"You had to have expected another to come."
"Aren't kings allowed to dream?"
"Not when it comes to dreams that involve slaughtering their court."
"Not everyone," I huffed, leaning into the back of my chair, crossing my arms over my chest. "I appreciate a handful of the houses."
"Then I ought to be thankful you have such large-" he glanced down delicately. "hands."
My claws fisted up on instinct, sharp points nearly tearing into the fabric of my vest, an automatic defense rising out of me on the tip of my tongue. I bit it before giving him a wolfish grin.
"Should I make my next dinner a partnered one? Did you not say you wish to dine with Faustus more?" I mused nonchalantly, at once, Allan paled before narrowing his eyes, bristling.
"No one has meals with you, merely tense sittings where food tastes like ash, and someone walks away with a scolding or no legs." He spit out, clutching the stuffed file in his hands.
"You can not walk away without legs." I pointed out with a grin.
"You can, however, crawl," he snapped. My smile fell. Narrowing my eyes, I leaned forward.
"I do not think you are allowed to back talk to your king."
"I would do no such thing, if you feel as if I have, please I ask of you, remove this foolish head of-" With a lift of a hand, he immediately straightened up and cleared his throat, his usual calm mask in place. "Now, shall I inform you of your next bridal candidate, or will you start more topics of which we can argue about until dinner arrives, and I then I'll have to summarize it all. I can hand you the summary now if you would like, I have one on all of your perspective brides."
"Allan."
"Yes, Sire?"
"Proceed."
"Thank you, Sire, as always, a wise choice." My growl paused him only momentarily before he continued. "The only daughter of Baron Evan, Lady Isabelle, will arrive later this evening and will dine with you tomorrow after she is situated."
"Baron Evan's family is declining if I am not mistaken?
"Yes, his wife passed shortly after the birth of their only child, and he secluded himself in the farther region of their property. While they had plentiful crops and wages were paid, he did little to look over their lands, causing mercenaries and the other lords to raise taxes on those who wished to cross over. They are in the midst of figuring out what to do next."
"And the girl? I presume she volunteered as all others?"
"Correct, no doubt in hopes of finding a way to fix her family problems with marriage or the right question."
"Hopefully she asks for help instead of marriage." I opened and closed my fist, pressing my nails into the rough skin of my palm, just enough for my nails to sting a bit before placing my hands on the desk.
"I will be the first to remind you, Sire, that you need to be wed before-" He began once more as if I hadn't heard the same thing from others. I did not need to be reminded. Looking at my reflection was enough of a reminder, even my shadow aided in this subject. I glanced down at the oddly shaped shadow I cast.
"And I will point out to you that the first to remind me of my predicament are the new horns growing at the top of my head, and the ever pressing need to rid myself of these clothes." Reaching up, the tip of my fingers ran over the rough texture of horn. It was not the cold, smooth texture of my tail.
"Dualy noted and greatly appreciated." Allan cleared his throat. I was glad to have him around for moments like this. Whatever new changes I awoke with, he never showed his pity. If he had any, that is. "But if you wish to stave off the consistent bride candidates, then perhaps an alliance with one of the ladies would be best."
"You want me to ask a bride candidate to-" he was quick on interrupting me, noting the incredulous look I wore.
"To stave off the vultures your majesty, one might have to dine with one every so often." I found no error within his remark.
"Do you suggest this young lady?" I could not help but make a face as I motioned to the papers within his hands. I looked elsewhere where, placing my chin on the top of my knuckles as I took in a deep breath to stave off a headache.
"She is not a bad candidate. She is in need of help anyway." Allan's voice would have been soothing had I not been familiar with what he sounded like when he tried to be coaxing.
"How cruel of you to wager help for a favor." I noted and peeked over at him. "How old is she?"
He began flipping through the papers, slightly raising the folder to cover his face. My eyes narrowed. After a moments silence, he responded bluntly.
"Her eighteenth birthday was last summer."
"Pull my claws out," I cursed standing up. "Why do they continue to send me children." I moved away from his, not certain I wouldn't throw him, and that wretched folder out of the window. The folder would be understandable, Allan, would be for my own amusement.
