A/n: I have been busy like you wont believe, but I have been writing. I had planned to include this in my long chapter that is coming up, but it didn't seem to fit. So heres a moment with the queen and sir theodore. Feel free to read it as shippy or platonic as you guys like, but I think they would have an interesting dynamic.

Thanks to the reviewers Boots, awes0mesaucer, and Fluffymarshmallows; you guys are the sweetest. I really apprecite the feedback and reviews, it lets me know what I need to check and review. Anyway, the next chapter is more fluff. Yes, drama will be coming, but for now theres this. I hope you guys will enjoy.

Chapter 35: The Queens Supposition

In the royal library, behind a shelf that held many books and scrolls of parchment were Sir Theodore and Queen Gwendolyn as they sat at the well carved, and decorative table, currently studying the tales that had been penned by the past minstrels and current jester in the King's service. True, her highness was not as amused by fictional stories as her husband was, but amidst one of their weekly conversations, Sir Theodore had mentioned the goings-on about the castle, and she was reminded of a supposition; hence why she needed to study the ballads. Her graceful fingertip passed over the lines of text, careful as not to miss a word, but with a sigh, the queen soon set down the scroll and began to read another. "While I do not find them amusing," She commented, "they are quite clever."

"Indeed they are." He agreed. "At times I wonder how a mind could hold so much foolishness."

"It is a talent I suppose."

"I consider your harp playing to be a talent, your highness. Jests on the other hand do not suit everyone's tastes."

Setting down the scroll, and reading another, Gwendolyn expressed, "Jests seem to suit you when you are in the mood for them. Especially on all fools day."

A well-struck blow with the queen's quiet wit and the aged knight felt sheepish. "A minor technicality at any rate."

The ghost of a smile warmed her features then. "Indeed."

"Have you found anything illuminating?"

"Not yet," She answered, "but there appears to be some truth to Jester's foolishness and witticisms." And studying the last scroll on the table again, she sighed, "Sadly, these are not the ones we are searching for. I believe the tale must be newer. Perhaps it had not been penned yet."

"If our king enjoyed it," The aged knight stated, "then I am sure he ordered for there to be a written copy. Allow me to check a different shelf for you."

Rising from his chair, and striding away in that confident, sure manner of his, Sir Theodore went about searching for another set of scrolls. With the pretence of reading, Gwendolyn used the moment to study him. For as long as the Queen had known him, Sir Theodore had been a provider of rare gossip, particular amusements, and a friend that had been invaluable to her when no one else in the land understood her native tongue as well. Time has allowed for her to better express herself in her current home, and its language, but that has not stopped her from enjoying the aged knight's company.

Of course, Gwendolyn had not always thought well of him. Upon her first visit to the kingdom of Kippernium with her father when she was but twelve years of age at the time, and meeting the young king Caradoc along with his guardian and protector, she thought the knight cold, stern, and unfeeling. Be that as it may, during the length of her stay, her opinion of him improved as she listened to him speak in their language with fluidity, to the extent of telling simple jests and carrying natural conversation during their meals. Still, she was but a girl with an untrained mind and had not much use for the talks of business or sport.

As perceptive as he was, Theodore sensed this and took trouble attempting to converse with her when she went on her walks about the castle. He would inform her of the history of the castle, or comment on the weather, but when these failed to spark much interest, he inquired on what Gwendolyn's opinions and thoughts were about art, literature, and music; treating her with the equality that she received from her family and friends. This time, the knight managed to capture her interest, and she happily informed him in her juvenile and girlish way about her favourite songs and what she could play on the harp. And since then, they have formed and had a warm and comfortable friendship.

However, as she matured, and the word was sent that Sir Theodore would travel to Scandinavia, there had been a certain giddiness at becoming reacquainted with him now that she was older, better learned, and wiser, but her memory had failed her when it came to remembering his marked presence that demanded attention. He stood stately and stern, familiar, but dare she say handsome? Well, he carried a dignified air about him, but Gwendolyn could allow herself to believe him handsome. Anyway, his quest had not been that of the usual business, or friendship, but on the behalf of his King Caradoc for her hand in matrimony; the result of regular written correspondence between herself and the young king. Perhaps circumstance and expectations would have never allowed more than strong admiration to form between herself and the knight, but even after twenty-four years, there still seemed to be more to discover and learn about him.

Nevertheless, Gwendolyn was happy that she could still rely on him when she needed a particular friend who would not steer her wrong. It was his voice that drew her attention back to the present. "I believe I may have found it."

Offering him a brief smile, she readily accepted the scroll, and silently read it to herself. Her eyes widened at its contents, but it read almost exactly as it had been recounted to her. "If this is correct, then can it be said that the pieces of the story are coming together? Or is it mere coincidence?"

"Perhaps a little of both your highness. The jester could not have foreseen the outcome of his fable, but is it not fascinating? How outward influences and observations had allowed him to craft a tale that is a commentary about a few familiar characters?"

"Indeed it is Theodore. Thank you for the assistance as well as the insight, because it explains a few suspicions of my own."

With a gleam about his eyes and a particular smile he saved for the queen, he rolled back up the parchment, and declared, "Anytime your highness."

Glancing at the lines about his eyes and mouth, a light pang struck her heart at the thought of how he was getting older. Theodore might still keep active, and exercise his mind, but who knows how much longer they may meet together and that his thoughts and memories will remain sharp. The day he might forget where he was or lose his dignity because of the natural passage of time was not a subject she cared to reflect on. And she was only too relieved, when he informed, "Well, I do believe it is nearly time for the evening meal."

Smoothing her features to hide her private distress, she remembered, "To be sure, my husband will be waiting for me."

Replacing the scroll from where he retrieved it, Sir Theodore bowed, "Then I will not continue to occupy your time any longer. Until next time, your highness."

Rising from her chair, the queen nodded in acknowledgement. "Until next time, old friend."

At the doorway, they glanced at one another for the briefest of moments; both carrying smiles warmed by their mutual satisfaction and contentment of their meeting, before going about their separate ways; long understanding where their places were.