forum Royal Dilemma (o/o Closed)

Started March 04, 2022 by @emilyevewrites group

tune

“You don't sound ridiculous.” he assured, shaking his head slightly. “I've heard stories of people drowning in their own bath. And I think that sounds ridiculous, even though it’s more water.”

Eleanor looked up at him with wide eyes. “Really?” she asked worriedly. “I was worried I would drown in that fountain.”

Thomas looked at her, concerned by her reaction, and counted back his words unsure if he said something wrong. “I know you were. I’m not making fun of you. Even if it was brief, your fear was reasonable.” he tried to explain.

Eleanor nodded, thinking through what he’d said. “People drown in their baths?” she asked quietly.

Thomas shrugged. “I'm not sure if they actually do, but I have heard stories of such a thing happening.” he admitted.

Eleanor shuddered. "I've never been properly afraid of drowning until now." She looked up at him with wide green eyes. "What if Sirus tells someone? What if he tells everyone?"

Thomas held her a little closer, protectively. “I don't think he will.” he said thoughtfully. At the very least, he didn't think Sirus would tell anyone that he pushed Queen Eleanor into a fountain. That would just seem like he was asking for trouble that way. But he might twist the facts so that she just tripped and fell into the fountain. The slimy git might even say that he tried to catch her. “If he does… It will depend on what he says about it.”

(Dammit, it's like you read my mind XD)

Eleanor thought about Thomas's words. "He's going to make me look like a helpless and clumsy fool. Gods, I stumbled into the bushes and fell into the fountain. I practically gave him everything he needs." She shook her head. "And no one else saw it but you."

(XD unintentional. I promise! It's just how I thought a character like that would operate)

“I wouldn't put it past him.” he agreed, softly but not happy about it. “I… I'm not sure what we could say about the fountain. But he did scare you when you stumbled into the bushes.” he pointed out, unsure if pointing that out would help her or not. “Maybe… Maybe we can say there was a spot on the path that was uneven?”

(And you are 110% right lmao XD)

Eleanor shook her head sadly. "Yes, but that excuse will barely hold up. It's not worth it. Any impression I made for the welcoming parties will be overshadowed by this if it gets out. Queen Irene won't even so much as look at me." She sighed softly. "Is this what I get for trying? Do the gods not want me to be queen?"

(lol thank you)

“Don't think like that. Don't give up.” Thomas shook his head. “There has to be something that we can say or do.” he insisted as he tried to think of something that didn't involve letting Sirus have the upper hand.

Eleanor squeezed her eyes shut. "I could…" she began, but she trailed off. "I have no clue," she whispered. "Even if I built reliability with all of the other royals…"

“Then he won't matter.” Thomas told her. “If you get everyone else on your side, then he’d be a fool to make you look bad.” he pointed out, still holding her close.

Eleanor nodded, her resolve strengthening again. “Yes… you’re right. I’ll set up meetings with Queen Irene and Prime Minister Klinger.”

The queen looked up at him with a much calmer expression on her face, softened with the worry removed. “Can I kiss you?” she asked softly.

Thomas smiled, relieved to see her so confident again. “That's my Queen.” he encouraged.

Though his gaze turned soft at the hushed request. “Of course, Eleanor.” he nodded, matching the tone.

That’s my Queen. The words pierced Eleanor’s heart, and she smiled the brightest she had all day. And with his soft tone of approval, she wrapped her arms lovingly around his neck and lifted her lips to meet his.

Thomas smiled back affectionately before melting into the embrace as their lips met.

Eleanor kissed him lightly at first, but she tilted her head and deepened the kiss a bit quicker than they had before. She wanted to forget everything – Sirus, the fountain, any rumors – and just be lost in Thomas, even if it was only for a moment.

Thomas was more than willing to oblige, matching her kisses softly at first but never pushing more than she did. He wanted to treasure her, even though he knew this was dangerous. But… she needed him. He could tell from how she kissed him and how she turned to him for advice.

Eleanor broke away eventually, keeping her eyes shut and her features soft. She was breathing slowly while trying to catch her breath, but she feared that if she opened her eyes, the moment would be lost. And she didn't want to lose it.

Thomas, on the other hand, sighed softly as he rested his forehead against hers and partially opened his eyes. Just drinking in her serene beauty and marveling at the fact that she loved him.

Eleanor sighed and smiled a bit as she felt his forehead touch hers. She resigned herself to open her eyes, and she giggled at what she saw. "You're super close!"

“Am I too close?” he asked with a soft smile, not wanting to make her uncomfortable but not wanting the moment to end.

"No," Eleanor replied, smiling in return. "Never." She reached for his hand and laced their fingers together.

Thomas chuckled and let her take his hand before bringing her up to his lips for a kiss. “That's a relief.” he smiled.