Picking Petals:

Chapter 20: Here's to Goodbyes

  I hadn't the slightest idea what Rone was going to do with his father, but I knew it wasn't going to be easy for him. The king crossed a line that should never be crossed, with me, with Rone, especially with Tessa. Crimes like that could be justified to death, but I knew Rone. Whatever he decided to do, would be the beginning to his reign of Valkri.

   All I knew was that If I found a way to save Gregory, I wouldn't have any other reason to stay in the palace. It saddened me, I grew a small attachment to the decaying cement walls, the never ending halls. Most of all I'd miss Rone more then anything. All I wanted was to be chosen, undeniably. But everything makes sense now, he loves Tessa, truly loved her. Rone only fell in love with me because of the King, the King fooled us entirely.

   I sat on a wooden stool glaring at the demon, there's only one way I can possibly save Gregory without using my gift from mother Valkri, if you can call it that. I could torture the demon till he leaves Gregorys body which could work, but i wasnt fond of hurting Gregory's body. Plan b is my mark, and I knew I would use it if it came down to it. Maybe this is my purpose, to save Gregory, maybe it wasn't. But I'd be damned if I let Gregory die.

All I knew is every fiber in my body told me i needed to save Gregory, he would do the same for me. I'll die trying if that's what it will take. "Why are you doing this?" I asked the demon, "Why kill Gregory."

The demon shrugged, "Because I can. How are you and the prince doing?"

"We broke up," I said impatiently, "It was all fake anyways I don't really love Rone. The King made sure to ruin anything remotely real between Rone and I."

"You can't lie to me girl, you love the Prince," The demon grinned, "A charm is just an influence off of emotions already forming, it just intensifies."

I ignored the demon and asked, "I will peel your skin off if I have to, I will drown you over and over. I don't care what it takes, but you will leave his body. Good thing i have at least a week to pry you out," I smiled. "So i'll let you choke on that, because i'll have you screaming so loud you won't have any choice but to leave. Either way this ends with you dead," I said stashing my dagger back in my boot.

"I have nothing to lose then," the demon said but as i looked into Gregorys eyes, I saw fear flicker in the depths of his blackened eyes.

"And I have everything to lose so what makes you think i'll let you go peacefully," I got up and threw a piece of bread i got from the kitchen to the demon. Gregorys eyes were no longer the lingering dark shimmer of black I grew to admire. They were ink black and cold. Their was no depth in his gaze, no flicker of life. Seeing gregory like this made me sick, a part of myself wanted to just save him now but i wasn't ready to go yet. After all I needed to find someone to stab me with an iron dagger so i dont go all killer crazy. A part of me hoped I wouldn't, a part of me hoped I was different. It helps with the fear.

   "I think you have a death wish," the demon said thoughtfully. I didn't answer him, I just walked away, a single pearl tear sliding down my face.

As I walked up the tiny cobbled stairs, I made sure the coast was clear. I have been avoiding Rone at all costs. I know he's going through a lot, The Queen pestering him about his coronation ball tomorrow. They need to make everything in order at the palace so our people dont freak. Some are joyful with Rone stepping in early, some think Rone is too young and coddled. I think Rone will be the most interesting king yet, the way his mind worked was just what valkri needed.

I was nervous for the ball tomorrow, it was the last thing I wanted to do but Berella guilt tripped me. She told me she missed me, the way things used to be and that she could really use a friend and a magical night. Magical to Berella was of course fancy dresses and dancing with cute boys. And then there's the fact that this might be my last dance, the last time Berella and I will ever get ready together. The last time i'll ever see Simon in an oversized dress shirt and trousers.