Elizabeth stood in front of the mirror, taking herself in. The dress, a hand-me down, was a soft cream color against her dark skin. The jewels were dull and un-polished, but still she smiled. Today, finally, she was to be free of this place, she was going to start a new life with a loving man.It was all she had ever dreamed of, and today! Today she couldn't have been happier.

Her father burst through the door, not even bothering to knock. His can tapping painfully loud on the floorboards causing her to flinch.

"Is she ready?" His tone uncaring, he didn't even look at her. Only concerned with if his possession was in good condition to be sold off. She didn't let it spoil her mood.

The servants attending her, flailed about, adding the finishing touches and placing a head piece in her raven hair before attaching a veil, letting it fall over her face. She was finally ready for her wedding.

He took hold of her arm and forcibly pulled her from the room. "Don't stuff this up! I have a lot of money riding on this marriage."

"Yes father." She nodded, keeping her voice low. Best she not upset him, today of all days.

He hurriedly led her to the main hall. Everyone was waiting, watching, she couldn't help but feel shy and self-conscious, the butterflies were alive in her stomach. She could see from behind her veil, many of the noble women smirking and whispering to each other, as usual, making her some kind of spectacle. Ignoring them, she fixed her gaze on the man that was soon to be her husband, Prince Rafael.

Her father gave her away at the altar, and in mere minutes she was married. It was like a dream come true. Rafael lifted her veil and they shared their first kiss. She blushed profusely as he whispered in her ear that it was to be the first of many.

Everything from that day happened in a complete blur, time flew by and before she knew it, the sun was setting, they departed for his castle. In the carriage she thought of the fateful day that made all this a reality.

She had been a teenager when she had snuck out. She had been kept a secret by her father, having been a child born to a mistress of the duke. She hated it at the palace, she was never allowed out of her room. Only ever to appear as gathering, but dressed a as maid, her father never wanted her to be seen as his daughter. She was simply going kept, ready to be used as a bargaining chip for the household's name when she came of age.

She'd heard the rumors of a witch in town that could grant wishes, she'd found herself in a rundown building far from her home, a hooded woman sitting across from her.

"What is it you wish for, child?"

"I... I wish to be married off to a family that loves me, one that will care for me. So I never have to return to Dukedom again." She was desperate for a way out.

"Requests today have been languishing." The witch sighed. "Are you prepared to pay the price that is needed to obtain this love that you so desire?"

"Anything! I will do anything." She didn't hesitate.

"Very well, on the day you are happiest, the price will be paid." The witch dully said.

The very next day she started receiving letters from Prince Rafael. They wrote to each other countless times over the years. She knew it had to be the witch's doing, there was no other way for Rafael to know about her. Then on her 18th Birthday a letter had come, but not addressed to her, instead it was for her father. It asked for permission to marry her. Rafael was the 17th prince in line for the throne, there was no chance of him becoming king, but for her father it was a blessing in disguise. Or rather an opportunity to gain wealth beyond his wildest dreams, much to her delight, he took it.

"I wonder what the price will be." She wondered aloud.

"Elizabeth, everything okay?" Rafael sat across from her, concern played across his features.

"Of course, My Lord. I couldn't be happier." She smiled sweetly at him. It was true, her heart was alive, and her mind full of wonder.

"Come now." He took her hands in his. "We are married now, you can call me by my name."

"I wi-" She tried to respond, but couldn't.

An unseen force struck her and pain exploded in her chest. She hunched forward, clenching at the fabric around her heart. One moment it felt like her heart was being ripped from her chest, the next, like a weight had been lifted. She felt lighter, it was a freeing feeling. She oddly felt no warm emotions, free from the bounds of fickle feelings.

Rafael had panicked, kneeling before her his hands sliding up her arms. Him touching her sent a wave of nausea through her. A new feeling rose as her gaze met his, the same one she felt for her father, hatred.

She twisted her body out of his touch. "Don't touch me." She snapped, acrimony in her tone.

"Eli? Wha-" He looked confused. "What's wrong?"

She gave him a stern look before turning her attention to the scenery outside the carriage, ignoring him. The rest of the carriage ride was met with an awkward silence, she caught the Prince glancing at her a few times. He appeared to be a timid thing, she rolled her eyes and signed. She could use this to her advantage though, have him wrapped around her every word, if she could stand his touch that was.

Reaching the estate where the Prince lived she tilted her head. "It's not as large as I thought it would be?" She stated dryly.

"We can always make improvements, the land is yours to do with as you please." Rafael seemed eager to make her happy. "Oh, and your mother is due to arrive tomorrow as well."

