Crimson Tree – Part XXXIII
Thick beams of sunlight, usually, penetrate and flood the Princess' bedroom. Blaring the brightest within her chamber as its height in speculation to the rest of the palace is undeniably the most. But that particular morning, the golden strikes do not permeate the window, as a thick smocking of dark curtains is folded over the dull, polished glass.
It was purposely doused there, the vampire made sure of it, for there was no other way to stop light blaring in and caressing her skin to ashes. No other way, especially since by the pleas of her princess and by the desire that had so long resided within her, she slept with the younger lady. The desire being not that of physical activity that one partakes in during moments of arousal, but instead, the need to feel her beloved beside her. Just to lay down together and sleep in the peaceful calm, holding the epiphany that they in fact, loved each other. To feel the soft brush of the Bubblegum's body, to feel the light thud of her heart pulsing through veins where Marceline embraced as she nuzzles her head at the Princess' neck. Yes, that desire was being fulfilled and so, the blasted curtains had to be 'darkened up'.
Dak dak A slight wince flutters across Bubblegum's face and almost immediately, her eyes fling open. A nauseous cloud of fog muddles up her thought process, as she fails to comprehend why a pounding 'Dak' is shaking her from the safe companionship of sleep. Comprehension hits her though, as a shuffle to her side clashes against her hip.
"Princess?" The familiar tone of Peppermint Butler's voice squishes through the locked doorway.
Bubblegum turns on her side and there she finds the vampire alert and sitting against the headboard of the bed, watching the Princess intently as a grin plays at the corners of her mouth.
"Good morning, Bonni," she husks, finger playfully combing through and pushing back the shrouds of black hair that cover part of her right eye. "Your butler there has been banging at the door every hour or so, I ignored him though," she adds, "hissed at him a bit to make sure he got the point".
The Princess groans. "Marceline, we should not publicize our…"
"sexual plunders?"
"No," Bubblegum frowns timidly holding back the smile surfacing as well. "Our union. You know that it is somewhat un-"
Marceline interrupts, "I know, Bonni. I know, just this once". A trenching of arms dangles above the vampire's head and is folded behind the same as she leans back onto them.
Nodding approvingly, the princess asks next, "what time is it?" The reply flits back after a while, "Quarter past noon".
"Oh my glob. I have slept the whole morning away!" A sudden movement leaves the Princess leaping out of bed as the expression of utter horror lashes at her face. Clearly, a growing pile of paperwork seductively calls from her study table, as do the flashing lumps of ink surrounding them and the schedules for various meetings.
"P-princess? Are you awake, now?" Peppermint tries yet again. Holding off council meetings did leave visitors annoyed, especially when a royal or two or a whole court awaited. Unusual he thought, the Princess was and has never been behind schedule and now but a mere half an hour remains for her to prepare and attend congress. Then again, the vampire was within her chamber at so late an hour, maybe final plans to kingdom security and so forth were being discussed.
As Bubblegum rushes back and forth in her struggle to choose the correct attire for formality and the appropriate wording for her newest speech. The vampire observes and enjoys. Clamouring through the bustle of sounds the princess leaves in her maddening wake of rush, Marceline murmurs, "We should sleep together more often, Bonni. This is fun".
"Not now Marceline!" Bubblegum snaps. Dashing over to the doorway next, she speaks audibly enough for the awaiting butler to hear, "I'll be there in a moment Peppermint, must get the work done. Marceline and I have discussed a thorough" – she glares at the smirking queen – "security placement, it should prove successful when implemented".
Peppermint coughs, before he continues, "Splendid, Princess. Breakfast will be hurried with your will, as the duchess of nuts awaits your latest approval of her denial to nut aborting".
"Very well," the monarch manages, groping at the towel beside her cloth stand as she makes swift strides to the washroom. Pausing a moment, she retraces her steps and hovers beside the vampire. Leaning in she provides a light peck at the cheek. "Good morning, my love". And with that, she drags up the silhouette of her silky nightgown in a spectacularly unladylike manner and runs to freshen up for the coming day.
"The Lich is upon us". The Ice Queen's remark stills air with every power-lost yet icy breath that she expels. A light crunch dispels it as an apple is decapitated of its colour as Marceline sinks her fangs into it.
Princess Bubblegum nods. "Apparently, so. As Marceline has instructed sentries have been placed in groups throughout the land surrounding the kingdom, a runner also resides with each pack in case contact, Glob forbid, is necessary with the main base at the palace".
Bethany inclines her head in approval. "Good, safety is of utmost importance if the people of this kingdom specifically are within the zone of danger". She blows a light cooling air to the water goblet in front of her, ever so mildly chilling its contents. "Though, it would be of much greater profit if Marceline – the clear target – is to leave the kingdom".
Marceline stops the sucking sound shivering from the apple she tortures. "You and I know very well, Bethany, that I may not risk that. Our clearest chance of victory is to stay here".
A light façade of purple blush claims her face as she adds, "Besides, I must protect Bubblegum, here".
"Thank you, Marceline," the Princess offers, smiling in sublime politeness. Her eyes shift to the vacant space at the centre of the triangular-shaped table they sit at.
She openly queries glancing at neither monarch, "But why is it that the Lich King would possess Queen Bethany, with the intent of murdering me?" The question had long before climbed into the awareness of her mind, occasionally popping by as the story of the Lich was retold in the sacred chambers of her thoughts. The Lich wanted the perfect immortality and powers of a vampire. Why then would he attack the princess that possessed neither? Her kingdom was fruitful in its own ways to but her people and to tourists it offered a variety of sugary delights and unending proportions of sweet food, and if counted, the odd recital of poetry every week by Duke Lemongrab. Surely the Lich had no sweet tooth or appreciation of screechy stanzas that end with "unacceptable"?
"Because, Princess, the only thing other than sheer force of death upon his damned soul of resurrected sorcery, that may protect Marceline or any being of possession – is the power of companionship".
Marceline chuckles unexpectedly as she muses of the word that should have been used. Of love.
Providing enough of a glare to quieten the vampire queen, Bethany continues, "the night of the ball, the disappearance of you two had not gone as unnoticed as expected. There are spies everywhere, Princess, helping their monster king in every possible till his return to power".
She concludes, "your companionship-" Marceline coughs.
"Has proven to be the strongest clench of life surrounding Marceline, killing you is getting rid of that barrier for when he returns to fully battle her".
After all, a soul is only but a drained shell of sadness – vulnerability – when there is not a drop of 'companionship' resounding with every thought or pulse. Be it of acquaintances, friends, family or a beloved – that is what provides reason to move on with the on-flowing days of life. Immortals, no exception.