Chapter 85: Eighty Five: Smiling Through The Tedious Tea
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Chapter eighty five: Smiling through the tedious tea
"Exquisite...you look exquisite, Milady. The dress is long enough to cover your feet and your short hair covers most of your bare neck. You are ready, my queen"
Jamie wondered whether Rachael knew she was pointing out her flaws and how they were covered up with one thing or another.
Jamie shrugged it off. The only thing that mattered to her was she was comfortable.
Jamie walked down the hallway with Rachael behind her. She heard galloping of horses and looked out to see Alexander and a few knights riding out. Just like her he was in a new clothes and ready to perform his duties.
Jamie met the Queen's advisor and her three ladies in waiting including Semeen.
"You look beautiful, your majesty. Yellow suits your skin" Lucinda May smiled velvety at Jamie. Every other person bowed to her.
"I like the Ruby" Semeen said without a smile.
"It's small" one of the ladies commented.
"One would need a magnifying physician glass to see it" the other supported.
Jamie wondered why everyone had an opinion of her appearance today. She wanted to say something to that effect but she heard Semeen's voice.
"I don't know whether you know this but the queen doesn't care about your opinion and so I suggest you keep them to yourself, Lady Beth and Lady Louisa. The Ruby necklace is perfect; do you have a problem with that, Ladies?" Semeen's voice was firm and had authority radiating from it. She could be mistaken for a queen regnant.
"No, Ms Semeen" both young girls said in unison.
Jamie smiled softly at all of them. Seems the mistress wannabe was taking her side.
"Are you feeling up to this, your majesty? I could tell everyone you are not feeling well. I am sure everyone knows you were in a...a mishap the other day" Lucinda May was concerned.
"I am alright. It's just tea, isn't it? You make it sound like I am going to war, Lady Lucinda May" Jamie smiled at her worry advisor.
"I think she should be resting, not pretending to enjoy conversation about trivial things like necklace and dresses!" Semeen was too quick to add.
"I am okay, everyone!" Jamie was getting tired of everyone thinking they know the best thing for her. "It's just tea. Let's get it over with, shall we?"
Lucinda May didn't know how to bring the subject up without embarrassing the queen. It had come to her notice that the Queen's romantic tryst with the King had become public knowledge and everyone was talking about it. Lucinda moved closer to the queen to whisper it to her.
"Lucinda, whatever it is, it can wait. We have a hall of anxious noble people to dine with" Jamie said desperately and pushed the door to the tea parlor open.
The royal announcer wasn't present since it was a strictly Ladies only, Lucinda announced her presence.
"Queen Jamie of Aradale"
Jamie walked inside as everyone stood up. She saw her new friend, queen Eileen of Koi seated closest to her.
People sat according to their status and titles, first the queen regnant sat closest to Jamie, then queen consorts, princesses, duchesses and so on.
Jamie sat down. She smiled at everyone like she wasn't counting the minutes till she can get the hell out of dodge.
The tedious tea party started when servants entered with kettles of different tea bags and variety of cake. Jamie's favorite was chocolate sponge cake.
After all the formalities, people break into groups to converse among themselves with some occasionally throwing questions at the queen.
Queen Eileen went for a normal amount of spongy cake and a cup of sweetened tea as she spoke to the queen consort beside her about embroidery. Jamie simply stuffed her face with tiny pieces of cake even though she wanted larger pieces. She had no knowledge whatever about embroidery. She could strike up a conversation about archery but she had a feeling most of the ladies would faint from shock. It almost made Jamie smile.
"Who designed your Ruby necklace, your majesty?" Sharon, Queen consort of Troy's voice brought Jamie out of her amused imagination.
Who designed her necklace? Jamie had no idea. But was she supposed to know the designer? Isn't she supposed to use her time to acquire information for something more fruitful?
"I have no idea, Queen Sharon but I can find out for you. Do you want one?" Jamie asked innocently as she sipped her tea.
She wondered which finger to place in the tea cup hole. Was it the index finger or little finger? She should have paid more attention to her lesson on tea party etiquette when she was younger.
The high pitched voice of the queen of Troy brought her back once again from her head.
"I don't think the king would want me to wear something so...so miniature. He provides the best jewelry in the south for me but I am sure, your husband the king doesn't mind, your majesty" Sharon's demeanor looked innocent enough but Jamie knew the statement was meant to embarrass her.
Well, boo-hoo Sharon...I am Jamie and I chew embarrassment for lunch!
