"She is ill."
"Has she renounced?" I asked hopeful, already beginning to grin as satisfaction began to bloom. I could see myself moving on to better suited candidates-
"No."
I grunted, all positivity within me dying as annoyance and displeasure took place once more. Stepping away from the mirror, I untied the coat string at my left shoulder, the thick indigo fabric dropped open. I tugged at my cuffs underneath until they stretched out fully.
"Then she will join me for dinner."
Allan signed at my firmness, motioning to the maid who stood stoically with her head down at the door.
"You've heard him, tell your lady that unless she renounces the remainder of her time, she will not be excused of any absences." Turning to face Allan, I watched as the maid bowed to me, him, and then practically fled. All the while being as graceful as she could, of course. She represented her mistress after all.
Allan spun to stare at me, a sullen look to him as he stepped up to me, tucking in the loose string of the coat inward, adjusting here and there at my appearance.
"If you continue to torment her so, she will become suspicious that something otherworldly has taken place within the palace."
"Otherworldly? In this palace, you say?" I repeated tilting my head back as I widened my eyes in mock incredulity. "You jest."
"Don't behave daftly, you know what I meant." Giving me an admonishing glare, he stepped back with his hands tightly balled at his sides, brown eyes darkening to a near black shade. Oh, he was furious. "If she suspects-"
"She won't. They never have as they never will." I stated firmly, as sure of the words themselves as I was that I would take my next breath. No one would ever find out.
"As long as you remain heedful as to what you do with yourself." He commented pointedly, pausing for a moment, his hands unfurling before he looked off for a moment. "So, what have you done to the woman?"
I huffed at his casual tone. He could admonish me as much as wanted to but at the end he too wanted to know.
"Like many before her she dreams large. She dreams of owing anything she touches, of all falling to her feet in praise and glory, her wishes their commands, and to have my undying loyalty to her ardent desires." I rolled my eyes at that last one, a curling sensation forming at the pit of my stomach as my claws lengthened for a moment before retracting to normal. "I merely added a touch of turmoil in a world where she finds safe heaven."
"You say that so easily. What makes her so ill that she wishes to avoid you at risk of angering her benefactors?" He pushed, still not appeased with my answer.
"As I said, I flipped her world. She wanted it all and I gave it to her." Was all I told him. He stared at me as I checked myself over once more. He knew me better than most, so I didn't doubt that he had a good grasp as to what I meant.
"You truly dislike her, don't you? And it's not simply because of the aristocratic party. It's because she tried to involve Ruby, isn't it?" Allan looked me over, a peculiar look to his face as he studied me.
My tail began to move, his eyes looked down before cooling and looking at me with his usual polite mask in place. He went over to the door and knocked on it twice. As they began to open, he stepped off to the side and bowed, motioning with an arm for me to pass.
"Let us be off then, Sire."
I stride past him and down the empty halls of my lounge room. The flickering candles casting shadows on the stone walls that took flight with monstrous wings that expanded and flew within the shadows around me, before disappearing into the high structured ceiling of wooden beams and torn drapery. The only sound that could be heard were the steps of Allan behind me, the drag of my coat on the ground, and the sound of my tail dragging along the cold floors.
Rounding the corner, I began going down, pausing a moment at the window to stare down below. Once more, the sun was slow to set, another day another dinner. Allan paused behind me, but remained silent as I contemplated for a moment. Outside servants began the preparations for their leave, bustling quickly with strained expressions. My gaze trailing down I ignored my reflection, not interested in the new blend of the day. Shaking my head clear of unnecessary pressures, I continued forward.
The further I got from my wing, the more lively it became, polished and gleaming knights lining the halls, exquisite art pieces passed down or rarely accepted gifts decorating the walls, as long as they fit within what was and what lived within the palace. Any outsider who came here would know at first glance at the chosen pieces that hung that this was a macabre place to step foot into.
"Where to?" I questioned pausing in the open hall, which had various passageways that would lead me to the beginning of this maze like place. The center of the castle some would call it.
"Dinner today will be held in the olive room." At his words, I walked straight and then took two lefts. This part of the castle was almost vacant, with a few servants pausing to bow and scurry off in last minute preparations.
"Any particular reason for that?" I turned to glance at him for a moment.
"None at all." He promised, staring at me honestly. I think.
