Chapter SixteenNow, my darling, now that that troublesome king is out of the way--where were we? purred the Evil Queen into Lord Argus' ear.
Oh, yes-- with a girlish giggle.
I remember.
Run along now, my precious butterfly. Your queen has business to attend to.Alone in her chambers, the Queen allowed herself a delicious little moment of gloating.
At last, I am rid of that burden. So much of my energy drained into keeping him docile! (The deluded queen often confused such things as 'evil' and 'docile'. Given her disposition, this is perhaps not surprising. )
Now that he is permanently out of the way, I shall be free to pursue . . . heh heh heh . . . other matters. She congratulated herself on her timing--
thankfully, everyone in the kingdom already adores me, and they will obey my wishes even without their pitiful weakling of a King giving them orders. (Other concepts she was wont to confuse--those of admiration and love with fear and hatred.)
As long as I keep him somewhere . . . safe, I should have as much access to him as I require. With no sense of the cliché of it, the Queen ordered the King's body moved to the top of the tallest tower.
And then, she attended to her other business.
Hunstman! I require your presence! Come to my chambers!Ellis quickly responded to the magically-enhanced voice of the Queen, which could be heard throughout the castle and grounds.
Yes, my Queen? How may I serve you?
Huntsman, the King has become--indisposed, and is no longer fit to rule. Ellis contained his anger at the Queen's lies, knowing that his best chance of protecting the last member of the family was to pretend to believe and accept everything the Queen said.
Yes, my Queen. What can I do to serve you?The Queen nodded, satisfied that Ellis was her faithful servant.
Not here--further in.They moved deeper into her chambers so as not to be overheard.
You are sworn to protect me, are you not?Ellis chose his words carefully.
I am sworn to protect the Crown.
And I wear the Crown!Ellis bowed his head.
You are the Queen.Yes, and so you must protect me. She nodded, satisfied once again. Then she leaned in close to Ellis and whispered,
This is what you must do for me.