Where It Went Wrong, A Red Queen Fanfiction: Completed

Chapter 6

Glancing towards the door, I heave a sigh of relief. Cal, too, survived Maven's grasp. "Maven?" I ask tentatively, terrified of how he may react to my next question.

"Yes?"

"I'd like to see Cal sometime soon," I say. "Perhaps you could call his group back? Just for a short amount of time?" I don't like that I'm being this daring, it's worth it if I have a chance to see him.

His eyes search my face, as if to find whether I am really wanting to see Cal. And I know that my visage is full of hope and desire, as it always is when I think of him. "Yes. I'll see to it that my brother and his troop will come back before the end of this week."

I can see my reflection in his eyes. His mouth turns up at the corners. Perhaps now he knows exactly what will make me truly happy.

Finally somewhat at ease, I remember something else that may help Maven recall the brighter side of life. And that is the light itself. "Why don't we go outside? I'd like to look at the garden again - it was one of my favourite spots to go with you before."

"That's a great idea," he states, looking at the door. "I haven't been outside to enjoy myself properly in ages. Not since... we last went outside together. I'm not sure how long ago that is, though, since everything after that seems a blur. Until now."

And so we depart for the garden, which was signified to be our sanctuary before, when we were forced into the duties that the Queen made us do. It is now our new sanctuary, one where I hope that we will return and create new memories that will join the old. One that isn't separated by prejudice and rules that I still cannot fully comprehend.

I spot a strange picture in the hallway as we walk away from the dark throne room that takes a stab at my heart. King Maven, dark and brooding. Slouching into his chair, a slight gleam of sunlight breaking through an open window. Like the image of the person I had seen before me not hours ago. In front of him sits a strange girl in a black gown, light brightening the fabric. Her golden brown hair glitters in the sunlight. Yet neither smile, although they seem to be attracted opposites. A familiar glass rests in the King's hand, the other supporting his bored face. They are both wearing black clothes in a dark room.

"Who is that?" I ask without thinking. Maven's eyes follow my gaze, and he smiles slightly.

"You. I had it painted soon after you left. The artist did me first, but then I asked him to draw you. Not directly, of course, but I described you. So that the palace may have a memory of what used to be light in King Maven's world."

We begin to walk away towards the gardens once again in silence, contented with each other's company. I do not need words to fill the air when there is something already occupying it.

I grab his hand and squeeze it. "Thank you."

"For what?" He says, a wondering smile gracing his features. "What could I possibly have done to make you happy?"

"For being kind, and keeping up hope that I was alive when you shouldn't have. And, I suppose, continuing to love me even though I don't deserve it." Even though my heart belongs to someone else. "And accepting that I love you despite what happened between us." I say truthfully. "For painting a picture of a girl who would never be remembered unless she was written down."

"You do deserve it," Maven says, as we finally reach the garden. The sun is painting the sky colours, bending and mixing the colours of the rainbow. And God is it's master, gracing the earth with His wonders. Birds chirp in the trees, a subtle wind carrying their music to our awaiting ears. Although Maven squints against the sun, his eyes widen and get used to it after a couple moments. He takes in everything, even the garden path. So do I. Finally, he glances at my face, smiling gently.

"You've changed my existence, now that you're back. You're my sun." Maven whispers into my ear, fingers gently tracing my cheek and then the earrings that adorn the side of my face.

"The sun has never looked this beautiful to me before," I admit. "It must be because you are here, which makes everything better." And I mean it. Because I do not have to be anxious about Cal anymore, and I know that I will be seeing him soon.

Maven leans down, giving me a soft kiss. Gone is the brooding face, the one that was once full of worry and anger. It is replaced with loving expression, admiration in his cool eyes. A contented grin lighting up his face. And it makes me astonished that I am the one that gives him this joy, so I kiss him back. Four types of warmth fill me. One, the warmth of Maven filling my body, keeping me from the chilled wind. Another, the happiness that is bubbling on the inside. The prospect of seeing his brother, Cal, again. And the last one comes from behind, the setting sun that hits our backs, signalling the end of a day and an era.

And so we stand in the garden, where the light is. The light that he hasn't seen for over a year because of his worry over me. But now, his light has returned. Perhaps now, his mind's painting will be brighter than before.

Author's Note:

Thank you for reading this chapter of my FanFiction! I really appreciate all of your comments and votes. 😊❤️ I found the image used at the header of this chapter from WHI, and the picture in the middle of the chapter from Pinterest. All rights go to their artists! At the top, I attached a song by one of my favourite bands: 'Keane - Somewhere Only We Know'. I was listening to this song when I was writing and editing this chapter, and I thought the lyrics were very well suited. All credits go to Keane. Enjoy!

- Inkpen_Scroll