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Full from a lavish dinner and loose from a cup of wine, Geoffrey was as prepared for the upcoming conversation as he was ever going to be. He even had the sound of tedious noble laughter ringing in his head to nurture the thought of ‘at least it’s not court-talk’.
While he did want to share memories of his sisters with Queen Ella, he could not say he was looking forward to it. He had a few handkerchiefs squirreled away in his pockets in preparation.
He collected Robert from his rooms, glad the Queen had agreed the man should be there for moral support, and joined the Queen in the Solarium.
As the sun was almost set, the coloured light dappled over the room was fainter than usual and immediately in front of the door were sets of candles: one on each of the stands by the doorway, one on the side table with the lemonade jug and one on the table by the chairs. They were far enough from any of the plants that Geoffrey did not fear starting a fire.
Immediately upon entering, though, Geoffrey knew something else was wrong. He frowned lightly as he tried to sniff out what exactly…
Queen Ella looked distracted. That was to be expected, she could not be excitedly anticipating their conversation, yet… She had changed dress and was no longer wearing a tiara but otherwise seemed more or less the same as she had been at dinner; save for the fact she was sitting on the edge of her seat and looking into the middle distance. The light from the candles on the table beside her cast shadows over her face. Exchanging a glance with Robert, who also seemed lightly concerned, Geoffrey asked.
“My Queen?”
“Oh!” She startled at his voice. “Sir Geoffrey, apologies.” She nodded at Robert and greeted him as well.
The men bowed and Robert cut to the chase.
“Are you well, your Majesty?”
“Me?” Queen Ella asked. “Uh…well, I am fine.”
Very convincing, Geoffrey thought.
He was about to say something when Robert spoke again. “Will Tadius be joining us?”
Geoffrey blinked. Of course, the advisor’s absence was an important detail. How had he missed that? Perhaps because the man was so adept at stepping in and out of one’s attention.
The Queen looked up at Robert, lips pressed into a firm line. Geoffrey’s heart leapt as he realised she was nervous. What on earth had-
A knock on the door. They all jumped. Clearing his throat, Geoffrey shuffled out of the way with Robert and a servant entered. She made a note of the men’s presence and nodded briefly to the knight.
“Yulan!” The Queen cried. “Did you find him?”
“Yes, your Majesty. He’s in the infirmar-”
Queen Ella flew out of her seat, distress flashing across her features. Geoffrey shifted, poised to help if he could.
Yulan threw a hand up to the Queen. “Please, your Majesty. There is no cause for alarm!”
“No cause?” Queen Ella wheezed.
“He merely had a small accident on the stairs and dropped some glasses.” Yulan explained firmly. “The Physician is just seeing to a few minor cuts and abrasions.”
The Queen’s breaths came heavily as she listened, then she swallowed. There was a beat of quiet when she did not speak. Geoffrey wondered if she could. He remembered what she had told him of Tadius, how he had ‘suffered enough already’. Those past ghosts must be the source of her heightened anxiety.
“Who was with him?”
Geoffrey twitched. An interesting question. A concerning question.
“He was alone as far as I know, your Majesty.” Yulan answered.
To Geoffrey’s unfortunate lack of surprise, the Queen did not look wholly reassured. A picture was starting to form in his mind. He did not like it.
In the absence of a response, Yulan continued. “The porter who accompanied him assured me the wounds are not serious and that Master Tadius walked to the Infirmary under his own power.”
With a sagging posture, the Queen nodded. Then she looked up. “You did not see him, yourself?”
“No, I felt it best to update your Majesty first. With your leave I will go myself now and bring him down to you.”
The Queen thought a moment and then shook her head. “That won’t be necessary.” Geoffrey thought he could detect the faintest wobble in her voice. “He should not have to walk further than he needs to if he’s injured.”
The pragmatic woman nodded. “Then I will return with my report after I have spoken to him.”
Yulan curtseyed and left. The three remaining stood in silence. Geoffrey watched the Queen’s fingers worry the folds of her dress and his heart went out to her. She was just as compassionate as he remembered. Perhaps even more so. He wished he could do something.
Finally, Robert stirred. “Perhaps, your Majesty, a drink?”
