VI. Legacy Day (Part II)
A/N: WELCOME TO THE SECOND HALF OF THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER! ANOTHER LONG CHAPTER YEAH! (I mean… technically, this entire fic IS comprised of long chapters. I long for the days when I thought that 2k words are enough.)
Two chapters withing a few days? Whaaaaaat? 2020, man. Amazing things can happen. AND IT'S JUST NOVEMBER!
I'm also gonna try this thing where I share my playlist in writing the chapter- this isn't the official story playlist, mind you.
PLAYLIST:
This Side of Paradise - Coyote Theory (garden scene)
Winter is Coming - Han Soo Ji (garden scene)
Treacherous - Taylor Swift (garden scene)
In Dreams - Ben Howard (war room scene)
Mountains - Message to Bears (war room scene)
Jenny of Oldstones - Florence + the Machine (throne room scene)
Painting Flowers - All Time Low (throne room scene)
Towers - Bon Iver (dwarves' cottage scene)
Like a Funeral - Erik Jonasson (dwarves' cottage scene)
WARNING/S: Implied sexual intercourse. (Like I said, light tango over rated M and rated T.) Implied self-harm. (Again, nothing too major.)
The past week- and two days, he counted- for Corvus has been hell. Ever since their little… passion in the hallways, Apple has been avoiding him. Not subtly too. She often turned her heel if he so much as enters the hallway. If he enters the room, she quickly hexits. He couldn't bring himself to summon her- that's not fair to her. To abuse his power over her means that he's not better than those who leered at her.
So, no, choosing to summon her is out of the equation. He's going to wait for her to finally confront what happened between them. If Fate game him the chance, however, he'd take it.
That doesn't mean the waiting is easy, however-after.
He sighed, his shoulders slumping. He needed to get out of his palace so here he is, trekking the gardens. The light snowfall caressed his cheeks. Snowflakes clung to his hair. The newly settled snow crunched under his boots with each step. The plants are covered in heavy snow. Already, he can feel the stress-induced tautness in his gut lessen. He breathed in the cold but fresh air appreciatively.
He hasn't been in these gardens for months now, ever since his campaign to rule Ever After started. Going here reminded him of why he found the gardens calming. Particularly, one secluded spot where not even his servants or generals can find him.
Listening to their hare-brained plots to 'contribute' to his 'conquering' combined with his issue with Apple is… more than enough to make him want to scream himself hoarse until his throat bled.
So, he goes, escaping to his solace.
With a tired and relieved sigh, he stopped in front of a certain tall hedge. Behind this hedge is bench and a table with overgrown vines wrapping themselves around. He placed a hand on the hidden doorway and found it easy to move. He froze.
Someone's in here. Or has been in here.
He swallowed, anger rising. This his sanctuary! How dare others invite themselves in his solace!?
He pushed open the hidden door, a fireball ready in hand. All his hostility was flushed away when he saw none other than Apple White.
She sat on the bench, looking comfortable despite the cold weather. The only protection she has is a ratty-looking cloak that she borrowed from one of the kinder servants. As well as the snowy fox- hers, he assumes- that's curled on her lap. Her hand is raised close to her face as a bird rests on her pointing finger. Many other birds and some squirrels surround her, clearly invited in by her presence. Despite the happy image, her eyes were wide and looking right at him.
He flicked his magic away, straightening himself then clearing his throat. "G-Good noon, A-Apple." He swallowed, inhaling deeply. The once fresh air that calmed him now seemed to drag broken glass in his throat. "I'll… leave you to your peace."
He turned his heel and was about to leave when she spoke. "Stay." She blurted out. He craned his head to look at her. Her face is pink. Not from the weather, Corvus guesses. "I-It's your place, isn't it?" She stood. The fox jumped down from its perch, looking at him, miffed at having its bed move.
"You can stay-"
"I'll be going-"
They both quieted at their shared words. Corvus took a deep breath and steadied himself. "We… We also need to talk about what happened." He slowly said.