"You are not much older than she is." He argued behind me, not hiding the tang of annoyance.
"When you've to run a kingdom of beasts and a palace of monsters, you tend to come out more than a tad bit warped." The words sounded flat, even to my ears, but the truth of the statement did not bother me. It was a reality in which I lived, and there was no point in wasting time complaining about the unfairness of the situation when I could place that same energy into dominating my reality. For a moment, I could almost hear my father's mirthless laughter at the thought of ever complaining about the position I was born into.
"That's not necessarily true." He cleared his throat, his voice softening. "Princess Ruby-"
"Was not raised here." I reminded him harshly, teeth grinding. Something crumbled beneath my fingers. I glanced down to find the end of the couch distorted. "It would be a waste to have such a young lady die for nothing and have to search for a new candidate so soon after being wed." I turned to face him again, the day had just begun, and I found myself already exhausted. How was that so?
"Another lady perhaps?" at my pointed stare, he nodded. "Any recommendations other than being around the same age and a tad bit warped?"
"She can stab as many people in the back as she desires, as long as I am not one of them." I grinned baleful.
"Of course." He replied sourly, scribbling something down with a tight expression. "On to the next matter, Lizbet and Demarys are back and waiting to be called upon for their report."
This brightened my mood drastically. Anything that did not have to do with brides and murder did as well.
"When did they return?"
"Early morning." Knowing those two, it would be best to receive the report now and let them enjoy their rest days quickly.
"Summon them." I ordered immediately.
Both women were fast on arriving. Upon entering, I studied them as they stood there, taking in how this latest mission changed their appearance. Lizbet was the head of gathering information for me, a good statured woman with dark brown eyes and even darker hair that was currently a dark shade of green that was cut to her chin. Her sister, Deymarys, was two heads taller than her and wore her short hair slicked back, a blank expression over her face that remained unless she was infiltrating a targets house.
"Let's make this quick so you can both rest. I'm sure you're exhausted from the long road."
"Rest would be nice." Deymarys said honestly, dodging the elbow, Lizbet aimed her way skillfully.
"I appreciate your sisters honesty." I confessed. From the corner of my eye, Allan shook his head. Of course, the master of lies would disagree with my statement.
"That may be because Your Majesty is not around her honesty for longer than a few hours." Lizbet replied carefully, eyes narrowed at Deymarys, who for all intent and purpose looked ready to fall asleep where she stood.
"That might be it." I looked away and focused on her, she would no doubt be doing the majority of the talking today. "What's the word outside of the castle? Hear any interesting rumors lately?"
* * *
The water droplets left a trail from the bathroom into the main chamber. I discarded the damp towel on the ground and let myself fall onto the plush bed. I turned to face the window, laying on my left side. The sun would be up in a few hours. I placed my hand under my head and stared at the empty sky. It had been a long time since the sky around the castle had been any type of beautiful. An even longer time since the castle was more than treachery, schemes and roamers. Out of the corner of my eye, something popped up, I realized it was the blanket underneath me, now shredded by the force of my clawing. I pulled my hand away as I sat up, I sighed. Cecilia would be upset to see this. I rolled over and allowed sleep to claim me, knowing tomorrow would be as or much more exhausting.
It couldn't have been more than ten minutes, my consciousness on the edge of slumber when a sound jerked me awake. It was nearly dismissal, which was what made me all the more alarmed and stirred me. I knew of far too many people who had ignored something that seemed innocent and wounded up dead. I laid silent and still, waiting to see if the sound would come again. Then it did. Immediately I knew what it was. Sitting up, I leaned over and opened the night drawer and pulled out the little box. Again, it was shaking, jerking.
Lifting it up, I peered at the box, playing with the bindings. I pondered over opening up when the scratching began within again. Sharp, an uneven sound, like my nails when I dragged them on granite. It rattled and pushed with significant strength. It went on for a couple more seconds before it went silent. I watched for a few more moments to make sure before putting it back within the night stand.
