(Ellion's POV)
"What is it, Your Grace?" I asked Rhaella as we were to the side, where nobody could hear, "Did you require something?"
I had made sure that nobody was within earshot; we were in the clear to speak freely.
"Are you up to something?" She asked with a frown, a hushed tone in her voice, "Ellion."
I blinked, "What do you mean?" I asked, "I am afraid I do not understand."
She looked around, "You did not visit me last night." She said, "I had worried something must've happened. I heard from some of my servants that you were spotted in a brothel recently. You ought to be careful, Ellion."
"Oh." I said, "No, Your Grace, everything is okay. I am sorry if you wished to be visited last night. I got rather busy."
She nodded slowly, "I see." She said, "Were you with something else?"
"I.....uhm....." I said, "Well-"
"That is fine." She said softly, "I know it would be rather selfish of me to expect you every night. I....."
"If you want it to be every night, I will make it work." I said seriously, "I will not disappoint you, My Queen."
She shook her head, "It is a silly desire of mine, I cannot expect to have everything." She said, "If you need space to prevent suspicion, that is fine. I just-"
"It's not silly." I said, "If you want it, we will make it happen. I do not have a problem with it."
"Then, where were you?" She asked softly
"I was....with someone else," I admitted
She looked to the side, "Was it another Lady?" She asked softly, "Someone younger? Mayhaps it would be better if you stick with them. I knew that this was rather risky. Ellion, I am worried, I really am."
I shook my head, "No, My Queen," i said, "You need not worry about any of that. Younger, older, it doesn't matter. I won't just discard you, you know?"
She sighed, "I hope that is the truth."
"It is." I reassured her, "If you want me tonight, you shall have me. I don't care about anything else, I promise you."
She looked at me, "Who was it?" She said softly, "Who was the one you were with?"
"A woman from the brothel, that is all." I lied, "I have to ensure that I cause no trouble, especially with all these Houses."
She narrowed her eyes slightly, "I wish you'd knew that I am no fool." She said softly, "But so be it, lie to me like that."
"Your Grace?" I asked
"The rumor that I heard." She said, "About you and Lady Ashara..."
"It is false, My Queen." I said, "I swear it."
"Considering that you bedded the Queen herself, I won't put it past you to bed Ser Arthur's sister." She said as she stepped to the side, "I wish for you to be honest with me, Ellion."
"But, My Queen." I said, "I....."
"You and I....." She said as her back was facing me, "If you want us to continue, I must know the truth."
Do I sense...envy?
Is she jealous at the fact that I could be with some other Lady, someone like Lady Ashara? I mean, that's the feeling I am getting from her tone. The way she looked at me with her sad eyes, there was a different glint in them.
"My Queen....." I said, "The thing is...."
Rhaella looked at me, "That is all." She said firmly, "I must take my leave, Ser Ellion."
She then walked away, leaving me alone standing there. I noticed that Lady Joanna was sitting on a bench in the distance, looking over at me as Tyrion was sitting next to her, playing with his toys.
I sighed and walked over to them, rubbing my neck, "Man...."
"What happened?" Joanna asked, "Is something the matter?"
"N-No, My Lady." I said, "Nothing is the matter."
"Usually, when Rhaella has that look on her face, it is because she is angry and concerned." She said, "She wears that face most of the time, considering that she is unhappy. But I found it surprising that when I arrived, I saw that she had a bright look on her face, completely different than before."
I looked at her, "I see." I said, "Well...."
She raised an eyebrow, "Is there something I need to know?"
"You had a similar look on your face, My Lady." I said, "When I first met you."
"Oh." She said, getting a bit flustered, "I see....."
I sighed, "There is much going on, that is all." I said, "But worry not, all is well."
"I see." She said, standing up, "Tyrion, why don't you go off and find your brother?"
Tyrion looked up at us, "Okay."
I watched as he got off the bench and ran off to the side. I used my Observation Haki to focus on him when he got out of sight, making sure that he was okay as he ran.
Now, we were completely alone; Joanna and I.
"Ellion." She said softly, "I must ask you a question."
I looked at her, "What is it?"
"You and The Queen...." She said softly, "The two of you.....have you....?"
"My Lady?" I asked, "What gives you that impression?"
"The way you looked at her." She said softly, "It is the same way you've looked at Genna and me."
"Ah." I said, "I must control my facial expressions then."
"You are still young, I must admit." She smiled, "Women at our age can pick that sort of thing quite easily. I am sure that Rhaella has noticed it as well, Ellion. You must be more discreet. Also, I am sure that Rhaella has heard of the rumors between you and the Ladies Ashara and Malora."
"Hm...." I said, "Rumors, that's all they are."
"I am sure." She said, "But try telling her that. She may be different than Aerys, Rhaella that is. But the truth is, she is Targaryen, Ellion. She has her own way of being stubborn and spiteful. Whatever the case is with the two of you, do not break her heart."
I looked at her, "My Lady." I said, "I never said that the two of us have-"
"I am not stupid, Ellion." she said with a frown, "But I would rather not hear it directly. You are playing with fire when it comes to the Queen. You best be careful, okay? I am one thing, but Rhaella is the wife of the most powerful man in the Realm."
"Hm." I said, "I am aware."
"Then why do it?" She asked
"Same reason as why I did you." I said seriously, "I don't like her husband."
"Oh, Ellion." She said, "That is not a good reason. You know that."
I cleared my throat, "You're right." I said, "I do apologize. Well....."
"I really like the two of you."