Page 12 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens
“She is a royal!” The stranger did not bother keeping his voice quiet anymore. “They will come for all of us, brother.”
I spun around in hopes of finding something heavy or sharp, but saw nothing handy.I will die here.
The door creaked and I staggered backwards, hitting the big windows hidden behind the black curtains. The light from the hallway lit up the room as the silhouette of a man showed up at the threshold. The man was holding a goblet in his hand, as he smirked down at me.
“You must be hungry, Your Highness,” Francis said sweetly, taking a step forward.
A thundering howl broke through me, ringing in my ears. That nightmare corrupted my soul, making its slow way towards my heart.This is not real.
Wake up, Cordelia! Wake up!
My voice snapped like a tree during a hurricane. My throat was cut by dozens of needles and was left to bleed dry.
“Bloody hell.” Francis groaned, rolling his eyes. “No wonder I could hear you miles away in the woods.” He smirked. “And sorry to disappoint, I am quite real.”
His voice cut through the ringing in my ears, echoing off the back of my head.Not real, this is not real.I kept telling myself, yet I lost confidence in my own words by the moment.
“Well?” He crooked one eyebrow. “Would you like to join me for supper?”
Everything stopped. My mind wandered through every possible solution, finding none that would allow me salvation. Surrender knocked on the door of my sanity, but I held the entry firmly closed. I would not surrender and accept my grave without resistance. I would find my way out.
My gaze slipped towards a candelabra standing nearby. It looked heavy enough to serve as a weapon. Taking a slow side step, I watched Francis carefully.
He seemed to forget about my presence as though I became another ghost in this eerie room. Francis carefully studied the color of the wine in his hand before taking a small sip.
He chuckled when I grabbed the candelabra, gripping it in front of me.
“Stay the fuck away from me!” I yelled, arcing the candelabra towards my foe.
He only laughed at me with amusement, leaning on the doorframe. “Such language for a royal.”
Ignoring him, I repeated myself, hoping I did not sound as scared as I truly was. “Stay. Away. From me!” I screamed out every word.
“Would it be best if I returned when you're done whining?” Francis stared at me more annoyed than ever, though he didnot take a step forward. “I brought you dinner.” He shrugged, holding out a goblet of wine towards me.
Dinner? Is he jesting?
His eyebrows flew high, expecting my answer, but all I could focus on was the candelabra in my hand and the open door behind him.
“Let me go. My mother will give you gold.” I blurted out, hoping I sounded confident.
“Go if you wish.” Francis shrugged, gesturing me out. “I am not one to keep such a liability as a prisoner.” He rolled his eyes at me. “Do you know they can be rather expensive to support?” He smiled at me sweetly. “I prefer slaying my enemies. It’s quicker and far less costly.”
What in the Kingdom is he implying?
Dizziness’ sharp knife clefted through my insides, tying my stomach into a knot. Every cell in my body threatened to explode. The illness rushed through my veins, begging my body to surrender.
He intends to end me. Right here, in this black room, where no one will hear my last words, where no one will come to my rescue.
My jaw clenched. Anger and terror rushed through me in a powerful wave. The vulnerability I was forced into made my blood boil as though it was fresh lava. My vision had become little more than a red blur. I struggled to recognize myself.
Will he be merciful to end my suffering quickly? Will he prolong the torture for his own pleasure?
Francis sighed, taking a sip of thedinnerthat he had brought me. He caught my unresting gaze, holding out the goblet towards me.
“I did not tell anyone about your meeting.” My voice shook no matter my best efforts at sounding brave. “I will not say a word, just let me leave peacefully.”
His bright laugh traveled through the room. “Why, I appreciate your loyalty, Your Highness.” He bowed, still laughing. “But as I already said, you are free to go. Though, I would suggest staying away from the royal grounds. Humans tend to be rather dramatic in our presence, naturally.” Francis smiled, revealing his teeth that were now covered in wine.
