Chapter Twelve
Azur smiled as she watched Medusa and Crystal play. Medusa was making strands of her hair move in patterns in front of Crystal, who was squealing excitedly and trying to grab them in her little fists. It was nice, to see them have some peace... Azur cursed herself for having thought that when Rynda walked into the room.
"Arent you supposed to be resting?" She asked Medusa severely.
Medusa nodded guiltily. She handed Crystal back to her aunt, using her hair as she wasnt supposed to be lifting things right now.
Rynda sighed. She knew she could have let them have longer together... "Medusalith, I am here to inform you that your wedding will be in three months. I have some wedding gown pictures for you to look through."
Medusa's heart skipped a beat. So soon...
Azur looked startled too. "Why so quickly?"
"Because Agon and I want Blackagar's life to become stable as quickly as possible." Rynda tried to look certain as she looked at her soon-to-be daughter-in-law. "Perhaps Medusalith and I should speak alone?"
Azur frowned but took Crystal out of the room. Medusa looked at the ground.
"It's awfully sudden..."
Rynda didn't respond to that, instead spreading the images of suitable gowns on the bed. "What do you think of these?"
Medusa peered at them. "I like that one I guess... but does it have to be so frilly?"
Rynda eyed the one Medusa had chosen. "It can be customised, of course."
Medusa sighed unhappily. "I don't actually like any of them."
Rynda frowned. "Why?"
"They're all so... decorative! I prefer simple designs."
"It's not always about what you like. In fact, in most cases it's about choosing the least objectionable course."
Medusa sighed. "The one I chose, then. But with less frills!"
"That's the same one I chose, when Agon's mother gave me the choice."
Medusa blinked, amazed that she and Rynda actually agreed on something! "What was she like?"
"Think of me and then multiply it by a hundred."
Medusa wisely didn't say what that description put in her mind. Rynda laughed, guessing what she was thinking.
"She and I didn't get on at first, either."
"Did you eventually?"
"No." Rynda sighed. "We probably would have, in time, if..."
"If what?"
"She died shortly after my marriage to Agon."
Medusa's hand flew to her mouth. "I'm sorry... what happened?"
"She died. Nothing else to tell."
Medusa decided to drop the subject. "So I am getting married in three months?"
"Yes. Unless Blackagar objects."
Medusa nodded slowly. At least he'll ask me if I mind...
"Medusalith, I have something to talk with you about. There are certain drugs you can take to prevent pregnancy, until you are ready for the responsibility."
Medusa hid her astonishment. "But I thought you wanted me to have children quickly..."
"Agon wants you to have children quickly, to further secure his House's hold on the throne. I don't think you or Blackagar are ready for that yet."
Medusa frowned. "But..."
The queen sighed. "Agon's choices aren't always the best for individuals, however good they may be for the Inhumans in general. Do you know why Blackagar was born with such dangerous abilities?"
"I... he told me that you went through the Terrigen Mist when you were pregnant with him."
"At Agon's urging."
"But you must have agreed..."
Rynda's eyes flashed. "Sometimes we agree to things we don't want. And then aren't given the option of changing our minds."
Medusa nodded. "I know how that feels, at least..." She said in a low voice.
"I know," Rynda said, her voice softer than Medusa had ever heard. "I read what you wrote to remind yourself... Medusa, if you told him to stop and he didn't, that right there means that it wasn't your choice. He raped you."
Medusa's eyes filled with tears. "But he didn't actually force me..."
"Doesn't matter. You said no, and that should have ended it."
"I- I didn't say no-"
"You told him to stop."
Medusa nodded slowly.
"That is saying no."
Tears began to trickle down Medusa's face. "But he told me it was my fault for encouraging him."
Rynda went white with rage. If he ever escapes again, I'll kill him without a trial!
Medusa shrank back from her, thinking that the anger was directed at her. "I didn't mean to! I don't know what I did-"
"This is not your fault!"
"Everyone else thinks it was."
