Castor's Queen

Chapter 1 - A Dead Girl Dancing

I walked with leisure through the crowd, stopping on occasion to talk to a friend or acquaintance - small talk I cared little for in truth.

"Lady Onslow truly has outdone herself this time," my friend's wife declared as we stood in a small circle.

"I agree," her husband responded, "She must have spent months putting all of this together."

They continued their conversation while my eyes scoured the crowd, looking for anyone else at all that I knew when I made eye contact with the last person I thought I'd ever see again. Ava.

Her ice blue eye pierced into my soul and seemed to see all, she smirked at me and walked away, only to get lost in the crowd.

"Excuse me," I distractedly dismissed myself in hopes to find the sickly girl I thought had died years ago in a fire - along with my brother.

I spent what felt like an hour in search of her, but found nothing. I walked through the crowd and on the edge of it. Finally, I gave up, deciding it had only been a figment of my imagination.

I made my way to the large library and finished a drink I had just realized I'd been holding, in one swing, before opening the large, oak doors. I looked out the window at the full moon that illuminated the large gardens. I could hear the faint music and chatter from downstairs, but made no move to go back anytime soon. I pulled a chair up to the window and looked out, contemplating what I thought I had seen. I eventually came to the conclusion that she had crept her way back into my thoughts again and what I'd seen wasn't actually real.

"I believe you've been looking for me," a voice I thought I'd never hear again said from behind.

I whipped around and there she stood, bathed in the full moon's light. Her dark black hair piled on top of her head and her ice blue eyes seemed to see everything, but showed nothing in return. But she was different. She wasn't the Ava I had known. She wore a dark red dress with a low neckline - it was the type of dress she'd never have been caught dead in when I'd known her. She looked healthier - last I'd seen her she couldn't even leave bed, let alone attend a party. But most of all, she looked cold and calculating, whereas she'd always had a kind, open expression all those years ago.

I took a shaky breath, unable to fathom what I was seeing, "Ava?" I asked tentatively, almost as if she would disappear if I was too loud.

"Unfortunate I had to run into you again - of all people," she said airily as she glided toward the window, looking thoughtfully out onto the gardens as she stood next to me, "I was truly hoping I'd never have to see your face again," she paused and glanced at me, "But alas," she sighed, "We do not always get what we wish for."

Her words hit me like a slap in the face. She'd never been like this, not when I'd known her at least.

"Well?" she urged, "I don't have all night and I have a feeling you may have a question or two for me?"

Once I was finally able to regain the use of my voice I shakily spoke, "A question or two? No. I don't have a question or two. I have many, many questions," my voice slowly rose as I spoke. I wasn't quite sure what I was feeling. Was it anger? Intrigue? Hurt?

"Well?" she prompted.

I suddenly lost my voice again as the question I wanted to ask most rested itself on the tip of my tongue.

I was silent.

"If you don't have any questions I will return to Lady Blackwood's magnificent party. She must have put so much effort into it," she said lightly before smirking as she turned strode away.