The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

"Your Majesty," Vaelis said, his voice dripping with nostalgia, "Do you remember that evening at the old manor, just outside the capital? How splendid it was with the candles and that little dance we shared by the garden?"

Mikhailis clenched his jaw, keeping his gaze fixed on the dancing crowd before them. He let out a slow breath, reminding himself to stay calm. It's just words. Just a memory. Nothing to get worked up about.

Elowen smiled politely, nodding at Vaelis.

"Yes, I remember," she said, her voice carefully neutral, though Mikhailis caught the subtle hint of unease there. It was a look that would easily be missed by others—but not by him. He knew her too well.

"And I also recall the way we sat under the stars that night," Vaelis continued, undeterred.

"The sky was so clear—not like today, with all these bustling distractions." He cast a wistful glance at Elowen, his smile never fading.

"Those were simpler times, weren't they, Your Majesty?"

Mikhailis suppressed the urge to roll his eyes, instead focusing on appearing as though he found the exchange mildly amusing. His usual grin widened slightly as he leaned closer to Elowen, feigning an air of complete obliviousness.

"Ah, simpler times, indeed," Mikhailis said, his voice a little louder than necessary.

"But change is good, isn't it, Earl Vaelis? I mean, we all grow, and sometimes life throws unexpected turns at us." He flashed a carefree smile, nudging Elowen gently with his elbow.

"Like ending up married to a queen, am I right?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Elowen gave him a quick side glance, her lips twitching slightly in response. It wasn't a full smile, but it was enough for Mikhailis—a small acknowledgment of his attempt to ease the tension.

Vaelis's eyes narrowed briefly, though the smile remained firmly in place.

"True," he said, his tone cool.

"Unexpected turns can lead to surprising opportunities. I suppose it's just a matter of knowing how to navigate them."

"Or just winging it," Mikhailis said with a light chuckle.

"My personal favorite approach."

Elowen's hand found Mikhailis' arm under the table, giving it a brief squeeze. He understood—she wanted him to de-escalate. And for her, he would. He kept his smile in place, nodding at Vaelis in acknowledgment, signaling that he wouldn't push any further.

The day dragged on, and Vaelis, determined not to leave Elowen's side, continued to weave stories of their past, sharing moments that Mikhailis found increasingly difficult to ignore. He played the part of the foolish prince consort—smiling, laughing, and acting like Vaelis's words didn't grate against his every nerve.

Yet, beneath the surface, his mind was constantly working, strategizing ways to support Elowen without making a scene.

At one point, Vaelis offered Elowen a glass of wine, leaning closer than necessary as he presented it to her. Mikhailis, without missing a beat, leaned forward with a grin.

"Oh, that's so thoughtful, Lord Vaelis! I'll take one too," he said, grabbing a glass for himself and giving Elowen a knowing glance that said

I've got your back.

Elowen accepted the glass with a nod, but her eyes flicked to Mikhailis with gratitude, and he felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him. He might have been the fool in the eyes of many, but he knew how to play the part in ways that protected her—even if it was as simple as diverting Vaelis's attention.

"A toast!" Vaelis announced, standing tall and holding his glass high.

"To Her Majesty, Queen Elowen, who brings grace, beauty, and prosperity to our beloved Silvarion."

Mikhailis raised his glass as well, smiling broadly.

"To Queen Elowen!" he echoed, his voice bright.

"May her reign be long, her heart light, and her prince consort"—he paused dramatically—"forever a charming nuisance."

Laughter rippled through the crowd, but Vaelis's smile turned slightly more pointed as he continued.

"And to Prince Consort Mikhailis, who, despite having no military background, has managed to bring his own unique flair to the court."

Mikhailis's smile didn't falter, though he could feel a muscle twitching in his jaw.

Ah, so that's where we're going, huh? He forced a chuckle, lifting his glass higher.

"Absolutely, Earl Vaelis. No military background, but I've got a mean swing with a flyswatter. And hey, someone's got to keep the pests in check, right?"

The crowd laughed again, but there was an edge to it now. Vaelis's expression remained unchanged, though there was a glint of something colder in his eyes.

"Indeed," Vaelis replied smoothly, "Though for some, dealing with pests might require more… experience. And speaking of experience, I've heard there's some concern about monster activity in the northern province. Perhaps it would be wise for me to accompany the expedition being planned? To ensure Her Majesty's safety, of course."

Mikhailis's stomach twisted, but he kept his face neutral. Elowen hesitated, her eyes flicking briefly to Mikhailis before she nodded.

"Your assistance would be appreciated, Earl Vaelis," she said, her voice steady.

