A/n: So guys, I have to apologize for the wait. I think that we here at Iris HQ agree that putting out a chapter every 7-10 days will be easier for us all. There's a lot going on in each of our lives, so it gets in the way of writing (unfortunately). Also writers block is a pain. Never the less here is the newest chapter! Drop us a review to tell us what you think!
The next day Laura woke up alone in her bed, which was a rarity. She huffed when she thought of the events that transpired the night before and the fight that it led to. She and Carmilla went at it for hours. While the knight made valid points and seemed to be the only one making sense, Laura was stubborn. Why can't I be free to marry whomever I want? She thought. She glanced over to the lounge where the knight had decided to sleep the night before. Carmilla hadn't even taken off her armor before she fell asleep. A part of Laura felt incredibly bad for Carmilla, knowing that had to be very uncomfortable compared to sleeping on her plush bed. There was a larger part of her that was angry though. She didn't know if she was angry with herself or angry with Carmilla. There was a light knock on the door. "What is it?" Laura asked. She heard Perry's muffled voice say, "You have guests in the throne room." Laura knew right away that her guests weren't good ones. She was sure news of her fake engagement spread quickly across the kingdom of Silas. "I'll be down shortly," She replied as she dressed herself in a beautiful lavender dress. She fixed her hair up into a crown braid and left the room, trying not to wake the sleeping knight.
She stood outside the throne room doors and let out a long sigh. Here goes nothing.. she thought and pushed the large doors open. In front of the throne stood a group of five people who looked to be quite old. She knew who they were right away. She had seen her father speak with them several time. The last time she saw them was a year before her father began demanding heirs.
"King Hollis, we understand that it's hard to move on from your wife, but this is the kingdom we're talking about. It comes before your feelings," An elderly woman said. King Hollis sat in his throne, holding his head. "Isn't there another way? I just… I can't."
"Well, if the girl is able to give us an heir, then fine." King Hollis looked up at her, somewhat shocked. "Laura has no interest in marriage or children though. She doesn't even look at the men of our kingdom."
"Then find a way. You're a smart man."
It was the Royal Council. They were a step down from the ruler of the kingdom, but if the ruler ever stepped out of line, they were there to fix it. "Hello there, Queen Hollis," The old woman greeted, giving Laura a crooked grin. She approached the council and asked, "What can I do for you today?"
"Well, you could start by explaining that stunt you pulled at your party," A tall, older gentleman retorted. "Hush, Gerald. Let me speak," The older woman fussed at him, motioning for him to step down. "Now, you know as Queen you are meant to marry royal blood. Knights are just peasants who were fetched from the farmlands and taught how to hold a sword."
"Why was it alright for me to marry William then?" Her face twisted into a glare. "My grandson made a stupid decision when he picked William to be your husband. He should've done what I told him to do. I guess he thought marrying you off to someone you knew would show you some sympathy." Laura's mouth twitched. Her great-mother, Catherine, was a bitter old woman. She guessed it was because her now-dead husband gave all his riches to his concubines instead of her when he passed. "Well, we don't know if Charles' was a peasant or not. He could've been a noble." Catherine narrowed her eyes. "He's a rogue knight. It either means he committed treason against his out kingdom, or they threw him out. Break of the engagement or the consequences will be harsh." Laura's mouth twitched. Maybe she should lie and say she panicked when she spoke. Tell the truth. If she did that though, she'd really be expected to marry someone else. That was something she definitely didn't want to do. "I'm marrying Charles. If I have to kick him out of the Queen's army, I will." She raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Do you think your lover is going to enjoy that very much?" Laura bit her lip. Being a knight was probably all Carmilla knew now. How would she feel if she took that all away from her? She didn't even want to get married. The aging part was also a problem, but she already had eyes all over her. As long as she was a part of Laura's life in any way, she'd have a spotlight on her at all times. "We'll be back tomorrow to hear your decision," The older gentlemen Gerald said. The council escorted themselves out of the throne room, leaving Laura to her thoughts. She had no idea how to fix the mess she had created.
Carmilla was snoozing on the chase lounge in Laura's quarters, dreaming of being her cat and chasing a bunny rabbit.
