"Malphus, please! Let's go back to your castle." Francis pleaded, tugging at Malphus' arm. It looked like she almost had tears in her eyes.
'"Why? I haven't gotten to explore yet. I'm sure it won't kill you to walk around on those royal little feet of yours just for a little while." Malphus declared. 'Doesn't seem like we'll be staying for too long.' He mumbled to himself, unaware that Valerie heard it. She didn't mind his words, as she was ready to leave.
"So, Valerie, don't you think we should go visit the townsfolks? Don't you think they'd be happy to see their great duchess?" Malphus asked Valerie, turning his head to the side to be able to see her clearly.
"Yes, I believe so sire." Valerie agreed with Malphus. Francis gave her a pitiful look.
"I don't think people will enjoy being bothered at this hour. It's right before lunchtime, and things tend to get hectic." Francis gave them a reason to just eat lunch and head back to Riverdale.
"I think they'll hold everything for a great Roster, the person this town is named after." They walked past quite a few houses, things like beakers and green, purple, and red liquids in front of them, most of the windows covered with sheets.
The rare time where few people were seen was when there were children outside, or when someone had come out to see who was walking in the streets like they owned the place.
They saw enough litter to fill a long river and eyes were everywhere. Malphus looked unfazed by being watched by so many unknown creatures, while Valerie and Francis looked uncomfortable, but Francis didn't look uncomfortable for the same reason Valerie did.
"You should get comfortable with being watched Valerie, soon all eyes will be on you in a white gown." Malphus whispered into Valerie's ear. He had to lean over to make sure Francis couldn't hear a word.
Valerie blushed, but soon caught hold of her emotions. She didn't want Francis to think something was going on between Malphus and Valerie. They weren't more than friends with benefits, but in this case 'benefits' weren't something that any girl would like.
"Seems everyone is inside. Shall we leave now?" Francis asked, hoping Malphus would finally side with her.
"Of course, but I expected the heart of the kingdom to be a busy little area. I guess not." Malphus said, looking very unpleased. He loved any chance he could get to embarrass someone, even if that someone was of high-class.
Francis tightened her grip on Malphus' arm, feeling more comfortable and confident since they would be leaving. Little did she know that Malphus had already seen enough to report this kingdom to the councilmen. He saw quite a few dead bodies in between houses, there was proof that witches resided in the kingdom and there were sketchy looking people everyone.
Malphus smiled to himself as he helped Francis into the carriage.
"To the castle Hunter." Malphus said once everyone was in the carriage.
For the next 3 hours, everyone rode in the carriage quietly. There were two stops, one because Francis had to pee and the next because Malphus found a bunny he wanted. He gave it to Valerie and unnoticeably winked at her.
"Valerie, wake up." Francis nudged her.
"We're at the castle now." Francis declared, walking out of the carriage picking up the front of her dress.
Valerie hurried out of the carriage, almost forgetting that she had a bunny in her hands. The bunny also fell asleep due to the lack of movement.
"Oh my- I'm sorry fluffy!" Valerie apologized to the bunny, with the King glaring at her for a few seconds after she apologized.
He then walked into the castle, leaving Stan, Valerie, and Francis out in the Autumn air without a word.
"Welcome to our castle Duchess Francis." Stan bowed to Francis and Valerie did the same, although her gesture went unnoticed.
"Please, follow me and I will show you to the guest room. A couple of maids will bring along your luggage." Stan said, leading Francis into the castle.
"Malphus has something for you to do, bring the bunny." Stan told Valerie before heading off to the guest room.
Valerie walked the halls with the bunny in her hand, sometimes sniffing but other than that extremely quiet. Valerie gave the small animal as much attention as she could because Malphus was very possessive, and once something was his for good he didn't like for anyone else to touch it.
It was kinda the same with Valerie once she arrived. Of course, she became his personal maid because she was being talked about, but every maid there had been talked about at least once before so that was obviously just an excuse for him to have Valerie closer to him.