She groaned, not that wretched old hag! She was sure she had loved the woman at one point... But she couldn't remember when, or why. Had she asked for such a thing? Her mother had been cast out, thrown aside by her father after she had given birth. Why had she kept in contact with her? Her mind was foggy, unable to make heads or tails of the reasoning.

"Would you like a tour?" The carriage lunch to a halt as he spoke eagerly.

"I'm exhausted, I think I would like to retire for the night."

Regretfully agreeing, he helped her from the carriage and escorted her to her chambers. When he dismissed the help and closed the door she frowned, he didn't leave.

"Eli, you have no idea how long I've waited to have you here." His eyes were full of glee.

He reached for her, she took a step back only to find the edge of the bed. She stiffened beneath his hands, how had she ever wanted this? It was repulsive. He was too close, she could feel his breath on her skin as he hugged her. His hands found the sides of her face as he bent in for a kiss. Her hands shot up covering his face stopping him.

He seemed to laugh beneath her hands, but he released her. She let out the breath she had been holding, finally feeling at ease again with the distance between them. He didn't argue, instead he called for the chambermaids to aid her. She managed to convince him to leave for a time so she could relax and prepare herself probably.

The servants had finished. "My Lady, the water is ready. Would you like some assistance to wash?"

She grimaced. "No! Leave at once. Bring me a light meal to have with tea once I am finished." She ordered. Her tone harsh, uncaring.

Finally alone she stripped down. The water was warm and rose scented. As she sat in the small basin she could hear the help talking outside her room. Did they think she couldn't hear their hushed whispers?

"My lord, is this really her? She seems quite harsh..." One of the servants was talking.

"I don't understand it myself, this... this doesn't seem like the same girl I grew up writing too..." that was the Prince, his voice trailing off.

"Could she have deceived you? Perhaps in order to get your riches and leave her current life?" The voices continued.

"I don't believe that, I can't. The woman I fell in love with is surely in there somewhere... I hope." The Prince's hush voice shot back.

"Not to speak out of turn my lord, but what happens if that is not the case?"

"Then... I would have no choice but to annul the marriage, sending her home." He sounded sad and distant.

Having finished her bath, she was chewing her nails as she sat on the edge of the bed waiting for the maids to bring her meal. She needed to do something about the Prince and fast. She felt she had traded one prison for another, she wanted her freedom. She refused to be tied down by another man, never again.

A soft knock sounded followed by a shy voice announcing that her meal was ready. The maid wheeled in a small tray of fruits, breads, crackers and cheese. She eyed the knife that lay beside the platter as a thought crossed to mind. She was married to the prince now, if he were to die she could remain here and lavish in his belongings as in death they began hers.

"Do forgive my harshness from earlier. I was overly exhausted, the bath that was drawn was lovely and well received. I am fully rejuvenated. Thank you for that." She cooed at the nervous attendant.

"Of course, my lady." She answered with a little bow.

"Might I ask you something?" She smiled sweetly.

"Anything, I am here to serve."

"Would you be able to help me dress for the Prince? I was quite short with him earlier. You know how a girl gets when she is sore and overwhelmed. I would like to make it up to him."

The servant beamed, clearly falling for every word. "We did not know what you would like, so we prepared a few options, would you like me to get them from the closest?"

"Please do." She plucked a few grapes, as she watched the small women swiftly gather gowns from a nearby wardrobe.

"I would suggest something light fitting that could easily... slip off." She blushed profusely at the mention of it.

Elizabeth laughed. "Come now child, it is quite alright. I couldn't agree more." She was still dressed in the bath rope and wore nothing underneath. Standing she allowed the robe to fall to the floor, the maid hurriedly helping her dress. The gown was rather sheer with a sash tie that pulled the loose fabric in at her waist. It was an off the shoulder design with sleeves that bunched at the wrists. It made her breasts look larger than they were, and her figure more shapely then she had even imagined. "You think he will like this?" She asked, almost cringing at her own forced ambivalent.

The servant clapped her hands together. "Any man with half a brain would be at your feet in minutes." She smiled. "You are stunning my lady. Now let's get that robe back on, then you can surprise his lordship."

She agreed, and oh what a surprise it was to be. Once the maid was about to leave Elizabeth stopped her. "Oh leave the food and refreshments, we can pick throughout the night. Could you tell the lord I am ready for him now?"

"Of course, my lady." With a deep bow the servant left the quarters.

Elizabeth could still however hear a portion of the conversation from outside her door, as she slipped the butter knife under her robes, fastening it to her back with the sash of the dress.

"She appears to be in a much better mood, and was actually nice." The timid maid said.

"Perhaps we feared for nothing-" A second one started but was cut off.

