Page 6 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens
Hoping he was not foolish enough to cause me harm on the palace grounds I started walking past him, pretending nothing was out of ordinary, but Francis sidestepped the moment I thought I could make it, putting him directly in front of me.
Our bodies didn’t touch, although I could feel the whiff of cold coming from him, as if he was winter himself. The strong smell of tobacco and jasmine overwhelmed my senses, making my head spin.
“Of course, Your Highness,” Francis said sweetly as if he didn’t just stop me from doing so. “I wouldn’t want to keep you from your royal duties,” he murmured, leaning close to me.
Not caring if I showed any fear, I moved away, putting the distance back between us. “I just want to make sure our princess knows how to keep secrets first.” The grin on his face was so wide, it made my body shudder.
The adrenaline from the danger I put myself into ran through my veins, settling deep in my stomach.
It was challenging to be intimidating when he was taller, so I raised my chin even higher, paying attention to every move he made.
“Did I hear you correctly, sir? You are threatening a Royal?’’ My heart finally won the battle, and escaped my chest for good. Goosebumps covered my skin head to toe in dozens of needles.
“Unfortunately, I’m afraid I am,” he replied with theatrical hurt on his face. I despised this man. “What do you say, Your Highness? Do we have an agreement?”
“And what doIget in return?” I found the nerve to ask him. I should have just taken my opportunity and left as quickly as possible, but my mouth was my biggest enemy.
He stared seriously at me for a moment before replying. “Well, your life, of course.” Francis looked confused as if I’d asked the most obvious question ever.
My lungs froze, unable to take the next breath.
“It was nice talking to you, Your Highness, but I fear I must be on my way.” Francis grinned again. “Have a great evening.” He bowed, with such grace, as if the whole conversation did not happen, and we just had a nice chat about the weather. “I hope you could forgive any rudeness on my part.” Francis said, walking past me, leaving me alone in the darkness.
Still stunned, I was not sure what to do.Some stranger just threatened my life and I just stared at him.Next time I decide to walk at night, I better bring a weapon.
Shaking my head in disbelief, I turned around back on my pathway. The guards paid me no attention as I passed through the main gates.
I was halfway to my room, feeling relieved I didn’t meet anyone else on my way here, yet my relief was short-lived. The Queen patiently waited for me by the door to my bedchambers.Moon help me.
Mother did not look pleased when her eyes finally found mine from across the hallway.
“Your Majesty,” I bowed, preparing myself for the absolute worst. Mother didn’t reply to me, just turned around on one heel, walking into my rooms.
I followed her like the obedient daughter that I was, closing the door behind me.
My mother stopped in the middle of my bedchambers, looking at me with so much anger that I would rather face Francis again than her. She was still in her ball gown, with hair still down in beautiful dark waves.
“I am deeply disappointed in you, Cordelia.” I flinched at the sound of my name. Mother only called me by my name when she was angry. Unable to hold her gaze for any longer, I lowered my head and asked the Gods for one more favor.Please help me stay quiet.
Know your place! With a tongue like yours you will find trouble, Cordelia. Disrespectful child, how dare you talk back?The memory of my mother scolding me flashed in my mind, and I felt a helpless child again.
“Using your status like this withmepresent in the room,” she continued in a calm voice. “And with whom?” She paused for a second as if actually expecting my reply. “Your future husband,” Mother finally answered for me.
The wordhusbandset my blood aflame as my attempt at self control went to shreds.
Her calm anger terrified me, but my own wouldn’t let me stay quiet. “Betrothed,” closing my eyes, I corrected her in a whisper. I shouldn’t have, but I couldn’t seem to help it.
“Come again?” My mother’s voice sucked the air from the room. She stared at me for a long while, before continuing. “Listen to me, child—”
“I am—” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Not a child.” My eyes finally met her gaze. This was not the way to talk to the Queen, even if you were one’s daughter.
“Then how come you act like one?” She snapped at me. “Youwillmarry him!” Mother took a step towards me. “Do you hear me?” She grabbed my chin, making me look her straight in the eyes. “Cry all you want. You will marry whomeverIorder you to marry.”
“But, Mother!” My voice grew a few octaves. I could not afford to raise my voice at the Queen, especially not now, not when my future was held hostage in her firm grasp.
My hands shook at the memories of my birthday ball. My lungs ached, unable to expand, at the realization of what my future held for me if I didn’t convince her to reconsider. I blinked fast, refusing to let tears drop in her presence; I would not give her the satisfaction of witnessing my pain.
Sometimes I wondered if it brought her joy, knowing I was hurt. Or perhaps she simply did not care. Nevertheless, I intended to do whatever it took to not let my nightmare come true. “You know what he has done to me.” I whispered, afraid if I were to speak any louder, my voice would break the delicate wall I built in my mind for all the unwelcome memories I possessed.
