Sequel to CAPSIZE
The adventure continues as Celia finally escapes Elizabeth's iron grasp, but the horrors that await the recently free, seemingly happy couple surpass their expectations.
Set in 1500s America
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Celia stood to her knees shakily, looking into the Queen's eyes with a hint of fear. Elizabeth's lips fell from their faint smile and her brows pulled together with thought as she studied Celia, noticing how Celia pulled at her fingers nervously. She then outstretched her arm, offering Celia her hand.
Celia was hesitant. She eyed Elizabeth's pale, unsteady hand carefully, and then switched her gaze upward to meet her eyes, which were almost pleading. Placing her hand atop of Elizabeth's, she felt her lips twitch into a natural smile.
The Queen walked forward to face the courtiers in her presence, and said nothing as she began to lead Celia to the doors of the room. Celia was confused, but held her head high as she passed the courtiers, each one of them bowing low as their Queen walked by. The doors were pulled open once again, allowing the two women to step through to the hallway. When they clicked shut, the veil of silence was lifted.
"Will you assist me in retiring for the evening?" Elizabeth asked.
"If that is what your Majesty wishes," she replied cordially.
In the Queen's secluded chambers deep within the palace, Celia was reminded of her old habits, the life she once had. It was as if everything suddenly came back to her, and, like clockwork, she began the process of readying the Queen for bed. She began by removing her jewelry, sliding the rings off of her bony fingers and unclasping the necklace, lifting it from her neck. Before unlacing her gown, however, Celia was stopped by Elizabeth raising her hands to her head. She removed the intricate wig to reveal her almost-bare scalp, the little amount of hair that remained on her head being thin and almost colorless. Celia was shocked by the sight.
"I am dying," Elizabeth said suddenly and strongly; her voice was still bold and demanded respect despite her dilapidated body.
Celia said nothing, she only looked down at her feet with a sorrowful glint in her eyes.
"Do not be saddened," Elizabeth continued, "Everyone's life must come to an end, even a Queen's."
"England will not be the same without you on the throne, your Majesty."
"Celia, you are admirable—abiding my wish to see you again despite the past, and still being kind to me. You have qualities that I wish came easily to me." Elizabeth backed up and lowered herself onto a velvet chair, relieving the stress of her body weight from her legs. "Sit, please," she gestured to the matching chair opposite of herself.
Celia obeyed her Queen's wish and sat down, placing her hands in her lap and fiddling with her fingers. "Your Majesty, why have you asked me here?" she asked, her voice soft and dancing across the words carefully.
Though her eyes were cast downward, Celia could see through her lashes as Elizabeth sighed deeply, yet quietly. "I wish to finally clear the air between us..." she trailed off, not used to asking for forgiveness. After all, she was the Queen of England. Nevertheless, she looked Celia in the eyes and said, "I wish to ask your forgiveness."
