Dusk had fallen, the weight of the day seemed to vanish from her weary mind. How excited she was to be traveling with her secret lover within the eye of the public. Tonisa felt foolish for ever putting the thought of his love wavering in her mind. For years, their never-ending affairs had gone unnoticed, and now he took the chance of losing everything to calm her heart. With a smile, she ran a bar of oatmeal and honey soap up her skin. Her body seemed to glow with excitement, her mind dwelling on every possibility that could occur during their time away from the land of Dread. She continued to cleanse herself, the soap smoothly running between her thighs and over her knees. It felt so pleasing to take a bath after walking the forests. She took hold of a gathering of her hair and sniffed it. Her face curled at the scent, surely she would be in need of a very vigorous oiling.
A soft knock came upon the hardwood door. The sound echoing into the large sunken room. Tonisa sank into the water, only her head and neck now remaining visible. "Enter." She spoke. With the sound of a lifting latch the door opened. And upon its greeting, in came young Abigelle. She quietly closed the door shut locking it. A basket of oils and flowers resting within the crease of her arm. Abigelle made her way down the curling staircase and to the tub Tonisa bathed in. Placing the basket beside it, she smiled and spoke. "Evening, Tonisa. I was summoned from slumber to aid you in gathering yourself for your departure tonight. I have brought your favorite oils. Would you like for me to wash your hair?" Her voice as always remained annoyingly kind something Tonisa loathed.
"Well, if you have been pulled from such sleep, perhaps it would be only fair for me to allow you to do something." Abigelle picked a red clay vase from the basket pouring its contents into her palm. She placed it beside the tub and began to rub the oil into her elder sister's hair. "So I hear you take the King to the mountains of Lasmonat. You must be quite excited to gain a different view than what we are typically forced to look upon." Tonisa set back allowing her hair to fall over the tub side. "I do not take the King to Lasmonat he takes me. But I must be forced to agree, it will be so thrilling to lay gaze upon something green and bright with life." Abigelle worked the oils through her scalp and down her hair. Soon standing to fetch a bucket and returning to Tonisa placing her long locks within it.
"Oh apologies, you must have done something to please him in order to be given such generous gift." Her hands massaged their way down her hair. "The King seems quite excited himself. Though I can not speak the same for his Queen."Her last words sparked interest in Tonisa. "His Queen?" She sat up turning to face the young witch. "Tell me, sister. What have you heard? Does she draw suspicion?" She softly returned to tending her hair. "Yes, she does. In fact, I have noticed she follows you. Perhaps she has figured out you lay with her husband. We both know dragons are very territorial when it comes to their mates." A low growl passed Tonisa's lips.
"He is not her mate. He was forced to marry her and was robbed of his own free will." "This is true. But even so, he belongs to her by right and law. But belongs to you and I by the ways of the gods." Her temper flared hearing those words. He belonged to no other but herself. As it always had been and would forever remain. "You and I perhaps, but her no. I must ask a horrendous favor of you, my dear sister." Abigelle filled a pitcher with water and began to rinse the hair. "Of course, what is it you may need, Tonisa?" She closed her eyes as the water rushed over her head, the feeling soothing.
"I need you to spend time with her grace while Calira and I are away. We take the best servants with us. Mainly the ones she is so often sharing words with. With all her listening ears gone, it will give you the advantage to become a replacement."She thought a moment and began running a brush through her ends. "Well, I suppose I could what exactly do you wish to know? Perhaps she does not mention you or his Grace?"
"Then you bring the subject to her attention. Every being within this land favors you. They trust you as well despite your race." Abigelle chuckled. "And what in the heavens would give you such thoughts? I am a Tyliquin and share the same weight of hatred as you and Zalia." "You are carrying his child. They know a Tyliquin witch would never spread lies nor endanger the future of her unborn child by doing evil deeds. With that within a fool's mind, you can pry any information we need without hesitation." Taking hold of a towel, Abigelle began drying the strands in her hand. Making sure all the oil had been removed as Tonisa stood and stepped from the water.
"I suppose, but I can not promise anything, but I will do my best." Drying her flesh, Tonisa walked to her closet, pulling forth her favorite traveling gown. It was made of the finest fabrics, each dyed in the colors of evergreen and dark blue. The was corset made of the strongest of steel, adorned with elegant engraving upon both its front and back. Tonisa pulled it on, the steel corset cupping entirely around her full breast and thin waist.
"My sister, might you be so kind as to tighten my corset." "Of course," she said with a joyful tone, moving to do as asked. "I must say you look lovely." Tonisa gave her a sinister grin, her eyes fixated on the mirror before her. "I must agree, it has been some time since this dress last embraced me." She studied herself, how the fabric fell between her sculpted thighs, and how the twin high splits met her waist. She ran a painted finger over the metal hems of the gown. The dark colors accented her skin tone perfectly. She felt beautiful and unflawed whenever she wore it. Abigelle tightened the clasps of the armored corset, polishing a spot clean with a nearby cloth.
