The Cloaked Man

Gray was right. The late King's death was written off as an accident. My fiancé was now King. Of course there would the mourning period. After which, we would have a grand coronation.

Imagine my great relief when the wedding got postponed until a week or so after the funeral. The archbishop refused on the grounds of impropriety and that would grant time for the proper festivities to be made.

I spent the rest of the time observing the funeral rituals and writing as many letters to home as I could, begging Papa and Annie to come and be with me. But none ever came back. I'd wait for the daily courier. But he would sadly shake his head to me. My hopes sank and I began to realize that Gray indeed had my family captive.

It was to nobody's surprise that the new king's wedding would be a splendid affair. The whole court was summoned. While the old king's body wasn't even a week in the grave, it was what the new tyrant in command wished. No doubt he wanted me to produce an heir quickly to ensure that his lineage would continue.

I felt numb as the servants helped me bathe and dress for the wedding. Josephine was kind enough to lend me her wedding dress and veil to wear as there literally was no time to make one for me. They were certainly beautiful, made out of ivory colored silk with a high waist, pouf sleeves and a billowing skirt. My thick light brown hair was combed out and piled on top of my head. On top of this was the sheer gossamer veil, held in place with a diadem set with pearls.

My soon to be mother-in-law supervised the preparations with quiet grace and dignity. I felt sorry for her when I saw her eyes, reddened with grief. Like me, she was young when she lost her mother and was also very close to her father.

And I was causing her additional pain. Because I knew that her oldest son was the murderer of her father…my stomach twisted when I realized that made me partially responsible for the King's murder. I was helping his murderer escape justice. True, he had my family's lives at the end of a sword.

But it didn't erase the guilt.

If anything, it made it worse because it made me seem so selfish.

"Are you unwell, Jenny?" Josephine asked me, holding out my bouquet. I was trembling so much that I couldn't take it. "Leave us." She commanded the servants. They quickly bobbed curtsies and scurried away. We were now all alone in the room. "Jenny. What is wrong? You look as if you've seen a ghost."

How I wished to tell her what I knew…but Gray's threat remained at the back of my mind. I didn't know where my father and younger sister were. No doubt he had them both locked up in some cold and forsaken dungeon. Was he listening in through the secret passage to ensure that only he and I knew his dread secret? I wondered.

"I…I…" I stuttered, feeling the secret built up inside of me like a tidal wave ready to spill over and wash everything away. At that moment, I saw Gray standing in the doorway of the Queen's quarters. He was dressed in his finest military uniform, a black armband on his right arm, smiling at us. I knew that look though. He knew I was tempted to tell the queen and was reminding me that he held my family hostage. Josephine looked at me, still insisting I tell her. "I just wish my mother was here. That's all."

"You miss her?" Josephine asked in a loving tone.

I nodded, looking down so I wouldn't have to see her face. "Yes. Very much."

"I missed mine too on the days I got married." Josephine said. "I wished she was here to give me advice and to tell me that everything was going to be all right."

But I knew nothing was going to be all right. I thought glumly as Gray entered the room.

Nothing was going to be all right ever again.

My life and family had been torn away and now I was going to marry a man that had control of my life. Not only for today but for the rest of my life…time seemed like an endless sea I had to cross alone.

"It's almost time, Mother." Gray said to us. He smiled at me. "You look absolutely beautiful, Virginia." Gray said, lifting my hand to his lips. I wanted to wrench my hand away and slap him. "Every inch a queen." I could see that he was enjoying my torment. "I'll never be able to thank your sister enough."

"It's bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony, my son." Josephine said, a warning tone in her voice. The look in her face told me she was less concerned about breaking tradition and more concerned for my well-being. She did know about the abduction story and probably suspected that Gray knew more about her father's death than he was letting on.

Was it possible she suspected that Gray was using my family to force me to marry him? I wondered but I didn't dare ask. My family's life was in danger.

"What? I can't have a few words alone with my bride?" Gray asked innocently in an authoritative tone. It was a silent order to his mother to leave. Josephine sighed and gently squeezed my shoulder before leaving. Gray closed the door before walking up to me. "Stop looking like such a frightened rabbit, Virginia." He hissed at me. "People will get suspicious if you don't look aglow as a blushing bride should be. Speaking of which…" He said before reaching up and pinching my cheeks. I winced in pain and felt tears coming out of my eyes.

"Don't touch me." I said in a low voice, feeling hurt and wanting to snap.

