07-24-2006, 06:12 AM
One of the stories I've been working on. Please read and lemme know what you think.Happy Reading! :)
Tales From The Kingdom Of Shadows
The dark halls were lit quite dimly with torches of fire burning as if dying. Black halls encased within this castle. Shadows run around back and forth through the dark halls and rooms contained many different forms of pain and torture. This castle was made of skulls and encased in thorns. The one who ruled this castle was a dark queen. Bitter with time but one who was wise and beautiful. Dressed in her black gown, wearing her dark makeup, her raven hair fell down over her shoulders, making her look more like a dark goddess than a queen. Her hand maidens, Sorrow and Grief stood patiently by her throne as she patiently awaited news from her own mistress, The Lady of Shadows and The Knight Of Darkness. They were the two people she loved most and cared for above all. They were bringing her news of what the Queen of The Red Rain said in response to her invitation to her weekly Ball of Torture. Usually, at these weekly balls, the lords and ladies of Queen Malene's court as well as the kings, queens, princes, princesses , and knights of the neighboring kingdoms attended. At last, after waiting for days for Queen Red Rain's answer, The Knight Of Darkness and Lady of Shadows returned. The grand black doors of the castle opened as a woman, whose skin was pale as death himself, with black makeup and long blonde hair with black streaks in it in a braid and a black attire, entered. She was the Lady of The Shadows. Next, a knight with black armor and black makeup as well as jet black hair which was down to his shoulders and pale skin just like everyone else in this kingdom, came in. He was the Knight Of Darkness."Shadow, Darkness, you've returned at last. I feared for you my dear ones." said Queen Malene. "Mistress, we are sorry to have worried you." said Shadow as her and Darkness bowed. Malene rose from her throne, her black hair falling over her pale shoulders as she bent down to raise Shadow and Darkness from their kneeling position in front of her. "You needn't bow and apologize my loves." said Malene. She raised Shadows chin so that her eyes could meet Malene's. Shadow's hazel eyes looked only with love into Malene's violet eyes. Malene smiled and kissed Shadow's black lips, and said"I love you, never forget that." " Never my lady, never." said Shadow. Darkness laughed a bitter little laugh when Sorrow said that. Malene looked at Darkness with a threatening look and Darkness looked down in submission to her beauty and power. He loved her too. Malene left Shadow and walked over to Darkness and looked into his eyes. She knew that her eyes could weaken his anger in a second. He stayed locked in his stare with her and said"I'm sorry my lady."Malene replied with a smile saying" Don't be so wicked Darkness, you know how I love you and your jealousy over Shadow must stop. I love you both in different ways." "Yes my lady. I know all too well." said Darkness with a hint of pain in his voice. Malene headed through a dark door as Shadow and Darkness followed quickly behind her. Malene walked down her dark halls as Fear ran down the hall jumping up on her dark dress. Malene smiled as her black wolf licked her face with happiness. His gold eyes showing nothing but love and loyalty for his lady. "Fear, down wolfling, down. Be a good wolf. I'm happy to see you as well." said Malene. The wolf immediately obeyed and walked by his lady's side as she walked down the hall leading the others. At last, after descending some stairs, she made it to the grand hall where the annual weekly ball was held. The shadows were fixing up the room. There were skulls with candles in them set by the main stairs where Malene would appear for the party. There were black, velvet curtains hung for the windows over by where the blood would be served to the many guests who would wish for some. Malene was more interested in wine than blood, it was just her like. But demons, are always rather used to drinking blood, its just something they were raised with and Malene could understand the concepts of such things. Skeletons hung on the walls by the doors where the guests would enter the room. The ghosts were all the way up by the ceiling hanging the corpses and securing them. Soulstorm, Malene's head witch, stood by the main staircase giving out instructions to some dark elves. Her silver hair fell in her face. and she looked quite calm. "Soulstorm, how are things coming along for the ball?" asked Malene quite content with the display so far. "Oh my lady, it is going quite well. We will have