Jamie was shocked at her inner voice but she knew she had to answer the sassy queen especially now that everyone was looking at both of them.
"Actually, queen Sharon... Alexander prefers I wear nothing at all" Jamie regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth. It sounded sexual and naughty.
She meant to say that Alexander doesn't force her to wear stupid necklaces and ornaments like a Christmas tree.
Jamie watched the faces of all the ladies in the parlor, most had expressionless face while others were deeply amused especially Queen Eileen.
"Tell me about it, your majesty....I thought my Theo was strange but even after I gave birth to our son, he prefers me to wear nothing too" Merritt, duchess of Sussin chipped in heartily.
With exception of a few including Queen Sharon, people chatted heartily about sordid affair between a husband and a wife, rumors after rumors of sexual nature came out as ladies laughed out loud.
It was like the rules and etiquette concerning proper tea party conversation went out the window and instead of mechanical beings, Jamie saw the real people behind the societal masks.
"I think you broke them, your majesty" Eileen whispered to Jamie.
Jamie cut a bigger piece of cake and shoved it in her mouth.
"I think I did, Eileen. So, how did it go with Sir Judd? I would be surprised if you got him to say more than three words" Jamie inquired in a low voice.
Eileen smiled and took a sip from her cup.
"The good knight turned down my offer of an affair" Eileen answered truthfully.
"Then he is quite daft because you are beautiful. Any man in his right frame of mind would want you" Jamie looked concerned.
"You are kind, Jamie. But I have crossed him off my list"
"You have a list, do tell me more please" Jamie wanted to hear more.
"How about I just show you later? Silly me, I should inquire of your health, your majesty" Eileen looked concerned.
"I am quite fine, my dear and I must do something to help..." Jamie was interrupted by Queen Sharon again.
"Your majesty, rumors of your tryst by the river this morning is rather embarrassing don't you think?" Sharon asked Jamie out of spite.
Jamie thought of a diplomatic answer but her head was empty. Bollocks! Was this horrible queen going to win this battle?
"Maybe Theo and I should check it out" The duchess's voice had a hint of promised pleasure.
"You should... it's a romantic rendezvous, Duchess. I am quite jealous of you and queen Janessa" Eileen chipped in with a smile.
Jamie relaxed. It seems the god of the sun was on her side.
Jamie was glad when the tea party was over and everyone returned to their chambers. She had no idea that smiling at everything could be that tedious. She decided to take a breath of fresh air in the garden even extended the invitation to her new friend Eileen.
Jamie wondered why princess Rosemund wasn't in attendance.
Jamie had the vague feeling that someone was following them as they entered the garden, maybe Alexander had asked one of his knights to make sure his hostage doesn't escape.
The garden was peaceful just as usual and flowers and little trees allowed in more breeze into the garden than the rest of the castle. Jamie was glad to be in the beautiful surrounding with a dear friend but then she came face to face with another occupant...her husband and his little mean sister, Rosemund.
At least now she knew why the missy two shoes hadn't bothered to show up for tea.
"Set up the court hall for twelve to fifteen seats...." Alexander was cut off by the appearance of his wife and his guest.
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Chapter eighty five: Smiling through the tedious tea
"Exquisite...you look exquisite, Milady. The dress is long enough to cover your feet and your short hair covers most of your bare neck. You are ready, my queen"
Jamie wondered whether Rachael knew she was pointing out her flaws and how they were covered up with one thing or another.
Jamie shrugged it off. The only thing that mattered to her was she was comfortable.
Jamie walked down the hallway with Rachael behind her. She heard galloping of horses and looked out to see Alexander and a few knights riding out. Just like her he was in a new clothes and ready to perform his duties.
Jamie met the Queen's advisor and her three ladies in waiting including Semeen.
"You look beautiful, your majesty. Yellow suits your skin" Lucinda May smiled velvety at Jamie. Every other person bowed to her.
"I like the Ruby" Semeen said without a smile.
"It's small" one of the ladies commented.
"One would need a magnifying physician glass to see it" the other supported.
Jamie wondered why everyone had an opinion of her appearance today. She wanted to say something to that effect but she heard Semeen's voice.
"I don't know whether you know this but the queen doesn't care about your opinion and so I suggest you keep them to yourself, Lady Beth and Lady Louisa. The Ruby necklace is perfect; do you have a problem with that, Ladies?" Semeen's voice was firm and had authority radiating from it. She could be mistaken for a queen regnant.
"No, Ms Semeen" both young girls said in unison.