"Then everyone else be hanged! They will always find something to blame you with. The trick is to apologise when its something you've done wrong and spit in their faces for everything else."
Medusa looked balefully up at her. "You blamed me at first."
"And look how you reacted. Cowering and submissive. That is not how a queen acts."
Medusa glared at her. "So a queen is supposed to be arrogant, rude and hateful?"
Rynda fought the urge to hit her for that. "No, but showing spirit and strength of will is expected. You will have to be strong to rule beside a king."
"Every time I try to be, you lose your temper with me!"
Rynda sighed. "Sometimes I act rashly, I know that. I didn't know much about you at first, but I never meant you any real harm."
Medusa wasn't sure abut that, but stayed quiet, taking another look at the selection of gowns, trying to decide which she could stand to wear.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Karnak and Triton walked quickly through the city streets- they'd told their parents they would be outside in the courtyards, when in actual fact their goal was to track down Gorgon as soon as they could- he'd been missing for hours!
"So what do you think of Father and Mother taking in our little cousin?" Triton asked out of the blue.
Karnak shrugged. "It surprised me, but I suppose if they're willing to do it, it is better for her. I know Mother always wanted a girl..."
"Quite a change, though."
"It won't be that bad..." Karnak trailed off as they walked into the dimly lit bar that he'd traced Gorgon to, and he stifled a sigh. Their cousin was sprawled on a chair, with an unfamiliar redheaded girl on his lap, and the table in front of him was covered with empty tankards. He looked up and saw them, grinning lopsidedly.
"M' coushins 'ave come t' join the fun!"
Karnak stifled a groan this time, approaching Gorgon cautiously. He wrinkled his nose at the stench of ale- how much had his cousin already drunk? "Gorgon, come on, we need to be going home now."
"No. Y' go. I'll shtay 'ere."
"Good idea, handsome," The redhead purred, running her hand down Gorgon's face. "I'll take good care of you..."
Karnak eyed her. She was wearing a short dress that left very little to the imagination, and was covered in makeup. He tried to keep his gaze on her face as he addressed her. "That's very... kind of you, my lady, but my cousin really does need to return home now."
"And you're his keeper, are you?" Her accent plainly showed her to be lowborn- Karnak barely understood her! She examined him and Triton lazily. "I could call a couple of my friends if it'd tempt you to stay a while..."
"No, thank you." Karnak said stiffly. Triton looked at the girl for the first time (he'd been trying to persuade Gorgon to drink some water, to no avail) and his face flushed. He fixed his eyes on the ground resolutely. The girl noticed, smiling alluringly at him.
"What about you, would you like some company?"
"I, uh..." Triton fumbled for words, embarassed- none of the (few) girls he'd met had been so forthright!
Karnak frowned in disgust. "None of us have any need for your services, I assure you." His teeth were gritted. "Gorgon, come on, we are leaving!"
"I shaid no! Lemme 'lone." He wrapped a hand around the girl's waist, pulling her closer. She whispered something in his ear, smiling seductively. Gorgon guffawed loudly.
"Gorgon," Karnak said firmly. "Come along with us now or I'll summon the palace guards."
"Go 'head den!"
Karnak clenched his fists. He'd hoped the threat would work, although he had no intention of actually involving anyone else... He looked at Triton for help. The aquatic Inhuman tried to simply haul Gorgon to his feet- and promptly ended up sprawled on the ground as Gorgon shoved him away.
"Gorgon!" Karnak hissed. "You're going to get yourself into trouble!"
"So wha'?" Gorgon shrugged. "No-one'll care... g' home, both of ya!"
"Not without you!" Karnak insisted.
Gorgon pushed the girl off his lap and lurched to his feet, hauling Triton up by the scruff of his neck. With his other hand, he grabbed Karnak's shoulder, and dragged them both to the door, shoving them firmly outside of it and slamming it behind him. the brothers exchanged helpless looks.
"Now what do we do?"
Triton listened to the racous laughter from inside the tavern, dusting himself off. "Now we call the guards."
