The seemingly impossibly long wait had finally diminished, the elongated months now seemed like days as Cadeth looked back. Queen Adelaide had seemed to had found a unstoppable fire under her feet as she felt more determined and all mighty then she had before. She held her head high with confidence, chin lifted as she transverse the castle halls. It brought light to Cadeth's eyes seeing her queen in such a state. It brought pride into the life of all those who lived within the castle walls, seeing their queen carry herself with such strength. The stress had been stripped from Adelaide when she removed the boundaries set on her by the councilmen and tradition. 

Invitations had been sent by boat and horseback over seas to other monarchies, those Scotland considered friends and some who Adelaide believed were best to be kept informed. These few weren't expected to attend, but instead only read the invitation as nothing more than a mere letter. For the first time the castle was decorated for a celebration, not for ceremony or tradition. Guards did not wear dress robes or ceremonial garments, but instead simple uniforms. Handmaiden and housekeepers wore beautiful gowns embroidered with silk and jewels. 

"Have you ever seen her with so much... spunk?" Cadeth asked, trailing off to find just the word to suit the queen's need mood. Cadeth glanced to Edmon with a grin as he peered out from one of the castle balcony's down onto Katherine and Adelaide who roamed the gardens below, speaking of whatever matters crossed their minds. 

"Cannot say I have." Edmon grinned, looking back to Cadeth. "How long do you think it will last?" Edmon asked. Cadeth rose a brow at the question, unsure what he was truly asking. "Her reign. Without a king." He asked. You could see the concern in his eyes, a gaze many members of the castle shared, regardless of their support towards the queen. They worried. They worried that regardless of how strong Adelaide was, someone would see her lack to wed a king as weakness and try to take advantage. 

Cadeth looked to Edmon puzzled. "Do you doubt the Queen's capabilities?" Cadeth asked, almost feeling offended for the queen herself. It was as if his words had almost been an insult to Cadeth herself if not just the queen. 

Edmon shook his head quickly, "No! No! Of course not! Love live the queen!" He nodded spoke quickly, as if his life depended on it. He gazed back towards the girls in the garden before he turned back to the queen's guardsman. "I'm simply expressing concern regarding others possibly question over the legitimacy of her reign." His voice lowered as he spoke. 

Sighing, Cadeth ran a hand over her hair, "I assure you, as you should pass it to any other who speak out about their concerns, Queen Adelaide is a strong and noble queen. She will bring justice and righteousness to Scotland. Anyone who dares to question her rule will step to her army as well as I myself. Understood?" She asked, squeezing his shoulder. 

The short, curly dark haired knight nodded in response. Edmon left as Cadeth had dismissed him, telling him to go and enjoy his hours before the busy night. Edmon shut the door behind him, leaving Cadeth in the room as he found his way through the castle walls. The sound of his shoes echoed down the long staircase as he walked. Turning the corner he stumbled, nearly knocking into someone as he did. 

"Oh! Lady Katherine." He spoke, flustered and clumsily composing himself. Katherine bit the inner of her cheek as she held back a laugh. 

"Sir Edmon." She greeted respectfully. 

"Is... is Queen Adelaide with you?" He asked, glancing over her shoulder and down the hall. Unaware of if he should be ready at moments notice to address her. 

"Oh no, she had dismissed me to prepare for tonight." Her hands fiddled with the ruffles on her dress as she spoke, struggling to maintain eye contact with the boy in front of her. "Will you be there? At the ball? Or will you be on duty?" She asked curiously.

Edmon answered almost excitedly, confirming that he would be in attendance, not assigned to duty for the night. Katherine had asked him to save her a dance before she quickly made her way out of his sight. Edmon grinned, thrills filling him as he pictured the night dancing with Lady Katherine. 

"Edmon!" Mr. Francis cheered as Edom waltzed into the kitchen. He dodged and weaved past cooks running past with hot pots and pans, muttering words under their breath and they hurried to complete all the edible arrangements for tonight. The kitchen was full of men and women in white coats, all carrying something as they walked. Some carried ingredients like flour or fruit while others had finished dishes. Each would shout 'behind' or 'passing' or 'hot plate' as they walked through the many isles of the kitchen. The kitchen itself was built into rows. The walls carried all the heavy machinery. Stoves, bricks ovens, mixtures and beaters. Clean pots and pans hung from hooks on the ceiling, just out of head-hitting range - well expect for the tallest chef Henry, but he learned to duck. The middle rows of long wooden tables had numerous cutting boards, knives, and tools. 