She blinked and turned to face the man. “Oh, I…” Shaking her head, she just smiled and laughed awkwardly. “I have been neglecting you.”
“Oh, no.” Geoffrey protested weakly.
“It is distressing when our friends are in pain.” Robert added.
Queen Ella’s expression twisted for half a second, then she made a visible effort to smooth it over. Hearing the kernel of emotion in his lover’s voice, Geoffrey made a note to bring it up later when they were alone. He could not have helped the dangerous aspects of his quest, nor the effect they had had on Robert. The most he could do was listen if Robert wanted to talk about it.
Evidently Ella had heard the same emotion because she nodded. “Of course. You have some experience in this, do you not?”
Robert had taken initiative and poured out a glass of water. He handed it to the Queen. “Indeed.” He replied softly.
She drank deeply. Then with a weak smile, she passed it back to him and he returned it to the table. Looking at Geoffrey, she took in a breath.
“Apologies!” Her voice was still not up to its usual strength. “I was concerned when I arrived here to find Tadius absent.” She gave a small, self-deprecating chuckle. “It is not like him to be late when we have arranged to meet so I immediately thought the worst.”
“Please,” Geoffrey waved a hand, “apologies are not necessary on our account.”
Pasting on a bright smile, the Queen insisted. “Well, sit. Sit! Let us talk.”
Reluctantly, Geoffrey did. Robert stayed in the corner, allowing them a respectable amount of distance while still being on hand. There was an awkward pause as neither Ella nor Geoffrey spoke. Fingers itching, Geoffrey tried to remember what memory he had previously decided to share. Very softly, the clock on the wall ticked and the light outside faded even more.
Slowly, Geoffrey began to talk about the last time he had seen Ella at Honeyhold. In truth he was not wholly confident he had the right memory, seeing as the events had happened years before, yet Robert had assured him it did not matter too much. Indeed, the Queen joined in, recounting her memory of the occasion. They spoke a while, the shadows lengthening, before her contributions became shorter and less focused.
Robert shifted ever so slightly on his feet which Geoffrey took as a signal to ask.
“My lady?”
Her gaze had turned inward and she murmured. “Mhm.”
Her distraction was obvious.
Unable to help himself, Geoffrey suggested. “Perhaps your ladyship might go to see him. For your own peace of mind.”
Robert did not stir so Geoffrey assumed he had not erred.
Queen Ella blinked then bit her lip briefly. “I am terribly sorry Geoffrey, I missed that. Could you say that again?”
“Perhaps you could go to see Tadius.” Geoffrey repeated patiently.
“Oh! No,” Ella chuckled awkwardly, “we are supposed to be talking.”
“He means he would prefer if her majesty’s mind could be put at rest before the rest of the conversation.” Robert tried.
Queen Ella considered that idea. A knock interrupted any decision she might have made.
“Enter!” She called, sitting up.
Tadius came in. With a tiny sigh, Geoffrey was glad to see that Yulan’s report had been accurate. Even just by what he could see in the candlelight, he noted the servant walked without difficulty, there seemed to be only a graze on his left cheekbone, turning yellow, and bandages on his right hand. Also while not as neat as usual, his clothes were not ripped or damaged in any way. The tale of a trip on the stairs with glass involved seemed incredibly plausible.
Queen Ella did not appear relieved. The opposite.
“Tadius.” She whispered hoarsely, hands gripping the bottom of her seat.
He smiled at her - so focused he did not appear to see the men.
Then the Queen leapt out of her chair, demanding. “Who was it?”
“I… pardon?” Tadius asked, brow furrowed in confusion.
“Which one of them did this?” The Queen stalked forward, hands reaching out.
Tadius’ eyes widened and he took what seemed to be a reflexive step backwards.
The Queen saw and halted in her approach, hands dropping to her sides. By that time Geoffrey had also stood, exchanging a worried glance with Robert.
“My lady, no one harmed me,” Tadius insisted, “I sw-”
“You promised!” Queen Ella cried, hands tightening into fists. “You promised you would tell me if anyone else hurt you!”
Geoffrey swallowed against the pain in her voice, and the confirmation his suspicion was correct.
