Talk

"My lady," Bluebell greets in a faint yet excited voice as soon as she spots me near the royal carriage. Her face lights up, a pale blush coloring her once ghostly complexion. She looks healthier than the last time we met, when her skin was ashen, and she seemed on the brink of death, constantly coughing up blood. But now, as the king promised, she is more radiant, her frailness slowly fading. I almost can't believe my eyes—she was slipping away before, and now... she almost seems reborn.

"Bluebell" I call back to her walking toward her to give her a warm hug which she reciprocates back. I miss her so much and with everything that had happen between the king and myself this early morning or last night I was so scared to leave my chambers due of the embarrassment couldn't leave to see her. "How are you? are you sure you can travel with us? and what about your pain has it stop?" she smiles at my series of questions before walking me to one of the fountains and helps me sit on it with me still staring at her waiting for answers.

"I am fine my lady I just needed a little bit of rest and yes, I am perfectly capable of traveling with you... if you leave and I stay behind, I will certainly die of boredom" she jokes, I am very happy to see her this radiant, it wasn't a good site for me to see her struggling by herself without being able to lend her a hand.

"That's very good to hear" I say with a sigh while staring at the maids and guard hastily walking pass us trying to correctly do their jobs. she stares at me for a while and sensing her burning gaze on me I turn to her with a raise eyebrow, but she just keeps stare until it suddenly turns into a wide grin 

"So, you aren't going to tell me what happen between you and the king this morning my lady" she teases still holding onto that grin of hers. I turn away from her to her disappointment because of how red I was. I have been trying to avoid this very subject ever since it happened even locking myself up in my chambers just for her to bring it up. "My lady... don't shy away it is normal for married couples to show around their love but in your case, I don't really know if what the maids where fantasizing about was love, so I want to hear it from you. so, tell me" She whines now grabbing the back of my gown and pulling it in an attempt to have my attention.

"It was nothing" I whisper still avoiding her face

"If it was nothing, why aren't you looking at me are you hiding things from me now" she says and pauses slowly releasing the hold she had on my silk. I turn to her because of the sudden change in attitude to see her pouting with her arms cross and place on top of her legs. "Hah I know you want your marital relationships to remain private as others queen will wish, you think such things doesn't concern a simple maid like myself" she dramatizes, and I can only smile at her round puffing face I miss her really now I surely know I will not be able to live without her by my sight.

"We spoke about him having concubine and lying to me that the day of our union he had a mission but he told me it was just a misunderstanding and that he didn't have such thing" I try to keep my voice as low as possible, we were still at the center of the garden and many people were passing by with all the work, we will soon be leaving for Vinsmug and I don't want them creating unnecessary talks bluebell raises her hand to cover her month for a while before speaking

"You thought he had mistresses?" she asks, and I nod, and she nods back at me. "And he told you he didn't" she continues, and I nod back, and she gives me a blank stare. "How did you come up with that theory?" she gives me a puzzle look visibly surprise

"The day of our marriage he left saying he had an important mission to take care of" I start, and she turn her utmost attention to me. "when he came back he was so drugged in liquor and couldn't stand on his own so I had to hold him up and while doing that... while doing I happen to smell a faint scent of women's cologne in him so I deduced he was spending his honeymoon with one of his numerous mistresses since he was force in this marriage but he affirms it was just a misunderstanding and he doesn't have any" I tell her and her month opens and closes she turns her head to the flowing fountain and back to the crowd of people walking then back to me

"It seems that everything concerning or surrounding the king is a misunderstanding" she whispers, and I can't stop the smile forcing it way out and soon after we burst out laughing at her earlier remarks about the king 

"Ahem... ahem" someone coughs catching out attention and stopping our fun time most to bluebell disapproval, I turn to look at the source of her face twisting in disgust. the king first in command. "Your majesty we are ready to depart as soon as you feel the need to" he says in an authoritative tone almost giving us an order even though it was just a mere information. his blue hair is tied up in a well-crafted and tight ponytail bun, though a few strands from the back have been carefully straightened and cascade down his shoulders. The contrast of his regal appearance with the softness of his loose hair makes him both commanding and approachable.