Laura walked in to see the knight with her hands in the air, seemingly swatting at nothing. The Queen had to stifle a laugh as she walked closer to Carmilla, trying to assess what was happening. Her face was scrunched up, and it appeared that she was dreaming about chasing something. Laura smiled at the dreaming Carmilla, but it quickly faded when she realized she had to tell her about what just happened. She leaned over her and shook her shoulder. "Carm, hey. Wake up." Carmilla groaned a bit and slowly opened her eyes. "What? What time is it?"
"It's getting late… and we need to talk." Carmilla slowly sat up. "What is it?"
"The council was just here. They're telling me to back down from our 'engagement'."
"Why didn't you? We can't get married, Laur-"
"Carmilla, the people already see you constantly. You follow me around all the time. Everywhere I go, you go. If I told them I lied, they'd expect me to marry someone else… which means we'd never be able to be together." Carmilla grew silent. "But if we do marry, they said you'd have to leave the Queen's Army and leave being a knight. So… either side isn't good." Carmilla looked at Laura. "I'd like to speak to the council myself. When do you speak with them again?"
"They'll be back tomorrow morning," Laura replied, scared of what Carmilla may tell the council. Carmilla just gave a nod. "Alright. I'll be ready to speak with them by then. I need to check on Kirsch though. He's improving, but he says sometimes his arm hurts." Laura frowned. That's just what she needed.
"Carmilla? Why did you become a knight in the first place?" Carmilla rose up off the lounge and stood there for a moment. "Well, you know I was kicked out by my mother when her husband… attacked me," She began. Laura frowned when she brought up being assaulted by her step-father. "I became homeless. I knew a young woman with my appearance would be a target, so I cut off all my hair and bound my chest, pretended to be a boy. When I was sleeping in an alleyway I had claimed as my own, a knight found me. He asked me if I'd want to sleep in the knights' quarters. I took up his offer and decided to try to become a knight. Free shelter, free food. Seemed like a good idea to me," She explained. Laura almost couldn't believe her own mother would do such a thing to her. She was a bit surprised to hear that the reason behind it all was because she just needed a place to call home. "Why did you leave..?" Laura hesitantly asked.
Carmilla looked up to Laura and, looking hesitant as well, but continued, "A few years after I joined the knights, I met this a girl…" She paused and took a deep breath. "Ell was her name. Truthfully, I was very fond of her." Laura sucked in a breath and watched as Carmilla's eyes zoned out, and she continued on with the story of a girl who wasn't her.
"One day while we were…" She coughed and looked down. Laura could guess where that part of the story was going. "Anyways, she cut her hand on a nail that was loose from a board on the wooden table. She bled quite a bit, and I was finding it very hard to control myself. The blood was pouring from her wound, and I was still a new vampire. It had only been a few years since my mother had cursed me. Eventually this hunger just… overwhelmed me. I blacked out. I woke from the blackness to see shreds of what used to be a human beneath me, and there was skin hanging from my-" She blanched. Laura didn't try to hide the horrified look from her face. "I tore her to shreds. I couldn't go back to the knights who had become my family. I knew they'd ask about her… and I couldn't let anyone know. So I just… shut down, became a rogue, became… the infamous Black Knight. I haven't felt this way about anyone since Ell. I'm just scared, Laura."
Laura placed a hand on Carmilla's cheek. "I understand…" Laura bit her lip, fighting back the tears that welled up in her eyes. "And I'll understand if you say no. I won't try to sway your decision… because I want you to want to be with me." Carmilla placed a hand over hers and clutched it. "Would you forgive me if I declined?" The lump in Laura's throat grew even bigger. "I…" She didn't know the answer. She'd be hurt, torn. She'd feel like how she did when she was married to William: miserable. Laura wouldn't be able to look at Carmilla without feeling sadness. "I would try to," She answered.
The knight stood there in shock, staring at Laura. "I need to go check on Kirsch," She said before making her way to the door. She was about to pull it open when a small hand grabbed at her armored bicep. "Carmilla… I love you," Laura whispered. Carmilla didn't know how to answer. She kissed Laura's forehead, walked out of Laura's bedroom, and towards the infirmary. Laura stood there with a feeling of dread. She couldn't help the tears that welled up in her eyes. She padded her way over to her bed and dropped down onto it with a soft sob. She found herself clutching at her heart as another sob ripped through her chest. She slowly crawled her way under the covers and cried herself to sleep.
