Maven's Redemption [Red Queen]

Chapter 4

We set off into a brisk walk. Neither of us spoke, there seemed to be nothing to really say to each other. I wanted to rage though, unleash everything I had in me on him, it would be so easy while I held his only source of power he had. Yet I couldn't. Some part of me that remembered the boy he used to be kept my powers at bay. We walked like this until the sun started to set. The first time we finally spoke to each other was when we made a makeshift shelter in some trees and thick brush. Maven tried helping as best he could but there wasn't much else he could do but hand me the materials.
"Hey Maven?" I asked as we sat together and watched the sunset, the colors reminding me of a flame. My newest idea developed in my mind.
"Yeah?" He stared at me, his blue eyes glowing with the colors in the sky. They didn't seem so icy anymore. Out here, it was easy to forget everything that was happening in Norta.
"What if instead of pleading with the Guard, you publicly denounced your actions to all of Norta and invited Cal back to the throne?" I suggested. His eyebrow perked as he took in the idea.
"I could get executed." He finally said after a moment.
"That would be entirely up to Cal if he accepts. But you have to try. I feel like this is the only way you will ever have a chance of being forgiven. The people of Norta will know eventually. Why not tell them yourself?" I took his hand. He needed to take this deal. The wheels were already turning for Cal to take back the throne anyway. Doing this will make it so much easier. If Maven went to the Scarlet Guard himself, they would immediately lock him up. I squeezed his hands, knowing it would help him decide the right way. Maven sighed deeply, taking in the idea while he stared into my eyes. I wanted to look away but that wouldn't help my case with Maven.
"Okay. I will do it... but only if you are there with me. I don't think I could do it without you." He squeezed my hands and my heart dropped.
"I have to complete this mission and go back to the Guard and then-" I started to say, not having to fake the panic rising in my throat.
"Complete the mission. Bring the Newblood to your base." He interrupted, squeezing my hands now. Maven's face grew darker with his next words and I was reminded of who he was before this seemingly sudden transformation. "Then you can leave and meet me the border. I will wait there for you. If you don't come, I will know your decision and the announcement will never happen." He said, looking away. He looked sad but all I could think of was the subtle threat artfully laced into his words.
"Do you have any idea how hard it is to sneak out of the base? I have heard of some of the newer recruits trying to leave and the guards force them back to the barracks and they end up being on lockdown for who knows how long." My lightning started to run through my veins once again, creating a warmth I found comfort in.
"Mare. You are not some random Newblood. You are the famous Lightning Girl" I rolled my eyes at his use of my title.
"Yes, I am. That means I am at even more of a risk when I leave without guards."
Maven and I argued until the creeping darkness made us finally lay down on the hard ground. I wanted to laugh when Maven awkwardly laid down next to me. The Boy King wasn't used to sleeping on anything but the luxury beds at the palace.
"Goodnight Mare. I hope you think about my proposal." Maven whispered into the dark. It seemed like hours before he fell asleep, his breathing becoming even and slow but I lay awake for long after, still holding the bracelets close to my chest. But eventually sleep overcomes me too.