A/N: Well finally I'm able to get the chapter out! ^^ I am sorry I took forever. I have other writing projects and some of them have become, let's just say, more important. However, I will try to get the next one out as soon as I can, so all I ask is that you all please be patient. Anyway, enjoy!

OH EASTER EGG! Guess what the story I mention at the party. If your right, I give you a cookie XD lol

HaveYouSeenMyHat, yes that is a love triangle you detect and it's going to get even more intense and interesting (hopefully). PeacefullyCrazy (first, awesome name ) thanks, I'm glad you love it ^^

Glacies Regina

Chapter 10

Inferno

"Begin!" Shouted a guard named Victor. Raven turned to face her opponent, brandishing her blunt training sword. The other guard across from her named George drew his blunt cutlass. The blades were made blunt so that those training would not pierce each other. They may be bruised but not killed. The two circled each other in a serious face off. Raven kept her head low, her sword in a defensive position, ready to block an oncoming attack. George, though slightly nervous about dueling his Queen, steeled himself. He would be strong and prove to her Majesty that he was a strong, fit soldier. The duel was simple: first to yield loses. There was no death involved for it was not a duel to the death. The duel was to pit soldier who sought to join the Elite Guard against a strong adversary.

Raven, though normally inclined to sometimes watch, wanted to participate. Not only did she wish to train, she needed to distract herself. The proposal that Reaver had offered her had unnerved her and she wished to block out that fear. Fighting seemed to help sharpen her up, forcing her be vigilant and steady.

George, after circling for the third time, tightened his grip on his blade, sprinting towards the Queen. His blade scrapped against her own, Raven waiting till the weaker part of the blade was against her strong part, pushing it to her left. She then, using her elbow, hit George in the face, sending him back, blood trickling down from his face. Though no one was allowed to kill anyone in the circle, this did not mean that one could not make the other bleed.

George's hand whipped the blood away. He would not falter. He watched as Raven stood in defense. She had the right mind set when fighting with a sword; wait until your opponent makes a mistake then strike. Her left hand pressed against the flat part of the blade, protecting her front. George, forgetting to wait for an opening, charged forward again, aiming low for her stomach. Once within reach, he stuck his blade out forward. Raven, with lightning speed, spun her sword down, forcing his blade to the right and in a single motion, she twisted her way around him, now behind him. Once behind him, she brought her blade up to his neck. The duel had been won.

"The victor: Queen Raven!" The guards cheered for their Queen, she truly a soldier amongst them. Raven lowered her sword as did Victor. He turned to face her and kneeled before her.

"It seems, your Grace, I still have much to learn. Perhaps I am not ready," said George.

Raven extended her hand out for him to take. He raised his head and saw her hand out. Taking it, she helped him up onto his feet. The men who fought for her were not just soldiers but her comrades.

"You will be ready when the time is right," she said, her words full of wisdom. He bowed his head, a smile on his face. Perhaps one day he would be ready. George then turned away and grabbed a handkerchief and began to pinch his nose to stop the bleeding.

"Is there no one else who will challenge her Majesty?" cried out Victor. Silence fell upon the soldiers. No one dared to stand and fight Raven.

"Anyone?"

"I challenge her," came an aristocratic voice that Raven was all too familiar with. Had he been watching her the whole time? She had come to get away from him, not to be watched by him. She had figured that this place would be the last place he would ever look. The guards turned to find Reaver standing behind them. He made his way forward, the guards parting away, forming a pathway for him.

"Lord Reaver, you challenge the Queen to a duel. What weapon shall you choose?"

"Sword," he replied. One of the guards held out the training sword for him. Reaver, before grabbing the sword, began to remove his top hat, coat, bowtie, gloves and vest till he had only his white shirt for his top.

"Do not drop these or you will be in a world of trouble," he threatened as he handed them to a guard. Not the best idea to threaten a guard with witnesses.

Raven was sure that this would be an interesting duel. She, like Reaver, removed clothing that would restrict her movements even further, taking off her gloves and military jacket. She only had on her white shirt, military pants and boots. The two grasped their weapons, a staring match beginning.

