King Kaillas Einar was dressed in his royal color, purple. His trousers and overcoat were a deep purple with gold embroidery. His coat was buttoned up to the color. His black hair had been cut and styled just that morning and he had a clean shave. There was a simple crown sitting on his head made of gold. There were no jewels, only intricate metalwork. He did not like showing off his status or wealth. He would always have the mindset of a soldier, and even the highest of ranking never wore lavish things. Not unless it was for a ball, but that was a different scenario. He sat on the biggest throne, a slightly smaller one sitting to the left of him meant for the queen. His queen. The woman who was standing in front of him.
Her portrait did not do her justice. She was a beautiful woman, her blond hair in tight coils and her piercing green eyes. The poets would say he had been struck speechless at her appearance, that he was starstruck at the sight of her beauty. They weren't necessarily wrong. For he did struggle to find his words. Never in all his years had a beautiful woman caught his breath but why was it this one did? Perhaps it was the thought they this would be the woman he was going to marry. This would be the woman he would share a life with. But Kaillas would deny it all. He would deny that he was ever momentarily speechless or taken aback by her beauty. He would never admit it, not even as the poets wrote and the songs were sung.
He rose from his throne. Not at all custom but entirely what his advisors standing to the side were expecting of him. They wanted him to treat her with an undying love. That was not something he could conjure within himself. He thought himself incapable of love. He loved his two sisters but only because he had no choice. They were family, blood. But to fall in love, no, he could never do that.
He approached his bride, holding out his hand for her to take. And as she did, he bent his head to place the gentleness of kisses upon her knuckles. Really, it was just a brush of the lips and nothing more. Just because she was beautiful did not mean he wanted to be there any more than necessary. He was ready for this day to be over and to retire. He had important things to tend to in the morning. "Believe me, the honor is all mine, princess." Just because he didn't like pleasantries or using pretty words, didn't mean that he couldn't. And while this was so unlike him to use such words, he did so because he needed to, and because ears were listening to them. Not that he would be cruel in private but he would not act like this.
"I hope the journey was kind to you," he said, releasing her hand. "You must be hungry. Come, join me for dinner. Our staff has prepared a feast in your honor." He would introduce her to the court then and entertainment would be brought out while they dined. Poets had traveled far and wide to come to perform, the most beautiful singers have to come sing. And it was only the start of it. A weeks worth of celebrations until the wedding which would fall on the seventh day. This feast was only the beginning.
After keeping her gaze cast downward for the appropriate amount of time, she allows herself to lift her gaze and get her first real look at the king. Her eyes are immediately drawn to him. How could they not be? King Kaillas is an imposing figure, dressed in rich purple and gold. His dark hair is neatly styled and his face was clean-shaven, giving him an air of authority.
Ophelia couldn't help but feel a little nervous as the king stands. It is time for their first proper interaction and a lot weights on this moment. She knows that this was the man she is to marry, the man who will be her king and her husband. She has heard stories about him, of his bravery in battle and his strategic mind, but she has never met him before. She isn’t sure what to expect.
It is hard to not notice that his eyes are fixed on her, watching her every move. She feels a little self-conscious under his gaze, but she tries to hold her head high and maintain her composure. She refuses to seem weak. The king will be wanting a strong queen who can hold her own, not someone who cowers when meeting him.
As Ophelia accepts Kaillas's hand and feels the brush of his lips on her knuckles, she feels the faintest sense of disappointment. She always knew that her marriage would be one based on politics but a small part of her dreamed of a fairytale romance, of a husband who would sweep her off her feet and profess his undying love for her. This is not that fairytale. Kaillas seems distant and detached. It becomes clear that to him, this is merely something that he must do and not something that he wants to. She supposes that she cannot judge. This arrangement was not to her want either. She had been happy at the idea of remaining unattached for awhile longer.
What strikes her the most is the contrast between his appearance and his demeanor. He is dressed in regal finery, but there is a hardness to him, a sense of detachment that makes her uneasy. She can’t help but feel that there is more to him than met the eye.