Apple looked at him blankly. "What is there to talk about?" She asked, a little to innocent. "Nothing! Nothing happened! We- We're not- we haven't-"
"Apple…" At his soft voice, she closed her eyes.
When she opened them, there's anger- and a shine of unshed tears. "Why!?" She demanded, voice rising. "Why must you insist!? I was more than willing to leave it alone and never-after talk about it!"
"Because," it's now Corvus's turn to be indignant, "you kissed me back! You kissed me with such passion, you left me reeling, White! Don't I at least get to know about your feelings for me?"
She faltered, hanging her head low. It took a moment before Corvus saw the tears sliding down her pale cheeks. He swallowed uneasily. He sincerely didn't wish to make her cry. He only wanted answers…
He strode over to her, reaching out to wipe her tears with her thumbs. This only worsened her crying as she became more upset with his gentle treatment. She smacked his hands away, causing them to hang limp at his sides.
"Why do you have to be so- so- so protective and adoring!?" She clenched her hands into fists and started banging at his chest none-too-gently. He quickly grabbed her arms and held them in place. "Why did you have to be so c-charming and gallant!?"
I'm not, Corvus wanted to deny.
"Why do you have to be so easy to love…?" He blinked at that. She took his moment of weakness to pull herself away from him. She stared into his eyes defiantly. Her anger and vitriol caused his heart to thump loudly in his ears. His breathing hitched at the image she shows. "There! Now you know how I feel about you! I love you! I love you when I shouldn't! I love you when I mustn't!"
Corvus can only stared at Apple, feeling all his braincells short circuit. Ecstasy shot straight to his heart then to the rest of his body as he hears her say those words. His fingers twitch, almost aching in the desire to caress her cheeks. The desire to wrap his arms around her and kiss her breathlessly becomes too much to bear.
"You… love me?" He forced out, instead.
"YES!" She snapped, though that did little to deter him. "Stop looking at me like that! Stop- Stop adding fuel to the fire!"
"What fire?" He retorted, a little dumbly, as he reached out to caress her cheeks. "All I can see is you, dearest."
"Don't call me that."
"Love, then." He offered. She flinched. "Beautiful? Gorgeous?" He can't help but let out a gasping laugh. "Snookums?"
She snarled at him. "I'm having my heartbroken here and you're laughing!?"
He only smiled at her adoringly. "But why would your heart break when I love you too?" He gently took one of her hands and kissed her fingertips. All the while looking at her straight in the eyes. "Yes," he whispered against her skin, "I love you. So much."
This broke whatever-after self-control she has, grabbing him by the lapels of his vest and pressed both their lips together in a searing kiss. Corvus's eyes widened at Apple's sudden ferocity but he eagerly returned it with his own. He pulled her in his embrace, twirling them around so it's his back facing the bench. Pausing their kiss momentarily to carry her in his arms bridal style, he took a seat and settled her in his lap.
"We mustn't." She weakly insisted, cupping both his cheeks. She pressed light kisses on his lips. Each kiss causing his heart to flip.
"No," he agreed, pulling her close for a more intense kiss, "we mustn't."
When they pulled away for air, Apple looked at him at the eye. "We won't last." She declared.
His heart clenched at that. Although he's hurt, he also agrees. Whatever-after they have wouldn't last. They're simply not destined for one another. She's destined to be with Daring Charming, while he's…
Well, he's not in the picture of her happily ever after, that's for sure.
Still, he gave her a grin. "If those thoughts are in your head, then I haven't kissed you senselessly." He glibly replied but then sobered- slightly. "I know whatever-after we have is… fleeting… but I am willing to have a handful of memories with you than spend the rest of my life wondering." He ran one of his hands up her back and the other down her legs. "Don't you agree, love?"
She sighed, melting in his touch. She rested her head on his shoulder, fiddling with the buttons on his chest. His eyes wandered as she mulled his words over. He saw that the animals have left due to his presence but stuck by, watching like the voyeurs they are, for their princess.
'How apt.' He dryly thought. 'I'd stay too to watch over her.'
