Tale of Mongomery Chap. 10

Carac awoke before Montgomery, the sun just beginning to shine through the purple and green stained glass windows. He placed one foot out of the bed onto the soft carpet, pausing to ensure he didn’t wake Montgomery. Slowly, he slid his body out of the bed, his movement halted briefly by Frog's snoring. When she settled back into her snores, he crept out of her room.

He walked through the castle, running his fingers along the railings and walls. It was incredibly beautiful.

He couldn’t continue a life of sleeping in the shed with a goat and two other people; he just couldn't. He knew in his heart of hearts this was not what he was meant for. He had lashvish taste and couldn't never be satisfied like Wilbur was in the barn.

Carac wouldn't sit by and let his hair gray while he wallowed in misery. He needed to leave an impression on Montgomery, to make her aware of his superiority over the others. He had a few ideas, but they wouldn't have a lasting effect, and she would grow bored of him over time. He had given his best effort the previous night.

A thought crept into his head—perfect, yet it required sacrificing everything he currently had.

He stopped abruptly and hurried to the slaves' quarters. Thankfully, Wilbur was still asleep.

Silently, he moved through the quarters to his corner of the room. There it was, his book, his most prized possession. Lilith had rescued it from the garbage. It was what kept him from losing his sanity, the best gift anyone had ever given him. He picked it up and walked slowly out of the quarters, his stomach churning. He wanted to scream and cry simultaneously. He didn't have to do it; he could return the book and live out the week in the castle before returning to his normal life. He felt conflicted, a hot tear rolling down his face to land on the book's soft paper. He hated himself but it was the only way. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath through his nose, and exhaled slowly through his mouth. His mind was made up. He wasn't wasting his life away as a slave. He had an agenda and it was to rule, to have servents fan him in the summer. He wanted to be draped in fabric only the rich had. The kind of fabric that was silky and cool to the touch.

He ran into the castle and as he wiped his eyes. He flew up the spiral stair case to the queen's quarters.

Mavi was dusting Felix's painting. Mavi had always given Carac a strange feeling but he didn't know why. He was a tall man with a large prominate moustache that he twirled whenever he was thinking. He was the former King's Best Campion and Advisor. Carcac often caught him staring at the King's paitings with sadness in his eyes. He knew Mavi was very loyal to Mongomery, but he wondered why.

Felix's portrit seemed to be staring daggers in him. He knew Felix would have never forgiven him for this.

Carac walked straight into Montgomery's room, where she was already awake, sitting on a stool, applying various lotions and oils to herself. Each oil carried a distinct floral scent, the combined aromas overpowering her own odor. Carac wasn't sure which scent was preferable.

"My Queen," he said, bowing, "I've made a dreadful discovery."

She looked up, intrigued. "And what would that be, my Carac?"

"This morning, while starting the daily chores, I found this in Lilith's bed. She stole this from the castle." he extended his hand with the book. His fingers shook as she took it.

Montgomery gasped, taking the book and placing it on the table. "Stealing is the foremost rule of the Kingdom. She will have to pay for taking something unlawfully from the castle. I can't believe she was so foolish," Montgomery chuckled. "You know, my dear Carac, this is punishable by death, or if I'm feeling merciful, I'll have her placed in the dungeon. Alternatively, the barbarians might purchase her for a price."

She fell silent, gazing at Carac, then walked over to him.

"This surprises me, Carac," she said, her round fingers caressing his lips.

"What surprises you, my Queen?" Carac inquired.

"That you would betray Lilith. I've overheard laughter when both of you are working in the fields. I know you must have grown fond of each other, working and living so closely."

Carac took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around Frog's neck, feeling the bumps across her shoulders. He looked into her eyes. Trying to only look at the brown eyes and not at her body.

"Montgomery, since my time at the castle, the only person I've ever dreamed of growing fond of is you. Working for you has been torment. Every night, I dream of walking up to you and touching your skin," he said, sliding one hand down to the small of Montgomery's back. I am so engulfed by you Mongomery I have trouble sleeping at night. Lilith has been a mere way to pass the time."

"Oh, Carac," Montgomery exclaimed. "You've proven yourself to me. You need not stay in the slaves' quarters any longer." Leaning in closer to his ear, she whispered, "I want you to sleep with me in my bed every night."

He allowed himself to envishion himself on the thrown. The King's crown on his head. It was so very possible now.

Carac felt a surge of excitement. His plan had succeeded. Lilith was merely a slave girl, inexperienced in the finer things of life. Protecting Lilith wasn't worth a life shrouded in darkness.