HIM8

The door flew to shut behind me with firm slam, the knights started as I stormed out. My robe dragged behind me smoothly, people unfortunate enough to run into me darted away or came to a halt when they caught sight of the glower that I carried.

She was utterly mad, naively inexperienced! I roared inwardly. I would have assumed Allan had put her up to it, her proposal coming too soon after his own, if not for the clumsiness of her attempt to entice me to choose her. My jaw locked as her large eyes came to mind, the hopefully yet nervous way she tried to hide her desperation. I had half a mind to write to her father and demand he come explain how she could be so foolish.

"Stupid girl." I snarled, my hands fisting beside me. It didn't take long to make it back to my office, when I stormed in Allan stood, a surprised expression soon morphing into a sigh.

"How did she ruin it so fast?" He shook his head, walking around the desk to the side table, already pouring wine for me. I sunk into the couch.

"You both had the same idea." There was a pause in the pouring as my words clicked for him, before he handed it over to me. I drank it all in one gulp. "Even you would have been appalled by the 'deal' she offered." I used the word loosely.

"Did she demand more than she was willing to give?"

"I would be a full-fledged bandit-" I corrected myself at his skeptical brow raise. "Not the kind of thief I would be alright being labeled as."

"How bad?" I watched as he refilled the cup, my tongue already tingling at the heavy drink.

"She barely asked for enough to cover the Baron's finances, to lessen the land under her father's name, and to make the matter all more insulting. She even shrugged when I pointed out the fact that she would probably be assassinated before she could voice the thought of wanting to break the engagement." At my incredulous tone, he halted and then grabbed himself a cup to drink from, before taking a seat across from me, crossing a leg over the other.

"Ah, I see." I disliked the careful way he spun the wine around in his cup, his expression fixed as he watched me. Allan knew me better than most, that was one of the reasons having him as my right hand-worked. The other was how disturbingly observant and indifferent he was to the knowledge he gained from his insights.

"I may have been able to tolerate this deal if she hadn't been so nonchalant about her fate." I almost felt as if I was defending myself as he remained silent. My claws tapped at the cold cup, a persistent sound that rang out over the sound of the crackling logs. He lowered his gaze to my claws before he spoke, looking off to the side.

"Your disdain for selflessness is known to many. Choosing her as a bride would be..." Lips pursed together, his head lolling back towards me.

"Unbelivable." I finished off with a sigh.

"Hmm." He shook his head, exasperation filling his words. "Can you not simply think of it as her selfish desire to throw her life away for the bettering of her father?" He sat up, his free hand motioning around. I knew he was tired of looking for potential brides, hell's horns, I was tired of meeting them, but even so, this was the worst solution to present itself to me as of now.

"If she was doing it for her father, she would have been greedy enough to ask for more coin and protection. If she had asked for more, I would have felt fine accepting, but even I know not to steal from those who hand out with pure intentions. That is just asking for an awful sort of punishment." I held bad a shudder as the fur on my body stood on its end, my tail moved rapidly on the ground, slithering back and forth.

"Emotional attachment you mean?" He said with a smirk. I bared my teeth at him. Chuckling under his breath, he shook his head. "Surly a wife is worth some ache."

Eyes narrowing into slits, I tilted my head and watched him squirm under until he sighed and put his cup down.

"You know what I mean."

"Yes, I do."

Very few things agitated me quickly, far less managed to get under my fur, but selflessness was one of them. Courtesy of my ironhearted mother, she would sink her teeth into my father whenever he showed weakness, her form of love. Cool brown eyes and an almost expressionless face came to mind, her features nearly indistinguishable because of time, but if there was one thing that I would not forget, even if her voice and gestures left me, would be the taunting smile she always wore. She always had something to say or point out, regardless of where she was or who she was with. My mother was a strong advocate of being as selfish as possible, as carefully so, but she had somewhat odd conditions. The first being to never step on a tender heart with pure intentions. She swore doing so paid the fool with irony and blood. I inherited my mother's dislike for soft partners. Even if I hadn't, my mothers words proved true with my father's second wife. Irony and blood. A pang thrummed through my chest.

"Queen Viola would have had a different young woman walking out of the yellow room had she been there." And there it was, that astuteness of his. I was glad he never had a pitting tone when he talked of her, a tad wistfully, but that was it.

"Yes, she most certainly would have." I had to agree.

"So what did you say?" He questioned, his voice suddenly lively. "You did not simply storm out? Right? Your Majesty?" I could have sworn his eyes shook.

"Of course not." I rolled my own. "I turned her down." I smacked my tongue at him. "You have the expression of 'why?' and I dislike it."

"If she is a solution to-"

"She would be killed before-"

"If you've informed her and she still insists-"

"Have you no shame?"

"Am I to answer that honestly, or would I receive your pardon for a lie?"

"If she were to be useful, she would have to last until my birthday banquet."

"I can handle her protection until then."

"If she were to die-"

"I feel almost insulted that you think so little of my skills." Standing up, he straightened his vest as he raised a hand and placed it over his chest. "I will place the best guards on her."

"If she dies, I'm cutting your pay for two years...and Faustus." The way his face darkened without his mask of outwardly serenity dropping, the daggers he must have been throwing at me, was utterly amusing. "Yes, this seems fair enough."

"As you say, so it shall be done." He said silkily. "Am I to understand you will take Lady Isabelle as your temporary bride?" He began walking away from me and back to his desk.