Despite the worry gnawing away at her, Ophelia manages to offer a small smile as King Kaillas welcomed her to his kingdom. She can tell that he was not a man given to many words and that’s alright with her. “The journey was uneventful and pleasant.” She spent most of the time in her own head, of course. She thanks him for the festivities before waiting for him to lead her away to the feast that had been prepared in her honor.
Kaillas offered her a smile. Well, tried to smile was the better way to put it. It was easy to tell it was a forced smile and something uncommon for the king to do. Thinking about it, the last time Kaillas truly smiled was back before he had come to the palace when he had gone out drinking with his fellow soldiers. He didn't think he had really smiled once since he had come home. At least not a genuine one, that was. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see at least one of his advisors cringing. Well, if they did not want his bride to see what a terrible job he did at pretending to be happy, they should have found him a blind bride.
His scar caught the light, causing the pale line to become more noticeable. It had calmed and shrunk over the years but it would never truly disappear. He remembered how ugly it looked that first year, an angry red line with raised skin. Over the years, it paled to pink then to his skin tone, but the skin was still raised and jagged. That's what happened when one was cut with a serrated knife.
He took a step back from the princess, allowing her space. he did not want to crowd her nor did he want to be crowded. However, it would have been downright barbaric to not offer her his arm to take and he would have heard an earful from his advisors if he did not. So shifting so that he stood to her side, he offered her his arm to take. "I am glad your travels were pleasant. The ride here is not always an uneventful one." Beasts and bandits lurked in the forests. No matter how much he tried to flush them out, there was only so much he could do. They knew the woods better than he did.
Unlike Mistress Catalina, he was quiet as they walked. He did not speak about the histories of any of the artwork or statues. He did not explain the rooms as they passed. These were things that she would learn in time. Things she would learn from the remembers of her court. Not from Kaillas. He did not speak again until they reached the doors of the dining hall. Beyond, he could hear the chatter of the people behind the doors, waiting for their king and his bride to appear. He turned to look down at Ophelia. "This is the main dining room," he murmured. "This is where we host parties and where we dine when we have guests. We have a private dining room on our wing." Because the royal family had the entire East wing to themselves. The dining room was meant for the king and queen, and their children to use. They would not always be hosting such extravagant events. But they would not get to use it until after they were married.
He turned back to face the door. He nodded at the stewards who opened the door and announced their arrival. "His Royal Majesty, King Kaillas Einar and Her Royal Highness Ophelia Lacerta."
Ophelia smiles politely as Kaillas offers her his arm, taking it delicately. She can feel the tension in his body and the forced nature of his smile, but she is wise enough to not comment on it. This is a difficult situation for both of them. Neither of asked to be married off but it’s not exactly as though they have a choice in these matters. A king needs a queen. And heirs. That’s simply how things work.
Her eyes linger on the scar for a minute. The wound must have been deep and horrific to leave such a mark. Though curious about the story behind it, she keeps her mouth shut and does not question it. Asking about something personal like that would not do her any favors. They do not know each other and it is not her place to ask.
As they walk, Ophelia takes in her surroundings quietly, admiring the beautiful artwork and statues. Though the information Mistress Catalina gave her earlier was most interesting, she is grateful for the silence. It allows her some time to wrap her head around everything. When they reached the doors of the dining hall, she listened to Kaillas' explanation and nodded in understanding.
Her time with the king has been limited so far and yet she feels as though she has been awarded a glimpse into their marriage. Her days will be filled with silence and loneliness until something is needed from her: an heir or two. She knows that it is her duty to provide the king with children but she refuses to be seen as nothing more than the royal brood are. She wants a place by his side to help him rule. Whether that will happen or not remains to be seen. At the very least, she will have the children to keep her occupied if the king does not wish to endure her presence in the future.
