Bleeding Crown (Red Queen 4 Fanfiction)

Chapter 20

Recently, writing this fanfiction has become very enjoyable to write, based on the current situation Mare is in. (MAVEN!!) If you read my post today, I'll be updating this fanfiction every Monday and Friday from now on, guaranteed. However, depending on how busy my week is, I might update more often. Like right now, I've been writing a lot more than usual because my collarbone has been preventing me from spending time outside like I usually do. Anyway, this chapter is just under 2400 words, and contains more drama, romance, and Mare getting stressed out than usual! As always, for those of you who enjoy this fanfiction, it means the world to me for you to star it and comment. You guys make my writing heart so happy!

Enjoy! "Through it all, I stare at the boy on the throne. He maintains his mask. Jaw clenched, lips pressed into a thin, unforgiving line. Still fingers, straight back. But his gaze wavers. Something in his eyes has gone far away. And at his collar, the slightest gray flush rises, painting his neck and the tips of his ears. He's terrified. For a second, it makes me happy. Then I remember―monsters are most dangerous when they're afraid." 

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Mare

Maven gives the weakest of smiles as if he doesn't believe anyone could help him. "I'd like that, Mare. I'd like to be the man you fell in love with.

"I'd like you to be the man I fell in love with too," I choke out, as a tear slips down my eye. "As long as we're being honest here, I admit," I begin slowly, then stopping momentarily to gaze back out at the low sun, which has encircled the world with a deep orange tint. "I've never lost my love for you, no matter how crippled it was. I was in love with a fiction, but I just couldn't let go. I saved your notes, I should have burned them, but I didn't. I held on to that last bit of hope I had for so long, much longer than I should have," I reveal, finally looking him in the eye, because all of it was true.

His eyes light up, from their usual darkness, as if my words had been all he had ever wanted to hear. "I love you, Mare. Through everything, I've never lost that."

Taking a deep breath, "I love you too, Maven," I whisper, more tear droplets running down my eyes, because of the lies I've told.

"Don't cry," he whispers, getting up from his chair, and kneels before me. Maven tentatively brings his hand up to my face, brushing away my tears gently with his warm fingertips. And just before he pulls away, I clamp my own hand over his, gripping firmly.

Pushing my chair back, I stand up, pulling Maven from his kneeling position along with me.

And then I kiss him.

For an instant, he freezes before melting into the kiss, cupping my face. I run my hands up and down his sides, discreetly feeling Maven's jacket pockets for a small card. As the kiss deepens, I finally locate the card, hidden in a pants pocket. Slowly pushing my hand into the pocket, I pinch the key card between my fingers and drag it out.

Maven shoves his fingers through my fingers, his hands beginning to feel disturbingly warm. While doing so, I raise one of my calves high enough to drop the card into my boot.

When my mission is completed, I place my arms around his neck and lower my leg back to the ground.

"Oww!" I scream, putting both hands on the top of my head. "I think you burned my scalp," I explain, rubbing my hair in false pain.

"I'm sorry," Maven tells me, unsure of what to do. "Maybe I should wear gloves next time," he says, attempting to lighten the mood.

"It's okay, really. My head's pretty achy now, though. I think I should withdraw back to my chambers," I say, concluding with a look of disappointment on my face.