Edwin had seen to it that everything had been set up perfectly. He was wearing one of his finest suits in his favorite color, red. He thought about wearing something overly ornate but decided against it, after all a gentlemen did not outshine his ladies and he hoped that both Mary and her sister the widow Helen would be decked out in glittery splendor. Something about deep colored jewels against a pale throat or wrist was utterly beautiful and arousing to him, moreso than the swell of a breast or the glimpse of an ankle. To him it represented two sins he was well associated with, greed and lust. As evening drew to a close he summoned his servants to make sure that everything he’d asked be done had been done in preparation for his special event tonight. With his son securely married yesterday and he already working valiantly on making an heir (at least he hoped he was working valiantly for an heir) he was secure in the knowledge that the lineage would live on. As Edwin prepared for his private dinner with the sisters formerly Beaumont he opened up a polished, carved wooden case in which held a necklace made of opals with a matching ring. He felt that Helen would appreciate this gift immensely especially as it came with the offer to be his mistress one he and Mary were married.
Not that Edwin didn’t love Mary less but a man must always have alternatives and variety! It was his prerogative to have another woman waiting in another wing if Mary was indisposed (or goodness knows got pregnant after all these years). Also, he’d had a mistress for so long it was hard to imagine not having one, even if it was just for show (also, he felt it would keep Mary on her toes knowing that all Edwin had to do was visit her sister whenever she snubbed him or decided to get uppity (which queens were want to do as Lys had been prone to it). He briefly wondered if his own son would take a Beaumont for a mistress, Octavia wads a lovely young woman and if he hadn’t been dead set on this union with Sundaril in a gamble to bid for their throne he would have been more than happy to arrange a marriage between his son and her, though Elizabeth would have been stiff competition. It would have been amusing to see them fight for the honor of being betrothed to his son. Well there was nothing saying his son couldn’t have them both if he wanted, though Edwin seriously doubted he’d stray far from his wife. Ophelia Seraphin had a commanding aura about her that it wouldn’t surprise him if his son followed her like a lost puppy. AH! Yes! He’d forgotten! His son’s birthday letter! He looked at the sun briefly before sitting down to pen the letter.
He stopped however before the quill touched the page and considered what he should write. He’d written one before the wedding but had torn it up and tossed it into the fire, hating the way it sounded. Now as he was faced with this difficult decision he wrote again. The words came out more fluidly than he expected, full of relief and pride, knowing that his son was safely married and the union was consummated. He felt full of life and vitality as if he could go for another several years! Why he was healthy as an ox for all that his eyesight was failing and his joints hurt when he was cold. Finishing the letter with a flourish he realized how late he was to his own dinner party and hastily sealed the envelope, leaving it laying on his desk as he walked in a stately manner (king’s never hurried) to the private chamber where he’d be entertaining his beloved Mary and her sister. He nodded curtly to the servants that were standing just outside the door as a reminder to make themselves as scarce as possible whilst he was dining, he would hate to embarrass Helen when he was trying so hard to lure her into his web. He understood that she was still in mourning for her husband and wanted to appear gentle and kind which was why he’d liked the meal to be as private as possible, preferring to serve the women himself from the vast array of food he’d ordered made.
He entered to see Mary and Helen standing together just inside the door. “Ah Mary!” he approached and kissed her on both cheeks happily, excited to see her wearing one of the many pieces of jewelry he had given her.
“And Helen, my dear Helen, thank you for coming to dine with us this evening.” He kissed her hand as well and then led the women over to the small table that had been set up. He seated Mary with another kiss upon her pale cheek and moved around to get Helen’s chair for her as well.
“I hope you do not think less of me for pulling your chair out, I asked that this meal be private for I have much to discuss with you and have sought to spare you embarrassment.” He informed her as he pulled the chair out for her and tucked it back in. He took her hand again and raised it to his lips with a charming smile.
