Chapter Text
“Why don’t you throw me in the damn flame?
Bury me in gold chains
Throw me in the damn flame
All alone in the glass house
Lie awake ‘til the sun’s out
Pink sky when you come down…”
The King and Queen’s personal office was bathed in the soft, warm glow of sunlight coming in through the window. There was a slight cool breeze drifting through the room, as Peach had left the window slightly ajar, sending the blue lace curtains fluttering softly. The scratching sound of her quill as it moved across the paper filled the air, and she focused intently on pouring out the nervous thoughts that plagued her into it.
22 Marpenoth 1493 DR
It’s been two days since Enver and Astarion set out on private business, and I am beginning to fear the worst. I realize he and my husband and are more than capable of taking care of themselves, but I just have this terrible feeling…
The nights are so much colder without Enver, but Margery has been keeping me company. I feel as though I don’t deserve her, as she does so much for me. I keep having horrible nightmares, ones that wake her in the night. I can’t help it, and they’re always about Enver. I keep running to him in the dark, and once I grab ahold of him I am then engulfed in flames, and oh, it burns... If it weren’t for our child, I don’t think I would sleep at all.
Peach let out a small shudder as she finished her entry, closing her journal and setting it into the desk drawer as usual. Her mind was filled with worry and anxiety, and she couldn’t shake the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, yet she didn’t have the motivation to continue. As she stood from the large desk, she glanced outside, her pink-orange locks spilling down her shoulder. It was such a beautiful day, a stark contrast to the dread she felt deep within her chest, and she decided not to let it go to waste.
Exiting the office, she made her way down the hall, giving an attentive guard a polite smile as she passed to assure him everything was as it should be, even when she knew it wasn’t. Peach descended staircase after staircase, before she was finally outside in the sun. The breeze was chilly, but she wore a long-sleeved lavender gown that kept her warm. The amber and crimson leaves had begun falling from their dying branches, laying in heaps upon the withering grass that a groundskeeper proceeded to rake neatly.
She made her way down the pebbled path, her eyes glancing across the courtyard as if somehow she would spot her husband and friend finally arriving home. Margery was busy with her duties as usual, so she would proceed on her afternoon walk alone, lost in her thoughts as her dress trailed along the path. The sound of crunching gravel and leaves beneath her silver heels seemed overly loud in the otherwise tranquil environment, and she passed by servants and soldiers going about their daily duties, nodding and smiling politely as they gave small bows in response.
The wind blew chilly air through her long locks, and sent fallen leaves skittering across the path and tickling at the silky fabric of her gown. As she continued, her gaze shifted toward the sky, watching the fluffy white clouds as they slowly drifted by, their shapes changing from one moment to the next. The bright sunlight seemed to illuminate everything around her, casting a warm glow over the estate she called home. She took a deep breath, trying to assure herself that everything would be alright, and she would be in Enver’s arms before she knew it.
Peach made her way to the palace garden, which was slightly less colorful as it usually was due to the cool weather, but the sun bathed the flowers’ leaves and petals in a beautiful orange light. A few lingering birds fluttered around, flying from the occasional fenced-in tree or hopping on the ground, seeking out any seeds that the gardeners had laid out. Her thoughts continued to drift from idea to idea about how she could go about helping to bring her loved ones back, only to result in her sulking even further when she realized it would put the health of her unborn child in jeopardy.
The Queen didn’t regret her pregnancy, but it certainly made things much more difficult. She felt like she was made of glass, a fragile thing that could break so easily, regardless of her royal status. Their city had an entire army at their disposal that would kneel to her presence alone, and even the plants and flowers bent slightly in the breeze as she passed, as if bowing their respects. Yet, she felt so helpless. So weak. ‘Useless…’ She thought bitterly, her tears welling up slightly and stinging her pink and orange eyes.
