Chapter Two
The Fight
Returned she had, after three long years. Blair had went north, up in the hills. There, in cold savage slopes, was where king's armies fought war against other smaller countries, trying to conquer them. Folks there were ruthless, laboring every day for their whole merciless lives. They were used to hardships and gave a hard time to any newcomer. Blair's power served well. Not only did people of country saw her as a goddess, as a sign from heavens, it came handy in battles. She had won over armies without force. She had gained people's trust and loyalty with her personality and deeds. She united everyone and was winning many important battles. Her troops were gaining might. They slowly became real threat to the kingdom.
Blair's memories didn't return. She had no luck there. She came across nothing similar and nobody heard of anything like it. Few dared to whisper scattered lines of old ancient stories about mythical creatures in forest. Her only option was prince. He was her earliest memory. Everything before him was a blur. Only the prince had now become the king. He inherited the throne after his father's death. Nobody in realm mourned him. Enemies cherished his decease. He was a cruel evil man who spent tax money on whores and alcohol. Chuck didn't seem to be any different.
She had to be always on the move. His spies followed her every step. They managed to get close few times. Few times too much. She learned how to cover her tracks eventually and mislead them. He never gave up on getting her back. She never dare to inquire about the life he led. The only thing that interested her were military plans.
She hasn't been ready for confrontation with her past. Up until now.
She was standing in one of the chambers in a tower of an old manor. It was nicely decorated with rich ornaments. The building was located close to The Great City area, only in countryside. Blair's dress was grand, black velvet sparkling under glow. A diamond necklace shone on her white neck. She has dressed up after a long time. It was a special occasion, after all. Battle was raging in front of her eyes. Flames reflected in her iris. She was relishing the victory. Her order was to destroy everything except this manor.
''I was wondering when will I see you again.''
Chuck's husky voice surrounded her. He always managed to sneak up on her. Although Blair's exterior was cool, the sound of it sent shivers down her spine. She turned around with a smile on her face and bowed mockingly.
''My king.''
He approached her. His eyes shamelessly skimmed her from the bottom and rested at her eyes.
''My queen.'' Chuck slowly reached for her hand and lifted it up to his lips. It lingered few seconds longer.
''Trying to charm your way into victory?''
''Au contraire. Didn't you invite me here?''
''Whatever do you mean?'' Blair played dumb. She was sure he wouldn't remember. She turned away from him, pretending to look out of the window.
''Oh, please. Burning everything but this glorious place, standing in the exact same chamber where we had... the first dance.''
Chuck approached her, gently caressing her arm. She didn't recoil. Recoiling meant admitting his power.
''Dance with me'' he whispered seductively.
Should she trust him? Was it safe to play with him? They were enemies after all. It was about life and death now. The stakes kept rising. Blair hoped he had no secret plan. For his sake, of course. She wasn't fragile damsel anymore. She could now fight and she could kill. So Blair made no resistance to prove him she could play with him. Why not make a masquerade out of the ball? They swayed to the same music that played in their heads. Not one of them went over the memories long lost, they rather indulged in the moment, looking at each other's eyes. King and Queen, mortal enemies, dancing in the middle of a war. It was a sight to behold.
''I have missed you'' he whispered into her ear.
''Thanks.''
He chuckled. ''I must admit, I'm rather surprised I'm still alive.''
She smiled as she spoke. ''Let's say I'm saving cherry for the top.''
Despite the threat, the fresh king smiled back at her. ''Dying in your hands would be my pleasure.''
Blair stared at him for a long time. She awaited a laugh or a dramatic sigh. Nothing came. Chuck never took his eyes off her. He was being honest. They gazed at each other, both with a peculiar sparkle in eyes. World slowed down. Moments before, she was sure she hated him. But it was still obvious he had influence over her. She should have known better. It was too soon to meet him. She had to go and support people that were fighting for her, before he dragged her back to the past. Blair let Chuck go.
''Don't go. Stay.'' He pleaded her.
''I have to. I promised my people peace. I don't want to let anyone down, unlike you.'' She went towards stairs that led to the top of the tower.
Chuck clenched his jaw. ''That was for your own good.'' He said, following close behind.
''Stop talking nonsense.''
''It was all because of you.'' They got out. The scenery was majestic. Both of them paused at the spectacle. War raged. It was like fire in the middle of the night. Beautiful, but dangerous up close.
''After you left, I had women sent away. All of them. I couldn't stand anyone near myself anymore.'' Chuck sighed ''Don't you realize, all I wanted was you, ever since I met you.''
Blair climbed the stone block. She deliberated. He could be very convincing. ''What about Morgana?''
He stammered ''That was different, you don't know the whole story''.
It was all she needed to hear. Morgana, the golden girl by his side was always an itch in Blair's eye. Not only because Chuck let her stay permanently, making a room for her in his life. Blair somehow felt that place belonged to her only. She didn't know for what reason, but Morgana always treated her condescendingly, smiling as if she knew something Blair didn't. A smile of triumph. She never paid any attention to any girl, except Blair. Always grabbing a chance to torment her further.
''I am going to take everything you love away from you. Just like you did to me.''