“You are beautiful my lady, like a lovely songbird.” He kissed her hand then, lingering over the scent he caught at her wrist. He raised his eyes to tell her how tantalizing it was and therefore missed the flash of silver aimed at him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
She was to be queen. Queen of all Liston. Edwin had chosen the lowly Lady Mary Hart, plucked her from a court full of women, and seen fit to make her his bride. How perfectly thrilling to know that she would someday have her heart's ultimate desire, and be wed to the man she loved so dearly, so tenderly. It was Edwin who made her heart flutter, and it was Edwin alone who she loved. Never the man she had been forced to call "Husband", and certainly not the slew of suitors she had in days past.
That night was to be one of their first joint endeavors, since Edwin had proposed. He had called her into his study, informing his bride-to-be that since she would no longer be his mistress, as she had risen to the role of wife. Nevertheless, a mistress would be needed to satiate his urges. As a King, he was entitled to take whatever woman fancied him. Mary was upset, yes, but she would not disagree with Edwin. Not after he had granted the very desire of her heart. His choice in Helen, for his mistress, could not have pleased Mary less. For years she had been competing with that witch, trying to ensure that Helen never ruined her own happiness. Far too late though, for the women had turned into rivals of the worst sort, always trying to one-up the next, and out do their sister's accomplishments. Mary had assumed she won, when Helen's husband met his untimely death at her own hands, though she had never mentioned that to anybody. Nary a soul could know of her heinous deed.
That night, however, Edwin gave Helen the means of competing once more with Mary. He was to offer her a mistress-ship, and moreover, the world. To be mistress to the King was no small role, and it was one Mary often found taxing. She loved Edwin dearly, and hated to disappoint him in any way, shape, or manner. True, they had their fights every now and then but so did every couple. They always made up though, and sure enough, warm delights of the flesh followed soon thereafter. As she dressed for the private dinner, Mary reflected on her wardrobe. She wanted to wear something that would show her utmost adoration for Edwin, as well as highlight her prominence for her sister to be in envy of. She selected a burgundy-wine tinted gown, embroidered with golden thread and with hints of black lace to draw attention to her bosom, which seemed more than ample being pushed up so much by her squeezing gown. She applied rouge, as normal, and matched the shade with a much darker red upon her lips. The very appearance of seduction, for Edwin. As a final touch, Mary selected one of her favorite jewels from a collection she had amassed through Edwin. A choker of sorts- black ribbon, with a stunning ruby pendant that pointed towards the top of her breasts. Surely, Edwin would find favor with such an outfit.
As his letter dictated, Mary went to the designated spot to wait for the arrival of her soon-to-be husband. Helen was there, and though conversation might have passed the time (Edwin was late!), she could not bring herself to address the witch. Finally, Edwin entered and Mary could not help but to smile at his appearance. He always seemed to exude the authority of his throne; it was a powerful aura which Lady Hart found most attractive. He kissed her cheeks, and Mary could not have been more thrilled. Perhaps had Helen not been there, she would have pushed the kiss further, and foregone dinner for other delectable sins. Alas, this dinner had a purpose. One which she could not forget.
They were alone in the room, Edwin, Mary, and Helen. No servants in sight, which made for quite a quiet, tense atmosphere. Lady Hart seemed to be exuding hostility towards her sister, though tried to refrain from glaring or making her hatred known. Edwin, proper King that he was, walked over to take Helen's seat. It was in that one moment, however, that Mary sensed something was wrong. Helen was far too tense for the situation.... A flash of silver, pointed and brilliant would prove Mary;s theory in that moment.
"NO-!"~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Mary. Who had been the cause of all her pain? Mary. Enough was enough, and Helen knew something had to be done, no matter the cost. Her head was surprisingly light, not weighed down by hatred, but instead lifted at the thought that she would now have courage to exact revenge. No more would her sister lord over her, no more would she be made a fool! No more! Once more, Helen let out a breath after having been in her room for a good hour. Alone. Knocks had come onto the door, but she quickly shooed them away. She was tired of pestering people. People like…Mary. Perhaps things would have remained the same save for one small detail she only recently was informed of: her sister was engaged. Promised to be married. That in itself was nothing of importance, but it was the very man who had proposed that sent Helen’s blood boiling: Edwin. The bastard King who dared to kill her husband! And Mary with that devilish mind of hers who would not let her live in peace. No, Helen would not be satisfied until the blood her husband shed was repaid and repaid in full.
