A/N: Double update! If you started out on this chapter and didn't read chapter 28's author's note. You may want to head back and do so!

As explained in the previous chapter notes, this is all about Castea's history and is completely skippable. I thank any of you that do choose to read through it, though I understand if you choose not to. The next chapter will be getting back to the main storyline.

Hope you enjoy and review.


Seasons passed and soon enough the time had flown by Castea with no mercy. She attended her sister's marriage, watched as her smile, born from love and trust, lit up her face as she pledged her undying devotion to her husband. Erevet looked just as in love. The whole ceremony nearly made her sick.

Her sister left the castle and went to live in her new husband's kingdom. Castea watched her leave. Her little sister was all grown up. Her little sister was so happy. And again Castea could only think that happiness was not meant for her.

She endured it all, just as Belphegor told her to. The day rolled into another and then another and then another. Sebastian was happy. Cecily was happy. But she still couldn't attain happiness. She still couldn't even produce an heir.

Barsilisk had only grown more and more cross with her as she failed to give him what he desired most. As she failed at the one thing he was keeping her alive for. Some part of her was glad. She didn't want to give him a child. Why should she have to give him any more of herself? And once she gave him a baby, he'd be free to do away with her. The next time she chose to mouth off would be her last.

But another part of her wanted to have a child. She wanted her life to have meaning. She wanted to have someone to love and love her in return. She wanted to be a mother, had since she was young. As her own mother had told her, nothing gives one more happiness than the love of a child. She wanted that.

Yet her body wouldn't give her one. It betrayed her, just like everything else.

She sought comfort from Sebastian. She knew it was unwise to visit him, but she needed to speak to someone, get out of her own head. Even Marguerite's own words and assurances had begun to lose meaning.

"How is Giselle?" Her name had gotten easier to speak as time wore on. "And the kids? How did they fare in the winter?"

Sebastian beamed, fatherly pride tinging his words. "Oh, they're wonderful. Just as hardy as their pa," he laughed. "Cassidy took ill for a few moons, but was as bright as a daisy when it passed. You should'a seen her. Bouncing off every surface in the house."

Castea chuckled quietly. "Must have been quite the sight."

Sighing into silence, he looked back over at her as he stopped gathering the corn. "And, Castea, how are you? You've smiled less and less over the seasons."

Her earlier mirth vanished so easily. She gazed back into his deep green eyes, filled with such loyalty, and spoke. "I… I just never imagined that starting a family would be so hard."

His face fell and he dropped the pile from his hands as he brought her into his chest. "It will happen, I promise you. It would probably be a lot sooner if he spent more time cherishing you than beating you." She tensed up in his hold, so he backtracked. "Just give it time. And drink some chamomile. I know Giselle said it helped her, uh, better conceive, I guess."

She laughed as he scratched the back of his head. Time. Just a little more time. That's all anyone tells me.

She looked back at Sebastian, whose gaze was trained on the trees.

"What is it?"

"I just felt off, y'know. Like someone was watching us. You left your guards behind, right?"

"Marguerite kept cover for me. Told them I was sleeping off a long night with Barsilisk."

Sebastian clicked his tongue at that, but turned his gaze back to the woman. "Must'a been my imagination."

If only it had been.

Castea snuck out once again and ran under the moonlight to Sebastian's home. She was beginning to feel at home there again. Giselle had even begun inviting her inside. The woman was welcoming even through their awkward first greetings. And she'd gotten to meet Sebastian's daughters, both as terribly stunning as their father. She was looking forward to another night among their family, amongst their love and happiness, but she wouldn't get another one.

She hadn't made it through the trees before the smoke hit her like a wall. She coughed against it, but strode forward. When she got far enough, she could see the orange light and hear the loud blaze. When she realized what was happening, she began to run. She picked up speed until she could barely breathe.

She collapsed on the lawn before the little house that was now engorged in flames. It was bright and hot and she couldn't see a way in or out. Something inside pulled her in, wanting her to try and save any of that precious family. Any of that happiness. Yet the more rational part of her told her to stay, reminding her that she would never achieve any of her own happiness if she moved.

The house groaned and began to cave. The roof toppled into the third floor, a burst of fire and embers shooting out of the new crater. She was about to give into despair when a figure emerged from the front door. It ran forward unsteadily, something cradled in its arms. Castea nearly cried out in joy as she recognized Sebastian.

She ran towards him, but he fell to the ground before she could make it to him. Whatever he was cradling slipped from his grasp and rolled towards her in the grass. Castea let out a sob as she came to find that it was his little girl. She quickly knelt down before her and set her fingers carefully along her neck, ignoring the horrifying feel of burnt flesh. The queen prayed for a beat, or any sign of life, but she was gone.

The house finally collapsed, jolting Castea into action as she went to Sebastian's aid. He, too was burnt, but not nearly as badly. The smoke wafted off of his body, and Castea could only wonder how long he had been in there. He was crying and yelling at the house, his words jumbled and hysterical. The only words she could make out were the names of his wife and children. He could barely move, large gashes littered along his body. But she knew the pain of his physical wounds meant little to him now.

