"Has Liren received the shipments?" Christine asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Jane nodded. "And the palace is being kept up, waiting for your visit."
"I'm glad to hear." She smiled. "How are all the delegates?"
"Fairing as everyone is." The woman answered. "Your Majesty, there has been a sighting of Borgia we fear…"
She didn't finish. The king strode into the small meeting room. He stopped when he saw Jane standing there.
"Lady Jane." Christine indicated him. "This is your king."
"Majesty." She bowed.
"She is…" Erik eyed her. The woman was strangely wearing trousers.
"Lady Jane informs me of the happenings in Liren."
"I trust all is well?" He nodded.
"They soon will be, Your Majesty." Jane said. "Liren thanks you for the shipments you so graciously sent."
Erik looked over at Christine then back at Jane. "No thanks is necessary."
"You have accommodations, Jane?" Christine glanced at Erik.
"I am leaving tonight." She began to walk out. "Perhaps a visit should be in order soon?"
"Soon." Christine nodded and the woman left. Sighing she started. "Erik I can explain…"
"Than you may explain." He put his hands behind his back.
"Borswan had so much set aside and you were getting more shipments not to mention the resources along with it!" Her body sat down in a huff. "Your country is not starving. I had to send the food!"
"Is that all you sent."
"Only some cloth and medicine." She looked at him. "What were you planning to do with all of the extra supplies? You had thousands of pounds of food set aside."
"I was planning on giving all of it to Liren." He smiled slightly.
"Really?" Christine stared at him for a few seconds before she burst out into giggles. "I knew I should have just sent it all."
"If you wish," His shoulders shrugged. "You may send the rest."
"I was going to." She smiled. "With or without your consent." Taking a slight pause she stood. "So what did you need me for?"
"What would you think of a music festival?" He watched her nervously. "Here in Broswan?"
"Is your Kingship asking me permission?" Seeming amused but still delight at then idea she said. "I would love to have one. But the supply, food, money…"
"I can assure you none of those pose a problem." Erik smiled. "You spoke of missing them so I will speak with the House tonight about it."
"If you tell them that I even spoke a breath of this they might turn it down." She sighed.
"None of the Lords would think to turn a festival down." He touched her cheek, sending a tingling sensation there. "Beside your voice over rules them."
"Will the House even consent to have Ladies in with the men?" Her voice had somehow turned docile.
"Perhaps one day." His eyes looked into hers. "Would Her Majesty care for a walk?"
"That would be nice."
Christine could barely open her eyes. The sun was too bright, she could not breathe out of her nose, and her head hurt. With a moan she rolled over and willed the sleep to come.
"Good morning, Your Majesty." The girls walked in.
She did not answer. Maybe they would go away if she didn't.
"Majesty, you must get out of bed." It was Sorelli busing herself with work.
"Sorelli…" Meg looked at her.
"You have a very full day today." The girl kept speaking.
"Sorelli…"
"And His Majesty requires you're…."
"Sorelli!" Meg sighed. "Are you blind?"
"What?"
"Her Majesty is lying in misery and you are informing her of nonsense that she obviously does not care about!" She touched Christine's forehead. "You have a fever. We have some remedies that can calm your symptoms. Would you like that?"
"I am not a child." Christine said weakly. "So do not speak to me as such."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Meg nodded. "But would you like the remedies?"
"Yes thank you." She sighed. "And also some tea."
"What about the king?" Sorelli asked.
"Tell him that I do not feel well." Her head went up a little. "Say that I most likely will speak with him tomorrow."
"But Majesty…"
"I will be fine tomorrow." Christine went beneath the covers and fell asleep.
"Majesty." Madame Giry entered the king's large meeting room. A few men stood; obviously the meeting that had taken place was over.
"Yes Madame?" Erik looked to her.
"I have a message from the queen." She went towards him. "She is unwell today and had to cancel…"
"What is wrong with her?" His voice stayed even but Giry could see the concern he was hiding.
"It is just a head cold sire." She answered. "But I'm afraid that…"
"Is something wrong?" A young gentleman came forth. He had pulled back his blond hair and his green eyes set off a childlike form about him. Indeed he was handsome.
"Everything is fine, Count de Chagny." Erik answered.
"Ah, well." The young man nodded. "Give the queen my best wishes and I will see Your Majesty at the festival." Erik nodded at the man as he left.
"What were you saying Madame?" He sighed.
"I do not trust him sire." She looked to the spot where the boy had left.
"Count de Chagny is too concerned with parties and such to even have a sensible thought." Erik lifted a brow.
"Indeed." Madame Giry let it drop. "I came to say that the queen's condition forces her not to leave her bed and to cancel your meeting with her."
"I see." He thought for a second. "Cancel all my meetings then."
"Yes, Your Majesty." She left with a slight smile on her face.
Erik waited for her and the rest of men to leave and went to Christine's room. Quietly he opened the door.
"Your Majesty." Sorelli straightened and curtsied. "The queen, she…"
"You may take a leave today." He gestured for her to leave. "And so may your sister."
"Yes, Your Majesty." She curtsied again and left.
As silently as possible Erik pulled up a chair and put it down by Christine's bedside, and sitting down he examined her. Her breathing was deep and heavy while a congested snore emitted from her mouth. The fair skin was flushed and her curls were mussed. But even now she was beautiful. He would not deny that fact. Was he falling in love with her? Perhaps but she could never love him back. He understood and reached out and touched her hot cheek and stroked the soft skin there. No beauty this fair could never love him. His own mother could not love him. He saw her smile contently and her eyes fluttered open. They widened at the sight of him. She sat up quickly a little too quickly.
"Lay down." He helped her onto the soft pillows. "You need your rest."
"Shouldn't you…"
"I canceled everything today." Erik sat back down.
"Why?" her voice was a little raspy.
"I took it upon myself to care for you." His shoulders shrugged. "To make sure that someone takes care of you properly."
"I am capable…"
"You cannot possibly think that you can take care of yourself in this condition." He chuckled.
"It is not that bad."
"If you argue you will farther damage your vocal cords and how will you ever sing for me?" A small smirk lit his face.
"Perhaps I will refuse to sing for you." She crossed her arms.
"You should rest." He shrugged. "You will sing one day."
"Perhaps." Christine sighed. "I would rebuttal but I am much too tired."
"Pleasant dreams, Christine." He said.
"And you." She went down underneath the covers and fell back asleep.
MMmmmm... Raoul showed up again for this chapter... But Erik took care ofher in the end! YEY!
Thank you guys sooo much for the reviews! I love them and its what keeps me writing so keep 'em comin'!
E.V. Oleander