"Hmm." I turned forward. Thinking back on the previous nights, I chuckled. "Move all documents pertaining to confirmation plans and final notices for front. I have a feeling I'm going to get to finish work earlier than usual tonight."
"As you wish." He quickly behind me, an exuberant ring in his words. Whenever I finished work faster than anticipated, whatever it may be, Allan managed to find more free time for himself. While I worked, of course, there was always something to look at or read over. Just the thought of it made a familiar ache at my back start, and my eyes started to feel heavy.
Holding my hand up to the knights, I pulled the doors open myself and walked in, heading directly towards the head of the table to take a seat and push it away slightly. Allan made a face at that. The olive room was simply that, a room in various shades of green, dark, gold, and copper. The dining table was ridiculously long, only two plates seated on either ends of the table. Crossing a leg over the other, I drummed my fingers on the table.
"Make room tomorrow for a chat with Baron Clogs, I've got something to ask him in person." Allan sighed. "Even if it's just as I walk elsewhere."
"Very well, but if you are seen speaking while walking, the others will start to question your work ethic." He commented, raising a hand to rub at his temples as a pensive expression overcame him.
"Then I'll slit their throats with the stack of work I've finished." Grumbling, I leaned back, gaining satisfaction at the very imaginative way I could do just that. It would solve many problems if I could do so.
"Please refrain from doing so until those papers are copied and legalized. Blood makes reading nearly impossible." He said calmly but vehemently as his eyes snapped open, and a charming smile that didn't match the cold air that took place around him.
"Then make sure the walk will take place where we won't be gossiped about." Pretending not to sense the daggers he no doubt buried in my heart, I looked away nonchalantly. There was a sharp inhalation.
"Your highness, enjoy your dinner with the lady." He threw out walking out unceremoniously. Not being able to help myself, I spoke.
"Enjoy your work." I threw out watching as he froze mid-step before continuing out of the room.
He would get me back for that, no doubt. I had the room to myself, a moment of silence before the clock struck, and a bell chimed to indicate the start of dinner.
It was some time before I could hear the heels of Lady Ariana and her group near me. Slamming my hand on the table, I stood up. At the sound, there were a few hitched breaths and faltering foot steps, but onward they came. Not trying to hide my disdain, I stared at the door as a large soft orange colored dress came into sight. Pearls beaded and swung from around her waist, white ruffles draped around her chest and the sleeves of her arms, a blue shawl draped around her shoulders. She wore her hair down and curls looser than her usual tightly styled do, only a small blue tear drop head piece and earrings adorning her. Her party halted at the door and bowed with her before stepping back and away, the knights closed the doors.
"Lady Ariana," I drawled out slowly, walking over to her. "I hear you are unwell, it is very kind of you to make an appearance in such a state."
Her fingers dug into her dress, but for a moment before she lifted up her head. Large doe like brown eyes trailed up my form, dark bags that shone through her make up, shaking in obvious discomfort bordering on fear, but it was all overshadowed by the firm determination and greed that gripped onto her heart with more strength than the obvious instincts for her own safety. Once more, a complete failure. Her lips twisted as she forced a smile in place before it became perfect, and all unease evaporated like water over fire. Fluttering her lashes she took a step closer, despite the rhythmic break it caused her heart.
"I'm afraid you heard wrong your Highness, I apologize if one of my ladies might have made it seem as if I were unable or unwilling to come down and join you. There must have been a miscommunication somewhere, I simply thought I would be late for tonight's dinner." She explained with a soft frown, her brows coming together as her lips pouted. A soft fleshly look.
"Are you sure you do not need rest?" I lifted a hand, her eyes immediately dropped to follow it intensely as I brought it up to her face and trailed a the back of my finger down her cheek. Where her flesh met my fur, she paled, goosebumps breaking out. Her eyes fluttered. "If you are home sick and wish to return, you would not be the first-"
"No." She snapped out through clenched teeth, before straining to maintain her smile. "I feel at home here, more so than from where I came."
"I see." I pulled my hand away as I looked down on her. For a moment, we stared at one another. "Then let us dine."
Stepping away from her, I directed her to her chair, watching as she stiffened with me behind her, pushing her into the table. I walked around and went to my chair. Without a word, servants poured in and began to place platters on the table on either end. Holding out my cup, a servant poured out wine. Done with their work, they disappeared just as quickly.