She sought to comfort him in the only way she knew how. "Shh, Sebastian, please." She pulled him into a light embrace, careful of his injuries. She held him as he struggled and his pained shouts fell into anguished whispers. "Gods, Sebastian. Please. It's- I'm here. Please, you'll only hurt yourself more."

He suddenly stilled in her hold and as the silence became deafening she looked down at him to find that he was no longer conscious. She scrambled to listen to his heart. It still thrummed, though it was slow, quickly losing its fight to go on.

"No! No, you can't take him, too!" she cried out. "You can't have him, please!"

But her pleas fell on deaf ears. No one was there to help her. No one would come to save him.

"Castea, move away from him. Quickly, now!"

She jumped off of his still form to find Belphegor at her side. Where he'd come from, she couldn't guess, but it hardly mattered. "Please, you have to help him." She clawed at his robes in desperation, her strength pulling him down to the ground beside them. "Please!"

"I'm trying, my dear, but you must release me."

She did. She sat there, tears trailing down her cheeks as she watched the man lay a hand upon Sebastian's chest. Everything stilled for the next few minutes until a faint white light emerged from Belphegor's palm. It was so vivid and it reminded her of the light she'd looked into that day in the forest. She watched as the light seemed to seep into Sebastian's body. The visible gashes he'd had closed up almost immediately as his chest began to slowly rise once more.

His eyes jolted open as he breathed in a loud gasp. Belphegor removed himself from the man as Castea came back between them. Sebastian coughed loudly, every breath he took sounding harsh as he wheezed. Castea couldn't believe her eyes. He was alive. She was sure he had died, but…

She cradled the man's head against her chest as she stared over at Belphegor. "How…?"

"This is simply the power I hold within."

"Castea?" She brought her gaze back to Sebastian as he took in his surroundings, his eyes wild and his voice rough. "What… I-" The fiery glow drew his attention then and a renewed agony filled his expression as tears streaked his face. "They're g-gone, aren't they? I couldn't save them! I tried to-to save them, but they were already…"

He curled into her side and Castea had to fight off her own urge to fall apart. "Sebastian, how did this even-"

He howled out his misery into her stomach, and she held him there until he could speak again. "There… there have been raids out in the north. It must have been them- they took… those bastards! I should have been here… I just- I had to p-pick up the grain!" A cough ripped its way out of him and he took in a series of breaths before continuing. "I should have been here. I should have saved them. I tried, but… but it was too late. Cassidy was barely breathing and…" Castea tried her best not to look at his daughter's body that now laid unmoving in the dirt. He curled back into her, crying out his apologies as he clutched onto her form. "I'm sorry, Cas! I'm so sorry..."


Only Sebastian survived. When this had been confirmed, Castea could only reel at the news. She tried to find out what happened. She wanted to find the people that were responsible. And do what to them, she wasn't so sure. But there was nothing. None of the neighbors saw or heard a thing. No trail or evidence had been left behind. There wasn't even a tell of how the fire had been started, as if the house had spontaneously burst into flames on its own. It didn't make sense.

Not until Belphegor made the suggestion.

"Didn't your husband warn you away from him?"

She couldn't handle the thought. If she allowed herself to entertain the idea, she would have to come to terms with the fact that it was her fault that they died. It wasn't some random raiding party that tried to steal from the farm. She had brought such misfortune upon them. Upon Sebastian.

No, her husband couldn't have.

But as much as she didn't want to admit it, some part of her wouldn't let it go. The thought only grew as Barsilisk continued to isolate her.

When he took Marguerite from her side, she nearly lost it.

"It's alright, Castea. I'll be fine." She tried to hush the girl's cries as they stood outside of the castle gates. The brunette stared up at the king as he smiled down at her from the window. It took everything in her to not show her hatred. She knew anything she did would only harm Castea in the future. "I will be alright."

"But," she said as she looked up, tears and snot dripping down her face as she couldn't contain herself. "He can't send you away. He can't! What will you do? Out there by yourself?!"

"I'll be okay. I have family out past the Southern Ruins."

"But you'll never make it out there! Not by yourself! The journey, it's-"

"I will be okay. I was allowed an escort and I will get on just fine." She smiled down at the girl and took her arms from her waist. "Now come on, this is not how a queen should carry herself." Marguerite cleaned away her tears and the snot from her face with her sleeve. "Much better."

"But-"

She gave her a stern eye and Castea instantly quieted. "I will be fine. It is you who needs to be careful. You must keep living on, Castea. No matter what happens, no matter what he does to you, don't let him take your soul from you, you got that? You are such a wonderful person, Castea." She embraced her, her arms tight around the girl that she had known since Castea had first been born. "Never let him change you."

She saw Marguerite to the outskirts of the kingdom until her guards wouldn't let her any further. Belphegor offered to keep an eye on her, but his powers only extended so far. He couldn't assist if something happened on her journey.

And something did. Marguerite didn't last a fortnight on such a hard trek. Belphegor wouldn't tell her how or why, no matter how much she pled with him.

"Such knowledge will not heal your pain, Castea. It will only cause you more agony."

"I have to know! I did this to her! It was my doing!"

"No, my dear." He knelt beside her, stroking the side of her face. "It was not you who sent her on a journey that was hopeless from the beginning."

His words sank in. Her anger grew.