"The first to yield is defeated." The two nodded. Raven's eyes narrowed, she was not about to let him best her in fighting.

"Ready?"

The two continued to stare at each other, tension building. The guards were silent, the whole room deathly quiet. One could hear the sound of a pin drop if one fell.

"Begin!" Raven began to circle him, looking for an opening. Reaver's eyes followed hers, making it difficult to find an opening. The only vulnerable stop she could potentially go for was his ankles. Keeping her eyes locked on his, she dashed forward, wielding her sword. She dipped, aiming for his ankles, but he was a step ahead. He jumped over her blunt blade, his arm swinging his blade at her body. Raven rolled to his right side, dodging the blade. She was going to have to try a different tactic. Turning to face him, she charged forward at him again, delivering multiple blows to his blade. The key: force him to make a mistake. Reaver continued to block each blow, a smirk on his face. Their blades then confronted each other again, locked. Each pressed hard into each other's. Raven was determined not to lose this fight. Without warning, Reaver, pushing with much strength, was able to force his lips upon the Queen's, Raven's eyes wide open in shock. All of her strength faded and Reaver, breaking the kiss, moved around her, his blade against her neck.

"Reaver! You cheated!" Hissed Raven.

"Now, now, the rules just say to fight. That does not mean that I can't use a few little tricks," he purred into her ear. Raven then stamped her foot onto Reaver's forcing him to drop his guard. Raven moved away with haste, turning to face him.

"Well, well, well, such a hypocrite." He replied, regaining his composure. Raven stared him down, a glare in her eyes. Raven sprung forward again, swinging her sword at him, Reaver parrying. She was forced to retreat in order to allow herself a moment to breath and think of a different strategy. Reaver then, while she was thinking, attacked her. Quickness and precision were his strengths with a blade. In an instant that astonished the guards, Reaver's blade pressed between Raven's hand and her pommel. He forced the blade from her hand, launching it into the air, which he eventually caught. Raven backed away, defenseless. Reaver approached her slowly, relishing the expression on her face. Raven looked around her, desperate to find some way to protect herself. She turned to find five swords resting on top of a wooden table, sharp and unsheathed. She brandished two and held them before her. Reaver's smirk grew.

"This just became much more interesting." He commented. He casted his blunt blades aside and came upon the nearest guard, who had a proper blade, and withdrew it from its sheath. The stakes had been raised. Raven sneered back at Reaver. Their swords clashed with each other's as they continued to fight for dominance. Reaver parried a blow by Raven, and in a move to counter act, he swung his sword at her left shoulder. His blade cut through her flesh, crimson leaking from her wound, staining her shirt. The guards gasped. Raven's left hand dropped her sword, her right hand covering the wound. Some of the guards began to move to her.

"No!" She ordered. She wanted to continue fighting. Raven looked up at Reaver, seeing his smile. She was not about to let him win. What she needed was an advantage. Turning her head, she sprinted out of the room, Reaver in pursuit. She proceed up the stairs that led from the guard's training area to the Castle hallway. She made her way up them, some of the maids dropping their dusters and cloths and running away out of terror. In the hallway, she ran to a statue of armor and managed to push it towards Reaver. He swung his sword and knocked the armor to his side.

Raven continued to run, heading towards the main hallway where the grand staircase was. She ran up the stairs, continuing to hold onto her arm. She turned to see where he was and found his blade nearly touching her face. She jumped back and landed at the top of the staircase. Reaver charged for her, his sword aiming for her mid section. Raven sprung from the ground again and landed on the wooden railing. She struggled for a moment to keep her balance. Reaver's sword embedded itself within the wood. He tried to pull it out. As he pulled, Raven ran on top of the railing towards Reaver and, timing it carefully, jumped from the railing and landed her foot upon his chest with a tremendous blow. Reaver was forced back into the railing. He held onto it for a moment as Raven landed near his sword. Raven pulled at the sword but it would not move. Reaver reached forward and grabbed her shoulders hard. Raven struggled in his arms but managed to free her right arm. She turned to her left, charging her right arm. As she faced Reaver, her fist clashed against his cheek, leaving a large red mark against his face. Raven went to deliver another punch to his face but he ducked just in time. He moved his body around her and grasped her long brown hair. Raven felt her hair roots rising as her hair was pulled at. Reaver, using his strength, threw her down the stairs. Raven tumbled down the stairs, grunting as descended. She twisted and turned as her frame smacked itself on the stairs. When she finally reached the bottom floor, she lay on the ground for a moment, pain taking over her body. Her bones ached and bruises began to form along her skin, blue and red. She looked up the stairs to find Reaver, having freed his sword, coming down them. Raven managed to get up, grab her sword and head towards the Eastern Wing of the castle.

