Chapter 16
Evver had been gone for almost an hour.
It was the longest she had left me alone in days. She was gathering things she thought I would need for the coming week. It was full of visits with who knows who and talking to who cares about who.
I was so tired of it all.
It was as if my life was a movie playing on fast forward. Every day that passed felt like less than an hour in time. My wedding day was coming sooner than I was prepared for. I would never be prepared for it. I was coming to grips with my new reality. If it meant saving those I loved than wasn’t any sacrifice worth the cost?
I was basically locked in my room most of the time.
The only time I was allowed out was for “appointments” Drayben and Lote made for me, as well as the occasional dinner with Tommit. Any time I spent with him I felt like I was losing myself. Darkness was beginning to overcome my soul.
I was beginning to feel so alone.
There was nobody I dared confide in.
Of course there was Evver, but I couldn’t add to her already weighty burden. It wouldn’t be fair to her. I could see pain was slowly starting to eat away at her spirit already.
Everything I loved about her was starting to slip away from the little girl I loved so much. I wondered about my family in the real world. Had they given up the search already? Had there been a funeral?
My heart ached to think of the pain my family had experienced. I was certain my tormentors had probably celebrated my disappearance. I wondered if they had already found a new target. Was somebody else suffering because of my disappearance down the well? Why did life have to be so unfair? I had heard bad things happened to good people. These words rang truer now than ever before. During my time in Paradan I had grown to love those I had gotten to know.
Evver, then there was sweet Kazor, Simit, Reber, and Cassius. I could name many others, but there were also others I hated with a deep passion. Drayben, Cronan, the Destroyers and Tommit I never knew such feelings of hatred were possible within my heart. A soft knock at my door sounded. I straightened my dress and then made my way toward the door. Prepping myself for anyone behind the thick door, I took a deep breath before opening.
“Lote?” She smiled widely.
“Hello dear. May I come in?”
I opened the door wider allowing her to come in. She still made me feel uneasy. I left the door open an inch. For some reason, it made me feel safer. She walked over to my large window that looked over the kingdom and settled there. Her eyes gleamed when she looked at the view. I knew it was a beautiful sight.
I had never been to her room, so I was unsure if she had any view at all.
“Beautiful.” She remarked. Lote meant it as a compliment but there was ice in her tone.
“Yes, it is. Paradan is lovely.”
She continued to stare out at the bustling kingdom. I wondered what it looked like before Tommit’s hand touched it. I would love to look out over the same view and see giants, fairies, dwarves, and yes even trolls, wandering around the cobblestone walkways. The leaves were starting to change it was my favorite time of year. I was certain there weren’t going to be any jack-o-lanterns or trick or treating this year. Lote turned a hard touch to her eyes as she looked at my latest dress.
“I see you received more dresses. It is lovely. A gift from King Tommit?” I nodded my heart beating rapidly. Whenever she was near, I wondered if she had the ability to exchange my heart for hummingbird’s wings. Lote shook me whenever she looked or even spoke a single syllable to me. Why did she have this effect on me? I know she didn’t have the same effect on anyone else. So why me?
“The King is quite taken with you. You should be honored.” She scanned my eyes wondering if I was. I was thankful she couldn’t really see my true feelings for the monster king. “Aurora, you have a great responsibility to the people of Paradan. They will respond to your example. So many will be spared unnecessary, shall I say, “unpleasantness” if you behave yourself.” She reminded me of Drayben. Her eyes raised and I could tell she was measuring, if her threat had landed.
It had landed right in the center of my heart.
“Of course, Lote.”
She smiled. Lote started walking around the room. Touching the fine fabrics of the draperies, comforter and then running her fingers over the pillows. Then her hand rested on one of the legs of my canopy. She looked like an evil fairy queen, the way the light hit her wings as it shimmered thru the gossamer then struck the golden legs. It lit the back of her giving her a dark halo effect.
My door opened it was Evver.
She was sweating. Something I had only seen her do once before she must have been running. Her face turned ashen white when she saw Lote at the top of my bed. Evver’s gaze quickly searched out for me. I had made my way over to the corner of the window seat. She relaxed an infinitesimal amount when she saw I was still in one piece. I was unsure why but whenever Lote’s name had been mentioned in the past few days Evver was different. She was no longer the cheerleader to which I had grown accustomed to. Part of me liked the new Evver. I hoped this part of her had started to pick up on the unease I felt. Another part of me worried.
Evver rushed to my side.
Putting herself between Lote and myself, her eyes were blazing. It scared me. In the little time I had known Evver I had seen her in many moods, but now she was— frightening. She looked like a lioness ready to charge. Lote couldn’t help but notice her strong reaction also. It made her smile with a smugness I had never seen from her. She quickly covered.