As I stared out at her, I watched as she raised a shaky hand to her fork and poked at her meal with distrustful and wild eyes that seemed to see something else. It was difficult to separate dreams from reality sometimes, nightmares were worse when the instigator sat before you. Not that she had any knowledge of that.
"Is there something not to your liking, my lady?" I asked watching her. The clink sound of her fork hitting the plate made my ears twitch. Looking down and then up, she set her fork down and laid her hand in her lap, shaking her head.
"No, everything is splendid, I just seem to have little appetite. Pay me no mind." Looking down, she eyed my own untouched plate. "What of you, Your Highness? You've yet to touch your own meal?"
I picked up my glass and took a drink before giving her an open mouthed smile, feeling the wetness of my wine still on my teeth. She paled. This would have been more entertaining if I wasn't trying to get rid of her. My dislike of Lady Ariana wasn't necessary tied to her, I understood her strive to remain by my side, self improvement was a worthy cause. The how and whys however, were not as noble.
"Likewise." I replied, lifting the glass in her direction. "How have you faired within the palace? I hear you and Viscountess Gloria have many tea gatherings."
"The Viscountess seems to have taken a liking to me, I find her company comforting as well." She replied warmly, with a bit of pride in her tone. An ally, how good for her. Reaching forward, she took a sip from her glass of water.
"That's good to hear. I'm sure your relationship will last even after you leave the palace." Her smile fell at my obvious words. I couldn't have spoken any clearer. Placing both hands on the table, she leaned forward, a thoughtful look as she scanned me over.
"Your words cut me, Your Majesty, but I must be bold enough to point out that I am the best candidate to gain control of the aristocratic party. If not, I then they will send another, she might be foolish enough to do everything they say and you-"
"Might be foolish enough to fall for her? How funny you are to insinuate that." I shook my head, my tail hitting the leg of the table, shaking it and rattling everything on top. She jumped, spooked, but didn't leave her seat. "But do tell me how you are the best candidate."
"I might have failed to gain your affection, but I suggest we strike a deal beneficial to both of us. If I were to become Queen, all and any movement from those oppose to nobilities ruling will be reported to you so that you may know how to act according to a difficult situation. The people know that something strange has taken place within the palace, and there are forces out there whom have been using the unrest to their advantage by defaming and committing atrocities in your name Your Highness. I could be of good use, if they believe I am one of them then it will-" At my raised hand, she silenced herself. Her hands fell to the table softly, having been in motion as she spoke vividly.
I placed my glass down and stared at the polished table, watching as a bead of water slid from the chilled bottle of wine, curving a dipping it took a larger from before reaching the table and pooling around where glass met table. Just as that droplet followed the force of gravity, did she have to follow along with those who put her on this path? Was there no originality? Did they all participate in the same group study? Where were the masterminds of this time? Surly, this couldn't have been the best they had sent?
"Always the same damn bargain." I grumbled standing from my seat. She rose as well, bringing her shawl closer to her body. "And nothing even remotely close to being astute."
Shifting the window curtain off to the side, I glanced outside as the sun finally began to set on another wretchedly wasted day within these walls. Silver armor void of knight and body began to walk off into the forest that surrounded the castle, some disappearing immediately while others remained on the edge, standing along the length of the black iron wall. Taking hold of the brown curtain, I pulled it along with me as I walked away, casting this side of the room into a warm murky lighting. Underneath me, a wooden board creaked in discontent at the weight I placed, my steps sounding heavier than usual.
"For a moment, let us speak as if I do not already know how to control your benefactors and their mice. If I were in such a position and took you as queen, what would you offer besides inside knowledge to their schemes?" Within my reach now, I took hold of the curtain window about to shut it but turned to glance her over.
She bit at her lip for a moment before squaring her shoulders and lifting her head. She'd had looked steady had it not been for the rapid lifts of her chest.
"You need a marriageable partner to cease this search, the people are already murmuring as your day of birth nears. I am offering myself as a solution to not only one but two problems." Turning back around, I began to pull at the window, before stopping halfway as her idiotic words continued on. "I know no knowledge of what you might have conversed with the other ladies before me, but I am confident that if my position as queen is secured, I can do more."