A murmur ran through the crowd—Elowen rarely accepted Vaelis's offers outright. Mikhailis could feel the whispers growing around them, speculation about what this might mean. His gaze shifted to Elowen, and he noticed the exhaustion in her eyes—the weariness that had been there since the beginning of the festival. She wasn't truly present, lost in her own thoughts.

She's just tired.

Mikhailis told himself, taking a deep breath. He forced himself to smile, leaning back casually as though none of this bothered him. He knew he couldn't afford to show jealousy now, not in front of everyone.

"Well then, the more the merrier," Mikhailis said, his voice light.

"The northern expedition will be quite the adventure, I'm sure. I'll be counting on you, Earl Vaelis, to show me how it's done."

Vaelis inclined his head, his smile never wavering.

"Of course, Your Highness. It will be my honor."

As the festival drew to a close, Mikhailis couldn't help but overhear the whispers among the guests.

"The Queen is warming up to the Earl. Perhaps they're rekindling something. Did you see the way she looked at him?"

Mikhailis let out a slow breath, his fingers tightening around his glass. He had to stay calm. He glanced at Elowen, who was politely bidding farewell to the guests, her smile still in place but her eyes distant. She wasn't here—not really. She was somewhere else, lost in whatever thoughts had been weighing her down all day.

Hang in there, Elowen.

<Rodion, what's she working on?>

<Her activities remain confidential, per her explicit instructions. I'm afraid I cannot disclose any details, Mikhailis.>

Mikhailis sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He wanted to trust her—he did trust her—but the lingering secrecy gnawed at him. He knew that Rodion wouldn't hide anything unless Elowen herself had instructed it. Still, the uncertainty was there, festering beneath the surface.

Hours passed, and Elowen eventually returned to their chambers. The exhaustion etched into her features was clear, her eyes carrying a heaviness that even her best attempts at concealing couldn't mask. Mikhailis forced a smile, greeting her as though nothing was out of the ordinary. She returned his greeting with a tired nod, slipping into her side of the bed without much of a word.

He watched her for a moment, studying her expression—the lines of fatigue around her eyes, the distant look that still lingered. He wanted to ask her what was bothering her, what had her so deep in thought that she barely seemed present. But he knew better. Pushing her now, when she was clearly worn down, would only make things worse.

"Are you alright?" he asked softly, keeping his voice gentle, careful not to press too hard.

Elowen turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting his. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"I'm fine, Mikhailis. Just tired."

He nodded in return, swallowing the questions that threatened to spill out.

"Alright. Rest, then. I'm here if you need anything."

She gave him a faint smile before turning away, pulling the blankets around her. Mikhailis lay beside her, staring up at the ceiling. The silence between them felt heavy, filled with words left unsaid.

After a while, Elowen shifted, moving closer to him, her arm wrapping around his waist. She hugged him tightly, her face pressed against his shoulder. Mikhailis blinked, surprised by the sudden closeness. He could feel her trembling slightly, her grip on him firm, almost desperate.

He hesitated, his heart aching at the vulnerability she was showing. He reached up, gently stroking her hair, his fingers running through the soft strands. She didn't say anything, and neither did he. They just lay there, her arms wrapped around him, his hand resting on her head.

If he let this go—if he allowed his jealousy and frustration to take over—he would lose her. He knew that. If he pushed her away now, if he let the doubts and the anger get the best of him, there would be no going back. Vaelis might win her over, and the thought of that made Mikhailis's blood boil.

But here, in this moment, with her holding onto him so tightly, none of that mattered. What mattered was that she was here, with him, and she needed him. And for her, he would be strong, even if it meant swallowing his pride.

He closed his eyes, letting out a slow breath. He continued stroking her hair, his touch gentle.

Maybe if I hadn't kept my secrets from her, if I'd been more open from the start, things would be different now.

But it wasn't that simple.

Trust wasn't something that happened overnight—not for them.

They were two people from entirely different worlds, forced together by circumstance.

Expecting complete honesty, complete openness, so soon, was unrealistic.

And yet, even with that knowledge, he couldn't help but regret it.

Regret that he didn't have the courage to tell her everything, that he hadn't been brave enough to lay all his cards on the table.

He wanted to trust her, and he wanted her to trust him, but they were both still figuring it out—still learning how to be a part of each other's lives.

And he want to make sure he could survive in this world.

Mikhailis tightened his hold on her, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head.

"Sorry for being a burden, Elowen," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Elowen didn't respond, but her grip on him tightened, her face burying deeper into his shoulder. And in that silence, Mikhailis knew that, for now, this was enough. He would be patient. He would wait. And he would be there for her, no matter what.