"Until the banquet." I gave the fire a once over, the logs were burning out. I had a desperate urge to free as much time for tomorrow as possible. I needed to minimize the paperwork drastically.

"I suggest you go and propose then." He paused mid-step and turned back around, brows furrowed in a grimace. "But I think it best not be done on the same night you met her."

I snorted at the idea. It would send the castle into a frenzy, and I would have assassins aiming for my neck as well if I was to announce my betrothal from a single dinner. "Of course not, I wouldn't want my retainers thinking I'm a romantic." Not to mention, a bride requires a lot of work, preparation, and most importantly, in this case, protection. Especially if she was temporary. I imagine I might have been happier to gain such a bride if the idea of me having to explain the not so obvious danger she was placing herself in wasn't creeping up on me. Assassins, poison and envy were sometimes the easiest to deal with. In my own opinion.

"Oh, I think that ship sank long ago, Your Majesty." He assured.

"Good." I let my head fall back for a moment, taking in a breath, before standing up and walking over to the desk. "I'll be working through the night, I need you to organize the stacks, from demolitions and reconstruction requests, territory disputes, the outland hunter's and any important letters to have arrived this week. You can retire for the night after that."

"For a temporary bride, I must say I like her already if she's frustrated you into working. I'll inform Maks to assist you tonight."

"Perfect." At once, he began moving in a whirlwind motion all over the office, dropping and removing stacks of folders on my desk and replacing the ones I had postponed onto his own. Once he was done, he walked over to the door, bid me farewell, and retired for the night.

It was easier on me to do minimal work when I had no desire to tackle the most difficult of tasks, to clear my foundation, if you will. It was aggravating to have to come up with solutions for my kingdom without being able to see what the issues were myself. Being trapped within the palace was a test of patience, and after these last few months, it was beginning to take its toil on my mind, if it had not done so already. While I was certainly trapped here, at least the other nobles had each others company. The pessimistic, almost envious thought halted my work. Pushing away from the desk, I stretched. I was not completely alone, I reminded myself.

"Avi." I called. She appeared on command as if she had always been within the room with me. She knelt in front of the desk.

"How is Ruby?"

"She remains in good health, her tutors say that while she is reluctant to participate in her etiquette classes, she remains attentive in geography and history. She managed to slip away from her maid three times this week."

"Three?" I voiced in disbelief. She nodded as I looked on. I looked towards the book case past her, filled with a mixture of pride and disquiet. She was showing great promise for such a young age, but I could only protect her without a doubt so long as she remained within her wing of the castle.

"During one such escape, the Princess came upon a maid that Sir Firat has deemed as suspicious, but not yet dangerous. She is not a maid that could have access to the Princess, so it was a one chance encounter, but he wanted this reported in case she were to be a future issue. Should we look into her, Your Majesty?"

"Did she talk with Ruby?"

"Yes."

Hmm. A single investigation on a maid for a moment meeting felt like a waste of resources, since she was only supposed to be allowed within castle grounds if she had already been investigated. There had been infiltrations in the past, causing a greater scrutiny for any who applied to work here, but even then, a rat without a tail to grasp onto was still a rat at the end of the day.

"If she has another encounter with Ruby, look into her, for now let her be. As for the Princess, appoint a maid to her that she will like, someone she will see more as a playmate to take with during her mischievous games. Sir Firat will protect her from afar, but there are things and places that will be difficult for him to navigate." He was also very obviously doting on her if he never stopped her from perfecting her escape adventures. So long as she remained unharmed, I would turn a blind eye to that. After finishing her report, she vanished to someplace near by, but even I could not sense her.

It was early morning when I finally shut the last file, a sense of accomplishment filling me, as well as exhaustion. Heavy, I rubbed at my eyes with the back of my hands, feeling the rough fur and scales touch was eerie, even if it was my own limbs that held such complexity together. There was an ache along the rigid muscles of my back, something that I could not blame for the slouched position or the long hours of sitting. Reaching behind me, I twisted my arm, trying to feel for something that was not there. If something grew from my back, I'd be damned to lose more sleep. The thought brought upon me an even greater sense of anxiety, a buzzing that coursed through my body with no destination in mind. I needed to do something about this before I reached the point of no creature. And I needed to move fast, or else I'd go, literally, mad.

Since I was done with my work, I made my way out of the office and headed to my bedroom for whatever amount of rest I would be able to take. It was still too early into the morning for anyone to be awake, but already the morning knights had changed shift, bowing as I passed in silence. The castle floor was freezing, I could feel that through my fur. The whole world was cold, the darker thought infiltrated my mind easily. Belle's face came to mind, her steady gaze despite the worry that clung to her like a second skin.

Was she my salvation? My last chance or the best one I could find? A king stuck in an almost endless loop of dinners. It was fitting that something so life altering could not be broken by someone who could not make an impact as well. How could my ancestors withstand such a demand? To find the perfect partner before their twenty-fifth birthday. A bride was easier to find than the perfect partner, but that was not the issue. With Belle, I would be able to get everyone off my back, but there would be things that I would have to work on with her in order to get around the more delicate parts of this family tradition. Brooding all the way to my room did nothing to help my exhaustion, as the door slammed shut behind me, removing everything I threw myself on the bed. Hearing the frame let out a sound of disapproval at my sudden weight.

