Chapter 18 - "Very well, mother if you wish it."

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Gigi was still frozen in the same spot, caught up in thoughts of Raif, when the hushed sound of footsteps brought her back to herself. She blinked, as if coming out of a dream. The sun had shifted and she wondered how long she had been standing there immobile.

From around a bend, the Queen appeared. Trailing her was a lady-in-waiting, in a crisp white uniform. The Queen's round face was calm, her eyes distant and thoughtful. It was only when the pair was a few feet away, that the Queen noticed Gigi standing there. An inviting smile came into play. Gigi dipped into a curtsy, bowing her head.

"My Queen," she said in greeting.

"Lady Genevieve." The Queen said her name confidently though they had only interacted once during the first ball. "I somehow do not find it a bit surprising to find you here."

Gigi's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Oh, my Queen?"

Ashlyn moved forward, with the grace of leaf blow about by the breeze.

"Yes," she said. "You have proven yourself to be at odds to the Ladies of this Court when it comes to these grounds."

Gigi felt at a loss for what to say, never imagining the Queen would notice her, much less note her difference. When Ashlyn didn't say anything, Gigi forced words from her mouth.

"In what way, my Queen?" she asked.

"These grounds," she said, with a note of affection, "are nothing more than a means of seclusion for conversations of gossip or more...private matters." She looked about her, regarding the oak tree that climbed skyward. "They are rarely in them, preferring the shade of the palace." She rested her gaze back on Gigi. "You my dear, have been in these gardens and along these paths more than I have ever seen anyone be."

This was a fact Gigi was well aware of. Among the trees and blossoming flowers she felt closer to home. Closer to the world she knew. In the grounds she didn't feel at a loss as to what or who she was. There was something calming and solid about the place that kept drawing her back.

"This place is so beautiful," Gigi said, gazing around, "that I find it hard to ever leave it." She returned her attention to Ashlyn. "That is why, my Queen."

"Then you see what I have strived to create with all my many gardeners. You are one of the few." She looked at Gigi, something glinting in her dark brown eyes. "Tell me, does anyone have a request on your time for tea?"

"No, my Queen."

Ashlyn smiled encouragingly. "Excellent. Lilith, have tea arranged by the west terrace. Find us when it is ready, we will be at the lily pond." She motioned to Gigi. "Come dear, I wish to show you my favorite part of these grounds, I believe it will be a view you can admire."

"I am honored, my Queen."

They walked off, Ashlyn describing each section of the grounds as they went, explaining what she had envisioned for it and how it had shifted with time. Gigi asked questions and soaked in her words as well as the feelings behind them: pride, love and determination. When one plant refused to grow, it had been removed and another put in its place. There wasn't a piece of the grounds that the Queen hadn't overseen. It was this knowledge that made Gigi wonder how many people the Queen had ever told all of these details to. From the warmth in her voice and the gleam in her eyes, Gigi figured the number was not large at all.

They were standing before a hidden pond, that was covered in lily pads and sprouting reeds, when Lilith found.

"Tea is ready, your majesty," she said.

"Thank you, Lilith," the Queen said. She shifted to Gigi. "Before we go tell me what you think of it all."

A duck quacked as it swam from behind a cluster of green horsetail grass. Ripples raced away as it carved its path through the water. Gigi stared at the scene, breathing in the scent of lilies. The edge of her mouth curled.

"My Queen, it is enchanting," she looked at Ashlyn watching as an appreciative smile appeared. "What you have created is something I do not have adequate words to describe."

"With that response, dear, you have given me a more favorable response than I could have hoped for. Now, I have just eaten away at your ear with my talk, let us have tea and you can have the same opportunity to repay me."

Gigi couldn't help the laugh that bubbled out. The easy manner of the Queen contradicted all the interactions she had held with her son. Ashlyn brightened at the sound. They walked back to the palace, Gigi offering more compliments as they passed by some of her favorite spots or saw her favorite flowers.

Near the west terrace, a table had been sent out with a pale green umbrella shading it. On a side cart were cakes, biscuits and two pots of tea. The moment they settled into their seats, Gigi knew why the Queen had chosen this spot. Besides the view of the maze of trees, there was a breeze that rounded the palace and muted the sun's heat. A maid served them and Gigi took a sip of tea, the taste light and fruity.

"Tell me," the Queen said. "How do you find your time at Court treating you? I know this is your first festival and truly your first appearance in society."

"It is, my Queen." Gigi found herself trying to form words to add. A tumble of memories rolled through her mind, all varying in their enjoyment and interest. The Queen watched her, as if seeing the images that clouded her head.

"To be honest, my Queen, it is more than I thought it would be and different in the same instance."

The Queen set down her cup. "I imagine it would be so. This world is far different than what common people experience. For some it is all they want, for others it is a burden. Which is it for you?"

Gigi was taken aback by the seriousness of the question and the weight of it.

"I could not say, my Queen," she said.

