A Fickle Fingered Fate
Chapter 8
A Red Rose Rampant
Within minutes, the castle was put on high alert and guards flocked to every post. The monsters in the village fled indoors, locking their families away to wait out the possible danger. With little time to spare, Toffee summoned his unicorn from the stables, planning to meet the caravan at the edge of the village.
Mia trailed after him as he fired off one order after another, the group that had been following them thinning with every word he spoke until it was just the two of them standing beside his mount. "Let me speak with her, I'm sure she's just jumped to conclusions and scared herself into a panic," she insisted, hands clenched in the folds of her skirt.
"And if they mean to attack us?" Toffee asked. "Mia, I can't guarantee they won't try something violent. I'd rather not have you in the crossfire."
She squared her shoulders, standing slightly taller with a serious expression. He could practically see her 'Princess Mode' switching on. "Toffee, I know all of my mother's servants, and I also know that she would never allow them to put me in danger. Besides, if she sees for herself that I'm unharmed it might defuse the situation before anything can happen. It's our best option."
The reptile's brow furrowed as he frowned, not liking her point, but knew he couldn't argue with her. "Alright, we try it your way." His hands wrapped around her waist, his fingers brushing over the silk of her gown as he hoisted her up. A little gasp escaped her as her hands landed on his shoulders as he placed her into the saddle, her cheeks turning pink with that charming little maidenly blush she always seemed to find herself sporting. "Let's just hope your mother is in a talking mood," he murmured, then swung himself up behind her and tugged the unicorn's braided mane.
Mia's hand grabbed his shoulder at the sudden motion of the mount, leaning slightly into him as the unicorn shot through the castle gate, galloping down the stone streets. They rode in silence, both preoccupied with their own thoughts as they passed through the now empty village, neither looking forward to a conflict if things went awry. Grey clouds suddenly rumbled above them, the overcast morning promising to turn into a stormy afternoon as they reached the edge of the village.
Toffee slowed his mount to a stop, petting the steed's neck as they anxiously shuffled in place. The stallion could sense the tension in the very air, filling them with a nervous energy. The clatter of hooves drew Toffee's attention from his mount and onto the armored figure riding towards them, hoisting a banner with the Mewnian queen's insignia, and a second flag of snowy white with an ear of corn. A frown curved Toffee's lips at the sight of the Mewnian Flag of Peaceful Bargaining, his mood switching to a different form of unease.
The rider stopped a few feet away from them, and lifted the visor of their helmet. "Princess Mia!" came the cheerful, and rather informal, greeting. A man with tan skin, brown hair and eyes, and a mustache practically beamed at Mia.
" !" Mia exclaimed joyfully. "It's so good to see you!"
"It has been too long, mi Princesa! You are looking wonderful. Her Majesty will be most pleased," he replied, and was about to carry on, until Toffee cleared his throat, then seemed to remember the situation at hand. "Oh, uh-ahem! Announcing the arrival of Rosetta Apis, Queen of Mewni!" he bellowed, holding the banner up higher. "We come in peace to seek an audience with Toffee Arigor, King of Monsters!"
Toffee had to resist the urge to roll his eyes as he sighed. He hated dealing with the messengers, especially the ones that put on a dramatic show like this fellow. Mia gave his chest a sympathetic pat with a small smile. "At least she came here to talk."
"At least there's that," he agreed, watching the rest of the caravan approach.
The gilded carriage was drawn by invisible goats, and escorted by no less than two dozen guards in armor atop some rather fierce looking warnicorns, while a second wagon brought up the rear, filled with trunks and what seemed to be a few pieces of furniture. Toffee dismounted as the carriage rolled to a stop, setting his queen down gently in the hard packed dirt when the footman opened the door by its golden handle. An auburn-haired woman stepped out, a royal handmaiden by the look of her, her green eyes lighting up as she spotted Mia, even as she turned to help the other rider out. This was obviously Rosetta Apis.
Dark crimson red hair that was tied up high with jeweled pins, a tiara nestled in the fiery locks, deep green eyes framed by thick lashes and glittering eyeshadow, and cheerily pink flowers upon her cheeks. The monster king's first impression was instant, this woman brought forth the image of a wolf to his mind. A gentle, caring creature to her offspring, and a demon to anything else, and currently her glare was focused solely on him.
