Beautiful Stranger

"Deep Breaths." I told myself silently.

"Leave me Be with this 'mercenary', Jonathan."

"Are you quite certain, your Majesty?" His answer hesitant.

"Yes. He has no weapon, and his potion of choice involved.. honey. Surely there is no need to worry."

"Knock three sharp reps when you need me." He said with a slight bow of the head.

I nodded and turned towards the cell of his holding.

He looked different than the last time I saw him. His hair untamed and tousled. His head hung low. One arm draped loosely over his knee, the other leg stretched out. Back against the wall.

I stepped forward.

"I Knew you would come to see me." He said without lifting his head.

I did not speak.

"How did you sleep last night, QUEEN?"

My Heart stopped. How did he Know?

"I found your vial." I finally spoke.

"Ah, yes. The vial." He said no more.

"Why?" I continued on.

"You already Know."

"Mind games will get you nowhere."

"I wouldn't be so sure. You're here now, are you not?"

"I am here of my own accord. This is an investigation. You are merely the logical next step."

"Logical next step. You have changed, my Lover. Life has hardened your Heart."

"I do not Know you."

"Ah, but you do." He lifted his head. His eyes gazing Deep into mine. "Don't you Remember? One. Passionate. Night."

"I have Given my Self to no man. Not even the king. Try again."

"You were with me last night."

My Thoughts reeled. Who is this man? Does he Know of my Dreams? It is not possible. He must have been told. A Member of The Council. There is no other way. I must investigate further. Jonathan has been with me since this morning. That leaves Branson, Tomás and Selene. And of course, everyone else. The THRONE has been compromised.

"Deductive Reasoning. Who else have you Seen?"

"Logic will get you nowhere, my QUEEN."

"Or am I?"

His eyes blazed. With Passion? With fury? It was an Intensity that I cannot unsee, yet an Emotion that is unfamiliar to me.

"We shall see."

"I Belong to no one. Not even me."

"That is where you are wrong. I will See you tonight." He flashed his wicked smile.

"I disagree."

And with that I left.

"Your Highness."

"Jonathan."

"Progress?"

"Sleeping Potion. He is not working alone. A Member of The Council has betrayed our Trust. Stay alert."

"Yes, your Majesty." On bended knee.

Loyalty.