If the King Lived. A red Queen Fanfiction.

Chapter One

I decided to make my If the King Lived an actual book so here it is!

"He makes all the difference," I whisper to myself.

"I think it's time to say your good-byes, Maven," Elara cuts in, putting a white hand on her son's shoulder. I've struck too close to his weak spot, and she won't let me push further.

"I have none," he whispers, turning back to his father. His blue eyes waver, looking at the crown, the sword, the armor, anywhere but his father's face. "You never looked at me. You never saw me. Not when you had him." He jerks his head toward Cal.

"You know that's not true, Maven. You are my son. Nothing will change that. Not even her," Tiberias says, casting a glance at Elara. "Not even what she's about to do."

"Dearest, I'm not doing anything," she chirps back. "But your beloved boy"—she slaps Cal across the face—"the perfect heir"—she slaps him again, harder this time—"Coriane's son." Another slap draws blood, splitting his lip. "I cannot speak for him."

Thick silverblood drips down Cal's chin. Maven's eyes linger on the blood and the slightest frown pulls at his features.

"We had a son too, Tibe," Elara whispers, her voice ragged with rage as she turns back to the king. "No matter how you felt about me, you were supposed to love him."

"I did!" he shouts, straining against her mental hold. "I do."

I know what it's like to be cast aside, to stand in another's shadow. But this kind of anger, this murderous, destructive, terrible scene is beyond my comprehension. Maven loves his father, his brother—how can he let her do this? How can he want this?

But he stands still, watching, and I can't find the words to make him move.

Nothing prepares me for what comes next, for what Elara forces her puppets to do. Cal's hand shakes, reaching forward, pushed along by her will. He tries to resist, struggling with every ounce of strength he has, but it's no use. This is a battle he does not know how to fight. When his hand closes around the gilded sword, pulling it from the sheath at his father's waist, the last piece of the puzzle slips into place. Tears course down his face, steaming against burning-hot skin.

"It's not you," Tiberias says, his eyes on Cal's wretched face. He doesn't bother pleading for his life. "I know it's not you, son. This is not your fault."

The sword rises in the air, shaking in Cal's trembling fingers. The blade is ceremonial at best, but the edge gleams, sharp as a razor. The steel reddens, warming under Cal's fiery touch, and bits of the gilded hilt melt between his fingers. Gold and silver and iron, dripping from his hands like tears.

Maven watches the blade closely, carefully, because he is too afraid to watch his father in his last moments. I thought you were brave. I was so wrong.

"Please," is all Cal can say, forcing the words out. "Please." And I break. I rip my arms in front of me and send a lightning bolt at the sword, Elara and Maven's face swerves to me and I fry the Arven unconscious.

Cal and Tiberias compose themselves as I sense Eara trying to get in my head, I put up and electrical force field around my head. And Maven sends fire at me. I create a large bolt and throw it like a spear at Elara, she's too slow, lightning travels at the speed of light, she's knocked unconscious. After, I send a bolt to Maven as Cal attacks him with Fire, He's unconscious and my electricity blocks his too.

I turn to Cal. His eyes widen. And something pierces my back and pain flares, Magnetron. I see the red blood start to stain and gasps go around.

"Stand down!" The Prince yells.

"STAND DOWN!" King Tiberias's voice booms. They all stand down.

"Arrest Elara Merandus and Maven Calore, they are traitors to the crown. Someone heal Miss Titanos!" He yells.

"But your majesty-"

"Do as I say!" He yells.

"Place Miss Titanos in custody after she is well" my knees collapse and an arm wraps around my shoulders. Cal. my eyes close and open. I'm starting to lose unconsciousness. The metal is violently taken out and I scream. I sigh as the pain is relieved.

"Her blood..." Evangeline says.

"We will discuss this in the morning. I need time to think."I still lost a lot of blood and the silence that slams on me, just weakens me further. But 2 names pop in my head.

"Cal. Cal! Make sure Julian and Lucas are safe. Elara and Maven did some..." I drift into unconsciousness.