Bleeding Crown (Red Queen 4 Fanfiction)

Chapter 12

I hope everybody really enjoys this chapter, I certainly did. Please review and comment as usual, and read every last word, and I promise you will either be infuriated or in jubilation. 

Enjoy! "No heart can ever be truly understood. No even your own."

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Mare

Before I have a chance to move, Cal's nearly scalding hand grips my arm as he gives me a look that seems to say, Don't even think about it.

"I know you're here Mare, somewhere in the crowd. I was tipped off by a restaurant worker named Kile or something like that. He could see your true appearance, must be some kind of new power. Even if you aren't here, I'll give you one hour to come to me, because I'm positive you're in Archeon." At this he drags Ella, still with my face away, most likely taking her to the dungeons. "Now please, have some fun, this is a ball after all."

After a couple of minutes, the silvers fall back into the party, acting nearly normal. Cal and I begin dancing to a song more festive than the previous, almost as if Maven is celebrating his victory against The Little Lightning Girl.

I begin to cry without sound, my head tucked into Cal's shoulder, protecting me from suspectful, prying eyes. "He's too smart, Ella's will most likely die tonight even if I do surrender. I should've just done what he asked of me, and maybe I'd be a prisoner again but at least no one else would die for me."

"You're not going to surrender, and Ella isn't going to die. I'm sure Harrick will be able to figure out a way to get her out of here without notice."

"Maybe. But how much can he take? How many illusions can he handle without breaking? If my face suddenly appears in this crowd of people, I'll be dead before Maven even reaches me and-"

Before I have the chance to continue, Harrick saunters over acting is if everything is hunky dory and absolutely no one has been taken hostage.

"Lady Julianna, will you give me the honor of allowing me to dance with you?" Harrick asks in an anxious tone. While he appears extremely calm, his voice tells a different story.

"Of course, I'd be honored."

Cal murmurs something about going to watch Maven, as Harrick and I begin to dance.

I speak first. "So what's the plan, Mr. I can get us out of any situation with my mental powers?"

'Well I could try to make the sentinels to open the gates in some fashion, but my I'm already beginning to feel exhausted holding up four appearances, Farley doesn't need to have her face changed, since she's only a red servant. But if you allowed me to drop Ella's veil, I might be able to gather enough strength to manipulate the guards."

"If letting Maven sees Ella's true appearance saves her, do it. I'd really rather not have any more casualties."

"I won't let her die. I promise."

"You have no idea how thankful I am that I met you."

*****

Cal returns holding two glasses of water, handing me one. The second I'm handed a glass, I down in nearly immediately, the cold momentarily soothing my stomach.

"Is Maven doing anything interesting?"

"Not in particular. He's in the corner sitting area making small talk with a couple of silvers. He seems anxious, keeps looking around every few seconds."