The Cruel King and The Captured Queen

Chapter 7 - Part 1 - Awkward Encounters

Waking to a start, I glance around hearing loud rustling movements on the other side of the door. Curiosity peaking I wander over, placing my ear against the wood. Small squeaks and giggles vibrate through to my ear. A small smile itches my mouth as I realize Callum is not alone. Opening with an obnoxious squeaking, I peek out with a fake innocent smile seeing Callum shoving a maid away from him.

Chuckling lightly as I cross my arms watching as the woman pulls at her dress trying to compose herself from her interrupted embrace. With fake sweetness I gasp, "Pardon me, I didn't mean to..."

Callum stands up, as the woman scurries off, he seems not at all bothered by my intrusion, "I'm glad you have finally awoken."

"Was I much of a bother?" I shuffle my feet realizing it is far later in the day then I expected.

"Just concerned you wouldn't leave your room," he glances down the hall, "I have patrolling to get to, is there somewhere I can escort you to?"

Looking down the hall myself I try to see where Callum's attention is brought to, I see nothing of interest though. He must be looking to follow after that woman.

"Don't worry about me, I'll just find my way to the library," I shrug.

Callum's eyes light up, "The library is down the hall past the foyer, a plaque will indicate the room. I'll meet you back here tonight."

With a last glance, Callum bolts down the hall and around the corner.

Wandering down the opposite way Callum had disappeared to, I find the foyer. Grand stairs spiral down towards the lower level, several hallways extend out into never-ending wings. Following the banister to the opposite side of the upper level of the foyer, I wander farther into the castle towards the library.

The library will be my sanctuary for the week. I will read every book I see there. If I return home, I will be prepared with knowledge as my tool to assist in leading the village. If I am with child than I need to be ready for the political aspect of any outcome. My greatest fear is what the King will decide for my fate, and I need to be prepared.

Loud clipping of heels trails down the hall as I look up seeing a set of double doors at the fork. The doors had a plaque, intuition tells me that written on that plaque is "Library." Increasing my speed, I lift my dirtied dress as I rush excitedly towards the door. Halting as I grasp the handle seeing the owner of the heels that descend on the wood floor.

Several women march down the hall approaching me. It is obvious who leads them forward, her dress takes my breath away. Vibrant blue, rich in colour complimenting her light blue eyes, making her blonde hair almost glow gold. The Queen of Alexandria marches towards me.

What am I doing standing here like an idiot? My eyes wide as I stare blatantly. Nearly, forgetting my place, I immediately bow deeply as I wait for her to pass. Watching from my lifted eyes, I continue to ogle at her lavishing regal features. She is so clean, so well kept. Her hair strung up in an excellent tight position made her feel almost unapproachable. Slowly, with an air of confidence, her chin lifts. My heart stops beating as I watch, her ladies in waiting mimic her action, they all knew exactly who I am.

My knee trembles as I feel the uncomfortable silence screaming at me. They're shunning my presence. They remind me that I am beneath them all and that my actions are embarrassing for a lady of my age. Of course, she would behave this way, I'm sure if I wasn't so caught off guard when I met Chadwick's paramour I would have acted the same. As she is a threat to me, I am a threat to the Queen.

I glance down at my attire no longer able to watch my own humiliation. Oh, but this is such a worse sight to see. My clothes overly wrinkled from sleeping in them and such a bland beige compared to the Queen's vibrant fabric. What am I doing? I'm sure my hair is nothing but a nest for birds to lay in. Somehow I have stumbled into a game I'm not sure how to play. This is not the game of love but the game of status and me, a commoner, unintentionally have been placed to compete against a woman of nobility, no, of royalty.

I can feel the hatred rolling off them, it is practically choking me. The Queen sees me as a valid competitor for only one small respect. It is the one thing that neither of us wants to happen. I could be carrying the heir, something she is incapable of doing.

The echoes of their heels leave me paralyzed as they disappear down the hall. Gripping tightly to the door handle, I yank it open. Nearly, running in to escape the overwhelming uncomfortableness, I slam the door with more than the predetermined force. Both my hands rest on the wood of the door as I try and calm my rapid heart. Gasping for air as my panic slowly disperses. This will not be an easy week, now I know for sure I will not be welcomed here.

Turning around I suck in a deep breath. The room took my breath away. Opening wide to a patterned rug boxed in by fabric upholstery. Slipping over I drag my hand along the warmly light shelves. Grabbing a book, I settle into one of the velvet benches in the center of the library.

~ The QUEEN! She has finally made an appearance! Shout out for awkward situations! Libraries weren't my go to for sanctuary, unlike Claire, I preferred a big tree near my house in front of a stream. Where do you go to for comfort?~