(Edited)
Prince Sebastian
A message was sent to both women to meet me in the drawing room after breakfast. I'm only confronting them due to Matthew. To be honest I would just let things go. For all we know they could just be rumours that hold no truth, whatsoever. I can clearly imagine Alice being involved in that type of behaviour, she seems like the type, but Elizabeth. That's a little hard to believe.
As Matthew and I descended the stone staircase, our footsteps echoed loudly against the walls. The daylight filtered through the walkway casting shadows on the steps and the surrounding arches. Matthew wore a long, dark blazer that swept behind him as he walked, his expression as serious as ever as his twiddled his fingers at his side. He was definitely nervous.
"It won't be that bad, so stop fidgeting" I said to him with a slight smile on my face. He's always amusing to me. His actions, words, and charisma.
Giving his hands a little shake, he let out a deep breath "I know, I just hate having tense conversations like this, it always makes me nervous".
We both stopped in front of the drawing room, where we knew both women sat waiting. I placed both my hands on Matthews shoulders giving them a slight squeeze, while he faced the door "Come on, it's going to be fun, if it is true" I said, letting out a small laugh.
"Only in your world" he muttered under his breath, before opening the double doors. I sniggered behind him.
The two women sat in comfortable chairs near the large fireplace, which crackled and hissed softly. The room was bathed in a warm glow from the flickering flames to the sunlight that casted through the windows. Alice was taller than Elizabeth, she wore her hair down that cascaded over her shoulders. She wore a silk dress with intricate embroidery that shimmered in the morning light. Her face was lively and animated with mischief in her eyes.
"Welcome, gentlemen" she called out, smiling at the both of us "Matthew, looking as dashing as ever".
She was eyeing him, up and down and clearly not being discreet about it. Matthew knew and shuddered under her gaze. I smiled at her comment, I knew she revelled in the way he squirms by her comments.
"I see that both of you got my message" I said, not quite knowing if I should be serious or not.
Elizabeth was shorter and more rounded, with curly hair that framed her face in a halo of golden curls. Her face was delicate and serene, with soft features that gave her an almost ethereal appearance. She sat with perfect posture, her hands folded gracefully in her lap and her eyes watched both, Matthew, and I, thoughtfully.
"It did seem like it was urgent" she spoke, her voice just as soft as her face.
"There were some rather pressing concerns that were brought to my attention" I began tracing very carefully with my words.
"And what might that be" Alice called out.
"Both of you were seen acting in a manner that is unheard of" I said, making my voice clear and unwavering. My eyes wondered over to Matthew who was looking anywhere but the two women. I couldn't help but smile a bit. Of course, he would be behaving like this.
Alice eyes travelled to where mine were, she too noticed Matthew's stiff composure. She cleared her throat, looking as calm as ever, I thought she would have had some concern, unless she really didn't know what I was talking about, and this is all just a rumour going around.
"And what might that be" she asked once again, this time being deadly serious, no ounce of her playful humour that she usually has.
"Sexu-"I started, but was then cut off.
"We didn't, that's a lie" Elizabeth suddenly called out, looking as flustered as ever. Her eyes were wide, and her breath was short. There was a slight tremble in her gaze.
Matthew finally looked up, seeing the women's eyes dart between the two of us. "The prince didn't say it was the both of you" he said, catching Elizabeth out.
My eyes narrowed as I gazed at her, "I didn't even get to finish my sentence".
The air was heavy with tension as everyone in the room waited with bated breath to hear what was said next. Eyes darted back and forth, searching for any clues or signs of a give-away, it was if time had slowed down, each moment stretching out into eternity, as everyone is the room waited for the next person to speak.
"Where the hell did you hear that" Alice finally said, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
"Does it matter where" I replied, suddenly feeling truth to the rumour.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, a sense that something momentous was about to occur, but no one knew what it could be.
"Of course, it matters" she breathed out. "Who is spilling my secrets? That person needs to be dealt with".
Alice was deadly serious, an expression that I didn't think her face could show, her playful features contorted with anger and betrayal as reality had hit her. Her brows were furrowed creating deep lines on her forehead that mirrored the depth of her emotion.
"I think the graveness of you situation needs to be dealt with first" Matthew said, angering Alice more.
Elizabeth now had tears in her eyes, her features contorted with fear and anguish. Properly thinking of her outcome from this situation. Her normally composed and serene demeanour had crumbled, replaced by a profound sense of vulnerability that was etched across her countenance.
This was getting too much, the back and forth, I didn't actually think this would be true.
