The Girl With the Dandelion Ring

Chapter 14: Rose's Garden

Chapter 14:Rose's Garden

It is not Caleb as I had expected. Caleb is nowhere to be found as I am escorted outside of my room. I stumble slightly due to my heels as I pass the threshold of my chambers. My eyes widen as a man in silver robes offers me his arm. He was the fae by the Regina's side when I had seen her in her courtroom, but more surprising was that I recognized his face. This was the fae that I had seen drag Ben's brother into a white portal, this was the fae that had stolen away Ben's family. I take a deep breath, trying to suppress my rage. I brush away his arm, straightening myself while the fae of the palace line the hallway's walls to catch a glimpse of the Vas.

Well, I pretend to tell them. I hope you're ready for a disappointment, because that's all I'm going to be. I have no clue how to use this ring, no clue on how to protect my friends, and no clue who to trust. Not to mention that I still have absolutely no idea of where Ben is being held.

The fae steps forward, his jaw clenched as he leads me towards what I assume is where the Regina is located. The prying eyes of the onlookers track our progress through the hallways as we proceed. I try and ignore them, putting on a regal facade so as not to seem like a fool. I hold my head high as I lift my skirt, my heels clicking against the white marble floor. My nose itches under its makeup but I refuse to scratch at it. It feels as if a small hair is brushing against it again and again, teasing it mercilessly as I try and concentrate. As we walk I think of ways that I could discretely satisfy my urge, but none seem possible while we are the cynosure of the fae.

I instantly forget about my itch as we turn a corner, turning into a grand room, each side lined with floor-to-ceiling mirrors. I look around, but we are the only two here. I gasp as I see myself in the mirrors. I look like I belong in this world, the way I hold myself as I walk, confidently and quickly almost gliding over the floor, makes me seem completely in control. I shake my head at myself, barely believing how different I look on the inside compared to how I feel. I stare at the ceiling as I walk, noticing a painting covering it. A man in royal robes brandishes his sword, his black, angelic wings spreading across one side of the ceiling. On the other side is the Regina's wing. Her body faces the man. She holds a bow across her slender body, a single arrow held delicately in her fingers. They stare across their kingdom together, their authority absolute over the fae that bow their heads at the very edges of the painting.

I hear a throat clear and slowly lower my gaze. I realise that I had stopped walking and stand in the very center of the room. I blink at the fae, regaining my senses.

How could you let your defences down, I mentally chide myself. Especially around him.

My eyes scan his body, the one that had gotten Ben involved, and inadvertently myself also, in this entire situation. He carries himself with a powerful grace, his left hand rests absentmindedly upon the pommel of his sword, his thumb brushing against it almost by habit. His lips are locked in a sneer as he taps his foot, impatiently waiting for me to follow. I narrow my eyes and instead of following I start to wonder around the room aimlessly. I walk towards the mirrors, seeing his hand clench around his sword in the reflection, and I can not help the smirk that crawls onto my face.

I allow myself a few more seconds of my idiotic rebellion before I close my eyes, preparing myself to see the Regina. I take a deep breath, turning on my heel and opening my eyes only to catch him directly in front of me. His hand snakes out and grabs my shoulder, his other hand gripping tightly to his sword so that his bleached skin is even paler.

"Do not keep the Regina waiting, filth." He spits.

My anger rises at his savage tone. "I am the Vas, you shouldn't talk to me like that. You wouldn't want to anger your precious Regina, would you?" I taunt him. He clenches his teeth and squeezes my shoulder tightly, surely bruising it. Tears spring to my eyes, threatening to spill over and ruin my makeup - as well as my pride.