Clenching my hand, I felt as the curtains gave way to my sharpened claws, creating holes as they dig deeper where they then dug into my rough palm. Confident? She wishes to use the power of the royal family for her schemes, but feels confident she knows how to wield it, does she? Annoyance quickly morphed into bubbling rage as her careless words prompted a spark of old fires I was easily vexed to. Exhaling a long but controlled breath, I released the curtain and turned the corners of my mouth outward in what felt like an awful attempt of a friendly smile. I spun around so fast she startled back, quickly correcting her error. She began to take a step forward before her face took in my expression, and she remained where she stood.
"What of the nobles that surpass you in knowledge and skills that far surpass anything you might bargain to give me with higher quality ideals and profits? What of those ladies that could stand beside me with the power of their house backing them? Should they be pleased to have to obey a queen with public ties to a cumbersome group known to critique their very legacy?" I took a step forward, shorter than I intended, larger than she could have wanted from me. But to her credit, she paled, but didn't move as my shoulder blocked what little light lingered from behind me, casting half of her face into a shadowed form of its self.
"...the common people will cheer for me. Sir Wavern has done much to gain their support in these difficult times. He has raised the morale of the workers with incentives and walks around where he can be seen unlike those who remain here. " Her resolver, although strong, did not show in the softened tone she spoke with. As her shoulders came together, her shawl dropped from around her, no longer held by her strong stance. As the fabric fell around her, brushing against her, she shuddered lightly.
"Do not praise a man for cleaning after his own mess. What they see as his charity I see as late pay for the people in his territory after years of underpaid wages." My words were low, but the rumble of them could not hide my displeasure. Her head dropped, long locks falling like drapes around her.
"Of course," She agreed immediately, nodding quickly. "O-Of course, but still, he is out and about. The people always feel unsure while you remain shut in, they need to know that all is well, Your Majesty, even if for the people you must consider putting an end to this and with me-" My tail whipped out behind me and struck something, the sound of it shattering and hitting the floor rang out.
"I'd think a bit more of you had you proposed to be my mistress, at least then you'd be of some use, and with any good instincts, you'd know how to walk the line between court and your fealty." I confessed quietly, taking another step forward, the bottom of my robe dragged across what had been broken, a sharp squeal sounded. "You'll be returning home within three days Lady Ariana, if you wish to continue these dinners, you are within your right to demand them, but I will tell you now that I have no intention of choosing you as Queen, and you will not get me to kill you as a favor for those rats."
"I-I can't- I must-I can not return, Your Majesty please I-"
Taking another step forward, I passed her, whatever I had been dragging along soon got caught on the carpet below the table. Almost to the door, I stood still and tilted my head. Before me, my shadow cast an intriguing shape. Broad shouldered with no clear distinctive outline with this lighting, looming the side of me with two large curled horns on top of a monstrous head. Those were new. Looking away, I got back to what I had to say.
"As a favor, I will remind you once more; anyone who tries to have contact with the southwest's wing will be left with a warning, one to be exact." Reaching out, I took hold of the door knob and began to open the door, catching sight of two of her ladies waiting further off. At the sight of me, they paled and dropped their heads. I raised my voice just a bit as I looked off in their direction. "You've lost one maid, it would be a pity for you to have to attend to yourself, which is what will happen if I find your maids have been wandering about again. Good night."
Walking out, I heard the sound of her falling to the floor, but paid it no mind. Be it from shock or fear at my words, her ladies were slow to respond, remaining as still as the statues that watched from the towers. Feeling satisfied that I could finally finish with the case of Lady Ariana, I made my way to my work area, focused on finishing as much work as possible. Time was against me in all forms.
It was past midnight and before dawn that I made my way to bed, shoulders stiff and aching. Slamming my doors shut, I threw off my robe to the floor carelessly and pushed the jeweled and beaded wall to the side. Rubbing my face as I walked past the bed and over to the lounge that was pushed against the wall next to the balcony archway. Stretching out, I began to get comfortable, tossing an arm over my face.
It hadn't been long when I heard it again and knew I wasn't dreaming. The jiggling and shaking. I opened my eyes, but did not move.
