Chapter 29: Empire
"So, what is their plan" Max inquires as he "magically" pulls a cookie out from under the blanket.
"Well, Max, they do plan on total destruction of the entire Plutarkian empire" I state as I lift up his blanket and pull the cookie jar out from underneath. But, of course, Max attempts to keep it by wrapping his arms firmly around it.
"So, you're the one raiding the cookie jar..." Franny waddles in and promptly removes the jar from Max's grasp.
"Not fair" Max crosses his arms over his chest and pouts as he looks up at Franny with sorrowful eyes, hoping to get his way.
"Like father, like son. It didn't work for him either" Franny states as she uses the tip of her tail and gives him a gentle tap on the tip of his nose.
"Wow! You must be really old cause my dad is old" Max was not noted for subtlety.
"I may old young man but, I'm still young enough to whoop your tail if you need it" Franny stated before leaving the room with the pilfered cookie jar.
"So, there's going to be lots of explosions" Ryan inquired as he fluffed up several pillows around him and tossed a blanket on top of them.
"Of course there will be" I say to them, their eyes as large as saucers.
"Now then, I believe I was getting ready to discuss what was happening inside the palace. You see, many who were loyal to the family had been locked up in the dungeons. The Queen, herself, was trapped inside her bedroom under Plutarkian guard. And, Lord Camembert and his daughter, Carbine were in the throne room, contemplating their next course of action"
P.O.V.
As Carbine sat down on the throne beside her father, she began to wonder how much longer it was going to take before their soldiers located the Prince. She couldn't wait to finally get married to Throttle and rule the entire kingdom. She felt as though it was nothing more than what she deserved and what her people had earned.
N-n-name in the lights
Livin' royal
Take a look at these
Beautiful diamonds!
She knew that her outward appearance was fake and that she really was a full-blooded Plutarkian. But, there were a few pleasures that she enjoyed from other cultures. One of which was maintaining an elegant and svelte appearance. Number two was making sure to use real soap and water water, which was successful in removing her foul fish odor that was prevalent with her kind.
And they're shining
And we're climbing
To the top of this kingdom
Nobody can stop us!
"Father, how much longer before they locate Throttle?" she questioned as she straightened her back and adjusted her dress. Today she wore a gorgeous, silver, floor-length mermaid charmeuse gown with a one-shoulder neckline accented by cascading ruffles down the opposite side.
"For the time being, my dear, Throttle has vanished" he knew it would only be a matter of time before the young prince would be forced to show himself. It had only been a couple of weeks since the party and the entire kingdom was already under heavy scrutiny by his men.
Any found freedom fighters were either killed or locked up. He knew there were only a few more that remained but, they somehow managed to evade his soldiers. There was only a few left to locate. Gabriel, Lord Stoker, Morgan, and the illustrious Throttle himself.
Oh, oh, oh
If having everything that I want is wrong
I don't wanna be right
"Daddy, I want him found immediately" she complained as she turned to look at her father and slam her fist down on the arm of the chair.
"Patience is a virtue. Luckily, I know where Charley is at and you brother is taking his orders much better than you are" he stated as he placed a hand over the top of her fist and gave it a very hard squeeze, causing her to jump a little with discomfort.
"Remember your place" he growled as he gave a hand gesture to one of his guards to bring the Queen in the throne room.
"As if you would ever let me forget it" she grumbled as she slumped down into the chair, not caring who saw her.
Oh, oh, oh
Sitting high on my throne
In control
This is some kind of life!
"What is it going to be now? The stockade or the whipping post? Particularly I don't care which one you choose" Melisande was the epitome of royalty and refinement as she held her back straight even in the face of defeat.
"Where would your son go?" Camembert inquired as he stood up from the chair and came to stand in front of the Queen.
"Having problems locating one little mouse? Really? I surprised" she remained stoic and sarcastic as she stared the Plutarkian lord in the eyes.
Empire, empire!
Reign over everything
Take over everything!
