Mirrored Shadows

The Dragon belt

  Hardcoat had sunk into the dense dark of Hell. Monika stood leaned against the door of her room, listening to courtiers as they were retreating to their rooms and the voices dying out. She waited. Her body was shivering. Someone knocked on the door and she moved back, letting Mira in.

- Are you ready?

  Monika nodded.

- Don't be so nervous, everything will be alright.

- I know, it's just... A lot of things depend on my success in this, Mira... I have a boy...

  Mira looked at her with a sincere sympathy.

- A son?

- No but... I'm all he has... And he is all I have.

- I understand. Whatever is that you did to end up here is hardly enough for this kind of punishment...

- My worry will kill me if I stay here another day...

  The woman smiled friendly.

- Don't worry, the queen will set you free. She told me she's very satisfied with you. You will be rewarded. You'll see your boy again.

 Her words comforted Monika and she thanked her for that.

- Have you ever thought about leaving this place, Mira? You are a human, like me.

  Mira looked down.

- I am happy near my queen. With her, Heaven is anywhere for me, even in Hell.

- She is lucky to have you. I hope she's aware of that.

  The woman said nothing. She looked at the clock.

- Come on, it is time. Don't let the countess wait.

  Monika put on a cloak and walked out into the hallway. Everything was quiet and empty. Like a shadow she climbed the marble stairs. Here and there she looked around, making sure that no one is following her. A long line of stained glass windows tossed their reflections over the floor.

  Taking a turn into one dark hallway, someone ran towards her and she almost crashed into them.

- Camelback? - she recognized his silhouette. - What's going on, why are you here?

- Camelback wants to warn. Camelback heard the talk with the queen. Friend must be careful.

- Don't worry, my friend, everything will be alright. After this, the queen will set me free, and I'll take you with me.

  He didn't seem happy.

- The queen tricky... Shifty like the moon... Queen lie a lot... She punishing, never rewarding...

  A sudden restlessness crawled under her skin. Until that point she did not consider the possibility that the queen could be lying.

- Thanks for the warning, my friend. Don't worry. Go now before they see you.

  He lowered his head and limped away. Monika moved on. She reached the nobles part of the castle. At the bottom of a curvy hallway stood the door of the countess's room. After knocking, Ana's melodic voice came from the other side:

- Forward.

  An enchanting perfume tickled Monika's nose upon the entry. She stepped on a soft carpet and dived into a cloud of aromas. It was as if a completely different world opened itself before her eyes.

- In here, girl... - the countess moaned.

  Pushing away several silky curtains, she found Ana passionately swirling in bed with a man. She felt so awkward, that her feet simply turned around and walked back towards the exit, forgetting why she even came here.

- Where are you going, for crying out loud? Come back.

  Monika paused and decided to remain behind the curtains.

- So you came after all. Brave. Did anyone follow you? - the countess spoke without interrupting her fun with the man.

- No one followed me. I was careful.

- I sure hope so. In here, everyone puts their noses and tongues where they don't belong.

- I'll say... - Monika mumbled.

  The curtains opened and the countess came out naked before her. She clapped and her lover got up and put on his clothes, ready to leave. He approached her and started kissing her neck, not wanting to go.

- Countess, you must allow me to visit you again...

  She laughed and pushed him away.

- Sweetheart, why would I eat a fruit I already tasted, when there's so many other fruits in the garden?

  She caressed his cheek and showed him the door. The man almost ran out in tears. He couldn't have been older than 18.

  Ana put on a silky mantle and sat in front of a mirror, allowing Monika to sit next to her.

- Let's get to business. - she said, rubbing oils on her neck. - Have you ever asked yourself from where comes that divine, god-like strength of hers?

- Of course I did... She swings that sword with such a remarkable ease.

  The countess looked at her significantly.

- She has a belt called Dragon belt. An object of immense power. The queen NEVER separates from it. She won hundreds of wars throughout the centuries thanks to it. The belt is made out of scales of the legendary dragon called Valor. The first dragon. Are you familiar with this beast?

- Wasn't he an angel?

- He was. In the final clash between Heaven and Hell it was Valor, the captain of Heaven's royal guard, who charged forward in order to break through the Veil. Barging through a Veil that separates the plains has its consequences. Valor's light was replaced by fire and the beastly appearance.  His sacrifice made a clear path for the rest to come through safely. When they arrived, they found Valor overpowered and killed by demons. His scales were so precious, that the demons even fought among themselves for a piece. Queen's blacksmith claimed the most of it and forged powerful objects for Callisto and Andromeda. No one knows what was made for Andromeda, but Callisto got the Dragon belt.

