Edward's gaze shifted about for a second, before returning to Sabbas again. He had noticed that the Spaniard was handsome, but that wasn't unusual. Lots of people were. That didn't mean he was interested. He was not. He had just noticed. That was all. "My thanks, Sir Valiente." he replied. "I do my best to be a good and fair king." he felt like he wasn't, though. Henry Marshall had been executed just six months ago for a crime Edward was also guilty of. A crime that he had lied in order to escape any punishment for. Had he not lied not only to the court, but to God, in that moment? He had claimed to be someone he was not, had claimed to not be struggling with a sin that he was certainly struggling with. How could he call himself a good, fair, or just king, when he was guilty of such a black and terrible sin?
(not me, venting some of my own religious trauma via Edward–)
(It's all good in the neighborhood! I tend to flow some family trauma into ocs, definitely will happen with Sabbas)
Staring into the king's eyes, he did his best to examine and observe without letting his gaze wander for too long. Something feels off with King Edward, as if the monarch had some sort of woe tied to him that he cannot let go. Eyes always show a sign of something detrimental, yet they do not show anything else as to what or why. A burden on his back to carry like Atlas with the world, but what would His Majesty's heavy world be? Why is he, of all people, noticing this?
"I am certain that you are, Your Majesty. May God help you with the heaviest of troubles, though I see that you are mighty, just like the rest of your people." A soft smile of assurance swept across his face. Smiles were something that were either strategically planned or strategically made for him. A feeling of the mood between them changing led him to put on a decently happy face. "I hope, Your Majesty, that you will be so kind and bestow some of your mighty courage and good will onto me."
(oof lol. good to know)
Edward couldn't help the faint smile that he returned to Sabbas. "I have a feeling that you are quite courageous and strong on your own; after all, you are here. You are a very long way from your home, in the royal palace of a nation that is, admittedly, not on the best of terms with your own. I would say that that, in itself, takes a good amount of bravery and strength." he paused for a moment. "And may God help us both. We all need it." the words were not said in a hopeless or melancholic manner, simply in a calm, matter-of-fact tone.
God. He wondered if that will ever be a sensitive subject to bring upon. After all, he is a Catholic amongst Anglicans. A Spaniard, a Moor, and a Catholic; coincidentally, the perfect trifecta for an enemy of the British crown. On the other hand, the rumors of King Edward being pious seems to be true. At least they can bond over religion to a certain degree.
"Thank you, my king. You truly do have a way with words, I must say." Well, suppose that King Edward is right. Funny though, that in some ways, he is safer here than he is at home, except for when he dances with thorns rather than buds. "I am merely doing my duty to the people of Spain and the people of Great Britain, my dear king."
"En las malas se conoce a los amigos," He nodded. "In bad situations, you will know your friends. A simple proverb that a priest taught me a long time ago, Your Majesty. God brings to us the ones we need the most in the most unexpected of times. I believe he will help us in ways more than one."
(England was mostly Anglican at the time, though in real history, the king who would be king instead of Edward was a staunch Catholic lol)
"Of course, but your duty is a difficult one, and for that you should be commended." the king replied. This Spaniard was certainly charming, for all his flaws. He was a Spaniard, a Moor, a Catholic. Flawed. But so were all people, were they not? "Your priest was a wise one." he said, not touching on the fact that this priest would likely have been Catholic. "And, indeed, God always brings the people or things that we need, without warning. He works in mysterious ways."
(Oh shoot, my bad lol. My brain is mixed up with all these periods of history and countries I have to switch between. No worries, I got it. My mind was in Hungary for a second for some reason. Lo siento. )
So far, he has been given a few compliments from King Edward, and he is not sure how to feel about it. Perhaps it is natural. Even as he bowed his head in thanks, he kept his eyes on the kindly monarch. And perhaps, it is time for him to steer thr conversation away from God. While impressions should be made around others, philosophical conversations on separate territories should be avoided in crowds.
"He does indeed, Your Majesty. Hopefully in this wonderful kingdom, he will treat me graciously just as you are right this very moment," He mused. "I hope to speak as eloquently as you do, my king; alas I am better spoken when in my mother tongue."
Some strands of hair fell in front of his face. Bowing his head again, he turned to the side to fix it. Facing King Edward once again, he said, "My apologies, Your Majesty; I do my best with it. Are you available for tea tomorrow afternoon, whether for business or to just simply converse? My one servant makes excellent horchata, it is a sweet rice drink with cinnamon."
