The Switch

09| Jealousy

Silver Petrova:

Finally, we arrive at the jousting field, but unfortunately, we have already missed the joust. The raucous voices of the crowd cheering wildly causes me to develop a vicious headache. The pain in my head is so consuming, I barely notice that the crowd, who is drunk on the excitement of the joust, is cheering a familiar name. Squinting my eyes in an effort to bring the noises to the forth front so that I may understand them, Serena's voice preempts my question. "Crimson! She did it! She won, Silver!" Serena smiles as she tilts her head to the side, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. This is the only time I actually yearn for the cold formalities of the royals, as I detest any displays of compassion. Tensing at the contact of Serena's warm, slender fingers, I brush her hand away briskly. Not deigning to respond, I twist to see the massive outdoor stage as I tune out the roars of the crowd. Serena shoots a sardonic glare at me, then quickly returns to her regular docile demeanor. "The winner of Fortissimum Jouster is Crimson Hood!" Shouts the announcer on the stage, a trace of disbelief in his boisterous voice. This ignites a spark of anger within my senses that are still numb with shock from the previous events that had occurred in the forest. I scoff with disgust. Men can be such arrogant, domineering, idiotic creatures. The mere thought of us, the gender they believe to be lesser in all ways, defeating them in a competition of strength, skill and capability, is something their minuscule brains sometimes have trouble comprehending. That is something I will change upon the arrival of my rule, my domination, of both Velaris and Everadon... In fact, if I was not so enveloped in my own world of bitter, furious shock at Serena's display of powers, I would have deigned to clap with the others on Crimson's behalf. For such an achievement deserves congratulations. Alas, the stunning female warrior must make do without my best wishes... Despite what happened earlier in the woods, I notice the feeling of pride and happiness that encompasses Serena for her best friend's accomplishment. Soon, the girl is cheering along with the crowd, pumping her fists in the air. I cannot seem to join in on the festivities, instead I am barely able to reign in my negative emotions as a frown forms on my face, and I head back to the school without so much as a goodbye to Serena, who has been reduced to some primordial state of excitement. I draw away as a sense of dread and fear and apprehension consumes me. More time passes, and my thoughts swirl in deviousness. Serena has powers. Allegedly, my powers...  Wordlessly, I briskly focus on my steps as I hurry through the hallways of the academy, for it hurts to think of Serena's magic. Soon, I am closer, closer to my bedroom. Arriving at my dorm room, which is the epitomy of sophistication, I sigh in relief. For I find that it is empty, with my roommate, Crystal, thankfully absent. Dread once again consumes me. No, I cannot remain here, for the elegant constraints of my bedroom leave me with nothing to do but think. And I fear the thoughts that swirl in my mind. I fear their meaning. Their truth. So I must leave for now. Decision made, I change into a leather peplum top, and a pair of stylish, ripped red denim jeans. Once changed, I head towards my favorite club, Starlite, where I am meeting some of my alleged 'friends' who are really more like elevated servants or maids, who will join me for a heady night of partying. Although I am not in the party mood, I am determined to have fun, in the midst of my overwhelming thoughts. I am determined to forget. So when the last of my friends disperses into the crowd, I join them. I spend countless hours lost within the depths of the ensuing music of the club as I continuously move in perfect syncopation to the lyrics, once I have downed a sufficiently large amount of alcoholic drinks. As the club's boisterous atmosphere rages on, I decide to ditch my friends and head back to school, preparing myself for the enticing allure of slumber. Then, after changing into a pair of ebony lace pajamas, I go to bed. Notice how I say to go to bed, and not fall asleep. But I cannot afford the privilege of sleeplessness, thus I am not in an indulgent mood, I am not willing to give in to my insomnia. After relentless hours of tossing and turning, I eventually fall into a restless, exhausted sleep. The kind of slumber where something is at the back of your mind. Worrying you. Haunting you. There is no doubt in my mind what, exactly, is worrying and haunting me...