Then, she raised her head. Corvus looked at her expectantly, eager for her answer. When she lowered her head for a kiss, he knows what it is. His heart soared and his entire being feels like it's on a place higher than cloud nine.
She's choosing him. Only for a while. Nonetheless, she chose him. Over destiny. Over her happily ever after.
Only for a while.
He sat on his throne in the war room, bored out of his mind. Oh, he makes sure he looks like he's listening to them, of course. He's leaning on his right, elbow propped on the armrest and his hand curled into a fist where his jaw rests. His eyes focused on the ones current moving their lips- just a show of 'yes, I hear you' but his attentions lie elsewhere…
If he can close his eyes right now- which he'd rather do, truth be told- he can remember her body pressed so close to his. He can remember Apple's gasps, moans, and whimpers when he touched her. He can remember how she looked in the dim candlelight. How breathtaking she looks undone. He can still remember her darkened eyes, peering at him through her lashes, goading him to give her more, more, more.
Corvus swallowed, resting his right thigh over his left as his blood moved to certain parts of his body. "Well," one of his generals broke through his happy reminiscing, "what do you think about the results of the siege, Your Highness?" He puffed his chest. "Are you proud?"
Right. Fuck. While he's here busy remember how Apple felt under his touch like a depraved adolescent newly non-virgin, his general is giving the report for their sieges at the west. So far, so good, from what he's gleaned.
He cleared his throat, focusing on the war table. "It certainly is good news that you've broken through one of the Charming's castles." He turned to the general. "I'll have your men sent chefs and supplies. A feast in their honor shall be held. They've made me proud." At that, the general grinned and- if possible- puffed his chest even more. He used magic to move some of their army's pieces further west. "Now, our next move would be to take down these forts-"
A knock on the door interrupted his words. "Come in!" He spoke, uncaringly, as he toyed with a dagger he keeps close always.
"I have brought your requested wine, Your Highness." Apple's voice caused the feeling of iced lightning lashed at his abdomen. His gaze snapped to her.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. She shouldn't be here! She shouldn't see the absolute monstrosity he's wrecking all over Ever After. Shit, fuck, he can already hear his minions whispering upon themselves.
He needs to dismiss her. Stat. "Thank you." He curtly said, gesturing to the edge table beside him. "You may place it here."
She quickly did as she's told and was about to leave when one of his captains spoke. "Your Highness!" Corvus sent him a glare but the captain has his gaze- and his malicious smile- focused on Apple. "General Trent might have conquered Charming Castle, but I have hexecuted the rebels in the eastern kingdoms! Shall my men await a reward as well?"
Another one added. "Your Highness, my soldiers have rooted out the spies in this castle- and treated them accordingly!"
"Your Highness, we hexecuted the traitors who gave out information to the White rebels!"
"Your Highness, we've eradicated Darling Charming's soldiers, but we've lost her. Rest assured we have the bitch trapped!"
"Your Highness, we found Daring Charming's rebel forces and we're on the move to kill them!"
Apple gasped, eyes wide. Horror is apparent on her face. Her pupils shrunk in size and she's trembling like a leaf. In the cacophony of his cronies begging for his attention just so she will suffer, all he can think of is the shock, pain, and fear she must be in right now.
That was the tipping point.
Corvus stabbed the middle of the table. The blade sank halfway through the wood. He glared at the captain who started it all. His eyes showed the absolute hell he will rain on all of them later. Political ramifications be damned.
"Get," he growled, eyes glowing, "the fuck out." His captain gulped, onto his feet at an instant. "All of you!"
His men- Corvus calls them with such distaste and loathing- hastily went on their feet and began filing for the door. Apple made a move to hexit, head hung low.
"White." He barked, causing her to freeze. His soldiers stopped and stared. "Stay." His eyes raked the curious crowd. "I gave my orders."
They quickly fled the scene. When the last of them shut the door behind him, Corvus stood and made his way to her.
"A-"
"Is it true?" she demanded. When she looked at him, there's anger there but hatred too. So much hatred, Corvus flinched. "Are my friends being killed off, Your Highness?"