“I know,” Tadius answered patiently, looking stricken despite his calming tones, “and I am keeping that promise.” He visibly swallowed. “Please, trust me, my lady. The only thing to blame is my own ineptness at climbing stairs.”
Geoffrey could not see Ella’s face from where he was, but it looked to him as if she were searching Tadius’ face. He belatedly noted Tadius’ address. ‘My lady’. While he was not surprised Queen Ella had requested such an address from someone so close to her, he was a little taken aback that the stiff Tadius had agreed. Interesting…
“I…” Ella’s shoulders drooped, energy seeming to drain from her. She shook her head. “Forgive me, I-”
Tadius cocked his head and japed softly. “Alas my lady has not wronged me, so I cannot- oh, sir knight!”
He had finally spotted Geoffrey and Robert in the corner.
Jerkily, he bowed in greeting. “Sir Geoffrey, Robert.”
“Tadius! Sorry to hear about the face!” Robert called back.
Geoffrey subtly stepped on his toe.
A strangled mixture of a laugh and a cough escaped Tadius, however, and he nodded.
“Fortunately there’s nothing much to be lost there.”
“Oh, hush.” Ella chastised sharply. Before anyone could react she immediately relented. “Does it hurt terribly?”
“No, my la- my Queen.” Tadius rushed to reassure her. “I am quite alright.”
Whatever he saw in her face made him still and the pair simply stood looking at each other for a long moment. So long Geoffrey started to wonder if he and Robert should leave them to it. But then Ella looked away, hands clasped together in front of her.
“If you should need, we have pain sweets from Honeyhold.” Geoffrey thought to suggest.
“Oh, yes! They were in the box!” Ella exclaimed, turning and pointing at it.
Geoffrey was interested to note Tadius’ face had reddened slightly.
“Unless the physician already gave you pain relief.” Robert said sensibly.
Tadius’ redness got worse as he looked between them. “Oh, I do not need anything, please. I am fine!”
Ignoring him, the Queen turned to Robert anxiously. “Robert, would you?”
Robert nodded and went over to the box.
Tadius tried to protest. “My Queen, please, do not waste those-”
“We brought plenty with us.” Geoffrey cut in, already knowing Tadius’ argument would not be well received by their Queen.
“Yes, please do not emulate the stoicism of bullheaded knights.” Robert added, sending a mock-stern look Geoffrey’s way as he opened the sweet box.
Tadius held up his good hand in protest. “That comparison could hardly-”
“Come, sit!” The Queen spoke over his words.
“It is mostly my pride that hurts.” He tried again even as he was chivied over to a seat.
Robert came back with two sweets and Geoffrey watched as Tadius’ expression creased even more. The Queen was hovering like a nervous mother - though Geoffrey made a note to never relate that particular observation with her.
“They do not interfere with the mind, do they?” Tadius asked, clearly sensing he was fighting a losing battle.
“No.” Robert reassured. “At least, one will not make you drowsy.”
After a quick glance around the trio standing over him, Tadius ducked his flushed face and took a sweet. His hunched shoulders reminded Geoffrey of a stray dog, unsure whether to trust the bone it had been thrown.
“I should not be carrying anything else tonight anyhow.” Tadius said as he unwrapped and put it in his mouth.
“You will not be working anymore tonight anyhow.” Ella corrected.
“Mmph.” Tadius protested.
Robert moved away, putting the extra sweet back in the box. Geoffrey also stepped back, gaze cast downward, unwilling to loom uncomfortably close. As he did so, he almost missed Tadius’ slightly garbled words.
“I can still be of use.”
“Hush.” Ella ordered with such care and worry in her voice Geoffrey’s own heart twinged.
“I’ve served in much worse states than-”
Geoffrey looked up in time to catch Queen Ella’s stricken expression and Tadius’ mouth snap shut.
The Queen turned on her heel to give them her back. Geoffrey’s stomach clenched as he saw the shadows seem to deepen the lines on Tadius’ face.
“Can you forgive me?” He asked, for no reason Geoffrey could see.
The men watched as Queen Ella looked up to the ceiling and took in a shuddering breath. Tadius shifted in his seat and Robert darted forward, making Geoffrey blink in confusion.