Raven turned into the Dinning Room, which was barren, say for the few servants scrubbing the floor. They fled in panic as Raven ran to the far end of the room, standing behind the table. Reaver entered, standing at the opposite end. They circled each other in a stand off, his smirk growing.

"I am surprised you do not surrender." He said.

"I will not surrender. Especially not to you." She spat at him.

"And what if you should?" he asked, continuing to circle her around the table.

"That will never happen because I will not allow myself to." She replied, tightening her grip on her blade.

"We shall certainly see." He said.

"No!" She shouted. She leapt onto the table and charged down at him. Reaver blocked the upper attacked she tried to deliver upon his head. He swung at her feet, to which she jumped away. Reaver then climbed up on the table and continued to clash blades with Raven. Raven tried to fight the pain that lingered in her arm but it continued to burn her, her sleeve completely stained. Reaver however, sensing her pain, parried another blow, forcing Raven's body to be exposed. In an instant, Reaver delivered a strong punch to her wound, making Raven stumble off of the table. She fell off the wooden table and onto the ground, holding her arm in agony, tears lingering in her eyes. Reaver loomed over her. He stepped down from the table and began to trace Raven's cheek with the tip of his blade. Raven felt the cold metal slide across her skin, sending goose bumps up her body. He sneered down at her, while she continued to hold her arm. Raven looked up and could see the darkness lurking in his eyes. It was almost inhuman.

"Have you surrendered now?" he asked. His words penetrated through to the Queen. Why was she lying before him? She would never roll over and give up before him. Not now, not ever. In an instant, Raven rolled away and managed to rise and pin Reaver to the table, her blade against his throat. She had won the duel. She did not surrender, despite her wound.

"No." She said, removing the blade. "This duel is mine. I have won this battle." She dropped the sword and proceeded to leave the room. Reaver rose from the table, smirking at the Queen's back. She may have won the battle, but certainly not the war.

X X X X X X X X X X

The next day, the lords and ladies of Albion, who ventured about the castle, talked all about Reaver's ball. It was that night they would all attend, but one question remained unanswered to all of the nobles: would their majesty attend? The nobles all spoke and gossiped with each other about their Queen. How odd, they thought, it would be for her not to attend such a fine party. Why would she refuse to go?

Raven for most of the day had tried to avoid the nobles who asked. There was one simple reason she stayed away from them: she had not yet decided. It was just a party, she thought, just like any other she had been to. The world would not end if she did not attend.

Raven sat in her private chambers, reading her book whilst the wood in the fireplace continued to crackle. Yes, she thought, a night of peace and quiet here would be far better than a night filled with regret and screams. All the more reason to stay.

A knock on the door disrupted the Queen's silent reading. "Come in," she said, turning her head to the door. The doors opened wide and before stood the old butler.

"My lady, a woman from Bowerstone Market wishes to speak with you." Raven sighed, setting aside her book.

"Does this woman have a name?" Raven asked.

"She wished to introduce herself to you in person. She is waiting for you in the throne room. Do not worry, the nobles are all out in the court yard, so they shall not bother you." Raven rose from her seat and made her way to the throne room. At least the nobles wouldn't pester her with irritating questions.

Entering the throne room, Raven noticed a woman standing before the throne. She was wearing a dark pinkish winter coat with white fur around the wrists. Her light brown hair was pulled up into two side buns, one on each side. On her head rested a small hat, the same color of her coat, with a large green feather that was stuck in the hat. It was a rather nice outfit, the Queen thought. The woman turned to face her monarch, curtsying before her.