I would have to dig more into the previous owner and the reason for the rattling. All without Allan knowing, of course, he would be infuriated once he realized what I was keeping. Somehow the thought soothed me to sleep with the wicked delight of knowing the sight would be amusing to see.
The next day passed in anything but a blur, but since tonight was the first dinner with Lady Isabelle somehow it managed to do just that. By the time I was within my chamber once more, it was because I needed to change into nights dinner attire.
I was not looking forward to meeting Lady Isabelle at all, just as I had not been ecstatic about meeting any of the prospective brides sent my way. Few had been pleasant, many more had been boldly ambitious, the rest had perished. I would argue they had walked right into their own traps more than it had anything to do with my own nudging in the right, wrong direction when it came to agreeing on where we both saw the future going.
The first dinner was always the responsibility of the young lady. She was in charge of the courses, the venue, and if I were to be feeling magnanimous, dessert of we made it far along. Rather than it being a dinner to impress a king, it was a dinner for me to get to know their taste and just how well they communicated with the palace workers. Tonight's dinner was going to be in the yellow room.
"Is everything set? No complaints?" It was vain to spend so much time worried about what I looked like with my clothes when the beast that wore them was the complete opposite of the elegance worn. SIlks and velvets, silver embroidery with fine designs could not distract from hard scales, rough fur, and the obvious horns and claws.
"Everything went smoothly, in fact, I would go as far as to say the kitchen staff enjoyed Lady Isabelle's presence. If you don't choose her, you may find your food a bit on the bitter side." Allan's hands were swift, fixing something at the back of my vest, tugging and smoothing things down.
"That much?" My claws combed downwards, grooming downwards to tame was as much as possible. I paused, tongue heavy in my mouth as I was overcome with the urge to lick myself. My expression went dark in the mirror for a moment as I cursed within.
"I hear tonight's main course was made by her very own hands." His words snapped me back, horrified, I looked at him in the mirror. He made no effort to catch my eyes.
"You jest." I spluttered.
"Don't worry, the knights kept a watchful eye on all of the ingredients, and the taster has not shown any symptoms of illness." He was overjoyed at my reaction, his face almost splitting at his grin.
"Allan..." I began. He pulled his hands away from me, looking at his own reflection in the mirror, and adjusted his forest green headband. With one last tug at the frills at the end of his long sleeve, he clasped his hands in front of him. He looked nearly harmless, honey brown hair curled at his shoulders as he looked back at me with wide eyes.
"A home cooked meal, how wonderful, you've never had food made by a woman after your heart, have you?" I bared my teeth at the pitying look he sent my way, used to me, he didn't so much as flinch. I frowned and huffed.
"The women after my heart usually have a dagger and would much rather hold my crown than the intangible part of me." I turned away from the mirror and made my way to the door, knocking twice as the guards outside opened it. We walked from out of my wing, crossing over the bridge. I peered over to the scurrying maids far away, heading back to their quarters off castle lands. At least they had the opportunity to leave.
"Just remember Your Majesty, if she picks up a knife and heads in your direction, the knights are outside and all you have to do is-" I snarled at him nastily, "Shall we head over now?"
"Walk in front of me."
"How could a mere servant-"
"Walk." I emphasized the command.
"As you command." He rushed in front of me, facial expression tight. My tail thumped twice on the ground, showing my agitation. I hate these dinners. The false interest in my interests and well being.
Had everything gone according to my father's original plans, I might have even been looking forward to this, but as things were, as far as I could see, it was a burden that was needed. Passing all of the family portraits, the harsh faces that looked on at me seemed judgemental. In my mind, their frame shadows stretched across one another, morphing into hands, claws out reaching towards me, mouths opening, asking me with their disdain; Why has it taken so long? Will you be the one to cause this kingdom to fall? I cleared my throat, suddenly feeling suffocated, entrapped within the clothes that held the man within the beast. The rest of the walk left enough time for me to gather myself and disperse the intrusive thoughts.