He clenched his jaw, looking pained. "No," he shook his head, "they would never-after kill the Charmings but… the soldiers who… who are in their army…"
The soldiers in the Charming's army are fresh meat.
Apple gasped, stepping back and pressing a shaking hand on her mouth. "No," she gasped, "they didn't…" She kept stepping back until she's stopped by the war table. She whirled around to stare at it, reaching for it to make sure it's real.
The hologram wasn't the one he summoned what seemed to be a lifetime ago. Rather, it looks like what Ever After royally looks- half of its keeps and castles forced to raise his banners. Nothing major- nothing that interrupts the others' fairy tales, he meant- but more than enough for it to make the onlooker know that he's conquer more than half of it.
Apple is not so innocent as to be daft to what this meant.
He's brought Ever After on its knees through bloodshed. That's why he has generals and captains and assassins. Blades in the dark and in broad daylight.
Despite having something non-hexistent lodged in his throat, Corvus spoke. "I told you." He forced. She whirled at him, finally seeing him for who he is. "I warned you back when we were just kids. I will do heinous things."
Her shaking hands clenched into fists. Tears began to pool at her eyes. Her shoulders shook with such force.
"No," she sobbed, "not this! Not like this!" He made the move to comfort her. It was a mistake. She only flinched away from his touch. "My friends… the people of Ever After…" She craned her head so she may look at the war table once more. "I can't believe-!" She whirled at him, fury brimming in her eyes. "WHY!?"
"Because," he spoke, voice rising, "I am your villain. Your Evil 'Queen'."
Something in her broke. She shoulders slumped and her eyes seemed empty. Corvus knows that if he so much as touches her, she'd only push him away. So he didn't even make the effort.
"Shall I summon the Huntsman for you?" He asked instead.
She jerked her head, looking at him in the eyes. The emptiness in them were soon filled with unbridled hatred. She straightened her back, clenching and unclenching her hands. "If that's your wish, Your Highness." She spat with such venom it made Corvus recoil inwardly.
His gaze remained on hers as she hexited the war room.
Once the door is closed, he threw up a quick muffling spell. Then, he let all hell loose. Screaming his throat dry, Corvus threw the tantrum he's longed since he took the throne.
Later on, when servants were tasked to clean up the room, they found their monarch slumped on the throne. Deep in his cups with blood staining his clothes with self-inflicted wounds.
"Huntsman," his voice echoed throughout the entire throne room, "I'd like you to take the princess for a walk in the woods."
Hunter Huntsman stood meters away from him. He kept his hairstyle from high school, although now he tied it in a bun. He wore a dark green jerkin over a cream shirt with brown leather pants and hunting boots. A satchel hung at his side. His bow and arrow are slung over his shoulder. Two daggers are sheathed on his side. Corvus eyed them as he spoke to the other man.
Hunter nodded, silent and formal. "And," Corvus swallowed, barely keeping his grimace for his next words, "I'd like you to cut out her heart."
He's not sure whether Hunter's reaction is just him adhering to his role or if he's genuine. "Your Highness! The princess-!"
Corvus surged forward. "SILENCE!" He roared. His voice echoed through the spacious chamber. He leveled his breathing and allowed the echoes to cease before continuing. "Come closer and hold your hands out." Hunter hesitated but followed his orders nonetheless. Corvus summoned a small wooden chest to appear in Hunter's hands. The latter gave out a soft cry of surprise, eyes wide. "Put her heart in there." He commanded through clenched teeth.
Hunter clenched his jaw, but nodded gravely, sliding the box in his satchel. Corvus reclined further in his seat, watching the other man close his bag.
Just in time. A knock echoed throughout the room.
"Come in!" Corvus allowed.
In came Apple White, stiff and regal despite wearing clothes fit for peasants. Despite the drabness of the cream blouse and brown long skirt, she looks breathtaking.
"You summoned me, Your Highness?" She asked, sparing a glance for Hunter. When her gaze turned to Corvus, they were knowing. Her mouth parted slightly, as though she wanted to speak.