“Woah there! Steady now.” Robert put his hands on Tadius’ shoulders, brow furrowed.
Geoffrey realised in a rush: he was stopping the servant from sliding to the floor. By the distressed lines in Tadius’ brow, Geoffrey guessed it was so the poor man could beg forgiveness for upsetting his Queen. And to think he had once questioned Tadius’ loyalty.
The Queen said something Geoffrey did not catch.
“Come on!” Robert had pounced on Tadius’ distraction and was encouraging him up. “A quick walk to let the sweets do their work, that’s what you need.”
Robert caught Geoffrey’s eye and Geoffrey immediately understood his man’s intention: Geoffrey would comfort the Queen while Robert calmed Tadius down. Relieved to have direction, Geoffrey gave a small, acknowledging nod.
For whatever reason Tadius did not protest as he was ushered out, though he tried to look back - eyes wide and shining.
In the quiet when the door shut behind Robert and Tadius, Geoffrey could hear his Queen’s hitched breaths. His sense of propriety warred with his pity. It seemed a paltry gesture to merely offer his handkerchief, yet he could do no more.
Keeping his steps light, Geoffrey went over and stood to her side.
“My lady.” He murmured, holding his handkerchief out.
Queen Ella looked down at it. From his position, Geoffrey could just see her eyes were wet, brow creased and lips pressed into a thin line.
She nodded mutely as she accepted the small cloth. Shakily, she dried her eyes and blew noisily. Geoffrey reviewed all his comforting phrases as he waited until he thought she was composed enough to hear them.
Yet her next words surprised him.
“How will I ever make him feel safe or protect the rest of the staff from the vicious court when just hearing hints of his past hurts reduces me to this?”
Feeling absurdly out of his depth, Geoffrey cleared his throat and tried to think of what Robert would say.
“You are trying to change a state of affairs that is long-standing and views that are deep-seated, it will take time and be hard.”
He remembered Robert’s wet eyes as he looked at Geoffrey's bruises, his scars, how Geoffrey had felt guilty but also cherished the love shown. “Your compassion is your strength, my Queen. Even if it does not seem so at the moment, I promise you that it will only serve you both well in the long run.”
Queen Ella glanced up at him before her gaze went back down to the handkerchief still clasped in her hands. The knight stood patiently, wracking his brain for more comforting words that were still true.
Before he could find any, the Queen turned fully to him, voice cracking as she asked. “Did you see how he recoiled from me?” Her eyes went skyward. “And I should have known that leaping up so would…” Her head fell and she shook it, a hand coming up to touch her brow.
After a moment, she looked up again. “Geoffrey, I do not know how to…” She trailed off with a mirthless smile.
Geoffrey felt sympathy for Ella’s frustration, but did not know if he possessed any wisdom that could help her. He thought seriously a moment. While he had met many people on his travels, including those who fought monsters the same as him, he had not encountered the exact situation. He considered the wounds his quest had left on his mind and how Robert’s steady presence was one of the things which soothed them.
In the end he said, “only time and care can lessen the fear.”
While she did not seem to doubt or reject his words, he could see little comfort in her expression. Remembering her gentle hand on his, Geoffrey asked himself where the line of duty and reverence crossed. For certain it would be forsaking his vow to leave her bereft of comfort.
Bracing himself, he held his hand out. The Queen let out a small breath and clasped it in hers, gratefully.
“Thank you, Geoffrey.” Her lips twitched up into a real smile.
He squeezed, heart welling with relief and gladness. “Whatever happens, you shall not be alone, my lady.”
Ella swayed forward ever so slightly at his words, her features relaxing further.
“I shall hold you to that.” She said.
Geoffrey smiled encouragingly. “Please do.”
He was relieved to hear a small chuckle and felt even better when she assented to his suggestion they sit again. While they did not return to talking about his sisters, they were comfortable in the quiet until Robert and Tadius returned.
…
“She’ll be fine.” Robert said firmly as he frogmarched Tadius into the next room.