Her fingertips ran along the slight swell of her stomach. She smiled at herself in the mirror, happy even as the nausea had yet to dissipate. She had done it. She was finally going to be a mother. After so long, after so many miscarriages, she was finally going to have a baby.

She dressed herself for the day and went out into town. Barsilisk had been gone for the better part of a month, his duties having taken him to the Falto kingdom. He was due home that very day and she'd decided that she was going to tell him that night. She couldn't wait to see his face. She finally did something right. Something she could be proud of that would make them happy. At this point in her life, that was all she wanted.

Even though she suspected Belphegor already knew, she didn't want anyone else to know before her husband. She couldn't have anticipated running into Sebastian in the market that day, nor could she have known that he would be so perceptive.

"You're positively glowing, Castea. I know that look." He laid a hand upon her lower abdomen, his smile wide as he felt the slight firmness beneath his palm. "You're going to be a mother!"

His smile was almost instantly reflected on her own face, although she felt uneasy speaking about such a topic in his company. "I just-"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

He sounded upset with her, and she quickly tried to explain herself. "You just lost your daughters, Sebastian. I-"

"I'm happy for you, Castea." The grief was still clear in his eyes as only a handful of seasons had come to pass since their deaths, but there was an undeniable mirth to his features that showed how happy he was for her despite that. "You'll be a wonderful mother. The fool probably hasn't even noticed yet, huh?"

Against her better judgement, she laughed. "You shouldn't speak that way of your king."

"He's not my king."

The uneasiness returned as she watched his expression darken. She never told Sebastian of her suspicions of her husband, for fear of what might happen to him if he ever tried to go after Barsilisk, but his earlier dislike never waned. After the incident, she had tried to cut off her interactions with the man, not wanting to test Barsilisk's patience further, but he insisted that they remain in contact. After all, he reminded her, who else did he have left?

She spent a good deal of the daylight hours in his company and only retreated back to the castle when evening had fallen. Upon arrival, she had been informed by the gate guards that the king had arrived a few hours earlier, but that he didn't wish to be disturbed. She was going to respect those wishes. She knew what happened when she didn't.

She ate alone. She allowed herself a long, luxurious bath. She spent much time just staring at her naked stomach, her hands caressing the skin. When her excitement got the better of her, she made her way to their bedroom. She knew he wouldn't be happy with her for interrupting his rest, but she thought that the news would surely make up for it.

Although, she hadn't quite known what a 'rest' entailed.

"Barsilisk," she gasped as she walked into the room. "What… What are you doing?" It came out in a whimper as her eyes took in the other woman, exposed and entangled in her sheets. She'd never thought that he would bring one of them into their bed. She didn't think he thought that little of her. Again, she was proven wrong. He didn't even care to look ashamed.

"Castea, you were told to leave me be."

Castea could only gape at the disapproval in his tone, at the look he gave her despite her obvious distress. She watched as he gave the other woman a long, deep kiss, even as she seemed troubled by the presence of his wife. He turned back toward her and shooed her away with a wave of his hand.

"Go on. And do not disturb me again."

He moved to continue their earlier activities, but stopped as a large object flew towards him. He ducked it, the vase shattering against the headboard.

"How dare you!" Castea screamed. "How dare you do this in our bed! After everything you've done, all you've taken, you-" She couldn't finish and instead went to grab something, anything within reach. It was the last straw. She was carrying his child and it still wasn't enough for him. He had done too much, and she couldn't stop herself as she reached out to grab the small bust they kept on a table by the door. It had almost left her hands when Barsilisk caught her by the neck and pushed her up against the wall.

Her body slammed back, her rage suddenly extinguished as fear overtook it. Her eyes widened and she tried to apologize, but his hold on her neck didn't allow her the luxury of speech.

"How dare I? How dare you throw things at me!" He pulled her forwards only to slam her back against the wall. "How dare you yell at me! How dare you embarrass me in front of a guest!" He let go of her and smacked her across the face. "Do not ever disrespect me!"

She held her cheek with one hand as she protected her stomach with the other. "I- I'm sorry, Barsilisk. I didn't mean to-" He smacked her once more, the blow sending her to the floor. "P-please, Barsilisk, stop. I'm-"

"You dare give me orders?!"

He sent a series of kicks her way, each one gaining strength. She gasped in terror as one connected with her stomach. She tried to curl into herself, to protect her abdomen from his wrath, but he seemed keen on harming every inch or her.

When he tired of the action, he pulled her back up by her hair. "Barsilisk, p-please. Our ch-" She tried to tell him once more, as the tears streamed down her face and the blood dripped from the corner of her mouth, but he wasn't interested.

He continued to beat her. The woman had long since gone by the time he stopped. He gave a huff of exhaustion as he threw on his robes and left the room, but not before leaving her with some last words. "Tell me, Castea. What exactly were you going to do with that bust? Were you going to take my life?" he mocked as he spat down at her crumpled form. "As if you could."

The door slammed behind him and then there was silence. She didn't move. She could barely breathe in fear of how it could further harm the baby. When the pain grew to be too much, she forced herself up. She gasped in agony as she sat herself against the wall. Slowly, she drew her arm up and placed her shaking hand against her belly. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have-" She hiccupped in a breath and sent out a prayer, "please let my child live," before she dragged herself up and out of the room.

