, but there was a taste of nervousness in his tone.
"I did not see thee at the breaking of fast this morning."
The Seneschal's hands clasped behind him. "I had other duties to attend to this morn."
"Quite so, and yet, the Knight Conri has informed me of something rather important in regards to thee, and I am led to believe that thou is avoiding it." The Queen lifted her chin.
Had her stone-faced Seneschal just gone pale? "I am quite sure I do not know what thou is referring to, Your Majesty. Wouldst thou enlighten me?"
The Queen stepped forward. "Of course." She reached into the small pouch tied at her waist, taking something out.
The Seneschal watched, his expression a mixture of motley emotions.
Queen Rhiannon stretched out her hands. "Happy Birthday."
The Seneschal glanced at the Queen, then back to the black, velvet-covered box in her hands. He took it from her, hesitantly, and undid the clasp that held it closed. His eyes went blank as he beheld her gift -- two new quills and an ink pen, along with some of the finest ink south of the border.
"My Lady Queen," he began slowly, "is there something thee wants of me?"
The Queen smiled. "It is not what I want of thee, but what I want for thee."
"Then, what does thee want for me?"
Queen Rhiannon's smile grew. "I want your happiness."
YOU ARE READING
Queen's Light
FantasíaManaged by @liz_in_astris "I grieve and dare not show my discontent, I love and yet am forced to seem to hate, I do, yet dare not say I ever meant, I seem stark mute but inwardly do prate. I am and not, I freeze and yet am burned, Since...
