Heresy, Part II

Eight months after the Cursed King's defeat.

We sat in front of the table. Its footing was uneven in a way that made it slant sideways, toward a basket attached on the edge to catch stray food rolling down. Convenient, he called it. Good thing the chairs stood straight, or at least the ones he kept for visitors.

A few paintings hung on the walls, every single one of them tilted—at different angles every time I visited. There were a few oil lamps placed around the ground, currently turned off since the light from outside was enough. He wouldn't place any on top of tables or furniture.

After a short while, Oscar came squeezing through the door of the living room. It always remained half closed, with a doorstop locking it in place. One time Betta tried to remove it so it would be easier to enter. He headchopped her for it, which devolved into a somewhat nasty—if not straight up childish—argument.

Oscar placed a tray with a huge baked salmon on the table, along with two clay cups of juice and one of beer. As we ate, he rambled on and on about how much he'd missed me and all the things he planned for the three of us to do the following days.

Our cups and plates were tilted, but designed so you could place them on the table in a way in which the contents would remain even. If someone saw the world upside down, at least you could count on them sweeping the dust off their ceiling. Oscar's quirk wasn't quite like seeing an inverted world, though I wouldn't blame anyone for assuming.

"So we meet tomorrow morning at the Breezy Urchin. How about it?"

"Oscar, my friend, I'm flattered by how much you've missed me, but maybe… you know…"

"Maybe we already have plans of our own," Betta said.

Part of the spark in his eyes faded.

"No, no, I didn't mean to say that," I intervened. "I do have some plans, but I also want to hang out. I'm just saying we should talk about it together so we can find a schedule that doesn't conflict with anyone's compromises."

Oscar came back to life like a dry sponge submerged in water.

Betta shrugged. "Fine by me, but I've got the rest of this week full. Amanita wants to get to know this guy from the neighbors, and I gotta keep an eye to make sure he treats her right." Unable to hold back, I burst out laughing. "You making fun of me or what?"

"No, hehe, sorry, sorry. It's just… you're…" I cleared my throat. "I found it wholesome, that's all." You're such a dad when it comes to Amanita.

She grunted, but let me off the hook this once.

With how much she cared for Amanita, perhaps Betta would be understanding when it came to—

"Anyway, you two can plan your dates for the week after I'm gone," she added, prompting me to choke on my drink. "I have some news I gotta share then I'm out as soon as I finish eating."

Her prior comment became irrelevant like a faded mirage.

News…

"Do you mean from the council?" I asked.

"Yeah, they found the new Temperance. A bumpkin girl from somewhere down south. She's gonna arrive in the next few weeks."

It was coming.

But I was almost ready for it.

All that was left was to put things into motion and hope for the best.

ᗢ᠃ ⚘ ˚ ⚘᠂ ⚘ ˚ 𖦹 ˚ ⚘ ᠂ ⚘ ˚ ⚘᠃ ♡

I guided Oscar through the forest, away from the road, my unease growing with the lushness of our environment. Every few steps I'd glance back, trying to gauge his expression—he'd either smile in return or offer a friendly comment.

My face was damp. I couldn't tell apart my sweat from the humidity of the season. Mist would start forming soon—perhaps even today—and cover the world under a white veil for months to come. I'd become unable to see past my own feet.

It's alright.

I trust him.

We can proceed into unknown territory together.

The cave came into view too soon. I stopped, needing a moment to get my hectic heart under control.

"Everything good, Dori?"

"Yeah… please remember what I told you."

"I do, don't worry. 'Keep an open mind. Don't panic. Trust me.' It's all easy, especially the last part." He beamed like a hearth on a cold night.

His warmth was different from the heat of the environment—and stronger. It overpowered the suffocating sultriness and filled my uncertain legs with the strength needed to proceed.

To the entrance of the cave.

Through the make-shift door.

Into Princess' lair.

The last few times I'd visited, she jumped straight at me for a tight embrace, a sign of affection I never taught her.

This time, she stood on all fours, tensed up. Her mouthparts were spread like the claws of a mantis and clicked a disturbing noise. I didn't dare move a muscle. Then I remembered Oscar was present—if I didn't say anything he might act rashly.

Turning to him, I realized he wasn't looking at Princess, but at me. No stiffness in his expression, no sign of fear or even worry. Just a pair of eyes that didn't come to conclusions and patiently waited for answers.

You got this.

Both of them trust you.

"Oscar, this is Princess, she… she's the daughter of the Cursed King."

His mouth hung open for a moment. "Oh."

"B-but she's also harmless. I've been taking care of her for months and she hasn't done anything bad. She's only being wary. I promise that if we don't show hostility and prove to her you have no ill will she—"

He placed a hand on my shoulder. "Relax, Dori, you're making your friend nervous."

Just like that? You're going to accept all of this just like that?

I glanced back at Princess, who'd stopped making noises but was still locked in the same posture.

She must be scared. Doesn't know what to expect so she prepares for the worst.

Just like we ourselves do with the Cursed.

Opening my bag, I took out an apple then lowered myself to pick up one of the sticks from the ground. I pierced the fruit and handed it to Oscar.

"Gently offer it to her."

"Whatever you say, Dori."

We approached together. To reassure her, I forced the widest smile I could make, since I knew she'd learned to read my expression. Her posture didn't relax, but she also didn't begin clicking again or showed any additional sign of hostility.

Oscar extended the apple in her direction until it was within her reach.

Her eyes darted between it, me, and finally—Oscar. She then snatched it, dashed back and began eating with eyes still locked on him.

A sigh left me, along with so much of my tension I almost collapsed. Oscar wrapped his arm over my shoulder and laughed heartily.

It was working.

Peace was possible if taken one step at a time. But this first one was the easy part. There was still someone else I needed to convince—someone who might have a hard time forgiving the progeny of the Cursed Queen.