As they enter the dining hall, Ophelia can feel the eyes of the guests on them. She holds her head high, maintaining her composure and poise. She is determined to make a good impression on the people of Kaillas' kingdom, and to make this marriage a successful one, for both of their sakes.
(Sorry I didn't respond yesterday, was just in a bad headspace and it made it hard for long replies. I promise I'll get one up today but I'm at work at the moment so I might take a little bit longer.)
(No need to apologize! I completely understand. Take your time :) )
At least she is compliant, Kaillas thought in those few moments of silence. She did not voice her complaints about being shipped off to a strange kingdom and a strange king. She did not voice any concerns about him. She did not even compliment the artwork that had decorated his halls. He thought he would like that, someone who was quiet and kept to themselves. He thought he wanted someone who was here to do their duty and that would be it between them. But he couldn't help but find the silence almost uncomfortable. She was too compliant and he didn't like that. He didn't want a rag doll there for his every whim to use. It was then, as he stood in front of those opening doors, that he would not touch her until she truly wanted his touch. Not because of duty or pressure, but wanted it. There did not have to be feelings of love to spark feelings of passions. And if he never had an heir then so be it.
As they stepped through the doors, there was the sound of chairs scraping as each member of the court stood and bowed to their King and future Queen. Kaillas led Ophelia to the head table. There, two chairs were waiting for them. Traditionally, members of the family of would sit on either side of them. But Kaillas' family was dead, other than his sisters who were currently not here, likely still getting ready. And Ophelia's was in another kingdom, unable to leave because they had their own country to run.
The king was supposed to sit first. It was just how things were done. It was tradition. But Kaillas had never been a traditional person. He gestured for Ophelia to sit down in the seat and he pushed in her chair before sitting down next to her. That, he done purely because he had wanted not. Not because everyone was watching him, judging him.
With a simple gesture of his hand, the members of the court were sat. Wine was poured in their goblets and the first course was brought out. An appetizer of bread rolls and delicacy of cheeses. It paired well with the red wine that had been poured. Once the court had settled Kaillas would say a few words about how happy he was and his wishes for a happy marriage. All pretty words he did not want to bother himself with but he hadn't been given much of a choice.
The king may be a handsome man but Ophelia has no desire to be with him. The only reason she’s here is because her kingdom needs her to be. Without this marriage, her people will suffer. They are better off than most kingdoms but they still have their struggles. Until they have offically been married, she will stay silent and do what is told of her. She can’t risk displeasing the king and being sent home. Her return would not be welcomed.
Entering the room, she puts a polite smile on her face, not wanting to seem gold. It does catch her off guard when her husband to be pulls out her chair rather than sitting first. That’s not normal. Rather than spending time questioning it, she merely thanks him and takes her seat. She sits quietly next to Kaillas, her eyes taking in the grandeur of the hall and the people surrounding her.
At least the easy part will come soon. She can smile and talk and charm everyone without a problem. Hopefully the people and the court will learn to love her. Her entire childhood was spent with her learning how to be the perfect queen. It was never a secret that she would be sent off to a different kingdom to marry. There is no way her kingdom would let her rule. It’s a sore subject for her but one that thankfully doesn’t get brought up very often.
The food and the wine both look decadent. While her own kingdom provides lashish meals for the royal family, this is much better. She’s not sure if it’s because of the grand celebration or if the cooks usually make such amazing foods. Either way, she’s pleased.
Kaillas rarely ever did things the proper way. He hadn't been raised to be king. He wasn't taught the proper order of things. He had barely been taught any etiquette. What little he had learned had been before the age of eight. he hardly remembered any of that now, over ten years later. He had spent most of his youth surrounded by soldiers. That was all he knew. That was his way of life. It had been tough, hard on him. But it had been the best years of his life. Until everything fell apart in one message.
He took a sip of his wine before standing and clearing his throat. It took only a matter of seconds before the hall quieted and all eyes were looking at him. This was one of the things he hated most about being king. Public speaking. He had never been good at it. Speeches had to be written for him and he was told to memorize it and attempt to deliver it in a nonmonotone voice nor a military one. This was no different than all the rest. he took one more sip of his wine for confidence before opening his mouth to speak.