There was method to the madness, a surely confusing sight to anyone who did not work in there. Everyone and everything had it's place. Without it, it would surely become chaos in a matter of minutes. Mr. Francis made Edmon cherish the fact that he had been blessed with a sword and not with a spoon. Mr. Francis was also a difficult person to work for, constantly expecting absolute perfection for all dishes that left his kitchen and into the queen's presence. Many nights Edmon could remember returning from duty to hear Mr. Francis shouting at his staff from across the castle. It was almost a reminder that he would gladly embrace the bitter Scotland winters than the feeling of Mr. Francis's spit on his face. As long as he did not work for him, he quite enjoyed his company. "How are you my boy?" Francis asked, patting his flour coated hands on a wet rag before embracing Edmon. 

"Cannot complain Mr. Francis." He answered happily. 

"I cannot have you crowding my kitchen tonight, as you see, we are much too busy! Get yourself a treat and then you will have to leave!" He replied before mixing into the crowd of busy chefs, tasting and spicing everything that swung past him. Edmon turned towards the large wooden door, descending the stairs into the cellar. It was down here that all cooled food was to be stored. It was packed to the brim with ice from the winter months, buried many feet below the surface to keep all goods properly stored. Edmon stepped into the cold room, hands rubbing together as the brisk air enveloped him. His eyes roaming over the array of food on the shelves. 

Stored on one of the many shelves was a basket, carrying an assortment of fruit. Edmon reached out suddenly, the slick ice riddled floor had caused him to lose his step. The basket had been knocked onto the floor, fruit spilling across. One by one he began to pick up fruits, his eyes landing on a peculiar thorny green fruit. "Huh." He said curiously, picking it up. Withdrawing the blade from his belt he cut it open, seeing the juicy green center. He brought the fruit to his nose, breathing in its scent. It smelt sweet, it's juices shining back at him. Curiously Edmon ran his tongue across the center, surprised at the bitter sweet taste. One that reminded him of sour green apples, his favorite.

Later that evening...

Adelaide weaved throughout the crowd with grace, greeting each fellow king or queen with an embrace or a bow. Most congratulated her with honor and joy, lecturing on about how she will carry on her mothers legacy and be a great queen to Scotland. The music filled the room, guests dancing happily as they swayed back and forth with one another. Wide smiles and laughter echoed any they enjoyed the vast selection of food and beverage. Adelaide had found her spot, dancing amongst those she could call her closest friends. 

"You look ravishing your highness." The Archduke of Austria commented as he kissed the knuckles of Adelaide. She smiled brightly, shoulders shrugging in blush as she thanked him. The royalties of Austria had been long family friends of her bloodline for many years, they were some of the first to welcome her home as she was discovered. "You look beautiful Anna." Adelaide complemented. The woman shared a moment of giggles before the two waltz away to disappear into the crowd. Adelaide adored the sight, surrounded by those who stood besides her in her moments of power. Those who saw her as the strong queen she was, fit to rule her kingdom without the pestering pressure of the court or a foreign king breathing down her neck. Adelaide had seen it all too often. The silencing of a mighty queen as she was squashed by her so called 'beloved' king. Originally adored for her strength and might, pushed into the shadows once a crown was bestowed upon her head. 

Adelaide sipped the champagne, her eyes peaking over the rim of the glass as she looked for those she had yet to welcome to her party and thank for their arrival. As her eyes landed on one being, the champagne in her throat threatened to burst from her lips. Along the corner of the room, holding a glass of champagne himself was Cias. He wore a ball attire, not his usual French formals which allowed him to go unnoticed for so long - but Adelaide could never forget his face. Her heart began to pound, palms silking in a nervous sweat as she stared at him. If he was here, then there was the possibility that he was not alone. That possibly Guillaume had accompanied him, or even worse.

