Upon the manner Merkin rushed in, it got Marlowe pondering what the issue might be.
The ringing of the bell echoed two more times before fading to a cease.
Along the way, "Is there a problem?" Marlowe asked with confusion vivid in her eyes.
"It's the King's mother, Your Majesty. That Bell signifies that she's out from seclusion," Merkin responded.
"Seclusion?" her confusion grew even more.
"The King's mother comes from a strong bloodline of powerful Vampires, so she normally goes into seclusion to cultivate," Merkin told as she sauntered slightly behind Marlowe.
"That's all I know from the gossip going around about it in the Royal Castle," she added.
"I see," Marlowe nodded in understanding. "Why were you so tensed earlier, then?" she questioned as they both manuvered at the lengthy corridor, taking a turn to the familiar route of her chamber.
She glimpsed the hesitant look on Merkin's face, before the maid decided to speak, "Umm, I didn't want any situation of you coming across the King's mother, or any of her ladies-in-waiting." Merkin confessed, "Sorry, for making a decision for you without your permission, Your Majesty,"
"Why is that?" Ignoring her apology, Marlowe probed, even when in fact, she didn't wish such situation for herself as well; God forbid.
"The thing is, the King's mother wasn't in support of the King getting married,"
Merkin said in a lowered voice as she closed the door of the chamber behind her once they got in.
Marlowe's brows curled in confusion. Her innocent expression earning her a cute look, coupled with the freckles scattered beneath her eyes.
"Remember, the Royal Castle is full of mysteries. A lot, that we can't even know where we can begin to solve from," she reminded kindly.
"So you're saying, the reason the Queen—"
"Ermm," Merkin cleared her throat on purpose, to notify Marlowe about the blunder she had inadvertently made.
"Ahh, the King's mother," she corrected whilst looking at Merkin. "the reason why the King's mother is not in support of his marriage have something to do with the mysteries surrounding them?"
"I guess so, Your Majesty. It's only reasonable,"
"If she knew that he still went along with it even after her disagreement, there will be chaos in the Castle, Your Majesty," she paused, obviously holding back her tongue.
Noticing this, Marlowe looked hopefully at her, "It's only fair that I'm made known, Merkin," she said to her, softly.
"Especially if she finds out it's a human bride. The King's mother despises humans." Merkin mumbled.
Fear instantly gripped Marlowe whole.
There was this inkling she was getting during her little stay here. She knew there was no way on earth that her stay here was going to be peaceful and trouble free—not even in hell that was happening.
"So it's best you avoid her, Your Majesty."
She was too muddled to hear the kind words of advice Merkin gave.
Even at that, that wasn't possible.
Because she was invited to dinner with the Royal family in a week from now for a proper and official introduction.
Perhaps that introduction might be her doom instead?
But strangely, Marlowe's gaze brightened with a sudden glint holding hope.
Or maybe…that could be the best way to rid herself from this Royal burden.
For sure, the King's mother would despise her; just like what Merkin had told her about the woman.
And she might not want her any longer and immediately throw her out.
That would be great!
"Your Majesty?..."
"Your Majesty?!"
"Yes?" Marlowe jerked when she was called on twice.
"Are you okay, Your Majesty?" Merkin asked worriedly, because she knew the new Queen was not a tough one. For sure she would be terrified out of her wits by what she had just divulged. She didn't want the Queen to sleep in fear all throughout the night.
"Y—yes, yes I'm fine," she answered with a slight smile and a heavy trace of doubt in her shaky eyes.
Her body still couldn't deny her fear.
It still crossed her mind, though. Should she…anticipate this dinner?
"Will you like to have your bath early today, Your Majesty?" Merkin disrupted the flow of the previous topic. Seeing how terrified Marlowe was becoming.
"Yes, please. Thank you," Marlowe whispered with a smile.
"I'll go prepare it now," Merkin said before scampering out of the chamber immediately.
Acknowledging with a nod, Marlowe spread herself, letting her back fall listlessly to the bed, giving off a bounce as she exhaled breathily.
Again, for the umpteenth time, Marlowe asked herself, 'What have you gotten yourself into?'
And she heard a voice in her heard giving her the most befitting reply, 'A game you cannot play?'
And she had no choice but to agree with it, because this was indeed a game she couldn't play.
She didn't even know the rules!
She bit on her lower lip in a hardened force, trying to fight away the overwhelming fear that was eating her up from inside out.
Fortunately, Merkin arrived just then, serving as a most needed distraction. "I'll get it prepared at once," she said as she struggled with the heavy bucket of hot water.
"Do you need a hand?" with sincere concern, Marlowe asked, already getting up to assist her.
"Oh no no no no, Your Majesty, just…sit, It's my job, I can handle it," Almost tripping by the Queen's generous—overly—generous offer, Merkin sweetly rejected, whilst not making it appear like one.
With an awkward smile, she made her way into the bathroom. After properly putting everything in place, she walked out with wet hands, strolling over to help an already standing Marlowe, pull off her complicated dress.
"Thank you," Marlowe appreciated with a smile.
"I'll get used to this," Merkin mumbled under her breath as a reaction to Marlowe's appreciation.
"Huh? Did you say something?" with innocent saucer eyes that looked like that of a child's, Marlowe questioned, thinking she must have missed what Merkin said.
"I said you're welcome, Your Majesty," Merkin lied flawlessly with a tight smile.
Nodding in acknowledgment, Marlowe looked away from her as she strode into the bathroom with only her inner garment on.
Wishing the bath could relief her of her tensed nerves and irregular erratic heartbeat.
Hoping for a long and peaceful sleep.
Not expecting her midnight visitor.