Fourth Arc (Thorns of The Black Throne) - 441. Balance It Out
"Send her in," Rose said, standing quickly and brushing imaginary dust off her skirts. Her corset felt tighter now. Her spine straighter. Her lips—
Claire leaned in and whispered behind her hand, "You might want to—" She gestured vaguely at Rose's mouth. "Balance it out."
"I'll manage," Rose snapped softly.
"Sure," Claire hummed. "You could always bite the other side."
"Claire—"
Too late. The door opened.
Lady Farnet entered in a swirl of ivory lace and citrus perfume, her posture proud, her eyes assessing. And yes—there it was. That tiny flicker of a pause when she looked at Rose's mouth.
Rose wanted the floor to swallow her.
"Your Majesty," Lady Farnet said, curtseying.
"Lady Farnet," Rose said with perfectly practiced grace. "Please. Have a seat."
They both sat.
Claire retreated to her corner with the grace of a performer who knew Act Two was about to begin. She perched by the window again, eyes just barely on the meeting. Enough to hear. Enough to enjoy.
Rose tried to focus. Really. But every other word from Lady Farnet's lips sounded like "lips," "kiss," or "king." Her brain refused to behave.
Lady Farnet began, "As you are aware, the grain tariffs in the East—"
"Yes," Rose cut in smoothly. "You're seeking an exception for your province ahead of the summer trade realignments."
"Indeed. And I believe it's not just in my interest, but the kingdom's, to—"
Rose nodded. Her voice even. Her mind? Not. She kept her hands clasped in her lap to keep from covering her mouth.
Every so often, Lady Farnet's eyes darted there. Just quick flicks. Calculated.
And Claire—Claire was grinning behind her glass reflection like she was watching a rom-com play out in real time.
Rose somehow made it through the first ten minutes without combusting.
Then...
"Your Majesty seems in good spirits today," Lady Farnet said.
Rose froze for a fraction of a second. "Do I?"
Lady Farnet smiled politely. "It's always reassuring to see the royal couple thriving. The realm takes comfort in it."
Claire made a sound behind her that definitely wasn't a cough.
Rose's cheeks burned, but she forced a gracious smile. "The realm thrives. That is what matters."
"Of course." Lady Farnet dipped her head. "Still, you do look—content."
Rose focused on the parchment. "Let's return to the tariffs."
The meeting dragged on. Twenty minutes. Maybe longer. Rose lost track of time and composure both. But somehow, she survived. And when Lady Farnet finally left, the door shut behind her with a blessed click.
Silence.
Then...
Claire perched herself on the edge of the desk again. "That was delightful."
Rose groaned. "Don't."
Claire looked far too pleased. "I'm being honest. You were glowing. Positively flushed. Very queenly."
"I've never been this humiliated in my life."
Claire arched a brow. "Not true. Zephyrian Summer Ball."
"Claire—"
"I'm just saying, it's not a bad thing," Claire said gently. "The court saw. They heard. But it humanized you. They'll gossip, yes. But they'll also admire you for it."
Rose stared at her.
"You think this was good for the court?" she asked.
"I think," Claire said softly, "it's the first time you've looked like someone who doesn't carry the entire palace alone."
Rose swallowed. "I still carry it."
"Sure," Claire murmured. "But maybe now… someone else is carrying you too."
That made Rose go still.
Because that was the problem, wasn't it?
Angel didn't just kiss her. He claimed her. Touched her like she belonged. And some dark, horrible, wonderful part of her had… wanted that. Craved it.
She closed her eyes and let out a long, shaky breath.
Outside, the sound of passing servants filtered through the hall.
"…the queen…"
"…never seen the king like that…"
"…maybe there'll be an heir…"
Rose rubbed her temples, muttering, "Gods, they're talking."
Claire just smiled. "The walls were thin."
Rose flopped back into her chair, exasperated.
Claire leaned down, voice warm. "You're allowed to be happy, you know. Even if they see."
Rose didn't answer right away.
But somewhere deep inside, under all the protocol and pressure, she did feel something different. Something new.
Not just embarrassment.
Not just want.
But… hope.
And for the first time in what felt like forever, she didn't mind being seen.
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