Jamie smiled softly at all of them. Seems the mistress wannabe was taking her side.
"Are you feeling up to this, your majesty? I could tell everyone you are not feeling well. I am sure everyone knows you were in a...a mishap the other day" Lucinda May was concerned.
"I am alright. It's just tea, isn't it? You make it sound like I am going to war, Lady Lucinda May" Jamie smiled at her worry advisor.
"I think she should be resting, not pretending to enjoy conversation about trivial things like necklace and dresses!" Semeen was too quick to add.
"I am okay, everyone!" Jamie was getting tired of everyone thinking they know the best thing for her. "It's just tea. Let's get it over with, shall we?"
Lucinda May didn't know how to bring the subject up without embarrassing the queen. It had come to her notice that the Queen's romantic tryst with the King had become public knowledge and everyone was talking about it. Lucinda moved closer to the queen to whisper it to her.
"Lucinda, whatever it is, it can wait. We have a hall of anxious noble people to dine with" Jamie said desperately and pushed the door to the tea parlor open.
The royal announcer wasn't present since it was a strictly Ladies only, Lucinda announced her presence.
"Queen Jamie of Aradale"
Jamie walked inside as everyone stood up. She saw her new friend, queen Eileen of Koi seated closest to her.
People sat according to their status and titles, first the queen regnant sat closest to Jamie, then queen consorts, princesses, duchesses and so on.
Jamie sat down. She smiled at everyone like she wasn't counting the minutes till she can get the hell out of dodge.
The tedious tea party started when servants entered with kettles of different tea bags and variety of cake. Jamie's favorite was chocolate sponge cake.
After all the formalities, people break into groups to converse among themselves with some occasionally throwing questions at the queen.
Queen Eileen went for a normal amount of spongy cake and a cup of sweetened tea as she spoke to the queen consort beside her about embroidery. Jamie simply stuffed her face with tiny pieces of cake even though she wanted larger pieces. She had no knowledge whatever about embroidery. She could strike up a conversation about archery but she had a feeling most of the ladies would faint from shock. It almost made Jamie smile.
"Who designed your Ruby necklace, your majesty?" Sharon, Queen consort of Troy's voice brought Jamie out of her amused imagination.
Who designed her necklace? Jamie had no idea. But was she supposed to know the designer? Isn't she supposed to use her time to acquire information for something more fruitful?
"I have no idea, Queen Sharon but I can find out for you. Do you want one?" Jamie asked innocently as she sipped her tea.
She wondered which finger to place in the tea cup hole. Was it the index finger or little finger? She should have paid more attention to her lesson on tea party etiquette when she was younger.
The high pitched voice of the queen of Troy brought her back once again from her head.
"I don't think the king would want me to wear something so...so miniature. He provides the best jewelry in the south for me but I am sure, your husband the king doesn't mind, your majesty" Sharon's demeanor looked innocent enough but Jamie knew the statement was meant to embarrass her.
Well, boo-hoo Sharon...I am Jamie and I chew embarrassment for lunch!
Jamie was shocked at her inner voice but she knew she had to answer the sassy queen especially now that everyone was looking at both of them.
"Actually, queen Sharon... Alexander prefers I wear nothing at all" Jamie regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth. It sounded sexual and naughty.
She meant to say that Alexander doesn't force her to wear stupid necklaces and ornaments like a Christmas tree.
Jamie watched the faces of all the ladies in the parlor, most had expressionless face while others were deeply amused especially Queen Eileen.
"Tell me about it, your majesty....I thought my Theo was strange but even after I gave birth to our son, he prefers me to wear nothing too" Merritt, duchess of Sussin chipped in heartily.
With exception of a few including Queen Sharon, people chatted heartily about sordid affair between a husband and a wife, rumors after rumors of sexual nature came out as ladies laughed out loud.
It was like the rules and etiquette concerning proper tea party conversation went out the window and instead of mechanical beings, Jamie saw the real people behind the societal masks.
"I think you broke them, your majesty" Eileen whispered to Jamie.
Jamie cut a bigger piece of cake and shoved it in her mouth.
"I think I did, Eileen. So, how did it go with Sir Judd? I would be surprised if you got him to say more than three words" Jamie inquired in a low voice.
Eileen smiled and took a sip from her cup.
"The good knight turned down my offer of an affair" Eileen answered truthfully.
"Then he is quite daft because you are beautiful. Any man in his right frame of mind would want you" Jamie looked concerned.
