Page 20 of Glass and Bone
“Yes, Your Grace.” I whisper. His fingers remain on my chin, holding my head up, but he loosens his grip slightly. His eyes still stare into mine, but his anger is dissipating.
“You look much like your mother.” He says with less malice fueling his words, being replaced with sorrow. “Her death was a tragedy to us all.” I am surprised by his revelation, but I don’t let it show.
“Thank you, Your Grace. I was saddened to hear about Queen Amaya and the princess as well.” I respond. He stares at me with momentarily remorseful eyes, looking more like a man who is staring at his child, than the political headache I’m sure I have become. A look I have never seen from my father. Is this what it looks like to be on the receiving end of concern?
“Yes, it was tragic.” He releases my face, but keeps his gaze fixed on me. “Your father, he has not taken your mother’s passing well, I presume?” He speaks as if he knows the terror my father has caused me, which he might. There are scars littering my entire body, I am sure he’s seen them.
“No, Your Grace.” My voice saddens as I think about him, but I still remember the words he spoke when I left, his excuse.
If the Gods decided she was no longer fit to be queen, they did what they had to do.
“Tragedies have a way of separating the weak from the strong.” He says softly. He could be implying my father is weak or advising me on what my next actions could be perceived as. I am not sure, but remaining strong is all I can do.
“Yes, they do.” I straighten my back and raise my chin. A hint of amusement pulls at the edges of his lips.
“I will leave you to get settled.” With one last look of curiosity and pursed lips, he turns on his heels and races out of the door with his noblemen close behind. Just as fast as he arrived, the king is gone. I let out a loud breath that I wasn’t aware I was holding.
My eyes linger on the door, and I don’t see Tobias walk back up to me. His demeanor is strong, like his father’s, but his gentle touch reminds me that they could be different. Or maybe it’s the hope inside of me that wills him to be that way. He rests his hand on my shoulder and looks down at me, his eyes filled with kindness.
“Once you are ready, one of the guards will show you to your chambers. We found your carriage and your belongings; they have been brought to the palace. I am sure you want nothing more than to change out of this nightdress and into something a little more comfortable. I will come find you, so we can discuss our situation. I am sure you have many questions, as do I.” His soft smile gives me hope and I return it with a smile of my own.
“Thank you.” He cocks a brow and tilts his head. “For taking care of me.” He smiles, his face relaxing. “I’ll admit I am not used to affection or someone caring for me. The last person who had any sort of concern over my wellbeing was my mother. It will take some time to get used to, and I hope you will be patient with me, but thank you nonetheless.” My voice cracks and he squeezes my shoulder.
“It is my pleasure, Elaenor. Ensuring your safety and wellbeing is my responsibility now. I intend to take it seriously.” I visibly relax. He cares. Heactuallycares about my wellbeing. I don’t know why it is so much of a surprise, other than it being incredibly foreign. I believed I would be entering a marriage with a man sick with power and control, but this Tobias, this is the version of him I dreamed about. The version I had to believe would be the one I’d find upon my arrival, and it’s real. He’s real. His hand moves from my shoulder to cup my cheek.
“I don’t know what sort of childhood you had, or life for that matter, but I promise that you will be happy here.” He leans forward and I almost think he’s going to kiss me, but he moves at the last moment to press his soft lips to my forehead. “Is there anything I can do for you before I leave?” He asks, pulling back to look into my eyes. I nod.
“Did you find my rider? Ser Danieas?” I ask, hoping he is somehow still alive. If they found him in time, maybe they were able to save him.
“Yes, he is still alive. He was gravely injured, so he is being tended to.” He nods towards Master Pakin. I sigh with relief and smile softly.
“Please let me know once I can see him.” He nods and then glances over at Master Pakin, giving him a nod as well.
“I will come find you.” He kisses my forehead again before his hand leaves my face. He strolls out of the room, closing the doors behind him. My skin tingles where his touch has been, and I fight against the blush creeping along my cheeks.
“Your Grace, let's get you out of this room. I’m sure you are craving some sunlight and a change of clothes.” Master Pakin says with a smile before holding out his hand to help me off the bed. I slide off the mattress and let my feet touch the cold marble. He releases my hand and opens a drawer in the desk, pulling out a pair of slippers. I give him a thankful smile before I bend over to put them on.
“May I ask you something?” I say as I straighten.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“The chances of pregnancy are slim, correct?” He nods as he bends over a set of notes and scribbles something on them. “How will we know for sure?” He continues writing.
“You will start your monthly bleed sometime within the next day or so. This will shed any unwanted growths in your womb and leave you ready to bear an heir for Noterra.” I swallow, watching him scribble away on his notepad.
“Is it that easy?” I ask and he sighs, setting down his pen. He straightens and turns toward me, and I am surprised to see irritation in his eyes. “I am sorry, I just have so many questions.”
“Did you not attend studies? Learn about science? About history and reading?” He asks, his voice stern.
“I did, but we did not learn about medicine. I was told I’d never have a need for it.” I admit and he leans against the bed. “My studies were focused on reading, writing, and brief Chatisian history.
“Well if you are interested in learning more, I am sure the king can arrange a scholar to tutor you. It would do you some good to learn about the histories of all of the kingdoms and the basics of medicine.” He doesn’t sound condescending, but I can’t help but feel like a child being told they are stupid.
“Okay.”
“It is not a negative thing to strive to be more knowledgeable, Your Grace.” He states, relieving some of the embarrassment I feel. “It is admirable to know where your weaknesses lie. As a queen, you will be expected to know the histories of our lands, of the continent. You’ll have to be able to provide counsel to your subjects and speak intelligently about their woes, you’ll need to comfort them. There is a lot you can learn.” I was never taught court protocol or even proper princess etiquette. I was left to figure things out on my own after my mother died, but I don’t have to do that here.
“I would like that very much.”
