"Master, I saw her, I saw her, master!" a breathless voice sang without pause as the owner came running further.
The maid with bally big eyes came to a screeching halt in a middle of the cleared part of a forest, that was hidden by tall trees and bushes.
On a stealth rock in front, was mounted a figured with hands clasped behind his back.
His back alone was enough to chill a person with dread instantly.
And the breathless maid was no exception as she cowered before him, immediately going on her knees like a faithful servant.
"The last time you came here, I remember telling you to bring me good news and nothing more," the chilly voice of the man broke against the peaceful sounds of nature, making the young maid shiver at the sound of his voice.
"Y—yes, Master," she stammered, lowering her head with a racing heart.
"Then tell me,"
Marjorie felt her blood freeze within her as she felt her master turn towards her.
"what good news have you brought me?" he finished with his dark grey eyes fixed on the lowly servant at his bidding.
His gaze, glinting with something wicked.
Swallowing resolutely, the maid, Marjorie, winced silently before parting her mouth to speak, "I—I saw He—r Her Majesty, the Queen," she found her courage.
"Good, that's good of you," loud sinister laughter that made her shudder filled the forest, alarming the birds as they chipped and flew away from their peaceful homes.
"You deserve an award, my lowly thing," he said, coming near.
"Tell me, tell what you want and it'll all be yours," he whispered, like the devil.
Marjorie fearfully raised her head to look up at him, the misery dancing in her bluish eyes seemed to bring him a lot of joy, assuring him his grip on her was firm and guarded.
But Marjorie knew this promise of his was just another method of punishing her, yet she still looked hopefully at him even when she knew that he wouldn't give her the reward she desperately wants…her freedom.
That's just how wicked the Royal prince is!
"I want to be set free, Your Highness," she pleaded in a broken voice.
Just as she had known,
Arius' strong grip on her chin was what welcomed her as she grimaced in pain.
"Tsk tsk tsk, slow down little one," he whispered so close to her ear, making her wish she was dead instead of being in his control for a crime she never willingly committed.
"I give you an inch, and you want to take a mile?" he muttered darkly to her quivering being, increasing the pressure he exerted on her fragile chin.
"Arghh! Master…you're hurting me," she yelped. "please, let me go,"
"Now be a good girl, I'll give you a chance to warm my bed since you've not thought of a reward yet," he said with a smirk, before abruptly flinging her jaw from his hard grip. Letting her hit the ground with the side of her face.
Marjorie remained in the same position as she let her tears fall to the earth silently, careful to not make a sound that may displease him.
This is just the beginning of her tragic life, she knew it.
Young Marjorie couldn't help but question her creator, 'Why did he have to make her a sorceress?'
It was because of this cursed race that she was in this mess right now.
For the sake of keeping the life of her family in hiding because of the ancient law against the favor of sorcerers, she had entered the lion's den instead.
Isn't it too much of a sacrifice?
"Get close to her and push on with the initial plan," her eyes closed, more tears gushing out as the Prince's command penetrated her ears.
'I don't want to do this,' she cried to herself.
If only she could state her opinion so openly this way, wouldn't life be fair?
She heard the footfalls of his, smashing and crumbling the dried leaves on the ground as he went away.
Once Marjorie was certain he was totally gone, she gradually picked herself up from the debris filled ground that she had gotten used to being knocked down on, over time.
Her trickling tears left a wet trail on her soft features.
How was she supposed to involve an entirely innocent victim to this stupid game the Prince was playing with the King, all because of the throne.
What could she do about it?
She was nothing but a pawn, and she was well aware of her position, not wanting to cross the line.
She just had to bend to his will until she gets what her heart desires. Her freedom!
Marjorie thought as she sobbed in agony.
. . .
Meanwhile,
Arius' tall figure could be spotted passing through the major wing of the Castle in quick strides.
He came to a stop at a particular door, after sweeping the area with a meticulous glance, he raised his fist and knocked once.
His impatience was soothed immediately the door was slightly opened.
"Brother?" Marionette called in a shocked whisper. Her gaze instantly mingled with specs of fear swirling in them at the sight of him.
"I have a deal for you," the trickery in his tone could be heard vividly. It even shone in his deceptive eyes that was the same shade of hers, but lack the same spirit.
Marionette, the third Princess shivered from the piercing glimmer in his eyes.
Fear overwhelmed her as her body shivered and shook visibly.
Her opinion was useless at the end, because she knew she had to make this deal.