Dark Snow White (Grimmoire Series)

Part XVII

For four months, Rose Red, Hadrian and Eleanor, made the long and arduous journey from Lormere back to RedCrest. The effort was great, the trek was tiresome but all three were committed to their task. Eleanor again made the return journey in male form. She looked intimidating enough (and ugly enough) to keep all ill-intentioned away.

Time had passed a lot quicker on the return journey with Rose in the party. During their travels, Eleanor had grown close to Rose and had begun to think of her as the daughter she never had. They shared stories about their kingdoms and about their lives and Hadrian was more than happy to listen.

Rose was no slouch when it came to roughing-it, either. She was responsible on multiple occasions for catching the group's dinner. She was good with her knife, 'Sir Slice-a-lot', as Rose referred to it. Eleanor wished she'd met Rose a long time ago and under better circumstances.

The group finally arrived at the dwarf's hide out. Rose continued onward to RedCrest castle. The first phase of their plan had commenced.

* * *

Lots of guards had relinquished their jobs at RedCrest castle. Defending the castle used to be an honour, a position held in high regard. Now it was a joke, ever since Floran had taken over. Some had taken up other jobs in the village or simply moved away. Ray, however, had stayed on. Ray still felt commitment and loyalty as a royal guard to his kingdom. And despite less guards, the job had become surprisingly easier.

Ray had been worried that people from the town might try to overthrow the castle after Queen Eleanor had left and since word of Floran's mental condition had got out, but nobody ever came. Nobody until today that was.

She was a vision in red, a flaming haired beauty. She approached the castle gates on a black and white horse. Ray wondered if he could remember the correct protocol for welcoming an unannounced guest. The woman neared. She dismounted with ease as she approached the castle gates. "Hello Ma'am," said Ray, sheepishly, "Visiting from out of town then?" 

"Indeed," said she, "I've travelled a great distance to see my sister." "Oh your sister, lovely. So what can I do you for this fine day?" asked Ray. "I request an audience with Prince Floran Hawthorne," she announced. "And who may I say is making this request?" asked Ray. "Rose Red - his sister in law," said Rose, "I'm Snow White's sister."

* * *

Rose waited in the drawing room. As she sat, she inspected the room. The decor, the accents, the royal colours - Rose admired Eleanor's taste. Rose had to look past the abundant coating of dirt and grime. She ran her finger across the sideboard, cutting through the thick layer of dust. Outside the room, she heard footsteps approaching and rubbed the dust off her finger with her thumb.

A RedCrest guard entered the room and stood to attention. Rose waited... nothing. She looked at the guard, he caught her gaze, "He's on his way." "Aren't you going to announce him?" asked Rose. At that moment Floran walked in the room. "Uh, here he is," said the guard. Rose shook her head at the incompetence.

A weary-eyed, heavily bearded Floran sauntered into the room, holding an old, thick-spined book. Rose stood up and announced herself, "Good morning, Your Highness, I am Princess Rose Red of Lormere." "Hello... I'm, uh, F-Floran Hawthorne, pleasure to -" began Floran, before promptly dropping the hefty book on the floor. Rose picked it up and read the title aloud, ""The Darkest Magicks of History." A little bit of light reading?" asked Rose, teasingly. 

Floran inspected Rose warily. "My guards told me you are here to see your ailing sister," said Floran, retrieving the book from Rose, "Which means you are aware of her condition." Floran found a seat for himself opposite Rose. "Yes, its an unimaginable fate," Rose commented, expressionless.