DRABBLE. trials and accusations.
VERSE: Medieval.
CHARACTERS: Eleanor E. Fiore, Althea Fedele. Mentions James Reynolds, H.isui E. F.iore and Mordred O.rland.
“ Ms. Fedele - you are aware that you stand accused of witchcraft, are you not? ”
The question was a disconcerting one, especially when it came from the Queen's daughter - the heir to this country's throne. But it was not one that she had been entirely unprepared for.
Many people who sought only to help and heal were often accused of working under the guide of the devil himself, a reality that she had been made all too aware of when her own mother perished under the cruelty and stupidity of such ignorant assumption.
“ I was unaware, but I suppose it was inevitable. ”
Althea had always been a little afraid of the day these words were spoken, more so now that she was responsible for the care of her husband and beloved son than she had been when alone. In fact, had her mother not raised her to practice their hard-earned knowledge and skill with quiet pride; to never back down in the face of fear or ignorance or whatever these people believed of people, she would have thrown in the towel a long time ago.
In this situation, she almost wished she had. But she supposed there was no turning back now.
“ May I ask - did your father, his Majesty, make these accusations? ”
She knew she had been quite cold towards him since he had been so ruthless her heart, but it seemed a somewhat untimely decision to bring up her craft so many years down the line. Surely even he wasn't so bitter and resentful as to try and destroy her now?
Thea's brows rose, though, when a devious smirk worked its way across the young Princess's lips.
“ My father, yes. But my father is not the King. ”
What had first registered as a shocking surprise soon faded into a reasonable understanding as she took a moment to examine the lady in greater detail. Her eyes, how they were a dark green like Mordred's own, but not his dark green. Her hair, an incredibly dark brown, but not his shade of it.
So, this girl was not Orland offspring. Truly, today had been a day of revelations.
“ I see. And how does your father know of my...practice? ”
“ Put simply, you were responsible for saving the life of my uncle - my father’s brother - who he is not entirely fond of, and wishes to harm in any possible way that he can.
But, fortunately for you, Ms. Fedele, my father is not so popular among the higher powers of this country - nor am I, the Queen, or the King, at all fond of him. So, though the crime you are accused of is quite serious indeed, I do hope to be able to prevent you from its...consequences. ”
Silence followed the heiress' words and hung on the air for quite some time. The accused ‘witch’ gave all of this new information a great deal of consideration, carefully assessing the most appropriate response; one that was most likely to keep her away from the firey stakes or dark river depths that often awaited the people in her trade.
“ Is it my skin you truly wish to save, your Highness? Or is it your father's that you wish to endanger? ”
“ In truth, Ms. Fedele, my primary aim is to spite my wretched father. But you seem like a highly intelligent but decent woman, and your likeness to my mother makes me rather fond of you. ”
( And, well, she couldn't help but notice that the woman's son - currently working the fields not far from this quaint cottage - was rather handsome. )
“ So, though it was not within my original intentions, I would very much like to see you live. ”
“ I appreciate your honesty. And your support would be most appreciated, just as mine will be offered in order to help further your original plan - should you so desire it. ”
The simple smirk on the princess' elegant lips spread wide into what could only be described as a sadistic grin, and she allowed her head to dip in understanding. With the silent shadow of a palace guard at her side, she turned to the wooden door, though not before throwing a glance over her cloaked shoulder.
“ Palace guards will come to collect you and your family at sunrise tomorrow. You will be escorted to a place much less open to ambush and danger until it is safe for you to return. I will then see you in the evening to discuss how we proceed from here.
Good day, Ms. Fedele. I shall keep the good health of you and your kin in my thoughts until I see you next. ”
