Of Shadow and Death

Chapter One: Of Greed And Hatred

"I apologize my lord," Narcisse turned to Evette. "My lady." He nodded apologetically.

Evette hung her head. Whenever she heard her father speak about her in such a way, she always wanted to crawl into a ball and disappear. She wanted to hide behind Noel now, but she knew he couldn't save her from the cold wrath of her father.

Arwin didn't look his age. His few long gray hairs were hardly noticeable at first glance. His long nose and rather bushy dark eyebrows made him look like an elven wizard. He always wore his engraved sigil armor, even though he wasn't going to war; it had definitely become a daily uniform for him.

"You will depart tomorrow. Until then, you and your men may tie up your horses in the royal stable. The queen has requested your presence in the dining hall. There will be a feast at sundown." Arwin nodded to Narcisse before turning to Evette, a look in his eyes that was unreadable.

"And you, I want you to help the girls pack for their journey tomorrow. Lady Quill won't be making the journey to Drogen. She is in her quarters, I'd like you to pay her a visit. . . while you still can."  Arwin mumbled the last few words but Evette could still hear him. She nodded obediently and began to walk away, Noel by her side.

Eve wanted to object to her father's order, but she didn't want to embarrass herself in front of everyone. She did not know any of the young women who would be making the journey to Drogen well, and she didn't want to. She wanted to distance herself from anyone and everyone royal. Her father's low words made her curious, but she knew that whatever was going on with Lady Quill wasn't something she wanted to get involved in.

"Noel," Arwin suddenly said. Noel stopped in his tracks and turned when he heard his name. "Your father would like to speak to you in private."

Noel's eyes met Evette's and she gave him an apologetic half smile as she parted from the group and began to walk toward the inside of the keep. Her movements careful and quick paced.

Evette made her way inside the castle, and up towards Lady Quill's quarters. Quill and her family, as well as the other young wealthy girl's families, were welcomed to stay a few years ago. They were given quarters in the castle, most of the rooms previously vacant and empty prior to their arrival. Maria, Evette's stepmother, thought it best to invite them to live in the castle to show that those of wealth and station stand together. Which to Evette, was an elegant way of saying: there aren't many elven duke's, duchesses or nobles left. Bringing them together to live in one place, would mean that Maria could keep an eye on them. She was always one to snoop and prod around in others' business. She was one nosey, problematic, rude queen and Evette just wanted to ring her pathetic n-

Finishing that thought would be a crime punishable by death. Evette thought to herself.

The men who stood guard outside of Quill's bedroom met Evette's gaze when she stopped and stood in front of the door they guarded. They both raised a brow before the guard on the left spoke up. "No entry unless permitted by the king." He said.

Evette exhaled, clearly annoyed. "The king permits my entry. Now, move." She replied.

"Unless-" the same guard began to speak but was suddenly cut off by fuming Eve.

"I said, move." She said as she took a step forward towards the bedroom door.

Before the two guards could react, everyone paused when a low whimper invaded the three outside of the door. Someone was clearly crying on the other side of the two decorated wooden doors.