this room done by the end of the night." said Soulstorm with a relieved look on her face."Well, I commend you on the job so far. I think this display is just wonderful." said Malene smiling. Fear nudged against Soulstorm's leg. "Oh, Fear, I didnt see you there you grand wolf." said Soulstorm scratching Fear's ears. The black wolf's tongue hung out as he seemed to be enjoying having behind his ears scratched.Malene smiled and moved on as she ascended the main staircase. Shadow and Darkness followed once more. As she walked towards her room, she heard her two lovers following her. When she was in front of her chamber doors, she turned and looked at a very eager Shadow and Darkness and said "I will rest now before the ball tonight. It will be a long night and I must gather my strength and energy. " "Alright my lady, I think I will go and rest as well. " said Shadow as she leaned against the wall looking quite tired. "Yes, I believe I should as well. I must make sure that I have strength to be alert and keep you safe my mistress" said Darkness. He kissed Malene's hand and turned to leave. Malene and Sorrow watched Darkness leave towards his quarters. Shadow sighed and looked down, sadness on her face. Malene notcied this but said nothing as Shadow began to speak."Why does he hate me so my lady? I don't understand why if we love you both just the same." said Shadow as she looked at Malene. Malene grabbed Shadow's hand and walked with her into her chambers. She closed the door and walked Shadow over to by where the window was. Shadow wearily sat on the chair by the window. Malene sat next to her and began the explanation she drew from the answer to Shadow's question. "He doesn't hate you Shadow, he is just jealous." said Malene. "Why my lady when he knows you love us both equally?" said Shadow looking weary. " My dear Shadow, he loves me and the way that he sees things, he wants to be the only one to help me. He wants to be the only one who understands me and is by my side. He is jealous of you because he knows you feel the same way about me as he does and you are by my side as well." said Malene. "Oh my lady, what should I do?" asked Shadow looking malcontented. " Give it time and do not worry my love. I will talk with Darkness and all will be well once again." said Malene. "Yes my lady.I trust in you and I know that you will make things right." said Malene.
Malene kissed Shadow and held her hand gripping it. Shadow gasped and looked at Malene. "My lady?" said Malene out of breath, with a slight smile on her face. Malene nodded her head and Shadow walked with Malene over to Malene's bed. Malene took off Shadow's black cloak and put it on the chest near the foot of her bed. Shadow watched her and watched as Malene tooke her own black cloak off and put it next to Shadow's. Malene walked over to where Shadow lay and got on top of her. She took off Shadows' belt which held her dagger fast to her hip and unlaced Shadows' black knee high boots. Slowly and seductively she unlaced Shadow's tunic and slipped Shadows long black skirt off. Shadow now lay on the bed in her black undergarments. Malene took these off as well until Shadow was completely naked. Malene took her dress off and her laced up slippers which were all black. Her black hair fell over her face as she sat on top of Shadow naked. She tickled Shadows face as Shadows hands laid on Malenes waist. Shadow laughed and smiled with only love in her eyes. Malene gazed into Shadows' eyes and they were locked in a stare. "My lady, I love you so." said Shadow close to tears. Their love-making was always this emotional. Malene replies saying"As do I my light-haired lover." said Malene. Malene kissed Shadow ever so passionately and Shadow kissed back with just as much strength if not more. Malene kissed Shadow's neck, making her coo with passion. She continued to please her in ways unknown to a man. Shadow moaned and laid still while Malene put her into an even greater ectasy than their previous love-making. She screamed as she gently gripped Malene's shoulders. Malene smiled with satisfaction as she realized how much she truly was pleasing Shadow. Shadow moaned and thrashed around with passion as the last of her energy left her. Then she lay still, weak and complete as well as content. Yet another successful lovemaking. Malene crawled up to where Shadow's face was and kissed her as her lover gently smiled with satisfaction and love. Malene held Shadow with one hand and gripped the violet velvet blanket and covered them. She then gently wrapped both of her fragile, but strong, pale arms around Shadows' waist as she watched her sleep. Malene got no