A/N: Sorry again for the delay! Just got back from England with a teaching job in tow for September. I'm incredibly excited to begin another exciting adventure. Needless to say, London inspired me, and I can't wait to continue working on this story. Thanks to all the lovely reviewers, you are the most wonderful people on the planet (and patient, too!)
Chapter Nine- The Queen's Parlour
The day my mother arrived, it was raining- the first unpleasant weather I'd seen so far in High City. A courier had knocked on my bedroom door quite early in the morning to inform me of her impending arrival, but I was so exhausted that I was barely cognisant. For a moment, I thought I'd imagined the whole encounter and I drifted back into a comfortable sleep-I'd say what I'd like about Theron's manners, but his choice of bedding was excellent. It was so luxurious it was as if I were sleeping on a cloud.
It was so comfortable, in fact, that I didn't wake again until I felt my mother's weight sag the bed on one side, disrupting the delicate equilibrium I'd found in my rest.
"You sleep quite soundly for one who is the main subject of court gossip this week," I heard her voice say chidingly. Groaning, I rolled over and pulled the covers over my head- as if it would actually help me disappear from the giant mess I'd managed to make over the past several days.
"There's no use running from it now Honoria, though I'm very interested to know why, after declaring your love for Prince Sebastian barely a fortnight ago, I received a letter from his brother telling me that it is him with whom you're affianced," she said, rummaging around the covers on top of me while she searched for my head.
"It's a terribly uninteresting story," I mumbled into my pillow, disinclined to give her the satisfaction of knowing that she was right to warn me of loving Sebastian before I ever left.
"Oh I doubt that," my mother laughed. Peeking out from under the covers, I moaned a little at the thought of how I'd gotten myself in this situation. Telling her the truth would be even worse.
"I know you're waiting to tell me that you were right, so just get it over with," I insisted, and with a great yank of the covers she pulled them completely off of me- giving me a stern look all the while.
"I was right, and you were foolish. Yet, I love you anyway Honoria, despite your inherent silliness." she chided.
"I've never felt more of a flibbertigibbet in my whole life than I have since I arrived here. How could I not have realized how terrible this place was when I was a child? Sebastian is a shallow, ridiculous sort of person, and Pheobe- she's completely horrid! I've been blind to so many things mother, and I know now that it was a mistake to come back to King City."
"Then why haven't you left? In case you haven't realized, you're planning on marrying the next king. It seems like that might keep you occupied here for quite some time," she said, her eyes narrowed with suspicion, and I sighed with exasperation.
"It is not by choice. Theron has some elaborate plan, and I've unwittingly walked right into it."
My mother walked over to the mirrored table and picked up my brush, ushering me to sit on the edge of my bed while she smoothed the night time tangles from my hair. I'd always thought that having my hair brushed was one of the most wonderful things in the whole world, and my mother had a way of doing it that made me feel calm and relaxed- no matter what was going on around me. I sorely needed such a respite now.
"Do you not like Theron, then?" she asked, and a took a moment as I fought to find the right words to say. It was difficult to lie to my mother, and I wasn't convinced that I wanted to- despite the fact I had every intention of leaving out my midnight trip into the menagerie. I was certain she'd be mollified at the very idea. And so, omitting the nature of that one indiscretion, I told her of how we'd met again and he'd never told me who he was.
"He lied to me, and any sort of relationship built on such distrust cannot possibly be successful," I said. My mother hummed in agreement, though she didn't speak as she was obviously waiting for me to elaborate. There was something about her presence that made me want to open up to her- keeping secrets was impossible even though I might have wanted to.
"What could the Crown Prince possibly need to lie to you about? He's always doted on you Honoria, even as a child. Why, you must have slayed imaginary dragons together every day as children- even when he had much more important things he ought to have been doing. Yet, after all of that you do not think you might trust him again?"
"He's so smart, mother, and he knows exactly what he wants. And for some reason he is convinced I will help him get it. I may have been naive in my affections for Sebastian, yet I still desire to be loved wholeheartedly, like you loved father."
