The Broken Briar

Chapter 4

It was closing in to midnight and she had invited me out onto the overlook that was connected to her and father's room that overlooked all of the capital. She had set out cups of warm Tea and had fresh bread with butter lying in a small basket in the middle of the iron table she had set out. Mother rarely ever let me into her room, let alone the overlook. So I was excited to sit down and eat when she had told me there were important matters she had wanted to discuss.

"Primrose, your father and I have been discussing this for quite awhile, though finally we have come to the agreement that we must soon try again to arrange a marriage for you. Afterall you are the next in line to take the throne and lead the kingdom of Veron, but due to your... problem with the past attempts, I believe that we will have to make sure the wedding is held in such a manner-"

"Mother! How many times must I tell you that I am not interested in any of the men that you have brought forth for me to marry, and even after I complied with you and father! How many times will this have to happen before you see I'm not ready for this!" I shouted, cutting her off, I could already feel the tears tugging at my eyes, begging to be released. Mother only gave an annoyed sigh.

"First of all, what you have is nowhere near magic. It's a curse. And you should be grateful that it hasn't yet killed you either. Secondly, don't you dare talk to your mother that way. First you cut me off and then you decide to tell me that I am wrong for trying to do my duty as queen, to make sure that this kingdom will be guaranteed to strive in its foreseeable future with a dedicated and ready ruler?" She asked with an angered tone. I recoiled in my seat a bit, having always been scared of when Mother got angry with me. "For the love of Rampion Primrose you need to learn when to grow up and learn to start taking responsibility." I sat in silence for a minute, not sure how to respond. I knew that if I had started crying Mother would only get more upset with me, but it was hard not to. I took a deep breath and gave a soft nod.

"Yes mother... I'm sorry." I responded quietly, looking down at the brick floor of the overlook. I didn't know what else to say. "Excuse me..." I rose to my feet and began to leave, as I did most times I felt that I wouldn't be able to control my emotions and end up crying. Mother said nothing as I left and I made my way back to my room. Once I had arrived I closed my door quietly and locked it shut. Once I heard the click of the lock the tears that had been trapped had all been released at once. I curled up on my bed and cried, feeling the familiar sensation of what felt like many arms wrapping around my body in a form of hug, but that wasn't the case at all. The memories of the first man started flooding back into my mind. How the thorns slowly dug their cold fangs into his skin. How the blood began to slowly seep from him and the light faded from his eyes. I'll never forget his radiant emerald eyes...

When I looked up I saw the oddly welcoming sight of greenish vines wrapping around my body, having small red thorns and small blue buds on them. Soon enough the buds began to bloom into beautiful blue roses. Although these were the same briars that had killed every man that mother and father had tried to set me up to marry, they had an odd comforting feeling whenever they appeared when I was alone.