The King's Bride: Part Six
A/AN: We are at the halfway point in this chapter, and I believe there will be about four more chapters after this.
Belle felt like she'd ridden forever in the back of that wagon, but finally it came to an abrupt stop. She recoiled in pain when a burly soldier forcefully grabbed her by the arms, and yanked her out of the wagon. She coughed uncontrollably when he untied the gag and freed her from her bonds.
"Where am I, and who are you?" she demanded, whirling around to meet the muscular stranger. "I'm the delivery boy, and you're the hostage," he announced before dragging her towards an open door. An unfamiliar castle towered before her, and she knew she wasn't in Avonlea anymore. She didn't even try to resist, fearful he might snap her in two if she did try to flee.
A few moments later, she was being led through a dark corridor and then down some damp steps. The air smelled musty and foul, and she realized she was being taken to the dungeons. She felt fear clench her heart, praying she wouldn't meet a horrendous fate. Her captor pulled out a large ring of keys, and slid one in the door. The sound of screeching hinges made her shudder, and then she was being shoved into the lonely blackness.
"Wait! Where are you going? Why am I here!?" she questioned the guard who slammed the door behind him without another word, leaving her in isolation. Belle ran her fingers through her locks timorously, pacing back and forth. She shrieked, jumping backwards when she realized she wasn't alone. A pair of wolfish eyes analyzed her from the darkness, and she felt her heart thrumming wildly in her chest when a woman with dark hair, and wearing a blood red cloak emerged from the shadows.
"It's been a long time since I've had a visitor. Cora got bored with me, so she locked me away. Why are you here? What's your crime?" the woman interrogated, circling her inquisitively.
"I've committed no crime, and I have no idea why I'm here. There must be some mistake!" Belle lamented feeling her head swim with dizziness.
"I'm sure you'll find out soon enough. Cora doesn't imprison anyone for the fun of it. She always has an ulterior motive, and you'll find out soon enough," the stranger remarked.
Belle could feel herself becoming agitated with this peculiar woman. She wanted nothing more than to be tucked safely away in William's arms back at the inn, but instead she was in a cold dark cell with a bizarre woman who'd done who knew what.
"Can you please stop studying me? You're making me uncomfortable," Belle remarked in irritation.
The girl smirked, backing away a bit, "My apologies, miss, but you must understand you're the first human I've had any contact with since I was incarcerated. It's been months since I've talked to someone, and it's driven me a bit mad," the girl apologized, and Belle sighed, retreating to a vacant corner.
She wordlessly sat against the stone wall, the stranger sitting adjacent from her. Belle didn't plan to converse with the other woman, but she could feel her curiosity getting the best of her, a query already forming on the tip of her tongue. "What's your name?" she implored.
Belle noticed the other woman's ears perk up, baffled by her inquiry, "My names Ruby. What's yours?" she returned, and Belle felt herself become relaxed when Ruby spoke.
"My names Belle." she introduced herself.
"Belle..." Ruby repeated while licking her lips, tasting the name on her tongue like a new wine.
"Yes...So if you don't mind me asking why are you here?" the beauty interrogated, silently praying she wasn't a serial murderer.
Ruby wrinkled her nose at the query but answered anyway, "Do you believe in magic, Miss Belle?" she questioned the beauty with a wolfish grin.
Belle shuddered at her almost inhuman eyes, believing there was something eerie about her, "I suppose anything is possible," she shrugged, wondering where she intended to take this particular subject.
"Cora likes magical exotic creatures, and she's sold her soul to get her hands on any she can procure. Creatures with magical properties don't exist in this realm, but they do in others. There's a forbidden form of sorcery one can use to locate these creatures and bring them back to their own realm. Cora has studied the dark arts to obtain these mystical creatures, and I'm one of them. This form isn't my true essence. She placed an enchantment on me to make me look like this, but I'm really a werewolf. This red cloak allows me to stay in this form, and if I take it off for too long I'll turn into a wolf. My power is limited here because magic isn't easily accessible, and it really expends my energy. The cloak keeps me from dying. Cora imprisoned me until she finds another use for me, and when she does, she'll call for me. The reason she's been able to hold out in the war so long is because of her magic, but all magic comes with a price, and she can't keep resurrecting wounded soldiers because it's taking a toll on her health. She has to find another way to win the war," Ruby elaborated leaving Belle flummoxed.