At first the two parties only stared at one another, like fighters sizing up their opponents, seeking weaknesses and vulnerability. But both sides knew well that this encounter would either be political, or an act of war, and thus decorum won out. The redheaded queen slightly lifted her skirts in a short but respectful curtsy, bobbing her head in a brief bow. "Lord Toffee Arigor, I presume."
The reptilian returned the gesture with a shallow bow of his own. "Lady Apis, we weren't expecting this surprise visit."
Mia glanced between them, feeling a bit lost on what to do. She'd never had to bow to her own mother aside from when she'd first been taught when and where to curtsy with other royals. But now she had a different name, a different kingdom, to not bow would be highly disrespectful. Deciding it was better to be safe than sorry, Mia curtsied. "It's good to see you again, Mother," she greeted formally.
Rosetta smiled fondly at her daughter. "It's good to see you too, sweetie," she replied, then shifted her eyes to Toffee and her gaze hardened. "But I'm afraid this isn't a social call. I request an audience with you, Your Majesty, on a most important matter. We can settle things quickly, then be on our way."
"Of course, we are technically family now after all," he stated. "Say whatever you wish, dear Queen, you have my attention."
Her expression turned to slight shock, and a mix of indignation. "Out here, standing in the dirt with every set of eyes and ears for miles around trained upon us?"
Toffee pointedly swept his gaze over her caravan, arching a brow. "You do realize you've come unannounced with armed guards to our door, after we were recently attacked by your husband. No disrespect, Your Highness, but surely you can see why we are on high alert and my people are nervous. I can't in good conscience invite your warriors into my home. I'm sure you understand."
Mia's gaze shifted between them, seeing Toffee's immovable stance and her mother's mounting frustration. She placed a hand gently on his arm. "Perhaps you can speak in the carriage?" she suggested. "It would give you some privacy."
The redhead sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose briefly. "Very well then," she agreed reluctantly, and looked to her maid. "Angie, tend to Mia for me while we speak."
"It would be a pleasure, My Lady," she replied, moving over to the pink-haired woman as the footman helped the visiting monarch back into the carriage.
Turning to her husband, Mia brushed the back of her hand against his, gaining his attention. "Please go easy on her," she requested softly. "Considering how things went during her marriage, my father is as much her enemy as he is yours."
"I have no issue with your mother, Mia, as long as she doesn't cause a problem, everything will be just fine," he assured. Placing his hand upon her shoulder, he squeezed it briefly, his thumb stroking over the silky fabric as he brushed past her. "I'll be back soon."
Watching him step up into the carriage, Mia sighed gently, releasing a bit of tension that had built up within her. A warm hand grabbed hers, linking their fingers together. Angie practically beamed at her with a huge smile fully of pearly white teeth, dimpled cheeks, and sparkling eyes. "We have so much to catch up on," she said excitedly. "I hope you're ready to get your ears talked off."
Mia giggled, tugging her into a hug. "Of course! I've missed you, Mrs. Diaz."
O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O
The interior of the carriage was as richly decorated as the palace of Mewni. Silk seats, velvet cushions, thick carpeted floor, and a rug held in place by golden pins in front of the door like a welcome mat. Curtains with gold and silver tassels were drawn over both windows, while a tiny crystal chandelier cast magical light throughout the space. And there was plenty of space to be had.
Toffee stood up with the ceiling a good three inches above his head, and the space between both bench seats was large enough for three people to lay down comfortably. In fact, he was certain the gilded handles attached to a wooden panel under one of the benches was hiding a travel bed. There was even a tea tray mounted on one of the walls that appeared to be able to fold up out of the way, if it hadn't been currently occupied by a tea set and snacks.
He took a seat across from the Queen, watching patiently as she settled her skirts perfectly. "Would you care for some tea?" she asked, following her diplomatic hostess training no doubt. "We have sandwiches and sweets as well."
"Tea will be fine, thank you." She nodded and quickly poured a cup, handing it to him before making herself one.
