Redemption

chapter 2: the hero

It's funny how life can go from beautiful to bitter in a matter of seconds. I am not sure why I'm having these thoughts when I'm the happiest I've been in years. Maybe not the purest of happy's but it's a spark of joy rather than a numbness. I should be estatic.  The ball I am getting ready to attend to is a celebration in my honor. I murdered the man who had tortured the lives of my people  after two years of unbarring pain. 

I paint a bright smile on my face before entering the hall of the main ball floor. Cheers of adoration fill the room as I lift up my hand refraining from waving it in a sarcastic manner. Chants of savior, Goddess of hope, and the chosen one don't escape my hearing.  All lies, every single one of them. I am not worthy of their praise. If only they knew what secrets I molested in selfishness. They would hate me then, I'm sure of it. 

The greetings passed in a blur, ladies and gentlemen praising me for my heroic acts. Some greetings tearful, some happy. But all met with a fake persona of a full lipped smile and an understanding nod of thanks. All kinds of colorful dresses swept my eyes as dance partners waltzed in celebration. I took my throne and sat down surveying the ball room in silence. I sipped my sweet wine, drowning the pain flooding my mind. Whispers of the bitter truth and secrets of what I didn't dare to admit to myself.  Not being able to bear it, I gulp down all the wine, relying on the warm effects to restore my ever found happiness.  

"Having fun, are we?" a voice sneered in my ear. I snap my head around to find the one and only duke of calabrea. 

"Daniel. I smirk, giving him a once over. What are you doing here?"I've known Daniel greenling my whole entire life. It seems like every event I attend, he's there. So since he's always been there and everyone else our age is inconsistent with their attendance, we've developed some sort of a relationship. Also he happens to be the duke of calbrea, a neighboring kingdom my kingdom Avalon has been loyal to for centuries.  It wasn't hard to admit he was handsome with his blonde locks and sharp jaw structure. But I never felt romantically attracted to him, our relationship was built off of our mutual dislike of each other. 

"Lana, the hell do you mean? I'm here for you." he winked flirtaciously and rest his hands on my shoulder. 

The moment that hand was on my shoulder it was off when I slapped it away. "Inappropriate much." I snapped, giving him a dirty look. 

He rolled his eyes. "Sorry princess. I forgot your place." 

"Lord, Daniel don't call me that. I am now a queen." I pinched his arm quite hard, hoping he felt the sting. 

 He made claws with his hands and hissed at me mockingly. "Meow, quite the temper." 

I narrowed my eyes at him and he held his hands up in surrender while slowly backing away from me. "Wait Daniel! I called. I have a present for you." I summoned my best friendly smile.

He quirked his eyebrow suspiciously as he trotted back up to me. I turned behind me pretending to grab a present and cupped my hand hiding a devilish form of sign language. Turning back around I pulled out my little gift of a middle finger from behind my hand. I smiled maliciously waiting for his reaction. 

"Lana you little-"

"Sorry to cut your little chat short, your majesty." a puny voice sounded causing both me and Daniel to turn around. There stood a short and rounded man with a balding head and missing yellowed teeth. "I am here to request a dance if you may grant it." he whispered almost bashfully  while looking down. 

I studied the man and made eye contact with Daniel. He raised his brows quizzically and crossed his arms. Without giving it a second thought I gave him a queenly smile and gave him my permission. I took the man's hand as he led me to the dance floor. As I passed Daniel he whispered a wish of good luck in my ear while laughing.

 But as we neared the dance floor the man looked at me with an uncomfortable expression and muttered "May I please introduce you to an acquaintance of mine?" 

I was so confused. This man was very strange and he seemed suspicious. My gut warned me to not agree. But as I gazed at this man he seemed almost desperate for my attention and I thought that the least I owe him for coming to a ball in my honor was to meet his friend.  I nodded my head in reluctance. 

I follow his lead through the ball room listening to the blaring music of violins and pianos that I once used to enjoy immensely. As I passed bystanders bowed and curtsied and whispers of "Majesty." filled the room. And soon the whole room has stopped, staring at me in expectance. I push down my annoyance and smile. "Dear people of Avalon, I am so pleased that you are gathered here in celebration of the defeat of the evil one. Please enjoy yourself tonight." Cheers and clapping sounded and the dancing resumed. I breathe out in relief and almost forget what I was doing before. 

The man bowed his head and said "Majesty, if you could come this way." I follow the man once again still unsure. We neared the back corridor and I started getting nervous. Then I saw a man in a black cloak. With a sharp intake of breath, I turn my head to the man and mutter "What is this?" But what I'm most scared of is that somehow I recognize the man in the black cloak even though he should be unrecognizable.