Flowers and friendship
Week after week, the very same day, the Queen-in-Waiting would leave the dinner early to meet with Molly in her chambers. Kettricken would make a quick trip to the kitchen before to grab a pot of tea, and some sweets or pastries. Then the two women would sit and talk the evening away, eating and exchanging jokes.
“Kettricken, I thought about you this week because I was running errands in Buckkeep town, and there was a stall at the market selling flowers. They had so many different flowers, some very big and colourful! You would have loved them! I thought of buying some for you, but it was a few days ago and they would have withered until now… But you should have seen this! There was this one, half as big as me, with a bright yellow colour. Oh you would have loved it! I should have asked the name of the seller though…”
The Queen laughed: “That’s so nice of you Molly, but I think I know which stall you are talking about. Verity used to ask them to bring me some. They were indeed very colourful.”
“Used to, my Queen, Ket’?” asked softly Molly.
“In the first weeks, he was very attentive. He would come to my chambers every evening to ask about my day, and I would ask about his. Sometimes, he was bringing flowers with him. Now, he has too much work, he is always busy doing this or that. So for a time he asked them to bring them to me,” Kettricken lowered her head and looked at Molly behind her eyelashes. “But it stopped after a few months. I thought they left. But since the stall is still on the market.”
Molly dragged her chair closer to the Queen-in-Waiting.
“I’m sorry, Kettricken, It was not my intention to bring you bad news. I’m sure they left, and he isn’t aware they came back. Because I have been in the market regularly these past weeks and haven’t seen them.” Molly tried to make a reassuring smile. “He hasn’t forgotten about you, you know. He’s just busy, we are at war and…”
“I’m well aware of the war,” cut Kettricken. “There is no need to remind me of that. But let’s change the subject to a merrier topic. How is your candle business going, dear?”
The maid’s face beamed: “It’s going very well, Ket’! Numerous nobles came to ask Patience about it. I have more requests than I can actually make, being in the Lady’s service. I believe I must thank you for your recommendations, Kettricken, because they seemed to work.”
The Queen-in-Waiting laughed and grabbed a piece of pastry. “Shush, you, they just noticed the candles while coming to my room, your work only is to be congratulated.”
Winter was passing slowly in Buckkeep for Kettricken and Molly, punctuated by these gentle meetings. People of the Castle noted the brighter mood of the Queen-in-Waiting, assuming her and Prince Verity were going along better. The whole Castle seemed enlightened by the Queen’s presence, and the warm scent of candles burning in many noble rooms.
After a very dark day, where the whole Keep locked themselves indoors, because of a terrible snowstorm, Kettricken came back swiftly to her chambers after dinner. She was expected a warm fire, and a friend’s company, the weather had brought a nostalgia to her mood, reminding her too much of her homeland. Molly was still putting up candles in the room, but she didn’t turned around as Kettricken entered her chambers.
“Good evening, Molly. I’m so glad you’re here!” Molly still didn’t look at her, and the Queen was cut short. “Molly? Is something the matter?”
Molly replied in a low voice “Good evening, my Queen, I’m feeling tired today, I think I’m gonna go to bed early tonight, I’m sorry.”
The Queen-in-Waiting quietly approached her and pulled softly one of Molly’s arm to make her face her. Molly’s face was red, and her eyes swollen. “My dear, are you feeling alright? You know I am here for you.”
Molly shook her head and started to walk away, but Kettricken was still holding her arm. “Molly! I care about you, don’t leave.”
Molly’s whole body shook at these words and the flung herself into the Queen’s arms. Kettricken, frozen with shock, didn’t react for a few seconds, before gently putting her arms around Molly. She whispered comforting words in the maid’s ear while caressing her back. Molly started crying soundly, shaking and sobbing.
“He, he came. And he tried to speak. I see him every day, he. He just is.”
Kettricken took a step back and gently smoothed Molly’s cheeks. “Come, Molly, come sit on the bed.”
Molly let Kettricken guide her and fell hopelessly on the big mattress. The Queen made her lie down, with the maid’s head resting on her thighs, and softly stroked Molly’s hair. She kept whispering nice things the whole time.
“You don’t have to tell me, my darling, don’t tell me now, rest here, I’m here, I got you, I will take care of you.”
Molly eventually calmed down, but didn’t got up, still shaking and exhausted, overwhelmed by her distress. Kettricken moved her so she would rest on the pillows and opened the warm furred blanket covering the bed.
“Come on, my dear, take off your shoes, you’re sleeping here tonight.”
The young maid froze with her mouth gaping, silent for a few minutes before answering. “But Kettricken, I cannot, this is unacceptable. This has never been seen, I cannot sleep in the Queen-in-Waiting’s bed.”
“I’m asking this as a friend, and because I love you, Molly. So take off your shoes and join me, before I use my terrifying Queen powers to force you.” Kettricken furrowed her brow and made a funny face with her tongue out.
Molly’s cheeks became as red as her dress, but she laughed softly anyway. “If it’s my Queen’s wishes, then I shall.”
Cackling and sniggering like two young girls, the two women undressed to be in their undergarments and went snuggling under the blankets. Kettricken caught Molly in her arms and The Queen and the maid cuddled until both of them fall asleep.