The distressed servant allowed himself to be pressed into a seat, looking up at Robert like he wanted to ask something. After a long moment though, he nodded mutely and the tension bled out of his frame. The sweet still in his mouth clicked against his teeth, though the motion seemed to have been unconscious.
Robert let out a small sigh and looked around the room. There was not much there: a sidetable, a large cupboard, a few chairs, a chest and a large painting. The contents of such were not discernible in the light of the solitary candle on the wall. He sat in one of the other chairs and set his internal clock for a quarter of an hour, figuring that should be enough time for all parties to have recovered enough to speak calmly. Swallowing, he tried to avoid wondering how his love was doing with the Queen and focused on the injured manservant.
Injured in more ways than one.
Geoffrey had warned him of how the court had influenced Tadius’ expectations of servants yet Robert doubted any verbal warning could have prepared him to see Tadius attempting to kneel to apologise for mentioning past wounds. Whatever they had been.
‘Much worse’ than a bruised cheek and cut fingers could mean anything.
Tadius muttering something broke Robert from his reverie.
“Pardon?”
“I failed her.” Tadius said to his hands.
Oh Gods.
“Forgive me but I do not follow.” Robert said patiently.
“I…I did not watch my tongue.”
“You were being truthful.”
Shaking his head and letting out a long breath, Tadius insisted. “The Queen is already burdened enough. She does not need to know of past hurts.”
Something flashed over his features… disgust? Robert couldn’t be sure.
“It is selfish of me,” Tadius paused to root around in his pocket with his good hand, “to heap them upon her conscience.”
He pulled out a handkerchief and brought it up to his mouth.
“Hold.” Robert ordered reflexively.
Frozen with the handkerchief to his face, Tadius eyed Robert resembling a naughty child trying to spit out a vegetable.
Finding it difficult to believe Tadius would reject anything his Queen insisted upon, Robert figured there was some other reason. He sat forward in his seat. “You are not suffering any ill effects, are you?”
Tadius moved the sweet to one side of his mouth but did not answer. His cheeks began to redden again. That appeared to be a ‘no’. Then, what? With a quick glance to Robert, Tadius slowly brought the handkerchief down again and took a reluctant suck on the sweet. Setting the odd moment aside to ponder over later, Robert leaned his elbows on the armrests of his chair, and put a chin in one hand.
He considered all he knew and posited faux-casually. “Are they past?”
Tadius looked up in surprise. Then his brow furrowed as he followed Robert’s meaning.
“I offered no word of a lie. I tripped-”
“I am not referring to this.” Robert clarified quickly. “I meant the injuries the prince…?”
Tadius nodded confirmation.
“How the prince hurt you, it is not fully in the past, is it?” Robert continued.
After a long look at Robert with a light frown on his brow, Tadius said slowly. “He’s dead.”
Deciding to speak more plainly, Robert said. “And still you cower from him.”
“Excuse me?”
“One line in her majesty’s brow and you fall at her feet begging for forgiveness.”
Tadius near-bristled. “If I err, I apologise. That is customary, is it not?”
Aware of the rising tension in the other man, Robert gentled his voice for his next words. “Forgive me, Tadius, that just now was not normal,” he quickened his pace as Tadius frowned again, “and forgive me twice but the harder you prostrated yourself the more upset the Queen became.”
“What do you know of it?” Tadius snapped, looking away as if to end the conversation.
Robert was unable to help his mutter. “I have eyes.”
Tadius’ head turned back, obviously having heard judging by his frown deepening slightly. After a moment he looked away again though, letting out a sharp breath and leaving the comment unacknowledged.
In the awkward silence, Robert reconsidered his involvement. While it was obvious the man needed some perspective, and any aid to the Queen would please Geoffrey, at the end of the day it was not really Robert’s place to interfere in the business of other adults.
“But in any case, you need not listen to me.” He said breezily. “Let us forget I said a word.”
Tadius’ eyes found Robert’s again, surprised, as if not expecting such a turn around. Cementing his position, Robert leaned back in the chair and folded his arms. He purposefully looked at the wall, keeping the other man in the corner of his eye.
