Despicable brides
1322 Words
KING ATTICUS'S POV
"Don't you dare embarass me by failing the simple questions." I warn my future queens in a stern voice. I had specifically asked the council to set the easiest questions for them since they are not from our kingdom and they are unfamiliar with our customs.
"We promise to answer them as best as we can, your highness," they assure with bright smiles.
"I wish you the best of luck then." I say, just as one of the council women approaches.
“Come with me, my ladies. Your seats are ready,” she invites, gesturing towards the ornate thrones at the front of the room.They flash me flattering smile before following. I head for my seat behind the long line of councilmen.
It's clear that they are all enamored by my brides physical beauty. All they need is to pass this test and they will become my treasured wives and queens of this kingdom.
One of the council members rises from his seat. "The council would like to know if you're comfortable and ready to begin the test, my ladies." He inquires in a gentle voice.
They look at each other, then nod in unison.
“Sir Reynolds will begin with the first question,” he announces before returning to his seat.
Another rises and my anxiety tightens it's hold on my mind as he posses the first question to my brides.
“Of all the daughters of the land, why have you two been chosen by your Emporer?”
The question is quite simple and straightforward, and I feel a wave of optimism. Surely they will impress us all.
"Our father has served emperor Caspian all his life. I deeply believe the emperor noticed his great loyalty, it runs in our blood." Penelope answers confidently.
Though not the eloquent answer I had hoped for, it’s still commendable. Several council members nod in approval, and my brides proudly smiles as they observes our delighted faces.
"What about now? Who are you loyal to?” Sir Reynolds presses.
"Um… our loyalty changed as soon as we learned we could become queens here. We’re now loyal to you,” Aileen replies.
Oh hell! Did she throw away her brain before coming here? Loyalty is expected from even the poorest of our servants, not just privileged royals. I notice most of my councilmen openly frowning at the her utter stupidity. But my future queen surprisingly keeps on smiling.
That’s already one question they’ve failed.
Sir Reynolds sits and a third member of the council stands to deliver the second question. "My ladies, you realize you are now humans among the mermaids, were an issue to arise between us and your kind, which side will you take?"
“I’m sure they’ll answer this one,” Lahore encourages as the room falls silent, all eyes on my brides.
Penelope's smile broadens and she confidently flips her hair before answering. "The humans never considered making us their queens, I guess you are the better side."
The council members exchange disapproving glances, and I can’t help but sigh in frustration. How can she not realize how ridiculous and stupid that sounds? Did my brother truly consider anything beyond their looks before introducing them to me?
Another member of the council rises and I prepare my mind to hear yet another stupid answer.
"Now that you have seen our mermaid kingdom would you point out what flaws you have observed as one about to become the queen of the land?"
Penelope replies, “Well, royals here don’t seem to get the respect they deserve. You question us like servants.”
"Are not queens answerable to those they are meant to rule where you come from?" the councilman questions his frown deepening.
"Then they wouldn't be queens." She insists and a wave of incredulous murmurs ripple through the room. This is beyond mortifying.
The same member of the council remains on his feet and poses another question.
"And what good tidings do you bring to our kingdom, my ladies?"
Penelope beams as she answers, "I believe we are the greatest opportunity you mermaids shall ever have. Think of all the secrets we know of humankind, every weakness of our Kind, that's why we are rare jewel to your kind."
“I think you should reconsider this marriage agreement,” Lahore suggests as the oldest of the councilmen rises and all eyes turn to him.
"My ladies, what do you expect from the mermaids you are meant to reign over?"
"They must afford us the honour we deserve and indulge us with luxury worthy of our royal status." Aileen replies with a bright smile, completely oblivious to the discontent in the room.
“And what should we expect in return for this indulgence?” I can’t help but ask, and the council members nod in agreement.
"You should take pride in having glorious and magnificent queens like us, what more would you wish for my king?"
My hands clench into fists under the table as I listen to them speak nonsense. It’s infuriating! "Maybe less selfish sensible queens," I respond.
It’s completely clear that my beloved brides aren’t capable of offering any thoughtful answers and they are the dumbest and most selfish of all women.
AGATHA'S POV
Wounds don't hurt much when they are fresh, wait a few hours and that pain literally multiplies. It becomes unbearable!
I am laying on a cold floor, every muscle and bone hurts. I am also so thirsty. My legs feel as if they have been frozen from being in contact with the cold floor. I already tried kneeling and there is simply no posture that is comfortable when my back wounds hurts so bad.
I have already spent one night here and since no one has come back yet.
If I stay in here another night without food, water or warmth I will go crazy. I really hope that a miracle will happen and the king will have me released.
I wouldn't be here if I had not chose to hit my stepsisters. But I feel like a hero now that I conquered my fear and served them what they deserved.
I decide to lay flat on my abdomen for a while so that I can ease the pressure on my back and legs. I few minutes pass and my stomach and chest starts getting numb as well.
I hear the sound of footsteps and the unmistakable click of the lock unlocking. The door swings open and a little light bounces in.
"You have three minutes." I hear a rough male guards voice order before Lirith appears at the door.
She steps into the small cell, her eyes wide with concern.
“Agatha!” she exclaims, rushing to my side side. Without hesitation, she kneels beside me and envelopes me in a warm embrace. “I’m so sorry."
I winch as Lirith’s arms wraps around my aching back. “It’s not your fault,” I reply, pulling away gently to ease the pressure on my wounds.
Lirith looks at me with sympathy. “I can’t believe the king believed what those liars said.”
She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a crumbled piece of bread. “I brought you something to eat,” she says softly. “It’s not much, I couldn’t carry more since the king ordered that you should not be fed until you learn your lesson.”
I take it gratefully from her hands. “Thank you,” I murmur, taking a small bite.
As I chew, Lirith sits beside me, "Adrian was released,” she says quietly. “He sent me to tell you he’ll talk to the king about what you discussed. He’s sure he can convince him to let you go.”
I swallow another bite of bread. " Help me escape this place. I can’t stay here anymore."
Her eyes widen in shock.
- Writer
