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[Rough Draft] Chapter 74: Twisted Threads of Sanity
Loud banging on the door woke Eleanora. She blinked, her head pounding with every blow, and took in the lopsided view of her bedroom chamber.
‘I fell asleep again.’
The thought was accompanied by a pitiful whimper. Eleanora pressed her lips together and tried to shake the cobwebs of yet another nightmare free. Joints and muscles protested as the princess pushed herself up off the floor and stumbled towards the vanity desk beside her, wincing beneath the endless railing against her door.
‘Why is it even locked? How did I—’
A shiver of dread pulled Eleanora’s gaze from the swaying carpet floor towards the mirror in front of her. The pale princess with disheveled licorice-black hair that had once sparkled with such luster. Two amber eyes shrouded by swollen eyelids and heavy shadows blinked above trembling lips as Eleanora gasped and quickly turned away.
‘She is draining me of everything.’
The princess pushed against the chair by the desk and turned towards the door, where she could hear Lady Evelynn, Lady Meredith, and her newest attendant, Lady Camellia, arguing outside. Eleanora quickly flung the door open and stared at their startled faces blankly before focusing on Camellia. “Help me get dressed.”
“Yes, your Highness,” Camellia responded and bowed her head. Her luminous black hair caught Eleanora’s weary gaze before the princess turned back and returned to her chair before the mirror.
“We have to hurry,” Meredith stated with poorly masked irritation as she marched towards the closet, which hung half-open. “His Majesty is expecting you to meet him at Peony Palace at any moment.”
“I told you not to leave her Highness alone after her bath,” Evelynn reprimanded as she moved over to take the brush from Camellia’s hand. “It’s your fault we’ve fallen even further behind.”
“I have no recollection of those words,” Camellia replied steadily as she continued to unweave the single braid of the princess’s hair. “Perhaps you should catch up on sleep yourself, Lady Evelynn. You were the last one at her Highness side this morning.”
“Nonsense,” Meredith intervened as she forcefully shoved the newest attendant aside. “Know your place. Evelynn and I will finish her Highness hair and makeup. You may prepare her gown and jewelry.”
The princess sighed with heavy irritation as her head was yanked forcefully to the side. “Please keep your voices down and behave yourselves. I have a frightful headache.”
“Shall I ask Mrs. Poppy to prepare some tea?” Evelynn asked quickly.
“I thought you said we were already behind,” Eleanora snapped back with a scowl. “Focus on getting me ready. Oh, Lady Camellia, please open the bedroom window—I need some fresh air, and the sound of birds would be pleasing.”
Camellia nodded and moved to perform the requested task. The Princess watched her in the mirror and smiled in relief as the attendant pulled a small wicker cage from the voluminous sleeve of her gown. The tiny robin inside the cage remained obediently silent as Camellia opened the window and tossed the feathered messenger outside.
It was Eleanora’s father, Lord Alastair Kensington, who had recommended Camellia as the Crown Princess’s attendant after her health began to deteriorate. The Earl of Kensington visited his daughter regularly to monitor her recovery and frustrating relapses.
At first, the protective runes that Alastair had placed around Eleanora’s bed-chamber had proven strong enough to keep Maura’s specter away. The princess had improved and even felt hopeful of the future for the first time since Lady Maura, now Duchess Kirsi, had left her residence.
‘I don’t understand how I can be haunted by someone still very much alive.’
Eleanora’s cousin, Percy Hawthorne, seemed to believe the ghost had been sent to divide the once friendly pair further. The Earl of Hawthorne had also promised to ask Duchess Krisi for help regarding the matter, but that had been nearly a week ago. And only four days ago, Maura had returned with a vengeance, first slipping into Eleanora’s dreams and then appearing before her eyes in broad daylight. Each appearance was highlighted by a gruesome scene of Eleanora dying. All attempts to replace and strengthen the protective runes proved only temporary respites.
‘The weaker I grow, the stronger this demon seems to become.’ Eleanora pressed her trembling hands against her lips as she tried to repress the anxiety eating away at her sanity. ‘What happens when I become too weak to resist her. She almost killed me twice before….’
