Disclaimer- Nothing related to the TV show House belongs to me. Really. I promise.
A/N- I wasn't sure I'd have another chapter out to you so soon, but I do, so enjoy and please review!
To Love a King
Chapter Two
"He danced with her half the night!"
"Are you jealous, Remi?"
"Of course not. I just don't understand why he took to her so quickly."
Genevieve giggled, "Really? Have you seen her?"
"Well, yes, she's…fair, but she's nothing special."
"His Majesty believes so."
"Both of you stop. He was simply being polite, nothing more." Brenda insisted.
"Polite? Brenda, you've lost your head. Even when he wasn't dancing with her, he was watching her. It's obvious that he desires her." Remi stated.
"I would hardly say it's obvious. He's certainly attracted to her, but she's a simple girl. His Majesty wants a woman who can challenge him. A witty woman." Brenda said, "That's why he fell in love with Her Majesty. She's clever. An intellectual."
"Yes, and what has come of that love? A woman is worth nothing if she cannot produce an heir. We all know that." Remi challenged.
"Must you abuse our queen so? She is a good woman who wants nothing more than to please her husband." Brenda defended.
"She may want to, but she hasn't. Why do you think the king has had so many other women?" Remi questioned.
Genevieve sighed, "Remi is right. We may be loyal to the queen all we wish, but the truth of the matter is, she has failed as a wife."
"Both of you are simply awful! She has time - she has not failed! I will speak no more of this with you. We should all rest anyway, for even if you do not care for the queen, we all must serve her faithfully, and we need to be awake for that." Brenda admonished, effectively ending the conversation.
Allison, who had been listening at the door, was stunned by what she had heard. After the king tenderly whispered in her ear, she felt dazed. She had intended to ask her roommates for advice, but it was now clear to her that they would be of no help whatsoever. Allison knew very little about them, and even less about the queen, but she knew that she was wary of conflict - she wanted nothing more than for people to like her. Resolved to show her roommates that she wouldn't cause any problems, Allison entered the room with a forced smile on her face.
"My, what an extravagant evening. Will every night be like this?" Allison questioned.
Brenda and Genevieve were already in bed, but Remi answered, "Hardly! Most nights we will dine with our families. Do you not know that this fine feast was orchestrated to welcome you and your parents?"
"I hadn't the faintest idea. How very kind of Their Majesties." Remi nodded and climbed into bed. Allison took very little time to ready for bed, but when she lay her head down on the pillow, sleep was long in coming.
…
"Lady Allison, walk with me." Gregory kindly commanded. Allison, who had been observing a spirited game of bowls, turned towards Gregory and smiled.
"Of course, Your Majesty." He gently put her hand on his sleeve.
"How are you enjoying court so far?"
"It's splendid. Such a fine meal last night, I must thank you for your generosity. Lady Remi informed me that it was in my family's honor."
"It was indeed, I am glad it pleased you." Allison smiled and nodded enthusiastically.
"The gardens are breathtaking, Your Majesty." Allison praised.
"Yes. And far more entertaining to walk through with company."
"You are too kind, Sire."
"No. I am honest." Gregory looked down at Allison and met her eyes. He was taken aback by them once again. So honest and revealing - the type of eyes one could not hide behind. Gregory could tell his attention pleased her. They walked for a while in silence before reaching a stream. Allison looked down at the rippling water; a look of tranquility settled upon her face. "Do you see something interesting the stream, Lady Allison?"
"Oh! No, Sire. I simply enjoy watching the movement of it. As if the water is dancing." Gregory chuckled quietly; she truly was an innocent young woman - finding beauty in a simple stream.
"Perhaps we should start back. I believe it will soon be time for dinner."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
…
"James, dine with me."
"Yes, Sire."
"I need your advice."
"Usually you despise my advice."
"Only when it is given without permission."
"Ah, of course, Your Majesty. How may I help?"
"The Lady Allison Cameron - what say you of her?"
"I hardly know her, Sire. She seems a fine young woman."
"I walked with her today. In the gardens, to the stream. She told me she liked to watch the water "dance.""
"Hm, well, that is…unique."
"Yes, it is. She is unique. I know not what to do about her."
"Do about her, Sire? Does she trouble you?"
"I want her, but I cannot simply have her."
"Oh..."
"She is so young, I am certain she is untouched. If I simply call her to me and take her, she will feel abused."
"Are you certain you want her, Sire? You have only just met her."
"I'm certain. She is different: honest, pure. Obviously beautiful. Though, as you said, I do not truly know her. I cannot explain why I care for her; I am simply drawn to her."
"Perhaps you should give it time. Learn more about her. Yes, she is lovely. I do not doubt her honesty or purity. Yet I believe she would be more apt to accept an invitation from you if she felt more comfortable in your presence."
"That, James, is where I need your council. How shall I make her comfortable with me?"
"I do not know, Sire. I suppose you could simply spend time with her. Speak with her. Is she intelligent?"
"She is well educated."
"Then speak with her about what she has read, what she enjoys doing. It will not be long before she grows more confident."
"Speak with her? That is all?"
"I believe that is all you need to do, Sire. A young woman is easily beguiled, especially by the most powerful man in the land."
"Yes, of course. It shan't be difficult. I just hate the thought of waiting."
"I assure you, Sire, you needn't wait long. One week, possibly two. She will be happy of the attention."
"Good, yes, you're right. Thank you, James."
"I am always delighted to assist you, Sire." As James left, Gregory leaned back in his seat and considered his options. He could call for her that night and horribly confuse her or he could make clear to her his intentions and perhaps she would be excited by the prospect of being with him. The latter option would require more patience, but would please her - and he did want to please her. Gregory didn't wish to simply have Allison and set her aside. Somehow, he knew she would prove to be different in many more ways than he had already discovered.
A/N- Thank you for the positive response to the first chapter. I would really appreciate your continued support. It is fantastic motivation.