"Oh, alright we can leave as soon as the king is ready" I tell, and he frowns at me

"The king has been waiting for you inside for the past fifteen minutes, your highness is the only one we are waiting for" he says and bluebell eyes widen locking up with mine she stand up and help me fix my gown still in shock I didn't know they were waiting on us and why didn't day say anything to me I nod to him in embarrassment and he leaves without any other word

"You are riding with the king my lady this is good sign we will continue our conversation if we ever pause or at Vinsmug" she hurriedly says giving me a quick hug and guiding me to the carriage.

"Where are you going then"

"She will be going with me" the same authoritative voice says from behind bluebell startling us both

"No, I don't want to and please refrain from interrupting or intruding in conversation which you aren't welcome in" Bluebell almost scolds in a sharp and distant voice which I recognize clearly, she only uses this each time she is angered, she might still be angry with what happen that day? but it's been so long even I forgot about it

"It wasn't a demand but an order, we are leaving in five minutes" he marches on with her sharp tone and answer her sharply, he nods at me and leave walking to some guards and giving them instructions.

"You should do as he says and also tell me what problem you have with him it can't just be because of what he did to me? you know it wasn't his fault at all" I tell her, and she freezes now she is the one keeping secrets from me. I smile at her reassuringly not wanting to pressure her into telling me what was wrong, so I turn my back to enter the carriage, but she stops me midway and inhales deeply.

"I promise as soon as we finish with this, I will explain but for now let just finish this, okay" she asks, and I reluctantly nod at her not turning. it is not that I angered, but just... she never wants to rely on me with her problems but wants to solve mine. situation like this make me think that I was using her only to cure my pain it is just like that one-time William caught us trying to flee and wiped me and the first person I saw when I regain consciousness was her and her smiling face taking care of me it wasn't until several month did I accidentally see the scars on her back that she was force to tell me she was punished too.

"It's alright, take your time" I whisper before entering to sit opposite to the king with my eyes on my fingers, I must have pressured her too much into telling me what borders her, but, in the end, it was her choice to tell me or not.

"Are you still angry at me" the king voice rang in as soon as the houses began to move but I do not lift my head to look at him

"For?" I ask not wanting to argue with him or jump out of this place and hurt myself 

"I told you there is a misunderstanding as I do not own any mistress, why don't you believe me?" he speaks his voice cold and distant a contrast to the tone he usually used with the past few days I raise my head to stare at the most handsome man I have ever laid eyes on, I know he is a king and it is just normal for him to look this charismatic, but this... he was sitting with his leg cross his attire a flawless blend of opulence and elegance. A deep, velvet royal blue cloak drapes over his shoulders, fastened with a golden clasp shaped like an intricate crest. His tunic, embroidered with silver thread, glimmers faintly in the light, while fitted dark trousers and polished boots complete his commanding look. Every stitch, every fold speaks of power, wealth, and control. His long black hair falls in sleek, glossy waves down his back, framing his sharp features with an effortless allure that only adds to his magnetic presence 

"Alright, I believe you" I exclaim turning my gaze away from him to stare at the trees passing by avoiding his intense gaze. I look away waiting for him to say something but was met with complete stillness, the air filled only with the soft rustle of leaves and the sound of my own shallow breathing

I steal a quick glance at him from the corner of my eye, hoping for a flicker of emotion, a hint of what he's thinking. But his face remains unreadable, as if carved from stone. My heart beats faster, a sense of unease creeping in. Why isn't he saying anything? I shift in my seat, feeling the tension coil in my chest I try to focus back on the road and suddenly I saw myself being lifted by a strong hand and place on top of his thigh startling me for a second before realizing what he just did

"You mustn't tell me you can sit on your own," he says, his voice low and unwavering. "I already know." Before I can react, he pulls me closer, the warmth of his presence suddenly overwhelming.

I barely have time to catch my breath as I find myself inches away from him, my heart pounding in my chest. His closeness, his touch—both commanding and careful—sends a shiver down my spine. I swallow hard, my gaze darting between his eyes, trying to read the unspoken meaning behind his words. But his face remains calm, a steady intensity simmering beneath the surface

"What are you doing?"

"What do you see?" he replies curtly 

"this is improper" I again try to leave his hold but this time he let go and I almost fall over when the carriage goes through a rock and an apological voice rings out a 'sorry' from outside but I know too well this man knew what was to come, then why will he suddenly leave but that is not the problem as for now because he has an annoying smirk plastered on his handsome face.