She tossed on an old cloak as she slipped from the castle walls in the darkness of the night. She ignored the pain of her injuries and the blood that seeped down her thighs as she ran with only one destination in mind. This was not something medicine could fix. She couldn't trust a doctor to care for her. She could only trust him.

The forest seemed to welcome her back as she finally made it. She collapsed into the dirt as her feet gave out from under her. Protecting her stomach, her back took the brunt of the fall, and she cried out as she felt something snap. She laid there for a long while, her heart hammering away in her chest as she held her child. Covered in the darkness of the trees, she could only wait until Belphegor returned.

"My maker, Castea, you're-" He halted his words as he knelt before her. She woke up to his call, gaze frantic as she grabbed his arms.

"Belphegor, save my child!" she cried, "Please, you have to… Do whatever needs to be done! Please!"

He nodded, his palm coming up to quickly heal whatever damage he could. He told her to close her eyes. She did so without hesitation.

She felt the warmth instantly soothe many of her wounds and injuries. It was like being swaddled in a blanket of sunshine. This was a feeling she never wanted to relinquish. It was the feeling she wanted to give to her child.

Survive, she asked it. Endure, just like mama.

When the pain had all but disappeared, she opened her eyes. She smiled as she looked down to see all of her cuts and bruises gone. Even her old ones had vanished. But that smile quickly fell away as she looked into Belphegor's eyes. "What about my child?" she asked, breathless and desperate.

He swallowed, expression grave. "There was nothing I could do."

She screamed out as she cradled her stomach, her arms squeezing it as if that could keep her baby from leaving her. She bent forward, her forehead against the ground as she curled into a ball once again. She cried out into the darkness, Belphegor's hand unwelcome on her back even as he tried to calm her.

"He took everything from me! My kingdom, my father, my family, my ch-" Heartrending sobs devolved into harsh coughs and pained breaths. "I can't do this anymore."

Belphegor brought her back up into a sitting position and stared into her lost gaze. "You mustn't say such things. You need to endure-"

"I can't anymore!" She shook herself from his grasp and scrambled back against a tree. "You wish me to endure more of this?" She gestured down to her person. "What kind of cruelty do I have to endure in order to earn my happiness? Tell me that, Belphegor."

Giving her a look of sympathy, he slowly made his way to her and sat at her side. He spoke once he thought she'd calmed down enough to listen. "It is almost time, my dear."

"I no longer care."

"You do. You didn't go through all of this to abandon your goal now, did you?" She wouldn't look at him, but he could tell by the clenching of her fists that he'd hit the right spot. "I swear to you… you are nearly ready." To prove his words, he brought his hand to the back of her neck. She hardly flinched as his fingers dug into the skin, but she couldn't help the scream that tore from her throat as a searing pain developed beneath his hold. She tried to get away, but he wouldn't let go. She stared at him, betrayal sunk deep into her expression, before she squeezed her eyes shut at the pain.

When he finally let go, she crawled away from him, her fingers groping the back of her neck to figure out what he'd done. "Why?!" Was all she could get out. She couldn't believe he'd hurt her, but as she felt the odd smoothness beneath her hair, and looked back at him, she realized he hadn't. She traced the pattern with her fingertips, laughing humorlessly as things finally fell into place. "A l'Cie? You made me a l'Cie?"

"Not just any l'Cie, my child. You are unburdened by a focus and are not tied to the strings of death and time. You shall soon be filled with limitless potential" he spoke, sharp voice commanding. "You are now my l'Cie."


Time drew on. She explained away her lost child to Sebastian, the word miscarriage utterly inadequate on her tongue. Barsilisk now seemed to ignore her presence entirely. He didn't even want to see her, much less touch her, and instead warmed their bed with the company of other women.

Castea forgot to care. She spent most of her time lost among her thoughts, some along marketplace streets, and some in Sebastian's company. The time she enjoyed the most, though, was in her training sessions with Belphegor.

They hadn't progressed far, Belphegor intent on waiting until she was 'ready.' But he showed her the simple things and started her out small. Learning easy spells, how to sense incoming dangers, how to feel the pulse of magic within her. It didn't add up to much, but it was enough to keep her going.

Her days progressed much the same until the news reached her kingdom. Prince Erevet had passed due to an overwhelming illness. Soon after his sending, Cecily came back to her home, but not as the bubbly girl she once cared for. She had been devoured by grief. Castea held her through her sobs, watched her in her fitful sleep, and helped her through her time of pain.

Through it all she could admit that it felt nice to be needed again. She enjoyed having her sister back in her life, probably more than she should have, given the circumstances. Amongst the feelings of sadness and anger she felt towards her sister's pain, she also felt a strange sense of satisfaction mixed in. As she watched her sister struggle through her despair, she felt her smile grow. Cecily, such a bright, happy girl, finally got to feel some of the misery and desolation she'd felt for half her life. To Castea, such a reality check seemed long overdue.

It was custom of a widow to spend most, if not all, of her public life within the confines of a mourning veil. Cecily did so, even in the quiet spaces of her own room. As time passed she began to come back to herself. Little by little, the light came back to her eyes and she spent more of her time out amongst the people.

