The Raven-Haired Mistress

Eventful

Monroe looked in the mirror one last time to assure everything was in order before leaving her room and heading to the feast. Regina met her outside the courtroom.
They linked arms. "Ready?" Regina asked.
"Not sure." Monroe replied.
Regina smiled. "You'll be fine. Trust me and trust yourself." She raised her head high and walked into the room with Monroe at her side.
They smiled and showed their friendship to the whole room. Adler greeted them and took Monroe from Regina who went off to get a drink.
Adler held Monroe's hand and introduced her to many different men. After each man, he followed up with who they are as why they were important.
"So, we want these men to like me?" Monroe asked.
"Yes, and if they don't, I will do everything in my power to change their minds." Adler stopped and turned to talk to her face to face. "My Father And I are announcing Regina and I's decision to the council tomorrow. He will tell them of the vote. Then he will choose the date it will take place. Knowing my father, he will pick a date further away, but not too far." Adler explained. "I will have all that time to head the complaints that some may have and work to fix them."
Monroe nodded. "This seems like a lot of work, more than I expected."
"Don't worry, we can handle this. We will be married as soon as my other marriage is broken." Adler turned back around and grabbed her arm. "Until then, we will enjoy each other's company. Shall we dance?" He asked.
Monroe nodded. Adler lead her into the floor and they danced together to the upbeat tune.
Nobles were all sat around the dance floor at their seats and the King and Queen were at the front of the room. Regina weaves through a crowd and headed towards her seat which was to the left of the Queen. She sat forward and watched the people dance with joy in their steps and glee on their faces. She sighed and took a sip of her wine. As a girl, she dreamed of a life like this. Now that she had it, she dreamed for nothing more than to get away from it. Regina wanted to live alone in the countryside with her art and a man who is caring and compassionate. She wanted love. Someone who would be her equal. She respected Adler, and he her, but they both knew that they were never a perfect match.
Adler and Monroe took their seats to the right of the King. The meals were brought out to everyone.
The King raised his glass and everyone got quiet. "We are gathered here tonight to celebrate the victory our troops had at our southern border. The Rousans will never stop trying to conquer our land, but they also don't realize how weak they are. If I had my way, I would conquer them. Alas, we are lacking in supplies and are trying to trade elsewhere for what we need. Until then, we will hold our border as has been done for many generations before me and hopefully many more to come after." He lowered his glass.
"Yeah!!" Some men shouted.
"To the King!" Another shouted.
"The King!" Some shouted back.
"And Thavalon!"
"Thavalon!!" They all drank from their glasses and dig into their meals.
Monroe picked at her food. She was unaware of any of that border drama. As a simple peasant and tavern waitress, all she knew and needed to know was how not to spill ale on the customers. Now, she was int he King's court surrounded by politics and war. This was to be her new life. She questioned whether she could handle it.
Adler cleared his throat. "Sometimes, I forget where you come from." He said. "You didn't encounter these things I your daily life."
"No." Monroe answered. "I wasn't even aware of the border troubles. It is something they would teach in schools and we couldn't afford to go."
"It's not a well known issue, actually. My father likes to use hyperbole." Adler said. "We have been at odds on the border for decades, but it is the most pointless fight ever. Each side keeps trying to force the border a few feet in one direction and makes to triumph, because the other side just kills them. It's been a back and forth like that the whole time." He explained. "I plan to end it when I'm king." He claimed. "We won't give in, but we can't continue the pointless violence forever. We'll sign a peace treaty to keep the border where it is and then each side will place well disciplined guards to keep the peace."
"You are very smart." Monroe smiled.
"It's nothing much." Adler shrugged.
"It's more than I could have come up with." Monroe drank her wine.
She looked around the room at all the noble men and women. Most were also looking at her. They were exchanging glares and gossiping. Monroe took a deep breath. They were all taking of her and the Prince.
Once she finished eating, Monroe excused herself from the table. Adler followed her out of the room.
"Is something wrong?" He asked.
"No, I'm tired." Monroe answered.
He caught up to her. "I understand. You did great today, but you need sleep. Let this all settle in."
Monroe turned the corner and stopped in front of her door. "I'll adjust to all of this, but I need time and patience."
"As I said before, my father will give us time." Adler grabbed her hands. "I'll leave you to sleep." He kissed her hands and walked away.
Monroe opened the door to her chamber and turned her head to the right. Lying in her bed was a dead calf.
Monroe screamed and stepped back to the wall.
Adler burst into the room. "What? Monroe?!" He shouted in panic.
He turned to see her freighted against the wall pointing at her bed. He observed the dead baby cow in her love's bed. He formed a fist.
"Who did this?!" He yelled and stuck his head into the hallway. "Guards!" He call out.
Monroe sunk into the ground. Adler directed the guards to remove the animal and told some servants to wash her bedding.
"I want to k ow how this happened and who did it, and I want to know now." He said to one guard.
Adler watched them handle the situation and helped Monroe off the floor.
"Grab some clothes. You will stay in my room tonight." Adler walked into the hall where is Father was waiting for an explanation.
Tullia came in and opened her eyes wide.
"What the?"
Monroe shook her head. "Someone did this to me on purpose. They hate me." She frowned.
"I'm sure they all don't, just one angry person." Tullia said.
Monroe sighed. "I'm staying in Adler's chambers tonight." She said. "Get my night dress and something for tomorrow please. I'll take both with me."
Tullia nodded and did as Monroe said.
The smell of the animal was beginning to annoy Monroe. She left her room and found the King talking to his son.
"This isn't going to help you." He said.
Adler nodded. "I know. Maybe we should postpone."
"That won't help either. I will make the vote day further away, but this is your problem." The King said and then walked away.
Adler growled. "I will find who did this and they will pay, I promise you." He stomped down the hall.
Monroe took her clothes from Tullia and followed Adler to his chambers.