All Is Fair In Love and War (Red Queen Fanfiction)

Part 2 Chapter 1

Mare

   The next few days were pure torture. Maven's odd behavior creeped me out more and more each day. I could feel the cold palace walls eating away at me, piece by piece. I felt more like a caged animal than a soon-to-be princess. My wedding with Maven was quickly approaching. There were decorations in the main ballroom and I had already started to get fitted for my wedding dress. I wanted nothing more than some piece and quiet for a while. My lightning seemed to grow as caged as I did, sparking randomly if I didn't control it. At night I would dream of escaping outside this hell-hole. To be free of the captivating lace and makeup. But mostly to be free of him. While part of my wilted at the thought of losing Maven, another part of me longed to be away from his piercing blue eyes and gentle gaze. He seemed really possessive lately, like I was a treat he wanted to savor for as long as possible. I couldn't stop my thoughts from running as my three maids prepared me for Cal's execution. I felt nauseous just thinking about the blood shed that would take place. The thought of Cal's silver blood draining from his body, joining the lost souls who were also killed in the very same arena almost brought me to tears. As I was escorted by Lucas to the arena, my surrounding faded out as I stayed lost in thought, thinking of the events that had happened, and the tradgities yet to come. I was soon sitting on a cushioned seat next to Maven at the highest point of the Bowl of Bones, the outraged screams of the silver nobles blocking out my senses. The smell of old blood and rotting flesh burned my nose as I settled into my seat. "Silver nobles!" Maven yelled. "The man before you had committed treason to the highest degree. He murdered his father, the king, on the boat ride to the palace." At his words a few nobles gasped and had horrified expressions on their caked faces. "I may be new to the throne, but I am not weak, even to my own brother." Maven continued on but I didn't hear him. I was too busy staring at Cal. He was dirty and bleeding from the many cuts and bruises that littered his face. He looked nothing like the soldier prince that she had known before. Cal was now a skinny, dirty shell of who he was before. I didn't realize that Maven had finished his speach until I heard a horn blow a deep honking sound that signaled the executioners to begin. I saw strongarms surround him and begin to drag his defeated body towards a hairy and burly man. The man began to beat Cal, silver blood permanently staining the sand. Silver crashing against the dried red blood from the countless executions that had taken place here before. I looked away quickly as Maven placed his hand on mine, too disgusted at him to even glance at him. I could still feel his eyes burning a hole into the back of my head, his wonder and confusion evident. I felt his eyes turn as out of the corner of my eyes I see a figure suddenly appear in the arena and start running towards Cal. I quickly look to face the mysterious figure and almost gasping out loud as I slowly recognize the man. Shade. He grabs Cal as his bloody face turns to me and smiles the tiniest grin I have ever seen, longing and pity in his eyes. And then they were gone, and quickly as he had appeared, Shade vanished along with Cal, not a trace of them left. Maven roared in anger as I tried to take the whole situation in as the arena descended into chaos.

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   Thanks everyone for all the support! I have been trying to update a bit more often though I have hit a little bit of rough patch in this story. I don't have much inspiration and am more focused on the other story I am writing The Legend of Magnolia. I know that some people really like this story so I will continue to update this story even though updates might not be super often. If you want to support me and this story, be sure to read The Legend of Magnolia and keep up with the story. If you want to know more about the story, just reach out to me and ask. I am happy to answer any questions you have. Enjoy!