Chapter 11 – The Candidate

Griselda gaped at the hostage before giving an answer. All lack of sleep that may have made her drowsy was forgotten. "A Fairy? What on…" She turned to the one who had woken her up. "Stuff! Why would you think that I'd be happy to see this poor girl all tied up and gagged?" She faced the trolls, putting a hand on her hip and pointing an accusatory finger at them. "You two, release her already! It's an order!"

The goblins threw dumb glances at each other while the fairy's eyebrows almost disappeared up her forehead. Stuff and Thang also were too surprised to react.

Griselda approached them, waving her arms impatiently. "Come on! Untie her! And ungag her! What kind of treatment is that? How'd you like to be forced to stay in that dirty bag of yours?"

"But…" one tried to answer. "If we free her, we might not be able to catch her again…"

"Then leave her arms tied over her wings! What, do you think she's going to run around the room and scream like a crazy person? Pfft! We're civilized people, we can talk!" She suddenly dropped to a reassuring tone. "Don't worry, sweetheart, this is not going to take long, I promise."

The fairy nodded politely. At least, she didn't seem too shocked by her situation. Good sign; she probably had character.

"Come on, release her now, what are you waiting for? Hey, I know that red patch… Isn't that the bag you were using to carry the old dandelion roots out of the kitchen yesterday?"

The young captive turned a slow glare full of annoyance to the troll next to her. (It made Griselda grin.) In response, her captor was careful not to look back at her and proceeded to peel the rest of the bag down her body. With shaky hands, he untied her limbs, retying her wrists behind her back, and made another turn with the rope all around her to secure her wings. He finally removed the tangled tissue they had used to gag her.

She was left standing there, a bit awkwardly. All the goblins took a step away like she might explode.

Interestingly, she seemed to sense their wariness, because she spun her head in a very abrupt motion and snickered when they yelped.

Griselda scoffed at the sudden power change. "Thank you, you can leave her with me, now. Come on here, sweetheart, we'll talk over there." She pulled the lovely but tall foreigner by the arm toward the throne and waved the small crowd away.

"Wait," the fairy said after climbing one step. "My sword…"

Griselda stayed in place a moment to think. As much as this girl didn't seem like a threat, it certainly wasn't very wise to let her weapon lay around. Bog would no doubt throw a fit about it if he saw his beloved mother alone with a stranger and her sword in the same room. "We'll keep it for you until you leave, alright? Don't worry, we won't forget about it. Stuff, Thang, take care of it, will you?"

Stuff was the one to rush to them and whisper: "I'll take it."

Seeing everyone obey her, the interim leader turned around toward the throne with all the elegance pajamas, crazy bed hair and bare feet could provide. The young woman followed without a word.

While they were climbing the stairs, she heard Stuff convince Thang to make sure the patrollers left the castle, then follow the two of them up. "W-Wait, do you mean we're going to let her leave?" They asked, almost tripping.

"Of course we are! Eventually." Griselda took a seat at her son's throne (and noticed how badly it needed to be dusted). "What would you do, throw her in the dungeon to wait? Bog will decide what to do with her when he comes back. Until then, I'm in charge, and she deserves that we at least listen to what she has to say, don't you think?"

She certainly wouldn't let that interesting candidate not go through the whole audition process.

Stuff stopped. "Oh—Okay… I'll be on standby at my place." They slowly went to their seat, holding the sheathed sword and whispering to Thang to follow.

"Don't worry, I got this under control." She turned a pleasant smile at the fairy. "I'm afraid we're going to have to make it quick, my dear. My son, who is the king around here, you see… he is not very gallant. Especially with your people. Even though I can tell you're a very nice person."

Her guest hesitated. Was it the compliment that had thrown her off? Or was she simply intimidated to realize she was standing in front of the one and only dowager queen? "Err… I… I won't take too much of your time, I promise." She pulled a deep reverence. The ropes kept her arms stiffly tied to her back and over what looked like pretty purple wings. "My name is Marianne."

