A Night with the King II
When King Arthur entered Queen Elizabeth's chamber, he found her resting on the bed while the royal physician examined her.
"Fortunately, the lightning caused you no physical harm, Your Majesty," the physician said with a reassuring smile. "A weak protective spell was already surrounding your body. Someone cast it on you long before the storm."
"My mother did," Elizabeth replied softly. "She placed a protection spell on me before I left my homeland. I assumed it had faded by now."
"Then your mother's magic must have been exceptionally powerful," the physician said with a nod. "The lightning never actually struck you. The sudden surge of energy frightened your body, causing you to lose consciousness."
He reached into his leather satchel and removed a small crystal vial filled with pale blue liquid.
"This is a protective fragrance. Apply a small amount each day, and it will help shield you from lightning."
He smiled warmly.
"Consider it my humble gift to Her Majesty."
The physician handed the vial to Kira before bowing respectfully and leaving the chamber.
King Arthur's gaze swept across the room.
"Leave us."
At once, everyone, including Kira and Cristal, bowed before quietly exiting, closing the doors behind them.
Silence settled over the chamber.
Night had fallen, and only the silver moonlight streaming through the windows illuminated the room.
Elizabeth remained seated on the bed, her delicate veil still covering her face.
King Arthur slowly approached.
"So…" he said, his deep voice breaking the silence. "You're unharmed."
Elizabeth nodded.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Arthur stepped closer until only a short distance separated them.
"Remove your veil."
It wasn't a request.
With slightly trembling fingers, Elizabeth untied the veil and lowered it from her face.
The king took it from her hands and casually placed it aside.
"Elizabeth," he said quietly. "Daughter of Lord Wilfred… tonight, I receive you not only as my queen, but as my wife."
He sat beside her.
Gently, he brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
His fingertips were surprisingly cold.
Elizabeth had imagined the king's touch would be warm, yet she quickly remembered the stories people told about him.
The God of Storms.
Their eyes met.
The silence between them grew heavier.
Elizabeth's heartbeat quickened until she could hear nothing else.
She wasn't sure whether she feared the king… or simply feared the unknown.
Arthur noticed the nervousness in her eyes.
"Do not be afraid," he said softly.
Before she could answer, he leaned forward and kissed her.
Elizabeth froze.
"My… King…"
Her voice barely escaped as a whisper.
Arthur remained gentle, allowing her time to adjust before drawing her into another kiss.
Slowly, Elizabeth relaxed.
She closed her eyes, surrendering herself to the moment and accepting the path fate had chosen for her.
Outside, the storm had long since passed.
Only the quiet night bore witness to the beginning of their marriage.
Warm sunlight filtered through the curtains.
Elizabeth slowly opened her eyes.
Morning had arrived.
For a brief moment, she lay still, trying to gather her thoughts.
Then the memories of the previous night returned.
Her cheeks warmed.
King Arthur was already gone.
"So this is how it is…" she murmured.
She sat up carefully, only to wince as soreness spread through her body.
A knock sounded at the door.
"My Queen," Kira called gently, "I've come to prepare your morning bath."
"You may enter."
The door opened, and Kira entered with three other maids.
One carried neatly folded garments.
Another held fragrant oils.
The third carried fresh towels.
The maids respectfully turned away while Elizabeth wrapped herself in a robe before walking toward the royal bath.
The bathing room contained a beautiful marble pool filled with steaming water scented with herbs and flowers.
Elizabeth slipped into the warm water with a quiet sigh.
"You may come in."
Kira entered and closed the door behind her.
"Is the water comfortable, Your Majesty?"
"It is."
Kira stepped into the shallow pool carrying a soft sponge.
She carefully washed Elizabeth's arms before moving to her shoulders with practiced gentleness.
When she poured lavender shampoo over Elizabeth's hair, the familiar fragrance immediately filled the room.
Elizabeth closed her eyes.
It smelled exactly like home.
For several peaceful moments, she simply breathed in the comforting scent before Kira gently rinsed it away.
After her bath, Elizabeth returned to her chamber wrapped in a soft robe.
The room had already been cleaned, and the bed linens replaced with fresh silk sheets.
One of the maids helped her into a simple white dressing gown while Kira searched through several elegant outfits.
Finally, she lifted a flowing blue gown embroidered with delicate white patterns and pearl buttons.
A bright smile spread across her face.
"This one will look beautiful on you, My Queen."
The other maids nodded in agreement.
Elizabeth admired the dress for a moment before smiling softly.
"It truly is beautiful."