An Official Request
POV: Alexandra
Lucien ran a hand across his face and looked up at me, “You know what this garbage says?” I nodded, “I have an inkling considering what she’s wearing.” He sighed, “I want to say no but it probably wouldn’t look good.” He chewed on his lip as he rose and looked out the window. I crossed the room and stood behind him and wrapped my arms around him, “You are duty-bound. I know that Lucien. Just get it over with and be done with it.” He patted my hands that were resting on his chest, “You’re right. I will take her on a stroll in the gardens. Nothing really too romantic about that and nothing will ever top our date ever.” He turned around and smiled at me, “Think of me while I’m gone?” I looked up at him tenderly, “Always.” He planted a small peck on top of my head and reached for his blazer that was resting on the back of his chair and frowned, “I hate this.” He put the blazer on and buttoned the middle button. He walked toward the door and I followed. We stepped out of the room and Melody smiled at him flirtatiously. Thankfully Lucien’s broad back was concealing me so I rolled my eyes. I didn’t notice that Teddy had returned but his giggle indicated that he saw what I did. He cleared his throat as Lucien looked over at him, “Sorry, Your Majesty, I just remembered something funny that my best friend did recently.” Lucien turned to Melody, “From what I can gather, I have been requested to take you on a date?” She smiled up at him as I walked over to my desk. She sounded excited as she affirmed what the letter had said. He sighed, “I suppose I am duty-bound as part of this selection process. It is only fair.” He turned to me and Teddy as we were the only scribes in the room, “Tell Malinus about the letter and let him know I will be back shortly. I am taking Lady Melody on a stroll through the garden. Perhaps some tea later.” We both said in unison, “As you will it, Your Majesty.” He offered his arm to Melody since he was and will forever be a gentleman and she hopped up and took it. Before they left the room she shot an evil grin my way.
After the door closed, I looked over at Teddy who was glaring daggers at the door, “That nasty bitch. She better not be trying to steal your man, hun.” He looked at me and smiled, “How are you feeling about this?” He waved his hand to the door and I sighed, “Honestly not great. I feel this aching in my heart right now.” He shot out of his seat and rushed over to me to wrap his arms around, “Sweet baby girl, there is no way that nasty bitch can even compare to you. Lucien knows where his heart lays.” I nodded as he stroked my head and my scalp started to tingle so I hummed, “That feels kinda nice.” I turned my head and pecked him on the cheek, “Thanks, Teddy. I don’t know if I could have cheered up without you here.” He smiled at me, “No worries, sweetie. I will always be there for you since you were the one who extended your hand to me in my first ever friendship.” I leaned into his chest and asked him to hold me for a little while and keep up the head stroking since it was calming my rapidly beating heart. He agreed that he would help me out as my best gay friend. I smiled thinking I now had a girl best friend, boy best friend and now a gay best friend. It felt nice that I had so many now when I didn’t before. I knew exactly how Teddy felt about me since I felt that way about Jess who had been my first ever friend as well.
Malinus stepped in just then and we both looked at him. Teddy’s arms were still wrapped around me and Malinus cocked his eyebrow, “Should I give you two a moment?” Teddy pulled away from me, “Oh no, I so do not swing for the other team.” Malinus nodded in acknowledgment and I cleared my throat, “His Majesty isn’t in right now. He got a letter from the Elder Council. He’s been asked to take Lady Melody on a date so he took her for stroll around the garden.” Malinus looked over at Teddy then back at me, “Ah so that’s what that hug was about then?” I tucked my hair behind my ear and nodded, “Yeah.” Malinus sighed, “I suppose he’ll want tea later then.” Teddy spoke, “Yes, he didn’t seem very thrilled either.” Malinus shook his head and looked at me, “Considering Alexandra is here, I imagine it is even more than he is letting on.” He placed a hand over his mouth thinking that he caught himself revealing too much. I shook my head, “I think you can speak candidly in front of Teddy.” He looked at me confused, “Teddy?” I giggled, “Oh yeah, in Terre we call anyone named Theodore Teddy as a nickname. I asked him when we met if I could call him that and he liked it. Didn’t you Teddy?” He nodded, “I think it’s awfully cute and I’m a sucker for cute.” Malinus laughed, “You have a knack for influence, cousin.” I shrugged, “I think it is my spunk.” He nodded, “Perhaps.” He sighed, “I won’t insult you, dear cousin, by making you watch that farce of a date. Teddy and I can handle the tea. I have a task for you anyhow. I just didn’t know when I would send you to do it.” He walked over to his desk and grabbed a stack of letters, “We have to deliver these to two houses and I think you are best suited to do it since you know them so well. I suggest you go to Blackwood first so you can get assistance getting to the next house.” He winked at me as I looked down at the two envelopes. They were ornate and official looking and I knew that I likely held in my hands the invitations to the Fall Masquerade Ball that was going to be held here in the ballroom. I nodded at him, “I will be sure they make their way to the proper places.”