Smiling, The Queen waved her hand. "It is a small question. Now my dear I want to know about you."

The tapping of boots on the stone terrace gave Gigi a break to think of what she would even say to the Queen. But all thoughts flew from her mind when she saw Thayer descending the stairs. He looked over, his eyes settling on his mother. It was only when he was at the table and couldn't retreat unseen, that he noticed Gigi.

"Thayer," the Queen said, her voice welcoming. "You are just in time. Lady Genevieve was about to tell me of her life, join us."

Thayer tensed, his face struggling to remain unconcerned.

"I merely wanted to inquire something of you mother," he said.

"Do you need to rush off to some where?"

He hesitated. "No, but there are always tasks that need my attention."

"And they will need your attention just the same in an hour. Sit and have some tea."

"Truly, mother my time is better spent with-"

"Thayer do not be a cod." Gigi had to suppress her shock and amusement as the Queens's insult while Thayer tensed even more. "Come sit. You work far too much and barely take a moment to enjoy yourself. An hour will not make the kingdom fall to ruin, but it might keep you from falling to ruins."

Glancing at Thayer, she saw the resistance to his mother's invitation. She didn't blame him, they hadn't spoken since she had argued with him and there was still tension between them.

"Very well, mother, if you wish it," he said.

"I do. I do not wish to see my son turning old before his twentieth year."

Thayer motioned for a chair and moment later a servant hurried forward with one. He took a seat between his mother and Gigi, accepting a cup of tea.

"Now, Genevieve, where were we...ah yes, you were about to tell me of your life," she said. "Where did you grow up?"

Gigi fidgeted, the easy manner she had found with the Queen gone. Her eyes flickered to Thayer but his face revealed nothing of his thoughts. When she looked back to the Queen, Ashlyn was watching her with a soft, open gaze. The look was enough for Gigi to stuff her unease away.

"I grew up every where, my Queen," she said. She paused, trying to find a way to tell her the truth without revealing it all, not sure whether Thayer had told her who she was or not "I know how that might sound baffling, but I traveled a lot. I know it is not a normal way of living, but I have not minded that. I have seen more of this land than most people."

Ashlyn sipped her tea. "That must have led to a broad education."

Agreeing, Gigi dipped her head. "Indeed, my Queen. I know four languages fluently and can get by on three more."

This piece of information made Ashlyn looked surprised and Thayer's calm demeanor crack for a second as he finally looked at Gigi.

"That is impressive. Did your tutor travel with you?" the Queen asked.

Flashes of memories hit Gigi. Hours spent sitting beside her mother, listening to her voice as she talked of history, math, literature and science. Her father's deep voice repeating words in confusing languages as her untrained tongue tried to mimic the sounds. The feel of pages beneath her fingers as she devoured the knowledge written on them.

"My mother was my main source of learning, my Queen," Gigi said. "As was my father on occasion. I was taken through the major subjects and received a more detailed education of each one than simply the basics. When they did not know something, I was turned to books for all my knowledge. I read all the great thinkers as well as the unknown ones." Gigi found her words coming easier, this part of her life uncomplicated. "Chausner, Godfrey and Aris were some of the books I loved most. Though I must confess there are some ideas that I have still struggled to understand."

The Queen set her cup down, a look of wonderment in her eyes. Thayer's face was blank, but there was an intensity in his stare that spoke of his own surprise.

"That seems to be a more intense education than most noblewoman acquire, what was your mother's reasoning for such an education?"

Gigi hesitated, unsure how to answer the question.

"I could not say, my Queen. For me it was not a burden but a means of passing the time." Gigi gave a faint smile. "It was time we spent together and I did not mind the lessons."

The Queen echoed the look, seeing the affection in Gigi's eyes.

"You are a welcomed addition to this Court, my dear. I believe more noblewomen could stand to learn a bit more." She raised her tea cup, eyeing Gigi over the rim. "I must say, I favor Edgar over Eleston, which do you favor?"

At the change of topic, Gigi brightened. Thayer's presence seemed to disappear as she gave her opinion and explained why, while the Queen listened intently and tossed out arguments. Their talk carried them away, as time slipped by. Through it all Thayer remained silent, but the Queen didn't prod him and Gigi gave no notice.

By the time a servant came to retrieve the Queen, the sun's rays were tickling the horizon. Ashlyn rose, seeming startled that the time had esacped them. She held out a hand to Gigi.

"My dear," she said. "This has been a delightful afternoon. Thank you for sharing it with me."

Gigi curtsied over her hand. "Truly the pleasure was all mine, my Queen."

Ashlyn smiled once more at Gigi and left. It was only once the Queen was gone, that Gigi realized Thayer was still there. She glanced at him. Giving a half curtsy, she moved to leave, not wanting to bare the uncomfortable silence that would surely descend.

"Lady Genevieve," he said, halting her break for freedom.

Reigning in all her emotions, Gigi pivoted back to him, her expression under control.