They never-after royally talked after their confrontation in the war room nearly two months ago. Of course, she's heard about the punishments he's brought down upon his blabber-mouthed captains and generals. Their beheadings didn't endear himself to her, as he hexpected.
Still, he did it. No use keeping officers who couldn't keep their mouth shut. The officers who were spared- those who were silent- were rewarded with a castle or a keep elsewhere.
"Yes," Corvus cocked his head to the side, "I suspect you wish to hexplore the forest beyond this castle?" He swallowed. "I'll… grant you this birthday gift. You are still a princess, after all."
May. It's already May.
Spring has ended and the heat of summer is starting to beat down on them.
Apple shut her mouth. He can see her lips tremble. She nodded. "I see." She managed. "Thank you, Your Highness." She bowed down. "I'm royally thankful."
Corvus stared at her. He's never-after looked at her from his throne. It's an odd sight, to say the least.
He grunted. "Leave now," he uncaringly waved them off, "before I change my mind."
He watched as Apple and Hunter made their way out of the room. He watched, with an impassive hexpression, Apple turn her head to glance at him. He watched as they closed the door behind them, the echo of the closing door never-after seemed so final.
He watched, despite his heart crying out for her to stay.
'Stay, stay, stay,' it cried, tears overflowing, 'please, I'll love you better, please, please, please.'
"You didn't disguise yourself." Apple remarked. Corvus stands before her. She's inside the dwarves' cottage, opening the door for him. Inviting him inside so he may do his final duty.
He stepped in, clutching a basket-filled with apples, with a shrug. "We both know who I am." He replied easily. "Why bother?"
She looks miffed. "To stick with the story."
Corvus let out a bitter laugh at that. "I think we've strayed far from our story." He set the basket on the table and dropped his cloak over one of the dwarves' dining chair. "Have they been treating you right?" He asked, looking around at the cottage. It's neat- not a speck of dust to be seen.
"You don't need to worry about me." She curtly answered.
Ah, she's royally mad, then.
He turned around to look at her in the eye. "But I do." He smirked at her bristling. "Peace, Apple. I'm here to do my duty."
She didn't answer, only walking past her and into what seems to be the kitchen. He followed, almost like a puppy. He hasn't seen her in nearly a year. She's… far more breathtaking than what he hexpected.
Daring is one lucky bastard. Corvus hopes he cherishes her even a sliver of what she deserves or he will make a forced sequel of their fairytale just so he can kick Daring into the dirt.
"So," he cleared his throat, "I'm here to offer you a bunch of fresh apples." With a snap of his fingers, he held out the apple- the poisoned one- in one hand and a knife in the other. "They're juicy and, frankly, I spent my previous three days picking them from my orchards." He paused. "I may or may not have consumed some of them." From her shoulder, Apple sent him a glare. He held his occupied hands up. "What? They're royally juicy."
She sighed, resuming her task. With a single glance over her shoulder- not that hard to do, Corvus still looms over her either way- he sees that she's making pie for one of the dwarves.
His lips twitched into a smile. So thoughtful, this Apple White.
"Are you just going to ignore me?" Corvus whined petulantly. "Because I seriously have to leave before your friends arrive. So that I can cackle in my castle and all that." He let out a comically hexaggerated evil cackle.
Apple ignored him, washing her hands in the sink. Corvus sighed, utterly bored. He pulled out one of the chairs and took a seat, setting the fruit and the knife down. He hadn't hexpected this part to be so tedious.
He was about to sigh again when he felt her presence come closer. He looked up and saw her impassively staring down on him. He tilted his head, curious and confused.
Her pulling him closer to kiss him senselessly wasn't what he hexpected, either. Letting out a surprised grunt, Corvus eagerly returned it, wrapping his arms around her body, leading her closer to she may sit on his lap.
Kissing her had been a distant memory of his. Now, it's resurfacing. The euphoria that came along the feeling of her kisses and touches came crashing down on him like cold water. Fire felt like following her touches, sending bolts of pleasured electricity down his spine.
