Eleanor silently cursed Jane for how tight she tied the corset. She could barely walk without wincing. Even through the pain, her smile did not falter. White teeth framed by perfectly stained red lips. She could see all the men eyeing her mouth then her ample bosoms. Completely ignoring her husband as he escorted her down the stairs. Her hand firmly held up his strength was the only thing keeping her upright.
Eleanora may have hated the fact that William picked out the gown. It made her want to tear it off. Judging from the hungry eyes around her, it was doing its job.
Her smooth ivory breast and shoulders were exposed just enough to bring forward lecherous thoughts of all those around her. The gown was dyed deep red simple no embellishments. A red cape fell down her back. Unlike the other women who wore wigs and elaborate hats, her hair was painstakingly pinned, with some curls fall beside her neck.
Her husband was a respectable gentleman. While the rest of the men around her act like animals all but undressing her with their eyes. He held a sophistication of a natural born noble. His chin leveled, eyes straight forward. She apprciated his control. It made this marriage more convenient. He lived his life, she lived hers. She had to admit the lack of sex made her more irritable. He seemed to not be that interested in her. Some part of her took offense to that, but she wasn't all that interested in him either.
She remembered a time with Charles when she couldn't get enough of him. Every moment of isolation was a chance to make love. They did it everywhere.
She even wondered if Robert had experienced that much passion. He must have had a mistress before, a woman he could spend all night making love with. She would be beautiful since he is attractive and holds such a high position. Due to his kind nature, he would be gentle with her, as if she were porcelain.
He said softly. His eyes kept on the crowds of people. "You look lovely this evening."
"Thank you, my lord." She grinned.
Making their way to the King and Queen sitting on opulent thrones above their guest. The King would wait for most of his guest to arrive bow to him before making his way through the crowd. Eleanora wiped the sweat from her free hand.
Standing before the King and Queen they sparred no expense on dressing the leader of the country. Charles dressed in vibrant yellows and blues. His silky black hair flowing past his shoulders. He was handsome.
Robert bowed to the king as Elenora curtsied.
"I want to express gratitude on behalf of my wife and I. Your Majesty is a gracious King for welcoming us into the palace. After a long a terrible rebellion and a fast and disastrous plague. It is good to see King Charles back on the throne." Robert spoke clearly.
Eleanora resisted the desire to roll her eyes. The King had and obvious casual relationship with her husband, the theatrics were a bit much.
The queen also dressed equally but did not hold the beauty equal to her King. Her mouth had the tension of displeasure. Her hair was tightly curled and her skin was flush. As Eleanora looked down at the Queen's hand placed lightly on her belly.
The King kept his eyes on her husband. But his devilish smile was directed at her. No doubt from the color of her dress. Red was always his favorite.
"I look forward to seeing you later tonight." Charles gruffed. Causing Eleanora's abdomen to tighten.
Holding her husband's hand as he escorted her away from the king toward the other guest in the great hall. The king Always had a taste for the decadent. The hall was surrounded by white walls clean and sculpted. Not a stain marred the walls. High above was murals framed by gold that glistened from the grand chandeliers.
Eleanora craned her neck to look at the brilliant ceiling long predating her. It had seen so much history. It felt as if all the eyes of the angels and gods had watched with sadness as kings, queens, and nobles passed through unaware of the impact they made on the world from their ivory walled palace. As though Englands God personally punished those who failed his people so publicly. She only wished that the gods were kinder to those who worked from the shadows.
"The stories they could tell," Eleanora whispered.
"All tragedies no doubt." Robert agreed.
Robert moved to dance with Eleanora. Eleanora was tired of always dancing. She was not the most graceful. Even with the multiple lessons, it was the one skill she lacked.
At first, she avoided Roberts' foot until her hard heal met his toe, but he did not flinch. Until the fifth time, he could not contain a curse beneath his breath. Despite attempting to be quiet Eleanora heard him.
"You know I see a colleague. Why don't I introduce you to his wife?" He offered, saving her from further humiliation and his toes from further pain.
She nodded in agreement.