"Thank you, everyone, for joining us this evening." Nope, too monotone. He needed to add some emotion into his voice, maybe a smile. Nope, that smile was not happening. He kept going, remembering the script he was given. "Tonight is the start of new life, a new dawn. For too long, Vaeril has been without a queen and a secure future, but this changes today. In seven days, I will be married to Princess Ophelia and you will finally have your queen. Now, I would like to introduce you to my bride, Princess Ophelia." He gestured to the woman sitting next to him. "To my bride!" He raised his glass and took a sip of the wine, his courtiers following suit.
He took his seat, scooting in closer to the table and placed his glass on the table. He put his hands on his legs, flexing his fingers. He hated that. He hated to doing this. It made him uncomfortable. But he never let it show. At least not anything that his people would notice. He had a few small tells but no one but his right-hand man knew those tells.
Ophelia keeps a gracious smile on her face during the speech. Though the kind words are unappreciated, it’s not difficult to tell that it was written for him. She has a feeling that her husband to be had about as much to do with their match as she did. She certainly can’t blame him for not being excited. They are perfect strangers and neither really wanted this. Though unfortunate, she won’t hold it against him if he’s unwilling to make things work. She does hope that they have a chance for a successful marriage in the future.
Lifting her glass, she joins in with the toast but remains silent. She knows that she should at least say something to the king but she hasn’t the faintest idea what. It’s hard to make conversation with someone you’re being forced to marry.
She sips at her wine and tries to keep herself looking relaxed and at home. She knows that the people around her will be able to sense her uncertainty if she’s not careful. The last thing she wants to do is make a bad first impression. It’s important that they see her as someone fit to be queen.
When his hands had stopped shaking, Kaillas reached forward to take a bite of some cheese and bread that had been served. While he wasn't a fan of some of the cheese that had put on his dish, one thing he had learned from the army was that you always ate what you were given. So he would eat it, at least a bite of everything. With how much food that was about to be served, it would be impossible for anyone here to finish each dish. Thankfully, Kaillas had put up a safeguard in place so that none of the food was wasted. Anything that had been bitten into was given to the livestock, whichever ones that could eat it. Those that were untouched were given out to the poorest of the city. Most of the food, unfortunately, wouldn't survive much travel. It was cooked to be eaten that day. Any longer and it would spoil.
He turned to face his bride. He was expected to talk to her and get to know her. They were expected to appear as a happy couple, even if everyone in this room knows this marriage was forced upon both of them. All Kaillas knew was her name, her age, and that she was docile. Beyond that, he knew nothing about her. And even the few small things he had been told about her personality could have been false to try to get him to like her better.
"Tell me about yourself," he said softly before taking a sip of his wine. If he could get her to talk then he would be able to sit there rather silently, listening to her speak. As long as he said something now and then and offered a smile, it should hopefully keep the vultures off his back.
Nibbling at the bread and cheese, Ophelia enjoys the silence. She knows that they’ll have to speak to each other eventually, however, she’s content to not have to do that just yet. It doesn’t seem as though they’ll have anything in common other than neither of them really wanting to do this and that cannot be a conversation topic. At least not now and not here.
The silence doesn’t last nearly as long as she thought it would. Feeling her future husband’s gaze, she turns to look at him. Blatantly ignoring him would not be a good way to start things off. She offers a tiny smile as she meets her gaze, making sure that it appears to be a sincere
“I am an only child. I know three languages, I love to read, I fail spectacularly at my attempts to garden, when given the choice between something sweet and something savory, I always choose sweet.” She rattles off a few basic things, knowing that his request was merely to be polite. There’s no need for her to tell him anything deep about herself. “I love animals. My father used to get me a pet for each birthday.” She cared for them better than many care for their own children. It broke her heart to leave them.
