It's a shorter chapter this time :)
Poor Draco though...
On the Summer Progress
Draco
Bellatrix and I order bolts of cloth for new clothes in stony silence. We supervise the loading of our goods into the carts in the same silence. When we finally set off after much delay due to the mysterious disappearance of some of the queen's gowns, we ride side by side and treat each other as though we are invisible.
The Gryffindor court is at the very height of their spirits. Every day, we go on hunting expeditions before breakfast and there is always the ring of merry laughter in the air. And every night, the dancing and masques are endless. Every day, a different themed masque is thought up and the queen, at the center of attention, draws the noblemen to her like honey draws bees. Everyone seems to be happy, everyone except Bellatrix and me.
Every now and then, when I am riding, I turn my head slightly to the left, hoping to catch my wife looking in my direction. But it is a vain, foolish hope. Bellatrix's eyes are always fixated in the distance, a scowl permanently plastered on her beautiful face. As the days go by, I start to think that Bellatrix and I will be known throughout the kingdom as the couple who cannot get along. Already, the Gryffindor courtiers are making jests of the coldness between us.
It pains me greatly that we have ended up like this. Ever since we were betrothed, I would daydream like some foolish child about my beloved almost every waking hour. I was a fool of a man to believe the troubadours singing about love. Now, I am so desperate for a scrap of love, or even affection from Bellatrix that I start to teach myself to enjoy her company, though it is as warm as a block of ice.
In just a month or so, I will be forced to leave her here, in this foreign, unfriendly court, and return to the Slytherin lands so far north. She is correct. I am a powerless, weak duke.
I long to reach out for Bellatrix and hold her hands in mine. "Believe me wife," I would say. "I only mean the best for us. If we attempt to defy the queen, we will be considered traitors."
When the tension between us truly becomes unbearable, I pull my horse close to Bellatrix's. "Take heart, wife," I whsiper. "If luck is on our side, you will not have to serve the Gryffindor queen for long."
Bellatrix glances a little at me, then looks away. As usual, she says nothing to me.
At dinner, as I am tearing my bread into pieces and dipping it into the soup, my fingers make contact with a piece of paper. I glance slightly around me, no one is paying me any attention, they are all busy flirting, I note with some satisfaction, and so I slide the note quickly from the bread and into my pocket, my heart thumping loudly in my chest the whole time.
Back in my rooms, I dismiss my servants as soon as I can without arousing suspicion.
The moment the doors to my chambers have been shut, I reach into my pocket and unfold the note quickly. It is from my father.
Before I have even read the first word of the letter, I know that the news contained inside must be dangerous. Why else would he want it baked in bread and delivered to me in my food?
Draco,
I hope you and your wife are well. Your mother and I convey our warmest greetings. Watch your step, for the queen herself is. She has sent spies to act as your servants and every letter you send will almost certainly come into her possession.
It is our wish, no, command, that you find out what I bid you do that day you left Chatsworth House.
The Slytherin lords have mustered support from the North and East of England, and at our command, they will rise up. They believe that a sixteen year old girl on the throne of England is making a mockery of royalty. Furthermore, this girl is making no attempt to stregthen her place on the throne and puts us all at risk by refusing to marry and bear heirs. What will happen to England when she dies? She is an irresponsible queen and does not deserve to rule.
Stay alert, trust only Crabbe and Goyle. They are the only two servants of yours who will die before betraying us.
The uprising will take place any day now, keep yourself and your wife safe.
Your father
So how do you guys find the pace of the story? Too fast, too slow, or just right? Do let me know xx
And in the next chapter, Bellatrix has a rather huge surprise in store for her...
