The Cruel Crown (A Young Elites Fanfiction)

Adelina Amouteru ❦

"I need you with me," he says to her. "Haven't you realized that yet?"
- Words exchanged in tryst between lovers

I took the chance, but now I must face my sworn enemy: Time. Time is the only foe I will never be able to defeat; Time was ticking when I entered its realm and Time will tick long after I exit. I wish to leave a legacy and let the name of the Rose live on with my name. Let me be whispered about when the world is ending.

The invisible current gently brushes my face and through my silver locks. I can see the mirror image of myself in the mosaics behind me. I never gaze upon my own reflection, for the glass may shatter because of the hatred I harbor. But the sun's rays illuminate my face in a way that I almost look beautiful even with the long scar reaching down my eye.

Nyx and Ambroise have proven themselves worthy enough not to kill. Though, they should not beam so lightly yet, they both need to prove their integrity. After all, with one swift motion of a dagger or thread, I can have them bowing while bleeding at my feet.

I have kept Ambroise in my palace but under lock and key. He must earn my trust. And Nyx is a shadowy figure, odd and distant; mysterious.

"Adelina." Magiano breaks my rope of wandering thoughts as he walks on the marble balcony that overlooks the lake.

"Magiano?" I turn. "Am I beautiful?" I never waste time thinking about how pretty I am in comparison to other girls my age, but for once in what feels like a lifetime of being a malfetto, I care. I have also had some sort of jealousy towards my sister, Violetta, for she is a malfetto yet kept her feature elegance.

He doesn't hesitate. "My love, you are a shimmering diamond in a sea full of rubies. You would be sinning if you told yourself your weren't of beauty."

I drop his gaze that he's pinned on me and turn to face the lake. My cheeks feel hot and heavy. I am blushing. I've seen the pink powder that girls brush onto their face to hide their real face to become just a facade. I've never had the luxury of owning the mystic powder.

But what am I stood here worrying about my countenance when I should be bringing mastery to my battle strategy to obviate the Dagger's existence.

We stare vacantly into the future, frightened of all that Time confiscates from us. The gap is closing and the hourglass has been turned.

"Adelina, might I ask why you ever thought you were not beautiful?" Magiano's words strike me. His hair is tousled, but when gusts of wind blow through, his cut hair is disheveled chaos.

I don't answer immediately. "I was once told I had the fair complexion of a maiden worthy of suitors, of my delicate features and angelic smile." I bite my bottom lip and my tone turns bittersweet-like. "But that was all before the fever broke through and ravaged the land because after that I was marked a malfetto. I was left with a bloody scar that ran down my face, one eye, silver strands, pale lashes, and a menacing power."

I love my illusions, but would I have been happier staying the lovely girl I was told I was? But that girl had no family, no love, and emptiness.

"I understand." That is all he says.

I don't know much about Magiano's past. I just know of all the myths that were true.

"The blood fever screwed our lives and saved our lives. But the fever will kill us if not one of our enemies does first," I say.

"Violetta had told me that Raffaele said I am to go insane from mimicking others' abilities. I have no way to stop my death now that the snowball has begun to roll."

To love is to exist somewhere between life and death, suspended in nothing, while being forbidden from either realm.

Am I in love with this boy who stands beside me? How can my heart still beat for someone else while my whispers devour my emotions? Is this true love or just an illusion?

"Do you love me?" I blurt. My eye widens and I immediately regret not holding my tongue. My heart flutters heavy, my breathing slows, and my body freezes in shock before my hand goes to clasp my mouth before Magiano's hand stops it and pulls my hand into his.

Mixtures of red and pink burn passionately on my dark olive complexion. 

My little voices begin to speak before escalating into tiny screams and shrieks. No! You mustn't ever love again! Love kills all, destroys all, and will bring your power to ruin.

I cherish the power I hold as queen, sitting on the embezzled gemstone throne, enjoying my life with delights. But I have loved Magiano for who knows how long because I've tried to keep it a secret from even myself. And I still stand tall on my cruel crown.

"Adelina, my love," Magiano whispers.

But I fear he will say no. Why do I fear that? I abhor showing any sign of weakness and that includes fear.

"I can't believe it's taken you this long to ask. I've kept my feelings for you bottled up ever since I felt the spark and realized I loved you." He puts his hand on my cheek that has now subsided to pale pink. "I thought that the Adelina I knew would never reciprocate my love, and I wouldn't expect her to."

My fall falls gape before I close it quickly.

"But yes," he continues. "I was captivated by your voice when I first saw you, when you entered the city looking for the myth."

I'm at a loss for words. I know what loves feels like; I've been in love before, but that candle has long been blown out.

Will I regret falling into another's arms again? Loving Enzo made me weak.

"Magiano, I- I can't," I say. "Not again."

"But I need you with me, Adelina," he whispers. "I want to stand by you, fight by you, and be there when you need me."

I stare blankly into the sky. I let the wind blow my hair around my face as if I were a statue. I ponder my choices; shall I choose to be joyed or alone?

"Well, Magiano, if your weapon is your love. . . then I surrender." I try to ignore the pounding voices in my mind.

It's been so long since I've had time to sit down and write. Sorry! But finally updated! Hopefully can also update Frozen soon!