They emerged from their bed chamber about noon time and headed to the dining room. Lunch was being prepared and they released each others hand and went around the room greeting people. As they neared their chairs, the king stepped up and pulled the queens chair back, kissed her neck and said something softly in her ear.
"I do." She replied softly and looked over to see her handmaid smiling at her. She knew the girl heard her reply and understood the meaning. No one else in the room grasped the importance of the four words that were whispered but the king, queen and handmaid. The queen smiled back at her then reached for her glass.
After lunch, the king and queen had individual matters they had to address that would keep them away from one another until dinner. The king kissed the queens hand as he lifted it to his lips. He paused and smiled while staring deeply into her eyes. Her heart swelled and her soul was filled as he looked at her.
The king never refrained from telling the queen how much he loved her, needed her and wanted her. How she fulfilled him.
The king never failed to show her how much she meant to him, how much he desired her and worshiped her. How he would die in order to keep her safe.
That look. That look surpassed all words and actions. That look allowed her to see into his soul. Sharing more of him with her than he has anyone else in the world. The look that told her, you are cherished beyond my own life.
The queen blushed as the king lifted his head and winked. She also understood the thought and meaning behind the kings wink.
"I believe I am spoiled." She thought as he released her hand and they exited out separate doors. "I know I am spoiled." She thought then exhaled with a deep sigh while she was walking down the hallway with her handmaid.
"My queen, are you ok? You just sighed, do you need anything?"
"I am fine my dear." The queen said as she wrapped her arms across her chest and hugged herself.
"I know by your expression in the dining hall that you remember the meaning of 'You know' and 'I do'."
"I do remember my queen."
"You heard me respond with 'I do', but, what you could not see was how the king looked at me. I am telling you this because you need to find someone in your life that looks at you the way my king looks at me. With his look, he surrounded me, held me, comforted me and let me know that I am safe. Just with his look.
He let me look into his soul. He let me see where I am actually a part of him, how we are one. Just with his look.
I was able to see love. Actually see love. What it means to him. What I mean to him. Just with his look."
The queen became silent as they continued to walk. She sighed again then stopped in front of her room. She turned to her handmaid then leaned against the door.
Feeling awkward while being in the presence of the queen as she expressed herself in this reflective mood, the handmaid stood in the middle of the corridor and folded her hands. She had never experienced the queens openness to such a personal matter and was not sure how to respond. She realized that it was her duty to assist the queen in any way that was needed, but, it was an honor to stand and listen to the queen speak of love and what it means to her.
"He loves me my dear. I know that and I feel it deep within me. Find that for yourself. Look for that type of love. Do not fall for kind words or shallow compliments. You need to seek and search for love. Do not fall in love. Remember, usually when you fall, you get hurt." The queen said as she opened her door.
"Yes Milady." The handmaid said as she curtsied to the queen. "Will you need any assistance my queen?"
"No dear, I will let you know if I need you. "The queen stepped forward and kissed her on the forehead. "I have always seen you as a daughter rather than a handmaid. However, you have grown up right before my eyes. You are a fine young lady now and I would like to consider you more of a friend instead of a handmaid. Will that be fine with you?" The queen asked.
"I do not know what to say ma'am. I am here to serve you and assist you. It is an honor to be thought of as a daughter to you, but as a friend, it is almost overwhelming milady." She said as she twisted her fingers in her hands nervously.
"Nothing has changed in the duties my dear. You will still be paid for your services. However, I need someone to talk to at times and I trust you. You have been loyal and have worked diligently in the service of the court. There is no one else other than the king that I believe I can talk to freely without worry."
"It will be an honor ma'am." She said with a large smile and another curtsy.
"Thank you. My friend." Said the queen as she stepped through the doorway and entered her room.
It was a chaotic and busy day for the king and queen. They both had to focus on their tasks even though the thought of one another was paramount in their minds. The king would smile, giggle or sigh sporadically throughout the day. When he was asked if he needed anything or if something was on his mind he would simply smile and respond with, "I am well, thank you. Or Everything is wonderful."
The queens sighs and behind her hand chuckles were also met with inquiries of any need, help or any assistance she may require. She answered in the same manner as the king.
The king returned to their living quarters before dinner and bathed. He let the hot water ease the tension that bound his muscles into knots. As he began to towel himself off after stepping out of the bath, he thought he looked as red as a lobster because of how hot he had the water. As the heat left his skin, he took the time to feel how good and refreshing it was for his aching body. He thought is was as if all of the stressors of the day were dissipating.
He walked into the dining hall and paused as he passed the threshold. The queen was standing across the room talking with a couple. Her beauty caused him to swallow the spittle that had instantly formed in his mouth. "She made my mouth water" he thought as he began to walk towards the small group that had now gathered around her.
He stayed back out of eyesight, but close enough to be within hearing range. Listening to her speak had always pleased him. Her command of syntax, her confidence in answering questions about a vast array of topics and her ability to take an inquiry, that would make other people uncomfortable, and answer in a humorous and entertaining way reminded him of her inner strength.
When a break in the conversation occurred, the king walked up behind her and placed his hand on her lower back.