Chapter 12: To tear my duty in two.
Ishtar lay with her eyes averted from her husband for a bit. She feared he would see her emotions, and demand to hear what troubled her so. She kept in her room complaining of the last goblet of blood she had drank making her feel drowsy. This had worked and Duzell had not showed any concern yet. Her sleep was interrupted by a nudge on her back, which she looked up at her awakener.
"Ishtar."
"My lo- Duzie?"
"Come with me to the rose garden." The half awaken queen tried to put the dress in a more orderly fashion before being dragged out of the castle and into the ever present rose garden. The blood reds and the pitch black roses brought her to her senses as the wind ruffled her half decently done hair.
"What was that for?"
"You have ignored every call to come willingly, so I took you myself." The now shocked queen nodded as she felt her energy began to drain. As soon as she began to fall from tripping over nothing, her husband pulled her into his side possesively. "What has been bothering you?"
"Nothing."
"I will not take lies for an answer, you should know that as my queen."
"I understand." She walked with him further into the mazes of roses to a center area where four stone benchs sat. She sat with him and prepared to tell him the truth. "Now that I've given up the living throne for the undead throne, it seems that there will be a power struggle. Falan has asked me to support her, but I believe that your causes must be heeded first."
"You have thought indeed like my queen should."
"I wish to help her, but it is my own judgement that tells me you should continue your pursuit of goals oriented for your needs."
"Why should I not think of my queen in her time of need?"
"What do you mean?"
"I believe that if the vampires were to be able to exist like humans, there may be hope that we will not have to hide ourselves completely. I may have a motive for going."
"You were thinking of going yourself?"
"I have been contemplating it, however, if my queen has a goal as well.." Her smile grew as she nodded to him.
Ci Xeneth...
The great hall felt full of the ill wind that had plagued Darres the day the other royals had arrived. Rain fell as if to damper and add to the ill wind that had began to plague all around Pheliostophia. Keld sat at the head of the table, a parchement in his hand as he placed a quill inside an ink pot.
"I assume we're all settled in?" He needed no confirmation. "I believe will will start with La Naan. Lady Leene, do you wish for the throne?"
"Of course I do."
"What reason do you believe the throne should go to you?"
"I have the initiative to rule Pheliostophia and know what it needs."
"Even if it so makes you destroy the kingdom you rule?"
"If that is what it takes." The girl seemed appeased with herself as she sat back down. Keld continued.
"Now, Princess Falan, you wish for the throne?"
"I do."
"What reason do you believe you should recieve the throne?"
"I believe I know of a peace that Pheliostophia needs. My friend, Princess Ishtar supports the decision."
"You have proof of this?"
"I do." She pulled out the ruelle mirror, and played back the last part of the conversation. This caused Leene to stand in almost complete and sheer jealousy.
"HOW DARE YOU GET CLOSE TO THE THRONE JUST BECAUSE THAT STUPID PRINCESS TOLD YOU SHE'D SUPPORT YOU!" Her voice exploded out, and Falan faltered only a moment before meeting the jealous girl's challenge.
"I won't yell at you, for it will not progress this meeting any further. Ishtar has given her support to me."
"Yet you...wish to marry your own...flesh and blood!" Leene's voice spoke poison and tried to speak more before the door opened in the great hall. There stood the Vampire King Duzell and His Queen Ishtar.
TBC...