"Your Majesty! It is an honor to speak with you," she greeted in a cheery manner.

Raven bowed her head before her guest. She watched as the woman rose up before her, a smile filled with joy on her face. She looked about as happy as a schoolgirl.

"Your Ladyship, it is most wonderful that I have the chance to speak to you now. My name is Benjamina."

"A pleasure to meet you Benjamina, but pray tell, what is it that you wish to tell me?" Asked Raven.

"Oh yes! Well, word has spread that Lord Reaver is hosting a party at his manor." Benjamina began. Raven could not help but feel a bit surprised that word had spread that quickly. She had thought that nobles kept the party to themselves and did not revel it to those who they believed were below their status.

"And I was hoping you could help me with something whilst you are at the party."

"And…what is it that you need help with?" Raven asked hesitantly.

"Well…I absolutely love Reaver! I have a huge collection of Reaver in my house! I've got autographs, one of his beards, even a photograph, though it is a bit blood stained. But I'm still missing one thing. The one thing that will complete my collection, his underpants."

Raven's eyes widened, a slight cringe growing on her face. She could not figure out what was stranger, that fact Reaver had an obsessive fan girl or that Benjamina was asking her to fetch a pair of his underwear.

"I know, I know it's strange but please! I'll gladly reward you if you can do this for me!" The obsessive woman begged.

Raven stuttered for a minute, her eyes wandering around the room, unable to look Benjamina in the eye until she finally forced herself to look at her directly.

"Well…why haven't you gone to get them?" She asked.

"I would have, believe me my lady, I would have but I'm not allowed to. I'm not allowed within a hundred yards of the manor. Not since…anyway, please. I begged of you to help me." Benjamina approached Raven, landing on her knees before her, clutching at the Queen's dress. The Queen was puzzled about what she should do. She looked down and watched as tears began to fill up Benjamina's eyes. Raven sighed, it would seem she had little choice.

"Very well," she groaned, pressing her palm to her face.

Benjamina's face lit up. Her tears began to fade away, a smile stretching wide across her face. "Oh thank you, your Majesty! Thank you!"

"Your welcome," the Queen replied, her voice a bit sharp.

"Now, I've heard that Reaver has in his manor some sort of secret room. His "pleasure chamber" or something like that. I would look there to find his underpants." Raven shuddered. She could not believe she was doing this.

"Thank you…I'm…sure that will help me find them." She replied as politely as she could without wanting to vomit.

"Thank you your Grace! I am forever grateful to you!" Benjamina replied before taking her leave.

Alone in the room, Raven made her way back to her chambers, dreading what she had just gotten herself into. But what was done was done. There was no turning back.

X X X X X X X X X X

The night had swiftly come, the light of day fading into darkness. The cold had begun to appear in the night, breathing its cold air upon the people who still dwelled outside. The stars that night refused to shine, all of them hidden behind clouds. No moon would shine that night, for it too was covered by the clouds.

The carriage was pulled forward by two horses, black as night. They pulled an ebony carriage down the dirt path, across the wooden bridge. The wheels rolled against the wood, the hoofs clattering on top of them. In the carriage, the Queen sat in silence. It did not feel like she was about to join a party, but rather a prison. As the carriage drew closer, she pondered whether or not to turn around, to leave before it was too late.

The horses passed under the wooden bridge that traveled to Driftwood. When the carriage pulled up near to the gates to the manor, the Queen's eyes spotted a crow that perched itself on top of the iron fence. It looked her in the eyes, a sense of fear crawling up Raven's spine. It called out to her in its secret language, Raven unable to understand it. It fled away from the manor as she drew closer, a strange omen. It only made the Queen dread even more.

The driver stopped the horses as they reached the stairs to the doorway. Raven sighed as she watched the driver open the door for her.

"My Lady," he said, bowing his head. He held out his gloved hand for her to take. She slowly offered him her hand, his rough glove holding onto her smooth hands. With care, she stepped out of the carriage, her deep green dress pulled up a little so she would not trip over it.

