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Part 19
Weeks passed, and Willow’s friends took turns spending the day with her at the cottage in the woods. The arrangement worked out well for everyone. At first, Angelus was reluctant about the new schedule, but once they explained that it was for the princess’ safety, he quickly agreed. Meanwhile, William went through the motions of seeking a bride, but never expressed an interest in any of the girls who came to call on him. Soon, the only girl within a week’s journey of the palace who hadn’t had an audience with the prince was Willow. As the days and weeks turned into a month and then to two, Angelus became increasingly worried about his son. He did not want to force his son into a loveless marriage, but he had given his word, and he never broke a promise. Adding to his distress was Willow’s unwillingness to consider his son as a suitor. Through their brief visits together, he had grown fond of the girl, and would never willingly cause her unhappiness. But a man’s word is his word, and since William seemed no closer to finding a bride than before, he made arrangements to seal the marriage contract between the reluctant royals.
* * * * *
“Let me guess,” Sheila began as Percy stepped into the room. “Willow is a charming girl, and it’s a pleasure to have her here with me. Is there no one who hasn’t been taken in by that little vixen?”
“Apparently Prince William hasn’t. He still refuses to meet her. King Angelus wishes to finalize the terms of the union.”
“Agree to whatever he has planned. It’s not like I can kill her. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that the girl is immortal… Maybe that’s it. There’s something protecting her from death. But you don’t have to kill someone to be rid of her once and for all.” Sheila noticed that Percy was still standing in the doorway. “Go! Agree to the King’s terms. It will not matter. Angelus will not wed his son to a corpse. Not even a living one.” As Percy left, the Queen began mixing a potion. “Why did I not think of it before? Those silly fools might have revived her from death, but they are powerless against a curse. The Sleep of Death shall be her fall. And if it does not, then I will lay down my own life in her place.” As she combined liquids and powders from various crystal bottles and jars, the mixture began to bubble of its own accord, then calmed as it shifted from one color to another, until it finally settled on a vibrant ruby hue. Satisfied with her work, the queen poured the liquid into a flask and capped it tightly.
“Now, how to get her to ingest it?” The Queen
looked around the room. “It would go unnoticed in a wine, but she
is not one to drink. She is not fond of medicines, and in perfect
health besides, so that will not work either.” She looked out her
window at the remains of Queen Amy’s garden. Without Willow’s careful
tending, weeds had sprung up and taken over many of the flowerbeds.
But what caught her eye was the apple tree that even now stood out against
the weeds, it’s branches heavy with ripe red apples. “That’s perfect.
She always loved apples, especially those from this tree.” Plucking
one from the tree, she painted the skin with the poison. Immediately,
the green leaf that clung to the stem withered and fell away. “Willow,
dear, don’t worry. I’m coming for you.” Filling a basket with
other fruits and nuts, she placed the potent treat on top, then set out
for Sunnydale for the final time.
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