The air felt thick in the corridor as I walked amongst the halls. After listening to Théoden's conversation with Crimson for the third time, my nerves were unsettled. It felt as if she was promising a threat, something greater to come and I knew that was a high possibility considering we still had my wedding day to go through. By now, that day was roughly three weeks closer. Which caused an unsettling pit in my stomach. As everything on that day had to be timed perfectly.

For starters, if I were to say I do to Marcel, then attack him, once defeated, I’d have full rights to Summer Crest as I had married into it. But that would also result in me having to kiss that devil. I felt my stomach churn at the sheer thought as Théoden's chuckle range through the bond.

It humors me that kissing him makes you sick.

Glad to be of service… I grumbled through the bond.

At least I know with you kissing me, I don’t want to make you upchuck your breakfast.

He had a point there. Théoden was very enjoyable to kiss. Marcel, was not. Considering the few times I had kissed him, it had been forced by Marcel’s hand. Maybe if it wasn’t forced…

What? It wouldn’t be that bad? Théoden's curiosity peaked.

I mean the whole relationship is forced. If it wasn’t perhaps… I let my thoughts die as that conversation probably wouldn’t have gone too well.

Very true. Théoden mumbled through the bond as he wrapped his head around the thought.

I let the conversation drop as I continued my walk along the corridor. I knew I probably should have stayed in my room after that conversation, however, the longer I stayed in my room the more I let my thoughts run wild. The possibilities I was thinking about were endless. What if Marcel’s army came from the nine hells to try to take over the kingdom? What if Marcel broke Crimson out of prison? What if…. The possibilities were endless. Some may have been rather stupid as well but that didn’t stop the thoughts from popping up.

Regardless, I had to get out of my room in order to get out of my own head. However, the walk isn’t helping much as I soon found myself in Marcel’s corridor of the castle. The subtle smell of sulfur carried down the hall, indicating to me that Marcel was in his room.

I slowed my pace as I walked through his corridor. His corridor was darkened, had hardly any light seeped through the stained glass windows. It was too far from where Marcel had placed blinds up along the wall. I never understood why he did that but perhaps it was just one of his quirks.

I soon found myself stopping just a few feet from his door. The smell grew as I walked close to it. It was a smell I was pretty much used to at this point considering he had been around for a while now. To be fair I barely noticed it anymore. Even when he was in the same room as I.

I thought about knocking but shook that idea off. After my last conversation with Marcel, I was worried where another conversation would lead. However, Marcel walked out of his room as I stood there.

He gave me a grin as he saw me outside my door. “Maria? What are you doing in my hall? I thought after you refused to help me with my public image, I wouldn’t see you for a while.”

I thought for a moment before I spoke, “Well… I guess I am full of surprises. Was you able to figure anything out on the matter?”

“Yeah, my Council over at Summer Crest is going to make a statement on my behalf.” Marcel spoke, “Should be public by noon today.”

“That’s good.” I responded.

“Where are you heading?” Marcel asked with a curious voice.

“Nowhere in particular.” I responded as I had no real destiny in mind.

“Follow me?” Marcel questioned as he began to slowly walk the opposite way I was heading.

I felt a pull to follow him. “Where?” I asked.

“To speak with Crimson. If Théoden will let me of course.” He asked as he looked into my eyes as if he was speaking directly to Theoden through the bond.

I almost want to refuse. However, I am curious as to why he wishes to speak with her while you are there.

“I think me being there would get him to agree with it.” I said.

“I thought so.” Marcel said. “That way I'm not hiding anything.” Once again he looked directly into my eyes speaking straight to Théoden.

Tell him yes, the both of you can. I, however, will be in the vicinity.

I repeated exactly what Théoden said.

“Thank you.” Marcel said as he held out his hand for me to take. I sighed heavily but took it anyway. We still needed for him to believe that this wedding is still a go despite everything.

His hand was warm to the touch as his body ran hotter than Théoden's cold draconic one. After all, Marcel’s body was that from the Nine Hells, particularly the fourth layer of the Hells, known as Phlegethos his home layer. Which also explained his stench of sulfur, but like I said, I and most people around here now have grown used to the rotten egg smell.

As we walked down the corridor and down the marbled stairs to the beautiful grand hall and out the main castle door, I couldn’t help but study his body movements. His breathing was calm and steady, roughly twenty breaths a minute. His pace was slow, but I figured it was so I had an easy time keeping up with him as we walked.

