City of Starlight

Chapter 22 - In Blackest Mourn & Darkest Night

(Regina's POV)

A loud series of knocks thundered on the heavy doors of the outer-chamber, interrupting my climax. We froze, with only the sound of our rapid breaths, heated from ecstasy, hanging in the sweltering space between us. 

"Regina, what-"

"I have no idea," I replied as my hand flew up to cover Daniel's mouth. 

The shouts of the guards for my attention merely continued, in parallel with their persistent thuds. I eyed Daniel. This could not be good, considering that I had left specific instructions to not be disturbed. I had even thrown up a strong spell to deter Daniella should she come knocking. 

I yelled back, "I'll be with you in a second!"

I was ready to mouth a silent apology when I noticed how Daniel winced at the elevated volume of my voice but before I could speak, he had already rolled off the bed in search for his clothes which were tossed on the floor somewhere in a heap. I threw on a nightgown and tied it hurriedly as I raced to the doors of the outer-chamber.

Contrasting the loud racket that he made, a whiff of hesitancy was etched in the strange expression on the guard's face as he made an attempt to address me. 

I crossed my arms and warned, "Out with it, we don't have all day!"

The guard straightened himself and stammered, "It's Lena Colter, Your Majesty. She hanged herself last night."

"What?" 

I threw a quick glance behind me. Luckily, Daniel hadn't appeared in the room yet, but I nonetheless stepped outside and pulled the guard along with me. He continued in a softer voice, "Her daughter is dead too."

Icicles formed in my stomach. "Aurelie? How?!"

"Lena left a suicide note which implied that she was responsible for her daughter's death." 

As soon as he held out the small folded piece of paper, I snatched it from his hands and grimaced when I saw that it was addressed to none other than myself.

'Congratulations, Your Majesty. I hope you're satisfied, now that you have my husband all to yourself. Tell Daniel that I hope he appreciates this final gift from his loving wife.'

"Regina?"

I jumped upon hearing Daniel's voice and immediately scrunched up the note in my hand. Then, I turned to the guard and narrowed my gaze as I instructed him to contain the news as best as he could. With a nod, he left me with Daniel who looked even more confused than ever. 

"My darling, what is it?"

I averted my gaze and found myself pacing the space before the entrance to my chambers. That vile creature! How could she have done this?! How could she have killed herself and her own flesh and blood just out of spite?!  Just so that she could drive this...this wedge between us?!

My muscles tensed when Daniel wrapped his arms around me but after regaining my senses again, I shrugged him off and murmured in a throaty voice, "No, you wouldn't feel the same about me again."

Daniel's eyebrows knitted into a frown as he ran his hands up and down my side. "You're not making sense; why ever not? Please tell me what happened."

I chewed my lip, unable to figure out how to break the news to him. 

"Regina, you do know that you can tell me anything. I made a promise to you that I will love you, no matter what. I intend to keep my word, my darling."

I closed my eyes and after taking a deep breath, I steadied myself with my head lowered. As I straightened the note and folded it neatly, I stated cautiously, "Lena is dead. She hanged herself last night after killing Aurelie."