Ellis slipped his arm through hers once more as they made their way into the corridor leading to their bedchamber. Shaking off her daydream, Rivka leaned into his side, causing him to shift his weight and stumble slightly. Right then, thedoor to the washroom swung open and Luther stepped right in their path, knocking into Ellis.
“Watch where you are going, imbecile.” The satchel he was carrying fell to the floor. “Oh, my apologies Queen Rivka, I mistook you for someone else.” Luther bowed slightly to her, not nearly low enough for the respect owed but Rivka didn’t exactly care. She wanted to be rid of this bully of a man as soon as possible. Luther regained his composure and bent fully to retrieve his satchel and its contents from the floor. He pocketed it and half-heartedly sang, “I do hope that we see you later tonight.” Giving a slight dip of his head and a crooked grin, he strode down the corridor without a backwards glance.
Watching him stroll away, Ellis turned a puzzled look at Rivka, who just shrugged.
“I didn’t even know he could smile. Thatwasa smile, right?” Rivka snorted, “I’m not entirely sure what that was, to be honest.” The perplexed expression on Ellis’ face was almost comical and continued speaking as if Rivka hadn’t answered him at all. “And why was he slumming it on this side of the palace? This is where all of us “lowly” royals from the visiting provinces are, and he obviously thinks he is above us. Such a strange man.”
Ellis was right. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it but the encounter left her feeling unsettled. It appeared that Ellis felt the same, as he continued to stare after the man with a look of concern.
“El, are you even listening to me?”
“Yes, sorry.” He glanced down at her. “You have to attend tonight, my love. It would look poorly on you if you didn’t at least make an appearance. It won’t be that bad.”
Sticking her bottom lip out, Rivka made a show of stomping her foot, making Ellis chuckle.
“Youcan say that because you aren’t having to squeezeyourself into a tight-fitting dress that you can barely breathe in, let alone eat anything. I am going to positively die of hunger tonight. You mark my words!”
Ellis stifled his laugh, playing along.
“I am sure everyone wouldloveto see me squeeze into a dress. My ass would be the talk of the ball.”
Laughing Rivka bumped him with her hip.
“You would lookpositivelyscandalous!”
“At least someone will be taking yours off of you later tonight and doing a little eating of their own.” Wiggling his eyebrows suggestively at her, he poked her in her stomach. “Some of us aren’t so lucky.”
“ELLIS!” A blush heated Rivka’s cheeks. The teasing was all in fun, though she knew Ellis often covered up his loneliness with humor.
She jabbed him with her elbow, just as they reached their door. Entering first, Ellis held it open, bowing with flourish. Rivka sailed past him with an air of haughtiness, head held high, in her best Vivian interpretation before collapsing into another fit of giggles. It was nice to just be Riv and El for a bit. Soon it would be time to put on the dreaded dress and become Queen Rivka again. Her only consolation was that her two favorite people would be by her side.
Chapter Seven
The Treaty Ball
Rivka
The grand ballroom shimmered beneath the glow of a thousand chandeliers, their golden light reflecting off the polished marble floors. Tall, arched windows were draped in deep emerald silk, their folds cascading like waterfalls of fabric. A sweeping staircase led down to the heart of the festivities, where lords and ladies whispered behind gilded fans. The scent of roses and candle wax mingled with the distant notes of a waltz played by a full orchestra.
“A bit over the top, don’t you think?” Ellis said, in a stage whisper.
Rivka chuckled. “Behave tonight, El. We have a reputation to uphold.”
Alex, ever the professional, just smirked.
“I hate this part.” Rivka sighed, knowing that everyone would be staring in a moment. More like gawking. Somehowshe managed to convince her eyes not to roll and her facial expression to remain composed. In her thirty two years of life, Rivka had never grown to like being the center of attention.
“Well I personallyloveit.” Ellis said with a wink.
“Of course you do, you’re an attention whore.” Alex grinned, as she playfully pushed his shoulder.
“At your service.” He grinned back at her.
A sudden hush rippled through the hall like a breeze across still water. The Master of Ceremonies, a stately man adorned in ceremonial regalia, strode forward, striking the floor with his ivory staff. The music softened, and all eyes turned toward the grand entrance at the top of the staircase.
“Your Majesties, Her Imperial Grace, Queen Rivka Varon, and His Royal Highness, King Consort Ellis Varon!”
The towering doors, adorned with intricate golden filigree, were held open, revealing the regal pair. Rivka stood tall, her gown a masterpiece of sapphire velvet and silver embroidery, its sweeping train shimmering with every movement. Upon her brow, a crown of diamonds and pearls caught the light, making her seem almost ethereal. Beside her, Ellis cut an imposing yet elegant figure in deep navy, his chest adorned with a ceremonial sash in the Varon Province’s colors.