Griselda grinned with pleasure. "Marianne. What a lovely name! Wait… I think I've heard it somewhere before."

"Oh, err, m-maybe."

"Where was it again…?"

"And… May I ask…?"

"Could it be… oh, whatever. I'm Griselda! When my son, the king, is not present, I run things around here. It's very nice to meet you, Marianne. So, will you tell me what brought you here?"

"Actually, I came because I was supposed to see someone from the Dark Forest, but… you say you are the king's mother, correct?"

"No mistaking that! He's got his father's smile, but his eyes are definitely from me!"

She looked at the floor in confusion for a moment, like she suddenly had a mystery to solve in her head. "So, err, anyway, as I said, I was looking for someone, but I don't even know who he is. I had an important message to give him about the fairy kingdom, but in retrospect, you are a much better person to deliver it to."

"About the fairy kingdom? Oh, if it's political, then I should let Bog take care of it…" She rubbed her chin. "But he might imprison you without hearing what you have to say… Oh well, I guess I'll take it for now. Okay, what's the message?"

Marianne seemed to be bracing herself. Griselda saw how brave she was being and couldn't help but feel impressed. "In light of the recent events," she began, "the fairy kingdom would like to discuss the possibility of a peace treaty with the rulers of the Dark Forest. We are ready to consider a more equal trade of resources as a condition."

Griselda laughed quietly. Beautiful and smart, how wonderful! "That's a lot of complicated words, darling. Too many for an old girl like me. Better let Bog take care of it after all."

"There's another thing, though. I wasn't expecting to be captured, to be honest… In fact, the possibility of him imprisoning me would deteriorate… I mean, it would make everything very, very complicated. Do you think I could be released soon?"

"I can't promise you that, I'm afraid. I know, it sucks, but don't worry! I'll wait for him with you. Believe me, he's not as likely to make you a prisoner if his mother is there to tell him otherwise!" She smoothed out her pajamas and started heading back to the stairs where she came from, needing to change into her prettiest dress as soon as possible. Yes, she had a good feeling about this one. "He won't be here until around sundown, though. Are you hungry for breakfast?"

"Um, a little bit…"

"Oh, and you must be tired, eh? You travelled all that distance in the middle of the night… Okay, we'll have a nice room prepared for you so you can rest. I'll try to pass the message for you, to make sure he listens to you when he sees you. Let's go to my room for now. Can you repeat what you told me in simpler words?"

The fairy looked like she was struggling to stay focused, throwing nervous glances around as she followed. "I, err, I understand this puts you in a difficult situation, but I absolutely need to leave. Really, it's crucial that I do. I'll come back tonight, though, if he's here to see me."

"We'll talk about it later. Now, I need to change."

The young one stayed silent, gawking at her surroundings until they arrived at Griselda's room. Why were Thang and Stuff following as well? By being extra nervous, they were probably making their guest even more nervous.

The goblin woman closed her door in Stuff's face nonetheless. "So, what was it you needed to talk to my son about?" she asked as she started rummaging in a chest to look for the primrose-coloured dress she only wore when she was feeling particularly daring.

"Yes, err, well… So, considering what's… happened, a few days ago—"

"What was that? What is it that happened a few days ago?"

Marianne didn't answer immediately. Griselda peeked over her shoulder and noticed she had gone pale.

"We… were the victims of an attack," she replied slowly.

Griselda held her breath without realizing it, but kept looking for her dress. Now, how could she convince this beautiful fairy to become the Dark Forest's queen if the only thing that was on her mind was her people's safety? "Oh dear, that's awful. An attack from who?"

"From goblins."

The small woman blinked a few times and turned completely toward her. "You were attacked by goblins? Even though my son, the king!, even though he himself very explicitly told them not to go?"

For some reason, Marianne suddenly looked relieved. "Exactly. I understand this was unrelated to you?"

"Oh, absolutely unrelated. For once, I agreed with him!" Griselda pulled on her own hair, then combed it frantically with her fingers. "The nerves of those fools… For once that I find someone who's actually got a chance!"

