Royal Dilemma (o/o Closed)

(Exactly! So then if Sirus gets suspicious… also another plot point… because if he can't have Eleanor, he wants to ruin her reputation. Then Irene can just tell him off, and everyone will believe her over him)

Eleanor appreciated Thomas seizing the topic of Irene and not lingering on the malicious Sirus. "Yes," she whispered, a smile returning to her own lips at the recent memories. "We confided in each other, and…" She looked over at Thomas as she spoke and suddenly her cheeks warmed. She remembered what Irene had said about her bodyguard. "Talked about girl things," she finished, too quickly.

(Absolutely!!!!)

“Oh?” Thomas couldn't help but smirk softly at the quick answer. “Did she say anything about me? I noticed her look back in my direction.” he admitted.

Eleanor reached up to toy with a piece of her dark hair, an anxious habit that returned time and time again when she was in private. "She, ah, she did say that you are rather handsome," she revealed.

Thomas cleared his throat and looked away to hide his blush at the surprising comment. “I… I see. I’m honored that she even noticed me but I… Umm.” he trailed off, unsure how to finish his thoughts.

Eleanor definitely didn't tell him the other things Irene had said. But it was a relief to see that she was no longer the only one embarrassed by what she had talked about. "But you… what?" she asked curiously.

“I just… I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Queen Irene said I was handsome,” he admitted hurriedly. “I never really thought of myself in that regard. Even before I came to work here.”

Eleanor giggled shyly. "Well… I think you're handsome," she whispered, resting her hands against his chest and tilting her head as she looked up into his eyes.

Thomas smiled softly as he met her gaze. “Thank you, Eleanor. I think you are so beautiful.” he whispered back, gently brushing his knuckles against her cheek.

Eleanor closed her eyes and leaned into his touch without thinking. “I love you,” she murmured, smiling as she spoke the words. They were so blissfully true. What she felt for Thomas couldn’t be anything short of love.

“I love you too, Eleanor.” he whispered, feeling the tension from earlier disappear. He gently wrapped his arms around her and lightly kissed the top of her head.

Eleanor sighed and relaxed against him. It was so easy. Like he took all of her troubles away with just a touch. "We also talked about books in the library," she continued. "And reading… in a way. She offered me a tutor, but I told her that I already have one."

Thomas hummed at her words and raised a brow when she mentioned a tutor. “Did you mean me? I can help you read and write but… I’m hardly an expert.” he reminded softly.

"Of course I mean you," she giggled in reply. "I don't mind. As long as I can get started with some of the basics. I would much rather have you than some… thinks-he-knows-it-all scholar talking down to me like I'm an idiot who should already understand everything he's supposed to teach me."

“I can definitely help you with the basics.” he chuckled. “But I doubt Queen Irene would intentionally send you a tutor like that.” he pointed out, running his hands up and down her arms softly.

Eleanor smiled at the gentle touch. "That's true, but it can be difficult to judge a person's character until they are truly in their element of expertise," she said, sounding wiser about the situation than she felt.

He hummed softly and nodded. “You make a fair point.” he agreed. “What else did you talk about?”

“Our courts… my sewing… and we made friends,” Eleanor replied, adding the last part with a smile.

“That’s wonderful.” Thomas smiled brightly. “And she was impressed by your work?” he asked as he ran his fingers against the new ribbon, almost certain that the other Queen had been. Otherwise, he didn't think that Eleanor would have brought it up.

"Yes," Eleanor replied eagerly, stifling a gasp at his indirect caressing of her wrist. "She was impressed and told me to compliment the seamstress I called for. She was surprised to find out it was my work, but I told her, just like you said I should."

“I’m flattered that you took my advice,” he admitted. “But I'm not surprised that she was so impressed by your work. It's very beautiful.” he said sincerely as he admired her and her work.

Eleanor blushed. "Of course, I did. And it's not that impressive. It's just simple rows of stitches, really." She noticed how intent and admiring his gaze on her work was, and it only made her blush more.

Thomas hummed softly. “Perhaps… But that's just how you see it.” he pointed out. “If I was to attempt something this delicate, my stitches would be messy and uneven. Not to mention that you would probably be able to rip the ribbon off easily if I had done it.” he explained, not mentioning that was because of his lack of experience but implying her natural talent.

Eleanor smiled and quietly laughed. "I suppose you're right," she murmured, looking over her beautiful work. She placed her hand on top of his. "But you gave me the courage to tell Irene of my talent. So I have you to thank."

Thomas smiled at her touch as his face warmed. “I don't feel like I did anything to deserve your thanks but I am glad that everything worked out.”

"Of course you did," Eleanor replied quietly. "You've given me confidence when I haven't thought it possible. If it wasn't for you at the welcoming ceremony, I wouldn't have made a good impression on her in the first place."

Thomas felt his blush grow but gently hugged her closer. “I’m glad to boost your strength just by being there for you.” he smiled softly.

Eleanor hugged him tightly and closed her eyes. "Thomas, you've done so much more than just that," she whispered, closing her eyes and relaxing in his arms.

Thomas raised a brow at her soft words, wondering what she could mean but decided not to ask. Just happy to hold her and be with her in this peaceful moment.

(I just realized that this was probably the longest day ever 😂)

Eleanor sighed softly and opened her eyes to peek out the window. The setting sun cast an array of pinks, oranges, purples, and yellows through the sky. "It's beautiful," she murmured, stifling a yawn as she realized how tired she was.

(lol yeah. I never pay much attention to how much time passes or should pass in a day for an RP 😆)

Thomas nodded as he looked down at her. “Yes. Beautiful,” he said as he gently brushed his fingers against her hair.