Xena burst into the servant's quarters, her chest heaving as if she'd run the entire length of the castle. Her eyes darted around the room, landing on Lily, who was folding linens with practised ease.
"Xena?" Lily's brow furrowed with concern. "You look as if you've seen a ghost again. What's wrong?"
Xena collapsed onto a nearby bench, her hands trembling slightly. "It's nothing. I just... I had a rather unexpected encounter."
Lily set aside her work and sat beside her friend. "With whom? You're white as a sheet."
Xena hesitated, biting her lip. "The King," she finally admitted in a whisper.
Lily's eyes widened. "The King?! What happened? Did he reprimand you for something?"
"No, nothing like that." Xena shook her head. "He... he wanted to speak with me. Privately. In his study."
A low whistle escaped Lily's lips. "His study? That's quite unusual. What did he want?"
Xena's mind raced, searching for a plausible explanation that wouldn't reveal too much. "He had some questions about my background. Where I'm from, that sort of thing."
"How strange," Lily mused. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping. "You know, there's been talk among the staff..."
"What kind of talk?" Xena asked, her heart rate quickening.
Lily glanced around to ensure they were alone. "About the King and Queen. Their... relationship."
Xena tried to keep her voice casual. "Oh? What about it?"
"Well," Lily began, clearly relishing the chance to share gossip, "they say the royal marriage isn't exactly a love match. That the King and Queen barely speak to each other outside of official functions."
Xena's mind flashed to the tension she'd witnessed between Aldric and Elara in the study. "Is that so unusual for royal couples?"
Lily shrugged. "Perhaps not. But there's more. They say..." She paused for dramatic effect. "They say there's still no heir on the way. After all this time."
"No heir?" Xena echoed, her curiosity genuinely piqued. "But surely they must be trying? The kingdom needs an heir."
"That's just it," Lily whispered. "Some of the older servants swear the King hasn't visited the Queen's chambers in months. Maybe longer."
Xena's breath caught in her throat. She thought of Aldric's intense gaze in the study, the way he'd leaned towards her. "But why?" she asked, her voice barely audible.
Lily shook her head. "Who knows? Maybe they simply don't suit. Or maybe..." Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Maybe the King's heart lies elsewhere."
Before Xena could respond to this dangerous speculation, Lily's demeanour suddenly shifted. A dreamy look crossed her face. "Speaking of hearts," she sighed, "did you see that handsome guard at the ceremony yesterday? The tall one with the dark curls?"
Xena blinked at the abrupt change of subject. "I... can't say I noticed," she admitted.
Lily clutched her hands to her chest dramatically. "Oh, Xena, he was magnificent! Like something out of a ballad. I swear, when our eyes met, I felt my heart stop."
Despite the tumult of emotions swirling within her, Xena couldn't help but laugh. "My goodness, Lily! It takes so little to make you fall in love."
Lily grinned, unabashed. "What can I say? I'm a romantic at heart. Unlike some people I could mention." She poked Xena playfully in the ribs.
Xena rolled her eyes, grateful for the lightening of the mood. "Yes, well, some of us have more important things to worry about than handsome guards."
"More important than love?" Lily gasped in mock horror. "Perish the thought!"
Their laughter filled the small room, but the moment was short-lived as the distant sound of footsteps echoed down the hall.
Xena jumped to her feet. "That'll be Lady Marjorie making her rounds. We'd better get back to work before she catches us idle."
Lily nodded, reluctantly returning to her pile of linens. "You're right. But this conversation isn't over, Xena. I want to hear more about your meeting with the King later."
*****
LATER THAT DAY
In the royal chambers, a different kind of tension was unfolding. Queen Elara stood before a full-length mirror, adjusting her gown with meticulous care. Behind her, King Aldric fastened his cloak, his movements brusque and distracted.
"You do look lovely, Elara." Aldric said, his tone more polite than passionate.
Elara turned, a coy smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I do hope I've chosen an appropriate outfit for our visit to the orphanage."
She glided towards him, her hips swaying enticingly. As she reached Aldric, she placed a hand on his chest, looking up at him through long lashes. "Perhaps we have a few moments before we need to leave? We could... take advantage of the privacy."
Aldric gently removed her hand, his expression kind but distant. "I'm afraid not, Elara. The carriage will be waiting, and it wouldn't be good to keep the children waiting."
A flash of frustration crossed Elara's face before she quickly masked it with a smile. "Of course, you're right. How thoughtless of me to suggest otherwise."
She turned away, her fingers clenching briefly at her sides. This wasn't of course the first time Aldric had rebuffed her advances, and Elara was growing increasingly desperate. An heir was needed, and soon. Without one, her position – and the delicate political alliance her marriage represented – would be in jeopardy.
As they made their way to the courtyard where the royal carriage waited, Elara's mind raced. She needed a new strategy, a way to entice Aldric to her bed. Perhaps after their visit to the orphanage, when he was full of paternal feelings...
"You seem preoccupied, Elara," Aldric's voice broke into her thoughts. "Is something troubling you?"
Elara forced a bright smile. "Not at all. I was just thinking about the poor orphans we're about to visit. It breaks my heart to think of children without families."
Aldric nodded, his expression softening. "Indeed. We must do all we can to ensure they're cared for."
As they settled into the carriage, Elara laid her hand on Aldric's arm. "You have such a kind heart, Your Majesty. You'll make a wonderful father someday."
She felt Aldric stiffen slightly at her words, but he didn't pull away. It was a small victory, but Elara would take what she could get. As the carriage rolled out of the castle gates, she began to formulate a plan.
Tonight, she decided. Tonight, she would make her move. Wine, perhaps, to loosen Aldric's inhibitions. Soft candlelight, soothing music – she would create an atmosphere he couldn't resist. And if all else failed... Well, there were other methods to ensure an heir was conceived.
She was a queen, after all, and queens did what was necessary to secure their position – no matter the cost.