A/N: As per Eavis' request: This is set post-bookverse. Eavis wanted to know about the questionable relationship between Elisa and the archbishop. (Sorry for taking so long with it, Eavis; I had major schoolwork combined with writer's block! XD)

Drabble 3: "Bridges"

Elisa has always known of the archbishop's feelings toward her.

Even now, when the spell on her brothers has long been broken, when she and the King have been happily married for over a year and are expecting twins, she does not miss the distrusting looks, the excuses to leave whichever room she enters, the upturns of the nose when she passes, and other such snide behavior.

She has never hated him, though.

She has always treated him with kindness and respect, her pure heart not allowing her to respond negatively to the many offenses he has made against her.

The primary account was when the King had first announced his intention to marry her.

The archbishop had been the one to place the crown on Elisa's head, and he took up this opportunity to show his distaste for her by pressing down on the circlet so harshly that it had drew blood.

And all along it was he who had been planting destructive splinters of suspicion and doubt in the King's heart, though the King for all of his goodness had only taken such hateful words to heart when he thought he'd seen the evidence of witchcraft for himself.

In the dungeons then, he had come to comfort her in her last hours through the bars of her cell, though his severe face clearly stated he was not visiting her by choice, but merely as a favor to his heartbroken sovereign king. When Elisa had refused his company so that she might continue her work, he slighted her thoroughly under false cry for God's mercy before only too happily complying with her wish.

But should these condemn the relationship that has not been given apt time or opportunity to grow?

The King, while just as innocent as his angel-wife, cannot deny that he has also begun to notice the disrespectful manner in which his archbishop treats his beloved Queen.

It pains him, truly, to have the closest member of his court so dislike the woman he loves, but he does not know the correct course of action in so delicate a situation.

Elisa's brothers, protective and loving as they are, have been more than noble in restraining themselves as much as they have.

Ever since the day their sister freed them and she and her King were wed, they have been aware of the archbishop's hatred of their sister.

And for the life of them cannot begin to guess its foundation.

Their sister is the kindest, most loving creature to ever grace their lives, a fact they know in their hearts will never change.

And so to have one detest her so…

They, who many years prior were known as princes due to how quickly they completed their lessons, cannot hope to comprehend.

But when asked by both her brothers and husband, time and time again, what they can do to help her, Elisa merely smiles gently and shakes her head.

She makes the sign of the cross: forehead, stomach, left shoulder, right.

"Pray for him," she answers always.

/\/\/\

That spring, the twins are born.

A boy and girl.

The archbishop looks at them, sees their Mother's mark as well as their Father's, and finds he cannot hate such blinding purity.

In looking up, he is astonished beyond measure to see the same glow about their Mother, the very woman he has hated since his King brought her back with him.

Before another second can pass he is in a tearful heap at her feet, grasping her hand tightly and kissing it many times over.

"Forgive me, my dear," he sobs bitterly, his tears thoroughly soaking her hand. "You of most handsome heart..." he pauses to quell his most violent sobs, "…I have wronged you unjustly for so long…"

But Elisa merely smiles and, reaching down, tilts his tearful face upward.

"My poor archbishop," she whispers soothingly, "I don't blame you for acting as you have. It is only natural, under such circumstances. I harbor no ill feeling toward you." She squeezes his hand firmly and, raising it to her lips, presses three kisses to its back. "You are forgiven, dear friend. All is well."

/\/\/\

On her other side, the King and her brothers beam.

All is well, indeed.

A/N: Thanks for reading, as always! (The title refers to the bridges Elisa and the archbishop can either burn or build.)