The Martyr (Heartless Fan Fiction) ON HOLD

Chapter 3

A trumpet blares suddenly, startling the life out of me. The White Rabbit stands up straight, his shrilly voice echoing through the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, His Royal Majesty has prepared a special announcement for this evening."

My stomach sinks, this is it. I applaud weakly as the king steps onto the stage.

The King clears his throat. "Fair evening, loyal subjects! I hope you have all enjoyed tonight's delight!"

Everyone applauses on response.

"I wish to make an announcement. A good announcement, nothing to be worried about." The King giggles.

I roll my eyes at his childish, I honestly can't see Cath marrying him.

"It has come time for me to choose myself a wife, and for my subjects... a most adored Queen of Hearts! And with any luck, bring our kingdom an heir, as well."

I feel my stomach churn. Cath and the King having children. The thought is almost enough to make me barf out all the food I ate today.

"It is my honor, to call up the lady I have chosen for my life's companion."

Here it comes. I'm tempted to put my hands over my ears but I don't.

"Would the ever lovely, delightful, and stupendous Lady Cathe-"

A scream tears through the ball room. All thousands of heads turned to see Margaret Mearle screaming and swatting at the fuzzy orange cat that appeared on top of her head.

It was an unruly sight. Margaret struck me as an elegant lady. Although Cath would say otherwise.

Jack is still standing next to me and he leans down and whispers, "I must say her headdress looks better than before."

I elbow him lightly in the arm, stifling a laugh. "That's mean Jack, but look at the expression of the King."

The King is waving his arms wildly trying to get the attention of the crowd. His face is contorted, as if he's unsure whether or not to be angry or laugh. After a few moments he settles for laughter and his high pitched voice silences all of the crowd.

Now everyone is staring at him.

The King laughs awkwardly and coughs. "Now where was I? Oh right, would the ever lovely, delightful, stupendous Lady-"

Suddenly the huge glass window on the left side shatters. A monster rears in, its body long and snakelike, with black scales glimmering in the sunlight, its eyes as red as flames, and those claws, long, sharp, and deadly. It turns its head and I found myself staring into its crimson eyes. I stare back, its gaze is mesmerizing.

The moment is broken as the monster roars, its voice shook the ground causing everyone to scramble for cover. The king stands frozen on the stage, his face white with fear. "Guards!" He yells. It comes out more like a squeak then a command.

The monster swats the guard away like they were mere flies and flew toward the crowd. It's long claws grasps two courtiers and then it disappeared.

Nobody moves at first, they all wait to see if the monster would come back. It doesn't. Then comes the sobs. The families that cry for the two that had been carried away, and the ones that cry because they were afraid it was going to be them.

"Sarah!"

I turn and see Mother. She envelopes me in a hug and cries into my shoulder.

"Oh I can't find Cath anywhere. Have you seen Cath?"

I step back away from her. Of course she's worried about Cath. "No." I reply coldly.

"What if she's in danger? What if the Jabberwock got her?" Mother starts crying again.

"Jabberwock? That was a Jabberwock?" I ask.

Mother nods, and continues to cry.

Jabberwocks are beastly, vicious, mythical creatures that were supposed to live far away in the country of Chess.

That couldn't be a Jabberwock.

I remembered it's eyes, glowing red, dangerous, but I sensed sadness in there too.

Father gently pats Mother's shoulder. "Let's go home and wait for Cath to come. I'm sure she's alright." He doesn't seem convinced.

"But... but." Mother stammers.

"Father is right Mother. Cath is sure to be alright."

Mother wipes her eyes. "Oh I hope that you're right. I would hate if something happened to Cath."

Something in my stomach twists and I can't help but add, "Only because she's going to be queen."

Father glares at me. "Don't use that tone on your mother."

I glare back at him. "You're no better then her. You both only care about the crown."

Father steps forward and slaps me, snarling, "I said, don't use that tone with your parents."

Something inside me explodes and I calmly look back at him, my cheek stinging. "You're not my parents. Not now, not ever."