[ WP ] The young man couldn ’ t imagine what the maiden had in mind-but he agreed to remain silent . “ On my honor , I will never tell . ”

`` Good,'' Queen Malvina states, her head held regally. She paces over to the half open window, tracing a pale finger along the ironworked bars. They had been shaped into the likeness of some black rose, leaves and thorns created with the utmost care. She pauses at an iron blossom, admiring each handcrafted petal. 
 
 `` If I asked you for song, would you sing?'' 
 
 Dieter's storm grey eyes widen slightly in surprise. Whatever he expected, it had n't been that. He shifted slightly on his bed, the feather mattress thin and the stained with sweat. The linen sheets were comfortable enough, though the wool blanket was scratchy on his skin. 
 
 `` A song? Why?'' 
 
 Queen Malvina turns her head to stare coldly at him. 
 
 `` That's none of your concern.'' A pause. `` Do you know any?'' 
 
 Dieter snorts drawing a knee up to tuck it under his chin. He had surrendered the room's lone chair to his guest upon her unannounced entrance. 
 
 `` Of course. Who does n't?'' 
 
 Queen Malvina's look softens and she returns her attention towards the window and the scene outside it. 
 
 `` Would you sing one for me?'' 
 
 `` Alright. Any requests?'' 
 
 Queen Malvina scoffs and the briefest hint of a smile slips past her lips. 
 
 `` No outsider's been to this kingdom in a hundred years. It's safe to say any I know are long forgotten.'' 
 
 Dieter rolls his eyes but says nothing, instead humming to find the correct pitch. He shuts his eyes to read the words from memory, his voice gentle and warm. 
 
 `` Black is the color of my true love's hair, 
 
 Blue are her eyes beyond compare. 
 
 Sweet are her kisses, tender and slow, 
 
 Bidding me stay and never go... 
 
 I first saw her when I was a lad, 
 
 The sight of her in silken-clad. 
 
 Plucking roses on the banks of the mill, 
 
 As I watch her from the top of the hill. 
 
 I told her of my feelings rare, 
 
 Told that girl of the raven hair. 
 
 She did smile and answered me, 
 
 Then together, forever we shall always be-'' 
 
 Queen Malvina stands up straight and interrupts. 
 
 `` Thank you, Master Dieter. That will be all.'' 
 
 `` I have n't finished yet.'' 
 
 She knocks on the room's door and waits as the guard outside unlocks it. 
 
 `` That will not be necessary,'' she says a little too quickly. 
 
 `` And if you want to know the rest?'' 
 
 Malvina gives a half turn, just enough to see that her eyes are damp with sadness. 
 
 `` Then I know where to find you.'' 
 
 With that see leaves the room, the door locking behind her and leaving Dieter to sit alone. 
 
 
 