Even in sleep, my dreams were twisted with monsters who lacked physical claws, but the scars they dug into my mind brought a pang to my chest that awoke me hours later, with an uneasy sensation that I should be weary of hidden fangs. In a castle full of monsters, my shadow was the safest place to be.

*** 🥀 ***

There were few people I dinner with, even fewer whom I felt comfortable enough to do it with, but the duchy of Meachil were friends to the crown and old friends. For some time, the duchess Vaness had taken part in raising me as a child. I wouldn't say that I trusted Jacob Lorance, the most influential merchant within the kingdom, but his trade was the only one to have never strayed from the promises he made when he began to rise to the top. For as enamored as he was for coin, he was one of the few men he knew that did not let it cloud his eyes.

"I hear you've received new imports from over seas. Fine wines?" He asked, pushing away from the table slightly, feeling uncomfortable with the chair.

Jacob wiped at his mouth with the napkin, before taking a wing of his drink. The rings on his fingers gleamed, as polished as the silverware within the castle.

"I have, my men tell me, the country has a deep appreciation for all fine refinements, since they host gatherings often for beneficial, mingling. I could have a few sent to you for your tasting if you would like?"

"Just a few." I agreed. Drinks seemed to be the only thing that helped calm the anxiety buzzing within his chest as the days passed. How could his days be filled with so much to do and his nights feel so restless?

"Do feel free to call upon us if you find one you can part with." Guillermo coughed out shamelessly, raising his glass with a wide grin that his darkening beard could not hide. "Drinking is best done in company."

"As if you haven't engaged in a fierce drinking game with the house guest." The duchess scoffed, shaking her head at her husband. As always, she was striking at the table, polished and elegant with each movement. Her husband was a mount of a man, a slight slouch to his stature now because of his age, but the wildness did not leave his dark eyes.

"Ah, but that was work, my dear. It's no fun if I'm fishing for spoils from loose lips." He stared at her with false innocence, her own staring back with a raised brow. His lips came together as he looked away. Jacob called his attention.

"I've gotten tips that the neighboring nation is in talks with Vahlair about visits."

"How do you hear of this before me?" This was news to him, he sat up straighter. "Do you know if they have set a definitive time?"

The last thing he needed was Vehlair within their close proximity. He knew what would happen. They would use the nations visit as an excuse to come into the kingdom without notice. Since he had been turning down their inquiries, they had stopped sending them about two months ago. Even before he had become King, his father had warned him about Vahlair's generational disregard towards Zeilge when it came to their successor's remaining inconspicuous. The crown prince was adamant on having a private chat with him. Something that was impossible to do while he remained within his cursed form.

"Nothing but whispers my Lord." Jacob promised, but the uneasy tightness around his eyes did not fool anyone at the table. They all knew the trouble Vahlair could cause if they asked for a stay within the castle. Turing them down could start strife Zelige was not capable of dealing with, and hosting them would mean risking royal secrets. If they joined hands with the nation, everyone within the kingdom would be in jeopardy of being subdued.

"Tell me when they solidify. Has there been any drops in trading?" If his news source was faster than my own, then I would have to find a way to make it my own, but for now it was best to see who would deliver information swiftest.

"Everything is still flowing freely. None of the trading partners have brought up the contacts, but I have been notified that there's talk down at the doc about an increase in orders up north. Nothing too suspicious, but it seems the conflict over who will be the heir of the northern duchy has reached its peak." Jacob said carefully, watching for his reaction. I smiled at him. As a merchant, pleasing his highest paying buyer was the number one priority.

"Will you really not be intervening?" Guillermo serious had an edge of disapproval, which I ignored. He had always disapproved of not taking a heavier stance on the northern disobedience, but I had different plans for them. They were free to do as they pleased for now, so long as they did not step foot within the capital.

"All northerners have made their stance on my succession very clear. If they tear themselves down from the inside, that will leave fewer people for me to worry about. I have my own share of problems to worry about, as it is to worry about choosing the lesser pain to lord up north." I explained calmly, and then purposely changed the topic. I looked over to Vanessa, whose shrewd gaze told me she knew exactly what I was up to. "Tell me about the envoy."

Talk between the four of us lasted a while longer, as they interchanged information and opinions over business, but before long Lorance excused himself. Once he was gone, we moved over to the parlor.

"How is the princess?" The duchess asked at once. Although her expression was indifferent, I knew better. She adored Ruby, perhaps a lot more than she did me.

"As active and playful as always. How is Ophilia?" At the sound of their youngest daughter, they both stiffened, obviously for two different reasons. Guillermo immediately turned red as he began to shout. Vanessa looked off to the side with a blank gaze.

"That child takes after neither of us, as the days go back, I grow more certain she was switched at birth with a wild boar with wild she charges at her opponents. No matter how many times we tell her to calm herself, she charges blindly!" He was breathing heavily by the time he finished. My lips twitched. Ophilia had always taken a penchant to upfront and unbashful behavior, which was not at all odd, if not for her literal habit of smashing who ever she deemed her enemy with her face. A phantom echo of her forehead hitting his chest sprung up, even though it had been years since she had done so.

"Then she is indeed your child." He taunted, crossing his legs and raising his chin. "I seem to recall you doing the same during a match with me."

Guillermo pulled at his clothes, straightening them out slowly, taking his time before answering.

