"You are a kind soul." Arthur remarked almost in passing. The reality was that the depths of her kindness and compassion were unfathomable. After enduring what she had, it might as well have been a miracle she was able to make amends with her sister. It seemed impossible that the couple could know everything about one another, perhaps they did. Perhaps they did not. But what's more is they didn't need to. The connection between the pair was almost spiritual. Something that no one else need understand.
"As for Alice, that would be a marvelous entrance. Everyone will notice you. The surprise behind the Queen and a mere Prince." Arthur smiled gently. He generally aimed to display his warmth to almost everyone, save his father on occasion. When Alice looked at the Royal couple, she saw what she had only seen once before, between Arabella and Richard. Love seemed like a wonderful thing, but in a world as big as theirs and with so many rules, how could she know if she'd ever find it? Alexandra and Arthur were completely enrapt in one another, not to the exclusion of all others, not at all. Perhaps simply settling for safety and position was the best option.
Alice had lucked herself into the service of the aristocracy. A last minute replacement, just a body needed to act as a maid in the house of a particularly dull Viscount and his ilk. It wasn't a particularly glamorous job, she supposed not many truly were. But when a Duchess, whose personal maid had so suddenly and unpredictably taken her own life, calls were made, strings were pulled and servants were stolen away. The needs of those higher up on the food chain were taken above all else. Alice's only understand of the nobility was from her time amongst the few houses.
It wasn't at all what she had imagined as a little girl, growing up on stories of Princes and Princesses, Dukes and Duchesses. It was all just an image, a front, a life they wanted you to see, not the life they truly led. Most were vain, cruel, selfish beyond compare. The Princess and husband being the natural exception. Did she really want to walk among them? As one of them? Would it change her? Of course it hadn't changed Alexandra at all, so hope seemed to remain.
"Come now, we mustn't keep mother waiting." Arthur smiled brightly and held out his arm for Alex, as he always had done, even on a short walk to the drawing room in which the Queen would undoubtedly be waiting. And waiting she was, in her stunning gown and finery, tiara perfectly placed. She stood, for the first time alone since the moment she was married and crowned, barring the few moments she had walking along corridors. It was the smallest of moments, but offered the greatest respite now.
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