Cinder Diaries

Hope

I woke up covered in sweat.

My hair soaked to my forehead, yet my mouth dry like the Sahara.

I turn my bedside lamp on and find a glass of water sitting and it doesn't take long before I am guzzling it down, to quench my thirst.

After I set the glass down, I check the time and realize I've barely slept more than 6 hours, as the clock reads 3 am.

My head is pounding, because of my lack of sleep over the past couple of days.

I can't seem to let go of the fact that she is gone...

Or the fact that I will be marrying Levana.

It's like I can feel her eyes everywhere, which is most likely the reason for my lack of sleep. I lay back down replaying the Ball in my head all over again.

The gun pointed at Cinder, the shattered chandelier, the words she dared to utter at the Queen.

               "It really is true. You're not beautiful."

Her words haunt me—if what Cinder said is so, then what does the Queen of the Moon really look like?

There are so many things that just don't make sense at the moment. I keep racking my brain trying to understand the events that took place a couple of weeks ago.

The only question that I constantly think about is why Levana is so hellbent on finding Cinder.

Other than the scene at the Ball, what other possible reason is there for her wanting Cinder?

I've been trying to find a legitimate reason as to, why?

All this preparation for a wedding I don't want and these questions I ask myself are all of what's occupying my cerebrum. And since I can't sleep, along with the mornings being reserved for Her Majesty, this is the only time I have to ponder.

No doubt Levana has many secrets. As do many Royals, political leaders, and or high ranking officials, but all I want to know is simply what she is hiding.

I run my hands through my now damp hair and start to pace around the dark room. Not needing any assistance of light.

I have spent so much time finding ways to avoid this marriage. And if Cinder is the key to undo all this mess, I need her back.

It's selfish to want her back for this reason..

But if she doesn't show up anytime soon we can all kiss our freedom goodbye.

Not just New Beijing.

The entre world will have to bow down at the feet of Her Majesty.

She deserves no such respect, just as she shows no mercy to a single living soul.

I sigh defeatedly and decide to shower before the sun comes up. I strip of my now, somewhat dry clothing and set the water temperature to warm.

I let my thoughts drift to her as the water runs down my body.

I miss her. The short time spent together, the kiss we shared.

But I'm angry.

Angry that she escaped.

Angry that I couldn't protect her.

Is she the key to it all? Not the marriage alliance, but everything—is that why Levana has a bounty on her head?

My thoughts are interrupted by the knocking on my bathroom door.

"My Prince."

My advisor Torin. "I'll be out in a moment!" I yell back to him.

I shut the water off and I'm greeted by the cool breeze and cold tile floor touching my feet, as I step out of the shower.

Before I get engulfed in preparations and the long list of things to do, I let the last moment of peace I have to place hope in that whatever Cinder does, her whereabouts, are the key to whatever happens next.