A court of wicked lies

Chapter Three

"Oh!" The High King of Hybern said, holding out his ring-bedecked hand. "My Lady Margarita Bathory. And my ladies, Amarantha and Clythia. And of course Lady Mabel."

Margarita took it and rose, looking into a beautiful set of black eyes. Such a deep black. Black like ink. Something about the deep and purposeful attention he bestowed upon Margarita whenever they were together made her feel a little like when she and Mab danced and she spun around too quickly. She felt lightheaded and sick at times. At the same time she rose, so did her older sisters and Mab.

"Your royal majesty, I was so honored and pleased to receive your personal invitation." Margarita said. "I love the Capital river. Mostly at this time of year."

"So you have mentioned before," he laughed. "I remember, you see." He then wrapped his arm around hers before his voice dropped into a low whisper. "I also remember you mentioning that your father have been a little. . .overbearing recently. As well as your dear sisters. But I had to invite them as well as chaperones."

Margarita looked behind him and saw a larger party then she had been expecting for their excursion. Her father was present, hidden behind some of the other lords and duke's even some of the three other counts were there. And plenty of ladies of the courts who were waiting impatiently for King Harold to finish with Margarita so they could have their turn. In fact, she spotted Lady Norma looking down at her nose at Margarita. A smug look on her face. As if Norma knew something that Margarita did not.

"Don't worry. Your father will not be on our barge," King Harold said, a small smile on his face. "Though, for reasons off your honor, your sisters must come."

"Thank you, your majesty."  Margarita said smiling.

The castle had been made on a heel. The capital city build around it. To get down to the river, their carriage had to weave slowly throughout the streets of the mountain below and then to the riverside. And that would take some time. The Bathory sisters all saw the gleam in their fathers eye as he realized this carriage ride was his change to get an extended audience with the king. Sitting side by side with the king, her father and older sisters sat facing her.

"So, your majesty, how do things alongside the war front?" Count Bathory said. "I overheard our men were forced into retreating yesterday."

Margarita rolled her eyes. Why would my father think that reminding the King of our recent failure on the war front? Why did he think that was a good way to do conversion? She thought.

"Sadly it's true." King Harold said. "The humans are becoming stronger each day. Though, it's nothing to fear. They will remind themselves who their masters are and come back begging for forgiveness. They have only gotten past our lines because they have traitors of the fae kind helping them. But the humans will beg on their knees for mercy."

"And will we give it?" Amarantha asked. Her father turned and looked at her. "I know as a woman is not my place to ask—"

"Don't fear, Amarantha. It was a wise question. We will show them no mercy." He said, taking Margarita hands. "And all will be fine. Though, we do have a meeting with the High Lords of the Spring Court and Winter Court coming up soon."

Their father scoffed, "the High Lord of the Winter Court will not bow. Though, Spring might become a trusted friend, your majesty."

"Indeed. High Lord Henry Tansmia can become a good friend." Harold said crossing his leg. "Anyhow, we have nothing to fear. We are safe from attacks here. Unless some is selling out our information. But don't worry about that because that will never happen. Anyhow, Hybernens make for excellent soldiers."

Margarita started out of the window. Bored of the talk of war, she found the idea of war alone, horrifying. Margarita couldn't help sighing in relief when they pulled up to the docks and Margarita could not help but run out of the carriage. Even Cynthia sighed.