As she reached the end of the garden, her eyes met with the large stone fountain in the middle of the dead-end, and she sat down on one of its’ flat round edges. The air was still in the small private place, only broken by the peaceful trickling of the water. She stared down into it, watching the sky slowly begin to turn shades of orange and pink as she let her tears fall, and she realized she’d been strolling for hours now. Absentmindedly, she grazed the cold water with her fingers until they felt numb, watching the ripples cascade along the surface as she tried to calm herself down. She decided that if he wasn’t back in the next day or so, she would begin sending search parties, and their city would in turn become aware of its King’s absence.
“Please come home…” She spoke in a broken whisper.
. . . . . .
Clink… clink-clank… clink…
Enver’s eyes slowly opened, and he groggily sat up with a light groan from the solid dirt floor as his back ached, and he slowly came to his senses. He ran a hand over his eyes, wiping away the sleep that still lingered in them, as he saw Astarion attempting to pick the lock of the cell door again. He couldn’t help but let out a barely audible exhale of amusem*nt through his nose at the vampire’s futile attempts, shaking his head slightly.
“Give it a rest. It’s obvious that is no normal lock. We aren’t getting out that way.”
Astarion paused the lockpicking, heaving a frustrated sigh as he shot Enver an irritable glare. “Well do you have a better idea, then?” He retorted, his voice edged with annoyance. He let out a huff as he leaned back against the solid bars of the cell, crossing his arms over his chest in a sulky manner.
“You’ve been trying the same thing for two days.” The King reminded him, the tone in his voice sounding a touch snarky. Even though he had been just as frustrated with their current situation as Astarion, he still knew it was pointless to keep trying something that had no chance of working.
The pale elf rolled his eyes in response to Enver’s comment, clearly unamused with his attitude. “Oh, so now you’re mocking me? Real mature.” He shot back, his voice laced with irritation. He pushed himself off from the wall, pacing around in the small space of the cell, his frustration and boredom evident once more in his restless movements.
There he goes again… Moron.
“I’m not mocking you, merely pointing out the obvious fact that your relentless attempts at picking that damn lock aren’t going to get us anywhere.” Enver responded, the hint of sarcasm still present in his voice as he watched the vampire pacing, for what felt like the hundredth time in the past couple days.
“You should listen to your King.” Araj spoke suddenly, stepping out of the shadows.
Astarion stepped back away from the cell door, his expression one of annoyance tinged with slight anxiety. Enver’s gaze shifted toward the vampire woman as she spoke, a frown tugging at the corner of his lips. He hated how she kept popping up out of nowhere, it was annoying. Nonetheless, he chose to ignore it, standing up to face her as he continued speaking in a calm and composed manner, “Ah, our captor graces us with her presence once more, and to what do we owe the honor? …Let me guess, you want an answer.” He spoke, although it came out as more of a statement than a question.
“Indeed, so what will it be? A bit of your blood, or your city and loved ones?” Araj asked, watching him closely like an animal in a cage. A specimen.
“First, a simple question. My blood – why do you want it so badly?” Enver asked, his expression remaining stoic, crossing his arms firmly over his chest. His voice was steady as he held her gaze – black boring into red.
“My plans are none of your concern.” Araj responded simply. “Now, I will ask again, one last time. Your blood, or your kingdom?” She replied, her voice remaining calm and calculated, yet it seemed to grate at Enver’s eardrums in annoyance.
“And I shall give you one last response. You will have neither.” The King responded firmly, his stubborn and defiant demeanor refusing to give into her threats. He stood tall and unmoving, the determination in his eyes never faltering as he held her gaze, the tension in the air thick and heavy. Astarion watched the two go back and forth, his expression one of confusion and irritation.
The Drow studied the King intently, her lips curling into a sly smile as she observed his unwavering resolve. “You’re quite stubborn, aren’t you?” She spoke, “You won’t give in so easily, I see. But you’ll realize soon enough that resistance is futile, little King.”
Enver’s expression hardened as he listened to her words, his spite fueling his determination not to give in. “I have faced far worse threats than you. If you think your threats will shake me, you’re sorely mistaken.” He smirked, “You expect me to believe you have an entire army at your disposal?” The King leaned in closer to the bars, “I don’t see any proof.”
