Alternate Realities

Prompt: Can you just kiss me?

"Why do you keep insisting on packing that bag?" Evangeline slouched in the doorway, Wren continued to stuff sweaters and shoes and other effects into the small satchel. "What is it this time? You know you're too far along–"

"It's for the baby. It's for him." Wren circled the small bump with her hand and only built up her resolve.

"He? Hmm, well he will need his father, his family. So everything he needs is right here."

"Look, I might have let you bully me into keeping him, but this is not your child. So get out of my way."

"It's Toly's. Should I go get him for an opinion?"

"Why so he can slit my throat, too? Go ahead, have my blood on your hands. Call him." Wren challenged.

Evangeline changed tack. "Well, at least tell me why. If I'm moved, I could send him on a goose chase."

"Did you know he likes to kill people?"

"Killing people is part of war. It's part of protecting this country. You know that."

"Yeah, I know that sometimes people die. I know that sometimes people I know strike the blow. But he likes it. He might even love it. He thirsts for it."

"You're scolding a cat for playing with mice."

"No, I can forgive a cat that acts like other cats. I don't think I can forgive a cat that hides among people. He's a monster."

"And you want to bring that wrath down on yourself?"

"So long as he never touches, never sees, never slips his... infirmity into my son, let him hunt." Wren stepped towards the door. Evangeline straightened and blocked. Wren prepared to twist Evangeline's veins into knots, but stopped when she turned sideways, letting her pass.

"He's in the kitchen playing slap and tickle with Rhoda. I doubt he'd care for even a parting kiss."

Whether Evangeline was being spiteful or true, Wren only halted a moment to consider. The sting of betrayal only made her feet fly faster from the hard rock of the palace halls.