  The countess got up and walked to a table with wine, filling up a glass. She took a hot coal from the fireplace and put it in. A cloud of smoke jumped towards the ceiling.

- As a proof of your loyalty, I want you to bring that belt to me. Right now.

  She observed Monika's face to catch her immediate reaction. The girl, however, managed to remain perfectly calm.

- Alright. - she said decisively. - It won't be easy, but I'll do it.

   Ana was slightly caught off guard by the swiftness of her decision.

- Darling, are you even aware what I'm asking from you? You could lose your head.

- Yet, I'm here tonight, am I not?

  The countess laughed.

- You are unbelievable! Oh if only all the servants were like you. Well go on then, bring me the queen's belt. And be warned - if you get caught, don't try to shield yourself with my name, for I will deny it all.

  Monika bowed and left her chambers. She did not rush back to the queen. On her way there she kept thinking about what would be the best thing to do. The queen, or the countess? She found herself between two fires. Both held the crown. Both could set her free, or set her ablaze. But the queen now knows that Ana is plotting something. Meaning, she already has an advantage. It seemed safer to be on the side of the obvious winner. But there were also Camelback's words about her.

 With these thoughts, she reached the queen's room and knocked. Mira opened the doors and almost pulled her inside. The queen was impatient. She was sitting in her armchair and anxiously tapping fingers against the table. When Monika arrived, she jumped up.

- Well? Speak.

- The countess wants a token of my loyalty. She wants me to bring your Dragon belt to her, your Highness.

- What!!? - she shouted so loud, that the crystal chandelier ranged for a whole minute afterwards.

  Monika and Mira didn't say a word. They knew well not to speak in this moment. Especially now when there were no more vases for breaking.

  Callisto flew outside on the balcony. The wind slammed the door behind her.

- Where did she go? - Monika whispered.

- She needs to calm down... The Dragon belt is a forbidden subject, for it brings the true strength of her Majesty to a question. Ana obviously knew that, that's why she asked for it. Not only that she provoked the queen with this, but she checkmated her.

- How so?

- Think about it: the queen would rather kill her now for what she asked from her, but she can't because she wouldn't get to know what kind of a plan Ana has against her. Her Majesty must decide now: will she give her precious belt just to find out what the countess is up to, or will she execute her this very night, but lose the loyalty and respect of the entire Hell that sees Ana as a daughter of a hero who saved Hell and their homes. And not just that. If she kills Ana, she will never know if there are others involved in Ana's treason. They could still carry on her plan after her death.

  The queen soon came back and stopped before them, holding a shinny belt, covered in dark scales, with one large black diamond on the buckle. The belt was thick and looked very heavy.

- This place is my territory. The countess can only dream about having an advantage. You will give her the belt as a token of your loyalty and hear everything she has to say about her plan. My men will have her chambers surrounded. Once she's done,  you'll give a sign to my men to barge in, kill the countess and bring my belt back. Is that clear?

- That's brilliant, your Majesty. - Mira admitted.

- Quiet. Well, Monika? Is that clear?

- It will be as you command, your Highness.

  The queen handed over the belt, and Monika reached for it. But she couldn't take it from her hand. Callisto pulled the belt back to herself, and with it Monika as well, looking her into the eyes:

- Watch out. - she whispered ominously. - Tonight, you won't  prove your loyalty to the countess. You will prove it to me.

  Finally, she released the belt, making Monika fly backwards, almost tripping over. Callisto showed her the door without a word. Once she was out and closed the door, she quickly looked around, whispering:

- Camelback? My friend, I need you. Are you here?

  A worn out creature limped from a shadow.

- Camelback always there for friend. Friend so nice to him...

- Listen to me friend, we don't have much time. Tell me, do chambers of countess Ana have a secret entrance? Like the one you used to come into my room?

- It have... Camelback knowing all the secret passages... Camelback remembers them all...

- Good, good. Listen. When I enter her room, wait five minutes, then come inside through the secret entrance.

  Camelback stared at her in complete confusion.

- Can you do that? It is very important.

- Camelback do everything.

- Good. Come on now, the queen's guards will arrive soon. They will surround the countess's chambers.

