Queen Zezanna

Queen Zezanna - Chapter 5

I have trouble sleeping that night. It's as if all I can think about is my date with Rosth. My belly is in knots, and my mind is frayed. I've never felt like this about anyone before... Is this what love feels like?

Eventually, I do get a little bit of sleep, and wake up before the sun comes up. At this time of day, the only people that should be up are the guards who have patrol duty at this time.

I get out of bed, and choose a simple dress to wear on the date. I make my way to the front gates, and tell the guards that I'm going for a walk.

"A walk? Do you need us to accompany you?" One asks.

"No. I'll be back in an hour or two, probably. This is official queen business, so I'm going to ask that you keep quiet about this, especially to my advisors."

"What? Are you certain? This seems dangerous."

"I know. I just don't want them butting in. Got it?"

"Ah... I suppose so." The guard sigh. "I wish you luck, m'lady." She bows.

I go out into the forest, and wait for Rosth to arrive. About 10 minutes pass before he does. When I see him, my stomach feels funny, and I start to sweat a bit.

"Nervous?" He asks.

"Just a little." I admit.

"Don't be. I'm just a normal guard." He smiles. "Hell, I should be the one that's nervous."

"So, where do you wanna do this picnic?" I ask him.

"There's a clearing nearby. There are pretty flowers in bloom, trees on all sides, and plenty of space to have our picnic."

"Sounds perfect." I smile.

"I know. Today will be the perfect day."

I almost feel as if there was a touch of evil in that comment. I shake it off though. I'm probably just imagining things. We're definitely too far for me to chicken out, now.

He takes me by the hand, and leads me through the forest. The forest seems eerily quiet. I haven't seen or heard any animals since I stepped into it. I haven't even seen any bugs.

I grip his hand tighter. "This feels dangerous."

"Don't worry, you've got me here to protect you." He promises.

It makes me feel a bit better that he's here with me, but something is still nagging at the back of my mind. I don't know what, though. Hesitation? Fear?

We come to the clearing. It's nothing like he said it would be. There are dead flowers all over the place, spiderwebs coating the trees, and a tiny little shack at the far end.

"I think this is the wrong place." I tell him.

"Nope. This is exactly where I was heading." He says, with a giant grin on his face.

Ok, this is definitely bad.

"I'm going home." I tell him.

When I go to turn back, though, he places his hand on my shoulder, and I freeze. I can't move a muscle. My heart begins racing. Whatever is going on here can't be good.

He forces me to turn around, and then walks into the center of the clearing. He turns to face me, and then raises both arms into the air. As he does, lightning strikes the ground in front of him, and the sound of deep thunder echoes through the forest.

"Zezanna, you mighty fool!" He shouts. "Just like your father! Both of you are fools, unfit to hold the throne! Ah, but don't you worry, I'll be taking care of that!"