The Curse of the Goblin Prince

Chapter eight A Warning

       

Morning light seeped in through the spaces between the dark heavy drapes. A chill crept up the bed, under the blankets, and grabbed at her feet. Pulling her into the cold.

Dahlia tucked her legs up and snuggled further into the blankets. Her head slipped under the covers as if it were a creature slowly consuming her. Red curls spilling across the pillow were the only thing left of her to serve as evidence of her existence.

She curled herself into a ball, desperately trying to escape the chill that gnawed at her limbs. While she lay in a fetal position, trying to conserve the last bit of body heat draining from her, Dahlia's thoughts turned to the events of the night before.

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Last night, while she waited on the balcony, a brisk wind blew in. Signaling the arrival of winter. It swept around her; biting at her cheeks and bare feet. She would have to ask for warmer clothes since she was to remain here.

The sound of the door opening distracted her from the cold.

Then a harsh raspy voice echoed through the room. "What do you want? Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"I'm terribly sorry." Len's voice was soft. "It's just that my throat hurts and I would like to have a pot of hot water to drink."

There was no response.

The little goblin spoke up again, pleading this time. "It's gotten colder outside. Please? I won't ask for anything else tonight."

After a long pause, the raspy voice answered. "Alright. But don't make a habit of it. Calling me out in the middle of the night. Shameful behavior."

The door shut.

She heard him sigh, then his footsteps coming closer, and finally he was back beside her. He forced a brief smile, but his eyes couldn't lie.

She stood and enclosed the blanket around him. His stiff posture melted into her warm embrace. They stood alone in the moonlight. In the silence. No words were needed.

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Tears spilled from her eyes as she recalled how he looked standing next to her; the way the nursemaids treated him. She pulled the covers tighter around herself. Did no one love him? Why was he here? Was he a prisoner?

One thing for sure was that he was lonely. Much more lonely than she was. She knew she had the love of her family and Sir Oak, her knight, and his sister, Peony, her lady-in-waiting. Her kingdom was warm and inviting. She couldn't imagine anyone being treated the way they treated Len.

A knock at the door signified the end of her solitude. She groaned. Not ready to start her rigorous schedule. This kingdom was so much larger than her kingdom.

After Clove helped her prepare for the day; another knock rapped on her door. Dahlia couldn't help but notice the smile playing on Sir Atlas's lips when Clove opened the door. She quickly stole a peek at Clove's face to witness a similar expression.

She giggled and Sir Atlas cleared his throat. Her smile fell as he raised an eyebrow at her. "Is the little princess ready for her lessons?"

Dahlia sighed loudly while she dragged her feet on the plush crimson carpet as she trudged down the hallway toward her first lesson. She wanted to know more about the Lorcan Kingdom, but she couldn't help but feel disappointed. She had hoped she would learn about it from Len.

Sir Atlas was right. Professor Carl Sygnword spoke in a dry monotone voice as he read from the giant book in front of him and Dahlia struggled to keep her eyes open. She turned her attention to the gold-framed portraits that lined the emerald brocade walls. All of the kings had the same bright green eyes. There seemed to be two empty spaces after the current king's painting where frames had once hung.

"Why aren't there portraits of the queen and the prince?"

The professor stiffened; then nervously glanced around. He leaned in closely and whispered. "Since you are new to the Lorcan Kingdom, I should warn you. It is forbidden to speak of the late Queen and the young prince is very sick. You would do well to remember your place and mind your own affairs. Princess."

Dahlia only nodded. These castle walls housed many secrets and the longer she stayed here, the more frightening this place became.

After her lesson with Professor Sygnword, Dahlia quickly headed for the door. Sir Atlas was standing guard outside waiting for her.

He gave her a small smile. "So how was your lesson with the professor?"

Dahlia winced as she thought about his stern warning. What would happen to her if she was caught associating with Len?

"That bad?" Atlas offered her a sympathetic smile.

She shook her head. "No. It was fine. I was just lost in thought."

"I see. Well then, let's get you to your next class. I'm sure that you will just love it." He teased as he escorted her across the hall.

She turned, surprised by his sudden jesting. "Why Sir Atlas. You seem to be in a pleasant mood this morning."

"I haven't the faintest idea of what you are talking about." A quirky grin on his lips.

"Uhm hmm. Whatever you say, Good Sir Atlas."

He opened the large set of carved wooden doors to the library. Tall bookshelves stretched toward the high domed ceiling and sat on polished wooden floors. The walls were lined with shelves that housed colorful leather spines; some striped in gold.

Wooden tables and chairs were placed at the center of the room. There are two iron spiral staircases; one near the doors and another near the back. Along the far wall are bookshelves that flank a stone fireplace with a coffee table surrounded by plush leather sofas.

An elderly gentleman sat at one of the tables with a pile of books. A feather pen lay on top of a stack of papers and a golden inkwell was placed to the left of it.

Atlas walked over to the man; alerting him of their presence. Professor Grigio Irondale looked up from the book he was reading. Upon seeing Dahlia, he snapped the book shut. "Let's get right to it, shall we?" He gestured to the chair in front of the paper.

Atlas leaned forward and whispered into Dahlia's ear. "I shall be right outside if you need anything."

She nodded and he walked out of the library; shutting the doors behind him.

She sat through the lecture giving little attention to what her instructor was saying. Her thoughts were consumed with Len and his illness. She wanted to come up with better ways to help him, but to do so she would need to use the kitchen.

As soon as the the professor was done speaking; Dahlia headed out the doors. She only had two more lessons left then she would be free. Well, almost. She still had to join the king for dinner before her last classes.

At the rate things were going, she wouldn't have any time left to herself. And she doubted that the king would let her anywhere near the kitchen if she asked.

They sat in silence as they ate. The king seemed preoccupied with his thoughts and Dahlia was relieved that she wouldn't have to entertain him with conversation. As soon as King Lorcan was finished with his meal; they both left the Dining Hall.

They walked in silence as Atlas walked her back to her room. Etiquette and Needlework were not as difficult as the other classes.

Her Father was very strict when it came to learning and using proper etiquette around others. She was grateful that he was more lenient with her when it came to their family time.

She enjoyed needlework and would often embroider handkerchiefs for her Father and brother as presents.

Her mind wandered as her fingers sewed. She sighed as she stared out the window. The sun was beginning to set.

"That concludes our lesson for today. I bid you a good evening, princess. We will continue our lessons tomorrow."

"Yes!" She replied with a little too much enthusiasm. She cleared her throat and continued calmly, "Thank you for the lesson. I will study hard to learn all that is required of me." She curtsied and Dame Salita Atwell left the room.

She could barely contain her excitement as Clover helped her prepare for bed. She couldn't wait to see Len again. He was her only friend in this whole dreary castle.