Catacombs
Preparations for the ceremony were traditionally spread over a fortnight, for no other reason than to give the aristocracy an excuse for drunken debauchery. Not that they needed a reason, but the clergy turned a blind eye to their indiscretions since they did eventually lead to a solemn ceremony. A costly rite that added essential funds to the church coffers.
An arranged marriage, Agatha had no choice but to answer the royal command. She was to wed second in line to the throne. If she produced a male heir before her soon-to-be sister-in-law, her scion would inherit the crown, and she would be an expendable nuisance.
Agatha was personally selected by the King’s son. He noticed her at the market, selling woven blankets at a small kiosk near the cathedral. His Sergeant of Arms brought her to the palace. Agatha expected the order to simply mean a night with the Prince, nothing more. She was shocked to learn he claimed her as his bride.
Any other peasant, or royal bride, would be envious of Agatha’s fortune, but they didn’t know what she did. They didn’t know of the true nature of her bridegroom. They didn’t know of his predilection for inflicting pain. That the Prince was more than a beast, he was truly a demon of hell.
The day before her wedding, she was in the cathedral, seeking help before she resigned herself to a life of suffering.
“I cannot give you sanctuary,” the priest also knew of the demon within the Prince. “I have no power to protect you here.”
Pressing his rosary into her hand, his voice a harsh whisper. “I can only offer you safe passage out of the keep. If you can get free of the castle walls, you will be out of his reach.”
That night, Agatha entered the catacombs, the priest’s relic her talisman. The spirits, honoring his promise, let her pass. The sun was rising as she stepped out of the tunnels.
Rule of thirds
Trifecta, a weekly one-word prompt, challenges writers to use that word in its third definition form, using no less than 33 words or no more than 333. The week’s prompt is: Safe [adj \ˈsāf\] 3: affording safety or security from danger, risk, or difficulty
Natalie
/ February 16, 2012More chapters? There is always magic in writing set in past ages. “Talisman” a suggestion for a future writing prompt.
trifecta (@trifectawriting)
/ February 16, 2012Thanks for linking up with the Trifecta Challenge this week. I’m still laughing over The Mommy Patient’s comment. But yes, that’s kind of what I’m hoping, too. After just recently seeing the hoopla over the Royal Wedding, one has to wonder what would happen to the bride-to-be if she had to escape. Clearly, we need a Part Two.
megan
/ February 16, 2012I am in awe of fiction writing in general, but when you throw another time, place and ideals in there, I’m awestruck.
The Mommy Patient
/ February 15, 2012Engrossing. I don’t know what is going to happen with Agatha, but I would love for her to escape, get some tattoos, and then come back and kick that Prince’s ass.
kelly garriott waite
/ February 15, 2012Very nice – The demon within the prince. So well put. Can’t wait to see what happens next. And that picture – lovely.
thepsychobabble
/ February 15, 2012Wow. Beautiful piece, and I’m glad she found her way out. (although now I just keep thinking of what she must have done after that…lol)
Heather
/ February 14, 2012AWESOME. Just awesome.
Carrie
/ February 14, 2012Clearly, she didn’t know Valentine’s Day could cure the beast ;)
Great piece, the tension was palpable. This is the kind of story I can see myself diving into
Kelly
/ February 14, 2012And now I’m all excited to move on and read the rest of the entries for this challenge. Nice piece.
jesterqueen1
/ February 14, 2012I love the priest’s initial offer of disappointment followed by a ray of hope. I can’t give you sanctuary, but I can show you the way to find it yourself. Which is symbolism that I just love anyway.
Mama Zen
/ February 14, 2012Beautifully written!
barbara
/ February 14, 2012beautiful writing, Tara. I love this type of story.
Rachel
/ February 14, 2012Wow this is really good! I want to know more!
Joy
/ February 14, 2012Beautiful piece Tara. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your hubby. Have a great week….~Joy
Lance
/ February 14, 2012anyone who uses “fortnight” is a writing rockstar to me.
I love the last paragraph. The language is so easy to get lost it. Great piece this week.