They adored her. All of the women flocked to her, the men admired her, and the children looked up to her. Castea only grew more bitter.

"Why don't you come out with me? You've been cooped up in here for so long, Castea," Cecily whined, attempting to drag her sister out by her sleeve.

"I have things to tend to." It wasn't like she didn't want to. She had always enjoyed going out into town. But now it was like the entire marketplace revolved around Cecily and her gorgeous smile and her golden, shimmery tresses. There was no place for her there.

She told herself that it didn't matter. She didn't care about the attention Cecily was being lavished with. She didn't really, not until she caught the eye of her husband.

Castea watched their interaction. His eyes always seemed to stray to her form at the dinner table, his gaze magnetized to her. He would ask her opinion on certain topics and allowed her to give answers that did not reflect his own thoughts. Every few days he would even accompany her into town.

Castea thought she was being overly sensitive. Everyone was drawn to Cecily, why would her husband be any different? It didn't mean anything. Cecily never returned his glances. She was still deeply in love with her late husband.

"Your beauty shouldn't be hidden."

Hearing her husband's words as she neared the sitting room, Castea quieted her steps and glanced in, careful not to be seen. Barsilisk sat beside Cecily, the two uncomfortably close. He lifted the black veil from her face and delicately dropped it back behind her head.

"Erevet wouldn't want you to hide away."

Cecily stared at him, her eyes wide with a slight panic swirling in their depths. Castea was just about to step in when her expression calmed. A light blush stained her cheeks as she cast her gaze down to the floor.

"I suppose you're right," she said, voice shaky.

"He wouldn't want you to suffer in loneliness, either." He cupped her chin and when Cecily didn't immediately pull away, Castea fled the scene, unable to bear much more.

She spent the rest of her day training beside Belphegor. She felt invigorated as spell after spell flew from her hands, but none of it ever felt strong enough. Her thoughts fell back to Cecily and Barsilisk, their closeness and the desire in his eyes. With a rough cry, Castea let loose a thunder spell that ripped across the forest floor, scorching everything in its path.

She heaved in a few breaths as she stared at the result of her fury. Belphegor clapped behind her.

"Well done. That was your strongest yet." He joined her side, but frowned when he saw the dissatisfaction written in the contours of her face. "Something troubles you, my child?"

She shook her head. "I don't wish to speak of it." She turned toward him, one brow rising as she redirected her thoughts. "Why do you appear in this form?"

Belphegor let out an amused laugh. "I apologize. Does this body not suit me?"

"I didn't mean to imply-" Castea flushed a deep scarlet. "I- You're a powerful fal'Cie, yet you appear as an old man that can barely hold his posture."

"This is only an alternative look I have adopted. I have many other forms. But my appearance matters little. At my core, I am simply a fal'Cie that wishes to create a better world. And I believe you, my dear, can help me create it."

Castea's blush deepened as a small smile slipped onto her lips. She was flattered by his belief in her, but felt it was completely misplaced. "I'm just a l'Cie."

"Ah," he said as his eyes lit up. "But you can become more than just a l'Cie. Has anyone ever told you that l'Cies, when given the proper freedom, can evolve?" Castea merely blinked back at him. "You can become a mage, and have all of the power you could ever desire at the tips of your fingers. You just have to want it." He stepped back behind her and drew her hand up, his palm beneath hers. That white glow that she'd come to know so well dazzled between their fingertips. He brought his mouth beside her ear and whispered into it. "You just have to take the final step."


She spent many moons wondering what that final step would entail. Belphegor wouldn't tell her. He said it was something she had to figure out for herself. She laid in her bed for hours trying to figure it out. It was nearly maddening.

As she waited for it to come to her, she became almost obsessed with watching Cecily and Barsilisk become close. She watched them smile. She watched them dance. She watched them laugh. Until she'd finally had enough.

She confronted Cecily, but what she was met with astounded her.

"You two have formed quite the bond…"

"You should really treat him better, Sis."

Castea's eyes bulged as her sister's sentence met her ears. She was being counselled on her marriage by her sister, of all people.

"If you just listened to him he wouldn't be so harsh with you."

"What did you say?"

"You can be quite stubborn at times, Sis. You have to admit that."

Castea almost screamed back at her. What could she possibly know about her life with Barsilisk?! She hadn't been there. She didn't know.

That thought cooled her fury. Her sister was simply ignorant, and it was due to her own actions. She'd gone to great pains to make sure her sister had been left out of her darkest moments. She'd kept her in the dark about every cruelty Barsilisk had ever inflicted upon her. It was her own fault, once again.

When this realization clicked into place, she knew it was only a matter of time.

Castea had long ago chosen to leave their room. She now stayed in her own quarters, allowing her husband the utmost privacy. But every night she waited out of sight, her eyes lingering on that room that used to be her own. Much time had passed since she'd witnessed another woman enter, but she knew it was because Barsilisk was now waiting for the right one. He was waiting to bed the one woman he knew would hurt her the most.

He didn't have to wait long. Castea was there to witness as Cecily slipped down the hall, her light gown whispering along the floor after her. She came to stand outside of the door, but stopped just shy of knocking. Her hand paused there, poised in the air. She stood there for a few long moments until Castea thought that she might actually turn back. She was her sister, after all. Cecily wouldn't do that to her.

