Scorn and Devotion

Chapter 40

warnings - injury

We walked into a room so dark we couldn't see my hand in front of my face. I called Timothée's name several times, but there was no response. I knew it would be wise to stay still so I wasn't lost in whatever place this was, but I could no longer feel Timothée's hand in mine and I was worried.

The moment I took a step the area lit up drastically. This was not the soft warm glow of fairy lights and torches in the underground Court of Torment. No, this was daylight, pure and warm on my face. I was squinting against it, barely able to make out anything.

"Y/N!" It was Timothée's voice that called me. I tried to stumble towards the noise. As my eyes grew accustomed to the new light I could make out Timothée running toward me at full speed. When he reached me, he picked me up and spun me around with a laugh.

"We're out!" he crowed. When he lowered me I began to laugh too. We had made it! We were free!

"Come here," Timothée said pulling me to him, and then he was kissing me full on the mouth. I kissed him back fervently. When he pulled back he was beaming ear to ear. We gave each other a look, a look full of understanding. I didn't need to explain to him and he didn't need to explain to me, we knew each other heart and soul.

"What is happening?" a voice screeched. I turned to the right and saw Katherine, Juliet, Gwyneria, Odessa, and Vangeline staring at us.

"Thank God you're safe, we thought we'd never see you again," Katherine said through happy tears.

"Shut up!" snapped Vangeline, and then looked mortified at showing her true thoughts. "I mean, of course, I am happy you're alive your highness, but what are you doing kissing her!"

"I have chosen Y/N as my bride," Timothée announced. "If she'll have me." He added and turned my way.

"There is nothing I want more than that," I sighed.

"So I lose?" Vangeline asked in horror.

"Yes, and by the way, you and I need to have a talk Vangeline, you could be serious trouble for what you've done, and I think you know what I am referencing."

Vangeline paled to the color of snow as Timothée and I marched past her into the palace. The other girls caught up with us, peppering us with questions about where we'd been.

I was worried they would be mad at me for "stealing" Timothée, but they just seemed happy that we were back. I realized that they were my friends, I finally had some friends. Even Odessa was being kind.

I realized we were headed toward the throne room. I supposed Timothée would want to see his father, to announce he was back.

Before we reached the throne room doors I heard a wild gasp. Before I could process where it had come from there was a flurry of black curls and arms were pulling me in close. The thin arms held me to a heaving chest. I still had no idea who held me, as I listened to the weeping above me. I was about to disentangle myself, when the person spoke.

"My child, my baby, you are alive!"

Of all people, it was my mother. My mother, who had never held me close unless it was to whisper something cruel in my ear or muffle the sound of my tears. My mother who had made me leave in the first damn place, was now happy I had returned.

"Mom?" it was the first time I'd used that name in years.

Orlaith pulled back so I could see her face. She looked less severe than I remembered. Her beautiful face was wet with tears and her eyes held no malice in them. I was confused as she lifted her hand to push the hair from my eyes and just continued to stare at me as though I was the best thing she had ever beheld.