"You are not convinced he could love you? It seems to me you might have enjoyed his company before you learned who he was."
"I was a silly little fool, but now I am wise enough to know that I don't belong here. Perhaps I did, once, long ago, but I have no desire to take part in the intrigues of High City any longer. I thought that I might act like a brute, that if the court hated me, there was no earthly way Theron would continue this rouse of an engagement. Yet he is determined to go through with it, even though his mother clearly loathes the idea of me marrying him- granted I might deserve her ire."
"You'd be hard pressed to find someone outside the royal family his mother would like, though you certainly haven't done yourself any favors in that regard. She wishes to luncheon with us by the way, along with several other ladies at court."
Of course she did- a ladies luncheon was the perfect opportunity for her to eviscerate me away from Theron's notice, and I didn't relish the idea of my mother suffering her presence either. I was upset at the prospect, as Theron had assured me that she'd be spared from the insult she'd faced after my father's death- and yet it seemed as though that was just the afternoon we were in for.
I watched as my mother moved over towards the wardrobe, and she shuffled through the gowns that Clara had dutifully laid out for me.
"You haven't much that's suitable darling, not for the palace. I wish we might have afforded more for you. I thought, perhaps, that Phoebe's family might help you,honoring your father's memory- though it seems that didn't work out as we'd hoped," she mumbled, running her finger over gown after gown while she tried to find one to help me into. Unlike myself, she was already perfectly dressed, and her hair was styled as if she'd never left High City to begin with. While it was true that her elaborate dress was old, and was not currently in fashion, at least she had something that was fancy enough to wear to dine with the Queen. I'd already exhausted all of my options. Eventually she settled on a plain, yellow, gown that I'd never have considered for myself.
"It's simple, but I'll lend you some of my old jewels and it should do nicely. The queen might be unpleasant, still, she should have more tact than to insult us for lack of coin to our faces," she said, ducking outside the room to summon a maid to fetch her jewel box. As a child, I remembered it being filled to the brim with gifts my father had given her throughout their courtship, but although it had pained her greatly, she'd had to sell quite a bit of them to help us maintain an adequate lifestyle in the country.
Still, she hadn't been able to stomach parting with all of them, and I was grateful that although my dress was rather ordinary, the sapphires around my neck glittered brightly enough to give me the boost of confidence I'd sorely need to survive the upcoming afternoon.
Not long after my mother had styled my hair, Clara arrived with a message from the Queen. The ladies of court were gathering in her salon presently, and we were expected to arrive forthwith. My stomach lurched at the thought, though I was more concerned for my mother's well being than my own. I'd created my own mess, and she didn't deserve to be made a part of it. Still, part of me was grateful that I'd no longer need to face the Queen and her courtiers on my own.
Linking my arm in my mother's the two of us walked towards the Queen's salon in one of the brightest and most open areas of the palace. A great chandelier hung from the high ceiling, images of forests and birds in flight were painted above me. The large balcony opened up towards the ocean, the fresh breeze drifting in gently and making the silken, blue curtains sway. In the centre of the room sat the queen, her emerald green skirts draped on the floor as if each fold and crease had been purposely laid out to look as elegant as possible- perhaps they had.
I perused the room and saw several faces I recognized from the dinner I'd had with Theron. It was hard to ignore the whispering that began to circulate throughout the salon at my arrival, though given my behavior earlier it was hardly surprising. Still, I couldn't help but think that this whole afternoon had been set up for my humiliation- especially given two guests with whom I was definitely acquainted with. Looking as lovely and serene as a painting, both Phoebe and her mother were seated directly to the right of the queen- a place of honor. In comparison, the two seats reserved for my mother and I were the most remote in the room, and far removed from all conversation.
It was difficult not to feel insulted, and yet my mother kept her head held high as she walked towards the Queen to give her greetings- every inch the lady she'd been raised to be. I did my best to follow her example, although I was seething with anger.
Both of us curtsied as elaborately as possible, though my mother certainly did a better job of it than I did, and we waited as the Queen seemed to evaluate us- an altogether excruciating experience. When it seemed as though she'd had her fill, she inclined her head in greeting.