The man was dressed in navy velvet and breaches and little to tight. His cheeks were routed and his wife was a little to large. His wife was equally extravagant.
Making the formal introductions she was forced to speak to the wife. Who was pretty but sturggled to speak English.
"When did you come to England?" Eleanora asked properly in french.
The woman's face lit up. She began speaking very fast in French. Just out of the corner of her eye she could see the surprise on her husband's face as he eavesdroped on their conversation.
Once they walked away they stood and watched the crowds of people dancing and laughing.
"You must have had an excellent tutor your French is flawless." He complimented.
"I did have an excellent tutor. But I didn't learn French from him. I spent three years in Paris. There is no joy living in a country and not learning the language."
"You lived in Paris?" He said more to himself.
There was a silence that made her feel like he was disappointed in her. She did not know why. "There is much I do not know about you dear wife."
"It is no fault but my own, I do not speak of my past travels." She politely took the blame. She was certain her father did not even know the places she had been.
"Well I would like to remedy that. Perhaps you could tell me about the places you have been. Over tea sometime." He paused briefly. " I promise this time I will not fall asleep on you like an old man."
Eleanor smiled but a guilt filled her heart. He had no real choice in that.
He smiled so genuinely down at her. She felt the need to give him something.
"I would like that my Lord. Perhaps you could tell me about you travels to America." She offered not meeting his eyes.
Just as he opened his mouth to say something and spine tingling voice said her name."Eleanora."
She looked up to see Willliam. Smiling evily at her.
She was surprised she did not smell him before she heard him. Sitting on a black formal suit was a perfect white peony.
Eleanor normally would be upset to see him. But some part of her knew he would be here.
He did not miss a beat. He made a introduction to her husband. She looked back at the king who was getting ready to mingle with the guest and court.
"How do you know Eleanora?" Robert asked. His voice sounded surprised, but to her ear it had an under time of suspicion.
"We met during my time at French court." Was all she was able to say before a man called out her husband's name. Who also had a white peony pinned to his shirt. "Go speak to your friend whileI catch up, Robert."
He hesitated at her words. But did not say anything as he walked in the direction of the unknown man.
"Why do you always find ways to interuppt my normal life?" She asked perturbed.
"You lack the ability to enjoy normal. Beside I saw his puppy dog eyes. He was about to ask you to marry him."
"I am married to him."
"See then you have the rest of your life to be married to normal. But you will only get one chance to listen to me before the society gets involved." His voice was light but the threat was present.
"I suppose I should act intimidated." She covered her mouth with her hand and widened your eyes.
"No wonder you couldn't fool that man into thinking you love him." He mocked her acting skills and pointedly looked at Robert.
"I don't fake anything. I did not want marriage and I did not want him. But what other choice did I have when the society left me high and dry in France?"
He scoffed at her. "You got overly attached to your assignment. Do not forget the mess I had to clean up for you." He harshly reminded her.
She rolls her eyes at him. She never forgot. She kept a constant reminder by choice.
"Yet that dedication is what lead you to me now." She pointed out.
William did not speak. They stood far from the crowd.
William's face was stoic his brows tense. "You will say yes to what ever the King ask of you is it understood"
"What makes you think he will seek me out. Or that it will be long term?" She questioned.
"Because I know you miss it. Deep down you enjoy the hunt." He urged.
She did not respond. She did not know what she wanted. Some days she wanted to want to be Roberts wife. Some other part wanted to run away from everyone. She ultimately always wanted power.
Eleanora looked him dead in the eye. "If I agree to doing this I want complete control. I'm doing it my way this time. You will just be my connection to the sisters." She laid down her terms.
He contemplated it. Before looking away. "I expect your blood commitment soon. As soon as he calls upon you."
"You do not know how long that will take." Despite possibly being in love with her still. He was king and expected to be busy.
Then Eleanora felt a tug on her elbow. "Meet me in the courtyard." Said a soft voice. The simple pull causing a fire on her skin.
She waited till the touch disappeared and quietly made her exit. Feeling the singular set of eyes follow her as she made her way out to an old memory.