MEADOWS OF THORN

Horror

Soon enough, he was summoned by the Crown Prince.

They were to depart for Eastern Sabria.

The Crown Prince rode within the carriage, while Zachary took to his horse.

He thought he would be able to confess his feelings to the lady upon his return.

Though he did not know he had already pushed her into the pit.

He believed none would dare bully her again, for he had issued his warning.

But he did not know that those who were once ignorant now knew.

The Crown Prince’s hair was longer than that of any man present — it rested at the nape of his neck.

His sharp jaw twitched from time to time. High-bridged nose, eyes like hollow pools of crimson.

Seated in the carriage, bathed in sunlight, he appeared the very image of perfection — ethereal.

Yet every soldier knew his nature was quite the opposite. And still they spoke of the woman he was to meet.

“They say she is beautiful.”

“Indeed, she is.”

“She is not even ladylike. She conducts business. Have you heard the word? They say she bears a disease called—”

“SHUT YOUR MOUTHS and continue marching!” Zachary snapped.

Within the carriage, the Crown Prince held the dossier concerning her. He read until they reached their destination.

From here, the Crown must proceed alone. Soldiers would guard him in secret, but he was to travel in disguise.

She suffered from hysteria and a divided mind what physicians name a split in one’s very self.

The people of her kingdom despised her, though she loved them more dearly than her own life.

The report stated there had been no recent occurrence of such shifts in her person.

It seemed, perhaps, that she would be well now.

When he reached the destination, he beheld the villa. It was beautiful — neither overly grand nor too modest.

A guard stood at the gate, though a maid soon called the visitor within. The guard was young, quiet, and handsome.

At last, he stepped inside, and there he saw her.

A beautiful woman stood before him, clad in a black gown. Her hair lay spread across her shoulders — tresses of red with a golden hue woven through them. Her eyes, blue as the sea, turned to look upon him.

And in that moment, did he feel love at first sight?

Nope, he didn't?

Though he wet his lips, tempted by her beauty, and felt bodily desires stir within him.

She seemed to him as sumptuous prey, and he the predator, sharpening his claws anew, intent to seize the little bird within his grasp.

He moved toward her with swift purpose.

The maids followed behind their lady, curiosity plain upon their faces.

He bowed his head and took her hand in his to pay courtesy.

She regarded him for a long moment before she finally spoke.

“Who might you be?”

He was taken aback for an instant.

“I am come to apply as manager for the business.”

“Oh. So it is you. Forgive my rudeness, but we cannot speak at length. You shall rest on the lower floor. The maid will show you the way.”

She gave the order with quiet authority.

All the maids stood in awe, gazing upon his handsome countenance. Not one of them knew his true nature.

Though they knew it not, horror awaited their mistress.

He was dismissed before he could utter a single word.

He was incensed. Had anyone ever dared treat him so? Of course not — he was a prince.

They had not even asked his name, though he had no intention of granting them his true one.

He scoffed, and was soon escorted away by the maids. Yet Elowen did not so much as look upon his beauty. She was neither awed nor surprised by the handsome man before her.

She lived by a rule: The fairer the man, the greater the danger. None may be trusted.

Would she ever be able to place her trust in him?

Zachary made his way back soon after. He did not know how Linda fared.

After a day of rest, he was drawn to her chamber.

She sat upon the bed. Strangely, her face was pale beneath all her cosmetics. Why she had taken such care to ready herself, he knew not.

Stranger still, there were no attendants about them. She lifted her gaze — black eyes that seemed at once alluring and deadly.

But he did not ask.

She remained seated until he came beside the bed.

She made room for him, her head bowed.

Then—

She began to loosen her robe, but halted, looking up at him. He appeared baffled, shocked, unable to form words.

“My lunar cycle is upon me,” she said. “Though they told me it was unimportant to mention, but…”

After all, it was taboo to speak of a woman’s courses. Women were thought to exist only to sate a man’s desire and to bear heirs.

He stood listening, his eyes widening with her every word.

Of course he had forced himself upon her before, knowing she had been raised in a world as cruel to her as it had been to him.

“But it hurts rather greatly.”

It was severe — so severe she could scarcely sit. She held back her tears, and at last she spoke, though she was certain he would not care. Would he?

Zachary sat down without a word. Nearly every comfort, every apology, seemed to him an excuse he would be making to her.

He settled behind her.

He gathered her into his arms.

He said nothing. He only sat, adjusting her half-discarded dress with care.

At last, he looked upon her face. Her eyes were filled with tears, her sight near blurred.

She was shocked. Terrified.

Hesitating, he drew her head to rest upon his chest and patted her gently, as if to offer comfort. And comfort she did feel, though she whimpered still from the pain in her stomach.

Now her back was pressed to his chest. He caressed her abdomen, as though willing the pain to leave her, but it did not.

He continued until, at last, she drifted into sleep.