A bond deeper than lust…
This was a dream, do not be fooled by the reality of events, those involved are perfectly asleep in their respective quarters, separated by bricks and wood, guards and distance. Yet connected through a singular intimate encounter, which has left a lingering friction betwixt their dreams.
They were far away from the Northern continents, the three major Kingdoms ruled over by The King, her Father… Sailing somewhere upon a sail-less airship, over swaying grasslands, minor communities, clear shimmering lakes… far away from the rotten North, ruled with fear and injustice. The land they glided over was innocent, pure, beautiful… That is why it *had* to be a dream…
Kane took his woman into his arms as they stood upon a high deck, watching the rolling landscape, glittering with the sweet laughter of children playing in the wild fields below.
“Princess,” he whispered against her ear. “My beautiful beautiful Princess. I want to spoil you. Pamper you, Indulge you.” He heard himself say these words which caused her face to illuminate with a perfect radiance that stole his breath.
“If only this was real.” She replied leaning her head against his chest.
Kane didn’t want to contemplate the fact this was an illusion and buried his fingers deep into her curls, tilting her face to meet his lips. Alleia melted into his embrace…
This was too idyllic, far too romantic, perfectly ridiculous and both were silently content with the mental fabrication they shared. The illusion persisted over years as their airship floated silently over thick jungles and alien lands. Glistening rings adorned their hands, entwined fingers co-joined in a fantasy marriage. Her tummy swelled, their love grew. A beautiful son graced their union… Yet neither could clearly see the babes face…
***
The illusion shifted, morphed and rewound back to the dark north lands, the airship no more, the freedom and beauty ripped from their minds as the loving couple were plunged into desperate horrific conditions… Pulled apart by countless strong hands, torn from the grace of their loving embrace. Alleia, stomach swollen, was forced to stand barefoot on cold stone, upon a ledge over a stinking pit. Forced to watch, forced to witness the horrific scene which unfolded below her perch.
A gallows had been constructed an arching frame with a rough noose… Kane was dragged forth, struggling and swearing, fighting uselessly against the inevitable… Alleia felt warm tears tumble down her face, screaming silently against the abuse as Kane was beaten, bloody and torn… The noose tied around his throat to strangle not to break his neck… He was hoisted off his feet, left to dangle, kick and squirm, struggling for breath…
Alleia felt a fluttering in her belly, as though their unborn shared her horror…
Still breathing, half conscious, immobile, broken… Kane was cut down and torn apart, gutted from chest to groin, his innards wrenched from his body as he still tried to draw breath…
The King held his daughters face firmly so she could not look away as Kane was hacked apart. “So much for your lover…” He hissed as Kane’s head was finally cleaved from his body… “So much for love!”
***
Kane jolted awake, his hands unconsciously going to his throat… Coughing…
Alleia sat up, tears running down her face…
… It was still predawn, the castle and grounds draped in a quiet calm, only Alleia’s quiet sobbing broke the silence, the nightmare haunting her thoughts…
Anne Harrison 10.02.17
Tatterhood 