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Entering the ornate entryway was like stepping into a whole other world. The exterior of this castle starkly contrasted the interior. The stone castle that faced the rolling hills of Luxembourg disappeared paving the way to the tapestries and chandelier that decorated the entryway. It was rather confusing trying to identify when this castle was built because many different styles of architecture and decoration were present. The castle felt both ancient and modern. The castle felt warm in temperature. Strangely the whisper of elevator music filled the grand hallway. The many paintings on the walls seemed to stare at the unfamiliar travelers as they walked passed them. The running mat was quite slick and as Martha the Mage reached the end of it she slipped and fell flat on her bottom. Jason the Jester immediately cracked a smile holding back his laughter as he made eye contact with Veronica the Noble Knight. Veronica did not exercise the restraint that Jason had and burst out laughing. Rising from the ground Martha proclaimed that,
"I'm going to leave you here with the Queen if you don't stop laughing!"
This had no effect on Veronica as she knew Martha was joking. They continued through the many elaborate hallways untill they found the throne room. Before, the motley crew of adventurers had stepped into the room Queen Chandler begain adressing them.
"Greetings Jason the Jester, Martha the Mage, and Veronica the Noble Knight I see you have come here to test my strength."
Ten soldiers seems to materialize from the shadows. Martha takes one look at them and says,
"Looks like we have zero chance lets cut our loses and leave."
And just like that they all turn around and start running away. Not being much of a runner Veronica quickly gets left and lost.
"Well, this is great. Lost in an unfamiliar place with an evil villainess trying to track me down."
A giant portrait swings out from the wall and out steps Heather. Veronica looks around for the cameras because there is no way her luck is so bad.
"Hello Veronica it looks like your friends have left you during their swift departure from my castle."
Heathers snide tone mad Veronica think about how luck she was to be stuck with the likes of Her Highness. Completely ignoring the fact that Veronica had ignored her Heather declared,
"You will find your room at the end of this hall."
"Wow I didn't think you would be the type to give your hostages a warm bed to sleep in." Remarked Veronica.
"I maybe an evil queen, but I'm not a monster and you aren't really a hostage. You are free to leave if you can find your way out."
Heather punctuated this sentence with a chuckle as the painting swung back towards the wall. Veronica walked to the room down the hall and was greeted with quite a lavish sight. The bed was large enough to sleep a small city and the bed frame seemed to be carved of mahogany. There was enough pillows and blankets to ensure a safe landing from the top of a five story building. This room was seemingly decorated and furnished quite thoughtfully making Veronica wonder if someone was meant to inhabit, but never go the chance to. The voice of Heather pierced the blanket of astoundment.
"You were thinking about who was meant to sleep in this room, were you not?"
Veronica looked sheepishly at Heather as she told her about the mystrey owner of this room.
"A long time ago I had a friend that was meant to live with me, but she committed suicide before the room was even finished."
Veronica briefly pondered what was this girl's name, then suddenly Heather spoke,
"Her name was also Heather, though her last name was McNamara. She was so kind and had such a bright life ahead of her, but alas she chose her path."
Heather looked pained as she recounted this tale.
"You really didn't need to tell me all of that if it causes you so much pain."
Heather decided that the conversation was over and left the room. In the new few weeks to come Veronica would see not a sign of Heather. Veronica decided that she was going to find away out of this labyrinth. In all of her searching she always seemed to find something new whether that be a room, hallway, person, or item all depended on the day. The castle seemed never ending. "It had seemed rather brief from the exterior. This castle very much reflected its owner mysterious and magical.
There was a plethora of servants that enjoyed socializing with Veronica. One of the maids told Veronica that,
"We don't often get to talk to guests as there isn't very many people that come to this castle for a visit. It is a lovely treat for us to be able to talk to you."
Veronica asked,
"Is it common for Heather-- sorry her majesty to remain unseen for this long?"