The hooped down had ruffled sleeves with white ruffles along the openings as well as the trim. Embroider on the dress were thin silver roses that rested on the bottom of the dress. It was the finest winter dress she had.

As she approached the manor, she could feel a pain in her chest. Her heart thumped against it, her mind screaming at her to turn around. She had already escaped the devil once, now she was returning to him.

The doors opened before her, reveling a room full of merriment. Nobles, both men and women, stood or danced, laughing with each other. Music filled the air, the sound of the piano, the violin, the cello and other instruments. The colors of the dresses and suits were vibrant, forest green to red to a light blue to white, all with different patterns that reflected the beauty of the coming winter and the fading autumn. They all turned to the door and bowed their heads to their leader. The music went silent.

"Welcome, your Majesty," came a voice from the top of the grand staircase. Raven's blue eyes looked up to see the host of the grand ball leaning against his cane, top hat on head in his white suit. Despite his duel against her, she could not see a scratch upon him. He looked untouched by her.

Reaver made his way down the stairs, Raven standing still. His smirk grew upon his fair face. His eyes beheld shadows in them that held dark desires. He watched as the Queen's skin turned pale, her body becoming stiff. His eyes narrowed, relishing what he saw. Tonight held much promise.

"Greetings my Queen," he reached out for her hand, planting a kiss upon her knuckles. Raven shuddered as his lips planted themselves upon her skin. It was like he marked her as what he believed was his. Reaver then snapped his fingers, turning for an instant towards the musicians. They started up a tune again, and he pulled the Queen to him, placing a hand on her back.

The dance began and the dancers glided across the floor with such grace. Raven looked into the eyes of the Industrialist. They held a deep envy and lust that made her turn away, and look to the smiling dancers. The others were merry and joyful, having a grand time at the ball, unlike their monarch. Would that she were free of the monster that held her in his arms, she would have probably enjoyed it more.

"I do hope you are still not crossed about our little 'fight' earlier today," Reaver whispered loud enough for her to hear.

Raven looked at him with angered eyes. "You assume too much, Reaver. I am still crossed and I should be. You cut my arm and threw me down the stairs." She hissed.

Reaver responded with a smirk. "But I merely provided you with a more enticing challenge. Those fools calling themselves guards were not fit to take on an opponent such as yourself."

"But what were you doing there in the first place?" she asked.

"Why, merely watching our beloved Queen display her skill in battle." He responded with glee. Raven merely arched her eyebrow.

"I highly doubt that," she hissed. They continued to dance to the music, swaying back and forth, graceful as the swans that did sit upon the glass lake. Soon enough the music ended and the dancing ceased. Those who did not partake in the dance applauded those who did. Raven began to walk away from her partner when she felt something pull at her arm. The hand that had her hand pulled her back and into his arms.

"And where is the guest-of-honor going?" Reaver whispered into her ear, his words hot, burning her skin.

"Away from you," she responded, struggling a bit in his arms. She wanted to break free but not to make a scene.

Reaver, using his superior strength led the Queen up the stairs to the dinning room, most of the guests following them, where a large feast lay before them. The large tables had china plates and dishes, containing the finest made foods. Roasted chicken, pea soup, stews of all kind, rich toppings, smoked fish and salted pork, they all looked delicious. The smell of them filled the air, making one salivate after one second of breathing in the air. Everyone took their seats, Reaver leading the Queen to the right side of the table at the far end. A red chair with a fine wooden frame was pulled out for her, Barry Hatch standing behind it.

Raven gasped. How was the man still alive, she thought? The night she and Page snuck into Reaver's manor, Barry was killed before their eyes by balverines. Yet here he was, fulfilling his duties as a butler.

"Welcome your Majesty!" He greeted, bowing before her. Raven sat in the chair with great reluctance. The chair was soft but Raven could find no comfort in within the walls of Reaver's manor.

"It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to my little party," Reaver spoke as he made his way to the head of the table, the nobles all turning their attention to hm. "Now, do enjoy the fine meal in front of you." It was short, sweet and to the point. That was different, Raven thought.