"You can't deny a husband's right." Gray hissed.

"If you touch me one more time, I swear I will scream so loud…"

"…And your father and sister's lives will be forfeit." Gray said, smiling.

The door suddenly opened. "Is everything all right?" Christopher asked, stepping inside. He was dressed like Gray, although his uniform was nowhere as ornately decorated as the new King's. A black armband also rested on his right arm. The long dark cloak was fastened around his neck. He was looking at me, concerned. I nodded, trying to reassure him that I was unharmed.

An exasperated look crossed Gray's face when he saw his brother there. "Yes, just reassuring my sweet bride." Gray said, gripping my hand tightly. Another silent order to comply. I nodded glumly, remembering the threat.

"You'd best get to the cathedral, Gray. Everyone is there." Christopher said.

"Everyone?" I asked nervously as Gray gently kissed me, fighting the urge to flinch away.

"Of course, sweet. The whole court and most of the capital has arrived to meet their new queen." Gray said, stepping away.

"Sire?" A baldheaded rotund man stepped into the room. For some reason, he looked very familiar. I squinted my eyes as I tried to recognize him…he gave me a smile, bowing to me.

"Yes, I'm coming." Gray said, walking towards the man. "Oh, and Virginia?" He said as he was about to leave the room, "Don't forget about your glow." Gray touched his cheeks before turning and leaving. He and the bald man disappeared.

"What was that about?" Christopher asked me.

"Nothing." I said, looking away. "Absolutely nothing at all."

Christopher tipped my chin up gently to look at me. "Don't deny it. You don't want to marry him. Why trap yourself in a loveless marriage?" He asked me, a tone of begging in his voice. "Jenny. Please. I want to help you."

I wanted to trust him. I wanted to tell him what was wrong. I wanted him to tell me that everything was going to be all right and that not only would I be safe but my sister and Papa. But Gray's warning eyes still haunted me. Was it possible he was listening in? Or one of his spies? Wouldn't have surprised me.

"I appreciate your offer. But I'm afraid that nobody can help me." I said.

Christopher sighed. "As you wish." He looked at me, hurt. Saying no more, I allowed Christopher to lead me out and down the stairs. The gilt open air carriage was waiting outside for us along with Christopher's champagne gelding, Jubilee. I was assisted into the carriage while Christopher mounted Jubilee.

It was a fine April day as we rode through the streets. Scarce a cloud was in the sky. The sun shone brightly above. Many people lined the streets, watching us. Christopher, used to the commotion, smiled and waved. As for me, I was still too dazed and scarcely believing what was happening to me.

I began waving, looking throughout the crowd. Part of me was hoping to see Papa and Annie, out and free. I would jump out of the carriage, running over to them. We'd embrace and then go home, living free and away from Gray.

It was nice to dream, although I knew full well that this nightmare was my new reality.

Of course, once the vows were exchanged and the marriage blessed, there was a grand feast and dance back at the castle. Every dish imaginable was presented with grand flourish and fanfare. Throughout all of it, I accepted every toast, sipping slowly on my wine as ladylike as I could muster.

But I so desperately wanted to be drunk. I wanted to forget the terrible truth. I had married a monster. One who had not only murdered his own grandfather but held an innocent family at knifepoint to force his reluctant bride to marry.

Now I would bear his children and stand by his side for as a loyal wife and queen of Cygmus.

Dark days were ahead for Cygmus, I feared.

Normally, I enjoyed dancing. But the thought of dancing with my monster of a husband was enough for me to lose all interest, even when my favorite dances were played. That suited him just fine as he found new partners.

Unbelievably, even though he was now married and had a reputation, there were many women who fawned over him. Being the wife of a king was seen as no better than a life imprisonment as wives were considered possessions, only fit for making babies. Mistresses on the other hand were treated as objects of desire, wanted for companionship and tumbles in the bed when the queen was too heavy with child.

As relieved as I should've been, I felt strangely disgusted. He was now the King and could have as many mistresses as he desired. I was now the Queen and had to stay faithful and loyal to him alone. I couldn't take lovers, even if I wanted to.

But then that means he'll be too busy to use you. My mind tried arguing. Then he'll more likely than not leave you in peace.

Until the arrival of my monthly course. I thought sadly. Because then he'll use me like a queen ant, producing baby after baby after baby. It was rumored he had many bastards so his seed was without question. But I would be the true test. If I couldn't carry a child to term…or worse only produced girls…

I wanted to be a mother once. Now I didn't want children. Not with him for the father.

