Fable II
KING OF HEARTS - Part I
"Roll up, roll up!" The streets of Bowerstone Market were bustling with people. Men, women and children from all over Albion had gathered on the market road leading to the majestic Bowerstone Castle.
"C'mon, C'mall! See the efforts of Albion's finest noblemen try 'n' win 'er majesty's 'art!"
Sparrow looked out of the windows of the throne room. Her eyes weighed down by the sight of horses and carriages. "Next one in a minute, get ready!" Sparrows head turned to see Hammer walk through the large, mahogany doors. Her great war hammer rested on her bulky shoulder.
"You know, for the Hero of Strength, you really are weak minded!" Sparrow laughed as she raised an eyebrow to her friend.
"You asked for a matchmaker, so here I am!"
Sparrow laughed again. Some of the men who had made their way to Bowerstone were agreeable enough, but Sparrow was not convinced. 'Hammer's ideas should be kept where they belong: in the back of her mind' She thought.
The courtyard fell silent as another carriage arrived; dark, varnished wood gleamed against the sun and was lined with gold and drawn by two black stallions. A perfectly crafted 'R' lay decoratively on the door. The gardeners and noblemen stared; unable to look away from the carriage of the thief.
A tall, well-groomed man exited the carriage. He stood, surveying the courtyard. No one dared speak, no one dared move. Finally one man approached.
"What a pleasure to see you," the gardener cowered as he spoke and bowed shakily, "Master Reaver." He backed away as quickly as he spoke. Reaver ignored him and walked on towards the marble steps of Bowerstone Castle; passing countless men and noblemen awaiting access to the throne room.
"Master Reaver," a man stepped forwards. "I'm afraid the Queen is busy, if you'd care to-" the words of the doorman were cut short by the distinct, ringing shot of a Dragonstomper.48. He fell to the floor. Reaver stepped over his body and proceeded through the door. No one dared oppose him, or maybe because no one could. Reaver's reputation was a cold one; spread from Bloodstone to Bowerstone. The Hero of Skill was feared by all.
Sparrow jumped as the doors of the throne room flung open as Reaver strolled in. Alarmed, Hammer drew her weapon; however as soon as she had a single bullet ricocheted her ringed fingers. Reaver stood at the end of the room. He blew the barrel of his pistol. A single, perfect eyebrow raised above his eye. His mouth, curled into an unsettling smile.
Hammer stared coolly at him. Reaver continued towards the Queen. He stopped before the throne and bowed. "You're Majesty"
There was a moment's pause. Sparrow raised an eyebrow to the man as he presented himself to her. His posture returned and he stood awaiting the queen's word.
"Reaver," Sparrow started. "You better have good reason for your actions, and…intrusion." She continued. Her eyes fell down as she watched him. She felt uncomfortable in the presence of such an unpredictable man.
"My lady, I heard there was word of an audience with your grace." Reaver began. "With this audience – your judgment on marriage followed." He approached Sparrow and leant on the arm of the throne, whispering into her ear. "And I don't think I need explain, when I say you really ought to send these men home." She turned to look at him, his eyes were dark; he winked at her.
Sparrow stood and glared up at Reaver's smug face. Hammer stepped forward but Sparrow waved a hand for her to stand down. She gritted her teeth and obeyed.
"I was under the impression you were in Samarkand."
"And I was, my Lady." He replied. "That was, of course, until I heard about this…opportunity." Reaver smiled at her again. "Therefore, I shall cut to the chase."
Sparrow looked into Reaver's dark blue eyes. She couldn't see what exactly was inside them; which worried her. He walked back around in front of her. He looked into her brown eyes as he knelt down. Another pause chilled the room.
"My Queen, will you marry me?"
Sparrow rolled her glassy eyes and stepped down from the foundations of her throne. Reaver was still on his knee. She could feel Hammer's cold glare towards him. Sparrow walked behind Reaver, trailing her porcelain hand over his shoulder. She knelt down beside him and whispered lightly. "No."
And as quickly as Reaver had entered, Sparrow left.
The clock tower of Bowerstone Market could be heard throughout the city as it struck another late hour. Sparrow stood on her chamber balcony. She looked out to the Castle gardens and down towards Bowerstone Harbour. She sighed, thinking about the events of her day.
For a proposal…from Reaver, of all the men in Albion today, Reaver was the one to kneel before me and propose;. She knew, of course, all too well, it was a scam of his for power, riches and all the glamour's of being king; and he wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted. However, she couldn't help but let her mind wander fondly as the summer breeze gently ran through her light brown hair.
Sparrow's eyes narrowed as a dark figure crossed the paths of the garden. She saw, once they entered the light, it was Reaver. The moonlight shone gently against the pond, his reflection danced on the dark blue ripples. He looked up to see her watching him. He bowed and smiled. Sparrow nodded then retreated back into her bed chambers.
A hallowed knock came from the door. Sparrow awoke. She pulled on her robe and called through the varnished oak. "Yes?"
"Madam, it's Jasper, Reaver has requested an audience with you in private."
Sparrow sighed.
"Shall I tell him you're unable to make arrangements?"
"No," She protested. "I'll see him in the War Room in an hour."
"As you wish madam."
Jasper opened the door to the throne room. "Madam, Master Reaver." Reaver stepped in and the door closed behind him.
"So," Sparrow started. "You requested a private audience."
"Yes, my Lady." Reaver bowed.
"Enough bowing, Reaver. If you're trying to make up for the Shadow Court incident, don't bother, I don't care."
Reaver chuckled. "No, not at all, your Majesty; I wouldn't dream of it. But as you wish."
Reaver walked towards her. She didn't move, she stood, leaning against the map. Her gaze went across the table to him. "However, I would like you to consider a proposition of mine." He said slyly. "And I refuse to take no for an answer."