"Both of you are off the consideration for marriage" I exhaled, wanting this conversation to end, and causing Elizabeth to start sobbing a little louder.
This is good, just from meeting both women I already knew they wouldn't be the one. Alice was too presumptuous in all the wrong ways, not Queen material and Elizabeth was too unobtrusive. I think if I was to marry her, she would bore me to an early death.
"This is unfair!" Alice snapped, her voice rising with frustration. "You can't just make decisions based on hearsay."
"I assure you, Alice, this decision is not taken lightly," I said, keeping my tone firm. "We cannot afford to ignore such serious allegations."
"But it's all lies!" Elizabeth's sobs intensified, her voice trembling. "I've done nothing wrong. Please, Prince Sebastian, you must believe me."
Matthew shifted uncomfortably, glancing at me. "Maybe we should hear them out," he suggested quietly.
Alice's eyes flickered with a mixture of hope and defiance. "Exactly. At least give us a chance to defend ourselves."
I paused, considering Matthew's suggestion. "Very well," I said after a moment. "Explain yourselves. What exactly were you doing that could have been misconstrued?"
Alice took a deep breath, composing herself. "We were discussing private matters, nothing more. Elizabeth was upset about a personal issue, and I was comforting her."
Elizabeth nodded vigorously. "Yes, that's true. We were in a secluded spot because I didn't want anyone to overhear."
"And what were these private matters?" I asked, my gaze steady on Alice.
Alice hesitated, her eyes flickering with a mix of defiance and concern. "It's private," she responded firmly.
"Private?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow. "You must understand the gravity of this situation. If you want to clear your names, you need to be honest with us."
"Maybe we'll just leave it," Matthew responded, his voice carrying a note of resignation. "We don't need to push them further if they're uncomfortable. We can find out the truth through other means."
I glanced at Matthew, considering his suggestion. His empathy was always his strength.
Alice's eyes flickered with a mixture of defiance and concern. "It really is private," she insisted. "But I promise, it's nothing that would disgrace the court or our families."
Elizabeth nodded vigorously. "Yes, please. We were just talking, nothing more."
The room fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. I looked at both women, then back at Matthew, weighing my options.
"Very well," I said slowly, trying to maintain control of the situation. "If you insist on keeping it private, we will respect that. But it's obvious what the truth is and I think everyone in this room knows that"
There was a silence in the room, a thick, suffocating silence that seemed to amplify every small sound. The crackling of the fireplace, once a comforting background noise, now felt intrusive and too loud. The sunlight that filtered through the tall windows cast long, angular shadows across the room, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. Dust particles floated in the beams of light, suspended as if time itself had paused to witness this moment.
Elizabeth's eyes widened, her face paling as if all blood had drained from it. Her hands, which had been nervously wringing in her lap, stilled as she held her breath. Alice, on the other hand, sat up straighter, her eyes narrowing slightly, the flicker of defiance still visible beneath her composed exterior. The tension in her posture was palpable, like a coiled spring ready to snap.
Alice finally broke the silence, her voice low but steady. "We have nothing more to say, Your Highness"
Her words hung in the air, challenging and defiant. Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears again, her lips trembling as she fought to maintain her composure.
I glanced at Matthew, who gave me a slight nod, a signal that he trusted my judgment. "Let's go" I called out to Matthew. His face looked serious and little solemn too.
Both our footsteps echoed faintly against the polished floor as we walked out. The atmosphere shifted, and our presence had left an indelible mark on the space behind us.
Just as my hand touched the door, Elizabeth called out. "What will happen to us?" she cried out with tears streaming down her face.
My eyes travelled to Matthews, who said nothing, but his eyes filled with grief and slight regret, knowing both the women's fate. He didn't look back.
"Nothing" I said, wanting to see that relief in Matthew's eye. He may be a man of rules and procedures, but he had a clean heart. A heart that should feel no pain or sorrow because he is the person who doesn't deserve that.
"Thank you' Alice said, her demeanour alert and watchful.
Both the women had a look of relief in their eyes. The weight that had burdened their shoulders was lifted.
"I will find out who spread the news of us" Alice announced.
Matthew still said nothing, his eyes on the door and his back facing them.
"And I won't stop till I find them".
"And I assure you that you never will, if you don't want your body hung" I stated staring Alice in the eye. And yes that was meant to be a threat.
The door closed softly behind us, shutting out the remnants of the room's energy. Matthew let out a sigh, his hands slightly shaky then cleared his throat.
"Are you really going to do nothing" he said, turning to face me.
"What do you want me to do? Tell the King and get them executed?" I stated, knowing that is not what he wanted.
