Chapter 40: Another Unwanted Proposal

Saffron sat slumped in her cell, her feet tucked underneath her. Kingsley had brought her blankets as well as a pillow. She was aware that he was doing things that would not be approved of by his mother. She wondered at how a person could seemingly possess two separate souls in one body.
She hoped Elric was still alive. Kingsley would not answer her questions, instead just placing her tray of food down and leaving. He hadn’t tried kissing her again and she hated the heat that flooded her body when she thought of his lips pressed against hers. She knew she loved Elric, but there was something dangerous and wild about Kingsley that had awoken something in her. She did not like the sensation.
She was not sure how much time had passed. It felt like days where it really could have only been a few hours. She had tried keeping track, but without being able to see the sky she could only guess. She heard the grating of the door being opened and she looked up, confused. Her tray of food was still warm next to her. It couldn’t have been time for the next meal.
Instead of Kingsley, Verita stood glaring at her through the bars. She raised her chin and stared back at the older woman, holding her gaze. “This is a much more fitting room for the likes of you,” Verita sneered. “But unfortunately, young Kingsley has persuaded his mother that you are to have better than what you deserve,” she spat and twisted the large iron key in the lock. Saffron cautiously stood.
“Come, girl. You need a bath before you can see the queen,” she said as she stalked up the large stone steps. Saffron hurried in her wake, wondering what horrors could be in store for her above.
They returned to the same rooms she had before, although now no lady-in-waiting was there and Saffron felt the lack of fire in the room. “There is water in the washing room. If you wish to have a fire, I hope you are capable of lighting your own. I will be back to collect you,” Verita said sharply and turned to leave.
“Wait!” Saffron called. Verita stopped and arched one grey eyebrow at her.
“Why are you doing this? Helping her?” Saffron questioned desperately. For the first time since Saffron had known her, a smile trekked across the severs woman’s face.
“You are quite naïve, aren’t you? Don’t you see the family resemblance?” Verita laughed and Saffron took a hard look at her. She realized that she looked remarkably like Ishild’s real face. She gasped and took a step back.
“I’ll return for you shortly,” Verita said with a grin, her eyes flickering with black smoke. Saffron heard a key turn in the lock.
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“She is settled into her rooms?” Kingsley asked his mother as they sipped tea in the freezing drawing-room.
“Yes, yes. Your little pet will be quite comfortable. Although I am surprised you didn’t just have her sent to your own rooms,” she said, looking at her son over the rim of her delicate cup. Elric growled next to her and she silenced him with a wave of her hand. Kingsley flushed furiously.
“I did not want her to feel uncomfortable. She should have the privacy of her own rooms. I will not force anything,” he said, refusing to meet the eyes of the glaring dragon.
“Very well. I suppose your thoughtfulness could be considered admirable by some. The crowning ceremony is tomorrow. As far as the townspeople know, a great sickness overtook the castle. You and I are the only survivors.”
“Yes mother,” Kingsley replied and busied himself with his tea. He had not seen the older brother he had spared, and he hoped that he would be able to somehow take back the castle.
“You seem distracted. I thought you would be overjoyed. You are to be crowned king tomorrow. It is what we have worked so hard for,” Ishild commented, a warning tinge to her voice. Kingsley quickly rearranged his features.
“I am. I suppose I am a bit nervous, that is all,” he replied quietly.
“I see. Well, no need. You were born to rule,” she stated and took a large bite from her roll. Kingsley had noticed that his mother had begun to eat more, which meant she was close to needing a feed. He would have to go into the village and find someone that would not be missed.
“Would you like me to arrange dinner?” he asked. A slow grin spread across her face.
“That would be lovely,” she said and ate a large piece of raw rabbit.
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Saffron was relieved to see that her belongings were still stowed inside of the large wardrobe. After a quick bath with frigid water, she wore a simple grey, woolen gown. She wore her hair loose and wrapped herself in the thickest cloak she could find. She had built a large fire in the hearth but knew it would be a few hours until the room warmed.
Verita entered without knocking. “It is time for tea. The Queen has already started.” She left without waiting for Saffron. Saffron followed her to the drawing-room. No fire burned here either. She wondered at the reason for the frigid temperatures.
Her heart leaped when she saw Elric. His green eyes touched hers and she felt a wave of warmth from him. How she ached to run to him. Ishild sat next to him. She stared at Saffron as she ran a finger down the side of Elric’s jaw. Saffron wondered why he didn’t bite off the offending digit until she noticed an almost imperceptible black smoke leash leading from Elric’s neck to Ishild’s hand.
Kingsley stood and offered her a chair. She nodded her thanks and sat. He poured her a cup and pushed it towards her. She was surprised that it was warm and only took a small sip, not wanting to be poisoned once again.
“Lovely that you have joined us,” Ishild said and dabbed at a drop of blood that hung on the corner of her lips. “Tomorrow Kingsley is to be crowned king and he has requested that you join him as queen,” she said looking over at Saffron.
Saffron blanched. “I cannot be queen,” she stammered her eyes flickering to Elric’s. Smoke had begun to pour furiously from his nose, and she saw his jaw clench, but Ishild’s hold on him kept him from moving.
“You can and you will,” Ishild warned and settled back into her chair.