A/N: Merry Christmas everyone! I wanted to thank you (as always) for supporting this story and reviewing, you all make me want to write even more! Lol. This chapter may be a bit shorter, I apologize in advance. I wrote it in the little free time that I had.
May God bless you all, and happy holidays, R&R!
Chapter 13
Valtor threw another piece of wood in the fire and removed his cloak. He began loosening the buttons of his shirt, revealing his strong chest as he paced the room.
Andros was no longer a proper place for him to hide out. Nor was it safe to see Bloom outside of Alfea. He´d already taken far too many risks for the brat. Not that he regretted it.
Valtor had decided to reside in a comfortable cabin, in the semi-cold climate of Tir-Nan Og when he realized he´d been seen. It was a quiet realm, whose people were far too dull to ever experience any kind of occurrence. Most importantly, it would give him another chance to bring Bloom closer, to a place where they could not, and would not be interrupted. A place that was suitable enough for someone like her.
To him this was nothing more than a game. But from that kiss, he knew that to Bloom it was so much more.
The hatred he felt for her had only grown when the memory and the taste of her lips refused to leave his mind. He could still feel the heat in his chest whenever he closed his eyes and reminisced that moment. Moreover, she had been bold enough to carry on instead of ending it, encouraging that fire inside him to grow. A different kind of fire he hadn't even known existed.
A fire that clearly, would not be extinguished easily. And he had to know why. Even if it meant bringing Bloom even closer, something that he really couldn't afford to do. Not only because of the way it was messing with his mind and senses, but his powers as well. Valtor needed answers, and he needed them soon.
Before he became prisoner of the very game he started.
"The sorcerer has already been seen close to the schools, and I will not allow my son and only heir to be put at risk!" Erandor bellowed. The guests began murmuring amongst each other, the noise growing louder and louder with each passing minute.
"Order!"a member of the royal court of Domino called out.
Marion shifted in her throne. Quite a few of the royals were upset with Valtor´s appearance in Magix, and had decided to consult their opinion on the situation. She really couldn't blame them, but they weren´t the only ones in danger. Valtor could reside anywhere he pleased, and he would still be a threat to every single place within the magical dimension. Not that she thought he would do anything, yet.
"I understand how each of you feels. My eldest daughter and crowned princess of our realm is a teacher at Alfea College. But we have decided to proceed reasonably. If Valtor feels that we´ve prepared an assault, he will surely attack before we do. I´m not saying that we´ll remain motionless while he is out free. But whatever action we take, it must be done as cautiously as possible", Oritel said.
"The King and Queen of Domino have always known what is best. Therefore, we have absolute trust in their judgment", the queen of Andros replied. Erandor´s expression still didn´t waver.
Regina sat upright in her throne, gazing at him apprehensively. The man seemed to be more concerned about his own glorious realm and family, than anything else. Some things never changed. Marion sensed this as well and spoke up,
"We are all monarchs, and therefore, share the same concern: the safety of our people. With that being said, Oritel and I would never make a decision that would put our Kingdom in any sort of danger. I think the time we´ve spent in the Obsidian dimension is proof of how much we care. All we ask of you, is that whatever your decision be, it must be carried out with prudence. For it could affect, not only one realm, but the entire universe. Keep in mind that it won't only be your people paying the price, but all of ours as well", she concluded. Many of them nodded. Others still seemed hesitant, but a lot calmer in general.
"As the Queen has said, whatever choice we make, we will inform of first. We wouldn´t want anyone else to suffer", the ruler of Zenith replied. Marion nodded subtly and smiled. Princess Tressa and Prince Nereus also approved of the idea. King Oritel turned to Diaspro, who stood by, acknowledging her presence.
Regina had to restrain from glaring at the girl. Unbeknownst to Oritel and Marion, the rivalry between them had started from the very moment she entered their home. Regina didn't approve of her, and Diaspro was intelligent enough to notice. But bold enough to show that she didn't care. Now, the former Queen was indignant to see her attend such an important assembly that concerned none other than the council and legitimate royals of the dimension. Diaspro was neither of the two. Just because her granddaughter Daphne had not been able to attend, didn't mean that Diaspro was allowed to take her place.
Regina and Leander had taken their time to choose the most appropriate bride for their son. A noble daughter who would carry out the role of Queen with honor and dignity, and who would look after their people as they had. Marion had fit into the profile perfectly. And now, all of that effort so that an imposter, sent by Valtor himself, could simply waltz in and occupy the title of princess of their nation? It was outrageous! She no longer held the title of queen, but that wouldn´t stop her from exposing whoever attempted to sneak their way into her prestigious family.
Never in her life would she have come up with such an idea, had it not been for the urgency of the situation. But Leander never would have stood for someone ruining Domino´s prestige. And anything that came from Valtor was bound to do so. Regina was ready to take matters into her own hands.
-x-x-x-x-x-
"Hopefully, our fellow royals will settle down for the time being", Oritel said, taking a seat at the table.
"Speaking of settling down…" Regina began,
"Yes, mother?" he asked.