Tadius looked at him for a moment, then sighed. He turned his bandaged hand over so the palm faced upward; head drooping down, tilting slightly to consider the hand. For a time there was a quiet: just soft breaths and the click as Tadius sucked on the sweet. To pass the time, Robert ran through Geoffrey’s wardrobe in his mind to plan the follow day’s outfit.
“I served him for eighteen years. The Prince.” Tadius said eventually; his voice quiet and subdued. “Almost my whole life was occupied with him. I spent every day trying to please him, guide him, prepare him for...” His lip curled ever so slightly as he trailed off.
There was melancholy there, Robert realised, among the disgust. Probably a large tangle of emotions nestled in Tadius’ heart. Near twenty years in the service of a buffoon: Robert dared not imagine how he would feel.
Tadius rubbed his tongue over his teeth and swallowed.
“I know our Queen is nothing like him.” He whispered. “I know that and still…”
Robert waited.
He was rewarded when Tadius asked softly. “What is your advice?”
There were many comments Robert could make but in truth they all boiled down to the same thing. “Simply to be kinder to yourself.”
Tadius looked up, more curious than doubting. “And that will help the Queen how?”
“Because after so long spent trapped in malice and disdain, she deserves to be surrounded by kindness, does she not?”
He looked down, meeting Tadius’ cautious gaze.
“Be kind not just to her but to myself.” Tadius said as if testing out the words.
“I think she would appreciate it.” Robert said, his mind’s eyes showed him Geoffrey’s soft expression. “As long as you both care for each other, everything else will follow.”
Tadius’ gaze sharpened and he sat up more. “What do you mean?”
Oh, are we not speaking of it? Robert thought, remembering the long look the pair had shared earlier.
“I meant you take pains not to upset her and she, you.” He reassured, throwing in a shrug to indicate how unaware he was of any depth of feeling between the Queen and her advisor.
Cocking his head innocently, he asked. “Is that not right?”
Slowly, Tadius’ hackles lowered and he nodded. “Thank you, Robert.”
“You’re very welcome. And,” Robert couldn’t help but add, “talking about past hurts might help.”
Tadius shifted in his seat but didn’t interrupt.
“While waiting for Sir Geoffrey to return to Honeyhold I would imagine all sorts of injuries he could have acquired.” Robert related. “The idea I could do nothing for him while he suffered...”
His skin felt cold and he hesitated, holding the next words close to his chest. Looking up, he saw Tadius’ calm expression not quite hiding the sympathy in his eyes.
“Even though seeing his hurts was upsetting, it was infinitely better than not knowing.” Robert continued.
It still sparked an ache in his heart to look upon the few scars on Geoffrey’s skin, but in recent times Robert had taken to seeing the marks more as testament to Geoffrey’s survival. That did not erase the harm the wounds had caused him, however.
“If he had hid them from me because he thought it was better for me?” Robert posited. “The idea he was struggling alone because he was trying to protect me,” he laughed without humour, “that would be infuriating and painful in itself.”
After a beat of silence, Tadius said slowly. “Yes, that does sound like a terrible thing.”
The sincerity warmed Robert more and he decided then that the prickly servant had a soft centre; apparently one not just reserved for the Queen either. He wondered briefly what Tadius was thinking, especially as the other man seemed to be reflecting on Robert’s words, but decided against asking. There was only so much of a man’s soul he could be expected to bare in one evening.
Robert put his shoulders back. “Indeed. He does not share every thought nor every bruise but he does share. It is better for both of us that way.”
Tadius nodded. “I think I understand.”
They sat there until Robert’s internal clock ran out and Tadius readily agreed he felt steady enough to return.
…
Geoffrey waited until he and Robert were safely in their rooms with the door bolted before letting out a long breath.
“Well,” Robert drawled, “it appears there never is a dull moment around here.”
Geoffrey huffed a laugh, shaking his head. He could not feel too much humour though, remembering the Queen’s stricken face and Tadius’ equally as upset response.
“True. Much I have learned this night about the nature of power.” Then he tried for more levity. “It does not feel appropriately reverent to feel pity for the Queen.”
Chuckling, Robert bent down to pick up the knight’s slippers. “Does it feel appropriately reverent to ready for bed, my lord? Or shall we wax poetic for the rest of the night?”