The feast began, the nobles digging into the food like starving wolves. Reaver at his food daintily while the Queen did not even touch her silverware. As the nobles continued to eat, Reaver noticed her empty plate.

"If you don't grab any food, my lady, it will all be gone before you know it. Come now, eat and enjoy" Reaver said before taking a sip of the red wine in his glass.

"I would rather not," Raven replied, not looking at him in the eye. Eating any food cooked by Reaver, she imagined, would probably not end well. She remembered the story her mother told her when she was just a child, about how a young woman was taken from her mother and home by a dark man and forced to marry him. She never ate while she was with him except for three pomegranate seeds she accidentally swallowed. In eating the seeds, she was forced to every year, for three months, stay with the dark man.

"You wound me, your grace. You, my guest of honor, not enjoying my hospitality? I feel so ashamed," he said over dramatically.

Raven rolled her eyes and sighed. She tried to put the story out of her head as she reached for some of the smoked fish. Sticking the food with her fork, she brought it to her plate, letting it fall right in the center of it. Raven stared at it for a moment, the sound of chewing food and talk all around her, before she took a bite from the fish. It was a rich taste, the fish cooked to perfection. It was a bit crunchy, having been seasoned with breadcrumbs and assorted spices but then was soft once it got to the fish.

The Queen continued to eat, while the Industrialist watched her with lustful eyes. She stood out like a sore thumb, the other nobles devouring their food while she at it with care. It was like she was expecting someone to scold her for poor manners. Reaver chuckled as he rolled the handle of his goblet between his fingers, watching the red drink swash about.

When the dinner was finished, some of the nobles remained in their seats, all having consumed too much for them to be able to handle. They sat in their chairs, sprawled out, bits of crumbs on their jackets and dresses while wine that rested upon the drinkers lips, not yet drunken up, rolled down the faces of them. Those who still had the energy in them made their way back to the main entrance where the dancing and chatting resumed. Raven, after the others had left her alone, began to make her way up the stairs towards the private quarters. She did not want to make any mistake with this task. She wanted no trace of her presence to be detected in the rooms.

Making her way down the hallway, she came to one of the private quarters, the very same quarter that she was imprisoned in before. It wasn't long before she reached the wooden doors. She reached for the handle and turned it. It was surprisingly open. Pushing on it, the Queen entered the empty room. A fire was crackling in the fireplace, the bed made and the room tidy. It was untouched.

Closing the door behind her, Raven began to search through the drawers, hoping to find the underpants fast. Yet through each drawer she found none. She pulled out all of the clothing in each drawer, but it was all women's clothing and some jewelry. Pulling open the last drawer, she found only another dress and a corset. Damnnit, she cursed! How hard should it be to find underpants in Reaver's manor when the man practically doesn't need clothing in his own home? She grunted and threw the clothing back in the dresser. The Queen turned her attention to the fireplace, pondering what to do.

"I could always just leave," she thought out loud, "I could tell Benjamina that I could not find any spare underpants in the manor. No, she'll never believe that." Raven turned away from the fireplace and walked over towards the bookcase. She needed some way to get into Reaver's private quarters without getting the key from him. Perhaps there was another way inside, Reaver after all, was not someone who would have just one way to get to any room within his own mansion.

Turning her attention to the books, she noticed an odd book resting upon the shelf. Unlike the other books, which were pristine and new, this one looked worn and withered. It looked like if one were to grab it, the book would turn to dust as you opened its pages. Never the less, it intrigued the Queen. Pulling at the spine, the book still rested in the shelf, but a cranking noise sounded. Gears and cogs turned, the book falling back into place as the shelf moved back before splitting apart. Cobwebs fell and dust flew up, entering Raven's nostrils. Her nose itched and made her sneeze. When the dust settled, she looked to see tiles on the ground, reveling a passageway.

Raven hesitated before entering the hallway. Perhaps this room would lead her to find Reaver's…, she didn't wish to finish the thought. Taking in a deep breath, she followed the hallway, passing some of Reaver's portraits. A chuckle left her mouth as she looked upon the Industrialist in a dress. There was something one did not see everyday, but then again, this was Reaver.

