#leanora

[thegentleleaves]

@multiversalshenanigans sent: "I trust you slept well."

When she saw her lady enter, the young soon-to-be queen gave a small smile. "Well enough, I suppose. Thank you. And you? I hope your new rooms are to your liking."

Ella had, truthfully, been dreadfully cold all night, even with the fire burning in the hearth and the heavy goose feather quilt she'd found in the wardrobe. But that wasn't really anything new; to her, anyway. Ella hadn't truly felt warm since before she'd been locked in the attic. Still, the incessant chill made it hard to sleep. Not that she planned to complain, or tell anyone. Kit had enough on his plate already, what with all the preparation for the wedding, on top of trying to manage the repercussions the Grand Duke's betrayal and exile had brought about. She didn't want to worry him any further.

"Has Kit called for me?"

[thegentleleaves]

@multiversalshenanigans sent: “I hope to see you again.”

The Duke's cheeks grew hot as he bowed his head. He'd heard that same phrase so many times, from so many other young ladies, in such a short period that he'd lost count after 20. But here, now, was the first time he found himself believing in the sincerity behind the words. Or, at the very least, wanting to believe in it...

It was no secret at court that he was awkward; quiet almost to the point of it being unsettling. He never tried to hide the fact that he preferred the company of his sister and her ladies over the other aristocratic young men. Or that he was more likely to be found in the library or the gardens than in the forest on a hunt. Edward knew he was even more of an outsider here than Ella was. But the nobility couldn't deny that he was now the most eligible bachelor at court. Rich, titled, owning the third largest estate after lands belonging to the crown and the Marois family. Not to mention close to the king and queen.

Yes, he was as ripe for the picking here as Ella had once been in the eyes of the Tremaines. And Edward was determined not to repeat his father's mistakes. He wouldn't let a pretty face or honeyed words turn his head. Not when it could spell out doom for Ella and Kit if he found himself tied to someone like Lady Tremaine, or worse! He'd sooner never marry than let that happen again.

But as he glanced up at her, tenderness filling his eyes and a smile tugging on his lips, Edward couldn't help but think of the kind of marriage he'd always wanted. One like his own parents' had been. Like Ella and Kit's was... Deep and sincere love, with no inhibitions or ulterior motives. Just two people who sincerely cared for each other. Who enjoyed each other's company, and offered support no matter if times were good or bad, and who genuinely brought out the best in each other.

"I should like that very much." He whispered. "I'm hosting a small party next week for Ella and Kit at our father's estate. For her birthday... Rosamund, her fiance, and her parents are coming as well. If you and your family would like to come, I'd be glad to have you. There'll be a picnic in the meadow behind the house. We'll show everyone the garden and the orchard... I... It'll be easier for me... To be myself, you know, when there's less eyes and a more comfortable environment..."

[starsallalightarchived]

@flashbacksech0es sent : “marry me.”

When Edward had asked Lea to take a walk in the castle gardens with him, he certainly hadn't expected those to be the words she'd say. Taken aback, the young Duke could only blink for a moment. Yes, he and his sister's lady-in-waiting had spent quite a lot of time together since Ella and Kit's wedding celebration. But until that, Edward been rather uncertain of her thoughts and feelings regarding him.

Slowly, a smile tugged at his lips, and he wasn't quite able to stop the chuckle that escaped. "Well, I suppose that makes this a tad redundant, but I hope you won't mind if I do anyway?"

Then, reaching into his pocket, he got down on one knee and held out a small velvet box.

[starsallalightarchived]

@flashbacksech0es sent : SONG : singing or humming a lullaby

Groaning softly, Edward realized that he'd somehow fallen asleep in the carriage. He wasn't sure how long he and his wife had been on the road, nor how close they were to the destination Kit and Ella had sent them on.

Rubbing his eyes, he looked over at her with a soft smile. "I'm sorry. I don't know how I fell asleep. Where are we? Has the driver said how long until we're there?"

[starsallalightarchived]

@flashbacksech0es : Miles & Leanora

It had taken a while to get time to go to the little park, let alone find their way there. But Miles had been determined to make it there. Things had been chaotic enough, moving here from West Virginia, and getting adjusted at the hospital. But with a four year old? And doing it all on his own?

Anna needed the break. The chance to just be a little girl. And to be honest, he needed it too. Being a single working parent was hard. And he had to make sure that his daughter's emotional needs were being met just as much as her physical ones.

As they walked down the path, Anna's bright smile, sweet face, and little voice greeted everyone with a hello and a wave. But when she saw the little creek up ahead, she broke free from his grip and raced forward, nearly running right into the legs of a woman also standing on the creekbed.

Rushing up, Miles managed to catch up before the little girl ran into the water. "I'm sorry." He apologized as Anna wriggled, eager to go splash around in the water. "She didn't bump into you, did she?"

[starsallalightarchived]

@amaranthblooms sent : Lea glanced up from the settee at her husband when he came into the parlor, smiling she motioned for him to join her. "Come sit, I know they already told you that the doctor's been here."

Edward had barely finished at the harbor when his valet rode up and let him know that the doctor had stopped by the manor to see Lea, and the Duke immediately left things in the hands of his assistant and turned to get his horse.

Faithful old Galahad had got him back home quickly, but every minute was like ice in his veins. How he kept himself from being sick, he had no idea.

But as he approached the settee, Edward's hands positively quaked. He knelt before his wife and swallowed thickly. He nodded, unable to speak, but the look in his eyes was clearly beseeching; pleading for the news. For her to tell him he wasn't going to lose her next.

[starsallalightarchived]

@amaranthblooms : Edward & Leanora

Edward had nearly danced his feet off, what with all the ladies and daughters of his new peers he'd been asked to accompany to the dance floor. He'd barely even had time to speak with his sister and brother-in-law.

As he tried to find a respite in a quite corner, he gasped slightly when he saw he wasn't alone. But just as quickly as it came, it was gone. A dignified smile replaced it as his mind raced for a moment to remember the name that went with this face. "Forgive me, Lady de la Tour. I hope I didn't startle you. Enjoying the ball?" The new duke asked.

[starsallalightarchived]

@amaranthblooms sent : "Hello, Your Grace, I am Leanora your new lady-in-waiting." When Leanora's mother had heard she had earned a place as the new princess' lady-in-waiting Madame de la Tour had been over the moon. Since the Mystery Princess had been found many courtiers were clamoring to get in to the future queen's good graces.

Smiling softly at the young woman, Ella couldn't quite resist the instinct to curtsy and bow her head. She needed to get better at remembering that she was no longer required to do so. She'd already earned quite strange looks from several of the older ladies this morning, and even seen a few of the lords whispering as she approached.

"It's very nice to meet you. Rosamund has told me about you. I hope we can be good friends too, like she and I seem to be on the path to becoming."