Chapter 3
She trotted back and forth in the confines of her chamber, head reeling time and again as to what transpired earlier, feeling rather strongly dismissive of the thought.
She understands her mother’s desire to have her wed is only for the benefit of companionship, for her to not feel alone and lonely, to which she feels often because no one can see through the lies hidden beneath the persona she and her mother purposely shaped; from those tenacious stare, the compelling voice down to the shipshape character, all we’re calculatedly constructed to serve its sole function – for her to be the King that she is now.
She understand that there is no need to have any emotional connection to whoever she chooses for a wife as long as she’s a wife she could brandish around like her crown, a proof that she’s nearly somewhat the man they portray her to be.
And she understands that marriage should be sacred and should only be shared between a man and a woman who deeply feels for one another; but how can she be wed if she’s never a man everyone believed her to be?
Nicole had grown a dab of fondness for the youngest Earp with the comfort of her mother’s stories, having the queen met the Earp’s relations prior to the decision of marrying her off and knowing that the queen favors the youngest born, reaped her interest of Lady Waverly Earp. And with the start of exchange of delicate hand-written memorandums, she grew further fascinated about the younger girl.
She assumed nothing of it though, but the eagerness to have someone who would not refer her as the King and converse with her with the most customary way, as if they were acquaintances; Nicole craved the normality, out with the burden that she might disappoint anyone. The youngest Earp made her believe that she’s never one to judge and that she would behave, not what she’s expected of but rather, how Nicole would regard her as; and with each letter Lady Waverly Earp has given her, she just felt immensely attached to her, despite not having to see her personally yet.
One would say that a fine sketch would be enough evidence that the youngest born not only possess such independence and ingenuity but also incomparable beauty, they were wrong; no adept painter could ever give justice to Lady Waverly Earp’s charm, not for Nicole at least.
She was undoubtedly heart struck.
It was mid noon when the carriage of Duke Ward Earp’s daughters arrived and Nicole had been unavailable to welcome them at the entryway. She had ordered her Xavier to assist the ladies on her stead and intended to introduce herself properly once she’s newly bathe and off with all the men’s scent from the congregation.
She was heading towards her quarters when her body collided with another as she turned to the corner. Her legs wobbled slightly as she found her footing, all those years of swordsmanship training had proven of advantage as she earned quite the ability of keeping her sense of balance, quite the opposite of the person she clashed with - all limbs sprawled on the floor.
“My apologies.” Nicole conveyed, outstretching her arm to offer whoever it was some help; warm hand enveloped hers, “Are you okay?”
“A King who knows how to make an apology and offers a hand, affectionate, rare.” Her attention was caught by another lady walking towards her and the damsel in distress in front of her. “Majesty.” The lady offered her greeting and curtseyed.
“Sister please, I’ve embarrassed myself enough already as it is.” The damsel, already up on her foot, tried to hide her reddened face but Nicole can only see the appeal it added on the girl’s beauty.
“I may have been at fault too.”
“Honest. Hmmm.” The equally dazzling lady hummed, eyes darting from her head down to her toe. “What else do you hide from that charming smile of yours, your Majesty? Ladies seemed to be falling for you, quite literally.” Then a laughter, not as loud but enough for Nicole to shy away.
Normally, Nicole would never apologize, would never admit to her fault though she would try to offer some help because she’s the King and the Palace had learned that a hand is what they’ll only receive in exchange of apology. Nicole is never the one to shy away either, she is the King and no one was allowed to talk to her in any way, be it offensive or farcical; but she doesn’t feel so much of a sovereign right now.
“ Sister, stop.” The much shorter girl threatened; eyes sharp and forbidding but soon was replaced by kind ones that Nicole swore she could stare at till the end of times. “Pardon her, your Majesty, our mother must’ve fallen her when she was still an infant. Waverly Earp, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you King Nicolas IV.” the younger girl was about to offer her hand but noticed that it was still encased with hers.
Realizing that as well, Nicole awkwardly pulled Waverly’s hand and brought it to her lips, “The pleasure is all mine.” And as her lips grazed the youngest Earp’s warm skin, Nicole noticed how her heart reacted erratically with the slightest physical connection that traversed between them. Oddly, she felt nervous and excited and her body craved for more and was greatly disappointed that Waverly had to pull her hand back. She cleared her throat and regarded the other girl, “Wynonna Earp, I presume.”
“I do hope that our thirty days of travel will be as commendable as your Queen Mother had promised.” The older girl took Nicole’s hand and shook it, obviously avoiding it to be kissed.
Strangely enough, Nicole did not get the same nonsensical feeling while she’s holding the older Earp’s hand. She glanced over to Waverly, and there it was again, the inconsistent beating of her heart, the heat rising on her face and the yearning for more physical contact embedded on the forefront of her mind – it was just all too much.
Nicole cleared her throat again, “I shall meet both of you before dinner.” She bid the two ladies her goodbye and rushed inside her quarters where she paced from pillar to post, questioning herself, “Why do I feel this way with a girl?”