Lord Camembert found it rather preposterous that Melisande could still be so regal even with her kingdom under his control. Well, most of her kingdom was under control. There were still a few civilians who went into hiding as soon as his men invaded. Unlike many others of her species, she showed no signs of being afraid of him or being repulsed by his pungent odor.
Empire, empire!
Reign over everything
Take over everything!
Then again, when Charley was a slave at the compound, she had proven herself to be just as feisty and strong-willed as the Queen. His main soldier there informed him on many occasions that he was having a hard time controlling her and that several of his guards had suffered injuries from her attacks.
It was Lord Camembert's last order to him that as long as she stayed alive, he could do anything he wanted to with her. Even humiliate her by desecrating her body.
He followed Camembert's orders and, unfortunately, the compound was attacked and destroyed. Throttle ended up with Charley at the palace which was suppose to make his life a lot easier. But, his foolish daughter made other plans without discussing them over with him.
Take over the world
You and I together
Nobody can stop us, stop us,
Building our
Melisande stared at the Plutarkian who had been her false husband for over twenty years and wondered how many different ways she could to destroy him if given the opportunity. Cocking her head to one side, she raised an eyebrow and and crossed her arms over her chest. She had just about had enough of his constant badgering of her for information that he already knew she wasn't going to give him.
"Still being haughty? I'm surprised the isolation hasn't broken you yet. Starving you wouldn't do the trick because I still need you alive for the time being. Now, any ideas as to how I should take care of you?" Lord Camembert inquired as he toddled around the Queen, trying to figure out how to get her attention.
Empire, empire!
Reign over everything
Take over everything!
"There's nothing you can say or do to make me betray my people. You disgust me and I'm disgusted by your pathetic behavior"Melisande lifted her chin higher as to prove to Lord Camembert that she was more than prepared to do battle with him. Even if it was a battle of wills.
"You stupid bitch! I don't think you realize the situation you've found yourself in"he stated as he stood behind her, her back straight and rigid with long silvery blond hair hanging down. Bringing his hand up to her shoulder, he felt a small shudder course through her body. He drug his hand from her shoulder to the nape of her neck and wrapped her hair around his hand.
Empire, empire
Building us an empire, yeah, yeah
Empire, empire
Building us an empire, yeah, yeah
"No, you don't seem to realize that I'm fed up to here with you! So go ahead and shoot me, you miserable little worm. But, I promise you that you will not survive too much longer" she tried to remain as calm as possible so he would think that she wasn't afraid of him. Truth be told, she was more than a little frightened as she felt the slight dug on her mane. She wasn't sure as to what the Plutarkian lord had in store for her but, whatever it was she wanted no parts of it.
All I want is everything
Cause we're kings and queens
Why pretend to be anything less
I'm a goddess!
"I doubt that very much" Camembert stated as he tightened his grip on her hair and forcefully drug her down to the floor, her face mere inches from the cool marble.
"You bloody bastard!" Melisande spat as she attempted to rise but stopped midway when she noticed he had a pair of scissors in his hand. She was about to questions where they came from but saw that the false Princess was standing beside her father. Melisande could only assume that the wretch had given them to him.
Don't be modest,
When we run this kingdom
It's gonna be monstrous!
"That I am" he growled as he used the scissors and chopped her locks off to her shoulders, the silvery tendrils falling to the floor in front of her.
"If you think the loss of my hair is major thing, then think again" she knew it would only be a matter of time before her hair grew back to the length that it was. She felt ill to her stomach as each piece of hair fell to the floor.
"Trust me, it's not your hair that will make you suffer" he said as he grabbed one of her antenna and laid the blade of the scissors against it.
"You wouldn't dare!" Melisande attempted to struggle but the guards came up beside her and held her down.
"Where is Throttle and the rest of the Freedom Fighters?" Lord Camembert demanded as he kept her firm hold on her antenna.
"Go to hell! I'll never tell you!" Melisande knew the risk of losing her antenna but, the risk of giving out such delicate information was worth the loss.
