I Would Ask You To Dance (Mareven)

Part 2 (Maven)

     I pushed my food around my plate, staring off into the distance. Finally I would have someone who I loved and who loved me back. Mare had said yes to me yesterday and now we could finally be together, that is if I figured out what to tell Mother. The best lie contains parts of the truth. That was something I learned applied heavily to Mother. She didn't find it necessary to dig through my mind unless given a reason to. She took no pride in hurting me yet she did it anyways.

"Maven honey, is something bothering you? Should I have a look to see what's wrong?" Mother asked. Her voice was full of fake sympathy.

I clenched my jaw, "Nothing at all Mother, I just realized the genius in your plan," I answered trying to keep a straight face.

     The smile on her face looked as forced as my own. I could tell she didn't exactly believe me, but she wouldn't go through my head. Well at least not now with Evangeline sitting across from us. Suddenly I felt extremely thankful for the fact the Evangeline decided to join us for breakfast. Never had I thought that she could be useful.

"And what would that be?" Mother asked me.

I don't hesitate to answer, "Keeping every detail of a plan secret until it's all ready in action," my words sliced a gash in an already open wound.

Mother's eye bore into my own. She knew I was referring to the Whitefire attack. "And that has you...distracted at an important time such as now. Now why is that Maven? Better yet," she hissed, "What are you planning?"

I thought for only a second before answering. This was the perfect time to implant Mare's story. "I have a spy within the Scarlet Guard and according to them the Guard is on its way to an island just outside of Norta. Not only that but my brother is with them," I replied to Mother. She seamed satisfied by my answer, though looks can be deceiving.

For the first time during breakfast Evangeline perked up, "Was it that Red servant who ran off during the attack? I knew something was up with her," she asked stabbing her fork in to the egg whites.

"Evangeline, dear, Maven isn't going to tell us. Is he? He's going to keep their identity anonymous until the very end." Mother answered for me.

     Evangeline sighed before twisting her fork into a more extravagant utensil. This all started with Evangeline and her abilities. If she'd never pull the arena down, with Mare inside, things would be normal...or as normal as things could be. But then again I would have never fallen in love with her. Mare is light of my life and I'm starting to realize that. For years I've been looking for someone to fix what Mother did to me. A healer or a Whisper who could help me change, but never had I imagined it would be a Red girl who saved me.

"Anyways," Evangeline started, drawing all attention back to her, "When will we announce our engagement?" She asked.

I went pale. How would I explain this to Mare. She'd think I was lying and electrocute me the second I showed up on Tuck. "About the engagement-"

"You'll propose today during your announcement," Mother cut me off.

"No," I put my foot down.

Mothe's was slightly shocked at my sudden outburst, "Care to explain why," she quickly recomposed herself, her voice laced with venom.

"If I marry brother's ex fiance this soon it could tip any splitting houses towards the Traitor Prience," I began, "In this time of morning for the late king Tiberius we can't falter. The wise houses wait and watch, begging for me to make a mistake. They see my youth as my downfall, but they don't see through the facade. At any suspicion every house will jump so it's best that we wait. I say we make Evangeline look good in the eyes of the country, then I'll propose after a few weeks," I suggest.