The Dark Witch And Her Knights

36

With my foot raised ready to descend the stairs a hand hooked onto my elbow stopping my retreat. I stared at Gavrial not wanting to look at Carver. Seeing my dilemma he turned into the crowd subtly glaring at The Prince on my arm. The urge to stomp my heels in anger was unbearable.

While nudging me forward down the stairs he whispered in my ear, "What are you and Captian Gavrial planning now, Sable?" I could feel the eyes of the king burning holes into my back- his son's back.

"What, no more formalities, Stale Prince?" He guided me to the dance floor, me trying to pull out of his overbearing grip the entire stretch.

"Talk or I'll kill you where you stand. Better yet, dance- Now." He forced my hands into the predetermined positions for the melody echoing through the chamber. I glowered at him with pure hatred as his hands found places too low on my hips pressing me hard against his chest. I had wanted attention tonight but not the bad kind. Reluctantly I let him lead me to the music finding his footwork steady. I had expected to see him limp for weeks to come.

"You can't kill me here. What do you think your people will make of you?" Step, twirl, step, spin.

"All I have to do is tell them what you are and they'll turn on you quicker than the next cord struck by the orchestra." He avoided fully coiling me out of his arms reach to keep me close- unable to escape him.

"Where is your proof?" I hissed at him.

He scoffed, "Don't make me search you. No doubt you're armed to the teeth with contraband. And if not- I'm The Prince, I don't need proof. Now tell me what is your plan? Is it to kill my Father?"

I bared my teeth at him. "I am many things, but I am not foolish." Our dance twirled us around the floor expertly weaving us through other couples. "The reasons I desire to join court are many."

"To heal royals and the guard who hunt your kind?" A choking guffaw of disbelief escaped him. "Or is it to get the attention of your long-lost brother. It can't be the one you found such displeasure meeting thus you have decided to remain. So what other reasons are there?"

"Was the stag I caught that much of a thorn in your side? Never been beat till a little girl like me came along?" I deflected hoping to appear natural- soon he'd realize I was avoiding all his questions.

"Hardly. Can you even call it winning if you cheated with your witchy-ways?" One of his elegant dark eyebrows arched with curiosity. I glared at him unsatisfied by his perception and lack thereof. I tried stomping on his shiny shoes with my heels.

Narrowly avoiding my sly feet he chuckled and courageously dipped me back according to the moves of the dance. My ankle was meant to hook around his in an alluring sensual way meant for support. "How is that injury, My Prince?" Instead, I brought my leg up too high and kneed him directly where I knew his injury was. His face construed with pain, his teeth gritted, and yet he did not buckle as I had expected he would. "You heal remarkably fast for a mortal."

A murmur came from behind Carver and a hand I recognized tapped his shoulder. For the ring on it was the gold engraved charm I had placed there this morning. The scars layering his flesh and cross-working over his fingers were the scars I stared at every day yearning to know what had caused them.

The Prince turned his head casting a look of impatience and irritation for the disruption. "Ah, Captain Gavrial Hallstead, Witch Hunter Extraordinaire. Or is it keeper now?" Carver appeared outright exasperated by his presence.

Gavrial gave The Prince an artful look in return. His hand reached between Carver and me as he caressed my cheek. My jaw dropped and so did The Prince's. He quickly gathered himself before looking Gavrial straight in the eye, gathering what was truly hidden behind the mask my lover portrayed to the court all these years.

His grip on my hips grew painfully tight. "So, that's what it is."

"I think we should have a conversation in private." Gavrial nodded to the large glass doors. I looked down afraid to see how many eyes were on the three of us.

"Fine," Carver gritted out and pulled me toward the lantern-lit gardens outside. He entwined his fingers through mine ensuring I could not run. Gavrial followed behind us as I prayed to the devil he was not going to tell Carver my secret.

Two guards shut the glass doors as we entered the gardens, The Prince not showing fear in the slightest. Arrogantly he led us deep into the rose hedges far from any onlooking eyes, strong ears, or members of the guard.

Abruptly he stopped turning to face Gavrial pushing me behind him. I was stunned by the protective action. He knew not about me. "What is it you desire to release Lady Sable to me?"

I was shocked enough to gasp.

Gavrial's face turned into pleasant mirth before he broke out in ecstatic amusement. A tear escaped the corner of his eye before he wiped it away and composed himself. "Prince Carver after the heart of a witch?" He chuckled again. "What would the guard full of witch hunters you lead think of you?"

"They need not know." Carver's deep voice echoed around me entirely sincere. My fingers laced with his grew clammy. The world tilted beneath my feet. My free hand went to my head trying to stop the roaring chaos within.

Gavrial barked with uncontained laughter. "If you truly felt anything for her, you wouldn't be so blind. You met her once and you have been completely bewitched by her." He tsked his tung three times. "They will burn her at the stake. They will hang her. They will do worse to you for being a witch lover. The all-mighty Prince who has killed hundreds of her kind. Brought to his knees by one meeting." I tugged on Carver's hand trying to break free causing him to grip back tighter.

"My people would never dare move against me." Gavrials eyes fell to our hands struggling against another. "I will crown her my queen." I froze at The Prince's words- Gavrial froze. His face twisting in anger before he composed himself.

This couldn't be.

This wouldn't be.

Gavrial's face turned up with that all-knowing smile. My heart shuttered. "Little shadow, tell him the truth," he cooed.

I shook my head at him, trying to convey with my eyes, please don't make me tell him. The calm in him warned me of the storm that was about to hit.

"Now!" Gavrial demanded of me.

My bones began to shiver. "No-"

"I don' care," Carver said cutting me off. "Whatever it is- I don't care. She will be my Queen."

Gavrial seethed, "She is already a Queen and does not need a crown from you." Carver's body twitched toward me. Not once has he looked away from Gavrial since he turned on him. His grip seemed to loosen but he was still on guard. "How could you marry your-"