Meanwhile Carmilla opened the door to the infirmary and was greeted with the sight of LaFontaine holding a towel against Kirsch's new arm and muttering something about "Damn dead men's arm..." "What's going on in here LaF?" Carmilla muttered, seemingly annoyed.
LaFontaine looked up from what they were doing and smiled towards Carmilla. "Well it appears that the place that the arm attaches to his body is bleeding." Carmilla stepped closer to examine, holding her breath. The blood was seeping from the seams of his new arm. She looked up towards him to see his face twisted in pain. "I'm not sure how this could happen, his arm was magically put on. There isn't even a place for it to bleed. I'm not worried though. I can fix it."
"It feels like… it's been sawed off," Kirsch moaned out in pain. LaFontaine picked up a wad of bandages and began to wrap them around the stitches. "I should've known better than to let you use damn magic on me!"
"Hey, be grateful! You at least have an arm!"
"For how long though?!" Kirsch shouted. LaFontaine tightened their grip on his arm, causing his to yell out. "Fucking doctor!"
"Hey, hey. Calm down Kirsch. Do you think his arm will be fine?" LaF gave a small nod. "I think it's just a side effect of the magic… but it means he needs to be on bed rest even longer."
"Great," Carmilla muttered. She was hoping she'd get to do some training to occupy her worried mind.
A few hours later, Laura woke to the sound of her door opening. She sat up just in time to see Perry poking her head into the room. "Oh, I wasn't aware you were asleep. I was just coming in here to check on you after your meeting with the council." Laura sighed and brought a pillow close to her chest. "The meeting didn't go so well," She said with a waver in her voice. Perry rushed over to the bed and sat on the edge, immediately starting to worry about the Queen. "What happened, if you don't mind my asking?" Laura shook her head and started to tell Perry about the mornings events.
When she was finished Perry sat back with a pondering look on her face. "I think Charles should be able to remain a knight, and be able to marry you. William, rest his soul, was able to. So why can't he? I realize it's the law, but laws can be changed, especially when times change." Laura nodded in agreement. "Things don't work that way though. What am I going to do Perry? I love him, and I don't think he's going to accept." Perry's eyes softened, and she brought her hand to Laura's cheek, wiping away any stray tears, much like a mother would do to a child. "I know you do. I also know that Charles cares about you a great deal. He guards himself very well when it comes to his emotions, but I'm very good at reading people. That man has been head over heels for you since you met." That made Laura break down more. "I don't think that's entirely true Perry. He hasn't told me he loves me." There was a pause. "Yet," Perry said after a while. "He hasn't said it yet."
"And he never will if he says no! He even asked me what if I would forgive him if he refused to marry me," Laura mumbled as she buried her face into her pillow. Perry stroked her hair softly. "Have faith, dear. If what I know about Charles is right… he'll be yours."
Laura found herself hoping that what Perry was saying was true, but she had her doubts.
The next morning Laura woke up alone in her bed again. Carmilla was already up and dressed in not her armor but her formal clothes that she had worn at Laura's birthday party. She was sitting on the foot of Laura's bed, just staring at the door. When she heard the change in Laura's breathing, going from deep and peaceful, to quicker and alert, she turned around. "Oh good, you're up. The council will be here any minute, Perry just informed me." Laura nodded but stayed silent.
The night before Carmilla had come into the room and saw Laura's tear stained cheeks but said nothing. That didn't stop Laura from noticing the way Carmilla had watched her like a hawk until she fell asleep. She was probably watching to see if she would break again, so she could swoop in and pick up the pieces as she always did. She didn't think any less of Carmilla because of all this, she just found herself being a little disappointed. She told her that she didn't mind if she didn't say it back, but now she wished that Carmilla would. She wanted to hear those three words more than anything. After yesterday, she'd give anything to hear them.
Once she got dressed in her royal attire, the two of them walked to the throne room in silence. When they opened the doors, they saw the council there waiting. Perry must've brought them seats to sit in because there was chairs placed next to the throne. "I see you brought a guest," Catherine said. "This is… Charles. He wished to speak with you himself." She raised a brow. "Oh? Well, I'm all ears, knight."