rest. She stayed up for hours as she watched her gentle Shadow sleep, smiling ever so slightly to make Malene love her even more. Shadow's hair fell over her face and Malene stroked it and tucked it behind her ear. She felt Shadow stir briefly and worried for her lover. She knew that usually when Shadow moved so restlessly, it was because she was having a nightmare. Malene also knew that her nightmare were also about her family. Shadow saw her family get killed in the most brutal of ways and it was a pain that Malene tried so hard to kill. Shadow was a very broken young woman and Malene tried hard to mend her broken heart and protect her the best ways that she knew how. It was because of this fact,that no one dared to mess with Shadow or Malene would punish them in the most cruel of ways. Shadow was faithful and loyal to Malene because Malene took her in when she had no one else. But, with time Malene and Shadow fell in love and their love was simple. Shadow asked for nothing and yet, Malene gave her everything, the best she could. After some time, Shadow finally woke up but, it was not the best way to awake. She awoke crying and Malene knew what she needed most. Shadow turned over and cried into Malene's shoulder as Malene held her. Malene stroked Shadows hair and reassured her and said "It's okay. You're safe now and I'll take care of you.They can't hurt you anymore and I won't let them." said Malene with a sorrowful expression. Shadow sobbed and managed to speak through broken words. "Oh my lady, I keep seeing their faces and it hurts. What can I do? No matter how hard I try, I can never stop them.I always see their twisted smiles and see them laughing so evily. Oh goddess, I can't take it anymore. When will this stop? When will the nightmares end?" said Shadow as she looked up at Malene with tears in her eyes. Malene wiped the tears away and kissed Shadow's forehead."It's okay Shadow. I love you and I will keep you safe. You cannot stop what happened, it did and I cannot stop the nightmares. But, know that every time you wake up, you can wake up next to me and I'm keeping you safe. My dear Shadow, I love you, always. Never forget that." said Malene with a sad smile on her face as her violet eyes met her lovers sorrowful hazel ones.Malene got up with Sorrow and brushed her black streaked blonde hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. Shadow smiled and said "I love you my lady." Malene said "I love you as well my dear one." She walked over to the bed naked, her body glowing in the moonlight. She had the body of a goddess and it was one of the most beautiful things Shadow had ever seen in her whole life.Malene grabbed a velvet violet blanket and walked over to Shadow standing in the moonlight as well. She wrapped the blanket around Shadow's beautiful form and Shadow held the blanket fast to her chest. Malene wrapped a blanket around herself as well. Malene called for her handmaidens Sorrow and Grief. They came in and walked immediately over to Malene. "Yes my lady?" asked both maidens in unison. "Grief, I'd like you to take Shadow and to bathe her as well as dress her." said Malene. "Yes my lady.Right away." said Grief as she left th room to go and get Shadow's bath ready. Shadow said" Must I leave you my lady?" "Yes my beautiful one. We will see each other soon. I promise." said Malene. She kissed Shadow's forehead and Shadow smiled as she left the room to follow Grief. "Sorrow. You'll attend to me. I hope you don't mind."said Malene smiling. "No mistress, of course not." said Sorrow smiling sadly. Sorrow left the room and Malene followed. They walked down a long, winding corridor as they finally got to the room where the bathing was to be held. Black curtains were undrawn as Sorrow walked hastily to the other room connected to the bathing room to get some towels and soaps. She came back to where Maleen was and took Maleen's blanket from her leaving her naked in the moonlight. Maleen stepped into the bath. The water was cool and Maleen sighed with relief. Sorrow sat next to her and began to scrub Maleen's back. Maleen smiled at Sorrow and brushed a strand piece of brown hair out of Sorrow's face. Sorrow politely smiled at Maleen and continued washing Maleen's back. Maleen talked with Sorrow as she bathed her. "Sorrow, am I a good ruler?" asked Maleen looking out at the moon. "Yes, my lady, you are." said Sorrow. "I want you to be honest with me Sorrow. You needn't be so formal. I won't punish you for telling me the truth. You should know me better than that." said Maleen. Sorrow looked at Maleen nervously and hesitated for a brief moment. "Yes my lady, in all honesty, you