When they pulled away for air, she spoke first. "Not a day goes by," she said panting, "that I don't remember you, Corvus."
Corvus licked his lips- swollen from her passion. "You could've stayed." He murmured. "You could've went with Huntsman back to the castle and stayed."
Apple pressed her forehead on his, eyes closed. "I was doing my duty." She shivered as his hands hexplored familiar- yet unfamiliar- curves. "I couldn't."
He pressed one more kiss to her lips. "Then let's perform our lines one last time." He said, despite hie grip tightening. "There's only one way this would have ended." Tears silently fell down her cheeks. He wiped them away with a thumb, feeling his own tears fall. "You said it yourself. We won't last."
"I wish we would." She confessed, biting her lower lip.
Had Corvus been a lesser man, he'd cave and run away with her- Ever After be damned. But the die has been cast and this is where they ended.
When Apple fell limp in his arms, later, he'd carry her gently upstairs- into her bedroom. He'd set her gently, lovingly, on her bed. He'd gaze at her red lips and think 'if I would kiss her right now and she's wake, it means I love her truly and we'd be back in the castle- in our home- and I'd drive out the unworthy ones and build a far more glorious Ever After with her'. He didn't.
Instead, he'd blanket her and walk away. As he casted one last glance on the cottage, he can't help but feel his throat tighten. He can't help but sob at the fact that he poisoned his love. He can't help but scream and rage as soon as he's in the silence of his own quarters.
But he'd heal. He'll be fine. He just hopes Apple will be too.
Two weeks later, when he received the missive that declares Apple White as the reigning High Queen of Ever After, he'll just smile and put down his crown.
"You promised," a deep rumbling voice echoed from all around, "you must not do this."
I also promised that I will protect my sister.
Hexcept… he's not sure who he is! He can't even feel or breath or talk. The only way he could reply to the entity was to think.
He does not know where he is. He seem to be floating in an endless void. No light, just darkness. Or maybe he is the void itself. It's… unclear. Though that didn't frighten him, for some reason.
"That you did." It agreed. "But you sold your soul for this. Remember?"
The voice is a cross of draconic- with how deep and rumbling it is, capable of shaking mountains in it wake- and demonic- with its echoes being of various pitches and voices. A child. An old man. An old woman. A young man. A lady. And those are just the ones he can discern.
What are you talking about?
"I filled the gaps of your soul so you may live and you forget?" The voice scoffed, rattling his… whatever-after can be rattled now that he can't feel physically. "The gall!"
I… I don't understand-
"You will. I see it."
See what?
"The future. Your future. I can see where it can lead to." He remained silent and the voice continued. "This is the first time we've talked since you woke up. The magic he placed in that book must truly be world-shattering and great."
Book? What book?
"The Storybook of Legends." Memories resurfaced at that name. The voice hummed. "That's what you call it, either way. I care not for your petty squabbles."
Petty squabbles…?
It calling the Storybook of Legends as mere 'petty squabbles' caused rage to bubble up within him. He doesn't know why, though.
HOW DARE YOU!? I have spent my entire life under the tyranny of that fucking book! And you're there pompously calling it 'petty'!?
"That is not my problem." It apathetically replied, almost bored. "My problem is you signing it."
Why the fuck do you care!?
"Because," it began slowly, as if speaking to a child, "you swore you wouldn't hurt this world again."
Again…? What do you mean 'again'?
He can feel the reverberations of a a sigh all around him. "Mortal memories are so short-lived. You fail to remember the most crucial things in life and it causes you your failures."
ANSWER ME, FAIRY GODMOTHER FUCKING DAMMIT!
It sighed. "You fail to see the grander picture. I gave you powers that even your mother," it chuckled, "can only imagine and you're only using it to defend one little girl. A single girl of no consequence in the larger picture." At his silence the voice seemed to deepen its amusement. "Oh? You're no longer furious?"
Fuck you. Fuck you and your grander picture. I don't give a shit about it!
"But I think you will." It sighed, disappointed now. "For all of your payment, you'd be willing to throw it away to protect one person."
