Where It Went Wrong, A Red Queen Fanfiction: Completed

Chapter 10

I awake with Cal by my side, and all feels well. After staying up half the night talking, I vaguely recall falling asleep on his shoulders. He must have carried me into my room. Ever the gentleman.

Cal is sleeping on the other end of the bed, and I can hear him snoring slightly. I put a hand over my mouth to stop myself from waking him up with my giggles. I don't remember him snoring this loud. Perhaps it's a habit he picked up while we didn't see each other. As softly as I can, I make my way out of bed and pad across the floor to do up my hair. It's in a crazy bed head mess. Sometimes I can't stand having long hair.

The bathroom that is attached to my room is a small ensuite, but I know that it is much better than what most of the Reds have at home. At the far end, there is a cornered off shower with frosted glass and a bath on the left side of the room. By far, my favourite part is the sink.

A tall mirror with a gilded bronze frame stands on top of a cream granite slab. Inside the frame, there are delicate inscriptions that appear to be representing the different powers a Silver can possess. Fire, water, weaving ivy plants, figures depicting strength and power, an image depicting a person using their voice to lull people and affect their minds, and several other abilities that are difficult to make out. Part of me is disappointed that my power isn't featured, but I know that newbloods wouldn't have their powers showcased.

I gather all of my hair to one side and braid it simply, leaving it the way I would have it at my foster family's place. Before I was Mareena and the maids did everything for me. Humming to myself quietly, I find that I am in particularly good mood for a morning.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I am surprised to see that Cal is already awake. "Rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty. I had to carry you inside after you fell asleep last night," Cal confirms, and I can feel the heat rushing up to my cheeks. "I must make a good mattress."

"I was tired....," I begin to protest, and then see how Cal's eyes twinkle as he glances at me. "I was just kidding, Mare. You can always sleep on me."

Opening my mouth to retort, I am cut off by the sound of a quick knock on the door. I exchange a puzzled look with Cal before permitting their entry. "Come in!"

My shoulders are tense as I stand in front of the door, Cal by my side. I wonder who it could be, wanting to see us at this time in the morning. The sun hasn't risen yet. I can still make out some winking stars hiding fancifully behind the clouds, like shy maidens spying on their crushes.

None other than the King of Norta opens the door to our confused expressions, and I immediately wipe my stunned look off of my countenance. "Good morning, Your Majesty," I greet, giving Maven a polite curtsy. The King doesn't look at all surprised that the two of us are together. Although I have forgiven him for most of the things that he did, I know that he may not be trustable quite yet. If I am impolite, then he could have me killed. He told me before that he would have killed me. After all, he was the one who let Cal come over in the first place. I might as well show some respect to Norta's King.

Cal doesn't bother with pleasantries. "Mornin', Mavey. What brings you here at such a fine hour?" I laugh softly at his hidden sarcasm, and so does Maven. I've known him for too long.

The King's face then molds into an expression of seriousness, mouth drawn together in a thin line. "I have some unfortunate news to discuss, Cal. I thought I might as well confide in you before the rest of the Silvers, as I believe you have more knowledge on the topic than most of the others do." He pauses, seeing my puzzled expression. "You can listen in too, Mare."

"Fire away," Cal says, hands pressed into his pockets. Sometimes I envy his natural ease in difficult situations, the way with which he can hide almost any emotions from onlookers. I, on the other hand, can be like an open book if I don't think. Maven warned me before though, and I can hide my heart if I want. Sometimes, I just choose not to. It's those emotions that keep us alive and fuel us.

Maven takes a deep breath and runs his hand through his unruly hair. It is only then when I notice that he doesn't always wear his crown. Those things must weigh a ton. I would most definitely get a headache if I had to wear it all day. It's early morning anyways, and I expect that he forgot to put it on.

"There has been a lot of..... misbehaviour on the Lakelander's side recently near the border. Although the Reds of Norta were involved, I am told that it was primarily started by the Lakelanders. It used to be minor, only one or two small robberies that were easily solved with a jail time punishment. Then it became worse, a couple Red stores being destroyed. Some people were even getting wounded during the process. We weren't sure whether it was just a bit of a problem, but it's been worsening over time."

That doesn't sound very good, I muse. Cal looks thoughtful, eyebrows draw together, as King Maven continues to explain. I can almost see the thoughts processing in his mind behind those deep bronze eyes. "There was even a fight causing near death wounds on several people. They've called for a meeting, but we presume that they may end up fighting us if things get rough."

"So you're saying that we should bring up Norta's army if they might bring theirs?" Cal assumes. His half-brother nods, and Cal's lips turn down at the sides. "You think that it would be prudent if we had them behind us when we speak to their King, and I agree. We don't want this turning into a second Lakelands war."

Maven nods. "That's exactly what I was thinking, and I'm glad you don't think it's too far fetched. So, perhaps we could have your army including that group you trained and I go over—"

"What about me?" I burst out, cringing as I realize how it makes me sound like a small child complaining to their mother. "I could help fight if things got rough, help you persuade the Lakelanders that what they're doing is futile...."

I trail off as I see the brothers exchanging a look that I cannot fully understand. I look down at the floor, feeling embarrassed. It's not just that I want to help persuade the Lakelanders, but I need to make sure that the Calore brothers survive this ordeal in one piece.

A/N: Thank you for reading!