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It had been a long day. They had so many meetings with the Council and finally they retired back to their rooms.
“You look troubled, my wife.”
His relentlessness to constantly call her his wife walked the fine line of being annoying and endearing.
Jude reached around to untie the laces of her corset to no avail.
She hadn’t even wanted to wear the restricting piece of clothing in the first place. Unfortunately, they had a certain dinner with another one of the many courtiers who made the trip to show their loyalty to the king.
Much more comfortable in pair of pants and a leather tunic along with a belt around her waist for Nightfell, the outflowing dress seemed like a better choice for the evening. Still not used to wear things like it though, Tatterfell helped her put everything on and made sure it was all in place. The buttons, seams, and laces.
But now with no Tatterfell, it seemed to be a much bigger challenge in removing.
She huffed, fingertips barely grazing the end of the tied pieces of fabric. They seemed to be purposefully flitting out of her reach.
Before, she’d say that was impossible but at this point she wouldn’t be surprised if they truly did have a mind of their own.
“Here don’t get yourself all ruffled. That’s why I’m here.” He saw her struggling from across the room and finally decided to offer her help, not expecting her to accept it.
She rolled her eyes and didn’t say a word, simply taking steps closer to him.
Despite staying silent during this whole exchange, she started muttering.
“Stupid corset- stupid dinner.”
His black lined eyes slightly widened.
“Is that why you’re so distressed?”
His hands worked fast enough, pulling the tie loose and taking it off her, leaving only on her white slip of an undergarment.
“Thanks. And no, I’m not in distress.” She walked over to the long mirror against the wall. Her hair still in place, albeit not as picture perfect as in the morning.
“Are you not feeling sick then? I can ask for someone to fetch you a hot soup. Or maybe-”
“No Cardan! I’m fine.”
Once again, he was reminded of how easily mortals can lie.
She lifted a tentative hand to her brow, the other on her hip. The sting was unexpected and she wretched her hand away.
Okay so, maybe she had asked Tatterfell to pull the ties a bit tighter than was normal. That coupled with the fact that she never wears them, didn’t make for a very enjoyable experience.
He saw her wince, even if she did recover her expression quickly. Every little move she made, he noticed.
“Are you injured?” he strode over, meeting her eyes in their reflection.
Jude looked away; eyebrows furrowed. His gaze traveled to where her hand was protectively hovering.
She let him nudge her hand away, revealing the red indent slightly visible on her side through the sheer slip.
“Oh. I see. Those contraptions must be painful.”
She nodded. “I’m okay. It’s nothing.”
His lips thinned. “I’ll take your word.” Thinking the conversation was over, he started walking away to change into something more comfortable as well.
She scrunched her eyes closed, resisting the urge to speak. But she blurted it out anyways.
“Do you ever regret making me Queen? Marrying me?”
He stilled. What a precarious question. “Regret it?”
She shook her head once and made it to the edge of the bed.
“It’s a dumb question I know. Forget I asked.”
He stayed standing but slowly sat next to her, the mattress sinking.
“I don’t regret it.”
She looked up to meet his serious gaze.
“Is there a reason why you’d ask such a question? Do you regret it?”
His pupils flickered back and forth between hers.
She shook her head again, gathering her hands in her lap. She swallowed stiffly and kept going, figuring she was already in deep. Might as well get it all out there.
“It’s just- Sometimes I think about how you and Nicasia were to wed. She is clearly a better fit for the crown. I bet she wouldn't bat an eye after wearing a corset for hours on end. Not to mention the political advantage such a marriage would bring… and there’s nothing keeping you from staying loyal. Or keeping me as your only partner…”
The fog started to clear from his confusion. She was feeling insecure. Uselessly in truth; him knowing how much he cared about her. Far more than how much he cares for anyone else.
When he didn’t reply, she regretted ever speaking.
“This is so stupid. I don’t need your affirmation. Never mind.”
He suddenly grabbed her hand.
“No. I am quite well aware that you don’t need my affirmation. Nonetheless, yes marrying Nicasia would have been a very smart move. And yes, she is very beautiful.”
Jude nodded, her hand limp in his. But he wasn’t done yet.
“Still, her beauty has no effect on me. Do you wish to know why?”
She shrugged.
“Because there’s a certain enchanting mortal who has all my attention. And ever since she came into my thoughts and feelings, I knew no one could compare. No way to rid of her.”
He squeezed her hand as if squeezing life into her.
“It’s also important to mention, she’s quite handy with the sword. Not to brag or anything.”
She stifled a laugh and saw his sly wink.
“Is there some other sword wielding mortal I should be worrying about?”
His faced paled. She elbowed him playfully.
“You’re getting better at reading sarcasm Cardan, but not perfect.”
He rolled his eyes and reached to tilt her chin up.
“I have much better things to keep my mind on.”
She flushed despite fighting it.
“Good to know.”
He leaned in as if to kiss her, lips parting. But instead, he rested his head on her shoulder. Always the tease.
“Time to get rest, Jude.”