Eleanor broke off the kiss, reluctantly, gasping for air. She rested her forehead on his chest and closed her eyes, savoring every second of the last few minutes they’d shared.
“Thomas,” she whispered. “I think I’ve fallen in love with you.”
Thomas sighed as he tried to catch his breath, his eyes half-lidded as he looked down at the most incredible woman he had ever known. A part of him was still cherishing the perfect moment when he heard her near-silent confession. “You have?” he asked softly, almost unable to believe that he heard her actually say that.
Eleanor let out a soft sigh, relieved to finally have said the words. “Yes,” she replied, curling into him and relaxing for the first time in a long long while.
Thomas sighed and held Eleanor close. “I… I think I have fallen in love with you too.” he admitted softly. “I… I have never felt this way about anyone before.”
Eleanor was more than relieved to hear he felt the same. She was worried, if only for a moment, that he would turn on his heel and leave when she declared her love, but now… Now everything was different.
“Neither have I,” she whispered, resting her cheek on his shoulder and closing her eyes.
Thomas sighed softly, closing his eyes, and kept his arms around her in a gentle loving hug. It was so nice to just hold her like this.
Eleanor refused to be the first one to break away. She didn’t want to have to break away at all. She wished for her life to be stuck in this moment forever, not going back and not moving past it. Unfortunately, that isn’t how things work.
A sudden knock at her door caused Eleanor to jump back in surprise. Her heart began to race, and she summoned enough courage to her voice to call out, “Who is it?”
“It’s me, Your Majesty,” her head maid called back. “Lucy,” she added quickly.
Thomas almost instinctively pulled Eleanor closer at the disturbance. Before reality set in. She was the Queen. He was just her guard. They weren't supposed to be this close to each other. And if Lucy found out… word would spread faster than wildfire. He sighed reluctantly and let his arms fall to his sides as he started to step away from the woman who captured his heart.
Once she and Thomas were a sufficient distance, Eleanor lowered herself to sit on the edge of her bed and bid Lucy to enter.
The maid came in, thankfully taking little note of Thomas, and approached the queen. She sunk into a respectful curtsy as Her Majesty’s feet and straightened.
“What is it, Lucy?” Eleanor asked, her voice both soft and direct. She wanted to be alone with Thomas again, desperately, but her maid never interrupted her for nothing.
“A summons,” the woman said, slipping a piece of parchment out from the folds of her skirt. “From Sirus Grives, King Crowned of Blackstone.”
Eleanor’s fingers trembled as she took it from Lucy. “Thank you,” she managed. “You’re dismissed.”
Lucy nodded and hurried out, shutting the door behind her.
Thomas managed to get himself into the familiar posture of his position but kept his head bowed, ready to leave the room if it became necessary. He didn't really want to leave and was thankful that he didn't have to. But hearing the reason for Lucy's visit… His fists clenched tightly at his sides. Feeling emboldened but their shared feelings for each other, Thomas waited until the door was closed before speaking again. “I don't like him.”
Eleanor inhaled swiftly. “I don’t either,” she replied. She turned the parchment over in her hands and bit down slightly on her lip. “Can you read it for me?” she asked quietly. She still hadn’t been taught how to read.
Sweet Eleanor,
I haven’t been able to stop thinking of you since the reception hall. Your beauty is something every man admires and every woman is jealous of.
I would like to take advantage of this trip and your company by inviting you to a lunchtime meal in the palace’s south most gardens. I hope you accept my invitation.
Sirus
Thomas nodded at the request and gently bumped his fingers against hers as he took the letter. His eyes narrowed as he read the too-smooth words of a practiced snake. “I really don't like him.” he grumbled after he had finished reading.
Eleanor licked her bottom lip nervously. She frowned slight, her soft features wrinkling as she listened to Thomas read Sirus’ words.
She slowly rose to her feet and approached Thomas again, her dress floating around her legs as she walked. “I know,” she murmured. “But I’m afraid I’ll have to go to maintain positive diplomatic relations with Blackstone…”
“I understand.” Thomas nodded. “But I don't trust him either. Especially if he thinks you're going to meet him alone.” he pointed out. “I’ll keep a respectable distance but if he tries anything…” he trailed off, unsure of what he’d do beyond keeping Eleanor safe.
“Well of course I’m not going alone,” the queen murmured. But at his faded sentence, Eleanor’s round dark eyes widened. “You think he’ll try something?” she whispered, slipping her small, delicate hands in his and lacing their fingers together.
“I sincerely hope not.” he answered softly, welcoming her touch. “But the way he was staring at you and these overly flowery words. He's trying to seem charming and overdoing it.” Thomas explained his thoughts.
Eleanor thought back to the conversation she’d had with Sirus when she greeted him. “Oh… I suppose you’re right,” she murmured. “It makes sense now that I think about it. I wasn’t paying much attention. I was trying to just remain standing.”
“It's probably better that you weren't.” Thomas admitted. “You were polite and respectful and if you had listened… Well, the meeting would have gone very differently.”
Eleanor laughed quietly. “Oh stars. What did he say to me?” It was more of a rhetorical question, so she kept talking. “I’m just not sure how to handle a one-on-one meeting with him. He seems so… dark.”
“More flowery compliments like this.” he admitted, feeling that there was no need to repeat the actual words. Thomas nodded. “I agree. He reminds me of a snake. But I'll be nearby the whole time. I’m sure you can handle him.”
Eleanor nodded, eyeing the parchment in his hands. “He said lunchtime… I suppose that’s soon. I should get ready. I don’t want to wear this out again. Something more casual should work.” She paced over to her wardrobe and sighed. “Something more covered too,” she added under her breath.
Thomas nodded, looking at the note again. He knew the south gardens well enough from when he simply walked the palace grounds. But he was still apprehensive about this whole thing. It didn't sit right with him that a visiting royal should request to be alone with the Queen in such familiar terms.
Eleanor selected a pale pink dress and held it up to her figure, turning back to face Thomas. “What do you think?” she asked, swishing the skirt around playfully.
Thomas looked back at her, glad to have a reason to not look at those sickening words, and smiled softly. “Beautiful.” he nodded.
Eleanor grinned and went behind her self-standing private area to change and slip into her new dress. “I’m glad you like it. I’d much rather wear it for you, though, than Sirus…” She reemerged, looking radiant. The pink from the dress made her cheeks glow with a rosy hue.