Light Still Casts Shadows A Short Story By GlooMi I was sitting at my window when the resounding bells of midnight struck. "Bong"I saw a group gather on the street outside my door. I had seen them on the street, I knew they were coming. "Bong!" The banging and squealing of my door was not unexpected, yet I still lurched forward, my heart dropping into the cold deep pitfall of my stomach. "Bong!" "Screeeeech!" Well, there go the hinges. Expensive metal ones, not that it mattered to me now. "Bong!" The loud rattling thud of my door falling vibrated throughout my house. I was pleased to hear a low shriek of pain. Good, some idiot had gotten his foot squished. "Bong" The pattering of heavy boots echoed throughout my house. They were almost to the stairs when, "Bong" the fifth bell struck, its tone leaving a faint afterthought where it had once vibrated through my ear. "Bong" my stairs squeaked like stepped on mice as the soldiers stomped upwards. "Bong" "Squeeeeek!" "crunch" oh dear, sounds like one of them actually did step on a rodent. "Bong" "Creeeaaak" They were on the top step now, it was almost time for... "Bong!" the pounding on the door to my room began in earnest. "Bong" A frustrated sigh came through the door once they realized it would be harder to break down. Unlike my front door this was good solid white oak. "Come out girl, we know you're in there," I sighed and rolled my eyes. I wasn't giving up THAT easily. "Bong!" They finally managed to reduce my door to little more than splinters. The leader walked into the room and immediately made eye contact with me. It was Prince Zaxe. The betraying scumbag actually had the nerve to look me in the eye! "By the order of His Majesty, Seronth IX, you are hereby summoned to the castle." He said in an official emotionless tone. I merely nodded and got to my feet, my petticoats rustling. Now was not the time for resistance. It wouldn't do to get shot before I had the chance to speak. I was to walk to the castle directly to the right of Prince Zaxe. ---------------------------------------- I remember with some fondness the times when we would walk arm in arm in the castle garden, discussing our day. I was his best friend, as he was mine. That all changed however when he proposed. I was a lady in high social standing, so such a thing was not unheard of. However I refused. Despite my father's urgings, I could not accept. Not only did my father disown me for such an act of defiance, I was declared a witch by the crown king himself. Zaxe, obviously disappointed by my answer had done what all royalty does. He overreacted then abused his power. That is an act I can not forgive. -------------------------------------- When we arrived at the castle in the dead of night, it was deserted. No birds were chirping, and even the gate keeper had to be awoken from his post. Not to mention brutally beaten for falling asleep of course. Our solemn party began to march through the various courtyards and gardens of Seronth's castle. We finally arrived at the throne room and waited for Zaxe to run in and announce us. Finally my "escorts" and I were admitted into the throne room. I was shoved to my knees and my wrists were shackled to the floor. "Leave us," King Seronth commanded the guards. Prince Zaxe, standing to his right jumped a little, his lapis lazuli tunic contrasting to the deep red robes of the king. Atop his golden throne, the old king glared down at me. "Arianna," the old man boomed, his white beard wiggling with each syllable. "All of us in this room here no you to be no witch and because of this there will be no punishment for what doesn't exist," I stared at the floor and said nothing, waiting for the punchline. There was no way the king would let me off easily. "However, you WILL be married to my son. No one rejects a monarch, it simply isn't done." I looked up at the king looking him right in his watery blue eyes. " And if I refuse?" I replied insolently. I heard Zaxe shift uncomfortably. " You will be married anyway. I will have my soldiers escort you up the aisle if it's needed." I frowned and contemplated a good snappy comeback. Then I stopped. Quite honestly it wasn't worth it. The king could do whatever he wished, and there were worse fates then being married to the prince, any of which he could employ after the wedding. I bowed my head and replied, "Yes milord." "Excellent!" he replied. "Guards, escort miss Arianna to her rooms!" As they unshackled me, I rubbed my wrists to get the blood flowing again. As I was leaving I made eye contact with Zaxe for the first time since entering the castle. His eyes held almost as much sorrow as mine. Sure, I would be happy enough as his wife. I would be forever in the lap of luxury, and Zaxe wasn't bad as men go. However there would always be a dark side to our happiness, shadows in the light that would eventually shine. For no matter how much I try to change it, wherever there is daylight night still looms. Wherever an object is lit, it casts a shadow.
:O Woah... So suspenseful! And well-written, as I've come to expect! I love the details! Like how Prince Zaxe jumps a little, and how Arianna's petticoats rustle! I hafta say, my favorite character is the king, though he'd a d(insert any d-word ending here)! And I'm a little confused, but what's a story if it doesn't make you think a little? ^_^ I love it!