Choosing my Loyal Guard: The Dead Ends

Tristian(Part 4)

I haven't run into Tristian since that night. Two days of freedom without seeing those dark eyes but I still feel uneasy. Riley is still haunted by that night and will barely talk to me. My guilt continues to grow as well. If I hadn't chosen to slap Tristian, would her assault have even happened? Is this my fault? Riley is just a maid NPC in this game but... she feels like an important friend to me. I am Anna now... but I don't have most of her memories either.

Since I don't want to bother Riley who is still sleeping on my bed, I get dressed in a simple black dress without a corset. Anna is skinny enough as it is so I figure I don't need it. I brush my hair and pull it back in a loose yet messy ponytail. I eye the makeup and shake my head. It's not worth it. I walk over to the door and blink.

For once Phoenix isn't there waiting on me. Where is he? "... Sir Phoenix?" I call out but no response comes. I have a bad feeling about this... and as I spot some of Tristian's guards walking this way, it only gets worse. I quickly shut the door and hold myself. What's going on? I know not hearing a word from Tristian was suspicious... but why is he making a move now?

I flinch when I hear and feel hard banging against the door. "Open the door, queen! We know the maid named Riley is inside!" I cover my mouth and shake. There's no way he can be thinking of punishing her right? It's obvious what happened... she was only defending herself.

"My queen." Riley is watching me from the bed. Her purple eyes are lifeless and her pink hair is so dull and limp. She hasn't been taking this well at all. "It's ok... they probably just want to hear my side of the story." She carefully stands up. "Riley..." I flinch again as they bang on the door. "Open up, Queen Anna!"

Riley gives me a small and sweet smile that doesn't reach her eyes. This isn't fair... but I nod and open the door. "Stop banging on my door!" I snap. The guards pay me no mind and brush past me. "Riley, come with us. You're needed for questioning." They start to drag her away but I stand in front of the door. "Queen, get out of our way!" They don't respect me at all. I clench my fists. "Tell me what's going on. What is Tristian doing? And where's my guard?!"

They look at each other and snicker. "Follow us if you want then. These two are going to be getting what they deserve..." I'm pushed back and they walk off with Riley. My heart starts pounding in my chest but I rush after them. No... what are they going to do?! They haven't done anything wrong!

I make it to the throne room as they're making Riley kneel on the floor. She looks so small and helpless... they didn't even let her change out of her nightgown! She's just a traumatized kid. "Oh, it looks like you've joined us, wife." Tristian is lounging on the throne a smirk on his face. "What is the meaning of this? Why are you making Riley kneel? You know what happened to her! You saw the evidence with your own eyes!"

Tristian merely chuckles. "So feisty for a little fairy..." he mutters in amusement. "Yes I know what happened to her and it's terrible. I apologize for her trauma and pain. However..." What do you mean, however?! Those are the facts damn it! My glare doesn't slow him down at all as he continues, "It doesn't change the fact that she murdered a man who happens to be my closest and oldest friend. Therefore, there has to be a punishment."

I can't believe what I'm hearing. Punishment? Isn't losing her innocence and having nightmares enough?! Tristian smirks. "Of course... upon hearing about this, someone stepped up to take some of the punishment from her." What...? I hear a door open and someone is shoved into the room stumbling and falling. The coppery scent of blood makes me gag and I gasp out loud seeing who it is: my own personal guard.

Phoenix is an unconscious, bloody mess. His torso and back are covered in fresh whip marks. I hear Riley let out a screech of horror but I just stand feeling dazed and confused. "Phoenix...?" He seems to stir at my voice and open his eyes. They're red but I figure it must be due to blood loss this time instead of anger. "... ...ty..." I can't make out what he says as my ears are ringing. My two closest allies... getting not only targeted but hurt as well. Was this Tristian's plan all along?