I feel a lot of inspiration today! Two days ago, I saw an opera with a main character very similar to Klotgioc, and I immediately wished to update this story! Finally, I've found some free time to do it.
Chapter 9. Happiness, Uncertainty and Despair
Klotgioc's POV
Jinfster and I exited Corridor Two. I could see a group of fairies and gingerbread people leading prisoners away from the building of Corridor One.
"It's time!" I said to myself and broke free. Jinfster roared "Liar!" and chased after me. I was fast and ran to the rescue group, shouting for help. Several fairy men spotted me and flew over to my assistance. The fight was short. One of them used a wand to paralyze Jinfster temporarily.
"You're Klotgioc, I presume?" a green-winged fairy wanted to know.
"Yes, that's me," I breathed. "Is Anne rescued?"
"Long ago!" the fairy laughed. "The rescue group number one is already back in Faerie!"
I sighed with relief.
"And we are going to join them soon," the man added. "Oh," he outstretched his hand. "Let me introduce myself. Captain Firefly."
"I remember you, you helped freeing Cobweb," I shook his hand.
"Melon! Tangerine!" Firefly called two of his soldiers. "Escort Mr. Klotgioc to the flying carriage!"
"Where will I live in Faerie?" I wanted to know.
"In Aurumtown, not far from His Majesty's palace," Firefly explained. "Sir Ernest Hamstead owns this town. It's a wonderful place, I assure you! Golden buildings, silvery brooks, green forests, beautiful gardens…"
"Wait a minute! Is Sir Ernest Hamstead related to Anne?" I cried.
"Of course he is. He's her father," Firefly smiled.
I felt true happiness maybe for the first time in my terrible life. I was going to live in the same town as Anne! In my sweetest dreams I couldn't even imagine it! While two red-haired fairies led me towards a large carriage harnessed with enormous swans, I was genuinely smiling - again, for the very first time ever.
The fairies spoke to the swans, and the carriage rose into midair.
Soon, I saw the spectacular sights of Aurumtown. It was like a precious jewel lying in brownish empty hills! I remembered that Anne lived there, and the fact made me think that Aurumtown was the best town in Faerie and in the world.
"Impressive, huh?" Tangerine asked. "Lady Elizabeth Hamstead and Miss Anne Hamstead made the projects of this town five years ago."
I was gazing at the golden villas and the colorful gardens. Of course, Anne would be the author of this beauty!
"Your house, Mr. Klotgioc," Melon said. The swans landed the carriage near a high golden building, surrounded by a garden, with columns, sculptures and fountains. I was dazzled. And I was stupid enough to believe that I would remain a peasant!
"Here are the keys," Melon said, giving me a key ring. "You can go to Sir Hamstead anytime and ask him to hire servants for you. Today evening, you'll go to an audience with His Majesty, who'll award you with a medal and a big sum of money."
"Is it all real?" I thought.
"It's very kind of him," I said aloud. "Thanks, Melon, thanks, Tangerine, for bringing me here."
"Goodbye!" they said in unison, as I opened the gates of my first true home.
As I walked through the gardens, I heard these two fairies talking from somewhere above:
"Such a great house, don't you agree?"
"Yeah, indeed."
"Only it lacks... guess what or whom?"
"It needs a hostess, of course."
"But I doubt there will be one. What sane fairy would marry a former member of a Scarlet Hand?"
"I think Miss Anne Hamstead is definitely devoted to that Klotgioc man."
"Hahaha! Oh, Melon, you never fail to talk nonsense!"
"What did I say?"
"Sir and Lady Hamstead want their daughter to marry Sir Cobweb, and Sir Cobweb has a mutual attraction to Ms. Hamstead. They're almost engaged, as I heard."
"Really?"
"Oh yes."
"Well, in fact, they're a lovely couple."
"I agree. My niece is dreaming of being their flower girl on the wedding..."
"By the way, have you heard about the new garden? The Dusk Park?"
"No. What about it?"
And the fairies started chattering on another topic. I stood still as if frozen. The key ring fell from my hand with a jingle. I didn't notice my amazing home and the lovely garden anymore.
The fairies' words echoed in my mind:
"...want their daughter to marry Sir Cobweb... Sir Cobweb has a mutual attraction to Ms. Hamstead... almost engaged... a lovely couple... their flower girl on the wedding..."
I knelt down and stopped blinking my eyes to avert tears.
"What are you so desperate about?" I whispered bitterly. "What's so dashing about Anne getting married to a noble fairy knight who loves her? It would have been much more dashing if she chose... me..."
I clenched my fists. I had gotten used to protecting Anne, caring about her, visiting her daily. Now I'd have to forget these habits. But I couldn't!
I hated Cobweb deeply in that time. How did he even dare to marry Anne? He didn't save her from tortures. He didn't comfort her when she was vulnerable. He didn't share her sufferings in that wretched prison - while she was silently crying and grieving, he was enjoying himself in Aurumtown! Why did he want to marry her? She had sweet looks (despite she was sure she was ugly). She saved his life several times. What else? She was going to be awarded. Her parents owned Aurumtown. She had a quick mind. She was gentle, tender and noble. She was just perfect.
Somehow I was sure Cobweb didn't love her, but admire her for all her qualities and social rank.
I was certain about it.
If Anne married him, she'd regret that later.
"I... won't... allow... that... marriage... to... take... place!.." I grunted under my breath. I felt like going crazy.