The robin which Camellia had sent out discreetly would bring a message to her father to come to her aid. Eleanora tried to find comfort and strength in that assurance while Evelynn and Meredith fussed over her hair and face, then finally pulled Eleanora to her feet to put on the simple ceremonial robe dress prepared for Prayer day.
The cream-colored robe was modest and felt little different than the nightgown Eleanora wore when sharing her bed with Nicholas. Not that the Crown Prince had visited her much since the Royal Hunt.
‘It’s just as well. He’d probably be dissatisfied with me in my current state.’
“Somehow, the color only makes her Highness look paler than before,” Evelynn fretted nervously as she opened the jar of blush to brighten the princess’s cheeks.
“Perhaps if her Highness wore the hood up?” Camellia suggested.
“And what was the point of me doing her Highness hair if we’re just going to cover it up?” Meredith snapped impatiently.
“She shouldn’t be wearing heavy adornment in her hair to begin with,” Camellia retorted. “Only her wedding ring is permitted inside the prayer room.”
“Leave it!” Eleanora snapped irritably. “Just redo my makeup. I—don’t want to—”
The feeling of breathlessness washed over the princess as her fingers went numb and her vision swayed.
“Your Highness?” Camellia’s worried voice washed over her and then trailed away as if Eleanora were falling into some deep dark hole through the center of the earth.
‘No. Not again! Wake up. Wake up!’
The princess grasped her stomach as it flipped over nauseously. Something warm burned down her throat, and her sense returned sharply as Eleanora crashed back into the room and grabbed Camellia’s arm as the attendant pulled the small flask of Caligo Wine away.
“No! More!”
“No, your Highness,” Camellia chided gently. “You can’t be drunk in the prayer room either.”
“I don’t care! Give it to me! It’s the only thing that can keep me—awake!” The last word filtered out in the first of many broken sobs as tears poured down her cheeks.
“Your Highness—your makeup,” Evelynn lamented with a sigh of defeat.
“How are we supposed to send her out like this?” Meredith added, sounding oddly annoyed as if she had expected this result.
“She can barely keep herself awake, and now she’s drinking alcohol.”
“It will be our heads if the princess falls and hurts herself or—Saint forbid—falls asleep during prayer!”
“Perhaps it would be better if her Highness withdrew from the ceremony to rest instead.”
“No!” Eleanora blurted out swiftly as she spun in her chair to face the pair. “I have to go. I’m the Crown Princess! And I can’t sleep—I won’t sleep—she’ll find me if I’m sleeping.”
Evelynn buried her head in her hands while Meredith shook her head. “Your Highness,” the latter said reproachfully, “Lady Maura isn’t here. She hasn’t been here for a long time. You have to let this go. These—fantasies of yours are ruining your health and your reputation!”
“Watch your tone, Lady Meredith,” Camellia cut in sharply. “You are neither a physician nor her Highness Elder.”
“Keep out of this!” Meredith replied with a scowl. “All you’ve done since you’ve got here is encourage her Highness delusions. Don’t think I haven’t noticed those weird dolls and markings you’ve hidden all around her Highness room. Perhaps you’re the one who’s responsible for her Highness’s behavior. Perhaps you cursed her.”
“Are you accusing me of being a witch?” Camellia replied with a bemused smile.
“Obviously! How else do you explain this!” Meredith marched over to Eleanora’s bed and pulled out a small wreath of twigs, flowers, and feathers.
“That is an enchantment to guard dreams,” Camellia answered with a shrug.
“Ha! You see! You admit it!” Meredith all but shrieked in victory.
“Yes. I’m a witch,” Camellia continued to respond with notable calm. “What of it?”
“W-what?” Meredith sputtered.
“Her Grace, Duchess Kirsi Valda is a witch. And yet she commands the northern lands and armies of Lafeara with his Majesty’s support and permission.” Camellia paused as Meredith sank down onto the bed, looking pale and flustered. “His Majesty has already forbidden the Pope’s Witch Army from attacking any of his citizens, witch or otherwise. In the near future, I’m certain you’ll be surprised how many esteemed noble ladies, gentlemen, and their families are actually witches.”
