The Cruel Crown (A Young Elites Fanfiction)

Adelina Amouteru ❦

Love. Devotion. Deception. Diligence. Wisdom. Sacrifice.
—The Six Roses

The bright candlelight which illuminates the dining hall kills my eye with passion as I just have left the dark corridor. Small candles flicker prominently in ornate golden candelabras that sit on the table. Illumination of the candles' brilliance is demonstrated by shadows being cast strangely on and off the long and tall walls. Small pieces of sunlight slip through, the sure sign of impending night, the monochrome mosaic of a glass king and queen with the exception of exquisite red and golden chalices that seem to glow in their fingertips.

Four of us surround the table in the expansive dining hall. Daggers and weapons set aside, we are joined to dine. Violetta, Sergio, and Magiano have chosen not to decline my invitation to stay, but I wonder if they were just too frightened to decline. No—not with the peaceful expressions of solace they clearly showed. They pledged to me until the end of their days; they have pledged twice.

I told myself before that I would never trust a soul again, and I broke my own self promise and contradicted myself. And I do not regret that decision and hope I never will be forced to again.

What little sunlight, which cascaded in from the windows, begins to fade. The moon's glinting white light shimmies inside. The frail yellow light of candle is drowned out by the beautiful moonlight. The sheer mixtures of light illuminate the rich silverware that could blind another eye.

With becoming ruler comes the castle, and every servant living in it. I was inquired what dinner should be made. I chose one that brought a flood of actual pleasant memories in its wake.

Everyone's lips are sealed of words as the clinking and clanging of silver dinnerware moves like flashes. A savory roast slathered in sauces that I've never heard of. One that I have heard of, a thick brown gravy which douses the meat. Scallops and onions season the dinner to perfection. To accompany it is a helping of buttered boiled potatoes and sweet carrots. The rolls are scorching hot, I try to pick a piece and lather it in hot butter, but my hand is burned when it meets flesh. The sweet aroma of bread and roast dulls all of my other senses. I have not had a hot meal since my mother passed.

A servant in a white dress posies a silver tray with swirling lines of intricate detail, accentuating the opulence. That tray alone more than likely costs more than my life. I'm almost ignorant to the richly things, though Violetta is most definitely not. My father was rich according to caste system standards, but his wealth is a mere penny in comparison to what I have here laid in front of me.

On the tray sits transparent wine glasses filled with a crimson liquid that has the scent of red wine. A sound echoes when the metal serving tray clashes with the dark oak table.

I'm sixteen years of age, I tell myself. I take a glass. Wine is a luxury I have never tried before. I look up to Magiano gazing at me oddly, he's entranced by something. Why is he staring?

"What?" I scowl.

"Oh, nothing." He diverts his eyes quickly then says, "I've had wine before, you know. The parties held here were exquisite and atrocious all in one mixing bowl. The jewels that I've stolen underhandedly almost match the amount of wine I've drank. Don't drink too much, though, you'll turn all tipsy and be unable to recollect memories from before you first took a sip."

I swallow a big forkful of potatoes and carrots. I stare at the opaque liquid. My long fingers curl around the glass of wine, I take a sip and it gives me a sensation of pure bitterness; this wine is acrid. I sit the glass down and my face twists into sourness, and then a sweet sensation overpowers my taste buds.