truly are. You help others and you do what is right and just. I think that for you to take in Lady Shadow when you barely knew her, was really kind of you. I believe in you my lady and I honor as well as respect you." said Sorrow. Malene smiled at Sorrow and said"Thank you Sorrow.I like you being honest with me, I would like for you to do so more often." said Malene. "Yes my lady, I will if it would please you."said Sorrow smiling. Sorrow finished bathing Maleen and now Maleen smelled like Lavendar which was one of her favorite scents. The ball had already begun and guests were already starting to arrive. Queen Red Rain had already arrived with her two daughters, Princess Teardrop and Princess Torment. Queen Red Rain was dressed in a burgundy red dress and wore dark red makeup.Her dark red hair flowed gently down her back. Her two daughters followed quickly behind her. Princess Teardrop was a thin girl. She had pale skin and her light red hair was put up and her maroon colored dress made her look stunning. Princess Torment walked sulkily behind her oh so charming mother and sister. Her bright red hair made it very easy for anyone to spot her, even from a mile away. Her crimson colored dress made her even more appealing. Both princesses were of age and were trying to be married off. Queen Red Rain happened to be a close friend of Malene and was many years older than the young queen. The princesses were a few years younger than Malene but, Malene was still not married and she was quite a powerful and good ruler. She had a good reputation and many loved her and respected her. Shadow made her way through the crowd and managed to find Darkness. He looked charming standing over by Princess Heartache. He was having quite a good conversation when Shadow interrupted them. "Hello Darkness, hello Heartache." said Shadow. "Oh hello Lady Shadow. How have you been? I missed our last talk together. It was very spirited." said heartache. She stood wearing a violet dress and her long brown hair hung over her shoulder covering her breast.Her eyes were a bright blue. "Shadow,what are you doing here?Shouldn't you be with Malene?" asked Darkness inquisitively."She told me that she would meet me here." said Shadow. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go and find her." said Darkness."Okay I will stay here." said Shadow. Darkness nodded and left to search for Malene.
Tales From The Kingdom Of Shadows
The dark halls were lit quite dimly with torches of fire burning as if dying. Black halls encased within this castle. Shadows run around back and forth through the dark halls and rooms contained many different forms of pain and torture. This castle was made of skulls and encased in thorns. The one who ruled this castle was a dark queen. Bitter with time but one who was wise and beautiful. Dressed in her black gown, wearing her dark makeup, her raven hair fell down over her shoulders, making her look more like a dark goddess than a queen. Her hand maidens, Sorrow and Grief stood patiently by her throne as she patiently awaited news from her own mistress, The Lady of Shadows and The Knight Of Darkness. They were the two people she loved most and cared for above all. They were bringing her news of what the Queen of The Red Rain said in response to her invitation to her weekly Ball of Torture. Usually, at these weekly balls, the lords and ladies of Queen Malene's court as well as the kings, queens, princes, princesses , and knights of the neighboring kingdoms attended. At last, after waiting for days for Queen Red Rain's answer, The Knight Of Darkness and Lady of Shadows returned. The grand black doors of the castle opened as a woman, whose skin was pale as death himself, with black makeup and long blonde hair with black streaks in it in a braid and a black attire, entered. She was the Lady of The Shadows. Next, a knight with black armor and black makeup as well as jet black hair which was down to his shoulders and pale skin just like everyone else in this kingdom, came in. He was the Knight Of Darkness."Shadow, Darkness, you've returned at last. I feared for you my dear ones." said Queen Malene. "Mistress, we are sorry to have worried you." said Shadow as her and Darkness bowed. Malene rose from her throne, her black hair falling over her pale shoulders as she bent down to raise Shadow and Darkness from their kneeling position in front of her. "You needn't bow and apologize my loves." said Malene. She raised Shadows chin so that her eyes could meet Malene's. Shadow's hazel eyes looked only with love into Malene's violet eyes. Malene smiled and kissed Shadow's black lips, and said"I love you, never forget