Chapter Four - The Bad Seed

                “Do you think there is something different about Savannah? It seemed she was a bit shocked about the engagement. Do you think she is having cold feet?” Michael, lounging on a large leather sofa in his cozy den with a bottle of scotch asked Joey. Something about the glint in his eye, made a knot form in the pit of Joey’s stomach. It felt like an accusation more than a question.

                “I think Savannah is a good actress.” Joey shifted in the stiff chair he chose next to the crackling fire. He peered out the window, noticing the thin layer of fog resting on the ground.

                Michael eyed Joey.  “That she is.” Swishing around the scotch he had in his cup he offered it to Joey.

                “No thanks, I’m good.”

                “Are you alright? You seem different.” He finished the scotch in a swift tip of the glass, bringing his lips over his teeth before the ice could hit. “Normally you’d be hammering these down with me. You haven’t even had one.”

                “I’m just taking a break, that’s all.” Joey was nervous. This is the first time he’d been close to Michael since the engagement and he was scared of saying the wrong things. He had no idea what the old Joey was like and Michael seemed to be catching on.

                “No pressure!” Michael put his hands up in defense before he poured himself another. “Savannah is coming over in a little while. We’ve got to take the traditional walk around the gardens.” He sighed, swishing the liquor again.

                “Sounds nice,”

                “These traditions kill me, man. If I could have it my way we’d be in bed celebrating, not walking around in the freezing cold looking at dying plants. Don’t ever have a winter engagement.” He warned, throwing back another glass.

                “You should probably slow down then,” Joey tried a friendly laugh.

                Michael sucked in air, as if to cool his burning throat. “Slow down? I wish. Ever since my dad got sick he’s been pushing this engagement. Don’t get me wrong, Savannah is great and I love her. Who wouldn’t right? She’s gorgeous. I just wish it didn’t have to be so soon. I was having fun with all the ladies in town. Now I only get one.” His lips formed a pout, before he poured yet another drink.

                Joey felt his fists clench. He didn’t feel bad about poisoning Michael so much anymore. He was a tool. What really angered him is that Savannah was going to have to spend time with him until they could figure out how to get home. God only knows what Michael would try with her. Or worse, what she’d let him do.

                Another thing surprised Joey. The reason for such a sudden and short engagement was the King’s health? He wondered if this was common knowledge. If Edith knew? What it would do to her plan if she didn’t?  

                “How is your father doing by the way?” Joey pretended to sound concerned.

                “About as well as a forty-five year old fly. I’ll be surprised if he makes it to the wedding. Mom’s a wreck. She doesn’t want to have to rule for long by herself. Savannah and I will have the kingdom right after we get back from our long, active honeymoon.” He winked and tipped back another drink. “You sure you don’t want one?”

                “Yeah, I’m fine.”

                “Suit yourself.” He poured another scotch, finally setting the bottle on the glass table in front of him. “How are things with you and that brunette girl from last weeks’ ball? From what I heard she’s quite a handful.” He chuckled, killing the last bit of scotch.

                Panic spiked through Joey. After and awkward laugh he mumbled, “You know I don’t kiss and tell.”

                Michael scoffed. “Looks like Savannah isn’t the only actress.” He eyed Joey down, before heading towards the door. “Speaking of Miss Nelson, she should be here now. Catch you later, Buckweed.”

                He couldn’t help shake the similarities between Michael and Edith as he was left in silence.

                Savannah was dreading this afternoon. She sat on her bed as Mrs. Crock scurried around her room making sure she’d look her best for the stroll through the gardens. Savannah wondered why in the hell Michael would take her for a walk through gardens in the first place, but then she remembered it wasn’t her Michael. It was the overly controlling Prince Michael she was supposed to kill in the very near future. Sometimes it was hard for her to grasp just what reality she was living. Most nights when she’d dream, it’d be of the times she and Michael would fight and how stupid their fights now seemed or a memory of her and Donnie. Things were complicated now.

                The dress Mrs. Crock made her wear made her feel like a doll. She could hardly breathe thanks to the corset, which made walking and talking quite a challenge. Not only that, but her wool coat was extremely heavy and made her wobbly on heels. The pins holding her braided hair irritated her scalp and occasionally poked her. Savannah came to conclusion that this decade was not her favorite, whatsoever.

                In the carriage to the castle, Edith debriefed Savannah on proper behavior. What she should or shouldn’t say. That she should come off charming and coy, yet mysterious and elegant. She needed to be flirtatious but reserved. The prince had to view her as desirable. All of Edith’s request left Savannah confused and stressed out. To say that she arrived at the castle in a slightly agitated state, would be an understatement.

                Michael and the Queen appeared from the door to greet them.

                Edith turned to Savannah, “The Queen and I will be inside discussing wedding details. Remember that I’ll be watching you.” She smiled sweetly as she exited the carriage.

                No pressure.

                Michael reached forwards and kissed the top of Savannah’s hand.

