Take your chances with the king and stay the course

?I can?t,? you reply. ?I?m afraid. I can?t trust anyone right now.?

His face grows sullen. ?Then I cannot help you then.? He retreats into the darkness and is gone, to where you have no idea. Huddling into a corner, you try to sleep but are unable to, daydreaming about the white room and the raven.

The next morning you are finally given a piece of bread and some dirty water and you scarf it down eagerly. It is not long before you brought to see the king. Only this time, you are brought to his private chambers. Luxurious decorations drape every wall in the room. Even the bed looks large and comfortable considering the time period. You are stunned by the stark contrast between this room and the tower you spent the night in.

?I dost apologize for the accommodations thou receivest last night,? says Edward. ?But there was no other choice at the time. Was food brought to thee??

You manage to **** out a few words. ?Yes, your Grace. I was brought bread and water this morning. Thank you for your generosity.?

?Bah,? says the king. ?Thou have been treated poorly until now.? Edward walks over to the nearest window and shuts the curtain. ?I feel as though I can trust thee, and that thou will do no harm to my kingdom. In fact, I dost think thee would make a nice addition to this palace. Thou can stay here at no charge and be afforded all the luxuries of the palace as long as thou dost like. There is just one condition.?

?Yes, your Grace,? you demurely.

He addresses you more directly, with a faint hint of a grin. ?Thou shall be my mistress and must be ready whenever I call upon thee.? You wait for him to elaborate, but he appears to have said all that he needs to.

?And what if I were to decline?? you ask innocently.

?Then thou wouldst need to fend for thine self alone in this land.?

You?ve already been doing that, you think, and no so well. On the other hand, you might be able to keep your pride intact. Surely, there has to be somebody in London that would help you out.

The king awaits your decision.