"How else would you learn to evade a wild attack?" He said shamelessly, giving him a toothful smile that had more bite than amusement.

"Oh, so you did so for my bettering?"

"I would have no other intention, Your Majesty."

"I was impaled a few too many times to say I believe you." I countered learning forward. He too began to lean forward, before a hand shot out and landed on his shoulder. The excitement died from his eyes as he leaned back petulantly. Perhaps I should have Captian Palmon prepare a sparing match with his old friend. It looked like the Duke was itching to stretch his legs. Or better said claws.

"You got back at him." The duchess reminded me bluntly. I tilted my head in acknowledgement, relaxing until her next words came froth. "Your birthday nears. How are you doing?"

"Monstrously well." I bit out. They both gave me a pointed look that only those who had been together for so long could do.

"You do seem...larger than before." The Duke's eyes wandered above my eyes, the horns, I knew, had no doubt grown.

"If you don't find a bride quickly-" She began carefully, but I knew the issue already/

"We will all go mad, I know." All too well.

A possible invasion was nothing compared to what could happen if the current king of Zelige did not find a bride soon. I tried to ignore the concerned look they looked at me with. As much as they were worried for me, I knew it was not just my sanity they were looking after. They wanted their son home, and so long as I was cursed, no noble my age could step out of the castle. Their future and sanity depended on me. The king's crown was feeling closer to a noose.

'It is with utmost pleasure that I inform you that not long ago I attended a gathering of gentlemen of the highest standing, when we were joined by flowers of the night. Of course, ignoring such ladies would be of the utmost brutish behavior, and so we gents had no other option but to partake the entertainment they put forth so willfully. I must inform you that a few men were so taken by the entertainment and drink, that in the stir of confusion and stupor a brawl broke out. It wasn't until the air cleared that we came to realize that in the heat of the moment five unfortunate souls seemed to have stumbled off the third floor and died of broken necks. As you can imagine, at once, we sobered up and cooperated the investigation. I will hold their memories close to me, those poor souls. I have been invited to a small gathering of exclusivity in a fortnight. I too, then, shall tell you if any birds fall from their nests, although I have heard the venue will take place on a very large boat. Warm regards, G.'

I shook my head. He could have sent a simple note confirming his mission was a success, but as always Sir Gon would not be happy unless he was allowed his flare, but since he was so undeniably talented at removing pests and gathering information while in the public eye, I could not fault him for his play. He was my inside man, without actually having to be inside of any groups that opposed me or tried to strike me from behind. How he managed to lurk around such foul people while also gaining their favor was beyond me. If not for his track record, I would have suspected him. He was a dangerous man all on his own.

"He never writes a dull letter. If he were not so shameless, he would make a great story teller." I passed Alan the letter as he walked over to the fire place and set it ablaze, along with the envelope.

"It is his shameless behavior that makes people so obvious to his scheming side. He's rather honest for a liar." Of course Alan was fond of the party animal, I scoffed. He grinned and walked back over to his desk. That reminded me.

"Why does Lord Lorance know of Vahlair's movements before I do?" I jumped up from my seat and loomed over him. He narrowed his eyes, half turning his head as a defensive expression crossed over. I felt a snicker come up, but I held my cold stance.

"What do you mean?" He demanded, forgetting all etiquette as he stood, hands on the table. With a bit too much glee, I went into detail about what Jacob Lorance had informed me of earlier. His complexion darkened as he leaned that he was actually behind on information for once. "Ah, that is unacceptable. I'll speak to Mak about this. I have an urgent report to-"

"When isn't there something urgent going on?" I huffed out, all joy from earlier rushing out of me. Just once, I would have liked to have some sort of entertainment that didn't involve...well, the usual blood shed or schemes. Work, stress, plot, kill, eat, sleep and repeat. That was all my life was starting to come to be. My tail swished out violently, snapping against his desk so loudly that it shook the study structure. I bit my tongue as the damn thing began to throb. He looked from my tail to me with a raised brow, but I pretended to not notice.

"The other kingdoms are beginning to send inquires as to when the banquet will be held, and since we are days away from an official preparation date, we will have to begin sending out invitations." He took a breath before adding. "Invitations that will need to be filled with a ladies name." My fingers curled, claws out as a growl began to rumble from deep within my chest.

Spinning around, I swallowed the snarling words I wanted to shout out. He wasn't the cause of my ire. Everywhere I went, someone always seemed to be waiting with some injury or reminder of the inevitable. It wasn't supposed to be like this, I lamented within. This wasn't how things usually preceded, but the anti royal faction had nearly brought my family to their knees. I looked down at my body and scoffed. I was on my last legs, I recognized. Time was working against me.

"I'll remind you that you'll be having dinner with Lady Isabella tonight." His words landed like soft blows to my back, but at this point they did nothing but tire me out. Another dinner with another perspective. One that was beginning to look like my only good option. The thought alone felt like the final nail on my coffin, or better put, like a chain around my ankle that was tied to her own.

"I didn't forget, but before that call for Gerald, I want to hear about Ruby." I said after silence filled the office, my head dropped into my hands as I sorted out my thoughts. He left without another word.

