I Would Ask You To Dance (Mareven)

Part Seven (Cal/Mare)

Fire would be licking at my fingers if not for Cameron, the Newblood we picked up just before Mare was taken by my wretched brother. Looking past my hatred for the unbearable silence, I was able to understand why she was necessary. I don't share Maven's ability to mask my emotions, which in turn made my emotional state destructive. Although Cameron gave me as much space as her abilities would allow, it wasn't exactly the solitude I was hoping for. Yet again, if I was completely alone I'd assume my mind would only wander to the kiss Mare shared with my brother.

"Where we headed?" She called out from behind.

I cringed at her lack of grammar, weather it was just slang or absence of knowledge it didn't matter, "Somewhere which doesn't concern you."

"I don't think you understand, Your Majesty. I have to go wherever you go, so yes Calore, this does concern me," She spat back.

"If you insist on knowing I'm heading to Barrow's room," I inform her.

"We're," she corrects, "You mean we're," she catches up to me. "What for?"

"Listen Cole, I don't need to explain myself to you, therefore I'm not going to," I sigh pushing back ahead.

Even though I've left the palace, old habits are hard to shake. Father always told me that to maintain our image of strength and power our every action must show it. He would always remind me that a king sits first, or eats first, or even just walks first, and that one day I would be king. If only Father could see me now. His eldest son helping a Red rebellion and in love with their figurehead. 

"And you wonder why we despise you as much as we do," she snorts.

I shook her comment off, as I was taught to do, but couldn't help wondering why it stung so much. I had thought I was making progress with the Reds, or was it all façade the Guard had put up to satisfy Mare? Whatever the case may be, I couldn't afford to get distracted, I had to focus on freeing Mare. Cameron had slunk back around twelve yards behind me and tighten her grip on me. Now there was an annoying headache pounding about my mind, along with the cold feeling of silence. I pushed forward, trying not to show any signs of discomfort, towards Shade's quarters. I had only been there once, to give him a message form Farley, but fortunately memorizing layouts was one of my fortes. As I made my way to the door, it opened to reveal a battle-ready Farley.

"Calore," she nodded to me, "And Cameron I didn't know you were interested in planning Barrow's rescue," her voice sounding surprised.

"I'm not," she muttered.

"Congratulations, now you are. Come on in everyone else is already here."

*****

I hurried out of the throne room with Maven by my side. He too looked out of breath, probably from sitting next to his disapproving mother the whole time, who speaking of which was still inside giving a closing statement.

"Mare why don't you go to our quarters, you still know where my chamber is right?"

I shivered at his words, our quarters, "Yes, but what about your mother?"

"I'll deal with her. Hopefully you won't have to see her until dinner, which is at seven by the way," he answered.

"And what shall I do in the mean time?" I ask starring into his blue eyes.

"Whatever you wish, just remember," he hesitated, and his face dropped, "We're 'in love'," he added, and not forgetting to put quotes around his words.