Chapter 5 - A Pity so Generous

The first thing Morgan heard when she come to was frantic shouting and the shuffling of feet. Sitting up was a slow process, mostly due to the commotion of the maids. There was an incessant pounding in her head. She felt sick to her very core.

Maybe, she thought, remembering the strange conversation, my pleas to the Deus have been heard. But why am I on the floor? Her mind was foggy, couldn't recall what had happened in the moment. Then she remembered the encounter in a rush, a wave of nausea brought with it. She supposed it could have been a dream, but it had felt too real for that.

Once she had cleared the maids away, she found Philip and pleaded for more time. He too willingly gave her another day. Because of his generosity, she decided to at least try to get to know the princes better. At least a slight effort. For appearances, of course.

It had gone little to her liking. It was about as bad as it could have been. All the princes were as dull as the wooden sword Edward treasured so dearly.

Her extra day was now up, and they faced her with the decision. Out of them, only one was within a year of her own age. This was the prince that had come from Shadow Mountain. He was tall and had blonde hair and blue eyes. He was kind and seemed to be the only one who actually cared enough to want to know her. So, she chose him, Prince Luciack of Shadow Mountain.

“After much thought, I have chosen Prince Luciack of Shadow Mountain to take my hand,” she announced to the crowd in the Great Hall.

She stood up and made her way down to Luciack. His smile was the most peculiar thing. The look sent shivers through her like a phantom hand caressing her back. Forcing a smile and curtsy, she could only hope she wasn’t stiff as a board.

“Might I say you look lovely tonight?” Luciack took her hand and pressed his lips to the back of it as he studied her. They made the gown she wore of soft gray silk trimmed with dark blue, and a black sash hung around her waist. The servants had pulled her hair into a loose plait with a circlet woven into the strands at the top, much like the one she wore the day the princes arrived. He looked up at her and in a moment he was leading her toward the stairs, with permission from the King, of course. He led her to her room and gently closed the door, never looking away from her.

Her heart leapt into her throat. It was like staring at a hunter, and realizing she was the prey. She sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her feet out of the black satin slippers she wore, then pulled her legs onto the bed and arranged her skirts over them. It gave her something to do. Maybe he wouldn’t notice her discomfort that way.

“May I ask why you brought me to my room?” She questions, keeping her voice soft, oblivious. If she could make herself look as harmless as possible, he’d never expect retaliation if he made even one wrong move.

“If we are to be wed, I'd like to become better acquainted.” At that, she tried to slip her legs off the bed without being suspicious. She didn't trust him. He was too… perfect. Everything about him set her on edge. Pretending to fret over her hair, she turned to the mirror at her bedside. Getting just the right angle, she kept her eye on the door and her not-so-soon to be husband.

“I'm feeling weary, I think I shall rest before we are to attend the Royal Council meeting.” She turned from the mirror and faked a yawn, which she daintily covered with a hand. Something flickered in his eyes as she faced him. Was that anger? Or perhaps disappointment?

“I was hoping to spend a little more time with you, my dear, but if you are not well, I will leave you to rest,” His tone was far from understanding as he stalked over to her and lifted her face to his, their eyes met for several long, uncomfortable moments before he gave her a quick kiss then walked out. The stiffness in his movements concerned her, but she swallowed down her apprehension. The kiss lingered on her lips like a spectre. She shook off the feeling and jammed a chair under the door handle. The thought of someone coming into her room unannounced didn't sit well with her conscience after their strange interaction.

The look in his eyes as he kissed her haunted her, made her want to crawl out of her own skin.