Chapter 14
Nicole felt rather disappointed at the youngest Earp’s outright rejection of her shy invitation. She’s never been rejected by anyone for anything, really, being the King of England, she was so used to being provided with everything she’s ever needed, maybe more; though for the most part, it wasn’t always what she truly wanted.
Earlier, after Lady Wynonna left them alone again in the confines of her office and when the younger girl asked Nicole if she was only to expect a loaned book with which she has been replied to with a ‘No.’, the King proceeded to invite the younger girl to visit the village around after sunset, suggesting that there is a small festivity she would so like Lady Waverly to see.
Truth be told, Nicole was looking forward to spending some time alone with the younger Earp outside the castle walls. Being the dutiful King that she is, she has never visited the village for personal interest, it was always for regal purposes; and it was only in that moment that Nicole coveted to wander off dressed as a commoner so as not to be recognized by any of her loyal subjects and to be able to move freely without any royal guards following her around; but unfortunately, the person she so wanted to go with, refused her.
Lady Waverly’s declination greatly saddened her.
“You are ill, your Majesty. “ Lady Waverly pointed out as she placed her two hands on her waist. “This is not the time to mosey around the town, you need to rest.” She added with irrefutable authority.
She knew the younger girl was not to cross with; Lady Wynonna, despite being in her drunken state the night before, had managed to warn her about her younger sister’s temperament and how she can be extremely imposing when she wants to. “I was resting earlier but you woke me up from my catnap.” She reasoned out quietly, face dejected, hoping that the younger girl would somehow change her mind.
“It was never my intention to disturb your respite to begin with. If I had known you were this sick, I wouldn’t have come.”
Nicole sighed; never the one to start a squabble, she relented. Though admittedly, she was rather feeling so poorly she has no strength to argue or even insist, her surrounding swirled again and she had to sit down on her chair, momentarily closing her eyes, waiting for her nausea to subside.
“Do you see now what I imply?”The younger girl raised an eyebrow as to make a point. “You need to rest your Majesty, a proper rest. I merely touched your face earlier and you woke up in an instant, are you perhaps a light sleeper?”
Her eyes fluttered wide open. No one was allowed to lay a hand on her, any part of her skin for that matter, not unless she offered first. Given her circumstances, Nicole’s mother knew it was the only way for other people not to find out about the truth. “You touched my face.” She stated, slightly alarmed.
Lady Waverly can be seen playing the ring on her finger as she replied, “Indeed, only because I thought you were having a nightmare. I only went to smoothen out your creased eyebrow.”
“But you did more than just that though.” Her hand found where the younger girl had touched her earlier, her cheek and her forehead.
“Oh yes, I did touched your forehead too.” Lady Waverly casually said, not knowing what punishment awaits anyone who laid a finger on the King of England. It took her a second to realize and when she did, her eyes grew big. She looked at Nicole dreadfully. “Am I to going to be punished for doing so?”
She nodded her head lightly, repressing a smile, finding the younger girl rather endearing with her dreadful appearance. “As per the Queen’s order, I believe. Did anyone witnessed you do it?”
The younger girl fell in deep thought, trying to remember if Xavier, who walked her in, saw what she did. “None, I hope.”
“Then all is good. As I have no intention to tell a single soul. I swear in my father’s grave.”
“You would do that?”
Nicole wanted to say that she would do anything for the youngest Earp, if only she’d let her, but they are not as knit as of yet, so she settled with an “And have your sister berate me for tattling tale? No, I do not think so. I’d rather keep this a secret between us and besides, I’m quite convinced that my mother will not even mind. Just refrain from doing it if there’s an audience; they will not take it lightly. ”
Lady Waverly sighed in relief. She’s not yet sure what sort of punishment is given to those who defy the Queen’s order and considering the look on the King’s face a second ago, it’s probably somewhat grim. “I shall try.”
A moment had passed before the King queried, “Are you certain that you do not want to go to the village with me?” wondering if she could still somewhat amend the youngest Earp’s resolution. “The festivity only happens once every thirty days. You will no longer be here when the next one comes. It’ll be a shame to let it pass. ”
Nicole had never sounded so piteous; there she was, nearly pleading for the younger girl’s response when she’s never begged for anything in her life before.
Lady Waverly sighed. “You can barely keep your stance without feeling nauseous. How do you intend to show me around the town?”
“I’m still quite able, look.” Nicole’s abrupt standing caused her head to spin and lost her balance. She found herself slipping onto the floor, but fortunately for her though the younger girl caught her and kept her balanced.
That is how Nicole’s royal guard, Xavier, walked in on them; with Lady Waverly’s arms around the King’s waist and the latter’s on the younger girl’s arms and their faces so close to each other they looked like they were about to kiss.
“I uh… I apologize for my intrusion my King.” Xavier stuttered. “I knocked three times before coming in, I did not intend to…” He did not even conclude his sentence as he hastily left the room in fear.
Even before the Earp Ladies’ arrival, Xavier already knew that King Nicolas fancies the youngest Earp, he could tell by the devious smile he had when he asked him to serve their most scrumptious lamb delicacy mainly for the younger girl; and the probability of him interrupting what seemed to be a marginally amatory moment, well at least for him, he knew for sure that it will make the King reasonably livid.
On the contrary though, Nicole had a knowing grin on her face, discerning how her royal guard must have perceived their rather romantic position whereas Lady Waverly appeared to be already dreading the punishment she would face once the Queen learned of what just happened. “Will they cut my hands off?”