Eleanora blinked in surprise as she watched the attendant out herself so bravely. While she, of course, knew of Lady Krisi’s actions at the Royal Hunt, she had not pondered on the effects of the Duchess’s action. Now it appeared that witches like Camellia had been emboldened by Lady Krisi’s decision to reveal her true identity as an ice witch of considerable power.
‘Given that the Duchess remains in control of Bastiallano—I suppose it’s a given that Nicholas has decided to accept her as a witch.’ The princess pulled the washcloth from the basin Evelynn had prepared and wiped down her cheeks silently. ‘It always seemed like a far-off dream for witches and mortals to live side by side harmoniously. I remember when Tristan used to go on and on about how we could accomplish more if we accepted our differences instead of reacting in fear.’
Her thoughts were disturbed by a knock on the door as Mrs. Poppy quickly stepped in and curtsied.
“Your Highness, Lord Eustice Winifred is waiting for you below. He says he was sent here by Earl Hawthorne to evaluate your health.”
“What?” Eleanora’s gaze quickly snapped back to the mirror, where the removal of half her makeup had left her looking pale and sickly. “Kritanta’s flame! Ladies, please redo my makeup quickly. Mrs. Poppy, make his lordship comfortable and tell him I will be down in a few minutes.”
The head housekeeper promptly left while Camellia dried off Eleanora’s face and Evelynn prepared her brushes. Meredith remained frozen on the princess’s bed, her expression dark but unreadable. Soon enough, the efforts of the attendants paid off, and although Eleanora had certainly looked better, she was satisfied enough with the results to meet with this Lord Eustice Winifred.
‘The name is familiar. Isn’t he supposed to be Serilda’s fiancé?’
The princess had just left her seat when Poppy reappeared, followed by Lord Alastair, who hastily moved past the housekeeper to Eleanora’s side.
“What’s the matter, Elly? Are you alright?”
“Fine, I’m fine,” Eleanora replied swiftly, even as she leaned against his chest for warmth and support. “I just wanted to ask you to escort me to the cathedral.”
“Of course, my child. But—” Alastair hesitated as he pulled back to study her. “Are you sure that you’re well enough, Elly?”
“Yes! No—I-I don’t know.” Eleanora scowled as her own words betrayed her so easily. “I haven’t been sleeping—the protective charms—aren’t working.”
“Her Highness keeps falling asleep randomly,” Evelynn explained, sounding sufficiently worried. “On top of that, she hasn’t had much of an appetite.”
‘That’s because I’m worried poison might be responsible for these hallucinations since magical charms aren’t working.’
“You should rest, Eleanora,” Alastair said gently as he took her shoulders in his warm hands. “I met with Lord Eustice just below. His Majesty himself suggested you rest today, so you have a chance to recover for tomorrow’s ceremony.”
“Really?” Eleanora blinked in surprise. “Nicholas said that.”
“Pardon, your Highness.”
The princess and her father turned to where Lord Eustice stood beside Major Garret in the hallway. ‘He’s—handsome. But then Serilda wouldn’t bother with an ugly man no matter how wealthy he was.’
“While I did not hear him say so myself, Lord Percy relayed the Crown Prince’s message to me,” Eustice explained after offering her a swift bow. “The message was that if you were unwell, to stay at the palace and rest. His Majesty will conduct the ceremony alone and meet up with you tomorrow for the coronation.”
“I agree with his Majesty. You should be resting, Elly,” Alastair urged.
“But there’s—no guarantee that I’ll be feeling better tomorrow,” Eleanora murmured as she looked down at the special robe she would wear only once before her future king and his country. ‘Is it really alright if I stay?’
The familiar, mocking laughter filled the room, which darkened as the specter appeared above Eleanora in a floating black mist of malice.
“Don’t you see?” Maura floated down behind the princess. “Nicholas is just trying to get rid of you because you’re an eyesore. How could the Pope possibly tolerate a half-witch princess in the prayer room, much less give his blessing to your position as Queen?”
Eleanora clasped her throat as it tightened beneath the toxic scent that accompanied her tormentor. Her body felt cold and hollow as her father, attendants, and nobles all turned into pale gray shadows that swam before her eyes.
“I wonder how Nicholas will kill you this time?” Maura continued with gleeful animosity. “We should practice, so you’re prepared. Let’s see. We’ve tried poison, cutting, and drowning. Why not asphyxia?”