Kaillas had his galss of wine in hand as he listened to her speak. He would sip from it now and then while listening to her. While he enjoyed the wine and drinking, he had no intentions of getting intoxicated. Not at court, especially, but not around his bride. That was not a state for her to see him in. That was reserved for when he was drinking with his soldiers or drinking in solitude. No other. He set the glass down in exchange for another peice of his appetizer. It would be exchanged for the next dish soon.
"If you are your parents only child, who will rule after them?" It was a good question. He hadn't been made aware of any of the king's siblings. He wondered if they were expecting the two of them to have a child and ship it back to them to rule. He would not do that. If they ever came to create a child, it would stay here with its parents and where it was safe. Not in some foreign kingdom.
Kaillas caught the eye of his two sisters as they walked through the doors. This was when he truly did smile. He loved his sisters. They were perhaps the only people he loved in this world. They were good and kind and he would do anything for them. But he also knew they only had a couple minutes before the girls came over and bombarded Ophelia. He turned back to her. "I apologize in advance."
The grip she has on her glass tightens and her smile becomes the faintly becomes strained. This is a sore subject for her. She thinks that she should be able to rule her kingdom regardless of the fact that she is a woman but no one else seems to agree with her. “My cousin,” She replies simply, offering no additional details. When she was told this news she was furious for the first time in her life. Her cousin, who is lazy and more often drunk than not, gets to take over her kingdom because he was born a man. It’s infuriating.
Her parents married much older than most which minimized their chance to have children. They had her older brother a mere year after their marriage and then her a few years later. She was supposed to be a boy, a backup for the throne. That obviously didn’t happen. By then, they were too old to produce another child and they were worried since they had her brother. Then he died. She had assumed she would be allowed to take the throne. Unfortunately, she was wrong.
Shaking her head ever so slightly, she clears her mind of those thoughts. Noticing that something has captured Kaillas’ gaze, she turns her head to see what’s going on. The smile on his face is what has her really curious. It doesn’t take her long to figure out that his sisters have arrived. The resemblance is undeniable. At his words, her brows knit in confusion. “For what?” She asks, slightly concerned.
Kaillas only offered her a sympathetic look. It was easy to tell it was a hard subject. He couldn't tell if she would have been a good queen, he didn't know her well enough. But the crown should have gone tj her next. She was next of kin and the perfect image for a queen. He was thankful his kingdom had no such stipulations. Unfortunately, yes, the crown would always go to the male heir, but if there was none, it would fall to the female heir.
He only turned that smile he had held for his sisters to his bride. "You're about to find out." And just a few second later, his two sisters bounded over to them. They both had black hair and brown eyes. If they weren't obviously a few years apart, they could easily be twins. The youngest looked how the older one did at that age.
"Brother," the younger one squealed, coming over to hug him. The other one wasn't far behind. "Katya," kaillas said, returning the hug of his youngest sister. "Elora," the older of his two sisters came over and hugged them. But they didn't look at him past that hug. They both turned to Ophelia. Kaillas knew better than to stick around. He gestured for a steward to bring over a chair and got out of his. He like Katya sit in that one, kissing the top of her head as she did so. He kissed Elora's head and then smiled at his bride. "Call if you need me," he said before walking away.
"You're so pretty," Katya said, leaning forward to look at Ophelia. "I wish my hair looked like yours." Elora was sat down on the opposite side of Ophelia. The eldest spoke next, "we wanted to be there when we revieved you but brother said no."
Ophelia stays quiet for a moment as she studies the two sisters. They are remarkably similar and other than the age different, she almost can’t tell them apart. Both seem like absolutely lovely people so she’s uncertain as to why her soon to be husband apologized. The two women are certainly excited but she doesn’t mind. It’ll be nice to have two friendly faces around. She smiles lightly at them both before giving a small and polite nod to Kaillas when he steps away.
“It is so wonderful to meet you both,” She says sincerely, genuinely happy that she has the potential to make some friends. “Thank you.” The compliments are very sweet and appreciated. “You are both beautiful as well. You have lovely eyes.” The gentle brown shades are stunning in her opinion.”
