Queen Penelope // 40
Penelope hadn't missed the slight gasp that had come from King Elias when her daughter introduced her. Her eyes going to Elias has her smile widened ever so slightly before she bowed and greeted them. Her explanation that her King was unable to come as well seemed to be taken well. Or perhaps he just didn't have anything to say about it his eyes went over her in such a way that made her heart skip a beat faster than normal? The years truly had been kind to Elias. Had the crowd’s eyes not been on her and Alissa there might have been more to look him over.
She saw Sebastian place a kiss upon Alissa’s hand and frowned slightly and placed a protective hand on the back of her daughter's arm as she took a step back towards her. Only to see the look of the same boy who clearly knew he was in trouble on his face. Then the King finally spoke and her smile returned, though at as brightly as it had been before, as he said he was looking forward to seeing her King. Yes, she was too, as he had bowed out right before they left and she had been forced to ride by herself.
She gave a slight nod at the mention of a meal and glanced towards her daughter. When Alissa said nothing she spoke.
“Thank you, your grace.” Once he turned at walk away she used the moment to look him over with a thoughtful look, before Alissa looped her arm through hers. Penelope looked to her daughter with a smile, and patted her arm softly.
“It is nothing daughter, I take it as a compliment.” She answered trying to brush the question off as if it was nothing. Though part of her quietly hoped it was not the truth. As they entered the castle she saw Elias and his queen heading into the throne room. Sebastian trailing behind them walking a bit slowly.
She glanced at her daughter as she sighed, giving her arm another gentle pat. She had been rather proud of her daughter taking control. Soon Alissa was sending her ladies-in-waiting off, she saw her own stop and look at her before she nodded, her lady following them as well. The look Alissa gave her as she asked the question, she had gotten it from her father for sure. Penelope sighed a little as she lowered her voice.
”Truthfully I do know Alissa, it has been years since we have seen each other. Perhaps he was simply happy to see me. Or surprised I was without your father it is not often I have a carriage to myself. We grew up together after all. It isn't something to worry yourself about.” She said, she didn't want to get into this talk with her daughter as and they continued she quickly changed the subject.
”I was very proud of how well you handled yourself in front of everyone. Despite Sebastian’s lateness.” Penelope said smiling at her daughter as she patted her arm as they following the servants still carrying their belongings in. She had been expecting to have to be the one introducing Alissa instead of the other way around.
”Even if your husband-to-be was late upon your arrival.” She said with a slight sigh as she shook her head.