Karnak winced. "Gorgon will get in so much trouble if we do... and in case you've forgotten, we're not supposed to be out here either!"
"With Gorgon in that state, trouble with Agon and Rynda and his parents isnt something to worry about. For all we know that girl could be one of the rebels."
Karnak frowned. "I hadn't thought of that... and I suppose we could just tell one of our parents, let them handle it... come on then." They headed home, prepared to tell one of the adults where Gorgon was- preferably before he did something foolish!
Medusa resisted the urge to rub her tender side - recovering from being shot was hard work! It was the first time she'd been outside since she'd been injured, and she was enjoying the fresh air- particularly with the present company. Black Bolt was holding her hand as they walked through the gardens. He kept glancing at her, and away again. Amused, she smirked at him.
"Something wrong?"
He looked awkward. Father told me earlier that our wedding date has been set.
"I know, your mother had me looking at gowns this morning."
Are you alright with it being so soon?
"Are you?"
Black Bolt shrugged. I don't think I can argue with Mother right now. She's so distressed over Maximus being placed in confinement.
Medusa frowned. "It is sad... do you think you'll go to visit him?"
Maybe. Soon. Father doesn't think it's wise at the moment. He won't even let Mother go see him.
Medusa bit her lip, trying to think of a way to change the subject. A solution presented itself fairly quickly when several voices could be heard approaching. Medusa's uncle Mander was dragging Gorgon along by the arm, with Karnak and Triton trailing along behind them. Mander's expression was stern. Gorgon seemed unable to walk in a straight line and was mumbling incoherently.
Black Bolt and Medusa stared in surprise. "What the...?"
Karnak spotted them and went pale.
Black Bolt stepped forward, concern for Gorgon clear on his face. /What happened?/
"What happened?" Medusa translated. "What's wrong with Gorgon?"
His bleary eyes focused on them at that moment. He attempted to straighten himself. "Ya'd bedder take care of Madusa Back Bot, or I stomp ya! I 'ope yar happy wuf 'im, Dusa. Ya deserve 'app... 'appy bean."
Black Bolt and Medusa exchanged looks, neither having any real idea what Gorgon had just said. They soon recognised the smell of ale coming off of him though. Mander stifled a sigh, grabbing Gorgon again.
"I apologise for this, your Highness," addressing Black Bolt, "It appears your cousin has overindulged. Please excuse us." He hauled Gorgon back inside, fully intending to let Korath deal with his son. Karnak and Triton followed them sheepishly.
There was silence for a minute before Medusa laughed. "Remind me never to drink too much!"
Black Bolt nodded. And I can never drink at all. If I'm not in full control of myself... He shuddered at the thought of what could go wrong.
Medusa took his hand, squeezing it sympathetically. "So... it looks as if we'll be married in a few months..."
He nodded. I wish we had more time before...
"Me too, it is very sudden... I can imagine worse people to spend the rest of my life with though." She blushed as she spoke, before looking thoughtful. "Your mother did suggest I use some kind of drug to prevent pregnanacy for a while, so we don't have to rush into everything..."
Black Bolt frowned. My father wouldn't-
"I, uh, I'm not sure he knows."
But would it be permanant?
"I don't think so." Medusa lowered her voice. "I'd only remain infertile as long as I used the drug. I don't think I'm ready for another child yet, after... but if you would rather I didn't use the drug..."
Black Bolt took her hand in his and kissed her knuckles. We may have no choice in when we marry but we should be able to choose when we have children. And we're still young. There's plenty of time to think about these things.
Medusa smiled in relief, glad he agreed with her. "Now we just have to hope your father doesn't find out..."
He won't. He was adamant about that, at least. Agon controlled almost every aspect of their lives, but this was not his decision. He stepped closer to Medusa, brushing his lips on hers. She returned the kiss, feeling less shy than last time.
He stepped away, smiling. I think we should go back inside, you're not meant to be walking for too long yet.
Hand-in-hand, they walked back into the palace.