Of course, the engagement was only rumors, but that was enough to make Helen crazy with anger. It wasn’t often she felt this strongly about anything. Before she remained calm and collected, but this had gone too far. Mary would not be Queen if she had anything to say about it. Oh, and she objected mightily. The woman was not fit to be Queen. Let the whole world know that they had two murderers on the throne! That would get the whole country stirring. Oh, the fools! Did the two of them think she would let her husband’s death pass her by? Oh no. She was far too smart for that. The once calm and calculating woman seemed more desperate now to rid the world of the two most despicable beings ever to be born. Knowing she was quite alone, it was with great and careful precision, she tied a silver blade to the inside of her dress. No one would suspect she planned on shedding blood that night. No one. Even sly Mary could not possibly conceive the plan she had in mind. Perhaps if she had been invited to a more…larger gathering, such drastic actions would have been reconsidered. But no, not when the two people she wanted dead were to be in a room…alone with her. It was perfect, having this private dinner, and if it wasn’t for her plot of murder, she would have refused or claimed illness to avoid a grueling meal alongside the two people she hated the most!
To cover that silvery weapon, Helen had so deceptively worn her best dress that showed her figure splendidly. It was a silvery blue dress with elegant dark lacing that showed her ample bosom while atop her chest was the wondrous necklace purchased by the King himself. It was the most revealing of her outfits, and one she had not dared to wear until now because she never had any intention or remarrying, and neither would she in the future if all went as planned. Why wouldn’t it go as planned, though? God would not see fit to let the injustice continue, and would grant her victory this very night. Tonight…Richard’s death would be vindicated, and for once Helen could rest assured it was so. Her days of sleeplessness were over! She was to be liberated of her sister forever and the thought made her rejoice all the more! Oh, happy day! With a coy smile, more genuine than any grin she had forced since her arrival to court, she exited the room. Her mind planned the route she’d take to the private dining area. Though having not eating for hours, hunger was not on her mind, lest you consider hunger for revenge…for blood. Her hand was trembling with the heavy weight of emotion placed upon her. Helen’s mind was not nearly so clear enough to even think of talking herself out of the grave sin she was to soon commit.
Mary had not yet arrived when she found herself in the room as had been dictated by the letter sent and silenced reined in the room until Mary finally arrived her finest adornment. Helen nodded, smiled, knowing full well the events to soon happen. Little did anyone know. Despite the time that passed and despite the expected conversation to follow, it was without words that the sisters awaited the man who had asked for their presence. The king soon arrived and addressed his to-be-wife first, pulling out the chair for her. Helen watched it all until she was then addressed and allowed to sit down. It was the perfect time for then the dowager duchess, ruffled her dress a bit, seemingly to fix the gown, only to be reaching for that hidden dagger. At that very same moment she only vaguely listened to the words of Edwin as he took her hand and kissed it, lingering upon the scent she had so skillfully put upon her skin. Yes, she was beautiful wasn’t she? Helen had yet to wonder if that was a gift or curse, but it mattered not, now that she had Edwin where she wanted him. Anger swelled in her breast as she cringed at his touch and the very mention of “songbird”. It had been her husband’s little nickname for her and suddenly, memories of her dead husband filled Helen’s mind, one after another until she let out a scream, pulled up her hand and revealed that shiny blade!
It was too late to turn back now. Helen had already revealed her intent as she heard Mary scream “no!”. Hah! Helen reached and as hard as she could looked dead in the eyes of Edwin as she plunged that knife into his chest. Blood began to run down her hand a bit.
“Yes…a Songbird.” Was all she said before taking a swift glace at Mary. She would be next on her list no doubt, as Helen pulled out that dagger from Edwin’s chest and moved to stab him once more before facing Mary again, giving her a hard stare. Mary had to know by know her doomed and inevitable fate: death.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Pain. Indescribable, searing pain flashed across his throat as he felt Helen’s hidden dagger tear into his flesh. At once he tried to let out a garbled cry, to raise the alarm. How dare she stab him! If he could lift his arm he would hit her for daring such a crime! Death! Death to the Arundel widow! But he couldn’t scream, couldn’t shout, could only rasp
“Mary!” in a raspy, panicked voice. When she knelt near him he clutched at her hand, unable to speak. He wanted to tell her that he loved her, but his ability to speak was gone, he squeezed her hand again, was she crying? He couldn’t quite tell at the moment he was far too preoccupied thinking back on his life, an endeavor he avoided if he could help it, but the fact that his life was slipping away from him so alarmingly fast made him realize there were regrets, things left undone.
