Forbidden Fruit (Borra x Gerda fanfiction)

Chapter 26

The sounds of enthusiastic cheers shook Gerda out of her pondering thoughts. She glanced around noticing a group of fey and humans drinking out of a large horned cup. It was obvious the crowd would soon be drunk, something she wasn't fond of.
She peeked over to Borra when she noticed movement in the corner of her eye.

Maleficent's hands slithered down his chest towards his abdomen in a suggestive motion. Borra appeared to be enchanted by her seductive behavior. His attention flickered down to the witch with darkened amber eyes, a color he often would have when he was near Gerda. It was strange seeing him eye Maleficent with that precise pigment in his gaze. Maleficent then softly grabbed his hands and lured him towards the crowd who was starting to dance.

Gerda let her guard drop feeling the tension in her body release. Shortly after, Percival and Shrike headed off towards the middle of the hall where other fey creatures swayed around. The tribal movements reminded Gerda of wildlife. Her observation was interrupted by Celtra handing her a mug of water. She eagerly sipped out the mug ignoring the aching hunger that tugged at her stomach. Celtra stood aside misplaced in her thoughts.

"Are you going to join them or did Borra once again leave you with the burden of monitoring me?" Gerda boredly asked, yearning to have a taste of the meats, cheeses, and fresh bread that remained out.

"Just like you, I find myself somewhat uncomfortable around our special guests. Maleficent and Percival aren't too fond of me at the moment." Celtra admitted with her gaze focused on the dancing fey who drunkenly bounced around.

"Why the discomfort? You seemed to be on decent terms with Maleficent the last time you spoke to her." Gerda replied eager for Celtra's response.

"Let's just say that they question my suggestions when it comes to finding archers even though we are facing new threats on our people. They ignore the fact that we are desperate and cannot chance any more loss. We need to consider all options...even ones that are a risk." Celtra admitted with dismay shading her voice.

Gerda set her mug on the floor, growing more interested in their conversation. She wondered just how bad things were and why Celtra was letting her in on such information. Being Borra's slave meant that Gerda was to have no part in their affairs. It had to be forbidden for anyone to speak to her about matters that did not concern her. Celtra was putting far too much trust in her.

"Threats? I was under the impression that Borra had everything under control. From my perspective, it appeared that life in both the Moors and Ulstead was prospering." Gerda said taking pride in knowing that both kingdoms were undergoing their inconveniences.

"Just like any other kingdom, there will always be those who oppose change. Some will resort to uprisings against those who threaten what they believe is right. Until recently, that was only one concern we faced. Now there is a much more worrying danger that requires immediate action." Celtra stressed with genuine concern in her eyes.

Celtra took in Gerda's confusion with hesitation almost as if she was having a debate within her mind. She carefully glanced around making sure no one was within earshot before sighing and continuing with her words.

"There is so much you don't know due to your position among our people. It's quite a shame that one with your talents be wasted away. If your loyalties were with us you most certainly would make a treasured addition to our people, if not the most valuable asset needed." Celtra said with a relaxed demeanor causing Gerda to shockingly stare at her in disbelief.

"If Borra heard what you had told me he would be very displeased. You must be mindful of your words if you value your position in his court. I hunted and killed your people. Have you gone mad?" Gerda said with a shaky voice due to the shock flashing through her.