A firm hand grasped onto Adelaide's wrist, tugging her from the dance floor and forcing her gaze with the French man. "What are you-" She began to speak, turning to her captor. Much like something out of a romance novel, her protector had came just at the right time. Cadeth's hand pressed against the marble pillar that Adelaide's back rested against. 

"Do not let him see your fear." Cadeth instructed, gaze not breaking from the queen. 

"Cadeth, it's him. Cias. If he's here then-" She stuttered.

"Do not let him see your fear." Cadeth repeated, shaking her head as Adelaide attempted to turn back towards him, but her guard's captivating gaze kept her centered. 

 "But I am." She said in a hush, tears slowly swelling in her eyes as she thought of the night only months ago, one in which she thought her life would be forever changed. 

"I know that." Cadeth nodded, giving a soft smile. "You know that." She added on, eyes roaming over the queen's porcelain features, "but he does not. He does not know you as I do. If Cias was here with any duty to fulfil he would not stand idly by enjoying your refreshments. His appearance is nothing more than a form of torment for Fredrick and you shall not let him best you. You are stronger than that." Cadeth encouraged, voice raising in power yet remaining hush under the crowd mumbles. 

Adelaide took a deep breath, nodding her head, matching the strong smile that Cadeth offered to her. Her gaze lingered, past what would seem to fit the expected duration. Her eyes dancing between Cadeth's eyes, the swirling orbs that seemed to bring her majesty such comfort. Slowly they dropped towards her lips, slightly parted from the words she had just spoken. Her throat drew dry, the urge to lean in almost unavoidable. But with the urge to lean in came with the memories of what she had yet to forget or learn to understand. The secret that Cadeth was hiding, beneath her perfect disguise. The woman who had everyone deceived to be a man. For every burning passion telling her to enjoy it was a lifelong moral telling her not to. Adelaide abruptly cleared her throat, snatching her sight from her guard's stare. Fixing her posture to stand upright and appear determined, she nodded once more to Cadeth before turning back towards the festivities. Her eyes met Cias's once more as he raised his glass to her across the ballroom. Though her heart still pounded in her chest, she refused to show it. She gracefully bowed, passing him a charming smile. She could see it in his eyes that her actions had taken him back, unexpecting her to seem so unafraid of his presence.  

Adelaide danced with her guests, many hitting the dance floor to preform a widely known traditional ball dance. The dancers traded partners, the woman rotating from one to the next and continuing the steps as the music played. Adelaide giggled as her eyes would find Cadeth between each partner as she watched from the side of the room. "Hello dear." A thick accent greeted her as her hands embraced his. Adelaide tried to pull away, looking around for Cadeth as Cias held her still. "Uh, uh, uh." He tusked, continuing the dance as those around them had not noticed. "Wouldn't want to draw unnecessary attention now would we?" His thick French accent rolled the words off his tongue with the aroma of champagne and fresh cigarettes. 

"What do you want Cias?" She asked spitefully with a glare, eyes still jetting out with each spin to find Cadeth. 

"The king sends his congratulations." Cias spoke as he spun with her. 

"I had made it clear to the king that himself and his men are not welcome in my home." She warned him. 

"Ah, yet you sent an invitation your majesty. It would be rude for not one of us to come in attendance and show our support." Though his words were proper, they were laced with venom like that of a snake. It made her skin crawl with every breath he took. 

"That was not an invitation, it was merely nothing more than a notice." She said firmly, finally the time had come to change partners as they preformed their bows to one another. But Cias grasped her wrist, pulling her back towards him as he spoke in her ear. "A message from Fredrick himself your gracious. My king has a habit of learning things one may not want to share with the world, things he can use to persuade people to do things. So, just know that though you may not wed tomorrow, King Fredrick will see it that you will be his wife." Cias leaned down, kissing the knuckles of Adelaide's hand with a devious smirk.

___

A/N: Sorry posts have kind of disappeared everyone! I'm moving cross country AZ to AL and been super busy packing! BUT I do have the next chapter already typed up. I plan to post it once this one gets some reads and comments! <3 excited to get back to writing again and reading all your love.