Queen of Darkness

Chapter Two

"Elisabeta, you will behave tonight," my mother snarled, patting down the excessive, deep brown curls piled on the top of her head. She was dressed in an extravagant, champagne colored dress, bedazzled with pearls from top to bottom. Her dress was as flawless as the makeup she had applied, despite the permanent frown lines framing her tight lips.

"You are already testing my patience by going against the dress I picked out for you! You really had to wear that color?!" She shrieked. I smirked at her annoyance, I loved my choice of outfit. The castle ladies had laid out a silver dress nearly identical to my mother's, however, I opted for something a bit more daring.

My gown was crimson red, form fitting, and elegant. The red contrasted against my jet black hair and especially pale skin, and it was exactly the opposite of what was acceptable to my mother, which was exactly what I was going for.

The room was as adorned as it had ever been. The ceiling-high windows were embellished with gold and silver tapestries, and hundreds of tables were filled with delicate plates and teacups, waiting to be filled. White floral centerpieces graced the tables which were covered in silver linens. My mother was putting on quite the show--probably hoping the exquisite decor would distract the guests from my attitude towards the princes.

As guests began piling in, right on cue, she became the prim and proper Queen rather than the spiteful mother I frequently knew her as. Almost instantly, two well-dressed men rushed towards us out of the overwhelming crowd, obviously eager to be introduced.

"Queen Emilia, what a pleasure!" the older gentleman bowed, out of breath, "and this must be Princess Elisabeta?" I curtsied, knowing what was about to happen. "May I introduce to you, my son; Prince Warren of--"

"How lovely," I interrupted, curtsying yet again, inwardly growling at their eagerness. It was just the beginning of a night filled with curtsying and fake smiles. My mother shot me a horrified look, but the placid smile remained on her face. As they began their conversation, I tuned out the polite voices, ignoring my "duties" as a princess as I always did-- according to my mother at least. Interrupting them yet again, I quickly said my goodbyes, but just as I turned to leave, I saw him. It was the Ashanti man again. How was this happening?

I froze in my spot, my breath stuck somewhere between my lungs and my mouth. I stared at him as my mind went completely blank. Although an entire room separated us, neither of us moved an inch as his eyes met mine. I felt the power radiating from him, pulling me in, wanting me to step closer. How did others not see or feel him? After a moment that felt like forever, the trance he had managed to put me in had been broken, and I could finally breathe again. I spun around quickly and bolted in the opposite direction, searching for Ettore.

I quickly slipped out of the ballroom and ran down the long, slim hallway in the direction of the library. When wasn't he there? As I reached the doors I could hear him breathing from inside, I slowed down and knocked twice on the heavy oak doors.

"Come in," his old, startled voice croaked out. As I had suspected, a book laid in his hands, matching the pile on his desk. The library was massive, with books filling every bookcase to the brim. When I was younger, I would play hide and seek in here, although, it didn't work out so well--for obvious reasons. His desk, matching the rest of the castle furniture, was a dark oak, papers scattered everywhere. Once he realized who his visitor was, his entire face lit up. "Hello Elisabeta. Escaping the princes are we?" he smirked.

"Absolutely," I nodded, and made my way into the library, plopping myself onto the velvety, overstuffed chair in front of his desk. I relaxed myself for a moment, concentrating on slowing my breathing.

"Are you alright, dear?" He questioned, concern written on the lines beginning to show in his face. I shook my head, rubbing my temples. Why was it so hard for me to get it out? What was stopping me in my time of troubles?