that." " Never my lady, never." said Shadow. Darkness laughed a bitter little laugh when Sorrow said that. Malene looked at Darkness with a threatening look and Darkness looked down in submission to her beauty and power. He loved her too. Malene left Shadow and walked over to Darkness and looked into his eyes. She knew that her eyes could weaken his anger in a second. He stayed locked in his stare with her and said"I'm sorry my lady."Malene replied with a smile saying" Don't be so wicked Darkness, you know how I love you and your jealousy over Shadow must stop. I love you both in different ways." "Yes my lady. I know all too well." said Darkness with a hint of pain in his voice. Malene headed through a dark door as Shadow and Darkness followed quickly behind her. Malene walked down her dark halls as Fear ran down the hall jumping up on her dark dress. Malene smiled as her black wolf licked her face with happiness. His gold eyes showing nothing but love and loyalty for his lady. "Fear, down wolfling, down. Be a good wolf. I'm happy to see you as well." said Malene. The wolf immediately obeyed and walked by his lady's side as she walked down the hall leading the others. At last, after descending some stairs, she made it to the grand hall where the annual weekly ball was held. The shadows were fixing up the room. There were skulls with candles in them set by the main stairs where Malene would appear for the party. There were black, velvet curtains hung for the windows over by where the blood would be served to the many guests who would wish for some. Malene was more interested in wine than blood, it was just her like. But demons, are always rather used to drinking blood, its just something they were raised with and Malene could understand the concepts of such things. Skeletons hung on the walls by the doors where the guests would enter the room. The ghosts were all the way up by the ceiling hanging the corpses and securing them. Soulstorm, Malene's head witch, stood by the main staircase giving out instructions to some dark elves. Her silver hair fell in her face. and she looked quite calm. "Soulstorm, how are things coming along for the ball?" asked Malene quite content with the display so far. "Oh my lady, it is going quite well. We will have this room done by the end of the night." said Soulstorm with a relieved look on her face."Well, I commend you on the job so far. I think this display is just wonderful." said Malene smiling. Fear nudged against Soulstorm's leg. "Oh, Fear, I didnt see you there you grand wolf." said Soulstorm scratching Fear's ears. The black wolf's tongue hung out as he seemed to be enjoying having behind his ears scratched.Malene smiled and moved on as she ascended the main staircase. Shadow and Darkness followed once more. As she walked towards her room, she heard her two lovers following her. When she was in front of her chamber doors, she turned and looked at a very eager Shadow and Darkness and said "I will rest now before the ball tonight. It will be a long night and I must gather my strength and energy. " "Alright my lady, I think I will go and rest as well. " said Shadow as she leaned against the wall looking quite tired. "Yes, I believe I should as well. I must make sure that I have strength to be alert and keep you safe my mistress" said Darkness. He kissed Malene's hand and turned to leave. Malene and Sorrow watched Darkness leave towards his quarters. Shadow sighed and looked down, sadness on her face. Malene notcied this but said nothing as Shadow began to speak."Why does he hate me so my lady? I don't understand why if we love you both just the same." said Shadow as she looked at Malene. Malene grabbed Shadow's hand and walked with her into her chambers. She closed the door and walked Shadow over to by where the window was. Shadow wearily sat on the chair by the window. Malene sat next to her and began the explanation she drew from the answer to Shadow's question. "He doesn't hate you Shadow, he is just jealous." said Malene. "Why my lady when he knows you love us both equally?" said Shadow looking weary. " My dear Shadow, he loves me and the way that he sees things, he wants to be the only one to help me. He wants to be the only one who understands me and is by my side. He is jealous of you because he knows you feel the same way about me as he does and you are by my side as well." said Malene. "Oh my lady, what should I do?" asked Shadow looking malcontented. " Give it time and do not worry my love. I will talk with Darkness and all will be well once again." said Malene. "Yes my lady.I trust in you and I know that you will make things right." said Malene.