The carriage ride was a long one so she does appreciate that there weren’t several people in her gave them moment she arrived. “I was rather tired from my trip so I fear I wouldn’t have been the most pleasant company upon my arrival,” She admits with a light laugh. “I am very pleased to meet you now. Please, tell me about yourselves.”
Elora was seventeen. She had been two when Kaillas had left to be a squire and join the army. She had been ten when the assassination had been carried put. To this day she wondered why she had been spared. Women were allowed to rule, given that there was no male heir. There was no point in leaving her and her sister alive. It still left an Einar to claim the throne. Unless that's not what they had intended. Unless there was a certain few Einars they didn't want on the throne. She had always been suspicious of that day. She had tried to look into it but had been promptly shut down by Kaillas. He didn't want to risk her life. She knew where he was coming from and appreciated it, but she didn't need it. She was a grown woman now, at seventeen. She was almost old enough to marry, if her brother would ever agree to one. He thought that there was no one good enough for his sisters.
"Kaillas said nothing about us didn't he?" Elora asked, shaking her head and glaring at her bother who was standing at another table a few yards away. "I'm Elira and that's Katya. I'm seventeen and she's fourteen. We've lived in the palace our entire lives. We rarely ever leave for reasons." She didn't like verbally talking about the assassination. It brought up feelings she wanted to ignore. "I love horse back riding and shooting with my bow. I enjoy a good book as well."
Kayla was bouncing in her seat almost, ready to interrupt. She hadn't been born when Kaillas had left and hadn't met him for many years untom he cane to visit on holidays. Truth be told, she didn't have a relationship with him until after the death of their parents. It had been rocky at first but now she clung to him any chance she got. They were all they had. There was no one else. No one close to then at least.
Katya finally butted in. "I love dancing," she cooed. "I can't wait to dance at your wedding. I've been helping picking out sings for them to play. Of course, you have to finalize it but I can show you tomorrow if you would like." She had a bright smile on her face. "Oh and I love flowers. I help tend to the gardens. We're using some freshly picked flowers for the wedding as well. Ooh, and wait until you see your rooms. I helped decorate them. Kaillas is terrible at it so I took over. They're so pretty." She was rambling now. She was just happy to have someone to talk to. "Technically, you're not supposed to use the Queen's suite until after you marry but Kaillas has never been very good at following tradition. And it's only a week so whats the point of moving you between rooms?"
“He did not,” Ophelia admits lightly. “Truth be told, we have barely had a minute to ourselves to speak.” She can tell that the siblings are close so she doesn’t doubt that Kaillas would have told her about his sisters had she asked or had there been time. Either way, she’s more than happy to hear about them now. It’ll be nice to get to know them since they will be her sister-in-laws. To her, it’s almost as important to have a good relationship with them as it is to have one with her husband.
Wise enough to not ask the reasons for the two not leaving the palace often, she focuses on listening to their interests and hobbies. “Oh, I love horseback riding. All activities involving animals, really. We should go out for a ride sometime.” It would be the perfect way to bond and getting some fresh air would be wonderful. Getting to know the way around the palace grounds is certainly a bonus as well.
“Unfortunately, I am a menace to all plant life,” She admits with a light laugh. “Perhaps you can share with me some tips on how to successfully garden?” She can’t keep a plant alive to save her life but she would certainly love to learn how to.
She smiles a tad at the mention of the wedding. She has not been involved with any of the planning and that’s alright with her. Whatever has been put together is sure to be wonderful. “I’m certain that I will love any songs you have picked out and I would enjoy hearing them tomorrow.”
It would be nice to not have to move around rooms twice in one week. However, she won’t complain if she absolutely has to.