"You look well, Leandra, all things considered," she said, her voice full of mock sympathy that made me cringe.
"The country life suits me well Your Majesty," my mother responded gracefully. "There is something to be said for the fresh air. It does wonders for my constitution."
The Queen smiled, but I couldn't help but notice it didn't reach her eyes, still, my mother handled the situation so amiably that I wished I had even a little bit of her patience and maturity.
"How are you enjoying the palace Honoria?" Phoebe asked in a voice that so sweet that if I didn't know her, I might believe her to be genuinely interested in my answer.
"It's as splendid as I'm sure you can imagine. Prince Theron chose an excellent room overlooking the menagerie for my use. It's very diverting." I couldn't very well admit that I wasn't exactly having a grand time of palace life to Phoebe, though perhaps if I told her the truth she'd be less inclined to take my place.
"I do hope you'll invite me to visit you soon. I would so love to see it," Phoebe answered, almost as if she actually cared. Still, if I was going to play the game, I might as well go all in.
"Oh of course Phoebe. I'd love for you to visit me here, for I know so few people," I said, pasting a false smile on my face. I hated how every word spoken in pleasant company was veiled with lies and ulterior motives. It seemed to me that the only person I could speak plainly to was Theron, and yet he wasn't exactly helpful- especially in situations like the one I'd now found myself in. My wanting to save my mother from further embarrassment only added to the helplessness I felt while sipping tea and eating the biscuits and small sandwiches that had been laid out for us.
I mostly listened to the conversation for quite some time, until the Queen drew her attention back to my mother and I. I supposed I should have been grateful however, for her gaze hadn't turned on me sooner.
"Honoria dear, I wonder if you might share for us what you've brought Theron for his birthday gift," she wondered, her brow delicately raised in question. I struggled to keep my face as neutral as possible, as I was quite sure I'd no idea what she was referring to.
"His birthday gift?" I wondered aloud, though I quickly wished I hadn't.
"For his party tomorrow dear, of course," the Queen laughed. "It's only for a few, select friends of the court, but I'm certain everyone is waiting to see what you've got him- being his fiancee and all."
"Oh- certainly- for the party tomorrow," I repeated with a smile. I hadn't heard of such a thing, and I was certain that I had been kept in the dark about the event for a reason. I wasn't naive enough to believe I'd been overlooked for any other reason but another attempt to demean me. Still, I'd need to come up with a reply quickly face even more humiliation than I'd already brought down on myself.
"Truly Your Majesty, I hope you'll allow me to keep it a secret. While I trust everyone in this room, I would hate for the surprise to be spoiled," I answered simply hoping that my desire for secrecy might halt the conversation then and there. Yet, it seemed as if I would not be so lucky.
"I want you to know child, that you needn't worry if it isn't a gift of means. We are all aware of your financial situation," Phoebe's mother said, her voice dripping with poison instead of the kindness the words might have held if they were spoken by any other.
Logically, I knew that lying would do me no good. It would be nearly impossible for me to procure a gift worthy of the next king in only a day- and that was provided I could even afford such a thing. Still, I couldn't simply sit and allow those horrid women to make my mother and I feel inferior. So despite the fact I knew mother would be hardly impressed by my actions, I held myself a little straighter and smiled as warmly as I could.
"Thank you for your concern my lady, but I've put a great deal of thought into my gift and I am certain it will please His Royal Highness."
"I look forward to seeing it then," the Queen said, her eyes narrowed. I wondered if perhaps she might be able to detect my untruth, though if that were the case I'd just need to prove her wrong the next day. My mother cast me a look of disapproval as the conversation in the room drifted to a different subject altogether- of which I was grateful. However, it wasn't long before a knock sounded at the door, and a royal steward entered the room with an announcement.
"The Crown Prince is here Your Majesty," he announced to the Queen. Her eyebrows perked up a little at the news, but she still gestured for him to enter.
