95. Hearts and Sleeves
Peering down the right corridor, Rosella quickly made her way down, curious to find that she did not recall what lie
beyond the door at the end. The door itself was nondescript, making it all the more curious. Testing the knob, the
princess found it to be unlocked as well. With any luck, she would find and rescue another of Genesta's fairies inside.
Cracking the door open just enough to poke her blond head inside, Rosella was not exposed to a prison, rather a
bedroom. As it appeared to be unoccupied, Rosella slipped inside and began to peek around for clues.
Against the lavishness of the rest of the castle this room appeared small, the decor humble. The air itself felt sad and
lonely.
"Edgar," whispered the princess. Not to the hunched over green man, but to what lie upon the meager desk in the
corner. It was once again his journal. And now it was obvious this sad little room was where he slept, though he was
nowhere to be seen at the moment. Taking intimidated steps toward the open book, Rosella touched it with her long
slender fingers. She shivered at the grain of the paper, remembering what was written on the pages all too well.
"Rosella..." the sad voice came from behind the princess causing her to scream in surprise, turning around to face a
hunched over figure, with sickly green skin, dressed in tattered brown clothes.
"Edgar!" she gasped. His presence was menacing, causing her instinctively back up against the desk, gripping it for
support.
"You've returned to me, my love," he said after a long silence.
"Edgar, I" Rosella tried to reply.
Seeing her standing next to his open journal, he cut her off. "You read my words? Then you know how you abandoned
me, to the mercilessness of my mother. I professed my love for you and you forsook me. You chose your kingdom over
mine, and left me as a monster."
"Edgar, I couldn't, I had to save my,"
"But now you've returned. And now we may be wed, as it was meant to be."
"Wed!? Edgar, I can't! You don't understand! I'm sorry that I hurt you, but I did not mean to!"
"Guards. Take my new bride to be to her chamber so she may dress for the ceremony," ordered Edgar, seeming not to
listen to Rosella's pleas.
Obediently, two goons marched forward and grabbed the exasperated princess by her slender arms. She squirmed
defiantly, but they're strength was 10 times hers, and it was futile. Despite her qualms, they marched her down the hall
toward a private chamber where she would prepare for...
The Wedding