Queen of the Moon

Part 16: Meeting

I was anxious as the date of the Darkseas arrival approached. I had no idea what it would entail, would we be able to come to common ground and find peace. Father was set on avoiding a war. The guys didn't have much to say over the past day or so while we waited for their arrival, but I saw Andrew and Jacob among others whispering amongst themselves, looking to be planning something.

"Don't do anything rash," I said to Andrew, knowing in the back of my mind he was up to something. He had no response to that.

Day of the Darksea's arrival, Andrew and Jacob were nowhere to be found. I thought at least Jacob would come for me. I was not used to having to speak for myself, and whenever I did, Jacob would always back me up. People rarely listened to a woman, and so whenever I spoke, I knew everyone was rolling their eyes or half listening, but when Jacob spoke up, people believed him, they heard him. 

I was really nervous standing next to just father. The queen had just given birth to a new baby girl. I was actually hoping they'd have a boy, mostly because I enjoyed the attention of being the only princess of Darksea. But all things come to an end. And soon I will be married off and in Blackmoon and having children of my own. But needless to say, the Queen did not attend out of weariness.

I got to sit at the Queen's throne which was always fun to do, as the Darkseas walked in. I didn't know what it would be like to see them again. But it was not good. I felt all sorts of shame, and disgust at the sight of them. And anxiety instantly buzzing around my body. These people filled me with a sick feeling.

They curtsied out of respect. And the King nodded but I did not. The only ones who came on their end was the Queen and the son.

"Thank you for accepting us into your palace to discuss these trivial matters we're sure we can overcome. We want to apologize for any misunderstandings that may have occurred. We were very excited when your daughter expressed interest in our son and very hastily took her off without your consent or permission we must admit," said the Queen.

My jaw dropped, "When did I ever express interest?" I asked.

"Let them speak," said the King. So, I quieted but continued to glare.

"We have lots of witnesses who will sign statements that say the Princess was quite all over our Cory the night that we came," she said, with her very wide smile that stretched over her tight cheeks. I wanted to slap her.

"We're not here to discuss rumors or discrepancies. My daughter was removed without consent from me from this palace, far as I'm concerned. And if we want to discuss rumors, there are quite the few about your prevalent use of magic to gain the things that you want. There are rumors that our wine was poisoned to make us fall asleep so that we're all completely unaware of what occurred that night. Memories I still have not gained back. This type of rumor, could make sure you never leave this palace alive. For the fact that my daughter was poisoned, kidnapped, and held against her will, not to mention deflowered against her will, for what do you have to answer? You have ruined the honor and reputation of my family, and that is unforgivable," said the King.

"If I may speak?" said Cory Darksea, which was rare, he never spoke. I realized then how drugged I was the whole time as I could scarcely remember his face, large stone shaped head, sleepy black eyes.

The King nodded.

"It was as my mother said, a misunderstanding. We observed, interest between your daughter and I and were overly excited about it, as you know it's been difficult for me to marry. We really wish to clear any misunderstandings and also very greatly wish for another chance to court your daughter in a more proper and traditional way. At this point, your daughter has already been married to me, and we even once came close to having a child. To go back on what was already established would also look bad and we want a good relationship between us. We are prepared to offer a heavy dowry and up to a thousand men for your disposal," Cory Darksea said.

Both me and the King were shocked to silence. They came to ask if I would come back??

"You are delusional to assume that I would ever allow you to touch my daughter again. My daughter, is already engaged to Lord Andrew Blackmoon who we are excited to have as apart of our family. They've been for years. And this marriage will happen very soon. The only thing I'm willing to offer you is peace, in exchange for you to clear all of the rumors you've brought about my daughter. I do not want to hear, she 'threw herself on him', 'slept with everyone in the palace' or 'killed your baby' rumors I know for a fact you are propagating yourself. And in exchange, we will forget this ever happened so long as you never step a toe in the Moonlands again. This is my offer," said the King.

Cory looked disappointed the King did not take his offer, downright flustered, he looked over at his mother who still had this fake smile plastered over her face.

"Sure," she said nodding, "We can agree to that."

I did everything I could to avoid lunging myself at them. Once they agreed to leave me alone, I got up and left the room. And kicked the door on my way out. It was sturdy wood, I only hurt my toes when I did that. Those people standing their smiling all teeth like they didn't kidnap, rape, poison and torment me for nearly a month. They're lucky they're walking out of here alive. And they have the gall to ask me to come back. I wish I could spit in their face.

I went to my room to be left alone for a few hours. It was rain season as the winter was over. And today it was rainy and all around it smelled like wet mud and grass seeping in through my window. I glanced out to see Andrew and my brother among a small litter of knights dismounting their horses. Andrew's fist was wrapped with a bloodstained cloth like he'd hurt his hand. I was furious neither of them were around for the Darksea thing but knew it was maybe because they couldn't face Darksea without wanting to hurt him so they decided or maybe were told not to be there at all.

I went out, darting down the tower stairs to meet them outside. The knights had brought the horses to the stables for them. Andrew's black hair was flattened against his forehead due to the rain and I found a fresh cut above his brow there.

"What...were you up to?" I asked.

"How did it go?" Jacob asked before I could question their whereabouts too thoroughly. I shrugged.

"Father told them if they would stop or take back the rumors and stay away from me, he would cancel the war, and they agreed," I said. I reached for Andrew's bloodied hand, but he pulled it away from me.

"That's good news, I guess," said Jacob walking past me to go into the house.

"Get out of the rain, sweetheart, you'll get sick," said Andrew, taking my hand with his good hand to tug me back into the palace entrance where we would be dry.

"Where were you? None of you were there to support me during this?" I asked.

"Darling, we really wanted to be, trust me, but there were other things to attend to. Besides, if I had to see Darksea's face, I would've broken it in," said Andrew.

I still felt a bit sore that Andrew and Jacob weren't there but knew there was no possibility they could've been in the same room with Cory without fighting him. And in my own pain and confusion, I was too distracted to wonder why Andrew had blood dripping from his hand. This information I would find out later, when it was too late.