She would benefit from this, as would I. So why, despite knowing this, did it feel as if wedding the girl would doom me? My parents face came to mind for a moment, before my mothers face overlapped with Ruby's mother. The expression on my father's face. When was it that he looked happiest? Why could I not recollect his expression as clearly as that of my mother? Isabella's intentions were pure as far as I could tell, but there was something wrong. I just couldn't put my finger on it. The knock at the door pulled me from my musing. I straightened up and told him to come in.

"How is the princess?" I walked back over to my chair and planted myself down, pulling my cape over my form.

"Princess Ruby has participated in all of her classes and is reported to be exceptionally well at geography and mathematics. She is eating and resting well. She resists her bed time a couple of times in this past week, but promptly falls asleep. She has managed to lose both of her designated maids ever since Leslie was removed." He informed me without pause, this is what I appreciated about my childhood butler, he always got to the point.

"How many times has she...evaded them?" My slow pronunciation of the word made the corners of his eyes turn upward. I did not want to accuse my sister of escaping, it made her sound troublesome. She was a child playing around, it was within her right to want to go where she was not allowed, even if she did not understand why, but I did not like the thought of her wandering off alone. Firat would be with her, but there were places even he could not enter as her knight, and things he could not do that were better left for another to handle.

"Twice this week." I felt a complex amount of pride at knowing she was so good at evading, but also anxious because she would undoubtedly get better as she grew. By the look on Gerald's face, I wasn't the only one with complicated feelings on her little adventures. The castle wasn't safe enough for her to wander about. There were too many guests in the castle that did not look agreeably upon her.

"Hmm, find a replacement for that maid. This time allow her to choose from the ones that are thoroughly checked. Once she does inform her that, she must make sure Ruby takes her with her when she wishes to hide." The other two had been with her for the last two years as far as I could recall, but she had not taken a very strong attachment to them. For the moment, besides myself and a few others, only Sir Velion was closest, and although they were always together, he would not impede her behavior so long as it did not directly put her in danger. It was best she found someone and made them her people.

"Very well, Your Majesty."

"Anything else? How are the quaters around her palace?" Any odd woman wandering around trying to gain favor with the princess?I held my tongue, but the suspicion was clear in my gaze. Gerald's brows lifted slightly as his expression became pleased.

"Nothing out of the ordinary, but we will be vigilant as always." I waited a moment longer in case there was anything else he wanted to add, but when nothing came forth, I nodded. At least on that end, I knew there was nothing to fret about. Ruby needed to stay safe, and so long as she was under watch from those I trusted, I knew she would be. Dismissing him, I focused back on the tasks at hand, and as always, with Allan far from sight, I took the opportunity to leave the office. I was always there.

I made a decision and headed to my private library, wondering if not for the assigned staff and librarians, if the books would have sat there collecting dust. I took my personal halls, finding no one but those assigned at their guarding posts there to greet me, along with the few people allowed to walk down the confidential passageways. I hadn't walked these halls in months, the last time not easy for me to recall. I took hold of the large bronze door handles and pulled them open. I was bombarded with the comforting scent of old books and fresh air.

The doors shut behind me as I made my way straight to my favorite section. The black and white marble floor was cold beneath my feet. I trailed a claw delicately along the black stone book cases, following the regal designs with my eyes until I went up the circular stairs and over to the corner of the room where pillows and comforters were left folded up neatly. At once, I made a mess of the area and laid down and stared up. The green tint of the window on my side cast a soothing shadow for as far as the sun allowed it. The familiar mural looked old and faded by the years, but it still grabbed hold of something in me now, as it did when I was a child. My father called it the Kings Walk, something I did not understand. The majority of the painting took place within a forest, monsters and beasts of all shapes and sizes peeking from behind trees and leaves. Some had bodies, others showed only dark eyes that watched your or moved to watch the main attraction. Within the heart of the painting was a flickering fire, but two large faded figures were the only two whom were near it, both standing in front of the other in poses that could have been dancing. The paint had long ago chipped away, but the shadow of what was was firmly imprinted on the ceiling, the lines of where the original imagine was traced etched so firmly that they were nearly carved in. What I could make of it was the long hair that one had, and the wide nearly manic eyes that had always unnerved me as a child. One time I had even thought the creature had turned to look at me, the hair flickering to a vivid gold with orange and red fire like streaks running down its hair.

Sighing, I rolled over to the window and watched as, for a few minutes, Allans voice broke the peace, as the day continued on without a care in the world. My tail swished back and forth behind me as I made my mind with heavy reluctance, but accepted that even if it was doom, what appeared to be my fate.

*** 🥀 ***

She chose the blue room for tonight's dinner. The glass ceiling was a nice combination with the fire lit candles, the night stars twinkled as we partook in a funky made meal. There was nothing remarkable about it, but since she too looked at peace, then I counted the tranquility between the two of us a win. For now. The discussion later could always sour the peace. She had looked a bit more composed as she welcomed me now, bolder, but not pushy. For a moment, I wondered if saving her father's land and its people was enough to be the drive one needed.

She was beautiful in the obvious way, her dark curls and sudden looks when her eyes found me was enough to make any person pause to wonder. She was elegant enough to be an obvious noble, but there were moments where her country's upbringing was hard to ignore. If all went well, Duchess Vanessa would do well as a role model. I could call upon her, but it would be up to Isabella to gain her favor and survive the training.