(nah it's totally fine! Anglicanism calls itself a mix between catholicism and protestant-ism, so you were like. halfway there lol)
Edward considered the question for a moment. "I will have to check on my schedule, but if I am free, we may be able to meet." he made no promises, but he did think it could be beneficial to get to know this Spaniard better. He would not tell him, of course, but some of the servants assigned to serve him were also, well, spies. He needed to keep an eye on all the ambassadors and consuls from other countries, and having the servants double as spies was very, very helpful in that regard.
"Very well then." Sabbas let the warmth in his expression linger. Really, he would not be surprised if the king is not able to. Kings always have something to do, even if seems as if they do not. Although he needs to work on establishing a stable relationship with King Edward, so then the tensions for everyone's sake. He will find the opportunity too, and by God, he will get it. "I understand if you are not able to. Besides, I know that you are a busy king after all. Some people on your court have told me about how Your Majesty has been busy the last few months, and to still have time to worship nevertheless. You are quite the monarch, Your Majesty."
Edward exhaled softly. "I must make the time to worship. I require the Lord's help in every aspect of my life, and if I do not ask Him for it, how shall I receive his kindness and mercy?" he replied. "I will certainly check my schedule, though, and try to find a way to fit you in. I will make time for you somehow, sir Valiente." this was important. Relations between their two countries were important. Edward knew that, and he was going to do his best to carry that out.
The question was fascinating for him as it made him wonder for a moment. In a way, Sabbas was not sure of his personal stance on religion. Yes, he is a child of God and he shall worship the deity in his own way, but some of the beliefs that come along are preposterous to him. According to the church, he is as they say, promiscuous to a certain degree; it is not his fault though. God has given him a handsome face and a personality, he must take advantage. "Your inquiry is intriguing, Your Majesty. Now, this is just my personal thought, but perhaps following the good morals paved for us, looking after the less fortunate, remaining faithful to others….Maybe those are other ways to receive his kindness and mercy."
"Please do not burden yourself with this matter," He asked in calm tone. "Given the state of our empires' relationship and everything, I know it is a necessity for us to meet, although, I would not mind if we meet in two days or even next week. We can arrange for a meeting in a few days, if that is alright with you, my king; and then onwards, we shall meet on a regular basis to maintain the relationship and communication between our lovely empires."
"It was a question I did not expect an answer to." Edward replied with a faint smile. "Though I appreciate your response nontheless." he ran a hand through his hair, studying Sabbas quietly. "And yes, of course. We will certainly figure out a time for a meeting that works for the both of us." he adjusted his crown, hands dropping back down to his sides, and another soft smile tugging at his lips.
"My apologies, Your Majesty," He smiled, lightly chuckling. "Before I left Spain, I was advised to answer every single question you ask whether it be necessary or rhetorical. Besides, I was aroused by your question that led me to answer it." Sabbas watched as King Edward combed his hair with his hand. The gentle curly blond hair is beautiful, that is for sure. He recalled how it looked in the portrait, although, it was much better to see in person. Even with it being the king, he still enjoyed admiring the looks of others. Smiling back at the king, he nodded, "And so we shall."
His eyes gazed around at the others for a second before they returned to get a glimpse of that gentle smile. Naturally, he himself could not help but smile back at the king. Sabbas bowed his head. "I do not wish to keep you from other foreign and domestic officials. The night is still so young too. I shall meet you again whenever you are available. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Your Majesty."
Edward nodded. "Of course." he replied. "I shall see you about, then." he stepped away, moving off into the crowd in order to converse with others. The short cape he wore swirled about his shoulders, the deep purple underside dramatic and telling of his status as a royal. His conversation with other officials and nobles was easy; it consisted mostly of small talk, greetings, inquiries after family or country status. Nothing too challenging or difficult.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Once again, he lowered his head while he slowly went into a bow. As the king walked, he lifted his head to get one more glance. A pressure on his chest had lifted then strolled along with the monarch. The sounds of his heart pounding had become less deafening. Initially, he went back to watching people dance, but it did not last for long. Next thing he knew, there were was a French consul and others from King Edward's court that had come over to engage in a conversation. They mostly talked about affairs either back in their home countries or in Great Britain.
(Should we skip to a time where they meet or something?)
(yeah sure! Want me to handle it?)
