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Post by Sally Fitch/Clever Else on Jan 21, 2013 15:32:44 GMT -5
That shocked Else. She had not expected that. She had done everything to be courteous and friendly with the simple man... but he could sense her unhappiness despite it. She was very good at outwitting people and hiding her emotions... but not from Hans, it had seemed.
And how cold of her... all the while she internally mourned and rebelled against her fate, Hans had shouldered the burden of a failed marriage completely on his own, accepted it, yet still tried to make her happy despite it.
Tears began to fall. She reached for his large hand and laid her head down against his pillow, cradling his head.
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Post by Sally Fitch/Clever Else on Jan 21, 2013 15:54:18 GMT -5
Else was rudely awoken from her sleep with a shake to her shoulder. She looked up to see the frown of the physician. She looked back at Hans. The hand she clutched was slack, pale, and cold.
She sat up quickly fearing the worst, but Hans was still alive, if barely. He was shivering violently in his sleep. It wasn't a good sign. She let out a gasp, her face crumpling, as the doctor led her out the door.
"Why isn't he getting better?!" she demanded.
The doctor took off his spectacles. "Your highness... you may have to accept the fact that he is not going to get any better." he said quite simply. "His fever has raged without fail, for a night and a day straight. There is only so much that the body can endure." He looked back into the room at the ailing King. "It's remarkable... it has progressed so quickly, and it is as if the rest of him has clearly given up... but the fever still burns so brightly. The only fire alight within him, and yet it is also his doom..."
...Did this physician realize how close the Queen was to throwing him in the dungeon???
"Perhaps we should make... preparations?" an adviser suggested.
"...Preparations?" Else asked, but then understanding. "HE'S NOT EVEN DEAD!"
"This is a unique opportunity, your Highness." Perhaps he THOUGHT he was being comforting, but his words were so callous. "Fate has seen to make sure that this unwanted King will be removed from the throne one way or another. You will acquire a new King... one that is more to your pleasure and finally help secure an heir for this kingdom."
Else stared at the adviser, unbelieving, before delivering an earth shattering slap to his face... only possible of a wilderness Peasant; not a dainty Queen. "You, sir, will leave from this place... or else..." she threatened, low and clear. She shot a glance at the startled physician. "And you will get back in there and save my husband... and gods help you if you don't..."
She walked away from them, down the stairs, through the maze of halls and out into the gardens. The moon was shining brilliantly, set against dancing stars... the but Queen could only look downward and weep.
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Post by Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold on Jan 23, 2013 22:30:28 GMT -5
"Why so sorrowful, Clever Queen?" a voice inquired from the darkness.
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Post by Sally Fitch/Clever Else on Jan 23, 2013 22:42:38 GMT -5
Else's head came up from her hands. She would know that voice anywhere. It's mock sangfroid hiding ill intent.
"You..." she choked, without even looking at him. "...what was the point of it? Bring me here to this strange land? Marry a stranger? Rule a kingdom? Only to end up ALONE... WHAT IS THE POINT???"she spat, finally glaring at him.
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Post by Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold on Jan 23, 2013 22:44:05 GMT -5
"The point?" he repeated, "I thought this was what you wanted."
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Post by Sally Fitch/Clever Else on Jan 23, 2013 22:50:34 GMT -5
"What I WANTED?" the queen stood up from her spot. "I wanted to save my family... our land... you make it sound as if I had a CHOICE in the matter..."
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Post by Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold on Jan 23, 2013 22:51:37 GMT -5
"And you have done that. Unless I'm mistaken? I thought that your family was doing well."
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Post by Sally Fitch/Clever Else on Jan 23, 2013 23:00:31 GMT -5
Else looked down. "I'll have to take your word for it." She hadn't heard or seen from any of them since she was taken away. She sent messengers... but the cottage had remained in it's burnt state...and they were nowhere to be found.
Hot tears stung at her eyes. "You have no idea what it is like to be separated from kin...to not know where they are or if they are even alive." No, this was none of his business. She refused to let the monster get the best of her.
"What I meant...was that any person with a SOUL would gladly lay down anything to save their loved ones." She said, squaring her shoulders and setting her jaw. "It was a trap. But I'll make a choice now... the choice to walk away from this interview." She turned to leave.
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Post by Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold on Jan 23, 2013 23:01:52 GMT -5
When she turned around, she nearly walked into him. "So you don't like being queen?"
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Post by Sally Fitch/Clever Else on Jan 23, 2013 23:15:10 GMT -5
Else tried to refrain from stumbling back in surprise. She refused to answer him.
He didn't understand at all if that was his train of questioning. Else had been perfectly content living as a peasant all her life.
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Post by Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold on Jan 23, 2013 23:19:49 GMT -5
"So what is bothering you, dearie?" he asked, "Maybe I can help."
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Post by Sally Fitch/Clever Else on Jan 23, 2013 23:27:14 GMT -5
She scoffed. Help. Else was well aware what kind of 'help' the dark imp was capable of.
But... Hans needed help. She shook her head. She would not subject her innocent husband to this.
...But what if he died. She would truly be alone. Else looked up at the tower where she knew her husband was battling for his life. Would he do the same for her?
Else knew in her heart that he would.
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Post by Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold on Jan 23, 2013 23:28:30 GMT -5
"Oh come now dearie," he looked hurt.
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Post by Sally Fitch/Clever Else on Jan 23, 2013 23:35:37 GMT -5
The queen tightened her jaw, rebelling... but then her resolve disappeared. She looked up at blurry stars, blinking back her frustration. "The husband, whom you bestowed upon me that night you brought me here, is dying." She said, monotone.
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Post by Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold on Jan 23, 2013 23:41:00 GMT -5
"Dying?" he actually looked genuinely startled.
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