When the table was cleared and the dessert was left on the table, my favorite. I wondered if it was a lucky guess or if she had already managed to win someone within the palace. I wanted to say that it was unlikely, but since a majority of the people working under me were bought off by others to keep an eye on me, it was possible. Especially if everyone wanted me married, the clock ticking and their preferences for a queen dwindling. After all, if I didn't do away with her during the ceremony, they surely could after we were no longer bound.

"Your Majesty, I know this is rude, but I would like to know if you have thought about my proposal?" Lady Isabella began timidly before, straightening out her back and looking my way. Not necessarily at my eyes, but below. "I am this bold, because if you have decided to reject, then I would like to make haste and allow your next bridal prospect to have a chance."

"The proposal," I said slowly, almost tasting the words. They coated my tongue with a heaviness I did not have favor for. I picked up the dessert spoon, looking down at the beauty of bribery. There were definitely perks to being king. "I have thought it over."

Expectant dark eyes trembled at me, lips pinching together as she waited for what followed. Oh Isabella, it could not be that simple. Her earnest and boldness where appropriate for her, but would be disastrous if she did not learn to hide them or use them as a shield. Ignoring her nearly pleading eyes now, I focused on my dessert and the sweetness of the filling. I would hate how it coated my teeth later, but for now it made for the best distraction. It did not take her much to realize I would not answer her right away. The sound of her own spoon being picked up signaled that she too, had begun to enjoy the dessert in front of her.

"Have you explored around your allowed area?"

"Yes? Oh, yes I have. Everything was decorated spectacularly. I've found myself very drawn to the small garden."

"That's good to hear. Have you spoken to anyone besides those appointed to aid you?"

"No, I've not seen any of the castle nobles, if that is what you mean to ask." A line appeared above her hairline as she studied me for a moment, her answer clear but her own eyes full of confusion. I gave her a soft smile. She could be lying, all would be known with one question asked of the right individual, but her answer was as bold and a blunder.

Duchess Vanessa would have a handful with the things she would have to teach her, otherwise my bride's throat might be slit before she made it to the altar. She couldn't have been raised around many nobles with this behavior, and if she had, they had all failed to warn her of talking directly onto the obvious topic instead of dancing around for her own safety. Many people had been led into traps by their loose tongue and unwitting minds.

"Let me give you some advice that will serve you well, no matter where you go, my lady," "Being honest is a great trait to have, but being too honest will attract bold liars and deceitful people who will take advantage of you. I do not know who you were accustomed to speaking in the past, but the nobles within these cold walls use words as weapons when weapons themselves are not enough."

"Thank you for your advice. I will take it to heart." I hope, for her sake, that she did. "Was this something you came to learn from experience or ?" She turned her head away from me, but glanced at me, her side profile undeniably attractive. Dark curls spilled from over her collar and fell backwards. I studied the steady pulse present at her neck.

"When music is played and a partner appears, is it not best to know the steps before hand?" I waved my hands around, making sure my words were smooth and steady, but I doubt she missed the hostile undertone.

"You can't always know the song being played." She countered. I nodded, agreeing with her to some extent.

"Everything has a rhythm and flow, after a while, repetition is what you dance to."

"I do not know many dances, however, the country had many festivals. I find I prefer the freedom of dancing to the unknown." Oh. Only those with little to lose or no fear for consequences ventured in blindly. Even if I did not want her as a bride, I could still warn her as her king. It was the least of a last warning as I could give. If she chose to venture into this pit of snakes after all, then it would be by her own choice.

She was certainly raised out of a malicious environment, I almost envied her of that. I felt far more vile thinking of what could be made of this girl if she remained here, or what would be of the woman if she managed to come on top. That lone comment turned my mind into a spinning wheel as various adjustments and precautions began to play out. If all went well and her capabilities turned out to be more than I could imagine, she could be a favorable influence on Ruby. Certainly she would give her an experience no one within this castle could provide, but that too could be a problem, for now, I put the idea aside.

"Once more, I'll remind you that you gain far less than you should, all the while facing danger from all directions."

"I am sure you will protect me, Your Majesty."

"To the best of my ability, but no one lives forever, and not all die a peaceful death. Take that of the former king and queen."

"May they return to the wild." Was her instant reply as her eyes remained on the table, staring blankly ahead. I had seen her only for a handful of times, but the sudden realization was instant in her still state. Lady Isabella was not a woman of much movement. Perhaps it was because all of our encounters were over meals where we remained sitting, she might be restraining herself. For someone so expressive, she was astutely aware of her own body language. "I-I have faith in you, My Lord, and am willing to put my hands in your capable hands."

I glanced down at my claws. A chuckle escaped me, her eyes flickered upwards and remained. It was as if the sight of me was all she needed to pull herself together as a calm mask slipped in place for her.

"Your faith in me is humbling." The lie slipped from my lips with ease. "If we are to advance in any further conversations, before I make sure of my decision, I must make sure you are aware of the dangers."

"I already know what I risk-" Her confident tone riled me up at once, the words ripped out from my mouth with a lot more volume than I meant to use, but this was not the game she thought it was.

"No," my harsh tone resonated around the room. She flinched and leaned back into her chair slowly. "You don't." I let her feel the full force of my words as I dropped all niceties. "What do you think the worst thing can happen to you here is?"

