The Goblin's Heir

Chapter Ten: It's In My Nature

The snarl in my voice made Cerise flinch away from me. Her hands snapped away from my arms, her eyes widening with a look of horror and noticeable pain. It was the same look I'd seen over and over again whenever my knife buried itself somewhere vital, letting lifeblood flow. 

"What have I done?" She echoed me, shaking her head. Her voice was soft and it shook.

My fingers itched, aching to reach into the secret place sewn into every one of my gowns where a small knife was safely tucked, hidden by soft velvet and silk. I folded my hands there to still them as I stood, keeping them near that spot for easy access. My mind was racing, thinking of every moment I'd shared with cerise, every conversation, every smile she'd ever shown me. Suddenly it all felt like a sea of lies, all of it tainted, rotten. Was this really going to end like it had with Tova? Had I really made the same mistake twice? Was I still that bloody naive?

Floki, sensing the malice building in me and wanting to protect his lover, stepped between us. "Mother, calm down." He pleaded, using a stern voice he rarely used, a title for me he never used. "Let me explain."

"Go clean yourselves up, then I want to see the two of you in the study." My eyes snapped away from Cerise, giving each person there a look of warning before settling on Floki. "You can explain yourselves there."

When I turned to leave, Ib stepped in front of me. "Matilda, I don't know what's going through your head right now, but please listen to your son."

"Out of my way." I hissed into his face. "I'm sick of everyone telling me to be calm." He shut his mouth and scowled at me. I shoved past him and stalked away, slamming the door behind me. 

I sat at Knut's desk, turning a knife between my fingers. It was made of weighty iron, the long thin blade polished to a brilliant shine and well-sharpened. I frowned down at it. I could still feel the anger searing through me and the ache it left in its wake. All I'd wanted was someone to talk to. Someone who wasn't going to leave...such a fool I was. I should've known she'd try to use me. She was human, after all.

I should've killed them all at the start.

"Queen lady," Ebbe tugged at my loose breeches beneath the desk. I looked down toward the gleam of his eyes. His pig-like nose wiggled as he spoke. "Princeling and Bride Cerise are coming now." 

"Don't call her that." I huffed. "Remember to stay out of sight. Wait until Floki leaves, then bar the door until I'm done." 

"Yes, Queen lady," He giggled, grinning toothily. "This is so much fun! It's been ages since we plotted murder!" 

"Shut up and do as you're told." I kicked at him, hearing the doorknob begin to move. Ebbe scurried behind a pile of books and disappeared, going to see to his task. 

The door opened and Floki strode inside, swinging his fisted hands at his sides. Cerise trailed behind him at a distance, her arms folded over her chest. She moved with a hunched posture, her head bowed, not looking at me. I turned in Knut's chair as they neared, keeping the knife hidden beneath the desk. 

"I said her name by accident," Floki assured me, pressing his hands down on the desk, one over The Winter Branches, the other over Summer. His hands were large enough they almost hid the burned etchings completely. "It's all my fault. Don't be angry at Cerise for it."

"How long?" I asked in a low growl, my fingers tightening around my knife. 

Floki's eyes narrowed and his head tilted slightly. "What?"

I held my head in my free hand, clawing my fingers through my loose hair. My nails traced painfully across my scalp. "How long have you and Cerise been carrying on your...relationship behind my back?" I tasted rancid bile on my tongue.