The Shadowman and his Queen

Don't

ShadowQueen Ch. 19: Don't

ENCHANTED FOREST

Quinquennial Beginning of Week Three

At the culmination of their current gathering, they stand bid their farewells and move to exit the room adjourning to the dining hall for supper. Before the group of friends exit, they each take the opportunity to give their darling friend Regina a hug and a few kind words. Of them, Baron is the last to give his, "my darling Regina, I have no clue what he said to you earlier but whatever it was, I hope that you don't hang on to any of it as any type of truth", he takes her lovingly into his arms and continues, "the truth is... I love you, and there's nothing that will change that". He releases her and takes her arm in his as he moves them to exit the room along with the others, "let's go eat we can catch up on everything later after we've finished with supper", Baron offers, "okay", she accepts sweetly. Upon entry into the dining hall, they part ways, Regina to a place near Snow and Leopold and Baron near his parents and siblings.

As they eat Baron and Regina each steal quick glances at the other that many miss, the only people to catch them are the Fusilier's and of course the meddlesome Snow White. Henri is a bit taken by the glances between his youngest son and his old friend's new queen, he looks to his wife and sees that the occurrence isn't surprising her nearly as much as it is him. In fact, she doesn't seem surprised at all, it's as if she knows something that he clearly doesn't. Margaux catches the look on her dear husband's face as he looks between their son and the young queen and assures, "we'll talk later... it's imperative that we do my dear. For now, just... don't think too much into it, enjoy your meal and I'll explain all you need to know later. At the conclusion of their meal, everyone moves to their respective ends of the castle except for Baron and Regina. As the masses make their way out, the secret lovers leave together moving within the crowd of people toward Regina's bed chambers, largely unnoticed with everyone going about their own business... everyone including Leopold and Snow.

Although unnoticed by Regina's so called family, it did not go at all unnoticed by Baron's. Henri moves to call his youngest boy but is halted by his wife and daughter, "Henri, no. Come with me, we have much to talk about, Brigitte...", she addresses her husband before turning to their daughter who completes her thought saying, "don't worry mother I will keep an eye on them", Brigitte offers, "thank you dear", she answers gratefully. Brigitte goes to get Clara and before moving to keep tabs on the only person that would pose any threat of harm to her brother and sister friend... Snow White. When their daughter takes her leave, she takes her dear husband by the arm and leads him to the East wing where there sleeping chambers are.

Once closed within the safe privacy of their room Henri immediately charges in on the topic of discussion, "Margaux dear, what in heavens name is going on? Why was Baron eyeing Leopold's queen like that and what do you need to talk to me about?", "dear first and foremost, breathe... please, calm your handsome head, won't you", Margaux soothes. She sits on the chaise in the far corner of the room near the window and beckons for him to join her, "come to me dear... please?", Henri with all the petulance of a young child, walks over to his wife and takes the hand that she offers. "Henri, today Baron came to me with the help of Benjamin...", she begins, "Baron needed Benjamin's help to talk to you about something?... good lord, what was it? It had something to do with Leopold's queen, didn't it?", Henri says in worried tones.

Margaux knows there's no soft-shoeing anything with her husband, it never does work for him... he's no soft-skill just like their eldest, Benjamin had to get it from somewhere, right? As they say, 'the apple never falls too far from the tree'. So, she just rips the Band-Aid off and hopes he will take it well, "yes, it did my love... he's helplessly in love with her and needs our help to make it so he can be with her", Henri is stunned by this to say the least and he expresses just that, "he what?! NO! Not at all! That, can NOT continue. She is MARRIED to our longtime friend Leopold, she is his QUEEN, Margaux! And what were you thinking condoning him speaking of it?! I do HOPE you didn't lead him to believe that what he's doing is ANYWHERE NEAR OKAY". Margaux will address every one of his questions but must nip something in the bud right quick. She stands, intertwines her fingers clasping her hands, slowly nods her head and softens her tone as she says walking toward him, "alright my love... I understand that you may be shocked and appalled right now... you may even me upset, which also, I completely understand... but you will lower the tone of you voice when speaking to me... immediately".