When she remained silent, I answered for her. "Death? That would be a service of kindness. I do not wish to frighten you, but if anyone of those who stand against me wish to replace you with a person of their own choosing, scaring you into renouncing would be easier than killing you. The methods of which to do so can go from childish behavior that I can not and will be dealing with, dangerous in counters that will drag you into the arms of death, only to be ripped away just as suddenly because the sole purpose was to cause pain and fright, and worst of all, the torment of your soul if they decide to taunt you with the lives and well-being of your loved ones. Or course, I can place protection on your family, but even I can not stop every plot and scheme if an army shows up to your father's front door." She was listening, truly listening well and thoroughly as I painted the dark portrait. I placed my chin on my balled up fist as I watched the various emotions race across her face. It was a horrid future for anyone to think of, to imagine, but it was a realistic one. To allow her to walk in blindly in the hope that I could make everything better would tying the silken scarf around her eyes myself. I was a monster, the king of the worst, but certainly not the worst to roam these halls. The thought sent a vicious sensation of glee through me. Oh, I was not the worst, but I was close.

"So in short, I might face childish pranks, possible poisonings and beatings, and my loved ones being used against me if they fall into the wrong hands?"

"Correct." Her hands cam together on her lap, a shaky breath escaped her, but other than the slight paleness to her cheeks.

"That is a fearful thing to experience." Her voice cracked multiple times, she cleared her throat until finally reaching over for her cup.

"Your answer?"

"My answer?" She searched me questioningly.

"Do you believe all that you may experience will be worth the price you ask for?"

"You promise to protect me?" Her voice was the lowest I had ever heard from her, just shy of a whisper.

"To the best of my abilities." I confirmed. I would keep my promise to her so long as it did not interfere with anything vital. Silence filled the room as we looked to one another for different reasons. I could imagine what being in her position could be like, but I was not, and that wasn't exactly something I was at liberty to take.

"Then do you promise to avenge me if something terrible were to happen to my loved ones or myself?" This was unexpected. Eyes enlarging in surprise, I felt another spark of interest, or rather approval. I wasn't often wrong with judging someone's character, but when I was it was a pleasant surprise. When you always expect the worst, being proven wrong was only a celebration. If Isabeella continued to do so, this could turn into a true partnership, but only if she continued to grow the small fangs she was beginning to grow. There was hope for her yet.

"That, My Lady, is a promise. For what I cannot prevent, I will make sure to never forget, whoever schemes to stand against my wishes will be found at the bottom of the well. Vengeance is a certainty when it comes to me, because for all that I may or may not be, I like to believe I am fair, which is why I am pushing for you to be as reasonably selfish as you please." It would wear down my conscious if she were to die without gaining anything fair in return for her sacrifice. The reason for my actions were wrong, but I would do all I could to make sure she remained safe and well compensated.

"Now that I know what to expect, I would like to ask, what would you ask for, if you were in my position?" My head. Hmm, best keep that to myself. If I was the one to plant any ideas into her head, I would trip on the very root I planted, my beheading would be

"... You have my protection, the payment of your father's debts, and the aid for the land. You will have multiple people kissing your hands and feet to win favor with you. What they offer will be no different to what I can give."

"So I should ask for something only a king could grant?" I just titled my head, let her think as she wished.

"Think it through some more before answering." She agreed readily, seeming shaken by being put on the spot. I had to admit to myself that she was a bit more interesting than I had previously thought, enough to be a friend in the future, perhaps. "You seem like a very expressive person. Would you be willing to give all of that up, to become someone new, in order to help your father and his people?"

"I sacrifice nothing if I've gotten to live in happiness, however small and insignificant that might seem to others. The memories I've gained from the land and people are enough to keep me strong." Her words rang just as fierce as her eyes did, no hesitation or wavering of any sort. The candles in the room, their glowing fire, all seemed to flicker, trapped within her burning gaze.

Her vigorous praise and devotion to her idea impressed me, but still, a buzzing in my chest had the corners of my lips twisting upwards. I looked else where as I brough my hand over my mouth. But for how long? How long would memories sustain her fire, support her through harrowing experiences? She was too young to use those few precious memories as fuel to fight off the demons lurking within this castle, in my own opinion. She would tire out, and if she became nothing more than a doll, I would have to deal with that. My words would be cruel if spoken aloud, but I did not wish to carry any additional weight. For now she could help, but in the long term? Of course, I welcomed being proven wrong. Nothing would delight me more to learn that she wielded daggers beneath the skirt of her dress and was taking advantage of the difficult situation I was in, in order for her to better her land, name and status.

"What a noblesse response." She smiled elegantly, the corners of her eyes crinkling slightly. "An admirable trait for a queen to have." Her smile disappeared as her eyes widened, shock evident.

"Does that mean-?" She cut herself off, not daring to whisper the possibility as a new gleam brought her face to life.

"You will have your response at daybreak." Tonight I would see if she was as she portrayed, and even if she was, knowing what lurked in the shadows of her subconscious would help me know just how far the length of her blade was and what distance I had to keep. I could take a blade to the back so long as it was, with a good reason.

"Why not now? Are you still unsure-" Nealy tipping forward from her chair, she clutched to the arm rests with a fierce grip.

"At daybreak." Was all I explained. Seeing the unyielding stare, she backed down, reluctantly, but the night continued with small talk before she returned to her chambers with one last questioning look as if she wished to see into my mind. I gave nothing away. Not a frown, a smile, a wave. Nothing.