I'd-! I…
"You forgot who you are, didn't you?" He kept silent. It grunted, annoyed. "Mortals and their memories…"
And then came the deluge of images and scenes. None of which seem to be in sequence.
His youth, walking, talking and playing with a little girl with warm gray-violet eyes. A fair haired little girl with sky blue eyes accompanied by a large man with jet-black hair and the deepest blue eyes he's seen. Him surrounded by hordes of monsters, clutching the girl with gray-violet eyes close to him. The feeling of his fists splitting open as he brings them down on a boy's face over and over and over until he bled through his mouth and nose.
He remembers handing over a scroll to a man with wild hair and the same man with black hair and deep blue eyes stood beside him. The look of pride on a gorgeous woman with platinum blonde hair as he brandishes his magic. Sitting on his sister's bed- Raven's bed- as she slept, the feeling of bone-deep hexhaustion blanketing him uncomfortably. The feeling of seeing his reflection in a mirror- a reflection that doesn't not look like him because why are my eyes now different colors and my hair didn't used to have that shade-
I… I remember. My name is Corvus.
"Good." It rumbled. "You now remember some of it. That's not all of it, however."
It's not…?
"We barely even touched the surface, boy. Now, don't sign the book."
Even if I don't want to… I have to. I have my promises to keep. I have a sister to protect.
"… If you only had this selflessness before then that cursed book itself wouldn't even be written!" It roared. For the first time since he's in here, Corvus hurt. Every bit of his senses was invaded by this- this smorgasbord of negative emotions. Shame, nausea, pin pricks on his non-hexistent skin, lashes across his back like a thousand horses galloping…
I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! PLEASE! MAKE IT STOP! PLEASE!
The pain abated. "Tch. If you truly can't avoid signing, then your window in performing your end of the bargain has lessened massively. Who knows when that book's magic will fully wrap itself around your soul."
I will not be evil- I'll just poison-
"One girl." It chuckled darkly. "Again."
What do you mean 'again'?
"And it's the girl you desire, too. How masochistic."
What…!?
"You started this problem." It scathingly lashed at him. "Now fix it, boy. That's what you begged for, wasn't it? Find me. That's your first step. Find me and I will show you how to undo your mistakes."
… Understood. But I need answers to my questions.
"And," it sighed, "next time, try to cover your desire more."
I- What…?
"The visions I just showed you- a sliver of what could happen if you fail- seemed to be mostly between you and that girl. I didn't control it. It's what your magic was attuned to. Try to be more subtle."
She's… very pretty.
"Very pretty." He repeated dryly. "I'm sure she appreciates how you treasure her."
I'm not even sure why she's the focal point of these visions! She's important in my fairytale, yes, but I don't- I don't love her!
It was silent for a moment. "Mark my words, boy; you will eat that sentence."
Corvus gasped, sucking in air. He panted, eyes wildly looking around to gauge where he is. He's still on the stage, in front of the podium and the students of Ever After High. He's still on his way to sign his life away.
He let out gasping breaths.,'What was that?' He thought, panic bubbling up his throat. 'WHAT WAS THAT!?'
He glanced to the side and saw Apple, young and still a sophomore student, cheering him on. He saw Headmaster Grimm sending him a glare.
'What the fuck just happened!?' He mentally screamed, staring at the key in his hands. He took a deep breath, inhaling through his nostrils, exhaling through his mouth. 'Calm down, Corvus. It's fine. You're fine.'
He straightened his back, inserted the key in with a shaking hand, and watched the book unfold. A hovering mirror appeared in front of him. He gripped the edges of the podium to steady himself.
As the images in the mirror passed (him poisoning Apple and walking away with a smirk, him being ostracized, him being imprisoned), he can't help but feel a deep confusion. None of the scenes he saw play in his mind's eye holds a touch of resemblance to the scenes the Storybook of Legends is showing him!
