Oddments Reprise
Disclaimer: I am not a Theologian, a Historian, or a TV Producer; I therefore do not own any thing.
Pairing: Eustace Chapuys/ Margaret More Roper
Prompt #11: Christmas
The feast lasted well into the night, and the shouts of 'Wessel' ring through the air with promise of merriment continuing in private. Candles glitter in every window as fluffy flakes fly by the stain glass. Holly and ivy hang over every door, bringing holiday warmth to even the chilliest of halls. The chilliest of hearts. It is the first time since my father's death that a true smile has played upon my features without the taint of heartbreak.
Arm in arm I walk with Eustace back to our chambers. I look up at him, proud to show off what the miracle of the season has brought. He looks down at me, and his eyes soften. He is the best of men, more than I deserve. His kindness like the sea, constant and unfailing, and I am an island in it. Even when I feel adrift and isolated he is my companion. Hi has done so much for me. Much more than I merit. And yet I deny him his husbandly rights. My heart, what he wants, what he ought to have in spades, is as cold as snow.
He pauses in our door and looks at me fully, sweeping over my velvet dress, the greenery in my hair. His eyes, in moments such as these, melt my icy heart like the spring. In moments like this I yearn to give him something – anything, although fear still claws at me, holding me back. From the courtyard the clock strikes twelve. It is the Day of our Savior's Birth.
"Merry Christmas, mi amour." He whispers. It comes to me, the only gift that I can give. A gift better than the shirt under the tree. Above his head a sprig of mistletoe hands. I draw his eyes to it before rising on my toes and kissing his tender lips with a sigh.
"Merry Christmas Eustace."