Elora beamed at that, nodding her head. "I would love to go riding with you. Your schedule has been amde for you this week bit I'm sure I can persuade the council to let a thing or two go on without us. It'll be good to get out of here alone." Well, not alone. There would be guards following them. Elora always had them with her and now with the fixtures queen, there would likely be double the guards. "But don't worry, I know this week will be crazy but after the wedding you'll go on your honeymoon. Traditionally, it's two weeks long but Kaillas has likely gotten it shortened. But you'll be able to have your honeymoon in peace. No crazy balls or festivities."
Elora knew how crazy court life could get. Sometimes she just needed to escape for an hour or two. Riding allowed her to do that.
Katya smiled as Ophelia looked her way. "I can show but I can't promise anything. I've noticed you either have the touch or you don't. And that's okay. And I can plant anything you would like in the gardens. Once your queen, they're technically yours." The Queen's Garden was the official name of it. The queen had full control over it. Katya had been taking care it for awhile but was time to pass that on to Ophelia. Unless she allowed the young princess to care for it.
She nodded her head. "I'll show them tomorrow. As Elora said, we'll block out some time for you ti soemd with just us. And we can explain how this week is going to go." Technically, that was for Mistress Catalina to do but the girls could it better. They had more insight and they were on the other side of things. Plus, they were royals. They got what they wanted.
Ophelia offers a sincere smile. “I do appreciate that. It would be nice to step away from the madness that will ensue this week.” Preparations for a royal wedding are sure to be chaotic and stressful. The wedding will be difficult enough but she’s also trying to adjust to living in an entirely new kingdom so she wouldn’t say no to any downtime given to her. The mention of her honeymoon is an instant stress trigger but she’s very careful to not show it. She has no idea what to expect. Her mother and ladies in waiting never spoke to her on that subject. It was always considered taboo and improper. She questioned is was and was rather severely punished for it.
“It would be nice to have the gardens remain beautiful so if you would like to continue to care for the plants, you may.” She won’t take away something that Katya loves. It would be unnecessary and cruel. Besides, she would ruin the gardens so she needs not be in charge of them. “I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing some sunflowers planted somewhere if you are able to make that happen.” The bright yellow flowers never fail to make her smile.
“An explanation would be wonderful. Though everyone has been nothing short of wonderful and welcoming, no one has properly explained to me what all will be happening this week.” Ophelia hasn’t the faintest idea what will be going on day to day. She would rather not go through this week unprepared if she can help it. There is too much unknown in her life already.
Elora nodded her head. She could explain everything. Having a bother who grew up in the army meant she knew everything. He didn't know what he couldn't and couldn't say. He didn't know how to explain things delicately. He said things planning. How sex worked and what went where exactly, without sugarcoating anything. It had been a strange conversation to say the least. "I would like that. Catalina will tell you your schedule but she won't explain it. I can do that for you. And j can tell you who to avoid at court." Too many women trying to climb the social latter and they would do anything to do it.
Of course she hadn't indulged with it herself, at least not fully. Her brother would kill the man that dared lay his hands on her. But that didn't mean she didn't sneak around, kissing the scribes around corners and closed doors. She was becoming a woman after all and exploring things.
Katya was staring to open her mouth but Elora caught sight of Kaillas. He was looking at her, giving her a gesture it was time to take her seat. The next course was about ti be served and they were waiting on Kaillas. She interrupted Katya before she could speak. "Katya, go to our table, dinner is about to be served. I'll be right behind you." She waited until her sister left before turning back to the princess. "My brother is a good man," she said in a low voice. "He will protect you. He will be good to you. Don't be afraid." Then she was walking away.
Kaillas had been slightly worried about what they were talking about. He didn't want his sisters to say anything to scare off Ophelia before he had a chance to do that himself. He was going to do something to screw up, it was only a matter of time. That's only one reason why it was easier to distance himself from her. As his sisters finally parted from their table, he rejoined it, taking his seat.
"Again, I'm sorry about my sister's. They can be a bit much." As in, not very princess or lady like. And that was his fault. He hadn't done the best job raising them to be proper. There was only so much tutors could do when they didn't have a proper example.