  Hearing the word ''guards'', the poor thing quickly rushed back into the darkness. ''I hope he manages to do what I asked him to...'', Monika thought while watching him leaving. Once he was gone, she rushed to the countess and burst through the door without knocking:

- You don't have much time, countess!

- What are you babbling about, girl?

- Take the belt. - Monika offered it to her.

  Ana took it and started examining it.

- This is not how I imagined it. I thought it would be more decorated, richer. But it's clearly the real one.

- You must hurry now! The queen has ordered your execution!

- What!? - the countess screamed. - Execution? What have you done you fool!?

- Nothing, I swear! Once she realized that the belt is gone, you were her first suspect!

- By the Nine circles, what am I suppose to do now!?? - she squealed and tossed the belt away like some kind of a bad omen.

- You have to run! Now!

- Run? But... No, no, I... I am respected here, she can't raise her sword at me...

  The clattering of armor came from the hallway.

- I don't think she cares about that anymore, your grace! Save your head!

- Poor me, how can I escape, where??? They are outside the door!

  In that moment, one of the shelves squeaked and slid sideways. Camelback's face appeared behind it.

- Yuck, dear lord! Who are you!? What are you doing in here!?

- Don't worry, countess, I sent him here to show you the secret passage! Only he knows it. That's where your salvation is!

- Ne, I can't...

- For the love of anything you care about, run!

  Panicked, the countess jumped into the secret passage and disappeared in the darkness. Monika quickly closed the shelf behind them and ran to the door. After opening them, she shouted:

- Guards! The countess is running away with the queen's belt! She jumped through the window! After her!

  The guards ran down the hallway to catch the traitor. The entire castle got up and gathered in the hallways, asking what's going on. When the guards were gone, Monika rushed to the queen. She entered her room, panting:

- Your Highness! The countess took your belt and jumped through the window!

- WHAT!?

                                                                                         ***

  The queen was walking in circles in her cabinet. She was furious. Her eyes were red, and the horns seemed sharper than ever. Monika stood before her, looking down. Mira was filling up a glass with wine and, on the queen's command, tasted it first, then handed it over to her. Callisto poured it down her throat and slammed the glass against the desk.

- You are telling me that b***h just jumped out the window, twenty meters above the ground, with the belt in her hands, survived the fall and disappeared? Why do I find it so hard to believe, I wonder?

- She had the belt around her waist, your Highness. - Monika quickly said. - That's how she survived.

 The queen gave it a thought, looking out the window. The ground couldn't even be seen from there.

- Yes... That might have saved her. But how come she had enough time to put the belt on and escape before you called the guards?

- She punched me.

  The queen's lower lip was twitching. She was beyond angry, no matter how hard she tried to appear calm.

- Before she jumped, - Monika continued. - she said she will come back with the belt around her waist and an army at her side. She is planning to attack Hardcoat.

  The queen kicked the desk. Her quills and figurines barely shivered from it. She never looked so weak. The belt wasn't only giving her the physical strength, but also a steel like control over her emotions. Callisto felt fragile and exposed before Monika and Mira. She would never let them see her like this. Remaining tall and serious was her desperate attempt to show them that she's still unbeatable.

- I will find that w***e. I will kill her with my own hands. And when I do so, you better pray that I find the belt with her.

  Monika said nothing.

- Now get out of my sight! Both of you! I don't want to see anyone! OUT!

  The two of them quickly left the cabinet. They could hear her breaking things inside. Mira gently touched the queen's door, as if it was her.

- She will be alright, don't worry... - Monika comforted her. - That's one strong woman.

- Her strength for years was I... Then the belt came. Now the belt is gone. And me, she doesn't even want close.

- I think you are still her strength. I hope she doesn't remember that when it's too late.

  Mira sat down on a sofa next to the door and remained there, faithfully, unconditionally, waiting for the next order. Monika felt sorry for her. She knew far too well what's it like to love a demon, with or without the horns.

                                                                                  ***

  That day, the queen wasn't calling anyone inside her room. She gave no order, nor was she coming outside. All the castle duties were frozen. Hardcoat was filled with leisured courtiers, who wondered around, doing nothing.

  Monika used the current state of the castle to sneak out and visit Camelback in the dungeons. She found him cleaning Aaron's cell. Aaron was hanging on chains, lapsed, exhausted...

- Friend here... visit Camelback!

- Of course, my friend. Thank you for helping me out last night. What's up with Aaron? He looks so weak...

