The Game of Monarchies "Sanguis Rosa"

Chapter XI

Deception is a virtue Lucien possessed, over the years learning to lie and hide in the shadows. No one could really tell this man's truest desires, he kept those to himself. Maybe that's why manipulating people was so easy for The young Prince. Lucien knew everything about everyone, yet nothing was known about him.

Yet even the darkest souls once had light in them. Every single living being starts out with a spark in their eyes. Will this spark bring moral values into this world or will it make Earth even worse, depends on how one is raised. Lucien is no exception to this rule, truly no one is. The once little boy was thought to always fight, never love. His best friend was taken away from him in a barbaric way. The King of Veatus never really showed his son compassion or love. Only teaching him to bring death to those who oppose him. From his young age Lucien had decided he was going to bring chaos and misery into this world.

So it should come to no surprise that when Lucien heard Evanora and Zea speak about their plan to escape, The Prince reported it to the Kings. Now it is certain that Evanora is going to die and Zea will be punished for sharing important details of her family life and having an affair. But honestly Lucien didn't really care. Life wasn't fair, just because you are in love doesn't mean you are safe from death.

While sitting on the balcony one evening he heard footsteps coming down the hall. Cold wind tousled his hair while he took a sip of wine. Soon someone was standing behind him.

"My love, finally you came to pay me a visit."

Lucien turned slightly to face Zea. The bags under her eyes were more noticable, her hair was a bit messy but still she looked like a goddess. The emerald eyes looked right through his soul. Maybe that's why he liked her? Or at least tolerated Zea a bit more than others. Not because she looked like a goddess but because she acted like one.

"Don't try anything funny, or this may be the last visit you'll ever have." The bone chilling words left Zea's mouth.

Suddenly Lucien stood up and went to the balcony's railings, leaning against them he faced Zea while taking the last sip of his wine.

"Threatening me won't work, love. Though you're more than welcome to try."

He set the glass down before continuing his speech.

"How many warnings does life give before taking someone away from you..." Lucien trailed off. "Or better yet, before giving you a challenge to face."

"None"

"That's right love. NONE." The Prince pushed himself off the railing and ran his hand through his luscious hair. "And how many did I give you?"

Zea stayed silent, not because she was scared but because she simply didn't care.

"Wipe that smirk off your face Princess Zea, soon that smile will turn into a frown and tears will be streaming down those pretty cheeks." Lucien was getting mad but was not about to show it fully.

The Princess only let out a laugh. It was clear to The Prince that Zea had no intentions of listening to him.

"I will ne–"

Suddenly Zea was cut off by Lucien.

"I do not care if I have to drag you down the aisle crying or screaming." Lucien's eyes turned dark, one could say they were almost black. His whole body tensed up. "You will never be with Evanora. But do you know who you will be with?"

Zea stayed silent. She knew the answer perfectly but refused to say it out loud.

"With me love. I will lock you in hell if that means I get to keep you with me, because I am not letting go of something that was promised to me."

The anger in Zea finally burst, revealing the darker side of her Lucien hadn't yet seen.

"I would rather set myself on fire than ever be with you. Let my skin burn off and scream out of agony. Than ever let anyone call me yours." Her chest was rising and falling quickly, she was shaking out of anger. "And don't you dare bring Evanora into this, or else her name will be the last thing out of your mouth before death takes you."

Lucien sighed, reasoning with Zea was useless. He knew The Princess wanted to be a free bird, not one in a cage. But her beauty and smartness made the Prince not want to let her go.

"If you would listen to me, no one would get hurt. But because you are self centred and selfish, either Evanora or you will have to pay the price." A dark chuckle left his mouth. "Freedom doesn't come for free, the price you have to pay is unfathomable."

"Unlike you, Lucien, I am willing to risk it all." With those words the Princess was about to leave but The Prince stopped her.

"What don't you understand? If you stayed with me, I would worship you like a goddess."

Zea smiled, "Good thing a Goddess doesn't need a Prince."

The Princess pushed through the gentleman blocking her way and left the balcony. Leaving The Prince all alone...