One Night with The Queen

Chapter 2

Queen Emilia

    Stepping out of the carriage was a great relief to my legs. I hadn't moved in what felt like days. My family's home was only a few hours away. On these dreadful carriages, every minute feels like a day. I tried to nonchalantly move my ankles and shake out my legs as I was approached by a maid in sad grey clothing. 

If I was to be exiled to this palace I might as well make it worth my while. My mother would never allow such distasteful cloths for the servants. I smiled kindly as her mouth moved excitedly with what I assumed were welcomes and how was your trip and let's give you a tour of the palace.

I sadly did not register a single word as she spoke, I was too busy with the pins in needles in my left thigh.

Once her mouth stopped moving and her dull eyes bore into me, I nodded and moved up the stairs and towards the entrance. 

I nodded kindly at each nobleman that stood at the steps, learning quickly they were the King's Guards. He had so many.

The women lined parallel to them were different maids for different areas of the palace. It saddened me how the men were dressed so clean and the woman as an afterthought.

"Queen Emilia, these doors were handmade by a carpenter in the earliest of our centuries. Many believe Mary's husband may have been the one to carve them. Isn't that just so fascinating?" The woman giggled before opening the door, already knowing me well enough not to await a response. I did take a minute to admire the intricate carvings before giving her a nod.

She pushed the large blood-red doors open to reveal another handful of servants in the large foyer. It seemed the King spared no expense when it meant he wouldn't have to lift a finger. I took a few steps in, my eyes scanning the high ceilings and bright chandeliers. I will admit it was magnificent and tastefully arranged. 

A tall woman with bright green eyes and a warm smile approached me with a hand extended. I took it softly, returning her warmth. She seemed to be in her mid-thirties at best with bright auburn hair pulled into a loose low bun.

"Hello, your Majesty. I am Charlotte, your personal maid. I will be at your disposal at all moments. We have an amazing welcoming dinner prepared and then I would like to get you acquainted with your quarters and tailor." She ended the sentence with a quick curtsey. I watched as she moved away to return to her place in the half-circle.

"I am most excited, Miss Charlotte." 

She smiled once more.

I glazed over the two other women, both much younger than Charlotte. They introduced themselves as secondary to her should I need it. Seemed a bit excessive but I continued. My eyes fell on a handsome man with an air of wild confidence that both irked and intrigued me. He moved towards me, his hand also extended. He instead took mine and placed a kiss on it, I raised a brow before pulling away.

"I am your trusted nobleman, Queen Emilia. To do any of the biddings the lovely Charlotte cannot." He gave me a low bow and a cheeky smile before walking away.

I replied with a simple nod. The two other young men, like the younger maids, were his understudies. Once all the niceties were finished, Charlotte returned to my side.

Charlotte

    My heart leaped as I returned to my place next to my maids in training. Meeting royalty was always so exhilarating. Queen Emilia seemed kind enough, and I know now why King Sebastian picked her. She was magnificent in beauty. The picture of youth.

Her eyes were a cool blue bordering on amethyst, bright and clear. Her complexion was smooth, and her hair an astonishing pure white that even in its neat rolled-up braids you could tell was long and healthy. Her royal blue bodice revealed a full figure perfect for birthing. King Sebastian must have been over the moon with his eyes absolutely full.

My excitement quickly turned into anxiety as Antonio approached her. Oh dear Lord in heaven do not let this man make a mockery of us. King Sebastian would have his head on a platter. 

My stomach turned as his lips met her glove-clad hand, and then threatened to bring up my mornings meal as his mouth opened.

"I am your trusted nobleman, Queen Emilia. To do any of the biddings the lovely Charlotte cannot."

His emphasis on the last word is what made me want to dig myself into a hole. Did this man not know any respect or boundaries. How I wish I could have a conversation with his mother.

I watched the Queen's face slightly sour as Antonio walked away. I was not excited about his future serving the Queen. I rushed back over to her side once everyone was finished, wanting to move along with getting her settled in.

"Let me take you to your quarters, Queen Emilia. We have been making sure to arrange it in a comfortable manner according to your previous palaces specifications."

She nodded and followed me upstairs. Her heels clicked with every step, the sound echoing around us.

"Is it always so quiet, Charlotte?"

I was taken back by her question, "Not always, I suppose. The King likes to host gatherings weekly. That can stir up a bit of noise."

She nodded once again. She seemed to be a woman of few words. We finally reached her bedroom in the far south wing of the palace. I opened it and allowed her in first. She stepped in and stood still, only her head moving to take it all in. She turned back towards me, "Where to next?"

My heart dropped a bit.

"It is beautifully designed, Charlotte. Whoever decided on my arrangements and linens has impeccable taste." 

With that, she exited the room and I rushed to lead her to the tailor. Two doors down from hers were her personal wardrobe room with the tailor's workstation and all fabrics from around the world.

I opened the door and let her again before myself.

"Lulu, this is her Majesty, Queen Emilia." 

Lulu is as dainty as they come. She reminded me of those folklores of small fairy people with wings. She walked over to the Queen and curtsied, "It is my honor to meet you and be your personal tailor. I am excited to fit you. As you can see along the far wall is all of the silks and fabrics to your heart's content."

Queen Emilia walked in further, showing much more interest. She made her way to the fabrics, her hands carefully caressing each one.

"These are spectacular." She barely whispered, before turning to face Lulu.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Lulu. I think I am most excited to work with you. I have many changes in mind that I would like to cover in the next coming days. Large projects if you may." The Queen smiled, a slight spark livening her eyes. I was maybe a tad jealous.

"I cannot wait, my Queen." Lulu grinned and returned to her sewing.

"Charlotte?" The Queen turned to me.

"Your Majesty?"

"Is there much more to see? May I excuse myself to my quarters to freshen up for our celebratory dinner? I am feeling out of sorts from that hellish coach ride."

"Nothing of grand importance. I will return when dinner is served." I curtsied low as she excused herself and left.

Lulu eyed me before giving me a small smile, "Off to a good start, Char?"

"I am not too sure, Lulu. I think Antonio soured her introductions."