The soft clink of a tiny silver spoon stirring cream in her cup was the only sound within the carriage for several moments. Lifting the drink daintily to her lips, the redhead took a ladylike sip before lowering it to the saucer in her hand. "Alright, formalities out of the way. I have but one question for you," she stated, her eyes narrowing. "How much?"
The reptilian blinked, but otherwise kept his face expressionless. "Pardon me?"
"How much do you want?" She repeated. "Gold, jewels, silks, spices-goodness even corn if that's what you want! Just tell me and it's yours. Name your price."
Toffee used his drink as a pause to gather his thoughts, now putting the puzzle together. "Queen Apis, I want nothing of yours. All I want is peace and safety for my people, and Miakoda has given me that."
"You can't be serious," she argued. "Mia is only a young lady, titles aside. She shouldn't even be a part of all this! If you must take action then deal with my husband, but leave her out of it."
"I don't think you know the full story behind our arrangement, dear queen. Mia offered herself, to be killed in place of your king," he stated. The color visibly drained from her face, her lips quivering slightly. "I didn't wish to so needlessly spill the blood of an innocent, so I offered the alternative of a political marriage. It will be nothing more than a unity in name, you have nothing to fear."
He watched the emotions play across her face, mostly in her eyes. So much of her looked like Mia to him, from the shape of her face to the curve of her mouth. But the real difference was that while Rosetta was a crackling fire, Mia was a gentle breeze.
The queen sighed, covering her face with a hand briefly. "Goddess help me," she muttered, then look to him again. "If what you say is true, then release her into my care. I want to take Mia home with me to the coast. She'd be out of your way while still being your wife, and we can all go on with our lives for the better."
"I'm afraid that can't be done."
"Surely you aren't concerned with Mia taking a lover? Aside from it being the norm with such unions, Mia isn't the best when it comes to dealing with men. Besides, I'm sure like any male your age you'd like to have a feminine companion. It'd hardly be fair to make her stay here while you tryst freely."
Toffee held up a hand as he should his head. "You misunderstand, Queen Apis. Unlike Mewnians, monsters-even in political marriages-do not take lovers outside of their unions once bound to another. It is considered the ultimate insult to lay with another when married, and leaving one's marriage home is greatly frowned upon. If Mia were to leave, I would lose standing with the other nobles of my people, and I'm sure you know what troubles that can lead to."
"Then you decline my offer? Even if it were limitless?"
"I must deny it completely."
The queen sighed, visibly deflating for a moment. He knew this must be hard for her, knowing that she and Mia were close from what his wife had told him. "Queen Apis, as little as I know this will reassure you, know that I have no intensions of harming your daughter-in any way. She made a great sacrifice, and I shall honor it fully."
She waved the comment off. "Lord Toffee, I honestly couldn't care less who or what you are-Mewnian, monster, unicorn-it wouldn't matter. All I care about is my daughter. While I find my husband completely disagreeable, rude, and unbearable...I still know he means well for Mia. The only reason I didn't bring her with me was in hopes of her having a better chance at finding a suitable husband, and I had hoped his influence would lead to a comfortable match." Her gaze drifted down to her teacup, a melancholy in her eyes. "This isn't what I envisioned, but if she can at least live happily, I don't care with whom she ends up married to. If you can promise me her wellbeing, then I shall sleep easier at night."
"Believe me, dear queen, I plan on taking very good care of my wife," he replied. "So rest well, and know that next time you return, we will gladly welcome you into our home-now that we know you don't plan to burn us at the stake."
"The thought had crossed my mind," she joked with a slight smirk, and finished off her cup. "I had planned to use it as part of my bribe, but seeing as that will not be happening...consider the cargo a wedding gift. Hopefully it will give Mia a feeling of home."
Toffee bowed his head slightly. "Thank you for your generosity, Lady Rosetta."
"No thanks required," she replied, setting her cup down. "But I would like to speak privately with my daughter while the cargo is unloaded. There are a few mother-daughter things I wish to discuss with her. Send her in, if you would."
"Certainly," he said as he stood, pausing as he opened the door, turning to look at the redhead. "I do hope we can be on good terms, dear queen. For Mia's sake if little else."