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October 15 - October 22, 2024
What most historians routinely fail to understand or, for that matter, convey, is that Queen Elma I of Rothen was neither hero, nor traitor, nor figure of legend. She was simply a woman.
What need did a prisoner have of an opinion when her chains might never break?
In the face of death, alone and helpless, there were no kings or queens. Only people, fragile bones and pumping hearts, blood beneath paper-thin skin.
“I want you inside me when you do it. I’ve always wondered what it would feel like, to die at the height of pleasure.”
“Look at you,” he breathed. “It’s like you’re carved from ice, frigid and perfect. There are so many things I’d rather do to that body than carve it up, but… you being who you are…” a predatory gleam lit his eyes.
“My father didn’t love anything,” Elma replied. “Not the way he should have. Not even me.”
“I will personally see to it that you’re silenced.” Rune stepped forward into the light and leaned arrogantly over her chair, practically draping himself across it, smiling viciously. “She means I’ll cut out your tongue.”
One day you’ll outright laugh at something I say and hate yourself for it.” His eyes shone. “I can’t wait.”
A hot tear ran down her face. She didn’t want any of that. She ached to be soft again. She yearned to open up like a bloom, to trust, to be vulnerable.
“Sweet, depraved creature. I’ve never met anyone with such bloodlust.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Say anything about what? How good you taste? The sound you make when you come? How much I want to kill whoever’s outside your door and lay you out on the bed just so I can hear that sound again?” He smiled serenely. “I won’t say a word.”
“If that’s what my bloodthirsty queen so desires.” She glanced at Rune sidelong. “I am anything but yours.” He grinned, but something tugged on the corners of it, weighing it down. “If it makes you feel any better, Majesty, I am nothing if not yours.”
You’ll miss him like a vital organ. And there’s nothing you can do about it.
Peace was more important than… than Luca? came the unwanted thought. More important than the life of a friend?
You could puncture me full of holes, Your Majesty, and I’d only beg for more.”