"So you're telling me that you're really some werewolf, and the Queen of Aginard is a sorceress? I just don't know if I can believe that. It just seems so surreal, I think you're just mad, and that's why she locked you away. I can't believe I'm being imprisoned with someone who belongs in a sanitorium," she scoffed, refusing to wrap her mind around it.
"The only ones who are mad are those who refuse to believe in the things that disrupt their reality," Ruby retorted before sinking back into the shadows. Belle shivered at her aberrant remarks, wishing for a cross to clutch around her neck for comfort.
Belle battled her exhaustion until it overtook her, pulling her into a realm of dreams. She found herself in a sea of faces which all resembled Liam, but when she tried to reach for one, it would vanish. She moaned groggily once she heard the prison door creak open. She barely registered she was awake until she was forcefully being pulled to her feet. The guard dragged her out of the cell, and up the same stairs she'd descended just hours before.
"Where are we going?" Belle demanded as the guard pushed her mercilessly up the staircase.
"To see the queen." he responded gruffly, and she felt her heart plummet at this revelation. Queen Cora was infamous for her callous and ruthless reign. Belle hoped she would be offered some clemency.
It seemed as though they'd walked forever until they came to two double doors of behemoth stature. The doors opened automatically, exposing a majestic throne room with a solitary cathedra encased in pure gold. A woman with auburn locks, held in a high updo, and scarlet painted lips perched on the throne, eying her with the same look of avarice as a predator with its prey. She wore a fancy rouge evening gown with a white collar, appearing regal in every sense. She wore a ruby amulet around her neck which caused bile to burn the back of her throat to to even look at it, but she didn't gaze at it for long before the guard was shouting in her ear, forcing her to tear her eyes away from the mysterious gem.
"Bow, you filthy wench!" the guard commanded, forcing Belle's head low to the ground. She stumbled forward, biting her tongue in anguish as his full weight bore upon her.
"That's enough Charles … Leave us!" she responded, and Belle sighed in relief when the burly guard released her. The queen stood up, sauntering towards her. Belle took shallow breaths, terrified to even gaze upon this monarch.
"Get up child!" she commanded in a clipped tone, and Belle was astonished when her limbs moved of their own accord, bringing her to a standing position. She felt power crackle through her veins, and she wondered if Ruby was right all along.
"It's so good to finally meet you," Cora replied, smirking maliciously, sending a shiver down her spine. "Why don't we have some tea, and we can have a little chat?" she suggested.
"That sounds delightful," Belle fibbed, wanting nothing more than to put a million miles between herself and this vile woman. When the monarch arched a brow in her direction, Belle added, "Your majesty."
Don't lie to me dear. Your body language tells otherwise, and I can assure you this meeting won't last any longer than necessary if your lover gives me what I desire," she jeered. "Bring us some tea," she commanded of a servant Belle hadn't noticed standing nearby.
"My lover? What are you talking about?" she inquired, feigning ignorance.
"Why King William, your lover, of course," she announced, dropping two sugar cubes in her steaming cuppa tea, "Do you prefer your tea with or without sugar?" she asked casually. Belle felt her blood run cold at this disclosure. How did she know about their secret relationship? They hadn't spoken or seen each other in the past five years until the previous night, and they'd kept things very discreet when they were wed.
"No sugar … I like mine plain," she affirmed while wondering if she would keel over after one sip.
It was as if Cora had read her thoughts when she replied, "Don't worry dear. You're part in this war is far too imperative for me to dispose of you." But this didn't bring her any comfort, because she knew Cora planned to use her for her own advantage when it came to winning this war.
"What do you plan to gain from imprisoning me?" she asked daringly, and Cora chuckled at her impulsiveness, "I desire a large sum of gold and for my supplies to be replenished. If he consents, then we'll sign a few treaties and the war will be over," she confirmed.
