Masquerade {Edited}

Masquerade -8-

Chapter Eight

A mother's best kept secret

Letting Neville and his family go see Nova, who was sleeping but fine, I walked back up to my room and closed the door lightly behind me. I locked the door, leaving myself in silence as I sat down on my bed with my legs crossed in front of me.

I had to decide whether or not to move on from Neville, and let his family once again become happy. His dad was right when he told me not to get involved... It would only cause trouble, and look what I caused. I caused a little girl to nearly be killed tonight. I felt my heart beat pick up at the overwhelming feeling of guilt.

I was sick of the same things happening over and over again. I couldn't make up my mind and I was sick of it. I had to do this, not only for the people of the village but for me. I was allowed to be selfish every once in a while.

"Jane?" I heard my mother's voice outside the door as she tapped lightly. I sniffled and wiped a stray tear off my face before standing up and walking over to the door. I unlocked it slowly and let her in, stepping aside as I did so. She sat on my bed avoiding any eye contact. She patted the space next to her, as I walked over and took a seat.

"There's something I should tell you," She started, looking up at me with pleading eyes. I nodded my head, letting her know to continue.

"I don't want you to judge me, but I have a feeling that you won't and you will be open minded and understanding." She took a deep breath before starting over. She looked in front of her as she got this worried look on her face. She wasn't sure if she was able to tell me. I was starting to get confused, why would she be nervous?

"When I was a princess, I loved this man. It was before I met your father and no one knew about it. My mother caught us outside holding hands and instantly assumed the worst. She threatened my thrown and his family, just like your father is doing to you." I nodded my head at all of this new information. My mother had been in the same position as me?

"I only wished to explain to her, but I knew she wouldn't listen, she never did understand." My mother stood up and started pacing around the room. She kept opening her mouth trying to form her words, but changed her mind last second to close them. Finally she stopped walking and looked me dead in the eyes.

"I guess what I'm trying to say... I wish my mother had been more understanding when I was in that situation and maybe I wouldn't have made the wrong choice." My mother never wanted to marry my father? She was forced to as well? So many questions formed in my head but I knew better to ask.

"I want you to be happy, and you might think I'm lying from the way I have treated you in the past. Honestly I think I was jealous, I envied how easy you had it. Until I found out you where just like me..." She laughed under her breath a little bit.

"I'm so harsh towards you because that was the direction I chose to live my life. That might not make any sense, but as a Queen it is my responsibility to treat you that way. As a mother however... I was you to choose the right decision."

"Does he still work here?" I asked, looking up at her. She looked at me shocked, but I instantly knew he did as her face fell slightly.

"Who is he?" I whispered, purely curious. She looked up, fighting back the tears that threatened to leak.

"You know him more than you think." She said. I was confused, beyond belief. She looked up at me and held my hand.

"It shouldn't matter anymore. He's moved on and married, has three beautiful kids and a happy family." I saw the hurt in my mom's eyes as she looked back away. "My daughter just so happened to fall in love with one of them." My eyes widened in shock. She loved Neville's father? Of course she did! It made perfect sense! When I first saw him, in the stables and he said he didn't need his son in any trouble, because he knew what it was like! The way my mom looked at Susan, guilt almost? It was hard to wrap my mind around.