The Lover's Cost

Death's Crown

"Don't be nervous. First time for everything," Cassius hummed. He stroked the queen's cheek. "You look entrancing."

His comment made Heather's stomach churn, but she could not disagree. Her mistress's long, dark hair had been weaved into a partial updo, side swept braids encircling an elaborate headpiece. Its black and silver filigree formed a crown, and the lower portion acted as a fillet, decorating her forehead.

That sight nearly made Heather drool. The doll's slender figure was perfectly veiled by her regal robe, and the merged key trailed behind her, swishing like six tails. Beautiful woman aside, Heather was unsure of why she was called here. Within the private quarters of the now completed palace, she had simply been watching the dark mage and Sulfeeran discuss the rapidly approaching coronation.

Several days had passed in which Heather had hardly seen her mistress. Yet here they were, residing in the dark, regal depths of the palace. Black, used to represent the queen's wings and magic, coated the walls, floors, and most furnishings. Red accents accompanied the darkness, as did some silver.

In the confines of such an elaborate structure, built of the aches and strains of fearful servants, Heather felt a rush of power – one she deserved. Leon's rank of noble mage mattered not with Heather seated beside the queen of the universe. She looked over to the witch. Just as she had promised, she was setting things right.

"Heather," Violet began. She turned to her student, eyes fixed on her.

The young mage jolted, a tad intimidated by the doll's beauty. "Yes?"

"The coronation will begin shortly. I want you beside me."

"Beside you?" Heather gulped. "In front of all the deities of the universe?" Her lungs shriveled when she thought of the countless divine eyes on her. Every deity was ordered to attend the coronation, and every mortal was to view it via a spell similar to the screen that Jewel had used not long ago.

"Why not?" The witch tilted her head. "You're my protégé, aren't you?"

"Well...yeah, but..."

"Everything you've done means a lot to me. I want you beside me," the reaper repeated.

Heather shook off her anxiety. She couldn't chicken out now, not when the power and fame she had always craved awaited. She nodded. "I'd be honored, Mistress."

A small smile colored Violet's face. She glanced to Cassius. "You too," she said.

Biting back the groan proved difficult. Heather wasn't surprised, though, and even less so when Cassius agreed. She was, however, pleasantly shocked to hear the reaper's next order. "After the coronation, Cassius, I want you to turn Aldous back."

Cassius's eyes widened and Heather's brightened. It had felt like decades since the Zeridian was able to hug her or hold things or show himself. Despite a week having passed since the previous mention of Aldous's condition, Heather was happy to finally have it done.

The Sulfeeran paused briefly before bowing his head. "Understood, your majesty."

Heather's bottled up emotions burst out of her mouth. "What're you gonna do now, hotshot!?" She forcefully poked the advisor's chest, an action which Violet frowned at. "You aren't gonna disobey the queen!"

"And neither will you," Violet hissed. "Be civil."

Heather opened her mouth to protest, then quickly shut it.