"And if he doesn't?" she probed, respiring deeply.
"Then you'll be met with a fate far worse than you can imagine," the queen chortled darkly, taking a sip of her brew.
Belle aimlessly stirred her tea, to perturbed too ask anything else. Cora's terms to her freedom seemed a bit incomplex, and she mused there was more to the deal than she was expelling. Why did it feel like the price was going to be higher than a dab of gold and a few supplies?
"Well my dear I see that I've frightened you with my answer, but you asked. The reason why I kidnapped you is because everyone has a weakness, and it's usually the thing one loves most, and I aspire to believe the one thing King William loves most is you. I'm certain he would pay any price to ensure your safety, and I'll take great pleasure in seeing him writhe with discomfort by knowing you're here with me. I'm sure your cellmate told you of my abilities, and I can assure you I'm not a force to be reckoned with," she said with a dangerous glint in her eyes.
"Crumpet?" she smirked mockingly, proffering her the dessert, but Belle shook her head in refusal, her stomach clenching painfully from sickness. Cora shrugged before plopping the treat in her mouth, and continued like nothing was wrong.
~X~
Belle expectantly waited to be sent back to the dungeons or some imaginary torture chamber Queen Cora had in her castle. Instead, she was sent to a lavish suite, mirroring the type of room she and William had shared in Albannach. A guard was posted outside of her door, while a slew of servants tended to her needs.
She protested when the group of castle maids led her to a large tub of warm water. They stripped her down to nothing before settling her in the bath.
"I don't need a bath!" she objected, sputtering when a pail of warm water was poured over her head.
"Milady if you're to be a guest of the queen, then you must look your best," one of the maids clucked, digging her nails into Belle's scalp to wash out the shampoo.
"You mean a hostage?" she corrected. The lavender water filled with suds wafted through the air from the shampoo and soaps that permeated it.
"Please cooperate with us, miss. The queen will punish us if we don't fulfill our duties," one of servants remarked, an undertone of fear prevalent in her voice.
Belle wanted to fight it, but she realized she hadn't taken the time to relish the luxury of a hot bath. She had become accustomed to warming her bathwater over the fire and hurriedly cleaning herself before it cooled. To be surrounded by servants made her feel "stuffy", but homesick for William even more.
"Here you are, milady," a maid with dark skin and ebony hair tied in a neat bun resounded, wrapping her in a towel.
"You really don't have to call me that. I'm of no higher station than any of you" She blushed at their insistence to dress her.
"A guest of the queen must be treated like royalty," another retorted stiffly before dressing her in a lilac hued gown. They tied her hair back in a high ponytail with a matching ribbon before applying a soft foundation and rose lipstick. "And besides, if you weren't someone of importance, you wouldn't be afforded such care. Her majesty insisted you be treated as an honored guest."
"More like a gilded prisoner," Belle grumbled under her breath.
"You're very beautiful, miss, and I don't want to tarnish your natural beauty by covering it up with too much powder, but the queen insists we make you look presentable," one of the maids replied, gazing at her admirably. Belle respired sharply when she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She studied the rich purple fabric, deeming herself unrecognizable in such garb. Did she dare say she felt like a king's bride?
"I can't believe it," she stammered, twirling for the full effect. She felt like she was about to meet her prince and go riding off into the sunset instead of being a vindictive queen's prisoner. William appeared in her mind, adorned in a crimson shirt, azure doublet and dragonhide pants. Belle flushed, quickly vanquishing the image from her mind.
"Are you alright, miss?" inquired the ebony haired maid still standing beside her.
"Yes, I'm just a little nervous," she admitted, attempting to dispel her fears of never being reunited with her beloved.
"Try to relax," she added, and Belle nodded, startled when she heard a firm knock at the door. The maid answered, revealing the guard standing in the doorway.
"The queen says it's time for all of you to leave," he commanded and in that moment they all dispersed like a flock of startled geese. The ebony haired maid gave her a sympathetic glance before exiting her chamber. The door was bolted, and she was left with nothing but her thoughts to keep her company. She sat down on the large canopy bed, folding her hands in her lap despondently.
