Thread: A Kingdom in Turmoil  (ThickLeaves x Sketchyequine)

Eliza smiled, watching as the man so quickly approached the stallion in masculine excitement. She stood back, her hands folded together in front of her body, and a light smile crossed her supple lips as he got to know the animal a little better. He could sire wonderful foals too should you choose to start a line with him. My father could teach you all about that, and Im not too shabby with it either. She said, a little proudly. The gift had gone over exceptionally well with the king- better than she had hoped. Given that he had distasted everything from their wedding to the party, she had had low hopes that he would receive the gift well. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but his excitement seemed genuine and that gave Eliza just a bit of hope for the long marriage they had ahead of them. After all, a horse was a gift that the king would be able to use frequently. It would be good for all the mounted sports he had partaken in when he had hoped to become a knight, and if the kingdom ever went to war it would be the most powerful weapon that any man could ever have. Eliza looked up at he commanded the servants to bring out her gifts as well, and she smiled just a bit more. Even in his anger, he had still thought to present her with a wedding gift. It was a sentiment that she had not exactly expected from the young prince. She looked back up to him as he began his explanation. She cocked one eyebrow quizitively at the mention of the gifts that he had stowed away in their chambers, and she felt her heartbeat increase within her chest. What kind of gifts could possibly be private? She wondered, staring at her husband as thoughts of the possibilities ran through her head. She couldnt help but worry that it could be sexual in nature, and the young queen was unsure if she was ready to give up her virginity that night. Looking in his eyes, however, she was able to convince herself that she was overthinking things. A king and his queen were allowed to do things without a crowd from time to time. She could only assume this was one of those times. When the gifts arrived perched on their velvet cushions, Elizas eyes were drawn away from her husbands mug and to the sparkle that shone in the firelight. Upon seeing the pieces, the womans jaw dropped in momentary shock. These pieces were encrusted with so many jewels that she couldnt help but wonder if the Alby family was far wealthier than the Blackburns. The horses armor had been decorated with sapphires and diamonds, but nothing in size or quality as compared to the diamonds that she was being gifted. She reached out, running her fingertips over the gems laid in the necklace before she looked back up at him, her eyes shining. Eliza was not usually one to dress in jewels as extravagant as these, but she would be a fool not to appreciate them, and she knew they would quickly be incorporated into her royal wardrobe. They were much more important than the vanity they provided. Her eyes were drawn away from the gifts when he began o speak again and she felt his callused hands come into contact with her cheeks. The girls blue eyes stared up at him as he gradually drew closer, and her eyelashes fluttered closed as soon as his lips came into contact with hers. She kissed him back without any hesitation. Elizas lips moved softly over Charles as one of her hands came up to rest on his warm cheek. Based on the heat she could feel there, she knew that the wine was continuing to take its effect on the man, but she still believed he was being genuine. She had no reason to believe that as soon as they were behind closed doors he would adopt his cruelty once more. As the kiss came to an end, Eliza took a moment to stare back into the eyes of her king. Her eyes traveled over all of his facial features, studying him carefully as a scholar might do to a scroll or book. He was such an odd man, yet he was handsome and bold. To say the least he was already starting to grow on her- a feat she had believed impossible after their curt wedding and his bitterness toward this party prior. She nodded a bit to herself and then broke contact, her hand slipping from his cheek. Enjoy our wine, goods, and musicians, my good people! It is time that my king and I retire for the evening! She spoke loudly for the whole crowd to hear. Then, without a hitch she took ahold of his hand and started leading him through the garden to a doorway. Once inside, she walked with him through a series of hallways as they made their way to the royal chambers. They plan of having many more celebrations for our wedding, my king. She nodding, paying close attention to where she was going. She did not know this castle well and she had learned quickly that it was easy to get lost within it. It would be quite embarrassing for her to get lost now with her husband in tow. I have even heard a rumor that there will be tournaments in our honor starting tomorrow morn. She let out a small laugh. Ive always enjoyed watching a good joust, although it will no longer be quite as it was before. When I was a lone princess, I used to daydream of which of the knights or nobles I would marry. Each round I would root for the one with the cutest face or best horse, and I would pretend that after he won the tournament he would ask for my hand. A young girl has to dream. She said, letting out a little chuckle. She was unafraid of telling him these truths. Some men might frown about a woman noting her past loves like this, but Eliza honestly didnt give a damn. Charles was the one who now had her hand. Her previous heartthrobs were no longer of any value. It was simply a whimsical story to tell. Soon, the pair successfully arrived in their chambers. Eliza opened the door and smiled at it. She had not been allowed inside the room previously- it was to remain a secret until after tonights party. The room itself was glorious enough to be one of the gifts that Charles had promised her. The Room was adorned with silks, furs, and artwork of the highest quality. Its massive size made it bigger than most houses for the lower class, and it was but all one room. The bed was large enough to hold four men even though it would only hold the king and queen. In the corner was a tub big enough for both to soak in at once. Wardrobes of considerable size were on either side of large mirrors- one for him and one for her. Scattered around were all sorts of valuable possessions, and it brought a smile to her face. The room was much better than she ever could have imagined.