Hello! Updating at last! I wasn't sure how to go about this chapter since this is our first encounter with Arthur. But I'll do my best!

By the way, thanks to Sapphire (anonymous), Moonlightninja55, Kimkey Roslina and Minnieluvbug12 for reviewing! And NO WAAAAAYYY! 347 HITS! YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME! THANKS TO EVERYONE OUT THERE READING ;D!

Okay, I wasn't sure how this chapter was gonna go, but I hope I don't disappoint. Well, here I go...

Beauty In Darkness

Chapter 4

Michelle shivered. It was by a complete miracle that she even got into Arthur's throne room. It was a good thing that the kind blonde haired lady, Alice, was on patrol. Speaking of Alice, the young maid had to go fetch Arthur so Michelle could request employment in the castle.

Michelle pitied Alice. The poor girl made to confront the feared king, but then again...Michelle would be soon. She shivered again. "This place...isn't just any kind of evil. It feels...haunted." She whispered. Michelle's teeth began to slam together, chattering so hard that she feared they'd shatter altogether.

But that was the least of her fears...

000

Alice pushed ever so slightly on the King's door. She had done this so many times before but still felt like weeping with fear every time. She peered silently through the doors gap.

King Arthur wore a thick black robe, almost camouflaging in the permanent darkness in his quarters. But Alice could see his aura. A deathly eerie purplish-black aura. He was using his Satanist magic again. He would only use it when he felt ill, Alice knew. It happened every time the anniversary of his brother's departure rolled around. Arthur would use dark magic and let its demons swallow him whole. He uses it to kill the pain. Alice winced at the thought.

"Show yourself already, Alice. I'm not in the mood for playing games." Alice jumped slightly in fright. Took a breath, counted to three and spoke "M-my lord...there is s-s-someone here to give you a request." Arthur looked up from the black tar like liquid he called a potion. His unkempt, blonde hair fell into his eyes. But he snickered demonically.

"What kind of request?" Alice felt confused. He sounded...eager? Usually, he would have the guards throw anyone out. "She...she wants to work in the castle, my lord..." Arthur's features twisted into a grin. But not the good kind. The evil kind. And yet...Arthur hadn't smiled in five years until this moment? "Why this change? Why now? What has changed?" Alice asked herself and or any gods in heaven.

Alice was so lost in panic that she failed to see Arthur's venomous emerald eyes flash dangerously. In his nightly visions, he had already seen this girl coming. Arthur could see any vision of his future however...

Arthur's demons didn't want him to see her, even now they hissed, twittered and whined in protest inside his head. "I'm curious...she will work here I must know why..." His rather thick brow furrowed and his grin fell. Now he was interested.

"Tell her she may work here."

Alice's breath caught. She gasped "Wh-...what?".

"You heard me. So go bloody tell her! Before I test out this spell..." Alice immediately began to back away. It took all her will not to break into a frantic sprint.

"Yes...your um...majesty..."

000

Michelle turned in fright as the grand metal door creaked. Alice approached her, her face looking confused...wait, confused?

"His answer is yes."

Michelle froze. "H-huh? Yes?" She stuttered.

Alice nodded "Indeed. I am surprised also..." Michelle heard her breathe. "I suppose you're in luck dear. I must go back to check on things in the kitchen. I'll be back in ten minutes, just wait here. I'll show you where you'll stay and your duties." Alice gave a thin smile, before turning toward the door.

After Alice left, Michelle felt almost giddy and happy. She had succeeded. She can get information for her friends now! "I-I'm still alive..." She giggled to herself. She continued like this until she heard a whimpering.

Michelle realised someone was weeping, pitifully. It sounded like a child. And...It came from behind her. Michelle turned slowly.

What she saw surprised her to no end.

For what she saw was what appeared to be a mint green rabbit with tiny little wings sprouting from its back. The rabbit was crying as if it would never stop. Michelle made to step back. The rabbit lifted its head from its little green paws. Stared at Michelle, sadly but warmly. As if welcoming her.

His little voice peeped "Excuse me Miss? Can...you help me? You're the only one that can help..."

And finish! I hope I did okay portraying evil Arthur in this chapter. Alice is Belgium by the way, in case you didn't figure it out. I also hope I've upped the mystery and suspense in this chapter! I'll try to update A.S.A.P but no promises. Review please, so I know what I'm getting right and what to work on :D

Thanks 4 reading,

xxrubyredrosesxx