Ophelia likely won’t think to ask Elora. As far as she’s aware, the subject is unspeakable in most kingdoms. She’s hopeful that someone will explain it to her. Perhaps one of her handmaidens will be willing to but she’s not certain how to broach the subject. She doesn’t know them and that seems like a very personal conversation to have with a stranger. The only thing she doesn’t want is to have to just figured it out on her wedding night. That would be terrifying and humiliating. She doesn’t think that she could handle such embarrassment, especially since she’s not sure how her husband would react to her ignorance.
“A lesson on the people of the court would be most welcome.” She knows that the sisters will have the right information to share with her. It would be good to face the court for the first time knowing who is who and who she needs to avoid. She doesn’t want to make a ridiculous mistake because she doesn’t know any better. People of the court are difficult to please and she’d like to make a good first impression.
All too soon, it’s time for everyone to return to their proper seats, meaning that their conversation must end. She can’t help but feel disappointed by this. Upon hearing Elora’s words about her husband to be, she offers a light smile. “Thank you,” She whispers, appreciating that the young woman is trying to help her nerves. Hopefully she’ll soon learn that Elora is right about what Kaillas is like.
Turning her attention to the king when he approaches, she offers a polite smile of greeting. “Please, you needn’t apologize. Your sisters are wonderful and I truly enjoyed talking to him.” She’s completely sincere. Elora and Katya were very kind and welcoming. They made her feel right at home.
Kaillas had his wine refilled as he got to the table. This would likely be his last glass, for all they had was the main course and then dessert afterwards. Entertainment would begin about halfway through their meal and would end just before dessert was over.
He gave Ophelia a kind smile. It was really just a lift of the corner of his lips but ut was genuine, not fake. He was glad she liked his sisters. They would likely cling to her next, happy to have another girl to be around. "I'm glad then, that you like them. You don't have to indulge then if you don't like." But he was glad his bride enjoyed his sisters. "I think it'll be nice for Elira to have someone close to her age." The thought almost made him cringe. Hid youngest sister was closer in age to his bride than he was. He was five years her senior. Five years. He would need to be careful around. She was almost a child.
He cleared his throat, trying to will away the thoughts. The second course was brought out and the old plates sent away. He didn't speak again until the servant's had stepped away from the table. He liked his privacy. Well, as best as he could get it. He was king. He wasn't entitled to privacy anymore.
"You mentioned you liked riding," he said. "I'll find time for us to vsist the stables in town. Allow me to buy you a horse as a wedding present." He certainly had other presents to give to her but this could be the first.
The meeting couldn’t have gone better in her eyes. She has much in common with both Elora and Katya. It’s easy to picture the three of them getting close and that makes her happy. “I’ve always wanted sisters,” She admits. Her childhood was lonely and she would have loved to have sisters to play with. “I think I will enjoy their company even more as we grow to know each other.” The ladies of the court will certainly want to be friends with her but she will never know who is truly sincere. Having Elora and Katya around will give her genuine friends. It certainly helps that she and Elora are just a few years apart and Katya’s joy and energy are contagious.
“Elora and I are going to try and find time to go horseback riding together this week. Katya has promised to try and teach me to garden. Tomorrow she will help me with the songs for the wedding,” Ophelia informs him with a happy little hum. She’s glad to have a few things to look forward to this week that will involve no stress. She will just get to have fun.
She turns her attention to the food when it arrives. Just like with the first course, everything looks and smells delicious. She sips carefully at her wine, still on her first glass. She needs to pace herself so her lips don’t get loose and she makes a fool of herself. It’s something she’s seen happen to her parents many times and it was never pleasant.
At the mention of a horse, she perks up. The mention of buying her one does cause her to hesitate. “You needn’t buy me anything so extravagant.” The offer is lovely but she worries about asking him to spend a large sum of money on her so soon after their first meeting. “I don’t mind riding one of the horses you already own.”
(Whoops. It's four years. Pretend that's what I said haha)