The maid replied,
"Yes, her majesty is more of the secretive type. All meals are left on the dinning room table so her highness may eat when she pleases."
"Where do you think I would have the best chance of meeting her?"
"Ummm, if you wait at the dinner table she will appear eventually to eat. I'd say your best chance is then."
Veronica walked to the table and pulled out a chair and sat down ready to sit for as long as it took for Heather to show up. Heather was no were to be found, although every time Veronica would leave to relieve herself or get food herself she would come back to empty bowls and plates. Veronica thought,
"It's like she is waiting for me to leave in order to swoop in and eat her meals."
The sun began to set and Veronica was ready to throw in the towel and go to bed she fell asleep at the dinning room table. Heather then walked up ate her dinner and softly caressed Veronica's cheek and said,
"My Noble Knight you will never find me unless I allow you too. You forget this is my castle after all."
Heather laughs softly to herself as she exits the room. Veronica suddenly begins to stir because of the goosebumps that begin to crawl up her spine. Veronica looked and saw the food was once again gone and in a sleepy shuffle returned to her room. She changed into her bedclothes and tucked herself under the mountain of blankets. In the passing few months Veronica begins to see Heather more frequently. They never speak to each other, but steal quick glaces at each other.
As the seasons passed the weather changed and what had once been a picturesque autumn landscape quickly made way to hills piled high with snow. The once warm palace soon became rather chilly. Veronica walked around the house adorned in sweaters, jackets, and coats. Strangely every time he saw Heather she was dressed light enough for a warm summer's day.
"Nothing ever makes any sense in this place." Thought Veronica.
As the days passed Heather began to watch Veronica as she moved through the castle. Heather never spoke to Veronica, but peeled back Veronica's many layers with her piercing gaze. It had been a week and Veronica was fed up with all of Heather's staring. She finally broke saying,
"If you are going to constantly stare at me at least bother to start a conversation."
Heather sat for a couple long minutes before she spoke proclaiming,
"I have been wondering if you wish to depart from here one day or are you satisfid with your life with the maids and I."
Heather punctuated this statement with a forced smile. Veronica did not appreciate this antagonization. She glared at Heather as she replied,
"I would like to find my way out, but I seem to have found a dead end both figuratively and literally."
Heather tilted her head like a confused dog trying to hear a sound better.
"Interesting, from what I've seen you seem to be making the best of your stay."
Veronica looked annoyed and sighed as she declared,
"If I am stuck her might as well make my stay worthwhile."
A maid sensed the break in the conversation and whisked Veronica away to assist her in some mundane task. After she had Heather prosed aloud,
"How strange she is not jarred by anything about her new home, I hardly believe it myself. I hope to get closer to her to better glimpse into her mind. Perhaps I should invite her to eat with me. Maid, please inform Ms. Sawyer that tomorrow we will be having dinner together. Tell her to look presentable, none of those coats and layers. She will be able to find what she needs in her closet."
The maid scurried away to find Veronica. Running through the many halls she checks the kitchen, garden, billiard room, study, library, lounge, and conservatory. The maid decided that it was time to throw in the towel for the night, then the maid who had scuddled away with Veronica appeared.
"Lizzy, do you have a clue where Veronica is. Her Majesty asked me to inform her that she will be eating dinner with her."
Lizzy answered,
"Janelle, I sent her to bed it being so late."
"Of course why did I not check there first!"
Janelle waves goodbye to Lizzy and headed towards Veronica's room. Janelle arrives at the room and she knocks on the door.
"Come in," says Veronica.
Janelle immediately states her business and leaves. Veronica was surprised by brevity of the interaction. She walked over to the closet and opened its plain white doors. The innards where anything, but plain. Racks of clothes seemingly rose to the ceiling and upon entering the closet further it was revealed that there was just as many shoes.
