Cleon's wife reflects on foolishness or something like that. My first fanfic, so please read and review!

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Fool

I am a fool in love, and a fool out of it. The man I love, my husband, loves another.

I remember when I first laid eyes on him, and tumbled head over heels, accidentally, in love. I was seated across the table, and incredibly bored. He grinned at me, and those heady butterflies started.

Now we are married, and though I thought there would be years of loving bliss, I have not seen a single drop. Oh, he is kind enough, and duly attentive, but not because he loves. He is attentive because that is the done thing.

I overheard a conversation one night between him and that green eyed healer knight once. I had been napping, and fool that I am, wanted to know what these men talked of. So I put my ear to the keyhole, and listened.

"You still love her, don't you?" The healer seemed to be stating a fact rather than asking. Who was this her? And what was the healers name again? Nell? Neaver?

"No! Of course not! I'm married, aren't I?!" He seems bitter, my husband.

"Cleon…don't pretend. It doesn't become you."

"Oh? And how do you know I'm pretending, Nealan?" That was it! Nealan! Finally. I remember now. Duke Baird's son. Damn! Couldn't they at least say her name?! "It's fine for you. You chose your wife." That hurt. Had he always been this bitter? Was I that much of a burden?

"You know Cleon, you should move on. Kel has. She, well, she's been spending a lot of time with Dom recently." Kel…ooh, I remember. The second lady knight. The one he was a page with. I've never actually seen her. I love parties, and neither of the lady knights seem to enjoy them. And that Dom….I have no idea. He could be anyone.

"Dom. I see."

"Cleon. Don't be like this. I'm worried about you. You never used to be like this. Your wife's a lovely girl. This is shallow, I know, but she obviously adores you. Can't you be happy with her?"

Happy with her? Second best. I'm no lady knight. I'm not brave. I didn't defeat the secret weapon of King Maggur. I'm a silly girl who likes parties and dresses and isn't good at remembering names. But surely I deserve better? I don't have dimples, but I'm pretty, aren't I?

From here I can see the portrait that that court artist painted for our wedding. I'm stunning there, but he is the focus of my attention. His red hair is neat for once, pulled back in a tie, and his wry grin is tugging at the corners of his mouth. Just seeing him there is enough to make me smile.

I tear my gaze away long enough to focus on the door, and I realize it is about to be opened. I jump away quickly and sit down, unladylike, grabbing my book from where I left it before they can come through and find me with my ear pressed to the door.

Then he walks through and smiles at me. His smile is wonderful, enough to make me melt. He can't really be in love with her, can he? No-one could smile like that and not mean it, could they?

I don't think I'll mind being second best for a while. Not if he still smiles at me like that. He will forget her eventually, and I will be here for him to turn to. I may be vapid and vain, but I am more patient than any man or woman. I suppose, in reflection, I do not mind being a fool, as long as I can be his.

-The End-

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So, what do you think? Do you hate it, love it think it needs major work? Please let me know! This was written because I feel sorry for Cleon's wife, despite the fact I can't remember her name.