“S-stop! Please—stop!” Eleanora gasped as the specters pale hands wrapped around her throat. “Why? Why are you doing this?”
“Because you deserve to suffer!” Maura hissed, spite and fury seeping into her words. “And because a tramp like you doesn’t deserve to be Queen!”
“Elly!”
Eleanora blinked as Maura’s ghoulish face disappeared and stared up into her father’s anxious, pale face as the dark shadows slid away from her vision. “W-what—happened.”
“Your Highness!”
Eleanora turned her gaze to where Camellia and Eustice stood on either side of Earl Kensington, who held the princess in his lap.
“You—were choking yourself, your Highness,” Eustice explained lightly. His blonde brows furrowed over his dark-grey eyes with evident discomfort and concern.
‘He’s not only handsome but kind as well. Ha!’ Eleanora half closed her eyes as she drew a slow breath through her clenched jaw and aching throat and neck. ‘I suppose I shouldn’t be at all surprised that Serilda managed to snag someone like him. Perhaps she’ll finally leave Nicholas and me alone.’
“Let’s get her into bed!” Camellia suggested.
“N-no!” Eleanora protested weakly. The very thought of closing her eyes inside this palace once more time sent her limbs shaking in fear. “Papa—p-please—”
“What is it, Elly?” Alastair pleaded as he brushed the hair away from her face and waited for the princess to summon her words.
“I—want to go—home.”
The proud nobleman’s face crumpled in an instant as he hugged Eleanora fiercely in his arms. “Alright. Alright, Elly. If that is what you want. If that will keep you safe. Even if it’s the last thing I do—I will take you away from this cursed palace.”
***
“You can’t take her Highness out of the palace,” Percy said firmly as he blocked them on the steps of Rose Palace. “If you take Eleanora away now, you will give Nicholas and the Royal Faction all the power they need to replace her with another queen.”
“I don’t want to hear your flimsy excuses,” Alastair growled as he passed the princess, now wrapped in a thick fur cloak, to Major Garrett. “I have put this off too long already. Eleanora isn’t safe here. Whatever curse, malicious specter, or demon lays inside the castle. It will not reach her in Kensington Hall.”
“Are you certain it hasn’t attached itself to Eleanora’s soul already?” Percy pressed. “If it follows her there, then what? Eleanora will have abandoned everything for nothing.”
“Don’t!” Alastair snarled as he stepped towards the Earl, the air dancing dangerously between the two Earls as the space between them thinned and a barrier formed around them. “We both know you do not intend for Eleanora to remain Queen for long, so spare me the excuse of abandonment and waste. I will not abandon my daughter, who is unwell, for a single minute longer. I cannot in good conscious allow Elly to continue through this torment only for you to humiliate and snatch the crown away from her in the end.”
“You agreed such a sacrifice was necessary for the future of the Covens,” Percy reminded him pointedly.
“My daughter’s life wasn’t being drained away by some unknown specter then. You said that you would ask your future Queen for help, but Kirsi has yet to set one foot outside of Bastiallano!” Alastair snapped back.
“Duchess Kirsi will be here today,” Percy replied firmly. “If you want to free Eleanora from this madness, then give me one more day to bring Kirsi here.”
Alastair let out a harsh laugh, then shook his head as he studied the Earl. “You said that Kirsi wasn’t to blame for any of this malicious spirit. So how can you be so certain the Duchess knows how to deal with this specter?”
“If I’m wrong, I will support you in removing Eleanora from the Palace and dealing with the Emperor.” Percy nodded to where Eleanora remained asleep in Garrett’s arms. “But if I’m right, let Eleanora have a few more days to consider whether she wishes to remain here as Crown Princess and possibly Queen. I will support her decision either way.” He stepped closer to Alastair and placed his hand on the older Earl’s shoulder before leaning in to whisper. “Either way now is not the time to show weakness before the Pope.”
Alastair’s jaw twitched in obvious agitation before he met the young Earl’s gaze. “I see your point. However, I will only agree under one condition.”
Percy raised a brow and nodded. “Alright, what condition.”
“I tell Eleanora everything. Every detail of your plan. She has a right to know.”