Thomas smiled back, feeling the excitement Eleanor was radiating. “I don't really know what she likes either. But I believe if you offer to show her the castle, a tour of the gardens, or something. That might be at good excuse to get some time with her.” he suggested.
Eleanor nodded, studying Thomas with observant eyes while she listened to the words he spoke. “You’re smart,” she remarked. Her soft smile and kind eyes showed that she meant it. “And incredibly rational. Look at me. I’m a mess and can’t think straight, and you’re… so composed.”
Thomas blushed again at her sincere gaze and high compliments. “I just listen. Being a guard… You're practically invisible unless you're needed.” he explained a little sadly. “But believe me, I'm not as composed as I look. And you're not a mess. You're… one of the most amazing women I’ve ever known.”
Eleanor nodded. She understood. At times, that had been her role too: the token queen. She was occasionally pulled out of the shadows as a reminder to the people that the king had chosen one of their own to marry, then shoved back in her room with the door locked.
Her pale complexion glowed pink at his words. But in her mind, a sliver of doubt appeared. Would he have noticed you and thought the same way if you were still a commoner whose dress was covered in mud and whose face was streaked with dirt? “Thank you,” she whispered. “I’m not sure I deserve such a title.”
“No. You do.” he assures, stepping towards her. “You’ve been through so much already and, despite everything, you're still so strong.”
The kind words caused Eleanor’s eyes to tear up. Her chest tightened as he came closer. It was a very different feeling than she’d ever experienced before. She wished that she could step into his arms whenever she desired and let him hold her. She wanted things to be different. Is this what it feels like to be truly in love?
“As have you,” she replied softly. “And you are stronger than I am, believe me.”
Thomas smiled softly and gently brought a hand up to dry her tears. He absolutely admired her. He really did. And he couldn't remember feeling this way about anyone else. He just wanted so badly to hold her close and protect her from everything he could. A smaller more selfish part of him even wished that she hadn't been married. “There are different kinds of strength, Eleanor.” he whispered. “Don't compare yourself to me.”
While Eleanor had no knowledge of Thomas’s thoughts, she was thinking similarly. If only I wasn’t married to Marcellus… Her mind began to spin a slow web of doubt again. But if you weren’t, would you have even met Thomas in the first place?
The queen looked up and met his eyes. She was surprised to see how he looked at her. With such adoration. She hoped her own eyes reflected hers as well. Her gaze flickered to his lips, almost instinctively, but only for a moment. Her heart raced, hoping he didn’t see while also hoping he did. “Alright,” she breathed, unable to say more.
Thomas met her eyes, feeling like he was floating among the clouds as his knuckles brushed against her cheek. “You’re beautiful.” he whispered without thinking.
Eleanor sighed softly, her breath hitching as she leaned almost immediately into his touch. It was like they were meant to be connected and finally brought together despite the cruelness of the world.
Forgetting herself and their situation, forgetting everything but Thomas, she lifted her lips to his as a response. The treasonous kiss sealed her fate, and his, but it didn’t matter. Nothing did. Not now that Eleanor knew they were meant to be together.
Thomas was too surprised by the kiss to pull away at first. But… feeling the wonderful sensation of her lips on his, he melted and gently kissed her back. It was too perfect. For the moment, he was just a man kissing a beautiful amazing woman.
Eleanor closed her eyes and let herself get lost in his embrace. Eventually, she had to pull back for air, and she instantly regretted it. Reality sunk in quickly, nearly causing her knees to buckle. She would’ve collapsed to the floor if it wasn’t for her new resolve holding her up. She, the Queen of Versia, had just kissed Thomas. Her guard. Her eyes were wide meeting his, and a rosy blush appeared rapidly.
As they separated from the perfect moment, Thomas’s face flushed bright red. He knew he shouldn't have done that. He met her gaze and helped her stay upright when he felt her tremble but… His head was spinning. Eleanor had kissed him. The Queen he was assigned to protect had just kissed him and… He kissed her back. He opened his mouth to say something, anything, but the words kept dying in his throat.
Eleanor found herself just as stunned and speechless by her actions. “I’m sorry?” she finally got out, but it was a whisper.
The apology wasn’t really that, even, it was more of a question. Was she sorry? No. She wouldn’t take the moment back for anything in the world. Did she regret it? Again no. But was it right? It certainly felt right… but she was the queen. Her thoughts swirled and argued with each other, and she was grateful to have Thomas holding her up.
“I… It's ok.” Thomas whispered back. “I… I'm sorry too.” he said, though he truthful didn't regret his actions. His Queen had kissed him of her own will. But the fact that he kissed her back could get him in trouble. Though they were both at risk now. “I… You didn't do anything wrong. And I won't tell anyone.” he promised.
Eleanor nodded quickly. “Yes, no one can know…” She looked up at him again, trying to resist the urge to look at his lips or — stars forgive her — kiss him again. “But…” she hesitated a moment before finding the courage to tell him what she needed to. “Don’t be sorry.”
Thomas nodded, agreeing that this would stay their secret. No one else needed to know. “I… Why not? I mean, I don't… Why do you say that?” he stammered before finally getting the question out.
“Because that was the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me,” Eleanor admitted, getting it all out at once for fear that if she didn’t, she might never be able to say it. “Please don’t apologize for the most wondrous moment I’ve ever felt.” She immediately looked away, too embarrassed to meet his gaze now.
Thomas felt his heart soar at the confession and couldn't help but smile in his usual soft way. He gently put his finger under her chin and guided her to look at him. “Only if you're not sorry either. For the same reason.” he told her, slowly leaning closer.
Eleanor’s breath hitched as his soft touch and as their eyes met again. Her heart was racing faster than she’d ever felt in her whole life. The things Thomas did to her… the things he made her feel.
“Never,” she breathed. She felt her legs go weak again as he leaned closer again. Her soft, yet excited, gasp was trapped in her mouth as their lips met again.
Thomas quickly wrapped an arm around her waist, to help keep her steady as they kissed again. While the first one was shy and dangerous, this one was more sure and unafraid but just as gentle.
Eleanor quickly wrapped her arms around his neck. The action served two purposes — to keep her steady and upright along with his strong arm around her waist, and to bring them closer together, deepening the kiss ever so slightly. She pressed herself against him, embracing every single place they touched.
Thomas let out a soft grunt at the action but didn't pull away or discourage her in any way. If anything, he gently pulled her closer, enjoying the soft intimacy and forgetting the world for the moment.
Eleanor arched her back and let him pull her closer. If it weren’t for Marcellus, she might have wanted to eventually go a bit further and deeper with Thomas, but the king of Versia had temporarily ruined the intimacy for her. She instead reveled in the joy and the love and the perfection of the moment.
Thomas was aware of the king’s despicable treatment of Eleanor and had no intention of going any further than what his Queen was comfortable with. This wasn't a fleeting passion. He respected her and wanted nothing more than to treat her properly. … Despite the fact that they were already being “improper” because of her status as the Queen and a married woman while he was a simple farmer’s son who was now meant to work as a guard and nothing more.