Chapter 6:

On the second floor of “The Silver Goblet”, Emily sat, waiting. It didn’t take long for the guards to arrive.

Heavy knocks banged upon her room door, followed by a shout, “Open up! It’s the Gerya guards!”

Emily rolled her eyes and hopped off of her bed. She lightly flitted across the floor to the door and unlocked it.

“Can I help you?” she inquired politely, her hood covering her head.

On the other side of the door sat a group of five guards. The man who knocked scanned her with his eyes.

“Are you the monster?” he asked skeptically, surprised her by polite attitude.

“Yes, that’s me,” she answered, throwing off her hood.

The reaction was immediate. The guard talking to her started to froth at the mouth. The other guards starting screaming like little girls and dashed down the stairs, shoving at each other in their haste to get out of the way.

Emily shook her head in amusement, “What did they expect? Did they really think they would be able to apprehend me?”

She shut the door to her room and went to sleep.

While Emily was asleep, the city went into a panic. Numerous reports of a terrifying monster broke out amongst the people. A curfew was enforced, keeping the citizens inside of their houses. The adventurer guild and mage guild were also called to action. A large bounty was put on Emily’s head. Anyone who could remove the monster from the city would receive a large sum of gold.

Blockades were placed around “The Silver Goblet.”

Numerous men surrounding the building, legs shaking in fear. The people who had seen Emily’s face refused to go anywhere near her and were already making preparations to evacuate the city.

Emily awoke with a smile. She had rested quite comfortably knowing that numerous people were afraid of her. She looked outside her window, noticing the blockade and the dozens of people around the building. She wasn’t worried because it was time to draw a new card!

She crossed her fingers, hoping that it was something useful.

Emily slipped the card out of the deck and held it in front of her eyes. She groaned loudly.

The card was: THE LOVERS

Outside of the inn, Captain Ringard and his men stood waiting. He fiddled with his sword hilt, his hawk-like eyes scanned the building for any signs of movements.

This was an unprecedented situation. The reactions from his men were extreme. They refused to speak about the creature inside “The Silver Goblet”. All they would say was that everyone was going to die. They seemed to believe that the monster was an unstoppable being of tremendous power. If it weren’t for their genuine reactions, he would have believed someone was playing a prank on him.

He took a deep breath to calm his nerves. It was very likely that he would die tonight.

All of a sudden, he saw the door to the inn get thrown open and a robed figure leisurely walk out.

Swords were removed from sheaths, arrows were knocked in bows, and wands were held at the ready.

Although it was against his better judgement, Captain Ringard spoke to the figure.

“Remove your hood!” he wanted to see the “monster” with his own eyes.

The monster complied.

Swords, bows, and wands fell to the ground.

Captain Ringard’s mouth dropped open.

“Y-y-you!” he stuttered.

This was no monster. This was the most beautiful person he’d ever seen!

Long golden hair that fell to her waist. Blue eyes clearer than the sky. A complexion as fair as snow.

Ringard felt his heart palpitate, a blush crept up his face. He could barely keep his mind clear while looking at her.

This was the monster his men were talking about?

His mind was in a daze. Only when the goddess in front of him lightly coughed did he awaken from his reverie.

He immediately stumbled towards her.

“A-a-apologies,” he stammered, “There seems to have been some kind of misunderstanding.”

“Oh?” the goddess mouthed, raising a perfect eyebrow in question.

Ringard’s heart almost stopped as she looked at him. His hands were clammy as he replied.

“Yes! There were reports of a monster inside the building, but clearly you’re not a monster,” he laughed awkwardly. He would punish his men severely for their mistake.

“You’re right. I’m no monster,” Emily laughed, a sound that chimed like a bell.

Ringard’s heart ached. All thoughts of his wife and children were thrown out the window.

“If there’s anything I can do for you, just say the word!”

Emily felt weird. Wasn’t she a little young for all this attention? No matter. She would use it to her advantage anyways.

“There is one matter I need help with,” Emily sighed.

“Anything!” Ringard said with determination.

“I’m actually looking for a lover,” she smiled coquettishly, causing Ringard to feel faint.

“A-a-a lover?” he asked, his mouth dry.

“Yes, but there are so many of you. I couldn’t possibly choose,” she said pointing at the group of people behind him.

It was only then that Ringard realized all the adventurers and mages had followed him closely from behind. They swayed with Emily’s every word, holding on to them tightly.

One of the men in the crowd spoke up, “I’ll be your lover!”

“No, I’ll be your lover!” one of the other people shouted.

“No me!”

“No, me!”

The crowd immediately broke into heated debate. Curses were thrown back and forth.

Emily coughed lightly, grabbing everyone’s attention.

“I have an idea,” she said, eyes twinkling.

“Why don’t you guys fight to the death and I’ll marry the last person standing?”

Ringard felt something was wrong with her words, but he was too smitten to think clearly.

“That sounds like a great idea!” he said, picking his sword off the ground. He immediately stabbed the person next to him.

As the blood spilled to the floor, a brawl instantly broke out. Magic and swords clashed against one another. Arrows whizzed through the air.

Emily stood back at a safe distance watching the proceedings with a smile on her face. She laughed inwardly. This was one of her favorite cards so far.

Captain Ringard fought using every trick he had ever learned. The pressure was immense. This was the most important battle of his life. He had to win!

His sword chopped and cleaved apart his opponents. He whirled around, dodging blades and magic alike.

Even Emily was mildly impressed at his display.

In the end, the Captain was the last person standing. Dripping with blood, he kneeled in front of Emily, his head bowed.

“Please grant me the honor of being your lover!”

Emily laughed and approached. Ringard shivered with anticipation.

All of a sudden, he felt a sharp pain in his neck. His eyes turned round in confusion.

He saw Emily holding a bloody dagger. Realization dawned on him, but he died with a smile on his face. There was no bigger joy than being killed by her.