Envenheim 181

After a sleepless night, I asked around the castle frantically for Paris. Nobody could give me an answer and told me to seek out his advisors instead.

I found his advisors who were, at the moment, filling in for Paris in the throne room. They were listening to complaints from Nui’s many citizens.

The throne room was a grand place with a high ceiling and many steps that led up to an extravagant golden throne overlooking whatever citizen happened to be below it. There were giant purple tapestries that hung on the wall with Nui’s new human standard embroidered upon them: A golden lion roaring. When Daddy was in charge, Nui’s standard was a pair of ivory moth wings set on a green background.

I waited in the shadows while a human peasant complained of someone else’s moth slave who had supposedly stolen some of his food.

“They will not repay me for the food, nor will they punish their slave. I recommend three lashes for the slave and the return of my goods from his owner.” The peasant pleaded while bowing.

Paris’ advisors nodded. “We’ll send a guard to look into it for you.”

I looked down.

The moth slaves were starving… Of course they had to resort to stealing.

I waited until the peasant left to approach the advisors. I hiked up my skirts and climbed the steps while asking them, “where is the king?”

“He is having a trying time at the moment and needs respite from his duties as king for another day. Have no fear, my queen. He is still on castle grounds; he is just outside.

“But I didn’t see him at all last night…” I replied. “I don’t think he came inside.”

The advisors shrugged. “He can take care of himself, My Lady. Have no worry.”

I sighed. “Very well… Can you tell me why he needs respite? Does it have to do with the letter he got?”

“I should think so, My Lady.”

“But you don’t know what the letter said?” I probed worriedly.

“It was a private letter.” They answered.

I sighed. “Okay…”

Thunder rang in the distance again and I jumped in fear. The advisors chuckled. I made a face and then took my leave of them.

__

My three guards, along with Morgan, followed me around all day as I miserably found ways to occupy my time while I thought of ways to continue romancing Paris for when he came back. I had to move our relationship along faster.

I was also starting to get restless being locked up in the castle all day, but I wanted to respect Paris’ wishes and I avoided trying to sneak out.

As I shook out the carpets around the castle—much to the dismay of the guards and the slaves who said it was beneath me—I heard something whispering in my ears.

Mimi… Mimi…

I looked around fearfully. What a horrifying voice! So deep and ominous!

Mimi…

My eyes locked onto Morgan’s, who was standing behind me ominously. He grinned at me and a chill ran up my spine.

Are you inside my head? I thought to myself.

Yes I am. He replied.

Is this your magic? I asked as I went back to shaking out the rug.

It is. My Queen, I can help you in your goals if you wish. If you want the king to be yours, I have a magic potion you can pour into his wine and he’ll be at your mercy. Morgan thought to me suggestively.

I will not treat my husband so poorly. I need no potion to get him to love me. I replied.

How about something else you desire? How about your lovely Caerwyn. If you meet me in the kitchen later tonight, I will allow you to see him.

I gasped aloud and turned toward him. My heart bloomed with excitement. That was what I wanted!

“Is there something wrong, My Lady?” My guards asked worriedly when I asked.

I forced a smile and shook my head. “Sorry, it’s just a little chilly…”

Just who are you, Morgan? Where do you come from? How do you know of Caerwyn? I wondered—cautiously trying to gauge whether he was a threat.

I was a member of the Wild Mothmen. We lived in solitude and among nature—my magic has been tempered by trial-after-trial posed to me by the lustful god. I can reunite you with your man. He claimed.

Why should I believe you? I replied as I scrubbed down the carpet with a rag. Even among moths Wild Mothmen were hated. It is the blackest magic from the wickedest god that you use!

Do you want your man or not? If you do, you’ll meet me later.

I had the whole day to decide, at least.

__

It was thundering and raining the whole day, and all the while I worried fathomlessly about Paris who still hadn’t showed up, and no one seemed to care or notice. The poor man… If he would just try to be more charismatic, I was sure he could get his subjects to like him.

I heard Morgan whisper in my head as I crotched in an empty room with the other noble ladies, the king has left the grounds, My Lady.

I set my blanket aside worriedly and looked at Morgan's menacing red eyes directly. Truly?

Truly. They are out looking for him, but he is nowhere to be found. If he were dead, would you be happy knowing there might be a place for you in Caerwyn’s arms? It’d be much easier to get him to forget his convictions if you didn’t have such a nuisance of a king hanging over you. Morgan asked as he leaned his cheek on one of his four arms.

Silence! I love Caerwyn, and I will never stop loving him—but he is not for me. He is on a different plain. Paris Is for me. I tried to convince myself.

Do you not feel guilty manipulating him for your own ends? Oh yes… He wants you desperately. I wonder how he would feel if he found out you just wanted something from him like those chambermaids and princesses he fancied. Will you take what you want and leave him broken? Morgan asked sinisterly.

I gritted my teeth and looked at him furiously—making the nobles ladies I crocheted with jump in surprise. Get out of my head!

Morgan wouldn’t stop grinning at me. Very well, My Lady.