Lady In Red

56

"Your Majesty-" She paused as he stopped rubbing his thumb over her stomach. He didn't respond.

"Xerxes." She called. Causing him to look up at her eyes, his hand moving up to hold her cheek and kiss her on his lips. Then back to resting over her lower stomach.

"Our families have been allied for centuries. He is a brother to me. That is probably why The Queen sent him as an advisor. If anything he might just have eyes for Lydia-" She realized she was rambling. She stopped on her tracks remembering how she was forbidden from speaking about her previous kingdom. Or anything related.

"That gives me good pleasure to learn but my words are final."

She didn't say anything. Staring at his hand and nodding. The sudden cramp in her stomach made her wince and she turned to her side again. She was about to curl her hands around her stomach like always to help ease the pain although it was always in vain. But Xerxes pulled her even closer. Pressing on her stomach and kissing her head.

"Does it always hurt ?"

She nodded, stuffing her face in the pillow. Feeling just a bit better. As his hand slipped under her head, her fingers touched his, and she held them softly. His heart melted as he grabbed those fingers, pressing them tightly between his.

*~*

Ruby woke up to the sun streaming its light on her face. Lydia had opened the curtains and arranged for a long hot bath.

She smiled sitting on the bed and running her hands through Ruby's hair. Something she did when the other Ladies weren't around. Ruby sighs feeling uneasy.

"I do not want a blood bath," Ruby stated.

Lydia gave a sad smile. Her mistress had always gone through horrible pains and too much blood loss. It worried her. What if something was wrong with her? Although back at their Kingdom she was checked many times. They had told her it was just a heavy cycle. which not many experienced.

"I had the Ladies leave us alone after preparing it all. I will massage your neck and head." She whispered making Ruby nod.

The process of just getting and not somehow having blood fall down her legs was hectic, but through Lydia's help, Ruby was finally in her bathtub. My eyes closed and feeling better.

"I think I should pour some cold water in there. It's almost boiling." Lydia said touching the water and pulling her hand out.

"No. No, this is better." her mistress insisted.

"Clara is here, should I let her in?"

Ruby opened her eyes sitting up and pulling a cloth over her body. Although a women, she still wasn't knee on being so open in front of new ladies.

"Your Majesty. I hope I am not intruding."

"No, I was hoping you would tell me whatever matters need tending"

"Your majesty has nothing to worry of. The Princess has asked anyone seeking your audience to reschedule for another day, fearing you still might me unwell to hold a meeting. She has gone to welcome the ambassadors in your place and only asks for your signature on the written papers after you have approved of those. "

Ruby sighs, "I make her work more than needed. I must apologize. "

"I wouldn't say that" Clara chimed as both the ladies looked at her.

"She seems quite content in working."

Ruby chuckled, "Yes, well her soon-to-be husband would have a knot against if I made her work too much right before their engagement ball."

Lydian chuckled, "She sure is a savior to your majesty."

"Yes, she is."

"I have also called in the Physician on the King's command. Perhaps your Majesty could entertain her after high tea. And I have received letters from Sir Fredrick. He asks you to read them as soon as possible"

Ruby nodded, "Keep them on my desk in the library. I will be there shortly."

"And-" Ruby glanced back at Clara again.

This time, she held a soft frown upon her face, "Your chambers will be heavily guarded from now on. So will be your library and two more men have been assigned to follow us. On the order of Sir Andrew, So do expect to see more guards surrounding Your Majesty, I only ask that you cooperate and not dismiss them"

"Any reason these decisions were made?" Ruby asked turning to stare at the water.

"None given."

*~*

I only hope the letter reaches you unscathed, untouched by new words from the advisors of your new home. I can only trust my own conscience and Fredrick. I have been receiving letters written by your court advisor under your name asking our troops to retreat from our borders. But, I have no desire to let the Lycans into our deepest villages.

Between the worries of our two kingdoms on the verge of civil war and your safety. I am pleased to inform you that your closet's friend. Victoria is married and giving us a proud baby body. She will be titled as Duchess of Rosevale. I hope you find this news comforting that your dearest friend is happy and safe. I hope you reflect on this deeply as we cannot fulfill our side of the agreement unless you bear a child.

The Winter's are cold these nights. I miss your talks and have started to forget your face. The Mulberry tree you planted has been bearing very little fruit. I hope we can bring it life soon. Take care, my Princess.

Yours Truly,

R.Q.K.

Ruby sat on the chair behind her desk, eyeing the letter as Fredrick walked in bowing before walking right behind the desk and behind her chair. She flicked the letter towards him behind her.

"She is asking me to convince our troops to lie low. Their resources are running out. The villagers are in danger. And....I have no child in my belly" She last words ended in a mere whisper.

She knew the she did not want a child yet. She knew the King respected that and did not want to bring a child in an on going war just yet. But the constant reminders from her court officials to rethink her decision to never address this to the King.

At last, she might just have to.

Fredrick stared at those last few words, a coded message, before looking down at the Queen, understanding their position.

The winter mentioned meant there resources were depleting heavily, her talks met she has not been bringing this situation to the court. Something the treaty guaranteed. The Mulberry tree meant the king was not well enough to lead an army if a war should break out. All the messages, and then her position as the Queen had not been fulfilled yet.

Fredrick heisted. He had been for two months, but it was about time he asked the Queen if they ever actually consummated their marriage or not. For all he knew, The Queen could be lying. Simply to keep people off their backs and Lydia, only trying to protect her mistress.