TOXIC

❝ 20 ❞

The White Dot softly lit up the dim sky, streaks of light shining upon the Queen's skin and sheets. She laid upon her back, hands resting on her stomach, knitted. Colorless strands of locks pooled at her side, movement slow as she transitioned to an upright position in the bed. Her dark eyes stared off into the light, a knock sounding at her door. They stepped in, light bouncing off the tray prepared for her Ladyship.

The tray soon took place on her lap, the dark sheets shifting slightly. With a bow, the servant disappeared from the room, leaving her in peace. The meal was small, yet full of the finest of the Kingdom. Fresh berries and special grained toast adorned her taste buds, the dish soon empty. Placing the tray to the side, her Ladyship rose, her silk gown flowing delicately behind her. The blinds soon flew open at her touch, skin warm from the 'Sun'.

More servants began to flood into the room, pieces at their tow. She found herself fully dressed, extravagant material pooling at her feet and the sound of pointed heels against the plush carpet of her floor, transitioning to the hard tiles. The harsh sound echoed throughout her ears as her servants bowed to her gracefully, not a tinge of fear in sight. They looked up to her, for she was that of a Lady. Moreover, that of a Queen. The doors to the throne room remained heavy, the metal cool upon her skin as she drew open the door.

"Good day, my Ladyship." Her guards spot their Queen as she settled on her throne. The room was slightly dark, large slightly tinted windows drawing in some light. The throne basking in all its glory, sharp ice-like shards pointed towards the ceiling at the top, her fingers resting perfectly upon the soft blood velvet plush armrest.

"Any word of our guests?" Her voice was smooth as silk, it's depths echoing across the walls.

"Yes, my Ladyship. One of our elites caught them making their way through the woods a few hours ago, they're headed this way."

"Well done. See to it that this elite receives an award. Any estimation on when they shall arrive?"

"No, my Ladyship. We do suggest, however, that you prepare yourself. Our Guest Of Honor has incredible powers and-"

"I do know of that, sir, thank you. Please prepare the Throne Room while I'm gone, I will be taking my leave for preparation." She rose from her throne, her skirts flowing as she passed. The Guards bowed to her, sending for servants to prepare. Feet taking light steps towards her destination, the echoing over the marble floors.

"Good morning, my Queen; what a fine day to become the most powerful Lady in the universe." A voice spoke up to her, sending delicate shivers down her spine. Stopping in her tracks, she turned around instantly, looking at the male who graced her presence.

"How is it that you find creeping up on me pleasureful?" She spoke quietly, continuing her movement.

"Don't know my Queen. Are you in preparation for this evening?"

"Yes. I am having my servants prepare the Throne Room as well speak."

"Bravo. Are you in need of any assistance?" He stopped, bowing to her.

"No, but thank you." She lifted her skirts up slightly, bowing her head before turning back in the direction of her destination.

"Oh! Could you take a few of many servants with you and pick out a gown for the evening events? Surely your taste shall suit me."

"With Honor, my Queen." And with that, he turned and headed for the servant's quarters, leading their separate ways. The sound of her heels bounced off the walls once more, growing louder and louder as she descended down the stairs, to the lower level. The posted guards bowed to her Ladyship, their swords displayed on their hips.

"Please prepare our special prisoner, his descendant is on her way." Spoken in a hushed tone, she continued her journey, lighting a torch to seek guidance. As she descended, the air thickened, becoming moist. The door that stood in front of her haunted her dreams and was the source of her nightmares, bringing forth horrible memories. Pushing the door open, a chill immediately went down her spine as she marched through the long hallway, leading to her father's shrine. Pushing open the second door, she slammed it shut, breathing heavy. The aura that was disturbingly present in that hallway did not touch the room she stood in, and she soon found comfort touching her father's casket.

"The day has come father. The day we both dreamed of, even before I was a child." She faced the mirror on the far side of the wall, an image of her hovering her father appearing in her vision.

Walking towards the mirror, she ran her delicate nails over the glass before placing both hands over her ears, a gut-wrenching scream producing from her ruby lips as the glass shattered, pooling at her feet. Placing her pointed heel on the glass, she reached in past the unaffected shards and took into grip her father's sword. At her touch, the sword grew warm with a powerful aura, dark smoke dancing on her skin. She pulled back, running the blade across her fingertips, rapidly drawing blood.

"Wonderful..."

Once more she pushed her way through the door, looking back at the casket before slamming the door shut again. The torch she left in the hallway grew bright against the walls, the energy blazing bright. Smirking, she blew it out before pushing through the first door she came through, trudging up the stairs. Back on the main floor, she smiled, feeling invincible. Today was the day she'd save her Kingdom as well as herself. Today was the day she'd be reborn.

"My Ladyship, everything has been prepared. We are waiting for you." A voice pulled her out of her thoughts, turning towards her servant.

"Thank you." She bowed her head slightly, allowing the servant to lead her to her sleeping quarters. They dressed her lightly, the black gown pooling and trailing behind her. The Family Necklace sat around her neck, almost as a collar, while the Crown sat adorned upon her head, setting the dark veil in place.

"You look gorgeous my Queen."

"As do you, my advisor. You did a wonderful job. The dress is perfect." She smiled at him, her dark makeup casting a hint of confidence in her eyes.

"Our guests have arrived, may I do the honor of escorting you?"

"Of course. They will be pleased to see you." She spoke softly, taking his hand as she moved from her chair, bowing to her servants slightly.

"They could never say you aren't a good Queen." He spoke, kissing her knuckles. She chuckled inconsiderably. Arriving at the door, she looked at the man once again before placing a chaste kiss on his lips.

"I Am Supreme." Left her lips before she pushed through the doors, the man following behind her.

                                   *

"Welcome my guests!" She spoke, the voice almost instantly making Crimson cringe. She watched from the corner of her eye as the Queen bowed before her court, eyeing Crimson's father with a smirk. Lowering herself before Crimson, the Queen looked her in her face before smiling, a wicked grin pressed upon her lips as she trailed her pointed nails upon her cheek.

"And a special welcome to you, Crimson. I've been waiting for you, as your father and a dear friend have." She removed herself before looking at the man beside her, Kyungsoo, patting his head.

"And you, one of our own. Welcome home." The sleek fabric trailed behind her before she stood in front of her throne, directing the guards to force Crimson and Kyungsoo to stand. Exchanging looks with Kyungsoo, it was at that moment that Crimson oh-so-badly wanted to strike her 'ladyship' dead. The room grew eerie as the people watched, smiles pressed upon their aged faces.

"Welcome to Pluto, the Demon Dimension! I am Queen Cassandra, and before you stands my court as well as my advisor and dear friend." A smirk ghosted the Queen's lips as she descended her throne once more to meet her advisor. Shock emerged on Crimson's face as she eyed the man before her, Kyungsoo calling out to her softly, anger and fear rattling in his voice. She paid no attention to such as she spoke up and out, rage boiling within her.

"Roy?! How could you!?"