Oh, oh, oh
If having everything that I want is wrong
I don't wanna be right!
Oh, oh, oh
"Fine then. Have it your way" his snide remark came across beyond cold as he sliced off one of the Queen's antenna right next to her scalp, her warm blood covering his hand and dripping into her hair. He enjoyed the sounds of her screams as she attempted to remove herself from the situation.
Melisande had felt the pain of giving birth but, that was nothing as compared to what she was feeling. Her hot tears streamed down her face and splashed onto the floor as her screams of agony filled the castle walls. The warmth of her blood started coating her hair as she shivered from the pain.
Sitting high on my throne
In control
This is some kind of life!
"Are you so sure that you're not going to tell me?" Lord Camembert inquired as he placed the scissor blades against the other antenna. He could hear her sorrow as shook violently from the shock of pain that coursed through her body. He watched as she raised her head to look him in the eyes. Rage filling their liquid depths.
"Never. I'll never tell you" Melisande used every once of strength and willpower to not think about the torture she was being put through. She knew she had to remain strong for her people.
Empire, empire!
Reign over everything
Take over everything!
There were no more tears. What seemed to have taken their place was an even larger building resentment toward Lord Camembert. She disliked the Plutarkians for their actions but, had never hated them. Lord Camembert topped all of their deplorable actions with his own perverse form of torture.
"Fine. I guess you're going to pay the price for their behavior" he said as he sliced through her other bright red antenna, relishing the sounds of her tortured squealing. He knew her screams were loud enough to reach the ears of her people and, with any luck, the last of the rebels
Empire, empire!
Reign over everything
Take over everything!
"Take her away back to her chamber. Let this marinate in that stubborn brain of yours for a while" Lord Camembert stated as he tossed her other antenna onto the floor with her hair before grabbing her by her throat and lift her lithe form up from the floor. He watched as her hands and fingers struggled to break free all the while she was gasping for air.
Melisande clawed at his strong hand as he continued to tighten his grip on her before suddenly releasing, allowing her to fall to the floor. She coughed and gasped for air as she rubbed her sore neck. She knew this type of torture. It was sadistic and he got a rush out of severely torturing others to feed his desire.
Take over the world
You and I together
Nobody can stop us, stop us
Building our
She felt one of the guards hands on her arm but, she swatted it away from her. She wasn't about to lose her grace over anything. She refused to bow down to him or anyone else.
Shakily, she stood up. Proud. Refusing to shed a tear in front of him and his demonic child. Straightening her back to him, she steadily walked back to her bedroom with blood trickling down her hair. The guards stayed right beside her all the way until they locked her back up.
Empire, empire!
Reign over everything
Take over everything!
"Father, you should have let me have at her. After all, she's the one who had me locked in the dungeon that night" the fake Carbine said as she came to stand beside her father and watched as the Queen graciously divorced herself from the room.
"No, my dear. You will have the pleasure of tearing her son apart after you get pregnant with his child" Lord Camembert stated as he walked back to the massive chair and plopped himself down on the soft cushions.
"Father! Am I to assume that you want me to be intimate with Prince Throttle. A mouse! No way. Disgusting! I refuse" she grumbled in protest as she sat down in the chair beside him.
"How else are we suppose to secure your future as well as our own empire if you are unwilling to take risks?" he said as he looked over at his daughter, who was still disguised as a mouse.
Empire, empire
Building us an empire, yeah, yeah
Empire, empire
Building us an empire, yeah, yeah
"I thought I was just going to have to marry him. I didn't realize that I was going to have to sleep with him as well" she was disgusted by the mere thought of having to touch Throttle in such a way.
"This is not open for negotiations. You will do as you are instructed. There have been many females that I have had to bed over the years. Only a few were actually enjoyable. I don't expect you to enjoy Throttle but, I do expect you to carry his offspring" Lord Camembert made the order ring loud and clear in his daughter's ears.