''The only thing I loved was you, Blair. You don't understand-''
''Goodbye Chuck. Stay away from me.'' She couldn't believe she actually began to consider him. Nevertheless, Blair admitted his efforts were admiring, but also useless. He was a heartless bastard. A liar that held her captive for years. He tricked her into thinking he loved her, only to humiliate her over and over again with every pretty girl in kingdom. This war was hers and she was going to destroy him. Just like he destroyed her. She launched herself into the air and took off.
''Blair!'' he reached for her in desperation. His hand stretched out making him lose his balance. One look down was all it took to trigger the vertigo. World spun in his head. Sudden gush of wind tipped him over the edge. Blair turned around at the exact same moment he fell. No sound escaped his lips.
She didn't think, Blair acted instinctively. Panic overcame her. It was as she herself fell. In a flash, the feeling of losing him overwhelmed her. It chilled her to the bone. It was easy living far away from him and waking every morning, knowing he sees the same sun she sees. But possibility of living without him made her think of the same dark abyss she flung herself in three years ago. Blair came rushing back, aiming at his body in fall. She clashed with him, hurling them both through the window inside one of chambers.
They skidded across the floor. Pieces of glass cut her and stuck within the skin. Her whole body ached. She lay on top of him, breathing heavily. His heart pounded against his chest. She felt relieved at the sound. Nobody spoke anything for few minutes. They laid there accidentally embraced in each other's arms.
''I've ruined you dress'' he finally spoke in raspy voice.
''You've ruined my life.'' She had the chance to get rid of him forever and she couldn't go through with it. It left her feeling miserable and weak.
Chuck slowly lifted his arm and caressed her head. The feeling of her perfectly smooth hair soothed him. ''I know. I was selfish, I'm sorry.''
Blair's eyes teared up. She cried after many years of being strong. No matter what happened, she didn't change. Blair was still frail hopeless girl whose life Chuck controlled. She was a fool for meddling with him. Her plans were in danger of falling to pieces.
''Blair?'' his voice tensed. He lifted her chin up to look into her eyes, but she smacked his hand. Her chest heaved. Chuck once again called out to her. When she didn't respond, he lifted them both up with some effort, so they were sitting up. Her head was still on his chest, his arms still embracing her.
He didn't know why she was crying. ''It's okay. I'll take care of you.''
The sentence infuriated her. She lifted her head up, eyes full of venom. ''No! You have no right to do such thing! Why can't you just leave me alone?! You make me miserable!'' she sobbed into his broad chest.
It offended him. ''Leave you alone? I've tried and I can't. It's impossible! I love you and I will never ever let you go!'' Chuck's dark eyes pierced her. They were fierce. Blair saw past that masquerade. She saw warmth. Warmth and love. Could it be possible she only saw what she wanted, not what was actually there?
''Didn't you hear me, Blair?'' he whispered, not breaking eye contact. ''I love you. Only you. And I know you love me back, don't try to deny it.''
''Why are you telling me this now? After years and years of ignoring me, not even acknowledging my existence when I was right there with you! Fooling around with everyone right in front of my eyes! Caging me in your castle while rubbing salt on my wound! Why Chuck? Why?'' she cried.
''And now you dare to tell me you love me? You tell me that after I managed to break free? After I'm no longer yours? You made me fall in love with you and then you abandoned me! You have no right to claim my love. Erasing my memories and playing with my mind was too much. Chuck''
Her voice quivered ''you broke me.''
The masks were off. They were no longer King and Queen. They were now only Chuck and Blair. Lovers of the past.
He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. His nostrils flared. Chuck always did that when he heard something he knew, but didn't want to hear. He bent his head down.
''I'm sorry.'' His voice was deep, regretful. ''I told you, I was being selfish.''
''No, that doesn't justify you.'' She took a break. Her mind swirled. He always managed to get under her skin. It made no difference. Arguing with him made no difference. Her voice was somber now. ''Whatever you do, you can't change what you did. It doesn't even matter anymore, I have a war to win. It's not about us anymore.''
She got up to leave. Chuck grabbed her hand.
''Titania.''
The sound of that name startled her. Her whole body started to tremble and strange images flashed in her mind. A meadow covered in moonlight. Glistening river at night, carrying a sweet song. She fell down on her knees. Chuck kneeled opposite of her. He grabbed her shoulders.
''A queen fairy. That's how they called you. That's who you really are. I didn't trick you, we fell in love.''
''Stop it!'' Blair screamed. Her head was throbbing. It was all an illusion, the king didn't give up on his deceit.
''No!'' he yelled, shaking her. ''Listen to me! Remember! I loved you since the day I met you. I was travelling, exploring the ends of the world. I found you there. Since I saw you for the first time, dancing in the moonlight with peonies in your hair, I knew it was impossible. A human and a fairy?'' he laughed darkly.
''Why didn't you leave me there?''
''I did! I did, my love... But you followed me back to my castle. I did everything to send you back. You wouldn't listen. And eventually I wouldn't let you out of my arms anymore. I couldn't live without you. We became one.''
She looked at him. Blair recollected some of it now. Love they shared never died.
''What happened after that?'' she asked him quietly. Chuck knew what she meant. His mouth tightened. What made him stray from their love? What made him betray her in most cruel way possible?
A / N: This fic has nothing to do with Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream. Main characters have few loose linking points with Titania and Oberon. Only thing in common with their story is how their arguments affected everyone around. I honestly never had in mind this play until Guest pointed it out. I just really needed a name for proper fairy queen. Thanks for reviews!