Again, the sound of something moving about followed by a scratching. Lowering my arm, slowly I turned to face my bed, eyes latched onto the only movement in the room. On my right bedside, nearly on the edge was a black box with brown leather straps and twine wrapped tightly around the middle. The box shook and teetered, jerking one way and then the other aggressively, but never falling from the table as if it knew the danger of falling. I watched and listened for a while until it finally stopped. Throwing my arm back over my face, I went back to sleep.
***** 🥀 *****
"Let us pause here for the day, if any complications arise with the interactions between the ambassadors of Mozier and Philziana, then I will take charge of them." Chairs scrapped against tile as everyone made haste to stand and clear the oppressive room.
Staying seated at the head of the discussion table, I watched who practically made a dash for the door, those who threw quick glances at one another, and the few who lingered without obvious reason. Even with the large oak door partially closed where people walked through, I could almost feel restrained animosity thrown my way, sticking to the door like sap. Around the table, small groups came together, bickering and whispering among one another, but we all knew most were for show.
Within this room, only hungry vultures remained, each with eyes sharper than blades of steel, pecking apart each loose string of fabric until they had enough to patch the own holes within their nests. None hand their claws out as obviously as I did, but within their own demonic right they did nothing to soften their twisted smiles or gleaming eyes. Covered in fine silks and fabric, they all blended better with one another in this room than they did when they tried to at other gatherings. Maybe it was because everyone who stood within this room had some sort of sway strong enough to be a problem if left unchecked.
A flash of dark plum to my right turned my attention away from the peering eyes in the coroner of the room to see Duchess Vanessa stepping closer to me. Bronze hair was pulled tightly back as pears and crystals decorate the white scarf tied around her head and shoulders. Small almond shaped black eyes, a wide flared nose and thinly pressed dark painted lips made the duchess stand out once again. She had always been a beauty from my childhood, but as she got older, I came to realize hers was not a beauty all could name correctly, at least not those who paid attention to her physical aspect. She exuberant elegance, grace and a look that dared one to try and look away.
Tilting my head sightly in her direction to let her know I was paying attention, I turned back to my wandering visitors. I disliked those who looked away as soon as our eyes met, they made me suspicious and cowards were a waste of time to investigate into. Being thorough was needed at times because even cowards had their uses when used correctly.
"I will make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible while you are unable to make direct contact with them. Feel at ease that my house will do everything in our power to not allow any shame to befall us." Her steady voice did not carry around the room despite the deepness to her tone. "My husband has preparations for any unauthorized messages that they try to send out."
Curiosity did not eat at me, House Meachil was a long standing loyal friend to the crown, previously friends with my parents. And any who were once recognized as friends of the crown were not to be underestimated. Not for the connection to royalty, but rather that any who had anything in common with the previous king and queen had to be cut from the same bloodied cloth. I was sure any preparations Duke Gillermo came up with would have been approved by me.
"Send my thanks to the Duke." I muttered, placing a hand on the table flatly. I felt as everyone paused for a moment, reacting to any motion that came from me before they carried on with their charade. With a quick farewell, she disappeared behind that large oak door as well, swallowed by the darkened hall that awaited any who walked out. No doubt there were snakes laying in wait to ambush any who passed for information.
Not as quiet or quick as Duchess Vanessa, but certainly more polished than the others. A long haired older man with a white beard stepped forward, shiny golden rings and special stitchings around his collar unique to only one man. Sometimes it paid well to be a well known merchant, better yet to be the biggest investor for old and new blooming business.
"I ,too, will investigate if there are any differences in our trades since your enthronement, I will make haste." Jacob Lorance had the sense of a blood hound when it came to coins and fangs when it came to those who tried to keep him from them.
I disliked all those who followed after him, not precisely the people, simply the action. This meeting was to discuss on what counters and actions to take, as it had all been discussed, and concluded what was the point of walking up to me to promise to do exactly as we had previously discussed? A waste of time and a trial of patience.
I was glad to leave after the last person spoke, making haste to an appointment I knew I would be late too as soon as I caught sight of a familiar figure leaning over a young maid. Shaking my head, I changed my course before pausing.
"Leona, tell the commander there will be a sight delay for today's sparing practice." The words were spoken no louder than as if she had been standing beside me, but she was not.
Nearly nonexistent, a hum that would escape the conscious mind, but would be recorded into the conscious one. A background sound, then absolute silence, that proved that for a moment shorter than a heartbeat sound had existed. Knowing she was on her way to deliver my message, I stalked over to the notorious womanizer.