"Let's just forget this even happened, I need to meet my mother, so I'll take my leave".
The goodness radiated off Matthew was he walked away. I feel like this man can always bring the best out in everyone who he comes across. There was a sense of respect that I feel for him and I'm glad that I won chess. Having this man close to me will cause good things to come and for that I will always have a genuine appreciation for him.
"Prince Sebastian" Alice called out, closing the door behind her.
"Oh Alice, what is it?"
The dreaded mood of tension started coming back. I think every time I see Alice, I will never forget this feeling. It will be etched in my memory forever.
"I just want to thank you again, for not taking this further" she said, with a genuine look of gratitude.
"Just keep your personal affairs hidden, and make sure it stays that way".
She let out a small laugh, then tucked her hair behind her ear. "Yes, I'll try" she said, her eyes sparkling with a glow, reflecting the luminosity of her grateful spirit. "You will be a great King someday".
I smiled at that, and my heart swelled with appreciation for her, a symphony of emotions resonating within my chest, from Matthew and now from her comment. "Thank you", I said, genuinely meaning it.
"It's just that..." Alice paused, almost as if she wasn't going to continue the conversation, then spoke "I have this feeling that you and I are the same".
I have no idea what she was talking about. Her comment was perplexing, casting a veil of confusion over me. "What do you mean?" I asked her.
"I believe that men share your bed" she said, bewildering me even more.
I couldn't help but laugh. Her beliefs are absurd. "I can assure you that is not the case".
My laughter echoed through the spacious room, bouncing off the ornate walls and high ceiling. Alice stood before me, her expression a mix of skepticism and amusement. Her eyes sparkled with a knowing glint, as if she held onto some secret that she believed would eventually come to light. The sunlight caught in her hair, highlighting the subtle tones of auburn and casting a halo-like effect around her head.
"Okay, maybe not men, but one man" she said, smiling along with me.
This made me laugh even more. She just made my feelings dance in paradoxes, where my laughter mingled with puzzlement, and amusement intertwined with perplexity.
"And what man do you believe I am sharing my bed with?" I asked her, wanting to know.
"Matthew of course"
Laughter erupted from deep within me, breaking free like a cascading waterfall of amusement. I may tease Matthew and find him enjoyable to be around but the thought of wanting to take him to my bed has never crossed my mind. Yes, I respect, appreciate his company, and consider him to be a good friend of mine but I don't think of men in that way.
"I can assure you; I am a ladies' man" I laughed out, wiping the tears of joy away from my eyes.
"Are you sure" She inquired "because you look at him like you're not a ladies' man".
Her comments just confused me more, making laughter bubble up in my chest once again. "You really do have a vivid imagination! What makes you say this?" I questioned.
"You just look at him differently" she said.
"In what way?" I probed playfully.
She paused, thought, then spoke. "Like your eyes are so full of admiration that they twinkle. You don't need to even smile because your eyes are already smiling".
Her response caused a subtle tremor course through me, like a delicate flutter of wings within my chest. My heart, once a steady metronome, skipped a beat as if it was caught out. I don't think my mind quite understands her, but I can feel my body behave differently. I just laughed it off and shrugged the feeling away.
"You read too much poetry, that's for sure" I told her, still having that smile on my face. "You're mistaken, Matthew is a loyal friend, nothing more."
Alice's smile widened, as if she had just won a small victory. "If you say so, Your Highness. But sometimes, the heart sees what the eyes cannot."
I frowned, her words lingering in my mind like an unwelcome guest. "Enough of this nonsense, Alice. We have more important matters to attend to."
She nodded, her expression turning serious. "Of course. But remember, sometimes it's worth listening to the heart, even if it whispers things you don't want to hear."
She shrugged her shoulders then rubbed her hands together, "Enjoy the feeling once it lasts" she said, then turned to leave.
I found myself staring at her retreating form, her words echoing in my mind. The ornate surroundings of the room suddenly felt too grand, too confining, as if the weight of the conversation had made the air thicker. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the strange sense of unease that had settled over me.
I let out a breath, my mind going to Matthew and having the thought of him in my bed. My hands all over him, bringing out a sense of vulnerability in him. Causing him to whither and relax in pleasure under me. Every thought, made my heart race, causing blood to course through my veins, fuelling a surge of passion and anticipation. I shivered, pushing that thought out of my head. There is no way Alice's statements are the words of truth.
"Ridiculous," I muttered to myself, turning away from the spot where Alice had stood. The grandiosity of the room felt oppressive now, and I decided it was time to leave and clear my mind.