"Please come soon, Liam," she prayed, her heart thrumming rapidly in her chest with anticipation.
~X~
It was well past midnight when William and his troops made it to Aginard. William wanted to storm the gates and demand Queen Cora hand over his beloved, but he knew that a wiser approach must be taken. There could be no blood on his hands today, just the residue of the ink from signing the treaties he was certain she would require. He and his troops halted at the gates, and he gazed up at them noticing a garrison of guards perched on the wall.
"I'm here to parlay with the queen about her terms! I promise that there will be no bloodshed today!" he called up to them.
"We'll open the gates, but the queen commands that only you may enter! Your troops will have to stand outside the wall!" one of queen's men warned from above.
David, the king's commanding officer grabbed him by the shoulder before he could respond, "Your highness, going in there alone isn't wise! I must protest against this action. You need someone to escort you in for your own protection," he advised, and William sighed, turning to face him.
"You're an honorable man, captain, but my Belle is in danger. I'll go in there alone because it's what the queen has required. You must realize that I would trade my life for hers any day. Please oversee the troops during my absence," he commanded, and David bowed without saying another word.
"Of course your majesty."
"Open the gates! My troops will stand down as the queen has requested," he stated compliantly. He heard the crank begin to turn indicating the gates were being opened, and he stepped through them without knowing what his fate would be once he reached the throne room.
Two guards grabbed him by the arms, restraining him from hurting anyone, leading him down a series of long corridors until they reached the throne room. They led him inside, and he shivered when he met the queen's serpentine eyes.
"It's about time you showed up, William. I was growing bored with all the waiting," she drolled, and it took all of his strength not to rip himself away from her guards, wrap his hands around her throat, and strangle her.
"Well, your majesty, it takes nearly a day to travel to Aginard, but I'm here now. I'm ready to settle your terms, and for you to return what is mine," he snarled possessively, and she couldn't help but smirk darkly at his displeasure.
"Well, let's get on with it then, shall we? I assume you've brought the gold and supplies I requested," she supplied before standing up and waltzing towards him.
"Yes, everything you require is on its way here by ship, and will arrive in three days time," he affirmed, and she couldn't help but smile approvingly,
"I like a man of his word, William. You're such a better monarch than your father ever was, but I think I'd like to add another term to this agreement," she remarked testily.
He swallowed hard, feeling his insides clench, "I've provided Aginard with more than an adequate supply of gold and supplies. What more is it that you want?" he seethed through bared teeth. "I am not in the habit of altering my deals."
"Your sister ruined my daughter's life when she ran off with her lover. I'm not going to pretend that my relations with Zelena aren't strained, but you took away her future when Lord Walsh left her. Kingdoms aren't just ruled by wealth, they need strong alliances too. I'm suggesting we end this war with a new alliance. Marry my other daughter, Regina, so that our kingdoms may be united as one," Cora proposed.
"I will not marry any of your daughters, nor do I desire an alliance with you. I came here with the promise of gold and supplies in exchange for Belle. Now honor your part of the agreement!" he rejected her vehemently. The guards tightened their grip on him, but he pulled away, brandishing his sword. He ran his sword through them both vengefully, leaving them to writhe in their own blood before setting his sights on her.
"Let Belle go before I run my sword through ye too! I'm sure Aginard would be more than happy to see you fall!" he warned, his thick brogue bubbling angrily.
Cora cackled manically at his threats. "Do you think to intimidate me? I have more power than you can even imagine," she returned with a loud snap of her fingers. The pair of dying soldiers jumped to their feet with no sign of injury, "Throw him in the dungeons and massacre his troops!" she commanded, and he squirmed when he felt their vise-like grips around him.
"You won't get away with this witch!" he admonished as the soldiers dragged him away.
"Oh, but I already have!" she sneered with the flourish of her hand. He felt pure darkness wrap its talons around his soul before he met the blackness.
A/AN: What has happened with William and what of Belle? (And why must you torture your beta so? -Charlotte) Stay tuned to find out! Reviews are lovely!