Of Amber and Iron

2

"I just don't think it's good for the boy to be isolated all the time. He needs something to do, something to stimulate his growing mind"

"I know, your majesty, but his level intelligence signifies he could use anything given to him to his advantage" 

Arianna left the Captain's office in a huff. I didn't seem fair to her, a young boy left alone in the dark, just sitting and staring at all wall. She promised herself she would find a way to help him.

Promise.

Broken promises, promises with good intentions. Broken with good intentions that didn't go according to plan. Broken promises that left everyone confused. Who knew who the good guy was anymore? Who knew who to trust? Why was there a reason for any of this to happen?

These thoughts swirled through Arianna's head, causing a frown to appear on her face. Why should she help the one who had hurt her and her family? But why did she and her family have to hurt him? There was no good answer to either question. It was a battle for her every day. The queen didn't know what the right thing to do was at this point. The right thing, she thought, is to help him. Regardless of what he did. It's only right. Of course, even with this decision, there was still the mental battle in her mind.

The normal thing to do, of course, wast to be angry with Varian. After all, he had kidnapped her, taken advantage of Rapunzel, and nearly crushed Cassandra, Arianna, and her daughter. But Arianna was not the average person, nor queen nor mother. She knew that somewhere inside of him, the talkative, quirky, cheery alchemist she once knew was there, just waiting to burst out. And she promised herself she'd bring it out of him.

Promise. 

Every day, someone would come and try to make an effort to talk to Varian. It was usually Rapunzel, but occasionally Eugene or Cassandra would come down also. Of course, none of their efforts were effective. Most days, the boy wouldn't even respond, just stare at his feet or the stone wall. Varian was appalled by there efforts. Why do they think they can change things? They can't. My dad is still in the amber, and until he's free, nothing will change. Varian refused to smile or even try to. What's the point in smiling? I shouldn't be happy. There's no reason in it. It will just remind me of what I've lost. Varian promised himself he wouldn't feel joy until he heard Quirin's voice again.   

But as we all know, promises are broken.