The ball went on for hours. There was food and drinks provided, and many of the nobles and officials got progressively more and more tipsy, glasses of wine held in their hands. The dancing continued as well, and eventually the ball began to draw to a close, nobles leaving. Some left with spouses, some alone, and others more covertly with, well, not their spouses. These balls nearly always ended in such a manner. The queen left before the king, accompanied by some of her ladies in waiting as she headed to her rooms after saying farewell to her husband.
(Yes please!)
Sabbas spent the rest of the ball either talking with others or dancing. Sometimes he switched from English to French, but rarely spoke in his mother tongue. He actually spoke with an advisor named Lord Chamberlain who actually is the father of the noble lady he met with earlier; her name is Alice. In the last hour or so, Sabbas spent the rest of the ball with her until they decided to leave and go to his chambers.
(alright!)
Edward was among the last to leave the ball, going back to his own chambers alone. There, a servant assisted in undressing him and then redressing him into his nightclothes, and he lay in his massive bed, in the dark, dropping off to sleep rather quickly.
It took a few days before Edward was able to fit Sabbas into his schedule, but when he did, an invitation was brought to the Spaniard's quarters.
Saludos, Sir Valiente,
You have been cordially invited to meet with His Majesty Edward VII, King of England, Scotland, Ireland, and the Colonies, for tea at 1 o'clock this afternoon. Please respond promptly with your message of whether you choose to accept or decline this invitation.
It was a simple message, and at the bottom was stamped with Edward's royal seal.
One of the king's servants rushed through the doors into his quarters. Sabbas was at one end of the room with a rapier in his right hand while one his own servants was on the other side with another. Fencing is one of his favorite pastimes, yet alas, when he came to Great Britain, he could not find a partner so he made his servant his partner for now.
Still with his rapier in his hand, he used the tip of it to open the letter. Panting, he mumbled, "Bueno…Finalmente…Finalmente" His servant rushed over to take his rapier as he sat down to write a response.
Greetings, Your Majesty,
Thank you for your invitation. I shall graciously accept it. Please do send word if our meeting has canceled or moved to a later date.
Yours cordially,
Sir Valiente
Once he made the insignia in the wax with his ring, he handed the letter over to the messenger. "Thank you, my good man. Be well," He said. The man nodded before leaving the quarters. Sabbas sat back in the chair, he looked over at his servant, "I suppose it is time for us to get me into some elegant clothing now….Might as well…"
Edward received the message and nodded very slightly, glad to have the response. It meant that this would work. They would have this meeting together. His plan for it involved mainly getting to know each other, and not too much politics or religion. If the two topics did come up, then that was fine, and Edward would handle that as it came. Otherwise, he would prefer not to touch on those topics quite yet. They were bound to be, well, full of tension, and he didn't want to start that up yet.
Excitement coursed through him to the point in that he decided to go back to fencing rather than getting ready right away. He only sparred with the confused servant for a few minutes before actually getting ready. The color of his nobleman's jacket is still red, even though it is a lighter shade. While servants helped him get ready, he thought of things he could and couldn't say. There is the obvious, his true background, any mentions of Catholicism or the Moors, and strong use of blunt or other inappropriate manner of commenting. Sabbas is fine; after all, conversing with higher powers is what he has done since day one.
Ten minutes before the meeting time, Edward headed to the sitting room. One of the servants would guide Sabbas there, and Edward would be there first. He was, after all, the one who had invited Sabbas. It was only polite that Edward be there first. So he was, and he waited. There was tea, and some scones, though he did not yet pour himself any. He would wait until Sabbas arrived. In the meantime, he read through some papers, leaning on his elbow and sighing faintly.
By the time he had finished getting ready, there was a knock on the door. The same thrill in his heart had returned. He thanked the servants who had helped them then joined the king's who was escorting him over to the meeting. Thankfully there wasn't much worry compared to last time, but he still experienced some nerves. His stroll slowed down as they got closer. Sabbas grinned at the sight of his Majesty. He bowed, "Good afternoon, Your Majesty. Thank you for meeting with me. It is wonderful to see you again."
Edward set his letters aside when he heard Sabbas approaching, greeting the Spaniard with a soft, quick little smile. "Good afternoon, sir Valiente." he greeted. "I trust that you have been well since we last saw each other?" he really did hope that Sabbas had been alright; it would not be well if the Spanish Consul fell ill. Or died. That would be worse, though it was a worst-case scenario that he doubted would happen.
"I am glad that I was able to fit you into my schedule. I tend to be very busy, but happily, I had room to fit you. Please, take a seat." he gestured to the soft, plush seating available. "Would you care for some tea, as well?"