Malene kissed Shadow and held her hand gripping it. Shadow gasped and looked at Malene. "My lady?" said Malene out of breath, with a slight smile on her face. Malene nodded her head and Shadow walked with Malene over to Malene's bed. Malene took off Shadow's black cloak and put it on the chest near the foot of her bed. Shadow watched her and watched as Malene tooke her own black cloak off and put it next to Shadow's. Malene walked over to where Shadow lay and got on top of her. She took off Shadows' belt which held her dagger fast to her hip and unlaced Shadows' black knee high boots. Slowly and seductively she unlaced Shadow's tunic and slipped Shadows long black skirt off. Shadow now lay on the bed in her black undergarments. Malene took these off as well until Shadow was completely naked. Malene took her dress off and her laced up slippers which were all black. Her black hair fell over her face as she sat on top of Shadow naked. She tickled Shadows face as Shadows hands laid on Malenes waist. Shadow laughed and smiled with only love in her eyes. Malene gazed into Shadows' eyes and they were locked in a stare. "My lady, I love you so." said Shadow close to tears. Their love-making was always this emotional. Malene replies saying"As do I my light-haired lover." said Malene. Malene kissed Shadow ever so passionately and Shadow kissed back with just as much strength if not more. Malene kissed Shadow's neck, making her coo with passion. She continued to please her in ways unknown to a man. Shadow moaned and laid still while Malene put her into an even greater ectasy than their previous love-making. She screamed as she gently gripped Malene's shoulders. Malene smiled with satisfaction as she realized how much she truly was pleasing Shadow. Shadow moaned and thrashed around with passion as the last of her energy left her. Then she lay still, weak and complete as well as content. Yet another successful lovemaking. Malene crawled up to where Shadow's face was and kissed her as her lover gently smiled with satisfaction and love. Malene held Shadow with one hand and gripped the violet velvet blanket and covered them. She then gently wrapped both of her fragile, but strong, pale arms around Shadows' waist as she watched her sleep. Malene got no rest. She stayed up for hours as she watched her gentle Shadow sleep, smiling ever so slightly to make Malene love her even more. Shadow's hair fell over her face and Malene stroked it and tucked it behind her ear. She felt Shadow stir briefly and worried for her lover. She knew that usually when Shadow moved so restlessly, it was because she was having a nightmare. Malene also knew that her nightmare were also about her family. Shadow saw her family get killed in the most brutal of ways and it was a pain that Malene tried so hard to kill. Shadow was a very broken young woman and Malene tried hard to mend her broken heart and protect her the best ways that she knew how. It was because of this fact,that no one dared to mess with Shadow or Malene would punish them in the most cruel of ways. Shadow was faithful and loyal to Malene because Malene took her in when she had no one else. But, with time Malene and Shadow fell in love and their love was simple. Shadow asked for nothing and yet, Malene gave her everything, the best she could. After some time, Shadow finally woke up but, it was not the best way to awake. She awoke crying and Malene knew what she needed most. Shadow turned over and cried into Malene's shoulder as Malene held her. Malene stroked Shadows hair and reassured her and said "It's okay. You're safe now and I'll take care of you.They can't hurt you anymore and I won't let them." said Malene with a sorrowful expression. Shadow sobbed and managed to speak through broken words. "Oh my lady, I keep seeing their faces and it hurts. What can I do? No matter how hard I try, I can never stop them.I always see their twisted smiles and see them laughing so evily. Oh goddess, I can't take it anymore. When will this stop? When will the nightmares end?" said Shadow as she looked up at Malene with tears in her eyes. Malene wiped the tears away and kissed Shadow's forehead."It's okay Shadow. I love you and I will keep you safe. You cannot stop what happened, it did and I cannot stop the nightmares. But, know that every time you wake up, you can wake up next to me and I'm keeping you safe. My dear Shadow, I love you, always. Never forget that." said Malene with a sad smile on her face as her violet eyes met her lovers sorrowful hazel ones.Malene got up with Sorrow and brushed her black streaked blonde hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. Shadow