The Curse (GxG)

Chapter 7

I sat on the couch, watching my friends and family mill about in our living room. Livia really came to life surrounded by all these people. She smiled as she mingled, showing true grace and poise. That of nobility, not a warrior.

She caught my eye through the crowd and I flashed her an inviting smile.

She excused herself before making her way over to me. "So? How're you enjoying the party?"

I smiled a little wider. "It's amazing... Having all these people here really seems to have pulled you out of your shell."

She smiled back. "We used to host parties with thousands... It's nice to play the part again..."

"And what part is that?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

She let out a sigh as she sat next to me, seeming to sense what I was getting at. "I wasn't always a warrior... There was a time when I was a noble being groomed to become the next queen... I and my people fought for Troy out of solidarity and a refusal to fight alongside the Greeks..."

My eyes widened a little. "The queen? Like ruler of the lands? Big ass throne room and all?"

She chuckled. "Well, the throne room wasn't as extravagant as I'm sure you're picturing, but it served its purpose."

I shook my head in disbelief. "Jesus, you're honest to God royalty... I can't believe it..."

She smiled a little as she stood. "I used to be..."

Then, she headed back into the fray, Betty taking her place shortly after. "What was all that about?"

I shook myself back to reality. "Nothing, uh, what's up?"

She glanced at the old spell book sitting on the mantle. "I was flipping through that book over there and was curious what exactly it is?"

"Oh, it's, um, an antique. Liv is a pretty serious collector." I replied quickly.

Betty looked around at our modern apartment, no sign of any other antiques in sight. "Is she now..."

I stood up, guiding her with me. "Why don't I get you a drink?"

She flashed me a smile. It seemed forced, but she followed me to the kitchen nonetheless...

As the party started to wind down and guests started exiting, I took my place next to Livia. "That was a lot of fun, thank you so much."

She gave me a warm smile before pressing a soft kiss to my lips. "It was my pleasure."

I returned her smile, taking her hand as my sister and her husband approached us. "Thank you for doing this for Vicky. It's very kind of you." She addressed Livia.

Liv gave her a nod. "Any time. And, thanks for coming on such short notice."

Robin smiled, pulling Liv into a hug.

Jack shook her hand. "You guys should come by for dinner again in a few weeks. We'd love to have you."

I pulled Robin into a hug of my own. "That would be great."

Robin smiled, patting my shoulder. "I'll text you the details later then."

I returned it. "I can't wait."

Then, after one last goodbye, they took their leave, Livia and I alone in our apartment once again.

I collapsed on the couch, Liv taking her place next to me. "Alright, I love everyone, but I definitely need a break from people for a while."

Liv laughed, wrapping me in her arms, resting her head against mine. "I hope that doesn't include me..."

I ran my hands through her hair, pressing a light kiss to her cheek. "Never, my queen..."

She kissed me, placing her forehead against mine afterwards. "I'll never be able to live that one down, huh?"

I chuckled lightly. "You're a queen... You should be addressed as such..."

She sat back then, eyeing me. "Is this some kind of weird role play thing?"

I laughed harder. "It wasn't... Although, I'm not opposed to it..."

She smirked. "Maybe you'd like to take this back to the queens quarters, then..?"

My face flushed a little as I gave her a look. "Well, with an offer like that, I shan't refuse..."

She laughed as she stood, taking my hand and leading me towards our bedroom...

The next morning, I woke up to an empty bed and Liv frantically searching every drawer and closet in our apartment.

"Where is it..." She muttered to herself.

I sat up on the bed, stretching my arms with a yawn. "What're you looking for?"

She stood, turning towards me. "The book... It's gone..."

I froze, my breathing becoming labored. "Like gone..?"

She nodded.

I stood quickly. If that book is truly what she says it is, it could be dangerous in the wrong hands. Potentially world ending.

Then, a conversation from last night filtered back into my head. "Betty... She said she was reading it and showed just a little to much interest in it if you ask me."

Livia looked at me, her eyes serious. "What did you tell her about it?"

I shook my head. "Nothing... Just that it was an antique and you were a collector..."

She let out a sigh, hanging her head. "Vicky... We have to get that book back..."

I nodded, understanding her haste. "I'll give her a call."

   Livia got dressed as I pulled my phone out, dialing Betty's number.

   I looked to Livia as the phone continued to ring.

   "Anything?" Liv asked.

   I shook my head when I got her voicemail. "No... But, it's still early. She might just be sleeping."

   "Do you know where she lives?" Liv asked.

   I was about to answer, when my phone rang out from my hand.

   "Who is it?"

   Jacks name flashed on the screen. "It's Jack." I replied before answering it. "Hey, Jack, is everything ok?"

   "Vic... It's Robin... I need you to get here as fast as you can." Came his reply.

   Worry filled my gut as I started pulling my clothes on, setting the phone on speaker. "Where are you?" I asked frantically.

   "Our apartment... Just, hurry..." He said before hanging up.

   Liv and I shared a look. "What's going on?" She asked.

   I shook my head, sliding my phone into my pocket. "I don't know... But, I think Robin is in trouble..."