“Marcel?” I questioned as we stepped out of the castle gate.

The sun beat down on us as we walked as it was just shy of noon. There were a lot of people out and about as most was working or shopping at the local shops.

“Yes Maria?”

“What do you need from Crimson?” I was curious as to why he wanted to talk with her.

“You’ll know when we get there.” Marcel said without even paying too much attention to me. He just kept his face forward. His pace is steady. And his attention seemed to be elsewhere, however he seemed to know where he was going.

There wasn’t much more conversation between us. However, I could sense people staring at me as I walked hand in hand with Marcel. As some thought Marcel had something to do with Sybil’s death, rumors began to circulate through town.

I didn’t like it. However, there wasn’t much I could do on the rumor front. People will be people. Rumors can’t be stopped.

I just hopped they didn’t think I had anything to do with Sybil.

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Why would they think that Maria? Théoden questioned me.

I’m holding hands with the man some think are responsible.

Fair point, but if you listen closely, they don’t blame you. I’m finding that more and more people are concerned for you. That they wonder why you are still with Marcel.

Théoden's words calmed my nerves as we walked. The only reason why I was still doing what I was doing was that I felt we were in no shape for an out right war with a man that attacks the mind. And lord only knows what his army can do. I hope they understand… I whispered to Théoden through the bond.

They will. Some already do. Théoden responded to me.

The bond drifted into silence as we grew closer to the prison that Théoden was keeping Crimson in. This prison is a magically enhanced prison. Stopping the effects of shifting creatures such as dragons. The prison also has an impressive barrier that stops most magical attacks. A few may slip but the prison is pretty sturdy and sound. Keeping the worst of the worst behind its walls.

“Marcel.” Théoden spoke as he saw both of us approach.

“Theo.” Marcel mimicked Théoden's firm but steady tone as they both stared at each other.

“I am going to give you a few rules prior to letting you speak to her.” Théoden said.

I watched Marcel’s body tense. He rolled his eyes as I could sense he felt annoyed at the thought of rules. Théoden on the other hand spoke of authority as he stood firm and tall, showing his authority to Marcel.

“What are these rules?” Marcel spoke in almost a snarl. But he remained calm as he listened to Theo.

“Rule one. No touching the prisoner. I know you two had a weird thing going. Sadly, I had to hear all about that in one of my talks with her. Rule two. Maria stays beside you. I know you know about us, so i’m going to be straight forward. She stays beside you, so I can listen to every word.”

Marcel’s lips parted into a sly grin. As if he was happy to have figured out something and have it be true.

“Rule three. I will just run away. If anything happens I will intervene.”

“As expected.” Marcel spoke. “What else?”

“Rule four, no rough housing with Maria. Maria is only here to observe. If she has questions, she can ask but beyond that, off limits. This is for both of your safety. Rule five, no magic. Clearly this prison prevents in on numerous levels but no innate magic tricks on anyone here.”

Théoden stopped to think briefly prior to continuing, “I think that pretty much covers it. Now remember I will be just down the hall. If anything happens I will know.”

“Yes sir.” Marcel said.

Théoden walked the both of us to Crimson’s cell. Her cell was away from most prisoners. As Théoden was afraid of her contacting those around her. He didn’t want to take a chance on something happening.

The prison was dark, only light visible was that through magically dimmed candle light. The air felt damp and thick as we had descended underground. Théoden took us to a spiral staircase made of dark metal that descended both up and down. This was one of the main staircases in the prison. Granting access to each floor. There were ten floors to this prison. Those above the ground weren't considered as dangerous. Those below were a major threat to the kingdom. The further that we descended, the more dangerous the criminals got. It took us a few minutes to make it to the very bottom of the prison. This floor was the tenth level, home to five criminals. Crimson being one of them and the others, have been in the cells for centuries. Each with varying crimes, but most ended with them killing someone.

There was one on this floor that sent a nauseating chill down my spine as they had killed my father’s brother in the most gruesome way one could think of. First numbing his brother’s body, then taking off his head. Then displaying his head for my father to see the next morning. It was far from a pretty sight to wake up to. And to make matters worse, the man laughed and laughed all the way to the prison. The man I am speaking of was a poetic master by the name of Crow. Crow was an unstable individual who grew jealous of my father’s brother, or my uncle in other words. As my uncle wrote a few of my favorite childhood stories. And Crow wanted his legacy over his own. He thought by killing my uncle, he would succeed at that. Well, now he is here in the tenth layer of Necrosis Prison. Rotting away for centuries.