"Since Diaspro is now a member of this family, wouldn´t it be appropriate to have a welcoming ball in her honor? It would give her and our people the opportunity to see Domino´s cresset lit after all these years", she mused.
"Cresset?"
"Yes, dear. It´s a kind of torch that can only be lit by the power of the dragon´s flame. Unfortunately, it´s fire was extinguished when the realm was covered with ice", Marion explained.
"Mother, this may not be the best time", Oritel cut in.
"Why not? I´d say the sooner the better. After all, the cresset is an important part of Domino´s emblem", Regina said, searching for Diaspro´s reaction. But her expression was all the more defiant.
"Father, perhaps my grandmother is right", she said. Emmett raised his eyebrows, while Regina smirked. What a fool…only the legitimate power of the dragon flame could light the cresset. There was no way around it. Whatever trick she and Valtor had prepared would be completely useless in this matter, and their act would fall apart. But then what made her so confident? Didn't she realize what she was getting herself into? Regina figured it would only be a matter of time. Diaspro was brave now, but on that day, only one would come out victorious.
"Perhaps honey, but there´s a lot going on at the moment. And lighting the cresset is not as simple as it sounds, it takes ample concentration", Oritel explained.
"Yes, and parenthetically, we still haven´t had the opportunity to see your power", Regina mused. Oritel gave her a stern look, which she overlooked, bluntly.
"Perhaps Oritel is right. Although a welcoming ceremony does seem fitting, it would probably be best for Denisse to finish settling in, first", Marion said carefully, as to not upset her mother-in-law.
"Please mother, it´s alright. I don´t mind", Diaspro said, amused. Emmett grimaced. All he had to do was pay attention to his grandmother´s and his ´new cousin's´ expressions to know that this was a competition. And not a very appealing one.
"I´m heading to Magix today to see Daphne. I´m sure she would want to know about this morning´s meeting", Marion told them.
"Very well, my love. Please be safe, and give Daphne our regards", Oritel said, taking her hand and kissing it lightly.
"Diaspro, honey, would you like to accompany me?" she asked.
"Thank you mother, but if you don't mind, I think I'd rather stay here and explore the palace a bit"
"Of course, dear. As you wish. Please excuse me", Regina nodded in response as Marion departed.
"Bloom, is everything okay?" Stella asked.
"It´s fine, I´m just not feeling too well", she answered hastily. She had to get out of there. She couldn't bear to see that image again…
"Bloom, would you like to see Nurse Ofelia?" Faragonda asked, worriedly.
"Mhm, I probably should. Excuse me",
"Would you like us to go with you, sweetie?" Flora asked. Bloom shook her head persistently.
"No, no, that´s alright", she said and left the headmistress´s office. Hagen and Faragonda exchanged looks. What a strange reaction…
-x-x-x-x-x-
Bloom splashed cold water on her face, attempting to restore some sense into herself. She took the towel and dried her face, looking into the mirror as she did. A few tears rolled down her cheeks, reaching her lips.
She passed her fingers over them, lightly. How could the man who was accused of the princess´s kidnapping, be the same person she was falling for? Bloom wiped her lips fiercely. She was…disappointed, sickened, bewildered…
"He kissed me…" she whispered, leaning against the sink for support because she was still too shaken to walk.
The seriousness of the situation was just beginning to dawn on her. The Company of light as well as the authorities wanted to know his whereabouts, while she was out in the woods, making out with the man! How in Magix was she supposed to confess all of this to the headmistress!? Ms. Faragonda would be furious, at the least. Although, technically, she hadn't been kissing Valtor at the moment, but Hagen, which was the false name he´d given her. She had no idea, so it really wasn´t her fault. Was it?
Bloom groaned and rubbed her eyes, wearily. Then there was Layla, who was still suffering the consequences of the wizard´s attack on her realm…and who wanted to pulverize him to no end. The last thing she wanted was to lose her friends.
Not only had Bloom spent time with him, she also spoke to him about her family, about her friends, and about Alfea. The right thing to do would´ve been to tell the truth, no matter how wrong it sounded. But on the other hand, that would lead to Valtor escaping with no possibility of ever finding him again. And if he found out that Bloom knew his secret, then that was exactly what he would do.
Valtor was in her hands now. As long as she continued pretending.
She let out an involuntary sob. It hurt to know that she´d become a magnet for betrayal. It hurt even more to realize that knowing Hagen´s true identity, still didn't erase the feelings she´d developed for him. Bloom was appalled with herself. She left the restroom and practically dragged her feet down the hall. What she needed now was to be alone and-
"Bloom"
"Queen Marion", she replied, taken by surprise.
"Hello dear, how´ve you been?" she asked. Bloom found her voice to be soothing. Although it was probably due to the fact that she missed her mother so much. Bloom was sure that if Vanessa were here, she would´ve known exactly what to say to guide her through this.
"A little tired with all the training, your majesty. I´ve been practicing. Although I haven't really improved much" she replied. The Queen´s scent was strong but very pleasant. Probably the kind of fine oils and fragrances that the wealthy wore.