- Cap'n Corfold ordered... Aaron beating and beating...

- That animal!

- Talking about me? - Corfold appeared out of nowhere, leaning against the bars of Aaron's cell. He was biting on an apple with a lot of satisfaction on his face, checking out Monika all dressed up and clean. - Look who came to us. My favorite criminal. I'm waiting for you to return to your cell. I owe you a visit.

  Camelback frowned, releasing a quiet sound similar to roar.

- You have something to say, stud? - Corfold threw away the apple and approached him. Camelback looked down and stepped away. - Go on, scram before I straighten up that back of yours for good.

 He took him by his collar with two fingers and threw him out from Aaron's cell.

- Leave him alone! - Monika shouted. - He is only doing his job, unlike you!

- My job, among other things, is to prevent the intruders to come inside the cells of the prisoners. Does the queen even know you're here, little bird? I could let her know. Unless you're in for a...compromise.

  His hand reached out to land on her waist. She pushed him away.

- Soon, very soon, you'll kneel Corfold. You'll beg me to spare your life. Do you hear me? Remember well these words.

  She stormed out the cell, hitting the captain with her shoulder. He remained to watch as she leaves, entertained by her anger.

                                                                                  ***

 A bit later, Monika knocked on the queen's door. She knew the risk she's taking, but she couldn't wait until the queen finally sets her free now that she has completed her request.

  The queen was lost in reading a gigantic book. Her eyes looked very tired, while the broken stuff were still lying all over the floor in pieces. Seeing all that, Monika regretted coming in. Mira stood near the window. Upon Monika's entry, she sent her a glance that says ''Bad moment''.

- What do you want? - the queen asked, closing the book and pushing it under the desk, as if she doesn't want Monika to see what she's reading. - Can servants enter without a permission? I thought you're familiar with the court decorum.

  She snapped with fingers. Mira turned around and poured wine into a glass, then tried it first as always before giving it to the queen.

  Monika bowed.

- I'm sorry to disturb you, your Majesty. I just wanted to ask you...

  Callisto was looking through some documents on the desk, as if she's not even listening to her.

- I wanted to ask you if our... deal...is still on...

- What are you talking about? - she asked without stopping the work. - Where did I put that darn paper...

  A feeling of unease slowly took over Monika's calm.

- You said... You said if I find out what the countess's is plotting...

  The queen got up and started turning things on the shelves in search for something, making noise that completely repressed Monika's voice.

- ...if I discover the countess's plan...

  She took a large scroll and spread it across the desk. The rustling sound of the parchment filled the room and it didn't stop to twist and seek out its place before it settled down.

- ...that you'll set me free.

  Callisto lowered the parchment and finally looked at her.

- What?

  Monika took a deep breath. She was sweating.

- You said that, if I find out what the countess is plotting, you'll set me free.

  Silence. The queen looked at her for a brief moment, then returned to her business with the parchment.

- I have no idea what you're talking about.

  A wave of chills splashed Monika head to toe, as her mouth slightly opened in shock. Even Mira looked at Callisto in surprise.

- But you said...

- I don't remember saying anything like that.

- You Majesty... - Mira started.

- Silence. The conversation is over. You may both leave. I don't want to see anyone.

  They left. Monika held her forehead. She wasn't feeling well.

- Monika... - Mira whispered, not knowing what to say. - I am so sorry, I...

- It's her. Not you. When will you realize that, Mira? She's a liar!

  The woman sighed. There was no point of denying it. Monika marched down the hallway, angry, played out. She cursed the queen's name on the verge of tears. ''I'm so stupid! I knew it and I fell for it anyway!'', she repeated to herself.

  Piri came her way.

- Monika, where the hell were you? The servants should be in the servants chambers! This is contra decorum!

- Piri... Take your decorum and get out of my way.

  The chancellor pulled out a tissue, cooling himself in dismay.

- The vulgarity! The queen shall be informed about this!

- Yes, go and do that while she's in the mood for the guests. She'll welcome you with her arms wide opened.

  Piri didn't recognize the sarcasm. He looked after her in confusion, as she pushed him away and left to her room, slammed the door and slid down to the floor. ''Bruno... Where is he now?'' She stared forward, imagining his face and wondering if the boy will feel even the slightest joy when he sees her. Maybe he misses her.

  She looked around the room. ''Just you wait, my dear queen... I have an ace up my sleeve too...''