“You commented first!” Geoffrey protested even as he sat dutifully and took off his boots. Together they moved in practiced motions to undress and dress for bed.
“This bodes well, I think.” Robert said, adjusting the collar of his shift.
“What does?”
“That the Queen feels so deeply for her servants. To my mind, that is an encouraging sign of positive change.”
Something about Robert’s words caught in Geoffrey’s mind. Exactly how deeply did the Queen feel for Tadius? Unwilling to begin speculation on the personal life of his sovereign, the knight shook off the thought and responded.
“Yes, I told her as much.” He stepped up to Robert, snaking an arm around him. “It was reminiscent of a certain someone fretting over me.”
“Funny, a man falling over himself to keep his hurts out of sight of those who care for him reminded me of a certain someone too.” Robert snarked back, fingers pinching Geoffrey’s behind.
Laughing and bucking, Geoffrey tightened his grip on his lover. “Oh?”
“Hmm, yes.” Robert answered primly, with a smile on his lips.
Heart swelling, Geoffrey leaned down and rested his forehead on Robert’s. For a moment they just breathed together and relaxed into their embrace.
“One thing before we retire.” Robert murmured.
“Indeed? After you mocked me for my thoughts earlier?”
Robert huffed dramatically before asking with mischievous light dancing in his eyes. “How long do you think they’ll dance around one another?”
Well, if someone else brought it up first… Geoffrey thought.
“You noticed it too?” Geoffrey pulled back so he could see Robert’s face better.
“Of course! One would have to be the most innocent of flowers not to.”
Geoffrey considered. “Well, Tadius strikes me as a servant who adheres to every rule of etiquette precisely to the letter.”
“True.” Robert sighed, eyes going distant a moment as he thought of something, then he laughed a little. “Oh dear, the poor Queen will be waiting a very long time.”
Geoffrey nodded, then asked. “Did you notice his address?”
“The ‘my lady’s? Yes, I did.”
Tilting his head, Geoffrey suggested. “Perhaps she need not wait as long as we think.”
“Let us pray to the gods.” Robert jested.
Chuckling, Geoffrey shuffled back close to his lover, bent down and kissed him. Robert hummed, pleased.
He pulled back after a moment, eyes shining. “Come on, petal.”
Gladly, Geoffrey followed him to their beautiful, castle bed.
…
In the Solarium, Tadius had obeyed his Queen’s command and sat beside her. Sir Geoffrey and Robert had said their goodnights and left. The candles were half-spent but she had indicated he need not change them.
“We should retire soon anyhow.” She said.
Tadius nodded, he did indeed feel tired.
“First, I must ask if you are alright.” Ella murmured.
Feeling slightly swimmy from the pain sweet and somewhat comforted by Robert’s words, Tadius could answer mostly-truthfully. “I am, my lady.”
Her smile, though small, was a precious thing. She looked a lot calmer though Tadius could not help but remember her wide eyes. Those eyes were currently fixed on his bandaged fingers.
“And you, my lady?” Tadius asked quickly.
“Better.” Ella replied, looking up at his face.
Tadius believed her. Robert’s words swirled around his head and Tadius knew he needed to speak quickly or lose all nerve.
“If my lady wished, she might ask at the infirmary for more information on… my past visits.”
“Might she?” Ella teased lightly. She relented at Tadius’ exasperated sigh. “Do continue.”
He did. “Surgeon Ben was often there for…” he indicated vaguely with his hand, “and Duke Niall could show you the ledger.”
“Are you sure?” Ella asked.
“It would keep you from imagining worse than the reality and prevent any more unpleasant surprises in the future.” He hesitated for a moment before adding. “I presume.”
“Your presumption rings true for me. I will talk with him.” She folded her hands in her lap and asked. “There are no incidents you wish to keep private?”
Tadius thought. “Not that I remember. I admit that I do not know how my lady would feel about any of them - it appears I do not have an objective view.”
He sounded annoyed at his last words, but shook his head and continued. “I trust, however, that you will not judge me too harshly.”
Pursing her lips, Ella let go of her first, fierce response. Instead she said softly. “I intend to uphold your trust in me.”
Tadius’ answering smile was all the comfort she needed.