366 prompt: Heartbeat

Russian Roulette: Nearly Headless Nick

Tusks

Nearly Headless Nick/ Lady Grieve

Sir Nicholas bowed in the presence of Lady Grieve, before straightening and meeting her blue eyes as she regarded him in amusement.

"Sir Nicholas, it is an honour," she said, offering her hand. Sir Nicholas took it, brushing his lips along the back of it. "Walk with me?" she requested, gesturing towards the gardens.

A strange request as he did not know the Lady. Though it was safe to take a walk - the gardens were open, and as long as her chaperone could keep sight of her to know that she was in trusted hands. He didn't want rumours to spread.

"Of course, my dear Lady," he replied, bowing slightly once more before offering his arm.

...oOo...

"There is talk," she began, after a few minutes of exchanging pleasantries. "Talk of magic within these walls. Though people fear it, my Uncle believes that you aren't dangerous. He has told me of all the power you possess. I have to admit that I was eager to meet the man who made my uncle talk with such awe!"

"I like to think of myself as doing good," Nicholas replied, knowing that Grieve wouldn't be satisfied if he tried to pretend that he didn't have magic, and that it was easier to talk about it. "If I give people no reason to harm me, then they will come to accept me… though not many people are privy to the knowledge that I have magic."

"Of course you have my discretion," she insisted. "My Uncle talked highly of you after all, I would not pass your secret to others."

"Me?" Sir Nicholas exclaimed, surprised. He was often overlooked by any ladies in the court, and Lady Grieve was an a pretty woman, yet there was no mistaking the look she was giving him..

She nodded, giving him a sweet smile. "I was rather hoping your magic would help me."

"My dearest Lady," he began. "I will do what I can to help you."

"It's my teeth - they've been the source of cruel ridicule. I just want them to be straight. I hate the sight of the crooked teeth."

He glanced at her teeth but saw nothing wrong with them.

"Please, Sir Nicholas. Would you help me?"

He pulled out his wand. "I will do what I can."

...oOo…

He heard the clunk of the executioner's axe against the floor and knew his time was coming. He was sure everyone could hear the rush of his heartbeat in anticipation of what was about to come.

He heard the scrape as the axe was dragged off the floor and lifted into the air, as his eyes made contact with a hooded woman. From his angle he could make out the tusk protruding from her mouth.

He had insisted he could fix it back, but she hadn't listened. He had pleaded for his life, but his words only fell on deaf ears. He wasn't ready for his life to end, he had just tried to help people.

500 Words

Review Please :)

Thanks to FF for betaing