"I must see the Prince, it is a matter of urgency, I do not wish for him to miss her good mood."

Elizabeth cackled to herself, her ploy was working all too well.

And the Prince didn't keep her waiting. Shortly after he entered her room, though his demeanor had changed, he didn't appear to be the love sick puppy from earlier. Maybe she had been a little harsh with him. She smiled wide, turning her desire for freedom outward, pretending to be happy to see him. When in reality the sight of him turned her stomach, how could she have ever fallen for this man?

"Forgive me your grace." She turned her head away while framing her features with her hair. Her face hidden, she clasped her face in her hands pinching her cheeks to turn them red. "I have disgraced myself by losing my temper at you."

"Will you tell me what is wrong?" He asked.

"I was rather embarrassed, my body was sore and worn." She lied. "I had not meant to lash out, tonight of all nights as well." She forced a sob.

He reached for her, pulling her hands free, to replace them with his own. "You do not need to fear, if you are ever uncomfortable all you need do, was say so." Her cheeks were flushed adding to the illusion of her being distort, he continued. "Had I known, I would have left you to relax as soon as we arrived, I was simply too excited to finally have you with me."

He inched his head forward, closing the distance for a kiss. She placed a finger to his lips and giggled. He looked to her with questioning eyes. She had to play this right, but that didn't mean she wanted to kiss him, anything but that. Her hand slid to clasp the side of his neck. She retreated backward gently pulling him with her.

He smirked as he caught her meaning. "Are you certain?" He asked, making sure it was alright. To anyone else, the question would have been sweet, caring. But to her it was condescending and petty, would she be pulling him toward the bed if she implied anything else. She wanted to roll her eyes, pushing the feeling down, she bite her bottom lip and nodded.

Her legs found the bed and she released him from her hold, sliding herself onto the silk sheets looking up at him with pleading eyes. He took the bait following her, crawling toward her until he towered over her.

His heavy body on top of hers, she turned her head away as his lips traced a line down her neck. His hands slipped up her skirts and she shivered, she felt repulsed. His fingers leaving goose bumps in their wake, she hated it. She gasped and held her breath as he slid the gown from her shoulder, her hand reaching behind her back.

Her back aching into him kept him occupied as she retrieved the knife. Just a little longer. Her free hand found his back, her fingers clenching at the white material of his shirt as he clung to her. She only had one shot at this, she couldn't miss. The blade came down hard and fast. But it was a butter knife, so it took some force to actually piece his skin. He gasped, shocked, it hadn't gone deep enough. She slammed her both hands down on the producing piece of metal, driving it deeper into his back.

She had been aiming for his heart but with him moving on top of her she guessed she pierced his lung instead, as he coughed blood, splattering the liquid over her face. She tried to wiggle her way out from under him, but he grasped her tightly. Turning her head she watched as the light from his eyes began to fade with every breath.

He reached a blooded hand up to her caress her cheek, his full weight crushing into her. His breathing was harsh and somewhat gurgled. It was a sickening sound. He placed a bloody kiss on her lips and smiled weakly. She was too stunned to move. He whispered to her. "If this is how you will be happy, then I gladly give you my life..."

His blood dripped from her own lips as he died, her eyes wide.

She screamed.

It was a horrifying scream that wrecked through the palace. The help came running, but it was already too late.

The moment he had kissed her, the curse she had been under had broken, her emotions came flooding back and with it a harsh realization. She had just killed the man she had loved, the man she had longed for. Her chest felt tight as she clung to his lifeless body, incoherent rambled mumbling leaving her lips as the servants tried to peel them two apart. Her gown was soaked in blood, her hands trembling, her life shattered.

She hadn't known how long had passed, or when she had been taken into custody. All she knew was that the cold stone floor of her cell brought her no comfort. A chuckle sounded from the other side of the bars.

"Well that escalated quickly, you were hastier then most."

That voice, she knew it. She looked up with dull uncaring eyes, the witch from all those years ago stood on the other side of her prison.

"He didn't deserve that..." She croaked.

"Care to make another deal?" She smirked tapping the bars.

"Why would I trust you again?"

"Why not? Anything is better than where you are now. I'll send you back. Back to a time before he started sending you those letters. I can trade his love for you, for his life. He'll never meet you, never die by your hands. So, what say you?"

The witch had a point...

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((This story was written for the Black History Month Anthology))

It was a huge challenge to write and create a story with only 3,000 words. But neither the less i hope you like it! <3

I have indeed left the ending rather open, if enough people seem interested in it i will continue it and turn it into a full book (Separate from this oneshot).

Please let me know what you thought! And if you have written anything for these prompts let me know aswell! I would love to read them.