Vermont: War of Hearts

1. Vermont

Life's twists amuse me. One moment, I'm at the bottom of the food chain; the next, I'm the embodiment of their fears. I wield the power to decree life or death, and my word is law. Why? Because I am the queen, and dissent is futile—except when it comes to him (Aldaire). He won't dare challenge me, not out of fear, but because he carries a burden heavy enough to consume him for eternity. He won't come close.

The pale hue of my eyes reflects my sorrows. I've tried escaping them, but they always catch up. So I built walls—layer upon layer—to shield myself. They protected me from everyone, including him. Heartbreaks, deaths—I survived them all. Numbness settled in, a temporary respite. But as the walls crumbled, exhaustion set in. It became a futile endeavor, draining and wasteful.

Sometimes, I yearned to abandon it all, return to the human world, and discover life's beauty without this burden. But the monsters would follow. Almost tempted by a colossal mistake, I hesitated. A tiny spark within warned me: no turning back. So I chose to risk my life for theirs.

Darkness swallowed me whole. Hate, pain, betrayal—my heart hardened. I could no longer protect myself, yet suffering persisted. How could I endure? I surrendered, allowing her (Cecile)—the other part of me—to take over. Our combined pain was less unbearable. I slumbered in shadows while she reveled in evil. A precarious balance, but our hope for happiness vanished.

They rejected us initially, and now they despise what we've become. Cecile's secret, residing solely within me, fueled their hatred. Exhausted from fighting and fleeing, I yielded control. She emerged—the villain of our tale.

Then he (Xavier) reappeared. Patient, persistent, he shattered our walls. Suddenly omnipresent, he became my sole hope. His light chased away the darkness. Uncertain if it's right, I know my position will bring change—an unexpected but necessary shift.

I glance at the person behind me. Her trembling hand places the tiara on my head. Other maids stand back, holding hands. It's comical. I won't ruin my wedding for them. Cecile might relish breaking their bones, but merely looking at them suffices.

"It looks beautiful," one of the maids says.

"The prince thought you'd love it," adds another.

"I do. But do we have time for one more thing?" I turn to face them.

"Do you need anything else, My Lady?"

"I never bothered memorizing your names, fearing I'd one day kill you. But we've come a long way. I lack friends in this palace, and trust will be crucial. Would you like to be my ladies? The prince believes it's prudent for me to choose now."

The three maids in the corner take a step back. They've heard plenty about me, and their apprehension is understandable. 

Tick. Tock.

"I seek trust," I tell them. "You've demonstrated loyalty thus far." Or else you'd be lifeless by now. "I promise your families will be cared for if you pledge yourselves to me." 

The girl beside me clears her throat. "What if I decline?" 

"Then you'll be reassigned. I want fearlessness, trustworthiness, and unwavering devotion. If you fear anything—perhaps even me—this offer isn't for you." 

Another maid speaks up. "And our families?" 

Ordinarily, no one rejects such an offer—it bestows status. "I'm committed to keeping my word. No one has died at my hands these days." 

They exchange glances, the silence oppressive. "I'm Rory," says the girl beside me. 

My heart leaps. I expected resistance. Breaking my promise to Xavier weighs heavily. I smile at her.

"I'm Allison," says the girl with blue eyes. She resembles the Ainsworth—her red hair reminiscent of Himley's. 

"I'm Maisie. It is a pleasure working with you, Your Highness." She curtsies.

When the last girl remains silent, Maisie nudges her. "It'll be a pleasure working for you. I'm Elsie." Elsie, smaller than the others, gazes innocently—much like I did once. 

"Excellent," I reply. "This was easier than I anticipated. Shall we head to the ceremony?"

**

Months have passed since I found myself. Not that I take credit for finding myself—no, that belongs to him, my dear Xavier. He waited for my redemption, unable to fathom the idea of ending me. His eyes held the same torment I felt.

These months have been different now. No more hiding, no more evading reality. Now, I have more at stake than ever. For the first time, I'll have a place to call home and a shoulder to lean on when emotions overwhelm me. Only him—I trust him implicitly. Even at my lowest, he pulled me from the abyss.

Today isn't ordinary. Weddings unite people, but ours isolates us from the rest. He'll lose respect, but selfishly, I don't care. I want him for myself alone. As I clutch the bouquet, my steps echo, drowning out my racing heart. The guests fade out and I am suddenly wrapped in his world. His intense gaze matches his black tailcoat. As I get closer, he grins—a heavenly knockout.

I loved him once. Now? Uncertainty clouds my feelings. I enjoy his company, I like his honesty and appreciate his commitment to keep me alive even if the world wouldn't care if I burn alive.  He truly is a good man but my desperate side threatens to ruin him for my gain.

The angry world fades. As I approach him, his grin widens. I enjoy the way he looks at me. Everything seems irrelevant as if he has won in life even if I am going to be his downfall.

Love has become a terrifying feeling now. I have it, but what do I do with it? It elates and scares me simultaneously.

Though our marriage is a bargain, his hopes soar. I am meant to fall madly in love even if it is the last thing he does. Tragic, yes, but also achingly romantic.