8 One Step, Two Steps Ahead

It was a fantasy come to life. 

Sir Julius Ginellevé was accompanied by Her Majesty in the private gazebo—a place where they could meet and be alone without anyone to bother them.

There was a soft ambience in the air and he could hear the soft gurgling of the waves in the lake right behind him. In his field of vision, he was greeted with the sight of birds singing atop lush trees and butterflies fluttering in the air. It was a lovely atmosphere to be in right now.

But most important of all.

He could drink in her smile and enjoy the light of her eyes.

Admire how her skin glowed akin to a blossoming flower and relish her voice—a soft melody in the breeze.

It was a rare occasion for her to treat him this well—outside of their clandestine meetings and private quarters.

"Sugar or milk?" She asked him with a raised brow.

His lips curled into a smile, "Whatever you deem as fit." He really didn't need to drink anything but to take in the sight of her and enjoy her presence.

That was more than enough.

"I have a sweet tooth, I don't think it'll be good for you to have too much sugar though." Her gaze swept over him, a careful look on her face as she considered and pondered things. Until she finally dropped in a sugar cube and added some milk. "But perhaps a bit would be fine."

She really was indulging him this time, she was never one to share her sweets—it made all the danger of staying at her side completely worth it.

But someone invaded their garden of solitude.

"Welcome to the Gazebo of Dreams." A certain man called out cheerfully, proudfully—and there he was: The King of Hearts with his entourage. He was entertaining the people from the other Royal Suits. "It's reminiscent of my days during the Card Trial."

Sir Julius Ginellevé glanced back at his Queen and felt irritation flare up within him, the color vanished from her face. Her hand shook on the table, he reached for it as he squeezed her fingers for a moment. 

The brief time with her was hardly enough.

He pulled himself out of the seat and prepared himself for their arrival.

. . .

There was no rest for the wicked.

Rosalyn Lockhart would almost accept those words as reality—all she wanted was rest but life wouldn't even give her a moment to breathe. She had barely held back her anger before she felt someone squeeze her fingers.

Sir Julius Ginellevé's gaze was both tender but she could feel the rage beneath them."It seems that His Majesty has arrived, it would be improper to be seen together."

She stared at him for a moment and shook her head, never quite understanding how the man could barge into her chambers but also be wary of this occurrence. However, he was right.

Tea time was over.

She swept up from her chair and prepared for her husband's arrival.

"His Majesty, the King of the Kingdom of Hearts has arrived with his fellow Rulers of their respective Kingdoms." A servant announced as they stepped in the gazebo.

It was simply the same old courtesies as she curtsied along with her knight. "We greet His Majesty, the King of Hearts and his fellow Rulers." Perhaps she really should have stayed in her private quarters, now she didn't only have to deal with one King but three more.

"I am pleased to introduce to you, Her Majesty, my Queen Rosalyn Lockhart. I'm quite relieved to see that you are feeling better and accompanied by Sir Julius." Alexander gave her a smile as he momentarily stepped closer to her.

She had to smile back, but she could feel the pricks in his words. "A breath of fresh air was helpful for me."

"My apologies, Your Majesty. I cannot seem to deny the Queen her requests." Sir Julius Ginellevé admitted with a carefree laugh until another man stepped towards them.

"Ah, the rumors are true~ Her Majesty, the Queen of Hearts is indeed a beauty to behold." A young man with shoulder-length brown hair bowed and extended a hand. "A pleasure to meet you, I hope that you would accept a small present from this one." His identity was quick to recognize, with a flamboyant approach and appearance. 

Their green eyes twinkled as he gazed at her, lips curling into a suave smile.

Rosalyn Lockhart managed a smile, "Ah, His Majesty, The King of Diamonds—

King Francis le Diamant, the pleasure would be mine." She reached for his hand but he plopped a small box into her hand. 

"A small trinket from the Kingdom of Hearts, though I assume it is to be a rare and prized thing here. I imagine it would look lovely as you wear it" 

She blinked as she looked down at the small box, even the box itself was bejeweled and adorned with tiny studs of diamonds. She felt her lips twitched into a smile, the King was right—her husband would be ill pressed to find something of value and even her Knight would have to slay countless beasts and creatures to bring her something like this.

Opening the box would reveal a glittering necklace with a bright blue diamond. She curtsied in front of the King. "Ah, my sincerest gratitude, if I had known, I would have prepared my own gifts—but all I could offer right now is a cup of tea if you will." She cleared her throat and identified the two other royalty present and offered her own smile. "I offer the same act of gratitude for the King of Clover and Spades, I hope that the Kingdom of Hearts has been a delight so far and the trip was pleasant."

"Ah, thank you, Your Majesty—the trip has indeed been pleasant. Perhaps it would be nice to try His Majesty, King le Diamant's gift at once? I have also brought some gifts, not as expensive per se but also something of value." The King of Spades would give a quick bow.

Rosalyn Lockhart blinked at the remark.

It was a strange request—to wear jewelry given by someone not her husband. But it was probably something that they would clearly like to see. It would be a lot harder to dispose of it later but perhaps she could wear it now. She picked up the gift out of its box, a festoon necklace, small drapes of delicate ribbon-like chain adorned around the center jewel.

"My Queen, if you would allow me?" His Majesty, Alexander Hartschmidt stepped closer.

Her footsteps immediately drew back, her heart beat immediately elevating as he approached her. "Ah, Your Majesty—I can do it by myself." She should have said yes, but those words left her lips so easily as she tried to smile and pretend it was alright. "I would not like to display such public indecency in front of the other Rulers."

"It is a bit silly when you and I are husband and wife, Your Majesty." Alexander answered with mock-hurt as he took another step closer. 

Why did he have to pull up that card now out of all times?

Even Sir Julius could do nothing at this time with all the people present. She only had herself to rely on.

Rosalyn Lockhart stepped back once more and shook her head. "I prefer to do it myself. I doubt your capacity to clasp a necklace, Your Majesty." Perhap to the others present, it would seem like a coquettish thing to do—deny her husband and make him come closer.

But she wanted none of that. She was serious.

He didn't need to heed and agree with the other Kings' request. Would he really adorn her neck with the jewel that came from another man? Was that how little he saw in her? A doll to be dressed up in?

"My Queen, it's dangerous to play around." He stepped closer and held out his hand. "Come closer and let's have tea?"

She was having none of that, it made him all more suspicious!

What was with the sudden shift of—the world turned upside down. A large splash then and there before coldness engulfed her whole.

Two splashes soon followed.