"I understand, Father" she finally relented, understanding her father's plans for the future. Even if she didn't like the idea of mating with Throttle.
"I'm so glad that you finally came to your senses. Now, all we need is for your brother to fulfill his end and everything will be perfect" Lord Camembert couldn't wait to get total control of not one but two kingdoms by using his offspring to do his bidding.
We just want the power
The money and the power
Take it if we got a lot of
Got the world towers
After Melisande was locked back up in her bedroom, she placed a hand over her mouth to cover the sound of her tears and to help hold back the bile that was building up in her throat. Sinking to the floor, she swallowed the bile in her throat, shaking her head. The tears were already starting. She didn't know what she was going to do. She couldn't help the emotion that was tearing her up on the inside.
Placing a hand on the side of her head, she felt the room begin to spin. This was unfortunately one of the side effects of having the antenna removed.
We just want the power
The money and the power
Stepping on you cowards
We got the world towers
Her breathing became harsh as she crawled across the floor on her hands and knees, leaving a trail of blood. She made her way over to her vanity and painfully pulled herself up to sit down on her chair. Looking at her butchered hair that was now heavily streaked with blood, she wondered how she was going to be able to patch herself up.
Pulling open one of the draws, she found several cotton rounds and, with shaking hands, did the best she could on patching up her butchered antenna. The blood felt sticky as she firmly pressed the rounds to her head. Looking in another draw, she found several wide ribbons and used them to tie down the cotton rounds in an effort to control the bleeding.
After getting the cotton rounds tied down with her hair ribbon, Melisande slid back down onto the floor and did the best she could to maneuver around her bedroom. She knew that she had to find a way out of the castle to save her people.
Empire, empire
Reign over everything
Take over everything!
But, how was she going to do that if she couldn't even stand up or see straight.
Quickly, she turned her head when she heard some stones grinding together. She crawled as swiftly as she could to the opposite side of the bed and laid down on her side, hoping that it wasn't another Plutarkian come to torment her.
She was shaking as she heard a set of footsteps make their way over to where she was. Looking over at the end of the bed, she couldn't make out the identity of who was there but, she knew by their shape that they were mice.
Empire, empire
Reign over everything
Take over everything!
"Melisande" she heard Gabriel's voice whisper as he knelt beside her.
"Gabe" Melisande murmured as she reached for him.
"It's alright. I'm here" Gabriel wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his embrace.
"They took them. They cut off my antenna" Melisande cried into his shoulder as she wrapped her arms around him.
"I'm going to get you out of here" Gabriel said as he lifted the Queen up into his arms and held her close, paying close attention to the amount of noise he made so as to not alert the guards on the other side of the door.
Take over the world
You and I together
Nobody can stop us, stop us
Building our,
Gabriel growled softly at the thought that he hadn't been there to protect Melisande from Lord Camembert's wrath. She had paid the price for her silence with being handicapped for the rest of her life. If they all lived through this and removed the Plutarkian presence from the city, he vowed that he would spend the rest of his life taking care of the Queen.
Empire, empire
Reign over everything
Take over everything!
Empire!
"Hurry up lad" Franny stated as she ushered Gabriel and Melisande through the opening before closing the door behind them.
I know it has been a while since I wrote in this story and I kind of had to go to the dark side to do so. Don't worry, I only went there for the cookies. Special shout out to Yankee71 and DinoDragonMaster.
My dad is doing a bit better. He had a stroke back in January and had to be hospitalized for several weeks. While he was there, he had to have a perforated ulcer patched up in his stomach and half of his large intestine removed (he was using a lot of BC/Goody headache powders to deal with pain... Obtaining ulcers is one of the side effects if you take them for too long of a period). He just got home from rehab a little over a week ago and is continuing his rehabilitation at home. He is also dealing with partial paralyses on the right side of his body. He's determined to get better even if it means he has to use a walker for the rest of his life.
Lots of CYBER HUGS to all readers and reviewers.