Oh God…I thought with horror as Josephine led me away. It was time for the wedding bed. My stomach turned and twisted. I had some idea of what to expect but it still sickened me. While the Princess Dowager had gently cajoled me to eat to have strength, I was barely able to eat more than a few nibbles. Now I was glad I had a mostly empty stomach otherwise I would've become ill.

I had lost enough dignity was it was. I didn't need more cause for embarrassment.

Fortunately, the Princess Dowager managed to get me away without fanfare. In the Queen's quarters, the bedding had already been pulled back. Josephine was blissfully alone with me. I couldn't ensure more humiliation.

We were quiet as she helped me undress and lifted a thin sleeping shift over my shoulders. Josephine, perhaps sensing my discomfort, said nothing as she picked up the brush and began combing out my hair. Her gentle fingers and soft humming voice reminded me so much of Mama's.

How I missed her…she wouldn't have allowed this to happen. She wouldn't have allowed Papa to get into debt with Gray in the first place. She would've found some way to get me out and away. Hell, she probably would've found a way to expose Gray without endangering anyone else.

And here I am, anything unlike my mother. I'm not as wise or brave or intelligent as she is. Here I am, meekly and timidly meeting my fate. Would she be ashamed of me? Yes. I believed she should would be.

Bowing my head at my vanity, I began to cry. "Jenny…" Josephine said as she touched my shoulder.

"Go away." I whispered. Josephine sighed quickly, debating if or not she should stay. She finally did and slipped outside.

I sat there, feeling sorry for myself when I heard a flurry of giggles outside the door. "…did you see her at all during the ceremony?" A woman asked.

"Yes, Lady Lark. She looked like a rabbit in the clutches of a hawk." A second woman responded.

"Maybe we should call her the Rabbit Queen, then. Wouldn't you agree, Lady Hansen?" Lady Lark responded. I realized they were talking about me. "Wonder why in the world King Gray chose to marry her?'

"It's quite simple. The King made it clear to Gray that he had to choose a wife and queen if he wanted to keep the crown. Little Miss Bunny Rabbit in there just happened to catch his eye." The second woman responded. "Although…I did hear talk that the late King decided to deny Gray the crown anyway, due to his…tendencies…"

That would explain Gray's motivation to kill the King. I thought, shaking my head. But I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that I nearly missed the next part.

"….her father couldn't refuse the match. Lord Thompson owed a debt to Gray. Gray offered to take the queen without a dowry…" Lady Lark continued. "Man was so deep in debt that he had no choice. The King forgave the man's debt in exchange for his daughter."

"That's not what I heard." Lady Hansen said. "I heard that Thompson and his youngest daughter were sold to Master Ferguson this morning, officially settling the debt. The King signed the papers just before he left for the cathedral."

What?! I felt my legs give way. So that's who that man at my bedroom door was this morning…Master Ferguson, the feared slaver in the region. Cygmus was one of the few countries who continued the practice. Calls were made all over to end the abhorrent trade. I never paid much thought to it as I never knew anybody involved…until now…

I realized that I had been taken for a fool.

I should've know that Gray had no intentions of letting my family go when I agreed to marry him. Just as he had no intention of letting Papa's debt go unpaid.

Now I had sold my life in exchange for nothing.

My sadness was replaced with anger and hatred. My eyes caught a little silver letter opener sitting on the little table. I knew it was sharp.

Gray had to die. He had to die tonight.

It was the only way the late King and my family would get true justice.

I waited until I was sure the two gossiping peahens were gone before slipping out. I had put a heavy robe over my dress, one that had deep enough pockets to hide my little knife. Downstairs, I could still hear the sounds of revelry.

I knew the King was saying his nightly prayers in the chapel at the end of the hall. It had to end now. Walking quickly, I made my way to the grand double doors at the end of the hall.

Inside, I caught sight of Gray kneeling before the altar of the completely empty chapel. High above was the large stained glass window celebrating the founding of Cygmus. Of St. Leopold the Great kneeling before a swan in rapture, a crown and crucifix caught between its beak. It was an old legend, how the young lord was out hunting and, seeing a swan caught in a snare, freed it. It turned out to be an angel, proclaiming that he had proven most worthy to combine the feudal system of Lords together and forge a mighty nation from them.