The knock was quiet, but deafening in her ears. She watched as Barsilisk opened the door, and Cecily giggled as he led her inside.

Castea sat there until the sun rose. They had yet to come out. She slipped back to her new room with one thought in mind.


From then on her magic changed. It was as if every spell was electrified with her most fervent emotions. She put her entire being into her training and it was paying off well. A fira sprung from her palm and decimated the last flan before her, the being leaving only a murky ooze behind.

Again, she heard her fal'Cie applaud her actions, but his praise barely phased her. She silently fumed as her eyes searched for another monster to take on.

"Congratulations, my child. I think you are ready for your next step."

She looked over at him as her shoulders heaved with exhaustion. "Next step," she repeated, her heartbeat picking up in her excitement. Am I finally ready to become everything he believes me to be? Am I ready to become a leader that will bring a new world? Will I finally be able to have my happiness?

"Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a life, darling?" Belphegor snapped his fingers and Castea's eyes widened as a puff of smoke appeared in the middle of the clearing. When the smoke cleared, it left a lone guard behind. The man was clearly disoriented, but a clarity came to his gaze as he recognized the woman in front of him.

"Lady Castea?"

He sounded so confused, unsure of if he should bow to her or fight off whatever had brought him into the forest. Castea shook her head as she looked over at Belphegor. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Aren't you tired of being treated like filth?" His gaze burned into hers. She found she couldn't look away even as she heard the guard's questioning call behind her. "Don't you wish to make him pay for what he's done to you? To your family?"

Castea could feel that rage build back up inside of her as her fists tightened at her sides. It all came back in glimpses. Her father's funeral. Sebastian's burning home. Marguerite's retreating back. The feeling of her empty womb. It all came back to Barsilisk's smiling face and she let herself be overcome with hatred.

"Let him feel your wrath, Castea. Let him know who is weak and who is strong."

Castea turned her attention back to the guard who still looked dazed on his feet. She rose her hand, but stopped as Belphegor gave out his first instruction.

"Remember what I taught you. First, you must immobilize your target, so he can no longer harm you."

She did as instructed and focused on the man before her. With a twitch of her fingers, she sent out a petrification spell. His shaky movements slowed until his body tensed up, the blood circulating through his body freezing up in response to the magic. His gaze turned wild with terror as he became completely paralyzed. She smirked at his fear.

"Now strike. Take his life as he has taken yours."

Castea began to draw up another spell, this one much more lethal, but as she continued to look at the man, she felt hesitation slip into her bones. She dropped her arm and shook herself free of her anger. "I can't. This- I can't do this."

"Yes, you can, my dear. He's a monster, just like the flan you just slayed!"

"This man is just a guard! He has done me no harm!" She went to pull her magic from his body when Belphagor suddenly gripped her wrist.

"He defended his king, your husband. He ignored all of the pain that man caused you. He treated you like a prisoner in his presence. He is not just a guard. You must eliminate him!"

She bit her lip as she stared at the man. She knew that Belphegor was right. He'd done her more harm than good. He was just another puppet of her husband's that would not hesitate to kill her if asked.

But she couldn't. No matter what he had or hadn't done, she couldn't do it.

Disappointment clouded Belphegor's gaze as she gave up. With a sigh, he let her go.

"I'm sorry. I-" A high-pitched scream caught her ears and she looked over just in time to watch the guard's body explode. His blood and limbs decorated the forest floor and Castea could only stare.

"It's time, my dear. You just have to realize it."

"But I-"

"Will you let him claim your sister as he casts you aside like used cloth? Let your sister laugh at your back as she takes your throne?"

She understood what he was asking of her now. She just didn't know how to do it. Or if she wanted to.

She chose to give them another chance. Barsilisk would tire of her sister, as he did all of his women. Cecily would realize her mistake. She would give up on him and all would be well again. But that never happened. The two continued to get closer until Castea could no longer take it.

She followed them out into one of the nearby villages. Eclipsed in old robes, she hid in the darkness of a tree as they walked arm in arm. She used one of the spells Belphagor taught her to enhance her hearing and listened to their conversation.

"You look absolutely stunning in that gown. You have such fine taste."

She giggled, tightening her hold on his arm. "Thank you. And thank you for purchasing it for me." They kissed and Castea turned away as it drew on. Her head whipped back around as Barsilisk spoke again.

"I love you."

Castea heard the same words slip from her sister's lips and instantly felt abandonment and resentment tighten around her heart. She couldn't believe it. She couldn't stand it.

She couldn't let it continue.

Throwing out her arm, Castea called forth another petrification spell, sending it directly into Cecily's body. The girl gasped as her body seized up.

"Cecily, what's the matter?"

"I can't move, Barsilisk. It's like-"

"Like someone is holding you there?" Castea emerged from the shadows, a smirk in place as she came into view. "Sorry, but it is high time that my husband and I discuss some pressing matters."

"Sis, what are you-"

"Castea!" Barsilisk bellowed. "You have defied my orders for the last time!" He began to make his way toward her, but she stopped him easily. An invisible barrier shot up in front of him and he strode right into it. As if having walked into a brick wall, he fell to the ground with a groan, rubbing his nose at the pain.