The others, well, their acts were just as horrendous. Mostly, I don’t wish to retell.

Regardless, the tenth layer of the prison was where Theoden had placed Crimson. Killing a Council member deemed her worthy of such a cell.

“Alright. We are here.” Théoden spoke as he moved back as promised.

As we approached Crimson’s cell that contained metal bars made of the most durable metal known to man. For the metal, it was dark and cold to the touch. The floor and walls were made of the strongest rock that is rare and hard to find known as Gneiss. A beautiful rock that has multiple layers to it.

Her cell was darkened tremendously as her figure was barely noticeable through the darkness.

“Well, isn’t this a surprise…” Crimson spoke as the sound of her bare feet marched towards the bars of the cell. “I was expecting that stench of silver.”

“Nope, just I and Maria.” Marcel spoke as he walked up towards the bars and gripped them with his hands. His breathing quickened a bit. He seemed a bit nervous.

“Why did you bring her?” Crimson snarled as I could feel her piercing orange eyes shift in my direction through the darkness.

“You think he’d let me down here otherwise?”

She groaned, “Whatever… what do you want?”

“I’m working on it.” Marcel spoke.

I could hear Crimson’s breathing quicken as if she was excited about something. “About time….” She snarled. “Maria dear?”

“Yes…?” I asked as I was nervous speaking with her but felt more confident with Théoden just down the hall.

“I don’t think I ever got the chance to apologize.”

Her line threw me off. “For?”

“Everything that has and will happen.” Crimson spoke with a tease in her voice. “I think we are done here.”

“Indeed.” Marcel said.

I couldn’t see his own hand movements but I felt a bit of a breeze through the air. As if he was signaling something. I just hoped Théoden had caught it through the bond that we share.

“Chat at you both later.” Crimson spoke as she brushed her feet against the stone as she walked back to the other side of the cell.

Marcel turned and began to walk towards the exit. I followed him out. Théoden met us at the bottom of the stairs with a confused look on his face.

“That was it?” He asked Marcel.

“Yeah…” Marcel breathed.

“What was the hand gesture you gave her?” Théoden questioned, which meant he must of not of seen it.

“Just a simple point.” Marcel spoke. He turned and looked at me, “I felt your nervousness as we walked, shall we get out of here?”

“Yes, please.” I responded. As we began to ascend up the stairs with Théoden behind I couldn’t help but wonder if Marcel was being honest or not.

He’s not. He signaled three.

Three?

Yes Three. I have no idea if it is three minutes, three hours, three days…. Théoden trailed off as he was confused by everything that just happened.

Could be three weeks? I mean that will put us at wedding day.

Could be… but I am going to have more guards on staff just in case. I don’t trust it.

I let the bond go silent as we neared the top of the stairs.

“What plans do you have today Maria?” Marcel asked me.

“I need to focus a bit on the Council.” Which was true, since there was a vacancy now, I needed to fill it and there was three candidates I had to choose from.

“Need any help?” Marcel asked.

“Nope. I’m good.”

We were now just outside the main door to the prison. “Well, I have a few other things to do before I head back to the castle. See you later my dear.” Marcel said as he took my hand one last time, bringing it to his lips and giving it a gentle kiss. All while with Theo nearby.

“See you later…” I mumbled as I let my hand drop after he kissed it.

I waited for him to walk away prior to me turning and facing Theo.

“Should we be concerned?” I asked Theo.

“Always be concerned when a devil and a dragon coecenside with each other. I need to get more guards here. Be careful okay?” Théoden asked as he pulled me in for a tight hug after he knew that Marcel was far out of sight.

“That goes for you too.” I told him as I looked up at him. I read his worried expression quite easily. Not to mention the unsettled feeling I received through the bond. Theo was worried. He had no idea Marcel had planned so he had no idea what to prepare for.

“Of course.” He released me from his grasp. “I love you Maria.”

“I love you Théoden.” I responded back before I turned and headed back to the castle.

Three. Three what? We had no clue. Well, it wasn’t three minutes at least because that had already passed. Now we just wait. Something, I may be terrible at.