We both saw each other as soon as I turned the corner, her ladies in waiting bowing to me before taking their leave. How quickly the palace found people for her. I watched after them as I felt her eyes take me in, I gave her time to control her expression. Of course, all potential brides knew. were warned, but it always took them by surprise when they saw me with their own eyes. From hearing to sight, it's always a shock.
She was soft, plump cheeks and large brown eyes with brows as dark as her hair, curled around her shoulder and cascading to her waist. She was not as dainty as I thought she would be, taller than most ladies, a strong posture and pleasing features. Regaining her sense, she fixed her expression into a pleasant smile. I found my eyes drawn to the scar by her hairline, small, but surprising to find. The ladies born outside of the castle seemed to come with the idea that scars on the face were terrible for marriage, but here they were a source of pride. But then again, it determined on how the scar came to be, that mattered.
Her dress was not as extravagant as the other ladies had chosen to wear for the first dinner, instead it was simple in design. A soft blue, the color of a sunny mid day, a creamy translucent bounce beneath, wrapped around the length of her arms as the black silk ribbons hung at her shoulders, one wrapped around her waist, and a darker blue pattern livened the bottom of her dress. She wore little adornment on herself, except for the white and black choker, a simple yellow topaz at the center.
Allan stepped off to the side as soon as we were close enough, leaving us face to face. I squinted down at her for a moment, she was awfully calm. Her heartbeat had risen only when we had rounded the corner, and then retained its steady pace. Taking hold of her dress, she bowed gracefully, looking down for a moment.
"I greet the Fangs of the Kingdom, may you always reign. I am the only daughter of Baron Evan, Isabelle. I hope to get along well with you during my stay here." Her tone was courteous, voice pleasantly clean.
"Like wise, shall we?" I motioned to the door, letting her enter first. Nodding she headed in.
"Do enjoy." Allan threw out. Arm dropping, I turned to look at him and walked in.
The yellow room, contrary to its name was a dark room. The only thing bright within this room were the yellow walls, and even that was closer to a mustard color. All furniture or decor were either dark walnut, cloudy gray and murky blue. The dinner table was small, for an intimate dinner between a small family. Allan's knife comment from earlier resurfaced. She wouldn't have to walk over to me if she wanted to stab me, leaning over would work just as well. I pulled out her chair and watched her as she sat down calmly, pushing her in slowly. The short walk to my own was quick, sitting down I paid attention to the repast.
There were the usual plates of greenery and sides I knew where the castle's specialty, but the main platter was uncovered to showcase an interesting meal. It looked pale in color, but was sprinkled or rather buried in hues of red, blue leaves and dark chunks of what I presumed was meat. A small round bowl with nearly transparent but thick liquid sat.
"I hear you made this yourself. Is that correct?"
"Yes, I hope you don't mind, but I thought it better to contribute at least a little since everyone here already does everything for me." Was this to thank me for their work or thank them for their work through me? I did not see how her hand making the meal made any sense with her reasoning.
"How considerate of you." I praised vacantly, half wondering if it was not fish that I was smelling, it could be elk. The blue leaves were a new touch.
"Thank you, if it is not to your liking, please do not force yourself to partake of the meal. Chef Vetwin is on standby just in case."
"Oh?" I placed the napkin on my lap. How astute of her, but the thought of waiting for the meal to be prepared and then having to wait for the taster made the tip of my tongue taste bitter. I smiled. "That's good to know, but I'm sure a meal prepared with sincerity can not fail when it comes to taste."
"If it fails to be as good as you imagine, I will be immensely embarrassed tonight." She looked down sheepishly, hair falling over her shoulders to frame her face. "Perhaps I should have let Chef Vetwin cook as most ladies did."
If she knew there was a possibility that she would be embarrassed and felt her skills were inferior to that of the royal chef, then this gamble was for not. Was this a ploy to win me over with her innocent act, or was she truly like she appeared?
"You out to have more pride in your hard work." I motioned to the silent servers standing by the walls. "Serve us and step out."
They were swift, cutting out a portion for her and I. I watched her as she watched them work, a small smile on her face as she thanked them. I peered down at the plate after everything else was served in reserved acceptance. It would be rude to poke at the dish, I knew that much for manners.