"Oh, really?" She tilted her head to the side, mocking smile in place. "I don't think so, love."

"Castea, what are you doing?!" Cecily fought against the magic, her body shaking as it attempted to move. "What is this?"

Castea cackled at her futile struggle. Trying to save your lover, no doubt. "I wouldn't speak if I were you, Cec. A whore like you has no business being in this conversation."

"Castea, please-"

"Please?" she spat. "Please, she says. Do you know how many times I have said please? Nobody listens to please. You want something, you have to learn to do it yourself."

Barsilisk recovered and stood back up. He advanced on her again, his expression furious, but she didn't let him get far. She created another barrier. She laughed as he slammed into it again, though this time he didn't fall.

"You think you can threaten me with those fists, again, darling? Not anymore. Not ever." The fury in his expression deepened and she felt that familiar fear sting into her being, but she shoved it back. She held the power now. He was at the mercy of her will, and she loved it.

The townspeople congregated around them, gawking at the scene. By the time some of the king's guards had been alerted, it was too late. A ring of fire circled around the three of them, the flames so high and so hot that no one could penetrate it.

"Ah, ah, ah." She wagged a finger at the guards. "This is my show."

"Castea!"

Her sister's distressed call drew her attention. Cecily was now free of her spell and standing beside Barsilisk, the man protecting her behind him. How precious.

"How are you…" Her gaze took in the fire surrounding them until it rested back on her sister. "How are you doing this?"

"This is the power I have now. The power of a true ruler. The power he tried to take away from me." Her eyes slid to her husband. He remained speechless. "What? Nothing to say? You always have something to say. 'Quiet, Castea!' 'Be still, Castea!' 'You are not a queen, Castea, just a king's wife.' Or how about my favorite. 'Were you going to take my life? As if you could.'" She sneered as the blood drained from his face. "Still think I can't, love?" The flames roared around them, her furious energy fueling them.

He drew Cecily closer to him, in response. "You're insane."

"You have yourself to thank for that." She walked closer to the two, her steps bold as her eyes lit with a crazed anger. They both backed away from her until the flames were hot at their backs. "Shall I kill you now? Or should I take your lover first?" She let loose a waterga that knocked her sister from his arms.

The water surrounded Cecily like a large snake circling its prey. "Castea," her sister whimpered, but she would hear none of it. The water engulfed her, soon surrounding her until she was caught in an unbreakable ball of water. She beat her fists against it as she gasped for air, but it was no use.

"Cecily!" Barsilisk ran to the floating ball and pounded on the thing with all of his strength. When that yielded no results, he turned back to his wife. "This is your sister. How can you-"

"That's right. She is my sister. And what have you been doing with her these past few seasons, hm?"

"You let her go, right now."

"Or what?" Again, he moved toward her, but stopped as he saw the challenge in her expression. "That's right, Barsilisk. I no longer fear you. What will you do now that you cannot threaten me? Now that you can no longer beat or control me?"

His face fell and he looked back at the blonde encased in water. She was gasping and crying out for him, but he could do nothing to get her out.

"I would hurry, dear. She's not going to last much longer."

His eyes flickered back and forth between them as he debated. When he finally made up his mind, he stared at Cecily, his eyes pleading with her to hang on. He turned back to Castea, a certain acceptance in his eyes. "Castea, I…" He swallowed before continuing. "I'll do anything, just-"

"Anything?" She looked out to the villagers and guards that still stood around the flames, some trying to extinguish it with buckets of water. "He says he'll do anything." She turned back to him. "I want you to beg. Beg for my forgiveness. Beg me for her life. And maybe I'll spare it."

To her utter shock, he did. He got down on his knees as he bowed his head. His hands gripped the ground in desperation. "I beg of you, Castea. Do not do this. Cecily is innocent. She does not deserve this. I'm the one who has done you wrong. I was a horrible husband. I… I hurt you when you did nothing. Kill me, Castea. Take my life."

He began to weep and Castea could feel her heart crack a little more. She had been wrong. Barsilisk hadn't gone after her sister in his desire to hurt her. He loved Cecily. He truly loved her. He was even willing to die for her.

"I'm begging you. Do not take the woman I love."

The bubble burst behind him. Cecily fell to the ground as the water rushed down with her. She coughed and gagged as she drew in the air around her. Barsilisk ran to her and embraced her. He was still crying, but now out of happiness as he held her.

Castea stared at them, her expression a mixture of sorrow and pain. This was not what she wanted. He wasn't supposed to care so much for her. He was a cold bastard. A monster incapable of love. At least, that's what she had thought.

"Castea, stop this." Cecily stood, her legs unsteady beneath her as she gave another few coughs. She tore herself from Barsilisk's arms as she looked at her sister, anguish in her expression. "Why are you doing this to us?"

"Why?! You spend your nights in my husband's bed and you have the nerve to ask me why?!"

"I'm sorry… This… We…" Her words lost strength as she looked back at Barsilisk. Her eyes filled with love as she looked at him, but she could only face her sister with an expression of sorrow and regret. "I did not mean for this to happen. I did not know I could fall in love twice. If I could have stopped these feelings, believe me, I would have."

Castea scoffed. "You think this is all about your filthy affair? Don't flatter yourself. This is about the pain I have endured for all these years. He will pay. And you along with him."