Suddenly he was six, running after his mother, upset because his favorite dog had just been taken away. She hadn’t liked the dog, he found this out very quickly, said it wasn’t suitable for the heir to possess a mutt, but he’d LOVED the puppy he’d found in the stables! Why couldn’t she understand that?! She promised him a new puppy, a better puppy, but he didn’t want that puppy he wanted HIS puppy, but it was too late, they’d drowned it. He’d never speak to his mother again!
He was fifteen, a pretty castle maid had caught his eye and he was trying to, well…she kept giggling and making him nervous. He had really liked kissing her and she was touching him, he liked it when she did that. Then of course, she was laughing because he’d never done this before. He should have been angry but he wasn’t, he’d been elated actually, happy! Why hadn’t he done this sooner?! Oh it was wonderful! He had to do this more often! Soon he had a bevy of pretty maids at his beck and call, it was like commanding the court under his father’s nose, flirting with straight laced, virginal young women and then sating his lust with those who didn’t have dignity to guard. He remembered drinking with his comrades, wenching the night away.
He was angry now; his father had formed an engagement for him. It wasn’t that Edwin hadn’t known he was going to have an arranged marriage but he wished it had been to a larger country! Also, his bride to be was rumored to be devout, meek…quiet. He didn’t want a quiet wife! He wanted someone to fight with him! Someone with passion! Princesses didn’t have passion! But there was a light now, he had Mary Beaumont, oh she was so pretty and sweet. He remembered kissing her out on the balcony, breathless, nervous. Oh he wished he could marry her instead! But she was getting married to someone else, and the kingdom needed this union. But he wasn’t the only one to get married, Mauve was getting married, his beloved sister, he’d been so upset when she’d died. Poor Adam, his brother-in-law was a good man.
He was drunk. Lys was delivering their first child, it was a son! He had an heir! Edgar was the most…wondrous thing he’d ever seen! He was tiny and pink and LOUD! He could hear his sons cries from his chamber on many nights and felt himself swelling with pride. But something was wrong, he had more children now, Edgar was much older and he was sick. Why was Edgar sick?! He can’t be sick! Edward couldn’t…he couldn’t be the heir! Edgarhad always been so healthy?! Why was his son dying? He’d never forgive him, never! Shackling him with Edward, Edward who reminded him of Lys more than his daughter. Oh Alys…Alys had a daughter! His granddaughter was across the sea and he’d never see her. Did she perhaps hold tight to her Liston heritage? Why was he mad at Alys? It seemed trivial all of a sudden. She used to be such a sweet little girl, he loved her smile, when he would hear her giggle his heart would soar. Why was he so mad at her?! He wanted to see his granddaughter! And Edward! Edward who always…always managed to let him down. But he’d gotten married! He was on his way to ensure the line of Liston did not die, but…he wasn’t ready to be king!! But, he’d survived, Edgar had died so young and Edward had outlived him. Though he seemed to have odd friends he had done what his beloved Edgar had not. But he wasn’t ready!! He wasn’t ready!
The world was getting darker, he clutched at Mary’s hand. He had to tell her, he needed to get Edward…he was fine…fine. Mary was crying, he wanted to tell her it was alright, he was fine, really, it was just a flesh wound. He just needed to rest, he was an old man after all, he couldn’t breathe, he drew in a deep shuddering breath and his body fell slack. Edwin was dead. Though to him it had felt that the passage of time had slowed to show him what he remembered most it had only been a handful of tense minutes, short, tense, minutes. His life, the life of a great and powerful king was ended with the thrust of a small blade from a pretty woman, the very fate he had planned to set upon his son-in-law. Life could be so very cruel and ironic.
Credit for this thread also goes to Anne & Kat
