The Blog of armine

Marelda and Alger were now facing each other, but with some distance between them. It became obvious to those watching the scene that the woman did not share her estranged husband's sentiments upon the two reuniting.

In fact, she appeared to be angry.

Klarissa wondered just what was going on, as the festive mood was no longer felt by anyone who was present.

"Do you think I should be happy to see you?" Marelda asked her bewildered, still-in-shock husband. "You left me for dead all those years ago - now here you stand, ready to collect a great sum of money from a prince who happens to be one of my relatives". Her crystal-blue eyes narrowed; her dainty eyebrows creased into a small frown. "I will tell you at this moment - you will get none of our money. In fact, the only thing that we will give you now is a cold cell in solitary confinement. Guards, take him away!"

Shock waves rippled through the crowd as Alger was soon flanked by castle military personnel.

"STOP!" yelled Klarissa, making herself visible a moment later.

Zamiel became stricken with panic, but knew that an escape would be nearly impossible to manoeuver.

The prince and princess noticed Klarissa immediately, as did Alger and Marelda.

"Unhand him - he is my father!" yelled Klarissa.

The prince turned and said something to Marelda, who fixed an icy stare on the uninvited intruder.

"Seize her!" Marelda demanded - and soon guards accosted Klarissa and quickly apprehended her, despite her pleas and protests...

The guards soon found Zamiel along with the unknown girl; he too was taken prisoner and led away with his acquaintance. The two were led to separate holding cells; they were forbidden to see or speak to each other, and were told they would be given more information in the morning. Klarissa's cries of despair fell on deaf ears to anyone who could hear her; her fate now rested in the hands of the palace royalty, who would decide how best to deal with her.

That would be a task for Marelda Maschke to handle.