I walked out of the room and ran into Renier in the hallway. He smiled at me, “Your Highest Highness, I was hoping I would run into you. Would you take a small walk with me on your way out? I don’t want to get in the way of your duties.” I nodded at him, “Sure, Your Majesty.” He offered his arm which felt so out of character for him but I shrugged and took it. He sighed, “We were so sad when you left our realm. Cal moped for a while until he found out we were coming here. Her Majesty thought we should keep relations up with Vellum so she requested our visit here. I have to say, I missed your presence as well.” I sighed, “I don’t mean to be rude, Your Majesty but I have to ask a question that I hope you will answer honestly.” He looked down at me and smiled, “What is it? I don’t want you to be upset with me and your tone of voice indicates that you are. I would like to clear that up with you.” I stopped just as we reached the stairs, “Did you know Loki sent Lytir here to spread disease? I’m upset because I lost someone dear to me in that wave of pestilence.” He sighed, “Oh dear, I’m sorry to hear that.” He reached down to my hand and brought it to his lips and stroked the hand after he kissed it, “My dear, I don’t control the Gods. You know very well they do what they want. I assure you that I had nothing to do with it.” I stared into his eyes looking for a trace of dishonesty since I had a knack for detecting it and I couldn’t find it. I nodded, “I believe you. Now what was it that you wanted to discuss with me?” He placed my hand on his arm again, “I would like to request to meet your family along with Prince Calypso, of course. Would that be possible someday soon?” I thought for a bit and looked down at the envelopes in my hand, “I am heading out there now. I will ask my father if that is possible. I don’t think he would deny you since we are housing your daughter and he would never refuse a father access to his daughter.” He chuckled, “He seems like he values that relationship, huh?” I nodded and smiled thinking of Reginald Batiste, “He’s always been a big softy when it comes to me. It gets him in trouble with my mother often.” I heard him say, “Interesting. I can see why, any father would be lucky to have you as his child. I look forward to it myself.” I shook my head, “I am not promised to your son, Your Majesty.” He patted the hand that was on his arm, “Yet.”
We reached the front of the door and I stopped, “This is where we must part, Your Majesty. I have a duty to attend to.” He smiled down at me, “I look forward to getting a favorable answer to my question.” He bowed at me, “Your Most Highest Highness, safe journeys on your task.” He turned back to the stairs and I walked out the front door where the royal carriage was waiting for me. I looked at the guard, “I thought I would be riding in my own carriage.” He shook his head, “You are on official business, Your Grace. You must take the royal carriage.” I sighed and stepped up to the flashy carriage and climbed inside with the help of the coachman. I was on my way to Blackwood and sighed out the window thinking of what Lucien was doing at that very moment. I had wished that I had someone to talk to at that very moment so I could vent. I heard a voice in my head, “Ask and you shall receive, niece.” I would often chide Mordred for invading my private thoughts but this time I was grateful. I told him about how my day was going to include the dramatic entrance of the one who wanted to be affianced to me and introducing the other one who wanted to be affianced to me. I told him that I had to deal with Melody Maigny going on a date with Lucien and how my wannabe father-in-law wanted to meet the family. He listened without comment until I was finished venting before I could hear him give a low chuckle, “That does sound rather dramatic, dear niece. I think I would like to be there for that meeting between the young man, his father, and the family. Let me know when that goes down. I want to match wits with The Great Schemer.” I asked, “Who is The Great Schemer?” He chuckled, “That’s what the witch community calls King Renier as he is famous for scheming his way to power in Seely. Looks like he’s trying to use you to do it. Oh, looks like you’re home. See you soon.” I looked out the window and saw the manor out my window. The coachman opened the carriage, “We have arrived, Your Grace. We will be waiting out here for you to return from your second destination.”
I stepped out of the carriage and was immediately greeted by Mordred, “Surprise, I’m home!” I rolled my eyes and hugged him, “Nice to see you are back, uncle. How are things in the Glades?” He looked down at me, “Oh, better. The disease is gone as I’ve said. Most of the town outside of the manor has been rebuilt. Countess Kastilidan has been instrumental in getting things done. I see a renewed person in her that is dedicated to her people. I imagine that would your good influence, my dear.” I shrugged, “I don’t know. Perhaps she was just oppressed by her awful husband.” He smirked, “Perhaps. Oh I was told to give you this from Doc. He said to read it when you have time. He heard that you got the position in the castle so he didn’t want to get in the way of your duties. Congratulations, by the way.” He looked down at my hand that was holding the envelopes, “Delivering?” I held them up, “Yep, I have two places to go. I have arrived at my first destination.” I handed him the invitation that was labeled House Batiste. He turned the envelope in his hand and handed it back to me, “I think this should go to your mother or father. It’s an invitation to the ball likely. I don’t handle that, dear niece. Besides, I received my invitation already.” He ushered me inside of the manor and brought me to the study and knocked, “I believe both your parents are in here.” My mother answered the door and was surprised to see me, “Oh dear, did you cause a ruckus at the castle already? Did they send you home?” Mordred chuckled, “Dear sister, she is here on official capacity. Look at her hand.” He grabbed my hand and showed it to my mother. I sighed, “I also have a request from the King’s visitor.” I handed the envelope to my mother who let me and Mordred into the room. She took the envelope and opened it, “It’s the invitation to the ball. We have to prepare since it is being held in two weeks. The disease delayed it a little and the onset of the full moon delayed it further, I imagine.” She turned to my father, “Xan says she’s here with a request from the King’s visitor. Let us hear her out so we can respond in kind.” My father was at his desk and placed the paperwork he was working on down and looked at me. He smiled, “Yes, I agree. What is it young Royal scribe apprentice? I’m curious to hear what request you have for us.”
