In Memoriam part 1

I'm running through a beautiful meadow, giggling with my lady, Princess Claudia. A true vision in her elegant cream dress embroidered with flowers, against her light skin. Her hair is blonde, almost like woven gold. 

I hold a coveted position in court. Being a lady-in-waiting to the Princess Royal, is the highest position bellow the queen's ladies. I will, no doubt be married off to a noble suitor soon. Claudia is promised to a distant kingdom and my father would not allow me, his only daughter to go off with her to an exotic new land. 

To him I am no more than cattle to be sold to the highest bidder. You see prior to me obtaining this position. My father was a king. Due to his treaty with this kingdom, they allowed us exile after the rebellion in my country. 

My father is now a Duke. With the lower title and abiding to another kingdom, king and their laws. He has grown resentful and cold. He should be grateful we weren't slaughtered in the uprising. That we were able to start a new here in this kingdom, and still live an extravagant lifestyle. I for one am thankful to still have my head although, I was too young at the time to remember the events that led us here. 

"Did you hear the latest gossip among the court?" My lady asks whilst we take rest on the lush grass. "Princess, indulging in gossip. I'm shocked" I feign surprise and laugh as she shakes her head. Her curls flowing over her serene face. "I trust you to not relay that information to anyone else" I place my hand on my heart and nod. "It's said a king is coming to our court to find his queen. He has been around many kingdoms, and not found a suitable match" 

I adjust in my spot and take her hand in mine "I thought you were already promised. The king won't find his bride here, if the Princess is already betrothed" My concern shows on my face. I wish my lady happiness. She just adjusted to the idea of her new marriage. To think a King can waltz in here and demand her hand at this late stage would be most inappropriate. 

"The king said that if he provides a better alliance, I will not be leaving in the morning as planned" she sighs. "Oh my lady, I'm sure it won't be. I can't believe the timing of this. You are already packed and the boat is prepared for your journey". She looks out across the meadow "Mother, said that an impromptu ball will be held at court tonight, to welcome this mysterious Monarch" At this point two of the Royal Gaurd approach and tell us it's time to return to the Palace

Hours later, you can hear the merriment cascading around the Palace. My lady is dressed in her finery and light pink gown. Her hair is up with a couple ringlets dropping down over her shoulder. She is a beauty. I admire my work and tweek around with stray hairs. She slaps my hands away "Come on, we must go before my father beckons. His Majesty does not like to be kept waiting". 

We approached the grand hall. The place glistens with thousands of candle flames. The wine has been poured for a while now judging by the looks of my father. I'm waved over by him "Daughter, you look lovely. We may be able to find your husband tonight" He laughs and raises his glass in the air "May his coin purse be full" He calls a lady over "Duke, how may I be of service?" his eyes wander down the young ladies form "You, take my daughter and tighten her laces.... for now". A wicked grin appears on his face. The girl goes pale under it. 

"Father, that is inappropriate. If mother were here, she'd be shamed by your fall from grace" Pain spreads across my face, as he strikes me with the back of his hand. "Clean your face and come back. I will hunt down a suitable match" My father strides away. I wipe the blood from my lip, under the sympathetic looks of the crowd. 

I return to the hall after cleaning my face and find my lady with the king and queen. A man stands with his back to me, as I approach. His silver-white hair hangs down his back in wondrous locks. He is tall and broad. I've not seen his face but I can't ignore the sensation I feel as I get closer. 

Slight tingles rush all over my body, goosebumps rise on my arms. I'm confused by them. I do not feel cold but a strange warmth envelopes me. I'm in awe of the man with no face. As if in a trance, I boldly glide to the man. "King to king, I'm afraid I must inform you. A treaty is already signed and sealed. My daughter leaves tomorrow to marry. Unfortunately there are no other suitable matches in my realm" I hear the king say as I get closer. It's strange, his voice sounds far away, like the royal group are at the other end of a tunnel. 

This man must be the King my lady mentioned. I will my legs to stop moving. I wish to keep my head and not show blatant improper behaviour. specially towards a king. My legs don't stop, I'm not in control of my body. The mysterious king turns and I'm pulled into his large arms. 

The room goes dark but I can see clearly. Just the two of us in darkness. I hear murmurs and whispers but no one is here. Where did everyone go? Where are we? My eyes meet his. They are so dark they look black, but something dances in them. A snake? The snake circles his black orbs and I can't look away. The snake faces me and strikes. 

I open my eyes and I'm so close to the royal group. I start to panic and turn on my heels to walk away. What was that? Did I fall asleep standing? I need to get out of here, my body feels like it's on fire. "No need to worry about the treaty your Majesty. It appears there is another here worthy to be my queen" The deep voice addressed our king and it sings to me. I feel a pool of heat develop low in me. My arm is grabbed and I'm pulled in front of the King with no face.

"An exiled Princess. Hmmm how interesting" The voice sends a shiver down my spine. I'm melting under the touch of his fingertips on my bare shoulders. I've not seen his face. I try to turn but I'm held in place. My King and Queen are standing with their mouths agape.

"How did you know? No one knows of their location" The queen says so silently, it's almost a whisper. His nose runs along me neck as he inhales "I will be going with my bride now, we must be married by sundown. I thank your grace's for your hospitality" I'm in a daze, I'm not sure what is happening. I'm dragged away still in the arms of this mysterious king, with no face. Followed by his entourage of black armoured knights.

I can't move, I can't speak and I can barely process this thought. In a blink of an eye, I'm in a strange Palace, it's dark and covered in the most beautiful carved stone. The snake design is striking they dance and intertwine on the stone.

In another instant, I'm lay upon a large bed with blood red bedding. My dark hair splayed all over the sheets. I snap into consciousness. I'm frightened, how long have I been out of it? My eyes betray me and in front of me, the most beautiful man crawls and hovers above me. 

The dark eyes, the white hair and broad shoulders. He looks as if he was sculpted by gods. I no longer care for my virtue. I am at the mercy of this creature. My eyes rake his perfectly toned body, his bare chest heaving above me. I try to pull my thighs together at the strange sensation erupting between them. "My love, a millennia I've searched for you, and now I finally have you" In one swift motion my dress lays in pieces around me.