Cathedral Window (Short Stories)

❀ LOTT

I.

A heart, pure and untainted white. Brilliance it exuded drew many to the woman who had it in her chest cavity. Rare she was, standing out among the rest.

Lott was her name, the eldest of the Archduke's four children–she was both flower and steel, astonishing everyone who met her. But underneath the iron maiden's armor was the heart filled with virtue, golden and generous.

She was a living treasure, fire polished into gemstone. The vibrance captured many yearning hearts from neighboring lands who wanted her hand in marriage. Only one did.

It was a regular afternoon stroll Lott met him.

"Do you require assistance?" Her cloak somewhat obscured the enchantress she was from the stranger's view.

He glanced up afrom the fallen wolf he was nursing back to health, "No that's alright, it is not dire" Without taking his eyes off Lott, the stranger patted the wolf's leg wrapped in gauze. "I got him out of that unseen bear trap quickly"

Lott always have great fondness towards animals, "Rogue hunters and bandits would leave their traps around here frequently, we forbade such illegal acts and caught some but they never ceased their absurd activities" Pulling her hood down, she reaved her face.

The stranger was visibly taken aback, charmed by her features. "You are the Archduke's first daughter..."

A shy smile plastered on Lott's face, the faint pink blush only enhanced her beauty more. "There is no need for formalities, just call me Lott"

II.

Their first meeting was what started the sparks and planted the seed of love in Lott's heart. She never became bothered by their different status; valiant that she was, she proudly declared her romantic attachment with him and in her unwavering gaze they saw the feelings were real.

The knot was tied, an unbreakable bond to last forever. The Archduke and entire family wholeheartedly accepted him.

He was Lott's significant other.

III

The horrendous monsters bared their sharp teeth through the guise of normalcy. An act delivered smoothly, it was laughable indeed! How pathetic and easily fooled this royal family was.

They gobbled up the hospitality and kindness they were shown, emptied all silver platters and stole what weren't theirs.

Fire of betrayal was ignited, spreading wildly and burning the fortitude housheold. The monsters smiled and reveled at the pleasure of seeing their skin and flesh burn.

All golds, silvers and diamonds were taken.

They ate everything and gave torment in return.

IV

A pure and untainted heart she possessed, Lott gave her love without regrets.

"You said you love me..." She laid motionless, stripped off her lavish dress and heart shattered into pieces, she stared up at the face of the man she loved unconditionally.

"You are an ignorant, gullible fool"

V

A once prosperous and peaceful village was now empty and gray, the monsters were completely satisfied and their tummies full.

So they left with smiles on their faces, as they were led by the man who spilled black ink in Lott's heart and fed her flesh to his kin.

VI

"Seems like father forgot to take us with him, big sister" A young boy spoke, his hand being held by another.

Big sister held her brother's hand tighter. "Do not worry, we will pay him a visit"

.

.

.

From the ashes and bones of those they plunged in agony and played for a fool, two figures came to life. Side-by-side they stood in the middle of the ghost village, hand-by-hand they promised to their mother, an eye for an eye, flesh for a flesh. Life for a life.