The woman saw me first, eyes widening in obvious shock at being found between the window and a gentleman whom was known for having no bride. Slipping from underneath him, she bowed before taking off faster than most trained knights. I held in a snort at the thought. He followed her figure, not moving his forearm from the wall, having caught sight of me yet his back faced me.
"Sir Gon, a word?" Purposely slowing down, I paused at the other end of the window, remaining clear of the beginning of twilight.
At my voice, he muttered what was most certainly not proper greeting and straightened up before spinning around to smile at me, both hands clasped onto the opened coat he wore. Pointedly glancing down, he followed suit and then looked off to the side before nonchalantly tucking his shirt back into his trousers.
"Of course." He said suavely, no hint of shame or embarrassment in his tone. He kept his lips shut, but I still felt as if he were grinning. He had that type of air about him.
Gon was recognizable for many aspects of his character, but physically, he was the only man with lose curls that fell nearly to his knees, nothing all that odd until he turned either which way and you came to see both sides shaved clean. He kept the sides from spilling over with a long pearl beaded string that ended with tear-shaped crystals. Olive skinned, light colored lashes and brows that made his russet colored eyes seem darker than they were.
"How has Lady Ariana-" He began, no sort of interest in the very question he asked. I rolled my eyes and leaned against the wall.
"She will be returning to her home shortly."
"Is she not to your satisfaction? From what I've heard, she's very easy on the eyes. Behavior problems? Or is her home training not to your liking?" Wagging his brows at first, he brought his hand up to his chin and then squinted, genuine curiosity now shining through. Gon wasn't a man interested in any relationships that worked, he preferred the complex ones.
"She'll make a fine bride to a gentleman one day, someone influential undoubtedly, but not with me." I stated firmly, with narrowed eyes, that I hoped he took as a sign to cease questions.
"I see." Dropping his hands behind his back, he leaned his head forward to a slight angle, the faint sun rays painting certain strands of his hair the same shade of his eyes. "So what am I needed for today?"
"Do as you always do, party, spend and hunt down the filth within the depravity." At my words he took a step forward, lips curling upwards in a smile that was contradicting to the definition.
"Guest of honor?" He purred excitedly, frame seemingly growing larger. Closing my eyes briefly, I scanned around for sign of any other life besides us.
"Maverik Noleto." I mouthed the name. He hummed for a moment, perhaps trying to see if he recognized the name to put a face to it. His right foot began to bounce without lifting from the ground, a shaky motion. It wasn't long before whatever he tried to hold in burst free, and he began swaying side to side with open arms, his head swaying side to side as if he were dancing to a melody only he could hear.
"I do love meeting new friends. Especially the ones that try to hide from you, they come up with the funniest excuses before they bleed." He laughed wildly, spinning around in large and small circles as he brought his hands together.
"Be lavish about this one, I hear Madame Kelly would like the girls to receive shoes to match their new dresses." Watching him prance about, I took a step back, having said all that needed to be heard.
He froze, turning to look over his shoulder at me before he was suddenly leaning against the wall, as I had originally found him as if he had never moved at all.
"A king who knows what's missing within a brothels wardrobe... terrifying." His wry tone made the corners of my mouth twitch as I walked away.
"Thank you. Do try to frolic after you're done, Violet hates knowing reports are late because you've yet to finish roistering." Turning around, I made my way to my next appointment.
"I'm not one for delayed gratification, but I shall do my best." An exaggerated gasp sounded behind me, soon to be followed by his grumbled promise that I had not intention to take too serious.
Violet could deal with him as she pleased, as long as he wasn't too damaged for the next time I needed him. Exiting the castle, I passed off my cloak to the nearest maid, she took it without a word and walked off.
Rolling my sleeves up, I stretched my arms above my head and rolled my neck, following the sounds of sparing and grunts I soon came across the stench of sweat, unwashed bodies, steel and blood. I was pleased to see that not many noticed me right away, those focused on their fights were drenched in sweat and covered in bruises, but eyes fierce and focused. Only those on the outskirts, practicing their swings or on wooden dummies, caught sight of my approaching figure and halted.
Momentarily ignoring Captain Palmon as he made his way to me, I watched the new recruits watch the elites practice. Raising the spirit of the young was easy enough to do once they came to realize their limits and strengths. Or weaknesses.