                “My love,” he greeted sweetly, offering his arm to her.

                She slipped her arm through his as they both turned towards their mothers. “We shall be going. I promise Madame Nelson I won’t keep her in the cold for long. Don’t want her to catch a cold.”

                Edith smiled wickedly at Michael. “I trust you will warm her by the fire when you’re finished?”

                “Absolutely.”

                Savannah hated how they were speaking about her like she wasn’t even there. Michael lead her around the back of the house where rested her eyes upon the largest garden she’d ever seen. It was massive! Tall bricks of faded green bushes were neatly bordering the massive garden. It had a huge fountain in the center with a sculpture of, go figure, a king. The flowers were pale colors, probably due to the weather. There was a stone walkway extending in four directions, all leading to the fountain.

                “Do you like it?” Michael asked, noticing Savannah’s awe.

                She just nodded her head. They walked slowly down the path, hanging a right at the fountain towards what Savannah could now see as a gazebo. It was large and white with green vines tangling up the sides.

                “I can’t wait for you to see this place in the spring. It’s five times better than now.” He chuckled.

                “It’s already beautiful.”

                Standing in the gazebo, he turned to face her, bringing them close together. Savannah could smell alcohol on his breath. Awesome, Prince Michael was a drunk. “You’re beautiful.”

                She looked down and couldn’t decide if it was the cold air, or his compliment that made her blush. “Thank you,”

                “I know a way that you can thank me,” he raised his eyebrows suggestively.   

                “And what would that be?”

                He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulling her to him. “I think you know…”

                Revolted, Savannah fought the urge to push him away. Was he serious? They just got out here and he’s already trying to make a move on her?

                “Dance with me,” he smiled, grabbing her hand with his free one and beginning to twirl.

                Savannah learned a little about dancing at the ball, but dancing with Michael was much more nerve-racking. She followed his lead, and before she knew it they were twirling around the gazebo. She soon found herself smiling. Maybe she’d gotten the wrong vibe from Michael. Yeah, he was a little pushy at times and could definitely stop drinking during the day, but maybe he was misunderstood. Besides, being part of a royal family couldn’t be easy; always under public scrutiny, having to live up to a certain standard, having to deal with people trying to take what you have.

                That’s what she was supposed to do. Steal the crown from him. Kill him. Just because he was born into this.

                Michael slowed their dancing and brought Savannah close again. “Miss Nelson, you’re a wonderful dancer. But I fear if I keep you out here any longer you might fall sick. Let’s get you to that fire and heat things up a bit, shall we?”

                Trying not to read into his words too deeply, she nodded, once again allowing him to guide her back into the castle.

                Michael brought Savannah into his den. The fire recently re-wooded by the servants. He helped remove her jacket and lowered her onto the couch facing the fire. “Miss Nelson, may I pour you a drink?”

                “I’m fine, thank you.”

                He poured himself a scotch and sat next to her.

                “What do you think of the engagement so far?” he probed, sipping on his scotch.

                “Well, it’s only been one night. Haven’t given it too much thought just yet.”

                He smirked. “I could give you one night you’d give a lot of thought to, if you’d like.” Savannah shifted in her set and nervously played with her fingers. He must be a vulgar drunk. Before she could respond he interrupted her. “Only kidding, there will be plenty of time during our honeymoon for that. Father is sending us to the shore. It’ll be warmer there and we can enjoy the waters. He’s got a wonderful estate there. We’ll be completely isolated.” He smiled, sipping his drink again.

                Completely isolated, huh? That’s probably when Edith is planning her to make her move. She realized the game Michael was playing. She’d seen it too many times in high school by desperate guys. She guessed things really don’t change between the decades. Some guys are just perverts. She needed to stand up for herself and let him know she wasn’t one to be played. He had to respect her if she was going to go through with this. “Just how many one nights have you given other girls Prince Michael?”

                He looked shocked, but covered it quickly by finishing the rest of his drink and setting it on the table in front of them. He leaned in close to Savannah, causing her to push her back against the couch. "Don’t you worry your pretty little head about that Miss Nelson, you are the woman that I want.” He placed a kiss lightly upon her check. “And Miss Nelson, you should know by now that I always get what I want.” He stood up and poured himself another drink leaving Savannah breathless. Maybe she had misjudged Michael. Maybe Michael was a bad seed after all…

Author's Note

Thoughts?

Reviews

[Cheshire]

A bit better with the emotion as far as Joey is concerned, you seem to be able to connect with him better. Can't really say much that I haven't already said in the other chapters except for one thing - Changes in character point of view. Switching to Joeys point of view in the beginning was fine, but then you flip back to the MC with no clear break in the text. When switching settings or points of view, its generally considered good taste to switch to a new chapter, or at least have some kind of line between the two if its just a short change. In the cases of changes in setting, you can use transitions to not have to switch chapters, but in character changes, you have to make a break or you will confuse your readers immensely.