Writing Prompt: Rose and Knife
This week's prompt was picturesque. Seriously, it was picture based. Picture one was a steaming teacup, the second was a white rose and a dagger with dragons on it. I went with the second.
***
“The princess sends you a rose.”
Elinia took the missive from the kneeled runner, quickly tossing the rose into the rubbish bin while examining the curved knife that came with it instead. “Does the princess send any other word with her gift?”
“Only that the prince will be on his guard and that the dragon-born are always suspicious. Beyond that, how you pierce his heart is up to you.” A small smile appeared under the concealing hood. “Also that she sends you her blessing.”
Elinia’s breath held for a heartbeat, then forced it to return to normal. She didn’t need distractions right now, even if it was from who she was fighting for. Lord Trauin’s coarse challenge was more a social face slap, but she was still determined to show him nothing done in the princess’s name was halfhearted. She wrapped the sheer and revealing… well, not “robe” as it was hardly a garment, but the transparent fabric around her nude body, which only served to enhance her lack of cover. The dagger she held for a moment, taking in the carved dragon forms on its blade and handle before lifting her it above her and swallowing it whole. She did not cough or choke, but gripped the nightstand until her knuckles where white; the runner did nothing. Finally she stood tall and turned, not even a bead of sweat on her auburn complexion or a waiver of doubt in her eye.
“Where is he?”
“In the East Wing, facing the garden. He likes his consorts with a hint of naivety, so be warned,” she said, readying to leave. Before the door closed, she offered one last word;
“You have until daylight. After that the knife will be useless, and the princess says you obviously were not worthy of her.”
***
“The princess sends you a rose.”
Elinia took the missive from the kneeled runner, quickly tossing the rose into the rubbish bin while examining the curved knife that came with it instead. “Does the princess send any other word with her gift?”
“Only that the prince will be on his guard and that the dragon-born are always suspicious. Beyond that, how you pierce his heart is up to you.” A small smile appeared under the concealing hood. “Also that she sends you her blessing.”
Elinia’s breath held for a heartbeat, then forced it to return to normal. She didn’t need distractions right now, even if it was from who she was fighting for. Lord Trauin’s coarse challenge was more a social face slap, but she was still determined to show him nothing done in the princess’s name was halfhearted. She wrapped the sheer and revealing… well, not “robe” as it was hardly a garment, but the transparent fabric around her nude body, which only served to enhance her lack of cover. The dagger she held for a moment, taking in the carved dragon forms on its blade and handle before lifting her it above her and swallowing it whole. She did not cough or choke, but gripped the nightstand until her knuckles where white; the runner did nothing. Finally she stood tall and turned, not even a bead of sweat on her auburn complexion or a waiver of doubt in her eye.
“Where is he?”
“In the East Wing, facing the garden. He likes his consorts with a hint of naivety, so be warned,” she said, readying to leave. Before the door closed, she offered one last word;
“You have until daylight. After that the knife will be useless, and the princess says you obviously were not worthy of her.”