"If you need anything, we are a call away." One of the workers swiftly shut the door, leaving us be. Lifting what I deemed the most appropriate utensil to use in order to eat this, I scooped a small portion. She had her own spoon in her hands, smaller than my own, but most utensils within the castle were. She was waiting for me to eat first, I tried not to let the reluctance show. It could be better than it looks. Smelled. Perhaps the presentation skills were lost in vain in order to focus on enriching the flavor? My mouth watered, gums aching as the sudden image of tearing into something heavier flashed through my mind. I shoved the mysterious meal into my mouth.
At once I knew she had odd state. It was not the worst thing I had eating, but it was absolutely not to my taste palate. While the meat was an interesting soft combination of elk and something else, it's natural taste was masked by what I presumed was the red covering of spice, not too much or little, just enough to allow the person to taste it to know it was not something that would go down easily. There was something grainy, but what I knew I was tasting at the moment were the blue leaves. I disliked them immediately. There was just something off about them when I chewed upon them, some odd reaction happened when I ate one. They chained the entire flavor of the food once consumed.
"It is...good. You have naught to worry about." Once more, I shoved more into my mouth and briefly made eye contact with her before looking elsewhere. It was good because I had tasted worse and odder before.
"That's a relief to hear." With a heavy sigh of relief, she began eating her own meal with poised movements, taking hold of her small bowl and spilling it all over her dish. Eyeing my own, I considered the outcome of the meal if I were to add one more mysterious ingredient. My tail moved around back and forth slightly faster, almost lifting off the ground in a small thump that had Lady Isabelle halting for a moment, brows furrowing as her eyes looked around me before continuing on.
"Is there a specific reason for this dish or was this something you were more familiar with?"
"It's my father's favorite dish." She confessed with a fond look upon her face as she looked down at the food. "I make it for him during happy occasions, and meeting someone new is always a good reason."
My head tilted back, I looked at her, brows rising as a pleasant smile covered my face. For once I watched a reaction take place as her eyes dropped for but a slight moment, scanning my teeth. Her gaze dropped back to her platter for a moment, she cleared her voice before reaching for her glass of water and taking a small sip.
"A positive outlook is always a splendid thing to have. Would you say you are someone filled with positivity regardless of the situation at hand?" Knowing what to expect for taste now, I took larger portions, making fast work to make it all disappear.
"Very much so. I think your Majesty knows of the situation. My father withdrew from society, and even his own duties to our people after my mother's passing. I will not lie and say life was easy, but compared to our people, it must have been much better." Her voice saddened towards the ends, brows dropping as she seemed to appear smaller in her seat, setting her spoon down carefully.
"I heard a little of your situation, I am sorry about your mother's passing." I set my own down, taking the hidden suggestion that perhaps she had more of a conversation than a dinner in mind. I would eat later on in the night. Anything would do.
She nodded softly, hands moving underneath the table, her head tilted slightly, hair cascading down. An even sadder expression crossed over her face, but it was not the same type of sadness she had worn seconds earlier. No, at once I recognized that her sadness was directed at me. Why did she look at me like that?
"Thank you, I too am sorry." Ah. I stilled at once, not even bothering to breathe. "I hope the late King Leonard, both queen Viola and Crystal, are all together, may their souls return to the beginning."
"Hmm." The mask came on easily, not that it mattered with my appearance, but it was nearly habit at this point whenever they were mentioned. In truth, the sadness and agony at the sudden loss was long gone. Replaced with controlled fury and focused malic, which is why I unfroze myself, all movements slow and soft. I was a beast by sight, within, but in actions I was as normal as she at this table. "Thank you."
I set my hands down carefully on my legs, not an inch of me strained, fingers relaxed despite the adrenaline that now filled my body. Sitting so still was going to be exhausting later on.
"This might come off as disrespectful, but may I speak honestly, Your Majesty?" She leaned forward, a flash of emotion coming over her, a moment of desperation in her voice until she caught her error and leaned back calmly.
"This is a safe place to speak of truths." Lie.
"I would like to propose a bargin."