Spectrum

03. Lemons or honey? That is the question.

As promised, I woke up on the cold hard floor of the grand hall.

However, now the curtains had been opened and light brought a heavenly glow to the hall that was bustling with maids cleaning up, servants bringing furniture in and guards at their stations.

No body seemed to care I was there... was I visible to them?

I got up and immediately trumpets sounded causing the servants to scurry out, the guards marched out as well.

I was alone again.

Then a dozen guards dressed in special cloaks stormed the room, they formed a path and surrounded me.

Down this guarded path strode in a man of great power, most likely the King of Jaune, this was evident in his grand attire.
He appeared to be big and strong, with a meticulously shaped long beard and a clean bald head where a crown lay.

His old wrinkled face let through a crispy smile. 'The Rouge junior I believe?'

'Well, taking into account you've massacred my family I must now be the Queen of Rouge, your equal, which in turns leads me to believe your behaviour has been absurdly rude, dropping me off on a cold marble floor, where is your sense of decency?'

His face made a most delightful mixture of anger, shock and restraint.
'Indeed, how very rude of me, you shall be given a room momentarily, however first I must decree you are our prisoner and thus must do what we ask of you, of course your status provides you with comfort but that is all.'

I almost wanted to laugh, 'On the contrary, the very fact that you have kept me alive suggests I am of some use, meaning you may lay waste to my every demand' 

The King's eyes widened in shock and understandment, 'So the legend is true, you Rouges are quite intelligent, however I must point out a slight flaw in your statement, you cannot use yourself as blackmail if you do not know your worth to us, thus the ball is back in our court, you are our prisoner'

I grimaced, I knew the reason and I knew my worth thanks to my encounter with Perseus, however that very information was what was holding me back, oh how confusing this whole affair was.

After a moment of careful contemplating I decided, to give in was the safest option, 'You are right.'

The old King smiled, 'Indeed. Now, our first order of business is in relation with exposure, I am hosting a ball tonight, the royals of Bleu are to attend and your value explained to them. You of course, will not be at the ball at this time, you will wait in your bedroom, that will be provided, until you are called upon, I will send for someone to pick you up when the time is right. You are to appear powerful but submissive to me, I hope the reasoning behind this is clear, and be warned, if you disobey for even a second, you shall be flogged. Is this understood?'

I straightened my back, lifted up my head and nodded as elegantly as I could, 'entirely'.

A couple of guards had accompanied me as my new maid showed me to my new room. My room was at the end of a lavish corridor on the top floor, the floor where all the royals of Jaune had their bedrooms. The King had kept his promise and provided me with the grandest of guest rooms, I was however always guarded by two guards at my main door and hidden guards on the ground below my balcony.

Upon entering the room the style of the Jaune's was immediately prominent; the gold rimings for the walls, the lack of art, a high queen-sized bed with bronze and cream bedding, the bronze handles and candles, speaking of candles, they were everywhere, on both bedside tables, on the dresser, on the desk, on the walls and the private marble and bronze bathroom had at least 20 candles. At first glance it seems to be a fire hazard, however it is common knowledge almost all the rooms in the Jaune castle are fireproof.