Chapter twenty-seven

Eric

The sun was the only light strong enough to wake me. Not when I was sleeping close to Maisy. Nothing happened between us last night since I was still dressed but what mattered most was I meant a lot to Maisy.

The shouts of ecstasy outside got me off the bed. Throwing away the blinds, I saw villagers dancing their hearts away to the seductive beats of drums. What exactly was happening? Then it hit me.

The night of the dead.

It came with a speech. The mandatory need to visit our deceased graves and most especially the King's grave.

I turned back to Maisy. She was asleep and looking so damn beautiful. I joined her on the bed and stroked her frizzly hair.

"This shows how much you love me Maisy. It's going to hurt that I'd have to break it again if I can't get the money. I love you."

I kissed her on her forehead and tucked her in before leaving.

"Reece came with a letter." My brother, Anthony said immediately I entered the Royal court.

"You are an expert in ruining my day brother." I teased

"I couldn't help it. My day was ruined twice."

"What's that supposed to mean? Did Reece break your bones before delivering his message?"

"No. I actually found out who my wife's whore is."

"And?" I pushed.

"Our little brother Conrad."

I wouldn't say I was surprised. It was just like him but seeing how calm and collected Anthony looked was what bothered me.

"What do you intend to do?"

"Nothing."

"Are you serious?"

"Dead serious. I never loved Emilia. She was just forced on me by father. The same man we have to bring good tidings to today."

"So you're just going to leave her to cheat with Conrad who you know is clearly using her to get to you."

"Well, She just has to find that on her own. I'll be getting a divorce soon anyway."

"I don't think so. Maisy still doesn't trust me." I said with a sheepish smile.

"I don't think this is the time for such jokes. The king of Elyria has stopped with his threats. Spies have reported he's plotting another war. I know this is a lot coming from me but you have to make second plans."

"I know Anthony. I just don't want to hurt Maisy again." I revealed.

"Well, With what I have in mind, You're going to breaking her a lot."

"What's that?"

"I overheard Sara and Lucy's small talk. Lucy might be getting half of the Quinn inheritance."

"No. Anthony this is coming from you. I can't do that."

"So you'll rather watch everyone die and the survivors taking as slaves because of Love? Let me remind you yet again brother. I sacrificed my happiness for this family. It's something you have to do."

God, I hated this. Always having to put others before myself.

"Do you think she'll accept my proposal? If that happens to be my last resort."

"Of course. A pardoned who has an opportunity to put her name in history. She'll take whatever offer you have to give, Even being your consort."

***

Maisy

I couldn't take what happened between Eric and me off my mind. I had actually made it open to him that I still cared but what could I do? His touch was sweet poisons, Deadly and irresistible.

The door slightly opened and I pretended to be asleep just in case it was Eric. I couldn't face him right now.

"Maisy?" My father called out.

"Dad!" I got up to hug him.

He was early and dressed funny. His face was masked in white powder and he was dressed in old black rags.

"Why..."

"Noctem mortuorum." He filled me in.

"Night of the dead?"

"Yes. You should get dressed. Your grandfather insists the Royal family join him for the feast tonight."

"Ok. Is it done?" I inquired.

"Things didn't go as planned but you won't be the sole heir of the properties."

"What do you mean?"

"Lucy will be taking half of the inheritance and if you stand your ground, Eric will have no choice but to go for Lucy."

That saddened me. Eric and Lucy? A part of me couldn't comprehend Eric doing that but who was I kidding? He had told me he would still choose the kingdom over me any day. Plus, I didn't want father to suspect I was going back to trouble. It just wouldn't sit well.

"Do you think Lucy will agree to any of that? She does know we are married."

"Are you okay?" Father asked concerned.

"Yes. You should go. I'll get dressed."

"Ok."

Father left and the maids dropped in. Two in number. One had a black gown designed to impress. The silk dress was an intricate and delicate sculpture of threads. It looked like cobwebs bejeweled with watery like stones that shone even in dim room. The other had white paint similar to that father had on.

I got undressed and faced the mirror. The maids gathered up the dress and helped me wriggle into it while the other began applying the paint so I decided to ask some questions. Today's celebration was new to me.

"Why exactly are we celebrating today?"

"It's been celebrated even before our birth. From the stories handed over, We know it's a day the spirits commune with the living."

I snickered,

"Has that been proven true?"

"I've never experienced it but my Aunt claimed to have seen her late husband during this celebration."

I had a weak belief in ghosts. I had seen Tatia and I was sure of it. If this day could strengthen her connection to the mortal realm. I was sure she was going to contact me, Maybe telling me why I needed to run.

"All done." The maid said, snapping me from my deep thought.

I gazed at the mirror to see me. I was never the beauty queen. I never dressed to impress but this was me, The girl in the mirror.

I straightened up, smoothed the frock neatly into place, and performed a clumsy pirouette followed by an impish curtsy imagining Nobles feasting their eyes on me.

A maid insisted the very image of a painting depicting a sorceress, lady Gallagher, one hanging in the gallery rumored to have punished men for disagreeing with her.

If only I had that power.

***

Tatia

The nightmarish desolate grounds called the passing was nothing but Hell.

With nothing but my last pass, The king's crown, A souvenir Richard handed to me to contact the living.

My legs ached. It was a Herculean task walking in trappings, The chains kept my spirit from returning.

To think I would be ascending in weeks.

I stopped and looked high to the magistrate. A flaming skeleton who looked down at me menacingly.

"What do You seek?"

"A visit to the mundane realm," I replied.

"Nature of Death?"

"Murder."

Saying that was tough. Remembering being gutted with a knife by someone I couldn't remember was bad enough. The others said my memories would return once I ascend but I couldn't do that now. My sister and Eric were in danger. Their hourglasses, Their happily ever after was in compromise and I had to fix that.

"Your pay?"

I raised up the crown and his bony fingers grasped them. I watched him toss it to the other side. He picked up a bottle of pure white light and handed them to me.

"Happy Noctem mortuorum."

I couldn't tell if he was smiling or just being evil. He didn't matter. He didn't have a face. I gave him a faint smile and opened the bottle...