"I know it is because you keep saying that when you are the one begging me not to let you go" he says with his eyes locking on my hands which where tightly holding onto his collar I try to let go but he suddenly carries me by the waste making me strangle both his legs and push me to sit on his thigh this time with me facing him, we haven't even lasted ten minutes of ride and there we were in a difficult situation. "You are the only one thinking that... we aren't" I stare at him, surprisingly I wasn't surprised, it must be his ability to read people or something.

"Why the change in attitude with me" I ask surprising myself because I had no will to ask that, but it still was at the back of my head ever since he transfer all of my things in his chambers, I thought we were avoiding each other

"You thought wrong, we were not avoiding each other; I was... but this is a different story to tell and for my change in attitude... hum... let see... I was searching for something" he shrugs "simple" he says dismissing the conversation, but I know better

"For you" he gazes at me intensely was I too harsh?

"No" he replies placing his hands at the back of my waste before pulling me closer as though we weren't that close enough. "No, we aren't" he answer again

"Would you stop doing that?"

"Would you stop thinking?' he asks, his voice calm yet probing. I pause, knowing that no one is capable of such a thing—or if they are, I certainly don't know how. The question leaves me silent, unsure of how to respond. He always does this-sidestepping my questions or giving me vague, half-answers.

Before I can say anything, he continues, his tone softening. "Alright, don't be mad. I can't tell you everything now, but one thing is certain—you'll know in time. It's just a matter of when. And for that, you'll need your Ignis. Without it, things will only get more complicated for both of us." He pauses, his gaze softening just slightly. "But for now, just know this: I didn't avoid you because I hated you. It was for a completely different reason." It's the first time I've ever seen him offer something close to an explanation, his guarded nature giving way for just a moment. "'And do you really believe me when I say I do not hold any mistresses?" he asks, his tone tinged with a hint of worry. The intensity of his gaze pierces through me, searching for truth in my reaction.

I hesitate, the weight of his question hanging heavily in the air. There's a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes that I've never seen before, a crack in his polished facade. "I want to believe you," I reply slowly, my voice barely above a whisper. "But... it's hard not to doubt when I was the one to smell that on you and you surely do not have a reasonable answer for me" he sighs, and I know I am right, he clearly doesn't hold one. "And you are a king, what king doesn't possess a harem?" I say calmly, though the words sting like venom as I speak them.

He flinches slightly at my remark, a shadow passing over his features. "You think so little of me?" His voice is low, tinged with hurt. "Or you don't know anything about me" he says as though to his own self. "I wonder how confine you were in that duchy of yours, but to say the least I do not believe in harem as first of all they are stressful and must importantly I want one person to carry my heirs not a village of women who in the future will live just to complot each other's assassination" he says in a series of sentences rendering me speechless, when I was with willy he would always brag about... "Stop thinking of him when you are with me" his voice interrupts my thoughts, and I look at him surprised this time 

"Sorry"

"You don't have to" he says brushing his hands over my cheeks slightly with a smile that will take a decade to reach his eyes. "Just don't, why don't you learn pronouncing my name I call you by your name this will be the hundredth time I ask that of you" he says almost pleading. but I turn my face from him, and he sighs "I never thought Richy will go to the extreme as to marrying you off" he thought slowly. "Was it hard growing up with her? and how was your father?"

I hesitate, memories flooding back—both painful and bittersweet. "It was complicated. My mother was demanding, but my father was a good person. He always tried to be there for us, even when life got in the way. It felt like I was always living in someone else's shadow, but he taught me kindness and strength."

"That is why you are this weak, we did a great mistake back then" he inquires, and I look at him questioningly 

"Did you know my father" I ask, my heart racing at the thought. He shakes his head. 

"No, but your mother—yes, I knew her. Though I don't think she remembers who I am, so don't stress yourself," he replies, his voice soothing yet distant.

But I can't shake the burning question at the back of my throat "was she always like that?"

 "Your mother... or the woman I knew was strong-willed and charismatic. But there was a darkness in her. I admired her determination, but it often veered into manipulation and cruelty. I think it stemmed from her own fears and struggles. but then that is what I thought, People tend to act differently, either stimulated by their circumstances or driven by their own will. Sometimes, it's the environment that shapes us—pressure, expectations, or even trauma can lead to choices we might not otherwise make."