A Big Task
The Never Ending Quest - Episode 104870
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This day ushered in a very fraught existence for Annabella. She loved Belboz, more than anything. But every other thing warred against this love constantly. She remembered what she had once been. She remembered her quest, and her duty to the realm. She remembered that it was her responsibility to save her kingdom. She knew he had taken it all from her. She knew that he used her, assigning her all the tedious, draining tasks that took up huge amounts of time—and without cause, as Belboz could easily take care of these things with magic if he saw fit. She knew that what he did to her in his workshop was abusive and cruel. And she knew that he did not love her back. But she did love him. She couldn't keep herself from that. She was constantly exhausted, fighting a battle within herself. Within the first week, she had been transformed into several different shapes, though always restored. As the months passed she took potions that put her to sleep, made her sick, compelled her to speak truthfully, turned her hair white, and more. Most of the effects were impermanent, but one spell Belboz cast left her with a terrible burn mark across half her face. Recovery was made even longer by the fact that Belboz did not allow her a break from the housework during this time. She knew she shouldn't love him, but she did all the same. One evening about half a year into their marriage, as she served him dinner, he said, mouth still full of the stew she had made him, "Are you happy, my sweet?" She gave him a small smile. "Of course, darling. All I want is to be with you." "You don't mind all the chores?" Annabelle kissed his forehead as she ladled more stew into his bowl. "I would do anything you asked of me." Belboz smiled, pleased, and swallowed. He let out an enormous belch before he patted his mouth with his napkin and said, "Good. There's something I need you to do, something special.
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7/17/2021 12:09:00 AM
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