Maven POV

Wind moves through my hair, causing the once styled frame to seem nothing short of a jumbled mess. Snowflakes fall from the sky, landing on my coat in the graceful measure. I bite my lip to distract myself from the biting cold, eyes searching the palace doors, waiting for my future wife. I can't say I enjoy this kind of weather, but I prefer to talk to Evangeline out in the freezing temperatures to keep myself focused. That, and I know she doesn't favor this weather either, so it might make her more sensible to tell the truth before I have to force it out. It may not be ideal, but unlike Evangeline, I can generate warmth any time I please. But, I won't allow myself to. I need to be focused, sharp-minded, and most of all- calculated. I cannot be those things if I am comfortable. The flame that burns deep inside me, will always be with me, ready to be used as a weapon if called upon. But for now, it waits.

After minutes of uncomfortable silence and wind chills coursing through me, the front palace doors open. I look at my watch that circles my wrist and check exactly how much time has past. Ten minutes. I roll my eyes annoyed and angered. Presently, Evangeline stands wearing a white fur coat with a silver, shiny mesh top under it, tightly fit at her waist, as well as black leather pants, and white fur boots to complete the look. And of course, she also wears weapons of steel pinned on parts of her outfit, noticeably. Her family's signature look. When she is close enough to arm's length, I stand and gaze at Evangeline, sternly. Took you long enough.

"Someone's in a bad mood today." She says in a child-like tone.

I smirk, not because I found what she said to be likable, but to keep myself from scowling.

"Well, when you wait for someone who is clearly very late, I suppose anyone would be somewhat bothered, don't you think?" I hiss.

"Beauty takes time."

"There's no need for you to impress me, Evangeline." I mock knowing that's definitely not what she meant.

She scoffs and rolls her eyes so far I think they might bulge out.

"Please, sit," I say, politely as I can.

She obeys and sits as far away from me as possible on the marble bench.

"How did your little chat with the prisoner go?"

A smirk lights up on Evangeline's face, insinuating something further than words. She flips her silky, platinum blonde hair behind her shoulders before speaking again.

"Shouldn't you know?" She says teasingly.

"I should, shouldn't I?"

"Don't play coy, Maven. I know you were watching."

I tighten my hands together into a fist like position, incensed by her casual attitude towards me.

"And how might you possibly know that?"

"Do you honestly expect me to believe that you'd miss the opportunity to see your beloved lightning girl?"

Flame of blue ignites in my eyes, a fury of the deepest kind. Fear travels across Evangeline's face, as she realizes she's entered a territory that no one is allowed to cross. I smile viciously, then stand up, towering over her. When I am close enough, I grab her jaw tightly into my hand, while staring deathly into her eyes.

"I expect nothing of you," I whisper. "Don't you forget your place here, Evangeline. You might upset Volo."

At the mention of her half-witted father, a glimpse of anger emerges from deep in her eyes. A place that is kept hidden and far away. But still, she stays in her place, unmoving. She knows that what I say of her father is true. If she upsets me, she will pay for it through the wrath of her father. In more ways than one. In one swift move, I push her jaw away from me and step back a few feet.

"I am Maven Calore. The King of Norta", I pause. "And who are you? Simply, a valuable trade offer, only here for alliance. So help me, Evangeline, I would slit your throat if it wasn't for your advantageous country."

Evangeline's hands form into fists at her sides, ready to punch me in the face, no doubt. But she won't lay a hand on me. Her desire to please her father is much too strong to risk as to perform a petty act like that.

"Have a good evening." My voice sounds cold and heartless. And, I don't mind it.

Mother's whispers scatter throughout my brain as they always do after I've endured a particularly unpleasant situation. One that Mother would have loved to join in. Good job, my boy. Merciless. Cruel. Taunting, her voice screams. But not good enough. You must be stronger. You mustn't let rage cloud your judgment. But, in order to do that, you must forget about that Red. She is making you weak. Don't you see?

I can't Mother, I plead. I am so sorry.

After a few minutes, Evangeline stands, her hair blowing in the wind. She stares at me with such an intensity of emotions. I sense anger, anxiety, but most of all fear. I am unpredictable, merciless, and hungry for power. A broken boy who will do anything and everything it takes to get what he wants. Evangeline knows this, just as everyone else. But, under that exterior lies a dark and twisted King. A part of me that even I become frightened of sometimes. For the most part, I try to hide it. But, in times of weakness, it shows, and it disturbs people, immensely. Today, Evangeline saw a glimpse of that. The vengeful look in my eyes, the killer, and torturer peaking through. An obsession that even I choose not to admit to, seeping deep into my mind. Mare has seen this side of me plenty of times. Enough to make her hate me, and want to kill me.

A Few Days Later

Now, I ready a bath, in desperate need of privacy and relaxation, with a bathroom filled with nothing but a small, circular mirror and a large enough tub. Though I do have much more intricate bathrooms in the palace, this is the simplest one. Besides the help, of course. I prefer small-scale rooms that allow yourself to enter a state of mind, instead of focusing on the luxury. I see enough of that in the palace as it is. As the water rises to an appropriate height, I slip off my dark blue silk robe and step inside. The water is extremely hot, causing me to wince and toes to curl. Steam rises, making the air misty and hard to breathe. But this is what I need. Pain to overrule my stress, thoughts, and Mother's whispers. After a while, my body will adjust to the heat and I can enjoy whatever alone time I've managed to salvage. Slowly, I sit inside the tub. It burns for a moment but goes away as quickly as it came. Then, I sprawl myself in the tub completely, feeling the same familiarity. I tilt my head back, resting it on the rim of the tub. For a few minutes, my mind is calm. No thoughts, no whispers, nothing. Some might fear no longer have the ability to think or feel, but I so badly wish it. I no longer want to hear Mother's whispers scream. No more worried thoughts of war and my kingdom's reign. And finally, my love for a Red with an unnatural ability, and a ghost boy fallen from battle, would cease to exist.

Then the whispers come back, and negative, outrageous thoughts consume my mind, to the point that I don't even know where I am anymore. Never-ending torment must be my destiny. Suddenly, I hear myself whisper Mare's name, as tears fall down my face, surprising even myself. I need her to remind me that I am alive. That I am still here, no matter how empty I feel.

My love for her will never fade. That I am sure of.