"I´m sure you´ll get the hang of it soon", Marion said. She seemed enthusiastic at first, but then gave Bloom a strange look.
"Are you sure everything is alright, dear?" Bloom realized that she was probably a mess after what she´d just been through.
"I´ve been better" she answered honestly. Marion smiled empathetically.
"I see...Bloom, I came in to see Daphne, but the assistant principal tells me that she´s busy, and so I still haven´t had my lunch, would you care to join me?"
"Oh, y-yes of course, your majesty", she answered quickly, hoping that her disbelief wasn´t too obvious. A late lunch with the Queen? What else was she supposed to say?!
"Excellent. I know of a lovely place here in Magix. How do you feel about vegetarian food?"
"I love it", she said smiling.
-x-x-x-x-x-
They walked into the restaurant and Bloom followed the Queen toward the backdoor. She was confused until they reached a private area out in the open that was part of the restaurant, where there were several tables surrounded by rose bushes. She couldn't help thinking how much Flora would enjoy this place once she told her about it. It was a lot quieter than in the rest of the city where the traffic was loud at this hour.
"It´s beautiful, your majesty. I´ve never seen this place before",
"There´s no need to be so formal all the time, darling, call me Marion. It´s what my closest friends know me as", she said.
"Okay your ma- I mean Marion", she replied, giggling. The name rolled off her tongue somewhat awkwardly. But deep down she was still elated to know that the Queen considered her a friend.
"So how are things going on Domino?" Bloom asked.
"Wonderful, practically everything has been restored. We´re currently working on encouraging tourism on our realm, and so far, the results have been gratifying", she mused.
Soon, the waiter arrived and took their orders.
"It´s an honor to have you, your royal majesty. Is this lovely young lady your daughter?" the waiter asked, looking at them both. It was probably easy for anyone to mistake them for family because of how similar their features were.
"Actually, she´s a friend of mine", Marion answered smiling, showing the dimples on each side of her face. Bloom realized how beautiful she was. The waiter laughed it off, and welcomed them again, before leaving to retreat their meals.
"So, would you care to tell me why you look so sad?" she asked with a small, all-too-knowing smile. Bloom blushed. No matter how friendly the conversion was, she had to remind herself that she was sitting face to face with one of the head members of the Company of Light. There was absolutely no way she could tell the Queen about Valtor. After all, there was no telling what her reaction would be. For all Bloom knew, the woman could very well just stand up and leave. Or yell at her for her stupidity. Although she didn't seem like the type who would do so.
"I´ve just really missed my home lately. It´s hard being so far away from my parents for so long", Marion shifted uncomfortably.
"Bloom, now that we´re here. I´d like to apologize",
"Apologize? What for?"
"For the way Diaspro treated you on the Day of the Royals. I know I´ve said this to you before, but it truly wasn´t right. She hurt your feelings during such a vulnerable time in your life. I just hope you can find it in your heart to forgive her one day",
"Your majesty, there´s really no need to apologize. Diaspro is very…different from you and King Oritel. You´re both very amazing people, I´m sure that now that Diaspro is with you, she´ll learn from your kindness", Bloom told her comfortingly. She still couldn't understand how someone so loathsome could have this kind of family.
"That´s very kind of you, I appreciate it",
When the food arrived, the waiter placed an individual silverware set by each of their plates. Bloom didn't know how to use half of these things! Thankfully, the queen didn't seem to mind…or even notice. She would have to ask Stella for help one of these days.
"You know, I wasn't too fond of this food when I was your age. I loved plants so much, it made me feel like I was murdering them", she said, causing Bloom to laugh wholeheartedly.
"Seriously?"
After a while of eating, chatting, and even sharing a few jokes, Bloom realized how her mood had mellowed out almost completely. It was nice to have someone to help her take her mind off things. Not that her friends weren´t able to do so. But being around them now was a constant reminder of the secret she hid from them. And of the fear of rejection, if they ever knew. For now, she would just enjoy this.
Marion somehow reminded her of her mother. And surprisingly, she even had a sense of humor, something that she hadn't expected from a Monarch of her stature. Maybe high-class people weren´t so bad after all.
Diaspro walked into the ceremony hall, which was vast and completely empty. It was the room where balls and celebrations were held. And it was marvelous.
Apparently, it hadn't been occupied in sixteen years, and yet it´s brilliance hadn't wavered. The floor displayed colorful patterns, and there were pillars all around. And surely enough, standing in the center was the cresset. The pole that held the cresset high was made of bright blue sapphires, with the image of a dragon outlined in red gemstones over the blue, making it glow even in the dim light of the hall.
Diaspro stepped closer, running her fingers over the precious gemstones. How was she going to pull this off?
Queen Regina was one of the finest kinds of royals she´d ever encountered. The woman stood tall and proud of her elegant posture and fine green eyes. And having her as an enemy certainly wouldn't be pleasant. But if it meant keeping Bloom away from the treasure that all of this was, then she would do it. She only hoped that Valtor´s portion of the flame would be enough.
Enough to convince her new family, and enough to win Sky back.