Red Queen

© Sarah Ann Watts

‘Let her come in.'

The girl in the red dress and long gloves carried a scroll. She moved swiftly across the squares. When she reached the king on his throne she swept a reluctant curtsy. ‘By your leave, sire.'

He gestured in assent and she broke the seal and read the message to him. It was short and to the point. At the end he held out his hand for the scroll which she placed in his palm. He winced. 'Paper cut.'

She murmured an apology.

'They always sting.'

She nodded and then taking his words as dismissal, made to leave.

‘One moment.'

She paused at the door, her skirts swishing on the chequered floor. ‘I have delivered my message and should go.'

‘And if I ask you to stay?'

She shook her head. ‘There is no need.'

‘No need, only the desire to talk with you. Would you deny me that – last request?'

He was trembling and the sweat was slick on his face. There was a blue tinge to his lips and his eyes were shadowed hollows.

‘You look like death.'

‘Thank you.' He coughed and raised his hand to his mouth to wipe away a thin trickle of blood. ‘Why run away to stand still? I could keep you here with me.'

‘You would not dare!'

He laughed and the years fell from him like a cloak. ‘I have nothing to fear now. I think you should stay. Unless you have somewhere else to go?'

‘You know I haven't.'

‘Then keep me company for a while. Tell me the news. Did my brother suspect?'

‘No.'

‘They never suspect you.' He held out his hand to her and after a moment's hesitation she took it and sat beside him. He raised her hands to his lips and she flinched away from him.

He drew her close and kissed her. ‘A rare poison. Do you like the taste of it?' He crushed the scroll and let it fall. The skin peeled from his hand. ‘How long do I have left?'

She watched as he crumbled into dust. ‘Forever.'