"Who the heck was Heather McNamara to Her Highness! I would say a lover at the very least! How am I supposed to find something to wear when there is so many options." Veronica had not realized she shouted this until she hear the echo of her own voice against the high cielings.
Veronica decided that it would be best to sleep on it. Ultimately, Veronica decided to wear a light lavender slip dress with a pair of sliver stilettos. She adorned her neck with a simple silver pendant and put in a set of silver pearl earrings. Veronica was glad for once that she was the most common size in women's clothing. She walked to the dinning hall, nearly twisting her ankles a more than an dozen times. Veronica was glad to sit down in the cushioned chair. Both women began to eat the food set in front of them. Tension was in the air, neither Veronica or Heather wanted to be the first to speak. Heather broke the silence saying,
"I am glad that McNamara clothes fit you."
When Heather said that Veronica became rather uncomfortable. She did not like the thought that she was wearing a dead woman's clothes. Veronica forced a smmile and said,
"Why did you invite me to share a meal with you?"
Heather replied,
"That was rather abrupt. I see we are feeling direct tonight. I think you are intresting to say the least and I want to crack your mind open."
Veronica was once again made extremely uncomfortable. She was met with the thought that,
"Heather is just a weirdo with an intimidating face."
Veronica had no clue why she had not realized it sooner, with all the staring and stalking. Veronica realized that she had gone completely silent, to fill the silence she said,
"Well that's great. Since I'm finished eating I'll going to go ahead and return to my room, goodbye."
Heather looked downtrodden as Veronica left the table. As soon as Veronica turned the corner she began to sprint back to her room. She bumped into the maid who had told her about the dinner. The maid remained on the ground as she said,
"I'm so sorry Ms. Veronica, please don't tell Her Majesty that I slammed into you well walking in the hallway. She will be so upset that I caused her esteemed guest to injure herself."
"Janelle, why would I ever tell Heather about anything that happens in my day led alone an accident that I caused."
Janelle was so relieved that tears began to well in her eyes, with a grateful smile she slipped back into the shadows. It was once again brought to the forefront of her mind that everyone who inhabited this castle were rather odd. Veronica changed her clothes, washed her face, and took off her jewelry. She suddenly pivoted towards her bed, ran, and belly flopped on to the plush mattress. She got comfortable under the mountain of sheets before realizing she had left the lights on. Veronica did not want to get up. She focused all of her might into trying to flip the light switch with the force, this was to no avail. Veronica looked up at the ceiling as she mustered up the will to climb out of the comfort of her bed to switch off her light. Heather was sitting in the armchair next to the modest vanity that sat next to Veronica's closet.
"Thanks for the heads up! I was not at all startled by the absolute creep sitting in the corner of my bedroom late at night."
Veronica's voice was dripping with sarcasm.
"Well, I knew that you were going to have to get out of bed sooner of later." Heather looked guilty and nervous as she said this.
"That does not make this anymore normal. What do you want?" Veronica was now annoyed that Heather even insinuated that she did not mean to scare her.
"I was lonely. I was wondering if I could sleep in your bed tonight?"
Veronica's anger and annoyance melted away, replaced by sympathy for the sad, lonely woman in front of her.
"Sure, but just for tonight. Please turn of the light, before you head over to the bed."
Veronica tucked herself back in. As Heather climbed into bed the mattress dipped and Veronica shifted to face her saying,
"Get comfortable or stop moving."
Heather faced Veronica and wrapped her arms around her, she laid her head on Veronica's chest. Just as Veronica began to regret her decision the warmth of a second body lulled her to sleep.
The next morning, Veronica awoke to a sleeping Heather. Which shocked her until she remembered that she had invited Heather into her body to sleep with her. Veronica wondered, why the hell she had allowed this woman to sleep with her. Heather rolled over to face Veronica and pulled her close to her chest. Veronica pulled away awaking up Heather.
"Good morning My Noble Knight."
This sentence disgusted Veronica.
"Since you are up it is time to leave my bed."