"Yes, your highness," she said.

Instead of finding a rigid Thayer, she found him calm, almost on the point of relaxed.

"Will you walk with me?" he asked.

The question shocked her. She blinked regaining herself and gave a nod.

"If you request it, your highness."

Thayer joined her on the other side of the table and led them away from the terrace. They walked in silence, Gigi determined not to say anything. The glow of the fading sun sent rays cutting through the leaves, turning them gold.

"Lady Genevieve," Thayer said, stopping to face her. She paused and looked at him, with challenging eyes. "I must apologize. I let blind judgement dictate my actions rather than observed truths."

Gigi was surprised by his declaration and found she was lost for a response. Thayer didn't seem to need one, continuing on.

"I have grown up hearing stories of your people and they have formed my thoughts about you." A flame in Gigi's stomach ignited. The stories told about them had always been the reason they were disregarded and looked down on.

"When you so bluntly called into light by opinion of your people and how it was not based on fact I was forced to examine them myself."

Gigi found her voice once more. "And what did you discover?"

"That as long as I have been an ambassador to my father I have never once had to solve problems or settle disputes with your people. I have never seen you cause trouble for the kingdom or disrupt the law."

She lifted her chin. "So you did not find us to be thieves and kidnappers after all."

Thayer dipped his head, his face showing remorse. "I am sorry I have overlooked the truth of you and your people. You have my sincere apology."

His statement was weighed down with shame and guilt. Gigi waited a breath, letting his words hover over them.

"I accept your apology," she said.

Thayer looked at her. On the tail end of his apology, Gigi found she had one of her own that was needed, her heated words stirring in mind.

"I most offer you an apology," she said. "I had no right to speak as I did of your affairs."

"I accept," he said. Then paused words building in his throat. "You must understand, I do not have the freedom other men do. My regards for a single woman hold too much weight to be cavalier about such things."

"I am sorry for misreading your affections."

Thayer nodded, but said nothing more. He turned and Gigi followed as they moved on. She didn't know where they were going and wondered if Thayer even knew. The tension between them was left behind, and in its place was an uncertainty. Colors were poured into the sky as the sun edged away. Realizing the light was waning, Thayer directed them back to the palace.

"I did not know you knew four languages," he finally said, breaking the silence.

"There is a lot you do not know, your highness" she said.

Thayer took this comment in stride. "That is something I seem to keep learning from you. May I ask, is it normal for your people-"

"Eldin."

He nodded and cleared his throat. "Is it normal for most Eldin to know so many languages?"

"Yes, as traveling horse trainers it is essential to our livelihood that we are able to communicate with so many people. Four languages is the minimum every Eldin knows."

Gigi glanced at him, trying to read how he took the information. He was looking at her astonished.

"There are noblemen who know less," he said.

A taunting smile curled Gigi's lips. "Yet it is us that are called uneducated swine."

Thayer winced but then glanced at Gigi and caught her look. He relaxed.

"Do you know Hendian?"

"Yes, but it is one of the harder languages I had to learn."

The edge of Thayer's lips twitched. "I found that to be the same in my case. Fortunately enough I have very few dealings with the Hendian nation."

The image of the burly, rough Western men with thick accents and even thicker beards popped into Gigi's head. "They are a very different type of people."

"Indeed."

Their talk fell away, the sounds of the world around them filling the emptiness. From the distance they could hear the clamor of the city. From open palace windows they caught the criss crossing chatter of voices.

The palace light illuminated the grounds as servants moved down the paths lighting hanging lanterns. When they came upon the wandering pair, they bowed and continued with their work. From beyond the windows of the palace, Gigi could see women in glittering gowns gliding on the arms of men as they passed the time before dinner.

They were approaching the terrace steps when Thayer spoke.

"I thought Godfrey's explanation of the human condition superior to Aris's."

Gigi glanced at him. "I disagree, Aris's understanding has a depth that Godfrey never touches."

Thayer meet her gaze, his own lips curling. "I would have to challenge that."

Gigi smiled.

**********************************************************************

Good day fair fellow!

*shields eyes with hand* Would you look at that! I think an east wind is blowing on a ship! What are the odds?!

Were you surprised at the turn of events?

I'm just happy they both managed to get their heads out of their a-🀭 ... okay I'll just say I'm happy they are finally not bugging me! 😁

How do we like the queen? I like the fact that she insults her son! πŸ˜‚ Thayer needs that.

So, I was asked to explain how I got my username: Joymoment. Before it was my Wattpad name is was my Instagram name. I had a photography account and wanted to connect something with my name as well as this sense of capturing the happiness and life of a single moment. So it became Joymoment! Simple, but I feel like it sums me up. ☺️

What do you think?

What's the story behind your username?
(I'm really curious about this! πŸ˜„)

Vote, comment, follow the ship that is setting sail! ⛡️

What do you think about him for Raif? Or is Raif more tan? πŸ€”

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