8 August 2012
The prince pushed his lips gently onto hers as the carriage pulled to a halt in the courtyard. Remirï shook away her dark mood, giving him a long, lustful look in return.
"You can do this," Mónne whispered, now kissing her hand.
Trumpets sounded, a muffled voice announced their arrival to the palace as sunlight exploded into the carriage as the footman opened the door.
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The thick, ebony table could have held fifty men. But this evening, just the end was reserved for four. Carved dragon legs held up the heavy wood and it's generous spread of roast swan, fresh vegetables and peppered bread.
The Queen's Siamese-image, Dias, batted Soria playfully on the nose. The great white lioness snarled lightly in reply and slunk further into the shadows under the table.
Mónne looked longingly at the images and felt the black, all-consuming hole within him grow a little. How long had he and Ryu been apart? How long before he could bargain for his release? Suddenly the meal looked altogether much less appetising.
"So," the old silver-haired king clapped his hands together and looked at each of them in turn, "I would like to welcome you, Mónne, to our home." he raised his wine to the air before taking a gulp.
"It is an honour to be here, Your Majesty," He sipped the bitter wine, "And if I may be so bold, it is an honour to have the love of your beautiful daughter."
The Queen seemed to stifle a choke, she frowned at the boy in front of her. "That is incredibly bold." she said curtly. The king merely sat with his mouth partially open.
"Mother, Father," Remirï said, her pale, icy skin almost blushing, "Please."
"If I have caused offence, please accept my deepest apologises," Mónne murmured in his most charming voice. He almost felt the Princess melt at his tone.
The king seemed to notice this, making Mónne's sly smile grow wide. King threw a scrap of meat to his silver fox-image at his feet.
He spoke softly, "I never thought to see my daughter in love."
The Image Realm | 15 • Opuss № I