Ana

A Short Story (529 Words)

Ladies and gentlemen, your new queen. Queen Ana.”

The king and queen entered the party room to the sound of applause. They walked to the main dining table and took their seats. The king addressed his subjects, “Let the festivities begin.”

During the party, now and then, people would congratulate the king and queen. He never got up from his seat. Whenever the king tried, Ana would put her hand on his arm or shoulder, smile at him, and stay in his seat.

At one point a friend of the king arrived at the castle and walked up to the king, “Hey how’s it going?

“I got married!”

“I can see that.”

“She’s a wonderful woman.”

“So, tell me how did the two of you meet?”

“I was on my way back to the castle one day when I saw her walking on the side of the road. She looked lost and tired, so I offered her a ride. On the way to the castle, we just fell in love. A few days later, we decided to get married.”

The king turned his head, grabbed her hand, and smiled at her. His friend replied, “Well, congratulations.”

The king didn’t respond, just kept smiling at Ana. She let go of the king’s hand.

“What…oh…uh…um…”

“I was saying congrats. Anyways, I can see that you really love her.”

The king laughed, and his friend walked away. About an hour later, Ana rubbed the King’s arm. She whispered into his ear, “I’m ready for the honeymoon.”

The King addressed his guests, “Attention everyone! I want to thank you all for attending my wedding and reception at such short notice. This has been a great evening. But now, I must leave and consummate the marriage. Feel free to stay and enjoy the rest of the party. We will be in our quarters.”

Later at night, Ana tried to sneak out of the royal quarters, but the guard outside the door saw her.

“Your majesty, is everything alright?”

Ana walked up to him and grabbed his arm. She looked into his eyes and smiled. He slowly smiled back.

***

The next day, the royal councilor walked into the quarters. His eyes widen and ran to the King. His torso was ripped wide open and all his organs were gone; not a single drop of blood was to be found. He called for the guards, “Find out who did this! Also, where’s the new queen?”

A guard answered, “Perhaps this might have something to do with the missing guard, from last night?”

“What!?”

“Last night someone noticed the guard was not at his post.”

“Why was I not informed?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, get a group of guards and find them!”

“Yes, sir.”

***

A few days later, far away, a man was driving his carriage alone; late at night. He noticed a woman walking on the side of the road. He stopped the carriage.

“Miss, want a ride?”

“Why yes, I would love that. Tell me, where are you headed?”

“I was on my way back to my castle. Would you like to see it?”

“Sure. By the way, my name is Ana. What’s yours?”

“Dracula”