The hallway was dimly lit, few candles with flames burning at the top. As she passed the candles, a small breeze caused the flames to flicker, their light changing. The air smelt held a strange scent to it, unrecognizable and new. The lighting diminished even more when the Queen reached a large room after walking down a small set of stairs.

A large king sized bed rested in the middle of the room. The covers bore the Reaver Industries insignia, the gold reflecting the little light that touched it. But it was not the bed that sent a chill up the Queen's spine. It was the other objects that dwelled within the room. A rack and pillars resided in the room, some of them partially stained with blood. Not far from the bed was a large hanging cage with what looked to be a chicken inside. Raven did not dare to think what that poor creature was doing in such a place. Turning her attention to the bed, she noticed upon the nightstand a pair of what looked to be undergarments.

"Perfect!" She whispered. Raven rushed to the nightstand and, with care so as not to have to touch it many times, placed it in her enchanted pouch, which she had managed to conceal within her dress. The clothing bore the scent of perfumes, for a reason the Queen could not understand, as well as sweat. Once they were in the pouch, the Queen sighed in relief. The deed was done.

Laughter began to grow as it traveled down the hallway. Raven's breath stung her throat, her body paralyzed. The footsteps grew louder. Her heart rushed, pumping so hard it was hurting her chest. She looked around, frantic to hide herself. The only place she could hide was inside one of the closets. Ripping open the door, she shoved herself inside then carefully shut the door as the people entered the room.

Raven pressed her back against the hard wood of the closet, trying to keep as silent as she possibly could. Sweat drops trailed down her face, her skin pale. This is what a mouse must feel like when it hides from the cat, she thought. She could barely see through the small crack in between the doors.

The nobles, both men and women, though she could not figure out the number, began to rip their clothes off, throwing their flesh at each other, kissing, embracing and feeling each other in intimate ways that shocked the Queen. She was fully aware of what they were doing but still, it was rather uncomfortable being trapped and having to watch and listen to such acts. The moans and cries of pleasure echoed through out the night, a never-ending sonata that would surely drive the Queen made if she was forced to listen to it for an eternity.

After what seemed like hours of noise, the cries died down until all was quiet. Raven did not dare move. The fear prevented her from leaving the closet, even just to take a quick peep to see if it was safe for her to leave. She rested in the closet, half awake. Ever slowly, she slid her back down on the wood and sat in the closet. Resting her head on the wood, she tried to imagine herself out of the manor, somewhere she wanted to be.

Ben…

The summer air was warm and filled with the scent of the many flowers that grew within the gardens of the palace. The robins, black-eyed chicks, blue jays and cardinals sung their operas gaily, little chicks trying to fly from the nest. Butterflies landed softly upon the petals of the lilies and lavenders while the bees landed upon the roses. The wind brushed against the branches of the trees, making its leaves speak in a secret tongue unknown to man.

The Queen, dressed in white, stood upon the stone steps, watching as nature unfolded its beauty. Turning to the stone archway, she saw the face of the blonde haired soldier who too was dressed in white. His white shirt and black pants and boots made him stand out amongst the trees and flowers. His known smile grew upon his face, making the Queen blush.

The Queen ran to his side, embracing him. His strong arms held her gently, his hands feeling her shoulders. The Queen's eyes shut, her ears hearing the sound of his heart beat. But the pulse began to slow, the space between each beat growing longer until there was nothing at all.

Raven opened her eyes to the horror around her. A great fire consumed the entire palace, the flowers and the trees burning. Smoke filled the sky, a poison that filled her lungs. And the arms that held her became cold. Breaking away, a man that seemed so familiar and yet unrecognizable, stood before her. A red hood covered his head and a mask hid his face, except for his inhuman eyes. And within seconds, he was upon her.

"You know, mon Corbeau," a rich, angelic voice came from outside of the closet. Raven's eyes opened instantly, her nightmare disrupted.

"I do loath thieves." And the doors were ripped open.

A/N: Well I hope you enjoyed it :D

Mon Corbeau= My Raven (French)

Disclaimer: Fable belongs to Lionhead Studios. I do not own any of the characters or anything Fable related.