To Dim the Light of a Flame - King of the Underworld Fanfic

Year 20XX, Moon 9, Day 10

Emylin woke up, sputtering, in the bathtub I had carried her to from the dream of drowning that I had implanted in her head, and she looked pretty damn terrified. Looking expressionlessly at me once she had regained her senses, I crossed my arms and asked if she had learned her lesson. When she didn't respond, I stared at a speck on the bathroom wall right above her head as I told her that I expected her to finish her bath and meet me for the dinner party I had set up to announce my new Queen.

Shivers raced down my spine as I walked to the ballroom and greeted various guests, wearing a guarded expression. Besides, I don't know which ones I can trust and which ones are working with Damien. There was a strange guest I encountered that gave off a strong aura, and I immediately identified him as Damien. While I could have easily called him out and ordered him to be sent to the dungeon, I let him stay - I had assumed he was there to comfort little Emmy. My assumption was proven correct later in the night.

When my Queen was brought up to me, she could barely stand on her own two legs, knees threatening to buckle. She wore such a vacant expression, and the way she regarded me with indifference tugged at my chest. She truly looked miserable; an adjective I've used to describe her a lot lately.

Despite the heavy and tight feeling in my chest, I forced myself to smirk, playing the part of a snarky King who had just won his prize. I forced myself to act indifferent about her health when Julian (I'm 90% sure he's a half-blood) inquired as to whether or not I'd fed her every day. I forced myself to laugh and puff my chest out at everyone's misery.

Julian had reminded me that broken faeries result in broken magic, and I had forced Emylin to use her magic even though I knew it pained her to. However, when I expected to see some shock in her eyes, I saw nothing.

She really was broken.

And I had done the breaking.

I had walked away from Julian and Naida, nearly dragging Emylin along with me as I tucked her hand into the crook of my elbow. Such a poor, poor girl. So broken. So helpless. Hell, I'd broken her so much, she had failed to voice her wants - she had resorted to tugging at my arm, looking longingly at the table filled with fruits and veggies.

Five weeks ago, I would have loved for her to be like this, but now? I hate to admit this, but I don't know how I feel about everything now. That alien emotion keeps stinging me, lashing out and grasping my chest tightly, constricting my lungs. I really do hate this. Why can't I enjoy my victory in peace? Why must I be burdened by difficult emotions such as this?

I also hate to admit this, but I'm glad I sent Emylin to the fruit table. I had known that Damien had been lurking by the table, and I was confident that he wouldn't steal my Queen away. I was right (as usual), and when Emylin had come back to me, some of her soul had seeped back into her eyes. She regarded me with less apathy than before, and I was able to see a tiny spark of rebellion light her eyes.

So I hadn't broken her as much as I had.

I don't know what scares me more: the fact that this girl is mentally stronger than I had thought, or the level of relief that had flooded through me when I realized I hadn't broken her.

That's it: I'm done. I'm done with this bullshit. I'm done with everything.

If I had known I would end up caring for the little girl I wouldn't have captured her.

If I had known I would end up worrying for her safety I wouldn't have kidnapped her.

And if I had known she would make me feel the way I had when my first Queen was alive, I wouldn't have stolen her away.

Karma, you can stop terrorizing me now. The game's over.

I surrender.

Um so the next chapter will be the last one. Just a heads up!