“Evver, how are you dear? I was just checking in with Aurora. It seems as if everything is in order here. I will let you two get back to the things you need to do in order to prepare for the dinner tonight. I expect you to be ready when Drayben arrives. It would be extremely improper if you were to make him wait at.all.”
Her hand ran down the leg of my bed and then over the pillow. She patted the pillow and then ran her hand over the comforter as she walked around the bed. She blatantly ignored Evver; even as she stood rigid and strong in front of me. I wondered if she even cared. She glided out of the room as if she had just dropped by to say hi.
Evver didn’t relax until my door had closed completely and there was silence on the other end. Then she turned to me. Her eyes were still wild.
“Don’t trust her” her words rushed out of her mouth like razor sharp knives.
*
The rest of the afternoon was spent preparing me for my dinner with Tommit tonight.
I had long past referring to him as King unless in his, Drayben or Lote’s company. I am in another new dress tonight it was the color of raw corn. Pale yellow silk it was beautiful. It was embroidered with flowers covering the entire dress. It must have taken someone hours upon hours of tedious hand work to finish it. As with most of my gowns my shoulders were exposed to the world. I had become accustomed to this. I was wearing a diamond necklace that clung to which my neck. It was made of single diamonds in almost a chain encircling my neck. Then at my throat it cascaded down like a waterfall. My hair was left completely down for the first time, it was in finger curls.
A large diamond headpiece was secured on the right side of my head.
I was surprised at how even without make-up they were able to make my cheeks glow and my eyes shine. To finish it off they used a rose’s petals to color my lips. I was stunned when I looked in the mirror that Evver provided for me.
My breath had caught in my throat.
Never in my life, had I ever thought I was capable of looking like this. I hated how it was being wasted on my fiendish fiancé. A thought danced in my mind. How would my eyes shine if I was going to see Cassius instead of Tommit?
Just the thought of the boy I loved had my eyes sparking and my cheeks flushed.
My heart rate increased and my temperature rose several degrees. I knew the answer to my query. It wouldn’t matter. Evver insisted on taking me down to the dining hall today. She refused to leave my sight. I decided to not fight her. Evver’s tiny feet led the way toward the dimly lit dining hall.
As I entered in the large dark room, a gloomy cloud came over me.
Any joy I would have felt was ripped from me at the sight of Tommit’s smarmy smile. I was used to the leering and the lust filled eyes. Evver walked me toward the end of the table then stepped aside, so I could take my place in front of the vile king. He stood up and reached out for my hand.
“You, look lovely, Aurora.” His compliment had my skin crawling.
“Thank you, your majesty.”
“Have a seat please. You may leave.” He waved his hand at Evver dismissing her with just a small gesture. “Please sit here, Aurora. I’m sure the staff has prepared a lovely meal for us. We will be able to talk about our plans for the next week.” I sat as I had been told and worried about what he was planning for me this week.
“Now I have been informed that you are unable to ride a horse. Is this accurate?”
“A horse?” I asked in surprise. “No. I have never ridden before.”
“After we have our ceremony, it is tradition for the king and queen to ride thru the kingdom on horseback. It is a way for the people to be able to catch a glimpse of their new queen. As you can see that this could be problematic, with your inability to ride. I want you to look like a queen as you ride; not as a fool. Kirge, bring him in.” My stomach dropped. What new terror did he have walking toward me? My breath caught in my throat. I could hear the footsteps behind me. I couldn’t bring myself to look. The footsteps merely feet behind me. I could hear someone move as they stopped.
I was guessing they were bowing to his royal obnoxiousness.
“I have a challenging job for you. My bride to be, is unable to ride a horse. I would like you to make her a professional in the next few days. By the end of the week, I want to see it. I have instructed Kirge to give you any allowances that you will need to make it happen. Can you do this?” There was a quiet pause.
“Of course, your highness.”
Tears stung my eyes.
I knew that voice. I would always know that voice. Cassius. More than anything my head wanted to whip around in his direction, but I couldn’t I held on to the arms of the chair so tightly, I was certain I left nail marks underneath. How was this happening? Tommit was asking me to spend time with Cassius?
“Aurora, my beauty, I would like you to meet my stable boy Cassius.” I realized now was the acceptable time to turn around and take in his radiant face. Turning, I was again struck by the strength of his features, and the kindness in his eyes. He was an award winning actor, not betraying for a second how we already knew one another. Cassius bowed deeply to me.
“My lady.”
My heart rushed. I nodded trying to act disinterested. It was going to be impossible looking at him so I turned back to the despicable Tommit. He was caught up in leering at me so there was no chance of him realizing the flush in my face was due to Cassius and not because of him. He raised an eyebrow at me, trying to look at me seductively but it came across as inept. A raging rhinoceros would have been sexier to me. I managed a wan smile.