I remained there for as long as possible, tinkering with the golden cup, twisting this and that way as the jewels gleamed off of the fire light. I wondered who had chosen tonight's decoration. The food choice was great, the decoration was fitting to the room. The night was nearly pleasant. It was rare to have a pleasant night with a bridal candidate, even more so for that candidate to get as close to being an actual bride than all of the rest. And so that night, while some slept through the night and others worked about or danced the night away to glamorous splendor and dizzying music that entrapped the listener into the room, I stepped out into the shadows and went into the dreams of my closest bridal candidate, yet to get to know her better.

When the sun began to rise into the sky, I left a simple note flutter to the ground. For a moment, I lingered, staring at the note before leaving. Isabella's price was nothing a king could give, but something a man could. She left me in a predicament.

[ Yes. ]

*** 🥀 ***

"Your Majesty, Gerald." A voice informed me from behind the doors.

"Let him in."

"Good morning sir, I've come to report on Princess Ruby." Gerald stopped right before my desk, his words alarmed me for a moment, not accustomed to seeing him so early in the morning. At my unsettled look, he explained himself swiftly, setting a file on the table. "She is fine, I just thought you should know right away that she has already chosen from the maids prepared for her."

"Oh, well that was fast." So long as she was someone for Ruby to have fun with, while still remaining fine, she would do well. He filled me in on the new maid, listing off of her credentials and background. I wasn't giving him my full attention, but there was something missing in his report. Her time working at the castle.

"This is a new hire?" My incredulous disbelief made him stop from whatever he had been going on about. Even Alan's paper shuffling had stilled.

"Yes sir." Gerald confirmed at once, a slight pause to his answer. He frowned, his eyes flickering to the side, lips pinching before he took a breath, broad shoulders lifting. I knew what his expression meant, I had seen it often as a child when he was displeased by something out of his control. Which was not much, and so this baffled me even more. How could a new hire get so close to the Princess and then work directly into her service? What was this?

"So she has yet to spend her first night within the castle?" My voice lowered to a dangerous degree, the words a rumble. I reached for the file, reading through everything he had already told me, going for the image of the young woman. She was nothing special, but that made her all the more dangerous if she was to go unnoticed after doing something unrepairable.

"That is correct sir."

"Why was she made into an option?" It wasn't like Gerald to make such a temerarious mistake. Especially not with the safety of the Princess. My eyes narrowed on him.

"Princess Ruby asked for her, herself, Sire." He clarified calmly, not withering under my gaze.

That was news to me. Ruby wasn't as untrusting as I was, but she was...sensitive to those around her, and with the strick control I kept over those who neared her wing, it made it nearly impossible for those with wicked intentions to come near her, and even so, she was fairly good at judging people. Far better than anyone imagined. This also made her incredibly picky when it came to keeping people around her. I did not want to disregard her first choice after a while. It would send a terrible message, and she was within her right to ask for anyone. And yet... was this that same maid Avi had spoken od earlier? Was Ruby suspicious of her or intrigued?

"Have you interacted with her?"

"I have and she seems to have a steady head on her and sharp eyes." A compliment and a warning in one go. This was could either be a good maid to keep Ruby company and keep an eye on her or she would be trouble, but all of this would only come into inspection if she lasted through the nights here, but even an easy adjustment would be suspicous. Finding good help was difficult when being too good was seen as a suspicious trait. The irony was not lost on me.

"Easily scared?"

"I will work to ease her into her first night so that she does not ask to be let go."

"Yes, it would be a shame to have to get rid of-" Alan begant to clear his throat violently. I corrected myself without a missing a beat. "Let go of someone the Princess had finally chosen for herself. Make sure she remains within the castle if she lasts a week. If the Princess still wants her in her service afterwards, she is to move into the castle permanently and have Cecilia rearrange her schedule to fit the Princesses schedule. Inform me of how the trial period goes. If Sir Firat opposes of her lingering around, than she is to be removed at once."

"From the Princess service or the palace?" I answered him with my silence. "Understood, Your Majesty." I watched the door shut behind him for a moment, pondering over the new maid. I took hold of the file one more time and went to the picture. Setting it down, I turned to Alan. He had contrinued with his own work, ever the diligent worker.

"Make room for Lady Isabella in todays schedale." I infromed him with a sigh.

"You don't have a scheduled dinner. Why would-oh, Oh, yes, sir." His eye lightneed u[p for a moment as daybreak broke through the windows, but it was his understanding of the meaning behind my request that did it. It was as if the man was glowing. "I'll tell Mak to start drafting a contract to be ready before you met her." He stood quickly from his desk, nearly kncocking documents over as he moved twoards the door, grabbing a few things in along the way.

"That will do." I shooed him away, he knew what would be done from my side and anything else would be added as soon as I revisided the fist draft. I should tell Alan to leave an open space for the Lady Isabella's wish, but to make sure to lock in the preventive clauses in case she wanted anything that would put me in peril.

"I'm liking the young lady already." He nearly sang on his way to the door. He tossed over his shoulder. "All hail the new queen."

"She's not queen yet." I pointed out carefully. Halting he looked over his shoulder at me with a raised brow. Anyone else wouldn't have dared to give me the uncaring look he wore, aimed directly at me.

"She doesn't have to be, she just has to make it to the alter." His shoulders lifted as his mouth turned into a weary but mocking frown. "If she survives, then she can be queen."

"All hail the queen." I muttered, a twist in my gut.

If she survives.