My heart bubbled with disgust at the thought of the king kneeling there so piously, his eyes closed in prayer and a serene look upon his face. Because I knew it was all a shame. The only thing he shared with the saintly Leopold was his name. No doubt now he was congratulating himself on murdering the old king, destroying families and ruining me. Maybe he was even thinking about the delights he was going to have with me tonight.

His last thoughts of pleasure before an eternity of torture. I thought as I walked closer, pulling out the letter opener. There was the sound of the chapel doors quietly opening and closing far behind me. But I ignored the sound as I was too focused on my mission of vengeance.

Now I was standing behind him. I could faintly hear his breathing. My heart was pounding and my legs were knocking. Enjoy the trip to Hell, you bastard…I thought as I raised the letter opener high.

But something stopped me. It was the feeling that I was being watched from behind. Feeling unnerved, I turned around to see who it was.

It was a tall cloaked and hooded figure, dressed in a dark robe more appropriate for mid-winter than late spring. His hood was pulled far over his face and his black gloved hands folded together. A golden crucifix hung from his neck. I stood there, frightened as I saw that I was going to commit a murder in front of somebody. And not just anybody but a priestly monk nonetheless.

At once, my anger and hatred dissipated as I saw the huge mistake I was about to make. I could take out an insane monster like Gray. But I couldn't kill him in front a monk. That was a surefire way to get damned to Hell.

I might've hated Gray with every inch of my soul. But he wasn't worth damning myself to Hell for.

The man said nothing, he moved one black gloved hand up to his hooded face to where his mouth would be. It was a command to be silent. Stunned by what was going on, I nodded, putting the letter opener back in my pocket. Then the monk moved his hand from his hidden face out to me.

Something told me to take the monk's hand. I did and he quietly led me away to the confessionals in the back. He went into the priest's side and I went into the sinner's. Out of habit, I began. "Forgive me, Father, for I was about to sin." It was almost laughable. I was about to confess to a monk that I was about to kill the man who had destroyed everything I had. Not only that but he was a witness to my near crime, so it seemed pretty redundant.

"Are you aware of the foolish mistake you just about made?" The monk finally spoke in a low voice. I had to lean forward in order to hear.

"I nearly damned myself to Hell for killing a man in prayer." I said, embittered at having my once chance swept away.

"No…the King's Assassins are lurking outside. They saw you come in. There would've been no escape. If you had harmed the king, they would have been in here and have killed you in an instant." The monk said. "Even if you attacked him to save your virtue and family, it wouldn't have mattered to them."

I shuddered, remembering the King's Assassins, the famed guards known for hiding in shadows and snuffing out the lives of any people who dared hurt the King. Why didn't I think of them sooner?

"The King threatened your family?" The monk asked gently. I bowed my head and nodded. "I'm sorry."

"He threatened to kill them if I didn't comply. Well, I just found out that he sold them to Master Ferguson to ensue Papa's debt was settled. He did this just as we were leaving for the cathedral. I've lost them forever. So I've sold myself for nothing."

"Maybe not 'nothing'." The monk said, raising his voice slightly. I looked up. "I meant that you did it because out of love."

"But he still used it." I said, frustrated at his words.

"I'm not excusing his behavior. Not even close. I'm just saying that you've earned the admiration of many for that."

"Admiration?" I scoffed, remembering Lady Lark and Hansen's words from earlier. "Try pity and contempt."

"From some, yes. But the Princess Dowager has a fondness for you. As does Captain Davis. I saw it on their faces during the wedding ceremony. Many people would give everything to help you. Myself included."

"What can you do?" I asked, feeling angry. "Can you go back to the day my sister made that foolish boast that caught his attention? The day my father got in debt with Gray? The day the late King died?"

"No. But I can find your father and sister for you." The monk said. What…? I looked up, wondering how he could do that.

"They could be halfway to Dragoon by now." I said.

"Have you forgotten that the Church is far bigger than Cygmus and Dragoon? It'll take time but I'll find them and at least give you some answers. That's a promise. Now you need to get going. The King has just left and no doubt he'll be waiting for you in your chambers."

My heart began to soar as I bowed my head and allowed the monk to bless me.

It might've been too late for me to be free.

But I had a chance to find my family…

A/N: So here we've got the first sighting of the Rumpelstiltskin character…and of course, there's more to him than you think.

But I'm concerned about Jenny's character. I know she's a lot more timid than the women I usually write and that's what the women in this time frame were expected to behave (think mid 1800's Continental Europe) but I'm not convinced that she's sympathetic enough. Comments would be very much appreciated.