“Very good.” He turned to Cassius. I was jealous that he got to look at Cassius, while I was stuck looking at his monstrous face. “Aurora will begin riding lessons in the morning. I expect you to treat her with gentle care. Not a hair on her beautiful head will be harmed, understand?” His voice was threatening and my blood cooled several degrees.
A familiar lump formed in my throat.
“I promise sire, she will be safe with me.” His words warmed me from the pit of my stomach. I turned my gaze to the food on my plate feigning disinterest. “My lady, I will see you in the morning. Your majesty.” Cassius bowed and turned to leave the room. Tommit’s attention returned to me and only me. We finished our dinner all the while I tried to keep him talking but he was more interested with fondling my arm and neck. Every time he would try to make dinner conversation out of either, I would stuff my face with the rich food.
I had made myself sick by the time dinner was over. I was lucky enough when Drayben showed up with something urgent to discuss with Tommit.
“My apologies my dear, I will look forward to hearing all about your day tomorrow. I will see you at dinner tomorrow evening.” He leaned over and kissed my right cheek. Tommit lingered a little too long for my comfort, as his breath was heated and smelled of fish. How I despised him. I dreamed of a day when the Dragons had a bar-b-que, featuring my fiancé as the main course.
“Good night.” I was led back toward my room by a guard with which I was unfamiliar with. He was smaller than the others and he walked with a slight limp. Normally fear cursed through me whenever I roamed the halls with any of the castle guards. Today this was different. I felt soothed and safe walking through the now familiar corridors of my new home. We walked in silence for most of the walk back to my room. I was deep in my thoughts and had missed his slight detour. My mind was still playing over what had just transpired in the dining hall. Part of me was concerned.
How was I going to spend time with Cassius over and over and not let my resolve falter?
Just one look in his eyes had left me rethinking my decision not to fight against my engagement. The guard opened the door at the end of the hall. It took me a moment to understand that we were in a different hallway then I was expecting. He opened the door and held it open inviting me in. I looked into his eyes. They were a warm chocolate brown and reminded me of my grandfathers. I took the step inside.
It was like stepping into Heaven.
The room was covered from floor to ceiling with books. Most of them were arranged in alphabetic order in bookcases. It was a beautiful sight. I had always been a reader. Even from the first time I was able to open up a book I was transported to a new world with each turn of the page. I turned to look at the guard. He smiled at me and opened his arms encouraging me to explore the room. For a few moments, I forgot where I was.
I turned to the guard. “Thank you. Why?”
“Someone thought that you might need a little distraction.”
“Who?”
“A friend.”
“May I ask your name?”
“Of course, dear child. I am Tartan.”
“Tartan? I am so thankful for your kindness.” I stepped toward him, looking at his eyes. His smile was crooked and crinkly around the corners. His brown eyes sparkled like a Christmas elf that just got away with pulling off the biggest Christmas surprise. It made me giggle. “Tartan, I don’t understand. Who’s the friend? And why would you do this? I know...” I stopped myself short from saying how Drayben would be upset if he thought I was having any fun at all.
He chuckled deeply.
“Just because I am a castle guard, doesn’t mean that I am not blind to the outside world Miss. I am going to do what I can, when I can, to make your life a little easier here. Now, how do you think that,” his voice grew conspiring, “his majesty found out that you were unable to ride a horse? It wasn’t a little bird who told him,” I wanted to cry. Tears burned my eyes.
Without thinking, I reached out and hugged him.
“Thank you.” He patted my back to comfort me. We stepped back and looked at each other.
“Now, you just need to promise to stay strong. It is not over. You may feel alone in your fight but trust me. There are many out there who are doing all they can to make sure you get your real happy ever after.” I couldn’t help it the tears started flowing at the words of hope escaping his lips.
“There, there. Better hurry and look around. We need to get back before they realize we took a little detour. Now, hurry.” I nodded and quickly took in the books. I settled on two. If I needed to hide them, I could they were small and I didn’t want to get my new friend in trouble. He slipped them in the folds of his uniform and then led me back to my cell..I mean my room. Evver was there waiting for me. She was pacing the large room. Sighing in relief, she rushed to me. Tartan and her looked each other over, wondering if they were friend or foe. I laughed.
“Evver, I want you to meet my new friend, Tartan.” Her eyebrows rose as she studied my face. Then her eyes started to shine.
“It’s always nice to meet a friend” She reached her hand out offering it to him. He gladly took it. Cupping both of her hands in his and patted them gently.
“Likewise Miss Evver. Now I better be off, I will be nearby if you need anything. Please keep a strong heart. Aurora, you have friends who care a great deal about you. Remember you are not alone in this.” He reached into the folds of his uniform and retrieved my books. Then he gently placed them in my hands.
“Thank you, Tartan.” He bowed toward both of us and then made his way out the door. Taking one last glance at us before shutting the door he smiled.