SELENE POV
The Queen said nothing for a few seconds. She leaned back into her chair, her eyes stayed glued to me. Unreadable.
"You can go back to the room Selene."
I awkwardly rose from my seat, the heavy fabric of my gown kissing the floor.Thank goodness this interrogation is over. I gathered the sides of my skirt to walk faster. Just before I reached the door, I glanced behind me, and caught a swift flicker in my Aunt's eyes. I couldn't tell what it meant. I nodded my head foolishly at her, then pushed the huge wooden door open and slipped away from their sight.
I could hear the soft click of these uncomfortable heels against the marble floor as I tried to recall which path led to my room.
The hallway stretched before me, brightly illuminated with sunlight spilling through the large windows. Portraits lined up on the wall, and I studied each painting I passed with a glint of curiosity. One thing everyone in the frame had in common is either the same shade of hair or the same color of eyes. I lifted a hand and touched my own hair–brown colored hair, but a bold section of it was streaked white.
I stopped in front of one particular painting. My eyes widened.
"Mom," I whispered. It was a painting of my mom, she looked so different from the woman I knew. It wasn't just the suffocating elegance of the dress she wore, or the heavy golden crown resting on her head. It was the firm and unyielding brown eyes staring right back at me.
I reached up on my toes, but the painting hung too high, out of reach no matter how much I raised myself. Just like the distance between my mom and I.
"Mom, I'm mad at you," I said shakily, my voice cracking. "Very angry actually. I want to scream at you, throw a huge tantrum–but how can I do that when you're not here?"
I tilted my head, staring into the frame.
"I want to know why you ran away. Why you lied and deceived me my whole life." I opened and closed my lips, fighting the lump stuck in my throat. "I don't think I will ever forgive you."
A slow painful ache tugged at my chest. I'm your daughter, but you never told me anything. Were you trying to keep me in the dark my entire life?
"I need you to answer me, Mom" I muttered softly, my voice barely audible.
For that to happen, you must be safe. You must come back to me alive. I will find you. No matter what it takes. Even if I have to reach the end of the earth.
I blinked my eyes, refusing to cry here.
"You're still alive."
I froze. That voice. That Damned deep voice, I'd recognize it even in death. It's that man again. My heart thundered against my ribs as I turned around.
Oh my Lord.
For a moment, the grief on my chest loosened its grip replaced by unwanted fluttering butterflies in my core.
Half a second I forgot how to inhale.
Is that a God…no it's the devil. Yes, this is definitely the devil. He looked like a incubus carved from sin-–tall, dangerously enchanting, with his blood red eyes pinning me in place. How could someone be this handsome? It's annoyingly blinding.
"Opening your mouth like that is unladylike."
I snapped my mouth shut, heat rushing to my face in embarrassment. What a waste for that face to belong to this bastard. I glared at those ruby eyes of his.
We stood there in the sunlight corridor, staring at each other as though we're the only two people in existence. His ink black hair fluttered slightly across his forehead as he took one step forward, one hand casually tucked into his trouser pocket.
"Is there something on my face?" he asked flatly.
"Irritation," I snapped, eyes narrowing scornfully. I can still feel the pain of what his hand did to my stomach. I wished he were one of the guards I had flung against the wall. Maybe it is not too late now, I focused on him, trying to evoke the same power to surge forward and hurl him away. Out of sight, out of mind.
Nothing happened.
He simply stood, watching me make a fool of myself. I clenched my fists at my sides in utter frustration, I badly wanted to curse out loud. Ugh, why didn't it work.
"What's wrong with your face," he asked.
Nothing is wrong with my face. You were supposed to be on the floor right now groaning in pain, I thought. Trying to fix the scowl on my face.
"My Lord."
I glanced to the left of the hallway. Cedric, that petty knight from before, was rushing down towards us. His black hair was damp with sweat, and his silver armor gleamed in the sunlight. Doesn't he feel hot wearing all that?
He dropped into a deep bow in front of the man, breathing hard. "My Lord" he said respectfully.
The red-eyed bastard didn't even glance at Cedric. He neither acknowledged the greeting, or said a word. For a brief second, his cold eyes glanced at me. They were hollow, devoid of any emotion. A heavy, unsettling feeling bloomed in my chest.
Then he turned and walked away like the knight in shining armor wasn't even there. Cedric straightened up quickly, gave me a quick bow and hurried after him.
I stood there dumbfounded, watching Cedric trail carefully behind him. While he treated Cedric like he was air, and Cedric acted like It was the biggest honor to walk behind him. It didn't even seem to bother him at all. Who the heck is that guy?
I didn't linger. I watched them take a sharp turn at the end of the hallway until they disappeared from view.
Where are they going?
I shook my head quickly. Why am I even thinking about that? It's not like I care.