Boom! All of the servants near by winced. It seemed that the king was in one of his moods again. No one wanted to get caught in the cross fire of his rage, but there was only do much they could all do to avoid the crashing sounds resonating from his anger other than to leave that area as quietly as possible. They felt bad for abandoning the lady with him, but they knew from experience that it was best for everyone there was not a soul around. The King was in his study and every once in a while a sight womanly gasp or whimper would seep out from behind the solid oak doors. They were usually prefaced with a load smash or the stomach rolling sound of someone being used as a hitting post. It might be a worse noise then the piercing screams.
"DID YOU TALK TO THEM? YOU SENT A LETTER DIDN'T YOU?! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT. NOW I HAVE TO HOST THEM HERE."
"I did not send any letters. I do not talk to them."
"BULLSHIT IT IS NOT LIKE YOU ALREADY STRADDLED ME WITH NOTHING BUT BURDENS. GOD YOU ARE USELESS."
"It is my fault. I have not been able to give you a son. The girls are my fault and I have failed the kingdom and the family name."
"OH DO NOT THINK WE WON'T STOP TRYING TO RECTIFY THAT PROBLEM, BUT HEAR ME NOW IDUNA YOU WILL ACT AS IF ALL IS FINE. THAT I AM THE PERFECT DOTTING HUSBAND. YOUR FAMILY WILL NOT BE ANY WISER OF THIS MESS YOU MADE HERE. NOW GET OUT OF MY SIGHT."
The halls were empty when the Queen slipped out from her husband's study. She had a dull look in her eyes. It had been many years since there was any light in them. The Queen's eyes used to be so bright an sparkle with mischief. Slowly over time it dimmed until this flat gaze took hold. To everyone around her they all assume that it is the royal expression that she had finally mastered. No one was ever able to get a read on her, and complemented that she must be an asset to have during negotiations. If only they knew the truth. The Queen my still grace these halls and interact with others, but she was no longer there. The Queen had died long ago. When her gaze changed was the day the Queen was no more. Nobody noticed though. The Queen was now dreading this upcoming trip from her family, whom she didn't send any letters to. She hadn't talked to them in years. This was as much as a surprise to her to learn as it obviously been for her husband to discover. She did not look forward on having to pretend that she was not this. A husk of who she was and could have, would have, should have been.
Alright I know that this is a really short one, but it was a heavy one. This one is going to be more important later. This right here sets up for the second act of this story. We have finally finished setting up all of the important dynamics in the castle. Things are about to get really messy and dark soon. I promise that I will make all of the angst that soon coming up worth it (well I plan to try to anyways). Hope you all enjoy and I plan to be back again soon with another (and much longer) chapter.
Until next time!