Jolouque stood, sweaty palmed, as an angry Dorothea stared down at him from her pedestal. A messenger had come by today, and after he Dorothea had summoned Jolouque to her chambers. He had postponed it long enough so that now whatever she had planed would worsen three folds.
"Darling Jolouque, please sit down." She beckoned towards a seat made of heavy, black metal that resembled a Smithy's anvil. Jolouque hesitated then took a seat. If a hammer had rested beside it he would have run away instantly, fearing for his… most sacred… parts. As it was, since he was a Consort to a highly influential Black Widow, she could do nothing.
"My Lady, as you requested I'm here. What can I do for you?"
Those would be beautiful eyes- if they didn't belong to such a heinous woman- narrowed and scrutinized him like death itself. "I only wanted you to witness a special treat I have prepared for your enjoyment."
Knowing that whatever this "special treat" was he wouldn't enjoy it, he simply nodded curtly.
"Bring in the balls!" Upon Dorothea's command a man was dragged in butt naked from a side room. A shriek of laughter rose from Dorothea's throat, an evil peal splitting into Jolouque's mind.
"Tie him up… spread eagle." She turned from the scene of the man being staged between two pillars to face Jolouque. "Watch dearie this is going to be fun."
Jolouque knew a shaving when he saw one, even though he had never seen one. He squirmed in his seat as his head, and stomach were struck with infirmity. "Can I ask what he did wrong?"
"Yes you may, and the answer is nothing." Dorothea purred by his ear, "Nothing at all."
It was just wrong for a woman to be able to make such an offense without reason; to remove such a precious item, unless it was promised to you, was erroneous. Anger filled him and his blood boiled, this spitting bitch would get her dues.
"And just think…" She began again, finally getting to the point. "if I can punish him like this, I can do worse to those who betray me."
Malice poured from her as she turned on her heels and found her seat. "You would never betray me, would you?" Her attention turned back to the man and…
the screams began.
The estate of the High Priestess Dorothea was lavish, filled with various objects and varies works of art. As Zalean walked purposefully back to her room from dinner, down the long polished halls, she found herself halted by one such adornment. It was a large painting, presentation the image of a cool moon and a ranging waterfall with nymphs swimming beneath. It seemed odd and out of place in this world where Dorothea ruled, for the real Dorothea, without her harmless mask, was the exact opposite of the scene.
"Nice painting." Zalean spun around and almost swallowed her tongue from surprise. The man who had spoken was someone she had seen on occasion in the dinning hall. She had never thought much of his presence and neither he hers, so the momentary terrorist turned into someone just wanting to make conversation. "Beautiful, exquisite even. The finest piece of art in this wretched place."
Blue shinning eyes stared lovingly at the painting drawing Zalean's there as well. There in the art she found her voice. "Yes it is lovely"
"I was talking about you." He turned to her, his satin red lips pursed in approval, and she couldn't help but blush. "I'm Afred, it is a pleasure to finally meet you my lady." He bowed politely, and then suddenly retrieved her hand from her side bringing it to his lips.
Zalean blushed even deeper this time. "Quite," she replied and made her own curtsy before hurrying towards her destination.
When he could no longer see her retreating figure he placed a hand casually on the hanging. With a little bit of craft he removed the facade the reveal the true art beneath; a depiction of Hell.
His eyes took on a gray sheen, "I knew she'd be a fan of art."