Theron was dressed as formally as I'd seen him thus far, in a fine, black velvet waistcoat with golden embellishments embroidered throughout. Medallions signifying his rank occupied a large part of his left breast, and underneath the coat was a blue, silk waist coat that I couldn't help but think brought out color in his eyes. Yet, if Theron had me aghast at his appearance, Phoebe must have been absolutely stunned, as only a few evenings before she'd foolishly chased a portly stranger around thinking it was him.
"Good afternoon ladies," he said pleasantly with a bow. If I didn't know him any better I might have even thought it sincere.
"My dear child, I should think you have far too much to do to afford visiting me in my parlour," the Queen said. It was clear she didn't appreciate him on her home ground. I, however, was incredibly grateful to see him, and as he turned towards me I couldn't help but grin a little at his fortuitous timing.
"Nonsense mother, I've more time on my hands than I know what to do with. My Lady Leandra," he greeted my mother warmly, and there was no hint of sarcasm in his tone. I was surprised to see my mother rise and embrace him gently, as I'd no idea they were at all familiar with each other.
"You've grown splendidly Theron. I am very happy for your news," she said kindly just before the Queen cleared her throat in annoyance.
"Thank you My Lady. I trust your stay here will be a pleasant one. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make you more comfortable," he said, his words a clear indication to the ladies around us that any unkindness was not to be tolerated.
"I was unaware you'd planned such a lovely get together mother. I do hope you aren't conspiring against me with my fiancee," he said, mirth in his eyes. The women in the parlour couldn't help but give me passing looks of disdain, but I had to admit I was pleased that he'd enforced our relationship in front of everyone present.
"Of course not Your Highness," Phoebe said, her words cutting off the Queen- a terribly rude faux pas in polite society.
"We were merely discussing what marvellous gift Lady Honoria has in store for your party tomorrow."
Theron ignored her outburst, and instead turned over to me, taking my hand in his own.
"Were you Honoria? How wonderful. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to your surprise," he smiled, lifting my hand to his lips and placing a gentle kiss on my palm. Murmurs of shock in the room lay forgotten as I turned a shade of red to rival my hair.
"Now if you will be so kind as to excuse us, I have some details for tomorrow to discuss with my bride-to-be Forgive me for interrupting your gathering mother," he finished, and with a graceful bow he led me out of the room with a flourish.
As soon as we'd reached some distance away from the Queen's parlour into a room that Theron assured us was quite private, I breathed a sigh of relief.
"I trust my timing was more or less advantageous," he smirked, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"More or less. I only feel for my mother- she's still with those jackals."
"Your mother is quite capable of taking care of herself- especially after that display. Those simpering ladies won't dare make a snub at her now," he said.
"You seem quite confident of that fact," I pointed out.
"The games at court are incredibly tiresome, and I detest playing them. But I did promise you that your mother would be safe from them after all."
"Is that why you came to get me?" I wondered.
"In part, though truthfully I wanted to see the look on Phoebe's face when she realized who I was. As it turns out, she looked far more like a hapless guppy than I'd anticipated."
I laughed quite loudly at that.
"You shouldn't make fun of her Theron. You should pity her, for she was never lucky enough to have a fair chance to court you."
Theron arched one eyebrow at me before I realized what I'd said, and so I quickly tried to cover the tracks my words had left.
"I mean- that is-she thought by chasing Lord Thistlebrick she was actually wooing the Crown Prince."
"I see. Well, I'm afraid I must leave you. I actually do have a number of matters to attend to," he smiled, and began to turn away until I stopped him, quite on a whim. Clutching the sleeve of his coat, I cleared my throat.
"Forgive me, it's just I wished to thank you- for helping my mother- and me, I suppose," I stammered.
"Think nothing of it Honoria. It is a knight's duty to slay dragons after all- it was you who taught me that. Besides, now I know that I have your gift to look forward to tomorrow, so your rescue was a worthwhile one." I could tell he knew I had lied to the other women about the gift- there was no way I could have known about the party to have got him a present after all. Yet even though I knew it was a jest, I still felt the need to retort.
"You doubt me, but it will be the highlight of your birthday, I assure you!" I insisted, and while listening to his laugh, I watched as Theron's figure disappeared down the long corridor.