Eleanora sauntered out of the mansion. Her echoed steps rang in her ears causing some of the wondering guest to eye her. She had a presence the King would envy. She maintained her elegance with her level chin and confidence with the sway of her hips. Even slathered a loud white dress she knew the power in being desired.
While she made her guest believe she was a wall of confidence she could feel her heart pounding against her breast.
She stopped in her tracks as the scent of peonies danced in the breeze. She ignored the unease it caused. She searched for some comfort and briefly eyed the wine. But thought it better to keep her wits.
Spotting her father she approached him to stand by his side. Her cotton tongue weighed heavy in her mouth. She couldn't swallow down the heavy dread.
What if the King's speech slipped, and he accidentally spoke of their past. Or worse he placed a claim on her. All she escaped would be lost.
Standing atop the stairs looking out over her husband's land. She felt stuck, but couldn't pinpoint the cause. Â Despite the knot in her belly, she maintained that smile her father claimed was her greatest weapon.
A black cloud loomed over her like this was just the beginning of her discomfort. Eleanora looked into the candlelit garden. Fire dancing across the black air. The crowd of people danced in sync faces glowing ominously. Elegant in their gowns and dress wear. All the women's hair piled delicately to the top of their heads. The monstrous men looming over the ladies as they danced.
Eleanora stood over her own small kingdom, her castle behind her, and her oppressor at her side.
"Where is your husband?" he asked under his breath.
Keeping her smile "He is escorting a guest around the grounds."
He did not look pleased. "He should be by your side tonight. It will set the tone for your marital bed tonight. Is that the way you wish to start your marriage?"
Was that all the men around her seemed to care about? Her 'delicate' nature enduring her husband's rough riding tonight. If only they all knew.
"You're right father, I too am concerned. But I'm sure he would be happy to have you tell him how important my marriage to him is to you. He is just that way if you would like to inform him." She pointed back toward the mansion. "Would you also be a dear and inform him I wish to have one child but only if it is a boy, if not I am happy to try to gestate another twenty children until it I produce a male heir because a daughter simply will not do for this family."
To her surprise, her father's face danced as bright as the flames on the candle. "You best mind yourself girl." The last word cutting her like a sword. Yes, she needed to be reminded of her lowly status.
"You're right what do I know, I am just the daughter of a failed businessman." She dramatically sighed as she made her way to a servant with a tray of wine.
She sipped away her concern of upsetting her father as she swayed around guest many she did not care to make small talk with.
She was more concerned with the imbecile her husband was escorting. With that thought she felt a little less stressed, she always enjoyed insulting the King. Even if was just in her mind.
As she stood there silently, her smile only became more genuine.
Her thoughts of fiery insults stopped when a well-groomed man servant approached her and her father.
"My master would ask for the lady's hand in this dance?' he inquired.
Wishing to distract her mind. She didn't care to ask who offered the dance. Gliding into the center of the guest as they danced. She was once again hit with the scent of peonies. She was approached by a noble she had not wished she would ever see again. Pinned to his chest was a delicate white peony
The instinct to run made her step back. But that was as far as she could get when she remembered the hundreds of eyes around her. She knew better to draw attention to herself.
She stretched her hand out to the man who made her want to commit murder, even with the King close to her.
"Lady Eleanora. You look divine." His voiced was filled with satisfaction,
She glared at the blonde haired bastard. His clean pale face was the center of many nightmares.
"William, you look like dung. Who let you out of hell?" She quipped.
He smiled at her insult as if she had said sweet things to him.
He grasped her hand a little too tightly. He ignored her as he led the dance. Several moments passed causing Eleanora's hands to sweat. He danced as if he was only there to enjoy a dance with a new bride. She knew better.
Her eyes searched the crowd for more like William. The scent of peony engulfed her senses. The world danced around her, and she could not focus enough to find more wearing the dreaded flower.
Laughter and music filled the night but not a sound reached Elanora's ears. Panic seized her as she thought of the King in her new home, William at her hip, and others wondering her courtyard.
As the music slowed and she was sure she would be able to escape until he finally spoke.
"So our great divine leader requested your presence. My you work fast sweet Ellie. Two years you can't stop being a." She stealthily kicked him before he finished.
"Mind yourself. Before I have you."
"You what?" He interrupted. Pulling her back into another dance. He loomed over her reminding her the power she relinquished some time ago. "You have no pull anywhere. I own you."
She set her jaw defiantly. "If you think a little time has made me forget what I am capable of you are mistaken." She twisted his arm slightly. He winced a little.
Pulling his arm from her. He gripped her arm and pulled her closer. "I had hoped you would never forget what we are capable of. As he came to a halt she could see the figures that blended in with her guest. Their white flowers clutched in their hands, placed in their hair or pinned to their dress wear. They surrounded her. Her throat began to closes. The cool night did nothing to stop her sweat.
"Now are you ready to take your orders, my minx?"
Eleanora swallowed as her past returned to haunt her once again. An even darker secret than her intimate status with the King.