Sabbas stood with his shoulders held back. There was not a smile on his face, although, his expression remained warming as well as sincere. He nodded, "Of course, and I hope that you have been doing well the same, Your Majesty." Ambling over to the seat, he bowed his head in thanks then sat down. "No worries, my king, I understand. It is not easy being a man such as yourself in a time like this. On the other hand, I am happy that you have time to meet with me."
A gentle sigh quietly slipped through his lips. He glanced back at King Edward. "Yes, please. It would not make sense to not have tea on a lovely day such as this after all."
Edward nodded a bit, and a servant stepped forward, filled the teacups, set down a small pitcher of cream and a little container with sugar, then bowed and left. Edward poured some cream into his own tea, then added a bit of sugar. Satisfied with that, he picked up his teacup and the saucer, taking a sip.
Turning his head, he watched as the servant filled the teacups. A faint grin settled on his face. He bowed his head at the servant, whispering a soft thanks. Sabbas waited until his Majesty took care of his tea before doing the same. He barely put just a pinch of cream into it then followed that with two teaspoons of sugar. Carefully holding the cup and saucer, he blew on the tea then proceeded to drink it. After a few sips, he sat them down. His hands rested neatly on his lap while he kept his gaze at the tea cup. Oddly enough, Sabbas is not much of a tea drinker and really only began to regularly drink it when he arrived to Great Britain.
Edward took a small sip of his tea, looking over at Sabbas for a long moment. "Have you a wife?" he questioned. If Sabbas did have a wife left behind in Spain, Edward could perhaps have her brought here. It was only right. A husband and wife should not be parted. Especially not a young couple, as that would make having children more difficult. Not that Edward had done that yet. Had children, that is. He just…had such a hard time with it.
Lifting his chin up, he glanced over at King Edward. Initially, he titled his head, slightly confused with the question. Briefly, he looked down at his left ring finger; it is bare. "No, Your Majesty," He responded. "Any plans I had of marriage have come to a halt for now." Sabbas was not sure what else to say. Before arriving, he did try to pursue a possible spouse, although everything had changed as history knows it. Perhaps in a year or whenever he may return to Spain. "Maybe one day soon, Your Majesty. Alas those plans had to come to a temporary stop as you can see." He gestured to him and their surroundings.
(I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to be busy for a few days so my responses will take awhile. I'll try to respond asap)
(alright, that's fine! Good luck with whatever is going on :)
Edward listened, nodding his head slightly. "Ah, of course." He replied. "I am sure that when your time here is up, you will be able to find a wife." He took another sip of tea, letting the silence hold for a moment. "Would you care to tell me about yourself? After all, my life is rather public knowledge, and I am afraid I do not know much of you." Edward knew he had little to no privacy; it was a miracle his few dalliances with other men had never been witnessed or spoken of, other than six months ago when he had evaded the law. It still plagued him; he was a king, was he above the law? He did not believe so. And yet, had he not used his position and lied in order to escape the rightful punishment? Sure, he had never done the full act of sodomy, but involving himself with another man was enough for execution. He deserved death.
His smile became wider as he bowed his head. "Thank you, Your Majesty." King Francisco had given him the post for a few years given the current state of the tension between the two empires. If all goes well, he'll keep the position and return, but that is far from now. Sabbas picked up his tea cup, but only kept it between his hands. Slightly tilting his head, his gaze had wandered off to the floor for a moment. What could he say about himself? After all, he is a bastard who should not be sitting with the British monarch having tea on such a fine day. And yet, he should for he is so much more than that. Obviously, he cannot tell the king this. Not even his own king knows.
"I believe that I was meant to be someone remembered by history since I could remember. Always seen as a pinnacle of interest from Málaga, my home, to Madrid, and to here. My father taught me to always be strong, to be a man of the world. I was always interested in meeting new people and influencing the world so I studied international diplomacy." He stopped to drink his tea, then sat it down. "I ended up on King Francisco's court because I was Prince Alejandro's fencing partner and his son told His Majesty about me and they both saw something in me. Now, Your Majesty, I do not know what they see in me. I am ambitious. I dance with the buds and thorns. I love loving, though I never share my scars with others. I always feel out of place even at home; I stand out like a black swan. Even surrounded by many, I feel alone. Although, I am a lot of things. Hopefully you, Her Majesty, and all your court find my presence to be pleasant and useful, my king."
