Bandit Queen

Chapter Seven

Elicia eagerly opened the door to her chamber.

"Are there any letters for me today Cecelia?"

"Nothing has arrived from your prince today."

"Are you certain?"

"Yes. You did receive a few letters from suitors, but I figured that you'd rather me use those to fuel your fireplace."

Elicia gave her an appreciative smile.

"You know me so well. You are excused for the rest of the day."

"Are you sure? It's only ten in the morning and you..."

"Do not worry! Spend the day with your children."

"Thank you so much."

"Of course! Tell your cute daughter that I said hello. Please give her this."

She handed her a sky blue knitted hat and scarf.

"I couldn't accept these, princess."

"You can and you will. It is chilly out and I would hate to see her get sick. Take care today."

Cecelia gave her one last nod, before walking out of the room cradling her daughter's gift.

Elicia fell on to her bed, clutching the pendant hanging around her neck. It was a gorgeous ruby with gold embellishments swirling around it's edges. It was strung around her neck with a chain of small, sparkling pearls and strands of gold.

"I miss you," she whispered, remembering the last time that he had held her in his arms. They both had tricked their parents into allowing them to stay the summer in the cooler country of Taran, south east of Surenci, with friends.

They spent those three wonderful months picnicking along the shores of the Marez River and gazing at the stars from the top of Mt. Healion.  On their final day, he had given her the lovely necklace, along with a desperate goodbye kiss and salty tears.

It had almost been five months since then. Thankfully, they still sent each other letters secretly through the help of a few loyal servants. Unnervingly, she hadn't received a new one in two weeks. She was beginning to worry, usually, they arrived weekly.

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Axel rushed into the throne room, a satisfied smirk on his tight face.

"Your majesty!"

King Throne sat draped on his throne, a foot on one armrest and his back resting against the other, sipping his favorite Isdolian wine. He raised a pointed eyebrow.

"What is it? Has a lady finally shown an interest in you?"

Axel frowned and shook his head.

"Figures," Throne muttered, "Well what is it?"

"We've found her!"

"Aurelia? CLANCY, PREPARE MY TORTURE CHAMBER!" he sang, "And bring me another bottle of wine. Bring a glass for yourself too! Heck bring two bottles!"

The servant skipped out of the room.

"I'm so pleased. Axel, when will she arrive?"

"She will be dragged here within the next hour!

"Did you talk to her? What was she like?!"

"She was feisty, your majesty! One guard reported that she had torn half the hair out of his head before they finally captured her."

"I love her already! I cannot wait to do the same thing to her. I can already see it. I'll pluck out all that nasty hair of hers strand by strand."