Queen Of Paradox (Unedited)

Aftermath - Part 2

Vera stumbled as she was struck across the face, catching herself before she fell. "Do you know the disgrace you've brought upon my name? Upon Paradox? What were you thinking you foolish, selfish child!" She shrunk back at the harsh words and lifted her gaze to the head of the council. "Forgive me, father. It was never my intention to embarrass-" His hand came down across her cheek again and this time she did fall.

"Lies!" He snarled. "That was your intention from the moment you begged me to spare the life of your mother's killer! Do you have any idea what appeasing you cost me? What it almost cost YOU? We could have been exiled for treason! Protecting a murder!" He scoffed and turned away from her, walking a few feet away. "You're weak! Always have been...but if your mother could see you now..." He shook his head and turned back to her. His eyes, such a similar green as her own, bright with disappointment, anger, and resentment. "She would kill you herself."

Vera's eyes widened as tears brimmed and spilled over, running freely down her face. "...Y-You, you don't mean that father..." she whispered, staring up at him. She took in his handsome features and his tall slender frame. His auburn hair was slicked back and left to tumble freely down his back and to his waist. But even though she was looking at the familiar features of her father, at this moment he appeared a complete stranger. Their relationship had never been strong, but it died the same night as her mother. Yet, she never imagined that despite all their differences he could stop loving her. Panic bubbled up in her chest and she crawled towards him, wrapping herself around his feet. "Father please, I'm trying to fix it, trying to do better, I can-"

"Are you daft child? Your reign is over," he stated coldly. Looking down at her with eyes now devoid of emotion. Vera stared up in confusion, her heart thundering in her chest. "I-I still have time! The tournament-"

"The tournament will yield us a new Queen, a better Queen. But until then, I hereby strip you of your title, of the Isles name." An odd expression flashed across his face but was gone before it could be deciphered. "We owe a debt...I'm offering you to them to settle it."

Vera's hands slipped weakly from her father's feet as shock rolled through her and left her numb. He couldn't...He wouldn't do this. She was his daughter...He wouldn't barter her like a, like a mere possession! "Father, please! Please! Don't do this I BEG YOU! Father!" she screamed, as guards stepped forward and grabbed her arms. She struggled against their hold, weeping without restraint. But he didn't turn around. Not once did he look back at her or heed her cries.

* * *

Lana skidded backward a few steps, breathing hard as she swiped sweat of her chin with the back of her hand. She didn't know how long it had been since the fight began, but they were well in the throws of it now. One of the guards lunged at her and she spun, feigning left before ducking right and sweeping out her leg. She caught him across the back of his ankle, and he went down, his back hitting the ground hard. Not losing momentum, she straddled him and bashed the hilt of her sword against his temple. His head lolled to the left as he fell unconscious. They were at a big disadvantage. Not only were they outnumbered, these were personal guards of the royal family. To kill one was to sentence yourself to death. Her arm was grabbed and she was tossed towards the ground, a wince rippled through her body as pain radiated through her back. Looking up, her eyes widened as she watched a sword coming down on her. Rolling away at the last second, she still felt it nick her arm and hissed out a breath. The guard attempted to lunge for her again, but a dagger came sailing through the air forcing the male to jump back with a curse.

She used this to advantage and pressed the heels of her hands into the hard dirt before rocking back onto her shoulder blades. Shoving forward with momentum, she flipped to her feet. With a yell, she struck out only to have her elbow captured and a fist land in her stomach. Air whooshed out of her lungs and she lost her advantage as another punch landed. "Lana!" She heard Dean's worried voice and knew that she had to reclaim the upper ground. She couldn't afford to distract them in a fight like this. Gritting her teeth, she yanked her captured arm towards her, counting on his grip to be firm and persistent. Yes! Just like she assumed, he didn't let go, causing him to tumble forward and crash into her. She took the weight of him with her to the ground already beginning to position herself for the next move so it would be a smooth transition. As they hit the ground, she slipped her legs between them, pressed her feet flat against his abdomen, and pushed up. Sending the male flying. A brief grin of triumph spread across her face before a loud pained shout drew her attention to the left. Four guards circled William, while two fought to pin a struggling Dean down.