smiled and said "I love you my lady." Malene said "I love you as well my dear one." She walked over to the bed naked, her body glowing in the moonlight. She had the body of a goddess and it was one of the most beautiful things Shadow had ever seen in her whole life.Malene grabbed a velvet violet blanket and walked over to Shadow standing in the moonlight as well. She wrapped the blanket around Shadow's beautiful form and Shadow held the blanket fast to her chest. Malene wrapped a blanket around herself as well. Malene called for her handmaidens Sorrow and Grief. They came in and walked immediately over to Malene. "Yes my lady?" asked both maidens in unison. "Grief, I'd like you to take Shadow and to bathe her as well as dress her." said Malene. "Yes my lady.Right away." said Grief as she left th room to go and get Shadow's bath ready. Shadow said" Must I leave you my lady?" "Yes my beautiful one. We will see each other soon. I promise." said Malene. She kissed Shadow's forehead and Shadow smiled as she left the room to follow Grief. "Sorrow. You'll attend to me. I hope you don't mind."said Malene smiling. "No mistress, of course not." said Sorrow smiling sadly. Sorrow left the room and Malene followed. They walked down a long, winding corridor as they finally got to the room where the bathing was to be held. Black curtains were undrawn as Sorrow walked hastily to the other room connected to the bathing room to get some towels and soaps. She came back to where Maleen was and took Maleen's blanket from her leaving her naked in the moonlight. Maleen stepped into the bath. The water was cool and Maleen sighed with relief. Sorrow sat next to her and began to scrub Maleen's back. Maleen smiled at Sorrow and brushed a strand piece of brown hair out of Sorrow's face. Sorrow politely smiled at Maleen and continued washing Maleen's back. Maleen talked with Sorrow as she bathed her. "Sorrow, am I a good ruler?" asked Maleen looking out at the moon. "Yes, my lady, you are." said Sorrow. "I want you to be honest with me Sorrow. You needn't be so formal. I won't punish you for telling me the truth. You should know me better than that." said Maleen. Sorrow looked at Maleen nervously and hesitated for a brief moment. "Yes my lady, in all honesty, you truly are. You help others and you do what is right and just. I think that for you to take in Lady Shadow when you barely knew her, was really kind of you. I believe in you my lady and I honor as well as respect you." said Sorrow. Malene smiled at Sorrow and said"Thank you Sorrow.I like you being honest with me, I would like for you to do so more often." said Malene. "Yes my lady, I will if it would please you."said Sorrow smiling. Sorrow finished bathing Maleen and now Maleen smelled like Lavendar which was one of her favorite scents. The ball had already begun and guests were already starting to arrive. Queen Red Rain had already arrived with her two daughters, Princess Teardrop and Princess Torment. Queen Red Rain was dressed in a burgundy red dress and wore dark red makeup.Her dark red hair flowed gently down her back. Her two daughters followed quickly behind her. Princess Teardrop was a thin girl. She had pale skin and her light red hair was put up and her maroon colored dress made her look stunning. Princess Torment walked sulkily behind her oh so charming mother and sister. Her bright red hair made it very easy for anyone to spot her, even from a mile away. Her crimson colored dress made her even more appealing. Both princesses were of age and were trying to be married off. Queen Red Rain happened to be a close friend of Malene and was many years older than the young queen. The princesses were a few years younger than Malene but, Malene was still not married and she was quite a powerful and good ruler. She had a good reputation and many loved her and respected her. Shadow made her way through the crowd and managed to find Darkness. He looked charming standing over by Princess Heartache. He was having quite a good conversation when Shadow interrupted them. "Hello Darkness, hello Heartache." said Shadow. "Oh hello Lady Shadow. How have you been? I missed our last talk together. It was very spirited." said heartache. She stood wearing a violet dress and her long brown hair hung over her shoulder covering her breast.Her eyes were a bright blue. "Shadow,what are you doing here?Shouldn't you be with Malene?" asked Darkness inquisitively."She told me that she would meet me here." said Shadow. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go and find her." said Darkness."Okay I will stay here." said Shadow. Darkness nodded and left to search for Malene.