“My proof will be in your city’s destruction.” Araj snapped momentarily, before composing herself again, “I gave you your chance, Enver Gortash.” She sighed, “I’m not so foolish as to try to take it from you by force, but I can certainly use you as a valuable asset in the future.” An amused smirk spread on her lips as she added, “A tyrant in a cage, how ironic.”
Raising an eyebrow in intrigue at her last statement, Enver’s stubborn streak was still refusing to waver. “You think you can tame me?” He asked, his voice containing a subtle mockery. “You honestly believe that you could force me to do your bidding?” He took a step closer, “I’d love to see you try. My wife is going to enjoy killing you.” He added in amusem*nt.
“Quite the opposite, I’m afraid.” The woman shrugged slightly, before turning and starting toward the darkness once more.
“Wait!”
She paused at the sound of Astarion’s voice, turning back once more.
“…Why are you keeping me here? You have no use for me, so… Let me go.” Astarion spoke, his voice tinged with anxiety and slight desperation.
But Araj’s lips only curled up in a way that made his stomach turn.
“Oh, I’m sure I’ll think of something.”
. . . . . .
“Peach?”
Peach’s eyes cracked open slightly at the sound of Margery’s voice. She lay on a plush sapphire chaise lounge in the royal library within the palace, her cheeks momentarily sticking to a page of the book she was reading as she sat up, and realized she must’ve dozed off.
“Oh, Margery… what time is it?” The Queen asked, rubbing her eyes and looking around the room. It was dark outside the large windows on the far left side of the room, and she frowned slightly. The fire had died down in the massive stone fireplace that was set within the masonry of the wall across the room to her right, the previously warm and cozy library now cooler and dim.
“A few hours past sundown,” Margery responded, taking a seat in a tall armchair beside her. She seemed more tired than usual, with a slight hint of darkness under her eyes and fatigue in her movements.
Peach nodded, before she gave her a look of sympathy, “I must’ve nodded off. You look like you had an exhausting day, we should probably turn in for the night.” She suggested.
Margery nodded in agreement, giving the Queen a tired smile. She knew very well that Peach hadn’t gotten an adequate amount of sleep the past few days either, the lack of rest evident in her features as well. “I fear you’re right,” She responded, her weariness apparent in her voice. “It’s been quite a day, indeed…” She couldn’t help but release a heavy sigh, her shoulders sagging ever so slightly with the weight of exhaustion.
Peach made a mental note to adjust her schedule to be less grueling, at least until Enver returned. She stood up and stepped over to her, reaching up and tucking a lock of curly dark blonde hair behind her ear, the Queen’s soft smile betraying the sad look in her eyes as of late. “You’re such a hard worker, I admire that about you.” Peach smiled, her hand moving to caress Margery’s cheek with a small, perfectly manicured hand.
Her personal servant couldn’t help the warm smile that spread across her cheeks at the affectionate gesture, feeling a slight sense of comfort from the Queen’s touch. She allowed herself to lean into the embrace, her expression softening with every passing moment. She chuckled quietly, the sound a mix of self-consciousness and genuine appreciation. “You’re too kind…” Margery replied with a slight hint of bashfulness in her voice, “I merely strive to uphold the duties expected of me.”
Peach stood up slightly on her toes and pressed a gentle kiss to Margery’s lips before she spoke again. “Well, you’re doing a fantastic job. I appreciate you.” She spoke sweetly.
Margery’s face flushed with a light blush as the Queen pressed a kiss against her lips, her heart fluttering slightly at the sweet gesture and words of appreciation. It was difficult for her not to smile as she responded in a soft voice, “I’ll always do my best for you, Peach.” She gently rested a hand on Peach’s warm cheek in return, her thumb slowly stroking along her soft skin.
The Queen felt as though she could always get lost in Margery’s hazel blue-green eyes in times of need, her presence alone a soothing comfort in contrast to the anxiety and dread she felt most of the day. “I know, that’s one of the many things I adore about you.” Peach admitted.
