Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who's the Witch of Fate’s Great Call - Chapter 13
As Kalynia was seriously pondering what sort of curse would be best, the tightly shut cell door suddenly opened.
“Witch.”
She looked up at the sound of the voice calling her. The king, draped in his fine bear fur, stood in the doorway. He lowered his head slightly to pass through the small door as he entered the cell.
“You seem to have slept quite soundly last night, Witch.”
“Could you stop with the ‘witch’ already?”
It felt belittling, even if it was accurate. Of course, sitting helplessly in a cell without any means of escape likely did make her seem rather insignificant in his eyes.
“You’re the one who insisted on keeping your name a secret.”
She glared at him, lips pursed, and Vylon coldly pointed it out. Well, fair enough. She hadn’t told him her name.
But just because it was true didn’t mean she wanted to agree. She wasn’t about to bow to him. Kalynia huffed, turning her head sharply away and facing the cold wall, which somehow felt warmer than the expression on his face.
“Witch.”
There it was again. He insisted on calling her ‘witch’ despite her obvious displeasure a moment ago. Annoying human. If you’re going to kill me, get on with it. She was already devising the most excruciating curse he’d never forget.
Her eyes narrowed, flashing with venom.
“Your execution is already prepared in the square.”
Her lips trembled involuntarily as the word ‘execution’ fell from his mouth, even as she tried to hold onto her defiance.
“Witch, I am the rightful ruler of this land, king and master of all.”
What a self-important introduction.
Kalynia barely resisted the urge to spit at him. Vylon knelt to meet her eye level.
“Ending your life or sparing it—both are up to me.”
“Sparing it…?” she echoed.
“Yes.”
He interlocked his hands on his knee, a wicked smile on his face.
That is one devious grin. If he had been born a witch, he might have been one of the greatest, most feared ones in history.
“Tell me, nameless witch, do you truly not fear death? Is there no life you would beg to keep?”
“Is this your attempt to make me plead for my life?”
“If you’ve understood, watch that tongue of yours,” he warned, with a skill at intimidation befitting any dark sorcerer. Kalynia pressed her lips together.
If that’s what you want, then kill me already!
She wanted to spit it out, but she was a coward, and she knew it well. Her life had always been about fleeing, never fighting.
Vylon seemed pleased with her silence and continued.
“I need a queen. One who can withstand me.”
“And so…?”
Kalynia trailed off, slightly intimidated by his intense gaze.
“It would be cruel to burden some innocent princess. But you… you’re a witch. Whatever weight I shackle you with, I will feel no remorse.”
“Are you suggesting…?”
“Be my queen, Witch. Bear my heir, and I’ll set you free.”
Kalynia wondered if he was actually sane. Even Grimdelwald had hidden her nature to become queen. After all, Witches were monsters to humans.
And yet, he knew what she was and still wanted her as his queen?
“Are you… insane?”
“Watch your words.”
“Then, a mad king, perhaps?”
Vylon only scoffed, though his demeanor remained serious.
Queen or executioner’s block. He waited for her decision.
“If I bear your heir, you’ll let me go?”
“Yes.”
“How am I supposed to trust you? Humans are notorious liars.”
Vylon’s brow furrowed, and Kalynia quickly added,
“Fine. Your confidence is impressive.”
“I’ve told nothing but the truth.”
“…Alright.”
She straightened, meeting his eyes. Vylon spoke as if she had a choice, but they both knew she didn’t. Becoming his queen and bearing his child sounded like a nightmare, but it was her only chance for survival. She would simply walk this dreadful path, as she always had.
“Just keep your word. If you don’t, I’ll curse you with something far worse than death.”
“Do as you wish.”
Vylon stood and prepared to leave, leaving her alone in the cell once more. He paused as he reached the low doorway, glancing back as if he’d just remembered something.
“I can’t keep calling my queen ‘witch’, now, can I? What is your name?”
About time, she thought, brushing herself off as she rose to her feet, smirking slightly.
