Villain

19.The Crown of Power

"There were two brothers who saw how unjust a lad was. Together, with their army, they would overcome the evil. The younger brother took to darker methods, becoming a monster in the process. The older brother created a box to save his brother," the story told by my mother a thousand times has followed me to my dreams." The older brother soon found out what had given his sibling such power. A crown of darkness and destruction. A crown of power. The older brother tried to use ancient magic to destroy the item, but he could not. Instead he was left with seven different colored crystals," she had said. I remember asking her what happened to them.

"Some say he gave them to trusted allies. Others say it is still in the Kingdom of Light, kept apart for it cannot be made again unless under a full moon when the exact time is right," she had said. It was just a story, but I knew she told me for a reason. My mother hated her life, but could do nothing about her fate, however I could change mine. Every lesson, every story of hers had a hidden meaning. After I had Dawn, I sought out the seven crystals. The first one was easy, the crystal of light. The rest was tricky to get. They were outside my land.

I was a young, new queen. They underestimated me, and it was a grave mistake. I killed their rulers, stealing the gem for myself, placing men I controlled in charge of the fallen lands. Dawn was 15 years old by the time I had gathered all the pieces. Then I had to wait. for the perfect time. The perfect date. My dreams are reminders of my failed attempts in the last three years, how each time, the crown shattered to pieces in my hands, a thing that decreased my magic with every attempt. It was worth it in the end.

I awaken, slightly startled and check on the crown at my bedside. It is still intact. With a sigh of relief, I get myself ready and place the crown on my head. The magic races through my veins, enhancing my senses and emotions. I sigh in contentment. No one can stop me now. Leaving my chambers, I go to check on Dawn, smiling when I find her shackled, unable to meet my gaze. She is nothing but a war prize and she knows it. Her life is worthless and only used as a bartering item. I really wish she had picked the right side, she would have been much happier if she did.

"You could have been by my side," I tell her, a little sad at her insolence. It was my fault they manipulated her so easily. " I'd rather die," Dawn spits out. I frown at her words, and brush away my emotions. This is no daughter of mine. "You will have your wish," I respond. I grab the chains to her shackles , and pull on them, watching as she struggles to her feet. Pathetic. She doesn't even try to fight back. All she does is talk back, but even the her fear is clear. How did I give birth to a child like her?

I drag her all the way to my carriage and toss her in harshly. I am done playing nice. She may be my blood but that doesn't change her crimes. To think I wanted to keep her around. Foolish. I will not allow this girl to be a weakness.Not again. I already lost my greatest weapon due to caring about her. I almost died when I allowed her in the castle with Marcella and Prince Lucien. Marcella must now think Dawn is my weakness. Perhaps the girl was, but she no longer will be. Especially not since she's going to die soon.

When we arrive at the desolate, baren land of Inter, I find Marcella alone. Stupid girl actually thought I would keep to my word. I look around at the castle that has been empty for centuries. The ballroom had been done up for Dawns wedding, and some parts were fixed to keep the facade of keeping peace. But that was a while ago, and now it looks like a broken castle once more. I step out of the carriage, dragging Dawn with me. I look around once more, searching for glamours. I smile when I find none, dragging Dawn behind me as I walk up to Marcella.

The girl is dressed in full black, and it looks like her old uniform. She stares at me defiantly. In a way, I respect her for fighting, and her refusal to show fear. in another life, we could have worked together. But now, she stands in my way, so she ,must die." Let her go. I'm right here, and you know that's what you really want," so bold, so brave, yet so remarkably wrong. "Where is my box Marcella. You have exactly 5 minutes to hand it over, or I kill the girl, "I spit harshly. Marcella swallows, knowing it is not a threat. It is a promise, and I always keep my promises.

Marcella walks to a fallen rock and reaches behind it. I stare at the rune box in her hand, then at her. I smile. smart girl. "Hand it over," I speak, leaving no room for arguments." Undo her chains," Marcella says, and I laugh, "Do you honestly think you can order me around," I say. "The box Marcella, or she dies," I tell her, pulling out a fold knife with a jeweled handle. "Would you really kill your daughter for power," Marcellas voice is filled with disgust. "She is no daughter of mine," I respond, pressing the blade to Dawns neck.

The girl whimpers." Okay," Marcellas voice is one of alarm. I lower he knife from dawns neck, keeping it in my hand. She comes forward slowly, until we are face to face. She looks at the chains in my hands. "Let her go," Marcella repeats once more. I let go of the chains, watching as they disappear of Dawn, who runs as far from me as she can. Marcellas eyes widen at the magic. "The box," I order. With shaky hands, Marcella starts to hand over the box. "Marcella," A voice shouts. Marcella whops her head around, Prince Lucien is behind her, with his army.

With a grin, I flick my wrist, and a shout of pain from Marcella, the box flies out of her hands and into mine. I grin wider as I drop the glamour I put up, revealing my army. Dawn, who is standing behind Prince Lucien, pales. I smile at Marcella. "You didn't really think I would come alone, did you," I ask in a mocking tone. I smile as I hold the box in my hand, my army standing behind me, my blade at Marcellas throat. I could kill Marcella now ,and take her power for myself. But that would be too quick, to kind. I smile at her as I lower the knife I was aiming at her throat. The girl frowns before realization washes over her face.

I start to trace a rune pattern, her eyes widening in horror. "Marcella Blackburn. I give you your last order," I speak to her, watching as she tries to fight the pull of the box. She always tries to fight the command. She always fails." Bring me the heart of Prince of Darkness. Rip it out of his chest in front of his wife. And them, kill the Princess of Light," I grin at her as she lowers to one knee ,her teeth gritting. "As you command your highness," her voice devoid of emotion.

I watch as Prince Lucien sends 5 men to protect him and Dawn, Marcella drops them with a single movement. I do not see blood, so they must be unconscious. Prince Lucien sends another two men, and they fall as easily as the first 5. "How does it feel knowing after everything you did, I still won, "I laugh at him. He glares at me, the young man filled with hatred. "You started this war when you killed my sister and refused to return her body to us," he growls.

"It was not my fault I needed her skull to make my crown. You should blame your parents for turning a gem into a person," I tell him. It was the perfect hiding spot for the final gem. Its the reason he wants me dead. "You should be thanking me. Now you will join her," I tell him. "You started this war Eris," he calls me by my name, showing his disrespect and stupidity. "But I will end it," he speaks boldly, even as Marcella is near him, ready for the kill.

"I have the crown of power. I have the black rune box. What makes you think you can stop me," I ask him, wondering how he was so delusional. The silly boy grins at me, as if he knows something I don't. "Well perhaps because I have this," he says. I watch as he shows me another black rune box, and watch as Dawn pulls out a third. Marcella stops and stands next to him, and I watch as the men she took out, stand up, completely unhurt.

These little brats tricked me. Well, it's not over yet. "Attack," I utter the single command.