City of Starlight

Chapter 11 - The Darkness

(Daniella's POV)

Hook had been sent by the Charmings to talk to Emma and coax her into admitting what was holding her back from letting go of the darkness. Even though I wasn't sure what had occurred when mother went out to talk to her, I knew that it didn't go entirely as planned. Hook was taking longer than any of us anticipated, but there was nothing we could do except sit and wait. Soon, Rhys and I quietly slipped out of the tavern but we didn't notice anyone following us until Henry's voice exclaimed triumphantly once we were outside, "I knew it!"

Whilst Rhys seemed to be puzzled at Henry's words, I rolled my eyes at my brother and began, "If you're going to be annoying-"

With a cheeky grin on his face, he replied, "Aww don't be so serious. I just wanted to say that I'm happy for you and also get to know the guy who likes my sister."

Rhys chuckled and reached out his hand, saying, "Pleased to meet you too, Prince Henry."

"Henry's fine," my brother replied as he shook his hand. Then, he turned to me and said, "Surely you've told him to drop these formalities?"

I reddened as I stammered, "Well...it's only been a couple of days." Seeing my embarrassment, Rhys added, "It's alright. Besides, your sister should only be treated like the Princess she is."

I resisted the urge to stick out my tongue at my brother but he replied with a knowing smile, "Indeed." I raised an eyebrow and in a desperate attempt to shift the subject from me, I asked, "Do you think Emma's ok?"

Henry nodded and said, "Talking with Hook should help her, but in any case, I believe she's strong enough to fight off the darkness. It might just take a bit of time. She's slow to believe in things right before her eyes."

"Says the person with the heart of the truest believer," I joked sarcastically with my arms crossed. 

"The heart of the what?" Rhys questioned, which earned him an amused look from both Henry and I. Ultimately, I let my brother do the honour of explaining things. As the two boys launched into a easy-going conversation. In a break in their speech, I gestured towards the tavern and said, "I'm just going back in for a second. I trust you won't talk about me behind my back when I leave?"

Henry gave me a smirk and replied, "Oh, we promise." I narrowed my eyes at him in warning and headed back into the tavern. My eyes did a quick sweep of the area but as soon as I caught Aurelie's gaze, my chest felt heavy. I had no idea what was the cause of her sudden change of behaviour towards me but the looks that Lena and Hilda were both giving me told me enough. I knew better than to walk into that den of wolves so I headed past them where I bumped into my father who was just in a conversation with David. Seeing him had always brought conflicted thoughts to mind, but the events that occurred in Merlin's tower was some consolation. 

He gave me a smile when he returned my greeting and motioned me to join him at the bar. After sitting down, he asked in a teasing tone, "So, where have you left him?"

"Who?"

"You know who I'm referring to," father replied with a knowing smirk.

I tried to keep a straight face as I replied, "My brother is interrogating him outside." Then, I tilted my head back and groaned, "You're not going to do the same right? Mother already spoke with him this morning before Arthur bound all of us to the trees."

Father chuckled and as he used his hand to ask Granny to bring us a drink, he said, "Well, I suppose I should at least meet him formally. Afterall, it is my responsibility to make sure you're alright."

"Daddy I'm fine," I replied as I dramatically put my hands up to my face to make a point. He laughed and said, "As a father, it's my duty, besides, at least let me make it up to you."