"Laura, would you please sit?" Carmilla asked, making sure to avoid all pet names. Laura stared at her for a long moment before she walked over to her throne and took a seat. "What is it you want to tell us, Charles?"
"The proposal was a lie. Laura and I are not engaged. She merely felt sorry for the poor prince, and she declined his offer." There was gasps. Laura's eyes were wide. She couldn't believe what Carmilla had done. Did she… did she just say no? She thought as her eyes began to tear up. It took all her strength to make sure she didn't fall apart in front of the Queen's council. "So you have no interest in marrying the Queen? She lied and put you in a tricky situation is what you're telling?"
"She lied but not to put me in a difficult spot. I came here to ask you for a deal."
"A deal?" Catherine asked, seeming to be annoyed now. "Yes. You see… I told on Laura not out of spite but because I wanted to do this the right way."
"Oh just get on with it, knight!" One of the older men snapped. "I want to marry Laura. I will give up my life as a knight right here and now. I will resign from the Queen's Guard, which should make me just a wealthy nobleman. All I ask is for you to allow me to continue protecting Laura." Laura covered her mouth. She was proposing to her?
Catherine's mouth twitched. "You're really willing to give up all that up for the Queen?" Carmilla nodded. "Yes, I am."
"So you love her?" She asked. Laura watched nervously, her heart beating quickly. What was she going to say? It was like time had slowed down to an agonizing slow speed. Everything was moving in slow motion. Carmilla seemed to be thinking about how to answer. Please… Laura pleaded in her mind.
"Yes, I do, and I want her to be mine. I am willing to give up what I need to to do so." Catherine leaned back in her seat. She seemed impressed by her answer. "You know, I used to believe you'd be a terrible king. A rogue knight with a mysterious background? Those traits are unheard of in a king. But you, Charles, have proven a strong loyalty to the Queen. It's unlike anything I've witnessed. You remind me of my grandson." Carmilla bowed her head. "Thank you."
"But before we can advance in all of this… Laura. You must strip Charles of his knight duties." Laura quickly straightened herself up in her seat. "I-I, the Queen, hereby remove you from the Queen's Guard. You will no longer serve in my army and with my knights. You will no longer train with them."
"Now that Charles is a noble and nothing more… we need a proposal." Carmilla's eyes widened. She didn't even have a ring. She decided to ignore that small detail. She approached the throne, lowered herself on one knee and placed her hand on her chest. "Queen Laura, would you do me the honor… of being my bride?" Laura covered her mouth as if she was in disbelief. "I-I will," She replied, trying to keep back her tears. Catherine's look softened, and she gave the two a smile. "I accept your deal. The council finds the engagement acceptable and have no further objections. You may be the Queen's protector, but you won't be doing it as a knight. From now on, you will live as a nobleman, dress like a nobleman, and act like one. We're now done here." All of the council members rose from their seats. "I hope I'll get to have great-great grandchildren." She smiled at Laura and led everyone out of the throne room.
Carmilla rose off of her knee, and Laura flung herself towards her, wrapping her arms around her in a tight embrace. "I was so scared I was going to lose you," She sobbed into her shoulder. Carmilla hesitantly wrapped her arms around her, bringing her close. "I wouldn't be going anywhere, Princess. I'm sorry I don't have a ring for you though."
"Oh, to hell with the ring," Laura replied before kissing her now-fiance passionately.
"Are you sure that's possible?" William asked. "Oh yes, I've seen it," The witch replied. "I couldn't believe it either, but I've seen it. It will happen… which is why I need you."
"I can't go back into that kingdom. Everyone thinks I'm dead." The witch smirked. "Oh, but you will. Give it time, and you can have your revenge on my daughter."
"You'll get your revenge too," He replied, walking over to her and wrapping an arm around her waist. "Hm… yes. Once I take everything from her... then I will be satisfied." They both chuckled. "So what is our plan?" William asked as he brushed his lips against the side of her neck. The woman closed her eyes and ran a hand through his dark hair.
"We wait, love. We wait."