Shattered Heart (Red Queen)

Chapter Eight

•Mare POV•
"Say yes, please," Maven begs.
"You're proposing to me while I'm locked up in your cage? How romantic," I say with no emotion.
"Right, I forgot," he says and motion to a guard.
The Magnetron steps up and holds out a hand. The bars fold away and Maven takes my hand. I slowly step out of my cell and into freedom. Suddenly, all of the weight is lifted off my shoulders. I can finally breathe without the Silent Stone crushing me. The Silent Stone is gone, but my powers have not returned.
"Mare?" Maven presses.
"Yes, I'll marry you," I respond quietly, still getting used to my freedom.
He smiles and kisses me. He seems so happy. What have I done? I clench my fist, begging my power to return.
"Your lightning will come back soon," Maven whispers into my neck and kisses it softly.
He takes me into his arms and holds me close. I've wanted someone to hold me like his for so long, but I didn't want Maven. I wanted Cal. I still want Cal. My heart longs for him.
"Let's get you out of here," Maven says and takes my hand.
I feel like this is a trick. Maven has no room in his heart for love. A few days ago, he looked at me like he wanted to kill me. Now, he looks at me with love. What game is he playing?
"I want to show you off to the world," he says. "Tonight, there's going to be a broadcast and I'm introducing you as my fiancée."
I nod and smile in response. Cal will be watching that broadcast. What will he think? I hope he doesn't give up on me. I need him to come save me. I can't stay here with Maven.
"You'll be staying in the room beside me. Don't want you far away from me," he tells me and opens the door to my new room.
I'll always be with Maven now. I'll never be out of his sight. I will never escape him.
"I will take my leave. Enjoy your freedom," he says and shuts the door behind him. His last comment seemed cold, almost mocking me. It was like he suddenly changed into a different person. Something is not right, and I'm going to figure out what it is.
The door opens suddenly and I am greeted by a tall, slender man. I've never seen him before but he intimidates me already. He gives me a hard look and slams the door shut.
"Lady Mare, we have some business to attend to," he says flatly.
I raise my eyebrows in surprise at my newly given title. Lady Mare. Not Mareena, but Mare.
"And what business would that be?" I question.
"King Maven sent me to discuss the rules," he tells me.
"Rules? What rules? Maven didn't mention that," I say.
"Did you really think the king would trust a criminal to roam the palace freely? You may be his fiancée, but you are still a traitor. You are not to go anywhere without six guards at all times. You will have a strict schedule and you are not allowed outside without the king..." he continues to list an impossibly long number of rules. "Finally, you are not allowed to use your powers under any circumstances."
I was a fool to believe I would finally be free. Each rule chains me up more and more to Maven. I'm now a slave to him. I thought the cell was my cage. But I was wrong. It's Maven.

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VERY IMPORTANT INFO BELOW⬇️⬇️⬇️

In case you didn't know, KING'S CAGE COMES OUT TOMORROW!!!!! Best. Day. Ever.