"Would you like any jewelry?" "Yes, bring me my emerald headpiece and facial chains. I must look stunning to capture Calira's eye." She laughed softly sliding on her forearm gloves and bracers. Returning with the requested items, Abigelle kissed her cheek with a smile. "You are the only being who can catch his eye." "How I pray that would forever remain so." Tonisa parted her hair down the middle brushing it equal on both sides. "I am sure it will, my sister, it has been so for many years. I do not see such love weakening." She picked up the headdress softly placing it upon the crown of Tonisa's head. Securing its placement with the required pins, she moved on to releasing the teardrop emeralds that hung from either side of her head. It sat much like a crown of royalty, tall and grand. Steel and emerald weaving ivy made its top. Horizontal jeweled branches created its sides. It framed her face giving further notice to her chiseled cheekbones and keen nose.
"There." Abigelle murmured placing a soft yet firm grasp on both her shoulders. "You look stunning, Lady Draconvieh." Tonisa attached her facial chains. Applying the ring first to her left nostril, and then to her left earlobe. Each small strand gleamed under the rays of Luna, which now peered curiously through her windows. "Gratitude, Abigelle. Fetch my things and see them to the front." She turned upon heel slipping on her riding boots. "The King already has had that task completed, he awaits you at the front gates." Her eyes widened. "Why did you not tell me I am keeping him waiting?!" She yelled in shock.
"Because beauty takes time to complete. He instructed me to let you know you leave at half-moon, so you still have time." Tonisa sighed and rushed to her desk and mirror. Her long train following behind her. In a hurry, she applied some charcoal to her eyes and softening balm to her lips. She pulled the hem of her dress from the floor and rushed up the stairs. Stopping for a moment to speak. "Remember what I have asked of you. It is vital to our plans." "Yes sister, I understand. I will relay a full report upon your return." With that Tonisa turned heading out of the door.
At the main gate, the Calira sat mounted upon his stallion. Lady Alexandria was present and spilling words of caution into his ears. "Do you think it wise to be riding alone with a witch? Alone with no guards and no weapons of your own?" Her voice carried worry and resentment within them. "I take with me two of my best guards, servants, and well, the witch can heal me if I fall ill." Her fists moved to cling to the reins of his horse. "And what if she is the one to inflict harm upon you? What if you travel to Lasmonat, and you are never seen again?" He looked down to her, taking her hands softly. "My Queen, my wife, do you not fear my hand and my wrath?" "Aye I do, your Grace but..." Her words were lost. "Then why would a witch be any different? She fears me as you do, it will take much more than a Tyliquin and her charms to kill a being as powerful as I. I should have you beaten for your little faith in me."
Her head dropped to the ground. "I understand and wish you safe travel and return. But I beg of you, come back to me unmoved by her trickery." His brow arched in wonder of what she spoke of. But no longer interested in what she had to say, he changed the the subject. "If any come to visit my lands while I am away, you send word. It shall find me." "Yes, your Grace. I shall do as commanded."
She turned from him to return to the castle but was turned to stone in her path. Out of the darkness came the witch. So clean and glowing, her body covered in festive and valuable materials. Her stomach jumped and consumed her heart. The Queen seemed stunned by the crown the witch wore. "How dare she?!" She thought to herself. And for a moment she felt as if she had been replaced by this being. It should be her riding alongside her King, her wearing such regal and elegant clothing, her with such beauty and admiration from her husband. But instead, in her heart, she felt as if this woman had robbed her of it.
Tonisa approached, her head bowed slightly as she walked. The length of her gown carrying far behind her stride. Before long she had reached the starting point of their journey. Playing her role, she gave the Queen a curtsy as well as the King. "Good evening, your Graces. Many Apologies for keeping you both waiting."
All Alexandria could do was fume. She would give anything to kill the serpent before her. But she would never be given a chance. Her husband guarded her as if she was prized treasure. "It is quite alright, my needs are of no matter, but King Calira is much different." The Queen stepped aside allowing Tonisa to lay eyes upon her own horse. And to her surprise, it bore the same clothing as she. Steel chains embracing his body, earth tone caparisons rested under his saddle. She fought back a smile and spoke directly to his grace. "Much gratitude for understanding my timing. I was caught within the baths, my servant was late tending me." He gave her a nod looking to his wife calling her forward. She returned to his side head held low.
"Yes, Calira?" "Would you not tell your husband good-bye in the face of, as you say, danger?" His hand extended towards her, his ruby and black diamond jewelry sparkling. She looked to his hand and returned his question with the same. "Would you not see your loving wife presented with the capturing of lips upon departure?" She watched Tonisa who now sat proudly upon her horse, awaiting her reaction. Calira leaned down and kissed her deeply. Their tongues locking and rolling within their breaths. Tonisa fought to keep her expression unreadable, but fire burned within her. She knew now, The Queen was testing her. And even to her own surprise, she remained calm and collected. Alexandria was weak at the knees, perhaps she was wrong. Only time would tell, and until that time came to pass, she would keep a watchful eye on them both.
"Return home to me, my King...and to our bed." "That I shall, my Queen." With that, he turned his horse and was off. Tonisa locked eyes with Alexandria, giving her a grim smile before following the rest of the riders. Abigelle came from the shadows, walking to stand behind the Queen. "Evening, your majesty. Might I get you anything?" Alex turned startled but calmed seeing the face of the young one heavy with child. "Yes, some tea, and perhaps your ear?" With a bow of her head , Abigelle and the Queen faded into the walls of the castle and into conversations that could change the fate of the living and the unborn.
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