But it was not strength that made power. Anyone could gain strength, not everyone was made to wield power.
"Palmon." I called out, placing my hands on my hips. My tail began to slowly drag itself back and forth in the dirt.
"Your Majesty?" He asked, ready for orders.
"It's time the new recruits learned how to take down a beast."
***** 🥀 *****
The look of desperation and panic fluttered just beneath the mask of strained composure Lady Ariana wore, if not her vivid expression, then the scent of unease and nerves she gave off was enough to smoother any other scent near her carriage.
Her lady's bustled about, tracking the luggage and fretting over what they would need for the journey back. She paid them no mind as she scanned the gran stairs that lead to the entrance. Eyes trembling with a feverish shine. When a knight approached her, his words direct and striking her shoulders fell for a moment. She raised a hand to her face, hair falling around her like a curtain to hide her from the people around her. When she lifted her head, she wore a bitter smile.
It wasn't a grand departure, no explosive tantrums or shrieks of vengeance. That much I was glad for, but watching the carriages depart and move further and further from the castle, I couldn't help but stare after them. Not with any feelings of pity or regret, a tension fathered around my shoulders, a soft stirring within my core, my eyes narrowed. With the rejection of another lady from that meddlesome bunch, they would no doubt be forced to up their schemes.
Would they be sending another contestant? I'd think not after hearing the report Lady Ariana would bring. If they could not choose my wife themselves, then hindering their enemies from doing so as well could work. A useless plot when either side knew there was no definitive line needed for a bride, no political gain even.
It wasn't long before night began to fall, the castle workers vacating the building as quickly as possible, nearly waking hand in hand, huddled together out of the first gate and making way to their lodgings.
As always, with the last one out of the gate, the knights in their places the castle grew ominously quite. Walking away from the window, I walked down the silent halls, enjoying the peace of silence before the nights event took over and brought chaos back with it.
It began with the creaking of the floor boards, a soft start, only to grow sudden and then still. My steps did not sound off even when I set foot on a board that felt as if it was about to lift. Turning a corner I caught sight of something figurines and small scuttling away, the sound of tiny croaky legs scrapping against the walls, an unnerving teeth grounding sound.
When the sensation of cold touched over me, I looked back from where I had come from and stared into the darkness right before a sudden cold just blew right past me, chandeliers shuttered, portraits banged against the walls, decomposing leaves blew in from nowhere littering the floor as if I had been standing beneath a shedding tree.
Murmuring and mumbling began softly, before growing in waves that turned sharp and biting. Indecisive words turning into shrieks and cries of bitting retorts, and the sounds of tearing of flesh and fabric soon filled every room within the castle. My ears rang, claws glowing out as the sensation of a thousand eyes took over, but still I walked on.
I grew as well along with the screens within this castle, my looming figure growing within the second as flesh hardened into something that was no longer human, of this world possibly, longer my fire grew as well, untamed and shaggy. I walk deep within the castle to the heart of its core, or a vacant chair fit for a King remained in the center, waiting.
It was within this room they allowed myself to sit in the center to see the unseen to hear that which should never be heard. The residents of this castle were those nobles, so polished with jewels and luxurious fabrics from only the best shops within this kingdom. Now nothing but their true forms showed within this night at the seat of it all, of course, was the worst. Myself.
It was as if the air was charged with energy, not the type which fill the room with positivity and emotion, but the type that unearthed buried instincts which told you that something was wrong, very wrong. Within this room, waiting in the shadows for their chance of flesh and blood, for the opportunity to be the worst of the best waited, the most guarded secret of this kingdom of generations.
I looked to the darkened archways, four that surrounded me, and to the entrance door from which I had come from. Anticipation, greed, and something worse began to stir.
Always so eager, always as horrid.
It was the strike of the tenth bell that started it, the quieting of the residents as the sound of four different footsteps made their way hesitantly out from their prison. In a few moments, they would come out and see me, after that...they would have to run. When they were close enough to hear the pounding of their hearts, to smell the unease and fear, I spoke.
"Roamers, welcome." My voice was deeper in a way that made the words almost blend, but clear enough that if they focused, it shouldn't have been hard to understand. The snarls might have made it hard to listen to, however. "Step out so that we may begin to play."