Easter Party

Richard stepped into the Hall where he was hit by a warmth and a strong mixture of the scent of ale, wine, and roasting meat, what characterised all Easter parties of the country. This familiar atmosphere was a balsam to his nerves and he immediately felt much more relaxed. He was more and more convinced that he will spend a great afternoon with his wife Eleanor. Richard reached the royal table close to the counter. Then ordered two goblets of ale and waited for his subjects to arrive

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Richard noticed that Aurora joined the party. She was sitting alone, glancing around. He knew that she felt a bit uncomfortable for what's happened in the past. He smiled in her direction and gestured her to approach him

Aurora...so glad to see you. Please, sit with me..

He hoped to break the frozen air between them with his words

Aurora was apprehensive at first to go to him it was as though everything that had transpired between them was suddenly erased from his memory. It still very much lived in her. "Your majesty," Aurora dipped into a curtsy before him. "Thank you for such a flattering offer. I had best stand for I wouldn't want people to think I am trying to take my sister's place," Aurora had half been expecting to see her sister sitting beside her husband once again. Sadly the Queen's throne remained empty once again. A depressing sight to behold in the eye's of the court. "Eleanor will probably be here soon it would be humiliating for me. I have no qualms with talking to his majesty from in front of him though. If you don't mind me saying you'll be getting a much prettier view, then say those floral arrangements on the table," Aurora jested sometimes it was good to just make merry words.

Richard listened her in silence and then smiled for her words. He shook his slowly his head

It's not my intention to make you feel uncomfortable, Aurora. Your sister will reach us soon. So..you may sit at my other side. Unless you prefer sitting elsewhere, of course..

He paused and looked intently at her face. He noticed she changed her hairstyle

I find you very well. I'm glad to see you around. I thought..you were not feeling well. Maybe it's time to find you an husband..

He added with a teasing but serious smile

A husband! Aurora thought at first he had to be kidding, but his serious tone told her otherwise. But whom would it be. She was not keen on a Bavarian nor French man, maybe English, or someone who came from Spain no one really came to mind that made her feel joyous about this news. "Does his majesty have someone in mind already," Never did Aurora think that a king would be helping her with a suitor. Naturally, she had assumed that the role would go to the only man in her life. Her cousin Inigo.

Richard shrugged a bit

Not yet. But I'm thinking about this since long time. It's not seemly for the Queen's sister to be still unmarried. I have intention to choose your future husband personally. Someone..worthy of you, of course..

He turned his glance towards her, noticing her perplexed face

What's wrong, Aurora? You..don't look happy about that. You know I will choose only the best for you..

"You are not my king and my sister is not my queen," Aurora stated it as the situation was the truth. She did not want royal help in finding a husband, she could not understand why all of a sudden she needed to be married. "Just because Eleanor has returned doesn't mean things need to change. I am bitterly disappointed that you seem to think that they do," Maybe if Richard had intended to marry Aurora off at the start of his marriage, she would feel less suspicious about the current circumstances. Despite what he would say she knew just as she knew that the sky was blue. That she was being shafted out of the picture once and for all.

Richard took a deep breath after her words. He looked not surprised by her reaction. He just shook slowly his head

You're my sister in law, Aurora. I think it's natural for me taking care about your future. I know..that you think that I want to control your life..but it's not true. I assure you..that my intentions towards you are noble..

He took a goblet from wine and turned his head towards her

I don't want to see you disappointed, Aurora. Eleanor and I will leave soon to England..to join Anne Boleyn's coronation. I would be very happy if you would join us..