"Excuse me?"

She shook her head. Better explain later. She returned to her chest to change the subject. "Nothing. So what did those idiots do to your people?"

"They stole food and tools."

"Oh, that's it? Nobody got injured?"

"N-No…"

"What a relief!"

The fairy froze again behind her, though. "Y-Yes, but… it's put us into… quite the situation."

"I'm sure it did. But if it's just food, we can return it. It's nice that you came here to talk it out rather than, you know, return the favour. I like that. You're a good person, Marianne."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. About the food—"

"Ah, there you are, you!" At last, she pulled the petal-like dress out and held it in front of her in triumph. "You really are the best candidate so far, you know. I'm so glad you came here." The goblin smiled wickedly and started undressing without a warning.

Marianne flushed and turned around in a spin. "I'm sorry, what…?"

"Tell me, sweet girl, have you found your soulmate, by any chance?"

"Err, excuse me? I'm not sure I—"

"I'm asking if you've found your soulmate already."

"My soulmate?"

"Yes. Are you committed to someone?"

"Commi— No, no, I'm not! And… really, I wouldn't have it any other way!"

"That's what they all say. Oh, it's your lucky day, Marianne! You know, the king is very much looking for a partner, and I think you have a good chance of winning his heart!"

"That's… very interesting, but I really don't think I'm the right—"

"Oh, I'm sure you are! Just wait until you meet him."

"Actually, I…"

"Yes?"

"There's… someone. That I've been seeing. That I wish I could be closer to."

"You wish you knew him better?"

"Yes. I wish he'd talk to me more. I wish he'd… take me seriously. Can I turn around?"

"Go ahead."

She hadn't finished putting it on. Marianne turned slightly, saw she still had it over her shoulders and returned to her position. "Sorry, I—I'll wait until you're finished."

"So what's he like? I want to know your type!"

"He's… err… He's proud. He doesn't let people win easily. But I feel he doesn't know his true worth."

"Oh, my son is the same. I'm sure you two would get along really well! You'd make such a nice little couple!"

The fairy scoffed. "So, about the treaty…"

"Oh, right, you had something political to talk about. By the way, you can turn around, now."

Marianne visibly hesitated, then turned around. "After the attack, we, the fairies, have been thinking of a way to keep a good relationship with the Dark Forest, and a peace treaty seemed like the best option."

Griselda sat in front of her desk. She combed her hair into something large and merry. "A peace treaty, eh. Peace would be nice. Maybe we could visit each other instead of hating each other."

The fairy sounded ecstatic. "I know, right? I was thinking the same thing. I just don't understand why our kingdoms can't get along."

"Well, there's been an incident or two, I recall."

"Like the one with the Sugar Plum Fairy."

"Uh-huh. And the squirrel thing didn't help, either."

"The… the squirrel thing?"

"You know, my son may be all threatening and grumpy, but really, all he wants is for everyone to be happy. That's what you want too, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"Oh, this is perfect! I can't wait for you two to meet!"

"Err, well, we'll meet, but… I'm sorry, but it'll be only diplomatic. I really need to go home as soon as I've talked to him."

"There'll be room for conversation, I'll make sure of it. You two will get to know each other a little bit, it'll be fun!"

Someone knocked furiously on the door. "Griselda, stop it!" Stuff's voice yelled through it.

"Quiet! Nobody asked you!" She put down her comb, placed a crown of dried flowers on her head and smiled at Marianne, a finger in front of her lips. "I'll show you to your room now, my dear," she said in a whisper.

Marianne's frown was amusing. Griselda tiptoed to the door and opened it as fast as she could. Stuff and Thang, who had been pressing their ears to listen to them, fell face first in front of them.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't think you were still there!" she joked loudly. "Now, would you two be kind enough to prepare a nice room for this lady? And make it quick, or I'll get tired of seeing her tied and I'll free her myself!"

