Work Text:
In the kingdom of Nocturnia, a knight named Lenore Vandernacht served the empire. her blade stained with the lives of her rivals, yet her heart burned with loyalty to her people and the castle. Lenore had a local she was close with, the name of this citizen was Annabel Lee Whitlock. A seemingly friendly and innocent resident, hidden beneath her facade lies a manipulative sorceress. She disguised herself to draw nearer to Lenore, the only woman her heart yearns for.
In the dead of the night, Annabel Lee took her evening stroll where she wore a black evening mermaid dress with a Dalmatian fur trim, as for her accessories, she had a white hat with a bow. As she wandered around the serene trails, she spotted someone familiar, someone who could make her heart flutter with just a glance. She smiled softly, walking towards the familiar someone, greeting her.
“Good evening Lenore, seems like you're taking the night shift hm?” she asked, with a glint of mischievousness in her eyes.
“Indeed. Tell me, why are you out so late?” Lenore questioned with a raise of an eyebrow.
“Ah, my dear pet—are you worried about me?” Annabel chuckled, in which Lenore only glared. Annabel quickly cleared her throat, answering Lenore's question. “I'm simply taking my evening stroll, then I saw a familiar figure. I just wanted to come by and say hi.” She smiled innocently.
“Very well, you've done that haven't you? Go now, travel safely Annabel.” Lenore put her focus back on her work, her eyes scanning the area and checking for anomalies.
Annabel stood there, clearly not very happy with how short the conversation was. She sulked quietly, Lenore couldn't help but glance at her since she was unusually silent.
“Sigh Annabel, you know I truly value my position. I have to maintain it, please understand.”
Annabel groaned, trying to resist but soon she failed. She looked at Lenore. “Fine, but I have to say something important. I-” Before she could even finish, Lenore quickly cut her off.
“Great! Since you understand, you should be leaving now, yes?” Lenore just wanted Annabel to go so she could focus.
With a huff, Annabel finally confessed. “I like you Lenore- no, I love you.”
Lenore was wide-eyed, she was stunned by her sudden confession. “Pardon? What did you say?..”
“I love you, I adore you, Lenore. Your presence paints my world with colors unseen, every beat of my heart calls for you.” Annabel looked at the knight in front of her, her strawberry eyes glimmering under the shining stars. Her eyes were filled with sincerity and desire.
There Lenore just sighed, rubbing her temples. She looked at Annabel, and she replied to Annabel with a cold tone. “I do not have time for love, I have a kingdom to protect.”
Annabel's heart was crushed into pieces, her tears streaming down her cheeks. Lenore watched helplessly, she exhaled, focusing back on her job.
Annabel cleared her throat while she wiped her tears, her expression cold as ice. “Okay, I understand” she simply left, Lenore wondered how Annabel quickly got over it.
The next day, Lenore carried on with her duties, which included leading and training the guards. She taught combat skills and ensured the kingdom's security.
With the fading light of day, the sky soon changed into a deeper hue. The sky's tone was cooler which matched the cold breeze. She shivered a little, she wasn't very used to the cold. The wind soon relaxed her, making her feel tired. She assumed that this was just because she hadn't slept in days. A yawn escaped from her mouth and shortly after, she drifted to sleep.
Annabel cast a sleepy spell on Lenore, she watched from afar smiling. After Lenore fell into slumber, Annabel walked closer to Lenore touching her face slowly.
“Pet, soon you'll only focus on me.” She smiled wickedly before getting prepared.
Lenore woke up with the smell of fire, as she opened her eyes she realized the houses where people lived were burning, everything was burning. A wave of dread washed over her and she was seized with panic. She tried to calm down and think of a solution yet she struggled, suddenly a figure was seen in front of her.
“Greetings, I see you're awake, yes?”
“Annabel?! What are you- what happened? Where are the others? Are they safe?” Lenore’s voice was filled with confusion and worry.
“Oh dear, I'm afraid not.” she chuckled.
“What?.. what do you mean?”
“You see, I was the one who set the kingdom ablaze. If you wouldn't have slept, none of this would happen, would it?”
Lenore realized it really was her fault, the ruler trusted her to protect the empire yet it was all ruined with one short nap. She dropped to her knees stunned with guilt, she glanced at Annabel who was smiling diabolically.
"Now, your attention is mine and mine alone.” Annabel's eyes, once filled with flusteredness as seen by Lenore, now gleamed with sadistic intent. Her peachy eyes reflected the arson land which was filled with screams.
FIN