Me And My Flames (on hold)

Chapter Sixteen: A Deal With The Devil

Dear diary,
The rest of the battle was a blur. I can only remember the amazing feeling of fighting alongside Vatra. But also the horrific feeling in the back of my mind that was sickened by the bodies piling up around me. I had lost track of time but by then it was very late night, maybe even early morning, the soldiers just stopped coming out of the woods. The remaining soldiers had retreated, and I had saved my kingdom. But the battle was all but over...

- Scarlet Rose

Dear Diary,
I vaguely remember collapsing on Vatra's back as I began to grow too tired to fight. But the rest was quite unclear. Although I do recall awaking the next morning, on the soft pillows of my bed. I may never know just how I came to be there, but I was grateful no matter who it had been. Lately I've been thinking about the trivial matter of how I have this diary to relay my thoughts and feelings, yet I never use it as so, at least not in the recent past. This diary is my only way to expresses myself with no boundaries, I need to filter out my pain, so that I might not explode from the pressure. But right now, I'm not sure how I should feel. I put up this mirage, this mask, to hide my true self and to armor my heart. But I am no cold perfect statue of stone. Because once that armor is broken down, there is a little girl inside, lost and confused, swallowed in her own fire.

-Scarlet Rose

Dear Diary,

My life is so unclear. I am supposed to be some hardened perfect queen, ruling with an iron fist and loved by all. But all I am is a girl. A girl who lost everything. Even her last love, and now, her heart is dead. I think of him every day, wishing only to be safe in those arms again. My sweet Damian, what have I done? I have put off this pain, bottled it up and stored it away to deal with later. And after all that I've been through, I still dream of that sweet face, and those soft lips on mine. I am around 117 years old, and yet, I have all of the social and emotional naïvety of a 17 year old. I am broken inside, the deepest pits of hell had nothing on the dark pit that had consumed my heart. There is no hope for me. I will withstand the agony of the release of these emotions, I will stand strong through it all. But once the darkness subsides, once the emotions are done cutting away at my dark soul, I will be but a shell. I will wander these near empty halls alone, simply going through the motions. I am truly alone, as tears of blood fall from my cheeks, and hit the ground in little soundless thumps and plops. Help me survive this oh sweet diary. It is only to you I write, my love. Please be there for me.

-Scarlet Rose

Dear Diary
I'm finding life at court to be hard to adjust to. The ball gowns, the fluffy white beds, the endless piles of paperwork waiting for me to complete. I'm used to running through the woods, only sleeping when I collapse from exhaustion, barely getting enough to eat. Not long comfortable slumbers each night and overstuffing five-star five course meals. I hardly have enough time to write entries anymore. I tire of these long days of sitting around just going through paperwork. I have gotten a letter from the armies of Zlo, a declaration of war. Their way of saying the battle was not over. We are in full out war. And to protect my people, I would do anything.

-Scarlet Rose

Dear Diary,
A ball is soon to be held, for the surviving council members as well as a few I have been selecting to piece the council back together are telling me should be held. In honor of my victory at what is now being called the Battle Of Dragon Meadow and in honor of my return. They tell me it's also a fine way to meet the members of my court and meet many of my people. For I had insisted upon inviting any of my people who wished to come. Preparations for the ball swept the castle. Maids whizzed past, whilst butlers seemed to come and go, making the normally empty hallways bustle with life. I will simply remain in my chambers as of now, allowing tailors to measure and fit me for a dress for the ball. I must keep up the serene image of a perfect Queen up, and not allow my feelings to show, I must lock it all up inside and forget about him. I can't even write his name anymore, tis' too painful.  He will never come back, and I shall never see his sweet face again. Not his short dark locks, nor the curve of the dimples on his cheeks, nor hear his soft laugh, never again.

  -Scarlet Rose

Dear Diary,
The ball is tonight. My heart is beating fast in anticipation. What shall occur tonight? Why do I feel as if my fate will be altered forevermore?

  -Scarlet Rose

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

A trumpet blew, as they announced my midnight arrival at the ball. The staff had truly done well with the ballroom, with a sparkling crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and not a speck of dust to be seen.

I looked out over the crowd as I lifted my sweeping skirts and descended the grand staircase. But I didn't get very far as my breath caught in my throat and I nearly choked.

Is-is that? No. It can't be him. I'm going crazy, it can't be Damian, Damian is dead! He died waiting for me long ago!

I panicked, stumbling backwards a bit, barely catching my balance.

Unable to speak or respond to the crowd's heavy calls of concern, I simply covered my mouth and pointed at Damian.

"But-but you're dead! You-you?!" I cried out.

I burst into tears, " Damian, how are you here?! Why are you here?!!"

"Scarlet, it has been awhile. A hundred years I believe." He said, eyes glazing over.

The crowd, suddenly pulling out of its surprise, began to gasp and whisper.

"Scarlet, I have so much to explain to you, but first, know that you cannot touch me." He said softly.

"Wha- why? You- it's been so long I must at least hold your body close." I cried.

He looked around suspiciously, "let's take this somewhere a bit more- private"

I silently nodded, curtsying to excuse myself. I followed him out in a daze, wondering if I was somehow in a dream.

Flustered, I stopped in the hallway, nearly bumping into Damian, who reacted by jumping halfway across the hallway.

"What's wrong with you! I haven't seen you in a hundred years and suddenly you won't even let me touch you! I thought you were dead!" I screamed, momentarily pulling out of my surprise.

"Oh scarlet. You know I love you. But, when I made a deal with the devil, the price twas' hefty. I am cursed, you see. If we touch, then I shall die, and you shall your life in agony."

A/N: AGH!!! I FINALLY GOT INSPIRATION!!! - Scarlet Fox