Tale of the White Witch

Chapter 3 - An Important Announcement

It had been several weeks since the Emperor’s latest conquest and since returning to the Imperial Palace, Esmara had been feeling somewhat solemn about being forced to cause so much senseless horror.

She felt used. 

Corrupted even.

With each attack that took place, she was beginning to lose more and more of herself, succumbing to her horrible title as the infamous White Witch.

She currently stood before a large mirror while being dressed by several maidens. Her gown was stunning, made of a golden silk and adorned with thousands of tiny glittering diamonds, it pooled gracefully around her feet.

One of the maidens stepped up in front of Esmara, positioning a dazzling golden necklace around her neck and fastening it in place. She was used to being dressed up all the time, an apparent preference of her Emperor, so she felt this was no different to any other time prior to now.

Once she was ready, Esmara was promptly escorted by the royal guards to where she had been summoned by Theron himself. Apparently the Emperor was planning on making an important announcement to his people this evening and he required her to be present for it.

Theron’s eyes fixated on her as Esmara emerged through the open doorway, the guards continuing to lead her across towards where he stood by the large balcony. Just outside the large red curtains before him stood tens of thousands of loyal people, all eagerly waiting for their ruler’s announcement.

“There she is…” Theron cooed with a large grin. “The most beautiful woman in the world.”

He held his hand out for her to take as she approached. Rolling her eyes at his comment, Esmara obediently took his outstretched hand, even though she was still curious as to what his apparent announcement was about.

“I hear you are about to make an announcement. What’s going on?” she queried.

Theron frowned as he shook his head and replied.

“Now, now. I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise, would I?”

His grin returned as he led her towards the draping curtains.

With a nod of his head, the red velvet fabric slowly parted, revealing both him and Esmara to the massive crowd of people below. A monstrous roar of excitement projected loudly as the people cheered in excitement at their Emperor’s appearance.

Theron waved with a smile as he and Esmara slowly stepped up toward the marble railing of the balcony, with the intention of making his announcement.

The very second he raised his hand, everyone below suddenly grew silent as they waited with anticipation to hear what he had to say.

“My people. Welcome. I have asked you all here this evening as I have a very important announcement to share with you…”

As he rambled on proudly, Esmara looked down at the sea of faces below them. She didn’t want to be here; she was incredibly tired and despised being forced to make an appearance at events such as this. She would much rather be alone in her chambers right now rather than have to listen to this pompous prick going on and on...

But something pulled her back out of her thoughts suddenly as she heard her infamous title being spoken by Theron.   

“As you all know, the White Witch Esmara continues to be a greatly powerful ally to our cause. With her powers, she has ensured us countless victories for a span of many years. And so, I have made a decision in order to strengthen our Empire and to ensure a glorious future for us all. I officially declare that the beautiful Esmara and I are soon to be married, and she is to become your new Empress, ruling by my side.”

The roar returned, this one even louder than the last at such exciting news. Exciting for everyone… except the future bride.

Esmara’s stomach dropped as a horrible feeling of dread overcame her. She felt sick… betrayed. Her eyes widened slightly as she turned her head to face Theron, as if questioning whether she had just heard him correctly.

But as he turned his head to meet her gaze, revealing his maniacal grin, she knew that he was not bluffing and she began to panic.

Theron pulled her in closer towards him, wrapping his arm possessively around her waist as he continued to smile and wave to the crowd below after his announcement.

Her voice was a whisper, though the obvious hatred emanated from the furious tone she used.

“You lying bastard. You promised me my freedom.”

”Things change.” his comment was short but showed just how merciless he truly was.

“You can’t make me go through with it. I will not marry you, Theron.”

This only caused his grin to widen.

“Oh, my dear Esmara. I’m afraid that you don’t have a choice. Now… wave to the crowd.”

She gritted her teeth together as his hand grasped the side of her hip, holding her in place as he continued to wave happily. He had her trapped, in more ways than one. Now any hopes of one day escaping him had disintegrated entirely. He had lied to her all along. Her heart began to break in two.

“Behold, your future Empress.” Theron called out proudly, causing the crowd to whistle and cheer once more.

What seemed to be a momentous occasion for many, was similar to a death sentence for poor Esmara as she stood silently, holding back the flood of tears threatening to make an appearance.

-

As soon as they were out of view and the curtains closed, Esmara suddenly lost all control as anger flooded throughout her veins like a blazing fire. She utterly despised him. And this sudden betrayal was what pushed her over the edge.

Guards or not, she would make him pay!

“You spineless bastard!” she snapped, lifting her hand up and focusing all of her anger into her power against him.

The Emperor was shocked as he suddenly froze in place, as if an invisible force held him down and prevented him from making any movement, whatsoever. He could feel his entire body being squeezed tightly, causing him a great degree of discomfort. He grunted angrily as his eyes narrowed to glare back at her for such a treasonous act against him.

Luckily for him, his guards were quick to move in and seize Esmara before she could do any real damage to their ruler, instantly breaking her connection over him. They each held onto her by her arms as she struggled angrily against them.

As soon as he could once again move, Theron marched over towards her and grabbed her violently by the throat, squeezing against her soft skin as his eyes bored deeply into hers. His free hand reached in underneath his shirt and pulled out a concealed amulet attached to a chain sitting around his neck, lifting it up for her to see.

“Never forget who you belong to, my pet. I am your master and you will obey me, is that understood?”

She frowned in response, but refused to give him any sort of verbal reply in an act of defiance against him.

“Soon you and I will be bonded through marriage and you will learn to be a good little wife and do as you are told. Do not force my hand Esmara, you know well enough what the consequences will be.”

He looked to his guards now.

“It appears that my future bride is extremely tired and needs her rest. Take her up to her chambers.”

Releasing his grip on her, Theron watched as they began to march her off towards her chambers, as commanded.

“Oh, and Esmara…” he called out after them, in an effort to add further menace.

“We’ll soon be spending a lot of time together when we share a bed chamber. Do enjoy the privacy you now have… while it lasts.”