Frail, her composure, the looks – pale, the speech –
lost.
The image of the night that brought so much loss
– left unmeasurable dent in her heart, ripped part
filled with fear.
It was midst of winter – the lord of the vale came
over to ask of her fathers opinions of matters known
to crown. Father served as an adversary under
protection of crowned king that was in power for a
long time. The king – as far as eavesdropping could
help – was on his deathbed.
The council of father was worthy in matters –
that's why he was still precious council.
Until that day.
That day brought the crisp cold snow, sun and
very bright sun. It was perfect winter day.
The carriage with three horsemen came in the
evening – the sun was setting down, leaving the
brim of crimson light over the horizon. It was like
the edge of the world was on fire. Beauty beyond
my imagination.
The men stopped and got down from horses, then
carriage opened a young lord came out. By looks
he was barely of age. Tall, well built, maybe he was
seventeen. He was, after all – the beloved son of old
king.
Four of them went inside the house. I was outside
– on the apple tree. I was eating my share of pie,
whilst sitting up on them, although parents were
prohibiting me from it. I was nagged a lot due to
acting up like such.
As the gents went in, it was around ten or so
minutes that passed, when I heard mothers scream.
Moment later she was running out the door –
followed by the men. One of them shot arrow in her
back – it went through chest. She was still alive.
Then the youngster came up to her, with his swift
movement he slashed her throat. Blood gushed
everywhere.
The world was at a stand still. It was really quiet.
I was glued to branch I sat on. Perched like a bird,
now with mouth agape, wishing to scream, but no
sound came out, tears fogging up vision, then rolling
down my pale cheeks.
I heard his voice – the young lords voice. Strong,
stern, yet so soft that my heart squeezed up hard –
aching.
"Since old man died, and now all the witnesses
with him – there is none to top my reign." – He
stood up, looking at how fine the sunset looked, red
glistening in the snow.
Then he gazed up at the at the tree. His eyes met
mine. He smiled.
Then turned around and went back into carriage.
They promptly left.
It took me a while. It took a while to get down, to
go to the neighbour and sit there. Shock instilled on
my face.
Many questions asked, all of them endless – and
then i managed to push out "They're dead" – so that
the old farmer would go check my home.
Upon return – he spoke to wife, to eldest daughter,
sons – they let me stay there. With them.
I didn't say who the killer was. I was barely fifteen
at the time.
Just a month later – it all it took – the land went
into war with the nearby country. It was madness.
I was blessed to be in such hidden place – with this
family, that we were lucky to be left alive. For whole
year that the war was reigning through lands.
Then it was more peaceful, for a bit.
Once I turned seventeen, I went to court, to see
what happened of the castle and the ruler, with hopes
of the Young Lord dead.
It didn't take tong. It really didn't. Once I was at
the bridge to the castle – I saw him. On horseback,
crowned, off to hunt. Same smile, same voice, more
handsome.
Painful. Yet horror froze my blood – he managed
to look me in the eyes, with that smile of his, as he
passed by. It was all it took to make my throat get
lump and breath short of air, heart in pain, hands
trembling, eyes watering, knees weak. I slumped on
the ground.
I heard his laugh – "Next time I hope that it will
be more fun"
The guards looked at their king in sheer wonder
who was the line said to – but I knew. I knew that is
was a game for him. Real sad game.
"One day I might get my revenge…" – so I thought.
Yet days went by, and all I managed was to start
working in the court.
The Maiden of the court – one to look after food
served, night bowels empty and library clean.
Library – that is where I found my peace for a
moment, but then I discovered the night garden on
the top left castle wing. The marvels of moonshine
and orchids. Night lilies, the shades and fragrances.
The garden became my curse. I'd sneak into it,
picking the lock. I'd be dreaming of the ways of
killing this king – avenging my parents. But once, I
was very tired – and fell asleep.
That was a mistake that I've made. One that cost
me life.
"It's punishable by death to come into private
garden of his majesty, didn't you know it?" – His
voice woke me up. In shock, I sprung up on my knees
and froze. In cold fear of him – my body would not
move.
"You did grow into a fine material. I was right to
keep you alive." – He came closer, now in front of
me, his hand stretching towards my face. – "How
fine, how fine."
His mildly rough fingers touched my cheek – his
hands were warm. Very warm – felt like burning on
my cold skin.
He tilted his head, as his fingers pulled my chin
up.
"Say, you pale thing, you fear me that much, huh?"
– His voice softer, just a slight notch, but the stern
grace kept on.
He sat next to me, drawing his face closer to mine.
As my tears rolled down my cheeks – I close my
eyes.
Then I felt warmth om my lips. My eyes opened up
– he gave me a kiss, forceful. He hugged me tightly.
"Now you'll be trained to obey me. If not in mind
– then in body."
That's when true nightmare began. That's when I
broke and became his puppet – that somehow fell
for this tyrant.