Thang rubbed his nose and sprung up the stairs. "Yes, okay, sorry!" Stuff ran after him and threw a long glare at Marianne over their shoulder.

"Wait, where's my sword?"

"They probably hid it somewhere. Pray they'll remember where exactly, I lost count of how many items I asked them to replace, only to never see it again…"

They soon arrived in front of the room Griselda used in summer, with thinner walls and a large pile of leaves for a bed. Stuff was the first to come back. "Listen, you," they said while staring straight up at her, "if you have a message to deliver, you better give it to him quick. And don't even think about messing with him."

"Stuff is kidding," Thang interrupted with a sweet smile, stepping closer to Marianne. "Please be nice to the king."

"He'll see through it and get annoyed," Stuff continued. "It'll only make him throw her in the dungeon faster."

"She's different. He knows her already! He might appreciate it if we leave them alone."

"Uh-uh. I'm not leaving him alone with the enemy."

"Me neither. If I can be useful—"

"We'll follow his orders and make sure Griselda doesn't do anything fishy."

The dowager queen was shocked. "Stuff! How dare you get in the way of my matchmaking!" She placed both fists on her hips to show her disappointment. "Don't you want to see the king fall madly in love with someone and live happily with them ever after?"

"No."

"And see love return to our people, after all these years?"

"No."

Marianne turned an interested face at her. "So it's true, then? Love is banned in the Dark Forest?"

"It is!" Griselda threw her hands in the air dramatically.

Stuff nodded proudly. "And for good reasons."

"See if that reason could really harm anyone!" She directed at the young troll, refusing to let love be spoken badly about when she was there to defend it. "It's ridiculous if you ask me!"

"And it's well respected, in general?" Marianne asked Stuff with a serious face.

"Yes, it's very well respected," Stuff answered in a similar tone. "The king insists that it is, and thus, it is."

"That's fascinating. I never thought such an arbitrary law could be applied to a whole population."

"Well, the people know the danger. And you should know, too."

"The danger?"

"Of love."

Griselda scoffed.

"So love doesn't exist here anymore," they continued, ignoring her. "Our Majesty makes it his priority to make sure nobody falls into its trap. He has been living on his own for a long time and he's very happy about it. Now, if someone could take the hint…"

"You know I'll never give up," Griselda added for emphasis.

"Well, good luck with that," Marianne replied. Wait, was that directed her at her or at Stuff? "But I insist that I have to go, because if my companions don't see me before the sun is up, they might do something stupid. I'll repeat my message one more time, so if one of you could relay it to his Majesty the king, I'd be very grateful."

Stuff was the fastest one to answer: "There's no way you're leaving without a trial."

"Yes, you have to wait in your room for the king to come back," Thang added.

"Tell me your message," Stuff ordered. "I'll relay it to him and let him know that you're here."

And so Marianne repeated her message. The troll nodded and made a somewhat rude gesture toward the door. She complied in silence.

Griselda knew exactly what she had to do in the meantime.

Oh, but first, breakfast.


Bog threw the bit of wood he'd been fiddling with in front of him. It dived into nothingness without a sound.

The sun had already risen. And she still wasn't there.

They had promised to meet at this very spot, at this very moment, and yet she kept him waiting.

Really, what was the point in trusting people at all? Why bother and try to work with them when they didn't believe his promises and couldn't be expected to keep theirs? She was probably very good-willed but obviously, she wasn't reliable at all. A deplorable queen she must have been—if she was a queen like he suspected.

People were disappointing. They disappointed him, one after the other. Nothing new, he thought, but somehow, the disappointment always stung. There really was no love for him on the horizon after all.

He waited a bit longer, until the golden glow of the morning had passed. Then, when there was nothing more lying around to rip into pieces, he headed home, angry and wondering if there was something in the castle that he could break instead of lashing out at Thang again.


"So she undid the lock on her windows."

"It looks like it, Sire. You gotta give her credit for that."

"And there's no way to know when she left?"

"I don't think so."

"All right. Gather the elves, Roland. Depart is at noon. See you in the village."