Exton

Morgan is back at her domain, sitting at a vanity brushing her long red locks and admiring her pale skin. She glances around the room, taking in the large bed in its separate alcove, the fine bedding and furnishings, and the full length two-way mirror to her right. She smiles, the expression never reaching her eyes which remain cold and hard. She seems to be talking to herself or to someone in the mirror and her servants are trying to stay as far away as they dare. All of them from the lowest outdoor slave to her personal servants are frightened of Morgan and her quicksilver change of moods. One wrong word or motion could mean death or worse, torture. Most have heard the screams and moans coming from that side of the house that includes her bedroom and her “playroom”. No one knew who she was 'entertaining', and no one dared ask. Since the blonde headed fae had not returned with her from her latest trip to gather children the noises at night had been worse, leading to speculations of ghostly origins.

The servants knew it wasnt the children moaning, they were kept in a separate part of the domain. Mostly in hopes that they would forget what Morgan looked like if they were old enough to notice such things. Morgan had a few servants that looked after the children until they were placed or purchased into homes of the elite and the court. And they had been threatened with having their tongues removed if any suspicion arose as to where the children had come from. The was one servant, an elderly female, who had said she was going to do something to stop Morgan. The woman's name was Margaret and she now had no tongue, few teeth and was missing a foot. No one knew for certain what had happened, but it was obvious the woman could not tell anyone or go anywhere on her own. No one but Margaret herself knew that Morgan had told her if she tried to write a letter or message she would take her hands off too.
Morgan stands and stretches her naked body, looking in the mirror for any flaws. In her mind she had none. Her hair was bright red and tumbled in an uncontrollable mass past her hips. He figure was perfect, high full breasts, a small waist and flat belly. Her skin was pale, white and without blemish, her green eyes bright and cat like.

She appears to be talking to the mirror when she speaks. “Are you sure you wont change your mind? I could take the chains off and you could sleep in a real bed. Wouldnt that alone be worth pleasing me for? After months in a cell? I might even be persuaded to let you bathe. I would imagine the smell is.. well... a trifle strong after all this time...and if you really please me I can see that you are given something a bit more substantial to eat other than whats left from my plate....”

* * * * *

On the other side of the mirror, known to only two servants and Morgan herself, is her prison. While the two-way mirror allows whoever is imprisoned to see what Morgan does when she is home, Morgan cannot see into the prison. She doesnt want to. It is enough to know they are there, being further tortured by what they see. At present there is only one prisoner. One that has been imprisoned for months now and will not do anything Morgan asks of her. She tried to kill Morgan after she had Conal whipped and she had been kept in chains ever since. She had known Gareth was alive, she saw him in her room from time to time. But now here was Morgan and no Gareth. She sighs, believing the worst. I could have gotten myself out of this damned hole days ago. The queen will be waiting for answers... The prisoner sits, and sipping at her meager allotment of water lets her mind wander. She closes her eyes to the sight of Morgans naked body parading in front of the mirror and leans her head back on the stone wall. The queen will be anxious to receive this report. Two of her messengers dead, she will not be pleased. And with the other crimes this redheaded bitch has committed she will never see the light of day again if she is allowed to live. The prisoner was the most trusted emissary in the queens service and had been for many years. In the past she had been a talented diplomat, brokering treaties that were iron-clad and airtight, that not even the fae could get out of. At court in her silks and satins she was a strikingly beautiful woman, long brown hair with golden highlights and huge dark brown eyes, almost black. She was not a big woman, but strong and many had been surprised by that strength, not only physical but mental as well. Not many had actually spoken to her. She preferred to do her work for the queen quietly, discreetly, so not many had actually seen her. There were no paintings or pictures of her but very few at either court could say they had never heard of her. The horrific brand that marked her body had been whispered about many times at both courts, her courage rumored to be great and her loyalty unquestionable after allowing such a thing in place of simply carrying a ring or seal. The brand could not be stolen from her as a physical object could be.

Morgans antics in front of the mirror catch the prisoners attention. She rolls her eyes, Stupid woman. If I had more time I would see that we exchanged places. I would love to see you chained in your own prison after what you did to that poor boy...

Morgan starts to talk again, cajoling, trying to get a reaction from her prisoner. Nothing has worked so far. Whipping, starving, threats, humiliation, nothing Morgan can think of. So she continues talking, totally unaware of who is listening and how it is about to affect her future. “I cant believe that whiney little faggot wanted to stay at a tavern. Imagine consorting with humans when he could be with me and stay here. Its almost unthinkable. And that man, that wretched vampire. He is the cause of all this mess. Him and that skinny little skank who kept her Viking lover away from me. I should poison them both for their interference and then take Gareth back. And maybe by then the witch will have dropped her brat. And who invited the riders... who needs them keeping an eye on things?”

The only indication that what Morgan has said has made any impact on her prisoner is a slight widening of her eyes. Gareth is alive! I need to get a message to the queen... Watching as Morgan climbs into her bed, Now is the time for me to leave, but I will return to deal with you later...

The following morning when the guards enter the cell to check on their prisoner all they find are the empty manacles, still attached to their chains on the wall. No trace of the prisoner, her weapons or her horse. It was as if she had never been there.

It was also discovered that the servant Margaret had disappeared in the night, along with the one small child Morgan was awaiting payment on. It was as if the mist came and they floated away.