π²ππππ π―ππππ pt.1
β₯β₯β₯β₯β₯β₯β₯β₯β₯
The glittering of the floating chandeliers, reflected all over the room. Giving the interior of the Great Hall a heavenly effect.
If only the woman sitting on the throne wasn't evil incarnate itself.
Moam, my strange specter of an uncle sitting beside her on his own throne. Of course his throne being considerably smaller than hers.
"Who's that?" Jasper whispers motioning lightly towards Vivien's right.
I glance, and see HunΓ, a royal protectorate high in the ranks of the Beauvau, a special guardian unit. HunΓ sits in a small chair filing her nails, she slowly lifts her sheen lashes to glare at me from the steps. Dressed in standard uniform, her trademark sunshine eyeshadow surrounds her eyes, stirring a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.
I stumble, quickly righting myself and throwing up my mask and mental walls to hide the effect of her glare.
"What happened between you two?" Jasper whispers nonchalantly, matching my speed beside me.
"Jasper, if you don't shut up, I will personally escort you to the gates of Death myself. I'm not even joking about that." I glower, injecting venom in my voice. My muscles tensed under the weight of stares from the rest of the court.
I could see Vivien's slight scowl from high on her throne. Her dark gown, a tribute to the night sky of Draçon.
I could see all of her rage and relief, yet the relief wasn't because she was happy I was back. No, the relief meant she was happy to own me again.
That's what this was. All my life, since I was little, she's had power over me. She's made sure not to have anyone trust in me for fear of a coup, and if goddess forbid someone did I would be locked away for however long until she found it in her best interest to release me.
Ownership is what it meant to be back here again. I was- am, her plaything. And Queen Vivien loves her toys.
"Verona darling, you're home! Oh, I missed you so much. When you were away all I could think about was your safety. I'm so glad to see you back so safe."
"Of course, your majesty." I bow, Jasper echoing my movement by my side.
"If I may be excused your majesty, I'm feeling rather ill this evening. I believe I may be coming down with something and wouldn't want to get anyone infected."
"Oh? Is that so? I wouldn't want my guest of honor to get sick, now would I?" I almost break into laughter at the thought, until I see who she's referring to.
Vivien is staring intently at Jasper, with a full smile and a ferocity in her eyes. Her plum irises light up as she invokes her ability.
"The emerald eyed bounty hunter. We meet again. You don't know how happy you've made me finding my dear niece." She sweetly prolongs. "My advisor tells me you're in a hurry to leave with your reward?" This last part stings.
How could he leave? No, how dare he leave? After everything? I thought he wanted to explain things.
I guess, things weren't real to him after all.
Something broke inside me, because for the second time in my life I realized the person I would steal all the stars in the night sky for wasn't who I needed them to be.
"Well I do hope you can stay a little longer my dutiful hunter. You are invited to tomorrow night's gala. A celebration for my beloved niece's return, and I should see you both there." pointing her wrinkled, bony finger at me. "Especially you, Verona darling. I want to finally introduce you to the court, so they can set their eyes upon your stunning gown." she smiled, but there wasn't an ounce of warmth in it. I could feel her psychokinetic ability sharp as nails scratching against the reaches of my mind, trying to claw viciously in.
"In the meantime, I've set up a room for you Jasper. Right across from Verona, who will be staying in her old room. The staff has moved all of your things as well as some extra amenities." Gleaming, she dismisses us. Sending me off before she can invade my mind, and taunt.
I don't bother to wait until the double doors shut behind me. Sprinting through the halls, mostly to get away from the very thing following me.
"Jasper, leave me alone. Stop following me around, I mean it." I round the corner, and my room comes into view before Jasper blocks the entrance.
His blinding speed was the least of my problems. I wanted him out. Him and his secrets, could go to hell for all I care.
"Adria, please just listen. I promise there's a good reason for everything." He sighs heavily, stepping out of the way. "If you don't ever want to see me again after I explain, I'll completely understand." His dark curls shadow his forehead as his head drops. I can feel his sadness, but it doesn't change anything.
He still did what he did and nothing is going to change that.
So why aren't I ignoring him? Why aren't I slamming the door in his face? Maybe I can't help but feel that whatever his reasons were, have to do with more than just us.
"Alright but let's walk and talk, I can't stand being locked in this room." I shiver remembering how I felt when I realized I was locked in.
"In that case, this should make you feel better." He holds up a small square of folded paper, with a small smile.
I swipe for it but he dodges, closing the gap between us completely. "You're cute when you're surprised." He winks. "If you don't like your room, my door is always open by the way." Concern clearly etched onto his face.
"Tch. Stop doing that. You're always so nice, one of these days it's going to get you hurt." I roll my eyes, starting down the hallway.
"Well, I'm glad to hear you think I'm nice looking." he smirks.
"That's not what I-, nevermind. You better have a damn good explanation for everything dumbass." I scowl.
"I'm very happy to hear you're back to belittling me. Do you know how cute you look when you're flustered?" His arrogant smirk still plastered on his face.
"If you don't get that damn smirk off your face, I'm going to do much more than belittle you." I grit out, turning around to push against him.
"Oh I don't doubt it, but why does that scenario make me more excited than scared?" He devilishly whispers, holding my wrist.
My body flushes with heat, as I pull my wrist out from his hold and step back. As soon as I get some space between us, the room grows cold. I shrug it off, not wanting to dwell too much on whatever it is between us.
"You're crazy." I hiss. "Now, explain."