City of Starlight

Chapter 28 - An Unpaid Debt

Previously in City of Starlight Chapter 27 - Blood, Sweat & Tears...

Rhys' backstory and childhood was revealed in the previous chapter. His biological father had been a drunkard and a rapist who was executed according to the laws of the land. Sir Headley was responsible for the execution, but after falling in love with Rhys' widowed mother, he adopted Rhys and treated him as his own son. However, Rhys was subject to a strict upbringing as Sir Headley wanted Rhys to grow up to be  the 'best' knight.

Rhys' trauma of being called weak and dependant, characteristics which contrast Headley's expectation for his adopted son to be 'manly', triggers him during an argument with a fellow squire, Connor. Rhys kills Connor and Daniella gives him a pardon for the crime. Sir Headley is livid over Rhys' actions and they have an argument, where he mentions the fact that Rhys is being reckless by running around and participating in intimate activities with Daniella.

Later, Daniella seduces Rhys and the pair spend the night together. In the morning however, Daniella overhears a knight telling Yvette that she ought to stop encouraging the Princess to take her relationship with Rhys to such an intimate level. The knight mentions that because of his status, Rhys cannot refuse Daniella. Daniella is upset and feels terrible about what happened. The matter also makes her subconsciously realise the power she could hold over Rhys/others by using her status + charm (relevant for an upcoming plot!).

The chapter ends with guards storming into Daniella's bedchamber to tell her that there has been an attack. 

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(3rd POV) Flashback, Enchanted Forest, 6 years ago...

A jumble of soft toys and dolls were littered around the Evil Queen's private chamber. Seated in the midst of this chaotic jumble, with her lilac skirts puffed out around her was a ten year old Princess with a bored expression on her face. Her shoulders drooped when she glanced up at the clock on the mantel. Daniella was quite sure she would be forced to clean up the mess but she had been hoping that by camping out patiently in her mother's chambers, the Queen would eventually come in and play with her.

Daniella thought that her mother would have more free time on her hands after Snow banished them and officially stripped them of their royal powers, but it turns out that Regina had been busier than ever with finding ways to destroy the Charming couple. This was the reason why the sound of footsteps coming into the room before six in the evening surprised the young princess. She stood up cautiously, hugging Adelaide's soft cotton body close to her as she backed up against the fireplace. When she noticed the strange shadow that appeared in the hallway, the Princess immediately teleported back to her chambers.

Daniella ran to the mirror on her vanity and in a nervous stutter, she called for the blue faced man behind the reflection. He appeared after a second or two. "Your Royal Highness, what can I do for you?"

Daniella stammered, "I think there's someone in Mama's chambers. An intruder maybe. Can you see who it is?"

The blue-tinted head nodded and disappeared for a moment. Just when he appeared again, Daniella heard a soft whoosh of magic behind her. She whirled around to see her mother look between her and the mirror. Before the Queen could ask any questions, the mirror confirmed that there was an intruder. Regina waved her hand over the mirror and an image of her chambers appeared on the surface of the looking glass. Moments later, the Queen heard a soft gasp beside her, accompanied by a gentle tug of her dress. "Mama, what's Maleficent doing with my teddy?"

Regina frowned as she grabbed Daniella's hand. "Not sure, but that's exactly what I'm about to find out." Seconds later, dark purple smoke dissipated into the warm fragrant air of the Queen's private chamber. Daniella hid herself behind her mother's wide skirts as Regina demanded, "What do you think you're doing in my home?"