To Be Betrayed (Red Queen Fanfic)

7

CAL

Mare runs with a tear coming down her cheek, leaving me worried for her. The hallway is empty, but the sound of her slap has been echoing for minutes.

"Woah, trouble in paradise?" Cameron asks when she sees Mare run the other direction.

"No, she... she just slapped me?" I rub the back of my neck. Cameron gives me a quizzical look, crossing her arms.

"What did you do Cal?"

"I didn't do anything! One minute we're talking the next she's being all touchy and slaps me."

"She didn't tell you about the baby, huh?"

Baby? What baby? Last time I checked, Mare and I had never-

"It's not like that Cal," Cameron says when she sees the alarmed expression on my face. "Maven uh... he sent another dead baby to Mare."

The veins in my body burn with anger for the bother I thought I once had. Of course he would. He'd do anything to get Mare back into his arms.

"When?"

"Last Wednesday. Maybe that's why she so... jumpy."

"I'll go find her. Thanks Cameron."

"Whatever," she shrugs, walking away.

Mare did look tired when I caught a glimpse of her. Her eyes were alert and there were dark circles forming underneath them. Her usual tamed hair was sucking out all over the place. I make my way towards the residence area, ignoring the glances of scared reds who I pass. My feet feels heavy with every light step, like something is on my shoulders.

Even after proving that I won't betray them, they still have a fear of me. No matter how friendly I try to be, I'll only get the same response, a fearful respect. They feel like they have an obligation of treating me like a god, even after the countless times of telling them to call me, Cal.

"Calore!" Farley's voice barks. I let out an agitated sigh, facing her.

"Yes?"

"We need you in the North Command room. Maven is broadcasting a speech, it might be important."

"Alright, lead the way," I nod.

I follow her to the NC room, my feet no longer light but stomping on the floor. If Maven had anything planned to make Mare more anxious than she already is, I'd kill him myself. He doesn't deserve to live, he doesn't deserve anything. He watched as Elara killed my father using me. He never cared about anything but himself.

Farley shuts the door of the command room, shushing people harshly. Her mood is showing on her face; frustrated.

"Everyone be quiet! He's starting."

I look around the room, hoping to see Mare but the light dims, a quiet silence has washed over everyone like a wave, and Maven's pale face shows.

"My people, we mourn for our queen," he starts off, but a ghost smile appears on his face. "And we mourn for the people who had died from the Scarlet Guard rebellion group. I first want to address the disappearance of my loving uncle, and the current head of his house, Samson Merandus. Who ever has information about his disappearance will get a high honor of rewards, and their house will be acknowledged."

There's a slight pause when people clamor and shout at Maven, asking him questions. But with a flick of his hand, the crowd stops in an instant, listening to their king.

"Another serious note that we have all been curious about is Mare Barrow. The Lightning Girl still exists, and my council and I have been very cautious with her. Mare Barrow, if you are watching, this is a warning. Surrender now. Conscription has been lowered once again but to the age of sixteen. More newborns will be taken from their mothers if you do not come into the palace, alone without your Scarlet Guard or my dear traitorous brother."

A few whispers fill the room, taking in what Maven just said. I'm not bothered by how he addresses me as traitorous, I'm bothered that he probably knows where we are, and that he really is the main reason Mare is acting differently.

The broadcast ends after he thanks everyone for listening, gives one last warning to the Scarlet Guard, and leaves. Farley shuts the screen off, a scowl on her face and her arms leaning against the control board.

"Farley–" Shade puts a hand on her shoulder, but she shrugs it off and storms out of the room.

"I guess I should go after her," Shade sighs.

•••

When I enter the room later at night, I notice how cold it is. Mare is huddled against the corner with her face in her hands, whispering something underneath her breath.

"Cal?" Her voice breaks, sensing how fragile she is right now. I edge closer towards and sit next to her, keeping a distance I thought I'd never had to do.

"I-I just wanted to-" she stops short and sobs, breathing heavily.

"Hey, Mare, hey, it's alright," I pull her into my arms, feeling her shake beneath me.

"I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm like this. All these thoughts just c-come into my head, it's like I don't e-even have control."

Control?

Samson.

"You don't have to apologize. I was pushing you too hard."

"I have to. You didn't deserve that."

"I don't deserve a lot of things," I kiss the top of her forehead, hoping to calm her down. She stops crying, which is a good sign. But her body is still shaking, and I have a feeling it's not from the bitter cold in the room.

"I keep seeing her," she whispers.

"Who?"

"Elara. Her face just streams into my head and I can't get her out."

"Is that why you can't sleep?" I can't help but blurt out.

"How do you know I'm not sleeping?"

"You just confirmed it, and don't think I didn't notice how tired and odd you look."

"It's part of the reason," she sniffs, wiping her nose with her sleeve.

"What's the other reason?"

"Nothing," she quickly responds, her voice high pitched.

"He's sending more babies isn't he?"

She's quiet for a moment, but nods. "Yeah..."

She leans her head on my shoulder, wrapping her arms around my middle.

"I want to make Maven regret and pay for everything he's done."

"I do too."

Even in the darkness of the night, the war outside, and the bitter taste of truth, Mare smiles sadly at me, burying her face into my chest.

And we stay like that all night long, not caring about sleep, worries, or what will happen next.

Thank you for 100 reads!

-Chloe