#56 Clothes

(again set in the Fairy-tale Alternate Universe established in drabble #37 Cave)

The hermit king sat awkwardly in his throne, not used to the grand chair, he far preferred his comfortable armchair, hidden away in one of the corner towers of his fine castle, alas if he wished to relieve his people's terror of the wicked Wizard Kira who tormented his lands, he would have to make such an appearance.

The wizard was relentless, first he had slain only men who were to be imprisoned… then he had begun killing the rich men and women of the land, with declarations that they were the ones who caused the poor people pain and suffering. And because this madman could not be caught, many were choosing to flee.

The king was only lucky the people of the court already thought him strange, and did not question his decision to hold a masquerade ball during this time of unease.

Calmly, he turned and surveyed the knights of the realm, the men whom he had taken into his deepest confidence, and allowed to see his face. One in particular, he lingered upon, Sir Yagami.

"Where is your son, Soichiro?" King L asked lowly, his eyes fixed on the dancing lords and ladies before him.

Soichiro shifted, "I didn't think he should have to stand guard here sir, he's a young and noble man, the ladies of the court desired him to dance with them."

King L nodded, making calculations in his mind.

With the sudden appearance of a second Kira, whom many were referring to as Kira's apprentice, it would not have been wise for the young Light Yagami to be too caring for one particular maiden. He was under deepest suspicion… if a woman appeared who might be so enamoured as to kill for him…

"Your majesty?"

L jerked, his eyes awakening behind his colourful mask. It was Sir Matsuda who had interrupted his thoughts. A young man who had gained his noble place more though dumb luck than through actually having any valour in his heart.

"Yes?" The king snapped irritably. This ball was supposed to bring Light's true colours to the surface, or at least tell the king if his suspicions were true, but the boy seemed to have vanished in the crowd of colours and lights.

"Your Majesty, Light is over there, see?" He pointed one gloved hand to a distant place on the dance floor, and sure enough, there was the young squire.

But it was not the young man who held the king's eye. It was the woman.

Her hair was as golden and long as the sunrise, tied upon her head with the reddest roses, but they could not hope to match the reddness of her lips. Her lips, forming a perfect lovers bow, which even now smiled up at the squire.

She wore all black, but no-one could believe she was in mourning, so delicately and daintily the lace of her gown highlighted her young and fragile body, stark against her snow-white skin. L regretted instantly calling a masquerade ball, for he would have given his kingdom to see her eyes.

Without a word he rose, and slowly shuffled across the floor, the dancers parting out of curiosity and respect for their king.

Finally, he came upon the handsome couple, Squire Light Yagami and this mystery woman. Light instantly bowed his head slightly, though L could see in his eyes he meant none of the false respect he showed.

"Your majesty." He said softly.

L nodded briefly, his eyes fixed on the lady. "I was hoping, Light, that I might be so rude as to steal your partner." Without waiting for the young man to speak, the king seized the young woman's hands. "May I have this dance?"

She gasped, glancing to Light, but clearly saw no help there, and forced a smile.

"If my king insists." She squeaked. Her voice was like angels harps.

L grinned in a slightly manic way. "I do." He nodded across the room to the musicians, who had paused to watch this odd display, and they began to play once more.

As they danced, alone on the floor, L whispered, "I know who you are now."

The woman's footing slipped slightly, but she recovered well. "Do you now, my king?"

"Yes… you are in mourning. I know this from the locket you wear, it contains a lock of hair, as blonde as your own, I take it you have lost a family member recently."

She nodded. "Anyone could tell you I am in mourning from my gown. Black does not suit those who don't weep for their loved ones."

"On the contrary, I believe you carry it most successfully." He replied, bringing her closer. "Your great beauty tells me you are of noble birth."

"Yes." She answered. "You are indeed as clever as they say. But you could have surmised that too, from my gown, it's hardly cheap."

The king shrugged smoothly, "I suppose. But here is something that I have surmised on my own, without the help of your magnificent dress."

She smiled sweetly. "Do tell me, my king."

With a confidence stride, the king stepped back from this young woman, "You are the mysterious Princess Misa of my neighbouring kingdom, and what is more…" here; he lowered his eyes with a sadness he could not hide. "I fear you are Kira's apprentice."

Misa squeaked in horror as the crowd gasped, and the knights came running to apprehend the girl.

Light ran forwards and grasped the King's shoulder; "Surely you're mistaken! Misa is no wicked woman, you can't subject her to this!"

L answered in a whisper, just low enough for Light alone to hear.

"Were she not in love with you, I would do my utmost to see her freed." He sighed. "Sadly, she loves you, I can see that… and while she loves you, I fear she will never wear anything but black."

====NOTICE===

The last five chapters of this Drabble Challenge are as yet without titles!

I've decided to hold a contest to fill them in.

Anyone whom wishes to enter may submit either a piece of artwork or writing.

The art must be of something (an event or OC) from either of the two drabble challenges I've written.

Written submissions must be either continuations of drabbles or involve an OC from the drabble challenges

The winners will be given the chance to choose the title and is they so wish, pairing/events of the final five drabbles to this collection.

I will keep posting this notice until chapter 95 just to make sure newcomers to the fiction see it.

Please send the submissions to me in a PM with the header 'Contest submission' or email me at the address in my author profile.

Good luck! : ) -Esk