Chapter 72: 72: burn
The ring dazzled in Athena’s finger as she strutted like the queen she was soon going to become. Her cheeks were flushed and she wore long necked shirt to hide her hickeys. She arrived at where it all began; the servants quarter. He remembered someone and has come to pick her.
“Athena,” She heard someone called and halted before looking over her shoulder to see someone smiling and waving at her. It was Grace, her first friend. Grace beckoned on her to come but Athena only looked at her, she was not there for her. Moreover she was now the wife of the dragon king and something inside her wouldn’t even let her move.
When Grace noticed Athena was not going to move, she did the approaching. As Athena use her eyes to search for Melekwe, whispers and murmurs reached her ear. She saw the servants pointing at her hand. She stylishly placed her hand behind her. Guess her private marriage wasn’t private at all.
“Long time my friend,” Grace smiled at her and stood before her. The last time they saw, she didn’t remember Grace smiling at her. She didn’t want to even talk to her. What has changed now, why the friendly smile?
“Long time Grace,” Athena forced a smile back but it didn’t reach her eyes. The smile was dry and at the same time chilling.
“Where did you get that ring in your hand?” Grace asked, peeking at Athena’s ruby ring.
Athena brought her hand out and raised her hand and to her amusement, she saw the rubies glowing.
‘What kind of ring the Alaris give me?’ She asked herself silently, not taking her eyes of it then she remembered Grace asked a question.
“I stole it.” She answered nonchalantly, her eyes unwavering and her expression the same.
Grace laughed it off. How could Athena have access to such ring?
“Did you know you are poor at lying?” Grace chuckled and Athena furrowed her brow at her.
“Everyone know you married the dragon king…” Grace bite on her tongue and inhaled then exhaled loudly. It was a hard pill to swallow. How did Athena climb her way to the top in such a short time? Then she remembered something, the girl used her pretty face magic. What man wouldn’t fall in love with a pretty face as hers?
“I see..” Athena drawled and dropped her hand.
“Can we be friends again? Athena?” Grace asked as if she had a hot coal in her mouth.
Athena frowned and it dawned on her why Grace was suddenly nice and friendly.
“If we aren’t friends we wouldn’t be talking right now.” Athena answered, her expression straight and Grace’s eyes lit up.
“Everyone is my friend.” She added and the smile on Grace’s face disappeared.
“I don’t mean that kind of friend Athena. The one we used to be.” Grace said desperately and grabbed Athena’s hand as she was about to leave. Athena turned to her, her face wrinkled it sent shills down Grace’s spine.
“You want us to be friends again because of my status. You want to be friends with the king’s wife and not the maid who was having an innocent conversation with another maid?”
“In your heart, I am pretty so that is why the king chose me. I don’t want a friend who would associate every good thing that happens to me to my beauty. You have a pretty face too, you might as well use it if it is that easy.”
Just as she was about to speak again, she saw someone sneaking out of the hall. It was Anna.
Her face hardened and her fingers curled by her side. She hasn’t seen the bitch for a long time. She hid herself so well she almost forgot she existed. What better time to have fun than now when the mouse is out of her hiding hole?
“Is it not true?” Grace asked arrogantly.
“What other talent did you have? You seduced the king and lure him into marrying you. Does he know you have secrets?” Grace raised her brows arrogantly and Athena caught glimpse of the other servants pointing at them and whispering amongst themselves.
“I see why you will remain a servant for a very long time. There is no hope for you, Grace. You are bitter.” Athena said aloud, almost loud enough for everyone to hear and Grace’s face fell in shame and shock.
“If any of you sees the maid, MELEKWE, tell her to come see me. I will reward the person handsomely.” She said aloud and they all nodded in excitement. It wasn’t just the reward that got them excited, it was the thought that they could be her friend and be on her good side.
Athena jerked away her hand from Grace’s grip and went after Anna.
She intercepted her in the hallway and Anna’s soul almost left her body when she saw her. How did she get there so quick?
“Hello little mouse,” Athena clapped her hands.
“Tired of hiding?” She asked and Anna shivered.
“Do you think you can hide from me forever? After burying me alive?” Athena’s voice went from soft to anger.
“Do you think you can live as if nothing happened?” She took another predatory step forward and Anna’s legs wobbled.
“I don’t forgive… sweetheart,” Athena gently ran her finger down her face and she almost whimpered.
She grabbed Anna by the neck and looked into her eyes.
“I will make you live the rest of your miserable life in fear.” The wirds seeped through her teeth.
“Who knows, you may take your life by yourself? Huh?”
Anna whimpered, her lips trembling. What has she gotten herself into? Why does the pushover Athena look more scary than a witch right now?
“Your pretty hair, I wonder how you would look when it burns.” Athena chuckled and curled a strand around her finger.
“I’m sorry.. Athena please forgive me.. please” Anna begged but sorry was not in Athena’s dictionary. If only she knew that.
“Burn,” She said to the hair and it engulfed in fire. Athena’s soul jumped out of her body as she stepped back and watched as Anna’s hair set themselves on fire.
“What the f?”