"Please, Castea," she begged. She made her way closer to her sister, her steps slow as her sopping gown weakened her stride. She stopped as Castea glared at her. "We can work through this. We can overcome anything. Isn't that what you told me every time I was sad? Isn't that what you told me when I was scared about leaving the kingdom? I love you. I'm your sister. Please. Stop this madness."

Castea's eyes widened as she listened to her sister, her bottom lip quivering as she fought off the emotions swelling in her breast. She took in her sister's drenched form, Barsilisk's tear stained face, the flames around them, and the villagers beyond it all that looked terrified beyond words. She fell to her knees as she lost her will to fight. She thought about all that time she spent protecting Cecily from this darkness. About all of the days they spent playing together, just her, Cecily, and Sebastian. About her cuddled in her lap in their tree, back in those days that had been filled with such warmth and promise.

This wasn't what she wanted. This had never been what she wanted. She just wanted to be happy. Just like everyone else.

"You said you would always protect me, Sis." She reached her hand forward toward Castea, her other hand over her heart. "I know you're suffering. I'm suffering, too. We can get through this together!"

She blinked and it was like she was still in that dark forest, holding her stomach as she mourned her child. Suffering? You don't know the meaning of the word. Castea drew herself back up, her lips twisting into a vicious snarl. "You're suffering?" Cecily brought her hand back to herself and stepped back away from her, but it was too late. "Then let me put you out of your misery." Castea threw up her arm and cast out her strongest thunder spell. The lightning crackled above Cecily's head, but she didn't look up. Instead she stared deep into her sister's eyes, one last apology written within her blue irises, before she closed her eyes, welcoming her punishment. The lightning struck Cecily down, instantly taking her life.

Barsilisk cried out her name as he ran to her. He attempted to grab her lifeless body, but the lightning still rippled around her, and it sent sharp shocks through his own body. "No… My Cecily…" He turned his despair-laden gaze toward Castea and yelled, "You monster!"

She smiled at the name. "That's right. I'm the monster." She was done being the victim. If that meant she had to be the villain, then so be it. She would take his happiness, she would take everyone's happiness, if it meant she could finally attain her own. "And you shall never forget it."

She stepped carelessly over Cecily's prone form until she was directly in front of her husband. She bent before him and snatched the dagger from his waist. In one swift movement, she slashed his face, leaving one jagged cut in the blade's wake. "You're mine, Barsilisk. You can sleep with as many whores as you like, but now you will never forget who you belong to."

He grunted at the pain, but looked at the blood dripping from his chin in confusion. "You aren't going to kill me?"

She laughed. "That would be too easy for you, my love. No, you shall face an eternity at my side. I can think of no better punishment than that." He fell back to his knees and Castea left him there to weep. She turned back to the gawking townspeople, all stunned silent. She let the flames die away before addressing them all.

"I, Mythnea Vil Castea, am your queen, your ruler. You will all pledge yourselves to me and only me. Any who oppose me shall meet a fate far worse than my sister! Now, who shall be first?" She watched as one by one they all bowed to her. She couldn't imagine a better sight.


"So you finally took that step. I could not be more proud."

"I would call it more of a leap, Belphegor, but I am here now. And I live to serve you, as do all of my followers."

"Ah, right." He looked out the window of the castle, watching the townspeople congregating beneath it. "They have devoted themselves to the cause readily?"

"My people know what to expect. They will become immortal and join in the war for the new world. Anyone who opposes shall be turned cieth and die in their agony and grief." She chuckled as she stared down at them. They all bowed as soon as she came into sight.

"You are using fear, then?"

Frowning as if having sensed his disapproval, she deflated. "It was easy. Everyone knows that the fate of a Cieth is worse than death. For now fear is a useful tool. They will all follow me willingly soon enough."

A loud knock at the door pulled her attention to an incoming visitor. "Come."

A guard stepped in, a familiar man at his side.

"Castea..."

She watched his gaze, laden with sorrow as he stared at her from across the room. He had undoubtedly heard of what had transpired the day before. She didn't want his pity. "I am your queen, Sebastian. You shall address me as such."

He snapped his mouth shut and bowed his head.

"I have no use for pretty farm boys." She came to stand before him. Taking his chin in hand, she rose his head until their gazes met. "What I need is a warrior. A blood thirsty dog at my side. One I can trust and count on. Can that be you, Sebastian? Can you do this for me?"

He stared down at her and even as the fear crept into his expression, the devotion in his eyes was ever present. "Anything. Of course, my lady."

She smiled a true smile this time, one that crinkled the corner of her eyes, and nodded over to Belphegor. The elder nodded back before stepping before Sebastian as he brought his hand up in front of him. Sebastian's gaze flickered with panic, but Castea spoke quickly to soothe his mind. "Do not be afraid." He calmed to the soft cadence of her voice. "He helped me realize the true glory and power I held inside. He helped free me."

Sebastian frowned, seeming unsure, before his limbs relaxed and he faced the old man with a look of gratitude. "She's happy. I am forever in your debt." He put his fate in her hands with a nod of his head.

"If you will, Belphegor," she signaled and he began searing his brand into Sebastian's skin. "My husband is next."