Tristan looked up before standing up. "No. Ellie, he's not eating with us." Ellie glared, taking Xavier's hand. "He stays," she replied sharply. "It's Christmas. Family only." "That is why he stays," she replied smoothly, leading him to their spot on the table. * * * He looked up at her before launching up, tackling his into his arms.
Tristan glared at them before turning to Ellie. "Have you thought about my proposal for Pend? We need to act soon, Ellie; we need to show power." * * * He kissed her, his hands cupping her jaw.
Ellie squinted at him, shaking her head slowly. "Tristan, please... let's not talk about this now..." "You can't ignore our country. Father left this for you to rule. I can't be looking over your shoulder. " "Then don't." "You wouldn't manage one week without me." * * * He pulled away, his fingers brushing her face. "Let's go inside, darlin'."
Xavier looked up with a raised eyebrow. "You're sure about that?" *** She nodded, standing up and offering her hand.
"Positive. The country flourished while she was in a coma because I was in charge." Ellie said nothing, but Xavier would be able to tell that she was hurt. * * * He took it, standing up.
He looked over at her, then Tristan with a frown. "Do you often discuss politics over the table?" *** She headed back into the house, shrugging off her damp coat.
"When I am speaking to the queen of my country? Yes, Xavier, I do." Ellie was looking down at the table before she spoke. "I will not plunge my country into battle months after they have lost their leader, Tristan. Father did not take war lightly and neither will I." * * * He took the coat from her and hung it up before coming up behind her, slipping his arms around her waist.
A playful look crossed his face. "My father always told me it was impolite to talk about politics during mealtimes." *** She leaned against him. "You're warm."
Ellie laughed slightly, looking over at him, her eyes loving. "Your father?" Tristan scoffed. "Yeah, I'm quite sure that your father left you when you were born because he didn't want to be burdened with knowing you were his son." * * * His laugh was low in her ear as he kissed a line along her jaw.
He gasped dramatically, his hand over his heart. "This is supposed to be a family meal." *** She turned to him, tilting her head.
Ellie's laugh deepened and she leaned over, kissing his cheek. Even Bernadette appeared that she was trying not to laugh. Tristan's eyes became stormy and he stood up suddenly, his hands flat on the table. "Understand this, Xavier," he said slowly. "You can make jokes and play innocent all you want. But you will never be a member of this family. You will always be the outsider." * * * "Are you cold? We could go in front of the fire.
He folded his hands, eyeing him. "If you say so, Tristan." *** She nodded, taking his hand and going in front of the fire.
Ellie reached over, taking Xavier's hand. Tristan noticed this and bristled. "God, Ellie! Why are you so naive? He hurt you! He's arranged this since the beginning!" * * * He took the quilt she had made him and wrapped it around her shoulders.
Xavier frowned, looking over at him. "I do not wish to make this a hostile environment, Tristan, but I've heard enough of you accusing me of something I'm not guilty of." *** She hugged him, including him in the quilt.
"You hurt my sister," Tristan replied harshly. "Just because she is too stupid to know any better doesn't mean I'm going to let you relax." * * * He laughed, kissing the top of her head.
His eyes widened slightly and he looked fierce. "How dare you insult her? You may find it not your best interest that I married her, but she is your sister and the queen. You should have more respect." *** She wrapped her arms around him, quieting.
"Why? Why should I have respect for someone who is too naive and foolish to see that the person she sleeps with at night is waiting impatiently for her last breath?" He turned to look at Ellie, who was looking down at her own folded hands. "You're a fool, Eleanor. Our father would be so disappointed in you." * * * "Here. Sit down, okay?"
