After an explosive argument with Harry, the once enchanting world of Darker Ville felt like a cage of gilded bars. I left without a word, my heart heavy with betrayal and my mind clouded with confusion. The dirt-stained purple gown from the Full Moon Fest clung to me like a second skin, a stark reminder of the night when everything had begun to unravel. I couldn't bear to change into anything from Harry's wardrobe; the very thought of sharing his space felt like a betrayal to my own dignity.
The walk back to my family's estate was a blur, my emotions a tangled mess of anger, hurt, and disillusionment. Harry's excuse of his bisexuality as a justification for his actions with the maid was not just an insult but a revelation of his true character. Was it only the maid, or had there been others? My mind raced with images of him with other servants, both male and female. The dream of ruling Darker Ville by his side now seemed like a childish fantasy, shattered by the harsh reality of his infidelity.
I needed space, time to think, to decide if this was the end. My heart screamed for separation, but my mind urged caution before making such a monumental decision. "So, are you sure you're going to be okay if you break up with him?" Mary-Jack, my cousin, approached me with her usual bluntness. Her reminder of my past heartbreak with Hayden was like salt in an open wound, but it grounded me in reality.
"Jack... I don't like him anymore. I think this is the best thing for us. I'm not going to be his dirty little secret forever. What's going to happen if he becomes King? He'll need a queen, like a 'woman,' not some gay pretty guy. And do you think Darker Ville will allow a witch to rule over them? No... To be honest, I love that guy. All this time, I've been blinded by love; I didn't know everything was going to end up this way... But I think it's time to let go." My voice was steady, but the pain was evident.
"You've been gone for three good days," Mom's voice cut through my thoughts as she entered without preamble. "Hi, Mom," I replied, my tone subdued. Only she could see through the mask I wore.
"I know you're not okay. Let me guess, it's that vampire prince, honey, I warned you about vampires," she sighed, her arms open for comfort. "Life isn't about sex, baby. I told you to wait until you were eighteen because I didn't want you to get hurt when you were still young. Even now, you're still young, and you look hurt. There was so much sex during Full Moon Fest, and I could feel it; you skipped school. I'm not angry with you, baby. You're going to be alright... Come here."
Her embrace was a sanctuary, and Mary-Jack joined in, making it a group hug that momentarily lifted the weight off my shoulders. "Ivy... You got to see this!" Mary-Jane's voice was urgent as she burst into my suite. My cousins, the twins Mary-Jane and Mary-Jack, were the only ones who called me Ivy. It's a name steeped in family history; my first name is indeed Ivy, derived from a lineage of strong women. Mother Ivy III, my biological mother, was set to marry Xavier, the crown prince of Far Far Away when she was pregnant. She anticipated a girl and named the unborn child Ivy in hopes of continuing the legacy. I am Ivy III, following my great-grandmother Ivy I, Queen Jezebel's mother, my grandmother. When I was born a boy, my mother was disappointed, but the name stuck, with a backup name, Charli, which felt too girlish for me even then. Despite my gender, my mother treated me with all the love and care one would give to a daughter, making our shopping trips and beauty sessions some of the best memories of my childhood.
"What is it, Jane?" I asked, peering at her phone. "It's that omega from your school, James. He has challenged you; you've been invited to a beauty pageant in Pinewood," she explained, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of the news.
"I know what he's up to. James knows I'm better than him; he should just quit doing this," I grumbled, feeling the annoyance bubble up.
"Will you go?" Mary-Jane asked, her question loaded with anticipation. "Yeah, do you want to come with me?" I knew she'd want to bring Mary-Jack, and while I loved appearing with the Siamese twins, they were notorious for stealing the spotlight. I had planned to bring Harry, but after his betrayal, I needed a new date.
My mind wandered to Prince Bruce, who had come from Darker Ville as a royal courier. Our meeting in the garden over tea was enlightening; he was not only charming but also gave signs. He shared tales of sneaking his lovers into the palace, nearly getting caught by guards during one of their more intimate moments in the garden. He subtly acknowledged my relationship with Harry without judgment, hinting at his own interest in me through his stories and demeanor. Bruce was undeniably attractive, the kind of face you'd want to wake up to every morning, and the thought of bringing him to the pageant was both thrilling and strategic.
If James, my rival, saw me with Bruce, his jealousy would be palpable. Yet, dating Harry's cousin felt like a risky move, but Bruce's warmth and genuine interest made it tempting. Despite the twins' encouragement to pursue something with Bruce, I kept our interactions casual. They, however, were relentless, seeing the potential end of my relationship with Harry as an opening for something new with Bruce.
As I prepared for the beauty pageant, my mind was a battlefield of past and future. The pageant wasn't just about beauty; it was a stage for political and social maneuvering. Bringing Bruce could send a message to all of Darker Ville about where my loyalties now lay, not with Harry but with someone who could offer respect and perhaps, a new beginning.
The day of the pageant arrived with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Dressed in finery that echoed my family's legacy, I stood with Bruce, Mary-Jane, and Mary-Jack, ready to face whatever came next. James's challenge was not just about beauty; it was a test of my resilience, my ability to navigate the complex waters of royal politics and personal relationships.