Someone to Die For

****

I wanted him to let go of me, but I struggled against his muscular arms. I knew better then to trust his words. He’s too bipolar in order for me to trust him. Anger poked me. My pulse jumped in my veins, and then I felt the raging burst of heat rise to my skin. Then he unclasped me, a low howl of pain entered my ears. I smiled. Angry looking burns scarred his forearms. I couldn’t see his facial expression, but I knew he was shocked. How would I explain this one? The left over radiation faded from my skin, leaving it cool to the touch. I felt Eric’s finger brush my shoulder, then my arm, all the way until he reached my wrist. “What the-?” He was caught off by the sounds of trumpets. Ahead of us, a grand castle stood. Vines decorated the cement walls. Flowering trees welcomed our path. Small white pedals fell into a crown upon my head.

Remember dear, even flowers rot.

I ignored the voice. The image ahead was astonishing. Maids dressed in white welcomed us, and farmers sang in harmony. The horses made their way to the front gate, where an elderly man stood. His eyes were a shining blue beneath his crown. His smile was inviting, making me eager to meet him. A royal red robe wrapped his shoulders, and golden rings decorated his fingers. The horses came to a Holt, and Eric exited the horse first before helping me. Red flashed my cheeks in embarrassment. Dirt stuck to my body, a purple bruise painted my cheeks, and I was only wearing one of Eric’s shirts. The king looked displeased, and I felt a shatter of disappointment.

“Son,” His voice was a lion’s roar. “What has happened to the child? I shall not meet her in this state, clean her up and bring her to dinner.”

“Maids!” Eric called, and three women came running from inside the castle. One looked like she was in her late fifties, wrinkles aged her face, and gray hair was tied tight into a bun. The second one looked just like the first except she was the size of a pumpkin. The last one was younger, maybe ten. Her face held youth, and her brown eyes twinkled with amusement. The three of them wore plain white dresses, and a black apron. The younger one caught site of Eric, and blush heated her cheeks. She curtsied for him before taking a stand before me.

“Emma, this is Katherine. There is a room beside mine that is ready for her. Please take her there and I suggest helping her clean up. When you are done you may bring her to my room for inspection. That will be all.”

“Yes Majesty,” She bowed before taking my hand and leading me into the palace. Red carpet surrounded the grand hall. It huddled my toes, causing my feet to feel welcomed for once.

“You sure are lucky miss.” Emma whispered as he pasted under a glass chandler, toward a flight of royal steps. “You got stuck with me instead of the two buttheads. They’re like five hundred years old and evil.” She shivered before heading up the steps.

Lights decorated the stairway. Golden rails twisted up along with the stairs. When we reached the top a dozen metal shoulders were lined up in the hallway. Each one held their position ready for attack. I touched the cold metal, feeling the emptiness through the shell. Even these guys were haunted by their emptiness.

“No miss, don’t touch anything. The boss will have you beheaded!” Emma expanded her arms, emphasizing her point. “I don’t understand why you have a room next to Prince-” She looked around the hallways before finishing her sentence. “Eric’s room.” She giggled a honey sound. “I called him that once in front of a peasant, and I got whipped.” She shook her head like she was forcing away the memory. “We aren’t allowed to call the Prince that, even if the name is so appealing.” She fluttered her eyelashes. “I wish I had a room beside him.”

“Where is your room?” She looked at me shocked, like she didn’t expect me to talk.

“The castle has a certain hallway for maids. My room is in that hallway, you should have a room their too. I don’t know why you are up here. The only people even allowed up here is the King, Prince and certain maids.” She shrugged. “Maybe the Prince wants to marry you.” She smiled brightly at me. “I would be okay with that, you are really pretty, even if you are covered in dirt.” She took my hand. The rough cracks sent pain through my body. What has this little girl been through in order to have hands like this?