Veronica wedged her hands underneath Heather's side and rolled off her bed.
"I'm going to the bathroom to piss if I come back and you are still here the next time you are 'lonely' I will not be inviting you into my bed."
Heather nodded and to Veronica's surprise when she came back from her quick bathroom trip ever trace of Heather was gone like she had not even been here. Veronica changed into clothes suitable to eat breakfast in and began to walk towards the dining room. She sat down across from Heather and ate the food set in front of her. Heather started to talk. Veronica thought,
"Oh god, what is she going to say this time."
She started the day of strong by asking,
"Veronica, would you mind if I sleep with you again tonight?"
"Yes, Heather I would mind. This was a one time thing please never enter my room again."
Nothing Heather could ever say would surprise Veronica.
Looking down at her plate Heather said,
"Oh."
Veronica heard the maids start to talk about them sleeping together. Janelle and Lizzy are again whispering to each other.
"Girls, I can assure you that last night was as far as you can get from being erotic. I would NEVER sleep with Heather.
Veronica stood up and left the table food half finished. As she walked off she yelled,
"What do you all take me for a hoe who just wants to get into someones pants, regardless of whether I am attracted to them?"
Veronica thought about how she did indeed find Heather quite attractive, but she would be rather be hanged than admit that. Veronica walked to the library in hopes of reading and learning something that takes her mind off of. Veronica found exactly what she was looking for in the book, Night by Elie Wiesel.
Veronica was transported to the city of Sighet, Romania. Learning about the life of Eliezer during the Holocaust. Veronica could feel the fear and unsurety seeping out of the pages. She was captivated by the story filled with loss and anguish. Prior to reading this book Veronica knew little to nothing about the atrocities that were committed during the Holocaust. By the end of this novel Veronica was left wondering why she chose to read this book. Perhaps it was because it was sitting abandoned on the table sitting to the right of the stiff armchair.
"That is one of my favorite books. If you are looking to find another thinker I recommend Flowers For Algernon by Daniel Keyes."
Veronica's head snapped up from the pages of Night. She searched for the voice that had surprised her. Veronica finally found the source of the voice, it was Heather. The exact person she had tried to escape from by coming here. Veronica decided to avoid the conversation completely by leaving the room. She would not be hearing any of Heather weird thoughts tonight.
Veronica decided to avoid Heather at all costs for at least the next couple days and she did just that. She decided it was time to focus on trying to escape from this lavish prison. At every corner and turn Veronica was assaulted with the voices of gossiping women.
"Did you hear that Ms. Sawyers friends attempted to enter the castle earlier this morning?"
A second women in a chef's attire shook her head at the other woman.
"I'm surprised it has been the talk of the town. I think that they came in hopes of finding Ms. Sawyer, but the Queen didn't even humor them by allowing them to enter!"
The female chef replied,
"She must really like Ms. Sawyer if she is willing to keep her tracked here."
They both shrugged and went back to their duties. Veronica walked out from behind the corner. She was stunned that her comrades had come back for her as it had been months since they left her. She guessed that it was about time to break her silence and go talk to Heather. Veronica needed to know why Heather was so deadest on keeping her here. She went to the library and found Heather reading the very book she had recommenced to Veronica, Flowers For Algernon by Daniel Keyes. After watching Heather for a brief moment she spoke,
"I heard that you intercepted a rescue attempt by Martha and Jason, is that true?"
Heather looked past Veronica and said,
"Yes, do you take issue with that? I would have thought that the thwarting trying to rescue you nearly three months after your capture would not both you."
"Why is it your Highness. Why are you so deadest on keeping me with you in this castle?"
"Veronica, I told you that you were free to leave as long as you found your own way out. I will not let anyone release you, but yourself."
Heather rose from her seat walking next to Veronica kissed her on the cheek and said,
"You are the only one allowed to free yourself from this place."
Veronica was stunned. She did not expect that at all.