Status: closed except for @thegentletm
Location: Cair Paravel Castle
Date: October 1009, late morning
Arthur strode across the castle at his usual pace. He had nowhere in particular to be this morning, but he liked for people to think he did. Especially now, since so many eyes turned to watch him. His elopement was the only subject of court gossip at the moment, and his guilt grew by the day. He hadn't wanted this for Eugenie, but he couldn't say no to her.
He knew his own reputation was the cause of the perceived scandal. His impulsivity and penchant for shenanigans turned heads when he showed up with her last week. It was jealousy, he figured. Arthur could be accused of many things, but a flirt or a rake certainly was not one of them. In fact, Edmund had chastised him a number of times for treating the young ladies of the court with disdain.
He simply couldn't help it though. They didn't have any genuine interest in him...just his fortune and his title. Besides, he'd only ever had eyes for his Eugenie, so why even waste everyone's time?
But now they whispered about her. Who was this strange woman who showed up on Arthur Hart's arm? What could she have done to entice him into such a quick marriage?
Arthur scoffed as he took in more mindless women whispering down the hall. He decided to cut through the gardens, hoping the autumn air would keep the gossipers inside. Instead, he ran directly into Queen Susan.
He dropped into a respectful bow. "Your Majesty." He said in a low tone. Normally, he would have simply let her pass by. Susan had made it quite plain over the years that she didn't approve of Arthur's friendship with Edmund. She felt Arthur dragged Edmund into too much trouble; a reputation Arthur didn't think was wholly deserved. Ed was perfectly capable of getting himself into plenty of trouble.
But today, he hesitated. Eugenie had told him all about her wonderful stroll with Susan. Arthur knew he should be grateful that Susan had reached out. Her acceptance was one of the keys to Eugenie's overall acceptance at court. He was grateful...he just didn't necessarily want to admit it. His pride wasn't nearly equal in worth to Eugenie's happiness, though, so he swallowed it.
"It seems I owe Your Majesty my gratitude." He said in as nonchalant a voice he could muster. "My wife still delights in recounting your conversation the other day. It truly made her whole week." He dropped his head into another quick bow. "Thank you."