"You are kind, Jamie. But I have crossed him off my list"
"You have a list, do tell me more please" Jamie wanted to hear more.
"How about I just show you later? Silly me, I should inquire of your health, your majesty" Eileen looked concerned.
"I am quite fine, my dear and I must do something to help..." Jamie was interrupted by Queen Sharon again.
"Your majesty, rumors of your tryst by the river this morning is rather embarrassing don't you think?" Sharon asked Jamie out of spite.
Jamie thought of a diplomatic answer but her head was empty. Bollocks! Was this horrible queen going to win this battle?
"Maybe Theo and I should check it out" The duchess's voice had a hint of promised pleasure.
"You should... it's a romantic rendezvous, Duchess. I am quite jealous of you and queen Janessa" Eileen chipped in with a smile.
Jamie relaxed. It seems the god of the sun was on her side.
Jamie was glad when the tea party was over and everyone returned to their chambers. She had no idea that smiling at everything could be that tedious. She decided to take a breath of fresh air in the garden even extended the invitation to her new friend Eileen.
Jamie wondered why princess Rosemund wasn't in attendance.
Jamie had the vague feeling that someone was following them as they entered the garden, maybe Alexander had asked one of his knights to make sure his hostage doesn't escape.
The garden was peaceful just as usual and flowers and little trees allowed in more breeze into the garden than the rest of the castle. Jamie was glad to be in the beautiful surrounding with a dear friend but then she came face to face with another occupant...her husband and his little mean sister, Rosemund.
At least now she knew why the missy two shoes hadn't bothered to show up for tea.
"Set up the court hall for twelve to fifteen seats...." Alexander was cut off by the appearance of his wife and his guest.
Chapter eighty five: Smiling through the tedious tea"Exquisite...you look exquisite, Milady. The dress is long enough to cover your feet and your short hair covers most of your bare neck. You are ready, my queen" Jamie wondered whether Rachael knew she was pointing out her flaws and how they were covered up with one thing or another.Jamie shrugged it off. The only thing that mattered to her was she was comfortable.Jamie walked down the hallway with Rachael behind her. She heard galloping of horses and looked out to see Alexander and a few knights riding out. Just like her he was in a new clothes and ready to perform his duties.Jamie met the Queen's advisor and her three ladies in waiting including Semeen."You look beautiful, your majesty. Yellow suits your skin" Lucinda May smiled velvety at Jamie. Every other person bowed to her."I like the Ruby" Semeen said without a smile."It's small" one of the ladies commented."One would need a magnifying physician glass to see it" the other supported.Jamie wondered why everyone had an opinion of her appearance today. She wanted to say something to that effect but she heard Semeen's voice."I don't know whether you know this but the queen doesn't care about your opinion and so I suggest you keep them to yourself, Lady Beth and Lady Louisa. The Ruby necklace is perfect; do you have a problem with that, Ladies?" Semeen's voice was firm and had authority radiating from it. She could be mistaken for a queen regnant."No, Ms Semeen" both young girls said in unison.Jamie smiled softly at all of them. Seems the mistress wannabe was taking her side."Are you feeling up to this, your majesty? I could tell everyone you are not feeling well. I am sure everyone knows you were in a...a mishap the other day" Lucinda May was concerned."I am alright. It's just tea, isn't it? You make it sound like I am going to war, Lady Lucinda May" Jamie smiled at her worry advisor."I think she should be resting, not pretending to enjoy conversation about trivial things like necklace and dresses!" Semeen was too quick to add."I am okay, everyone!" Jamie was getting tired of everyone thinking they know the best thing for her. "It's just tea. Let's get it over with, shall we?"Lucinda May didn't know how to bring the subject up without embarrassing the queen. It had come to her notice that the Queen's romantic tryst with the King had become public knowledge and everyone was talking about it. Lucinda moved closer to the queen to whisper it to her."Lucinda, whatever it is, it can wait. We have a hall of anxious noble people to dine with" Jamie said desperately and pushed the door to the tea parlor open.The royal announcer wasn't present since it was a strictly Ladies only, Lucinda announced her presence."Queen Jamie of Aradale"Jamie walked inside as everyone stood up. She saw her new friend, queen Eileen of Koi seated closest to her. People sat according to their status and titles, first the queen regnant sat closest to Jamie, then queen consorts, princesses, duchesses and so on.Jamie sat down. She smiled at everyone like she wasn't counting the minutes till she can get the hell out of dodge.The tedious tea party started when servants entered with kettles of different tea bags and variety of cake. Jamie's favorite was