The two made their way back through the palace, keeping a safe distance from one another to avoid causing suspicion from the guards, until they reached the bedroom. Peach shut the door behind her and locked it for the night, glancing warily at the wardrobe to her left, before she made her way over to the vanity to do her nightly routine. Margery caught a glance of her expression, and furrowed her brows slightly in concern as she sat down on the edge of the bed. “What’s the matter?” She asked curiously.
Peach froze, “Oh, it’s nothing.”
Margery raised an eyebrow in skepticism, clearly not convinced by Peach’s response. The Queen’s hesitation and the way she quickly brushed off the question only heightened her concern. “Come now, I know you well enough to tell when something is bothering you, Peach.” She spoke gently, patting the bed beside her.
As she let out a small sigh, Peach stood from the vanity chair and sat down beside her personal servant on the bed. “Promise me you won’t think I’m crazy.” She spoke, though it sounded more like a question.
The slightly younger woman took Peach’s hand in hers, giving it a comforting squeeze as she responded with the same gentle tone. “You know I would never think such a thing. No matter what it is, I promise I’ll keep an open mind.” She replied softly.
Peach remembered the last time she tried to bring this up with Margery, but at the time they weren’t so close, and she’d simply brushed it off as the Queen being overly stressed. She had to try, though, so she nodded.
“Enver and I…” Peach started, feeling a twinge of sadness as she missed him, “We were messing around one day in the office, and I decided to play around and try to hide from him… A silly game of hide and seek,” She spoke with slight amusem*nt, although it didn’t reach her eyes. “I ran into the bedroom and hid in that wardrobe… and…” She began, feeling a wave of anxiety that halted her words.
Margery listened intently, a mix of curiosity and concern evident in her expression at her sudden halt, and she turned her fully attention towards her, her hand tightening around hers in reassurance, “And…?” She prompted gently.
Peach braced herself mentally, “…There was something in there. It wasn’t… normal.” She fumbled with her words. “It made a noise… this horrible sound, as if… it was choking.” She took a deep, shuddering breath as she tried to explain her horrific experience, “It wasn’t alive…”
Margery’s eyes widened slightly in concern, her heart racing slightly at her words as goosebumps spread up her arms. “…What do you mean, ‘it wasn’t alive’?”
The Queen shook her head in confusion, “I don’t know… It was freezing in there, I think… I think it was a ghost.” She admitted, “That wasn’t all, though… there’s more. One time a vase flew off the fireplace and shattered on the floor when there was nobody in here, and at times the floor creaks as if there’s someone walking, but there’s nobody here...” She spoke, feeling as though she sounded crazy, her eyes welling up in fear. “It only happens in this room.”
Her personal servant’s expression was a mixture of disbelief and increasing concern, processing the information about the vase that had inexplicably flown off the fireplace and shattered on the floor. But it was the mention of footsteps heard even when there was no one there that made her shiver. She shifted slightly on the bed, turning her body fully towards the Queen, still holding her hand. “And you… You didn’t see anything?” She asked, a hint of trepidation in her voice.
Peach shook her head again, “No, not a thing. I had Enver search the wardrobe, and a guard come search the room. There’s nothing… I can’t explain it.” She spoke, wiping a tear from her cheek. “I don’t know what else I can do, I can’t just tell anyone, word will get out that their Queen is insane.”
Margery reached over and gently wiped another stray tear from her cheek, her touch warm and reassuring. “No, no,” She insisted softly, her voice gentle. “You’re not crazy, I believe you.” She murmured, moving closely and wrapping an arm around Peach’s shoulders, pulling her into a comforting embrace.
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to scare you…” Peach sniffed, leaning into her embrace as she felt her start rubbing her back in a soothing manner. Margery shook her head slightly, a mix of comfort and determination in her voice.
“You don’t need to apologize, Peach. You’re not scaring me, I’m here to support you, no matter what.” She reassured her, gently pushing a strand of pink hair behind Peach’s ear before continuing, “We’ll figure this out. Together.”
Peach sniffled and nodded against her, feeling a wave of relief that someone finally believed her.
