I sit quietly at the foot of mother's bed, as all the people that were once gathered around her begin to leave. When they are all gone, I watch as she slowly sits up giving me a soft smile.
"Mother, tell me they were lying! Tell me you're not going to die!" I shout between sobs. Without saying a word, she pulls me into her arms her hazel eyes filling with tears. "I'm so sorry, Flavius. I'm so, so sorry. I should have told you earlier that I was sick. I wish things could be different," she cries, gripping me tightly. Gripping the top of my mother's dress, I bury my face into her chest and let out soft cries. "You don't have to leave me, mother. We can stay right here together. Then, when I grow up, I'm going to become a knight and take care of you, so you never have to work again," I blare in determination. "Flavius, I haNora I watch Flavius closely as his glazed-over brown eyes stare off into the distance as if recalling something from a faraway time. Sorrow and happiness swirl around in his bright brown embers. Slowly, I pull my feet from where they are resting atop the table. Pushing myself forward, I rest my arm on the table placing my head in my hand. I reach out, poking Flavius on the forehead, causing him to flinch ever so slightly. “What has you thinking so hard?” I inquire, cocking an eyebrow. Flavius’s whole-body jolts and he pulls his gaze towards me, lightly shaking his head as if pulling himself back to reality. Taking a deep breath, he runs a hand through his hair, giving me a crooked smile. “I was just thinking back to when I was young. How I ended up in the care of Neron,” he murmurs. “You have never told me how exactly y
I watch Flavius's retreating form for a moment, before turning around to face the castle gates. The early morning sun hangs just barely above the horizon, causing me to sigh with relief. I normally leave the castle in the early morning, but I have never found myself sneaking back in. Stealthily, I slink my way through the castle halls only to turn a corner and find myself face to face with a very concerned Soren. He stares down at me, his ocean eyes wide with surprise. Without saying a word, he grabs me roughly by the arm, he scans our surroundings, then proceeds to drag me down the hall and to his room. Roughly, he thrusts me into the room, checking around us one last time before closing the door. Soren twists around, facing me. His arms cross over his chest and a scrunched look grows on his face. "What in the name of the gods are you doing coming back at this hour? Where were
Two weeks have gone by since we came to the decision to turn down Gregory's offer. In order to avoid talking with Gregory, I have been busying myself with the wedding planning. I still find the time to meet with Flavius, though sometimes I cannot. My afternoons, per Soren's doing, are spent having tea with Geoffrey much to my dismay. The cool morning air caresses my skin like a cold silk blanket. I stare out at the glimmering blue lake, immersed in my thoughts. The forest hums with life all around me, an orchestra in my mind, playing one enchanting symphony after another. The fallen leaves dance around me to an unheard beat, whispering their songs to the wind. The sweet surrendering scent of the morning dew fills my nostrils, a scent so wonderful it should not belong to this world. The shadows of the surrounding oak trees twirl happily around in the dawning sunlight. I do not think I will ever tire of coming here, where the n
Gwen approaches me with a wide grin plastering her face. She grabs a loose strand of my hair, twirling it around her finger. Instinctively, I yank my head away. "My, my. Look what you have become," Gwen taunts, wagging her pointer finger back and forth. Ignoring her words, I spit out, "What do you want?" "How could I not come and see you after my greatest accomplishment? You certainly made things hard for me, but it was all worth it," she boasts. I wish I could have made things a lot harder for the bitch. Who the hell does she think she is, talking to me like this? When I get out of here, I will kill her, and no one will be able to stop me. "I only have one question, when you killed my brother, how did you know what route we would be taking to get to here?" I question fiercely. I watch as Gwen's mouth twitches into a smi
I have been locked in this cell for so long I do not even know how many more days until the wedding. The only thing keeping me going is my anger. I have been betrayed by everyone who I thought loved me. My heart is filled with profound darkness, the kind of darkness found in a deep, bottomless chasm. The lack of light down here that had once bothered me so much is now normal. My world is now etched in charcoal, the vibrant hues of the outdoors feel like a distant dream. The poison coursing through my veins pushes me to the edge of insanity. I fear that without my smoldering anger I would lose myself in the darkness of my mind. My anger is warm and encompassing pushing away my deep loneliness. So, I focus on my anger, holding to it like a safety blanket. Slowly, I lift my head up, focusing my gaze on the door as the sound of someone coming in filters through. As the door opens, I cannot help but close my eyes when the light f
Two days come and go in a flash, and soon I find myself sitting in front of a mirror getting my makeup done by a bunch of chatty maids. My face is lightly brushed with makeup exaggerating my all ready sharp features. I stare into the mirror watching as the dark circles under my eyes are gradually covered. My lips are painted a deep ruby and my eyes a lined with a thin layer of black. Rosey blush is dusted against my cheeks making my pale skin all the paler. The creaking noise of the door being opened filters through the room, and someone clears their throat. "All right ladies, that is enough. I will help the princess into her dress," Evalene states, shooing the maids out of the room. At her words, all four maids scurry out. Evalene walks farther into the room closing the door behind her. I watch as she places my wedding gown and sword on my bed. My eyes trace the gown causing my heart to nearly double
The moment the music ends so does my wedding. Within seconds of me arriving at the altar, the throne room is swarmed with soldiers. Many of the unsuspecting nobles scream out in fear, while others hide behind their seats. The smacking of metal soon fills the room, along with the cries of the scared. Without a moment to lose, I pull my sword out from under my gown. However, I am surprised to see many of the soldiers immediately head for Gwen, who is seated next to Evalene and her parents. But the soldiers going for Gwen are quickly intercepted by the other soldiers. Scanning the room, I see Daniel and Neron fighting alongside many soldiers. His body becomes encased in icy blue flames as takes out many men crowding him. I watch in amazement as Daniel expertly uses his powers as a half dragon, sending blazing blue flames at his enemies. Neron fights side by side with Daniel, sword in hand he kills many while also shouting orders to soldiers in an expert ma
Panic pierces my heart at the sudden high-pitched sound of Evalene’s scream filtering through the commotion of the room. I whip around to see Gwen hovering over Gregory. Panic controlling my actions, I rush over to them. With one hand, I shove Gwen sending her sliding across the stone floor. I look down at Gregory to see a dagger shoved deep into his chest. "Oh, gods.... oh gods!" I cry out, tears pricking my eyes. This cannot be happening. Gregory looks up at me, giving a weak smile. I desperately place my hands around the knife to try and stop the bleeding. "You cannot die yet, old man. I cannot lose you. I am not ready," I wobble out. Blood from his wound leaks through my fingers, gushing all over my dress and the floor. I keep my head pointed down while tears pour from my eyes. Suddenly, Gregory's cold, clammy hand pulls my hand from his wound. I look into his murky bro