chocolate sponge cake.After all the formalities, people break into groups to converse among themselves with some occasionally throwing questions at the queen.Queen Eileen went for a normal amount of spongy cake and a cup of sweetened tea as she spoke to the queen consort beside her about embroidery. Jamie simply stuffed her face with tiny pieces of cake even though she wanted larger pieces. She had no knowledge whatever about embroidery. She could strike up a conversation about archery but she had a feeling most of the ladies would faint from shock. It almost made Jamie smile."Who designed your Ruby necklace, your majesty?" Sharon, Queen consort of Troy's voice brought Jamie out of her amused imagination.Who designed her necklace? Jamie had no idea. But was she supposed to know the designer? Isn't she supposed to use her time to acquire information for something more fruitful?"I have no idea, Queen Sharon but I can find out for you. Do you want one?" Jamie asked innocently as she sipped her tea.She wondered which finger to place in the tea cup hole. Was it the index finger or little finger? She should have paid more attention to her lesson on tea party etiquette when she was younger.The high pitched voice of the queen of Troy brought her back once again from her head."I don't think the king would want me to wear something so...so miniature. He provides the best jewelry in the south for me but I am sure, your husband the king doesn't mind, your majesty" Sharon's demeanor looked innocent enough but Jamie knew the statement was meant to embarrass her. Well, boo-hoo Sharon...I am Jamie and I chew embarrassment for lunch!Jamie was shocked at her inner voice but she knew she had to answer the sassy queen especially now that everyone was looking at both of them."Actually, queen Sharon... Alexander prefers I wear nothing at all" Jamie regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth. It sounded sexual and naughty. She meant to say that Alexander doesn't force her to wear stupid necklaces and ornaments like a Christmas tree.Jamie watched the faces of all the ladies in the parlor, most had expressionless face while others were deeply amused especially Queen Eileen."Tell me about it, your majesty....I thought my Theo was strange but even after I gave birth to our son, he prefers me to wear nothing too" Merritt, duchess of Sussin chipped in heartily. With exception of a few including Queen Sharon, people chatted heartily about sordid affair between a husband and a wife, rumors after rumors of sexual nature came out as ladies laughed out loud.It was like the rules and etiquette concerning proper tea party conversation went out the window and instead of mechanical beings, Jamie saw the real people behind the societal masks."I think you broke them, your majesty" Eileen whispered to Jamie.Jamie cut a bigger piece of cake and shoved it in her mouth."I think I did, Eileen. So, how did it go with Sir Judd? I would be surprised if you got him to say more than three words" Jamie inquired in a low voice.Eileen smiled and took a sip from her cup."The good knight turned down my offer of an affair" Eileen answered truthfully."Then he is quite daft because you are beautiful. Any man in his right frame of mind would want you" Jamie looked concerned."You are kind, Jamie. But I have crossed him off my list""You have a list, do tell me more please" Jamie wanted to hear more."How about I just show you later? Silly me, I should inquire of your health, your majesty" Eileen looked concerned."I am quite fine, my dear and I must do something to help..." Jamie was interrupted by Queen Sharon again."Your majesty, rumors of your tryst by the river this morning is rather embarrassing don't you think?" Sharon asked Jamie out of spite.Jamie thought of a diplomatic answer but her head was empty. Bollocks! Was this horrible queen going to win this battle?"Maybe Theo and I should check it out" The duchess's voice had a hint of promised pleasure."You should... it's a romantic rendezvous, Duchess. I am quite jealous of you and queen Janessa" Eileen chipped in with a smile.Jamie relaxed. It seems the god of the sun was on her side.Jamie was glad when the tea party was over and everyone returned to their chambers. She had no idea that smiling at everything could be that tedious. She decided to take a breath of fresh air in the garden even extended the invitation to her new friend Eileen.Jamie wondered why princess Rosemund wasn't in attendance. Jamie had the vague feeling that someone was following them as they entered the garden, maybe Alexander had asked one of his knights to make sure his hostage doesn't escape.The garden was peaceful just as usual and flowers and little trees allowed in more breeze into the garden than the rest of the castle. Jamie was glad to be in the beautiful surrounding with a dear friend but then she came face to face with another occupant...her husband and his little mean sister, Rosemund.At least now she knew why the missy two shoes hadn't bothered to show up for tea."Set up the court hall for twelve to fifteen seats...." Alexander was cut off by the appearance of his wife and his guest.