He can feel the podium crack under his grip. "What the fuck…?" He whispered, leaning in intently. "What-"
A dark violet with white stripes quill appeared right centimeters away from his face. He blinked, surprised yet his adrenaline forbade him to yelp. He reached out for it with surprisingly steady hands. He swallowed as the Storybook of Legends flips its own pages, stopping at his area. He sees the different signatures of his ancestors on the left page, a description of his fairytale on the right. Underneath his mother's signature is his dotted line.
His grip on the quill tightened. "Don't sign the book." The voice commanded him. Corvus gripped the edges of the Storybook of Legends, ready to shut it close.
The image of a smiling Raven only stopped him. They had been younger, then, and she was happily playing in the meadows close by Queen Castle. She had shared her collected flowers with one of the children and for her troubles, she got tattled on. He remembers seeing her cry her heart out after a scolding from their mother. He remembers hunting down the brat that tattled. He remembers driving his fists into the brat's nose repeatedly until it bled and a tooth fell out. He remembers his torn knuckles and his fury.
"Listen here, young man," Milton Grimm stared him down last year when he summoned Corvus into his office without any prior offense, "if you don't become a villain worthy of Ms. White, I might just look to your sister to perform the role of the Evil Queen…"
He swore he'd protect his little sister.
He will.
So, with a heavy heart, he pressed his quill- a little too deeply than necessary- onto parchment and signed.
He gasped, feeling something inside him lock in place. Had that not distract him, however, he'd notice that the quill in his hand become shadow, sinking itself in his hand, into his veins, and into his pulse. He'd notice his shadows grow steadily darker. He was, however, distracted so he saw none of these. He only slumped forward, catching the podium just in time, due to the great flow of magic that surged through him.
Lightly panting, he turned his heel and trudged forward. He didn't even spare Daring Charming a glance when they passed by each other. He didn't notice his surroundings until Apple pressed a hand on his arm.
He turned to her, bleary. As soon as his gaze met her eyes, a niggling voice whispered in his ear.
'Cast a hex on her. Do it. You know you can. You're, after all, the most powerful sorcerer known to Ever After!'
He swallowed, tampering down the sudden desire to raise his hand and send a bolt of dark magic to Apple. Her lips moved. He can't hear her.
"W-What…?"
"Are you okay?" Her sweet voice has him sighing. "Was this supposed to happen, Headmaster?"
They both turned to the older man. He has his arms crossed, glaring down at Corvus and- is that worry?
"Yes." He answered after a pause. "It's… natural."
It didn't sound convincing, but it seemed to convince Apple. 'Poor, sweet, innocent Apple.' The same sickeningly sweet voice crooned in his ears.
"Relax," he found himself saying with a smirk, "I'm fine." He tugged on his lapels. He turned his head to Headmaster Grimm. Whatever-after Headmaster Grimm saw, caused him to gasp lightly in horror. It sent a bolt of fear in Corvus's heart that was quickly wiped away by glee. He's not sure if it's his, truly. "I'm the future Evil 'Queen'." He found himself drawling.
"After all…" he took a deep breath, shivering in arrogance and delight that he's royally sure isn't his, "we have the most powerful magical bloodline ever after."
Reply to:
MarionStrings: Lmaoooo, causing Corvus's pain is my hobby. Although it's as subtle as a truck to the face, I'm glad you noticed- and found it amusing- the fact that Corvus and Apple views this event in WILDLY different ways.
A/N: Remember when Raven went batshit crazy when she signed the REAL Storybook of Legends? HAHAHAHAHAHA! Boy, oh, boy, we'll try to explore the fake Storybook of Legends and its power over these poor sods. Had Corvus signed the real deal, they'd all be decimated where they stood. As it stands the magic in the fake is weaker so Corvus can control the… urges. So far.
Be prepared 'cause we're heading back to slowburn train after this chapter.
There's also a deleted scene where Corvus actually received a couple of marriage offers that somehow became a rumor within the servants that he's about to marry. This, of course, causes Apple to go jealous and storm down his office demanding the truth. After clearing the air, they had an… intense and passionate scene.
I didn't add it because we've driven home that, yeah, they have a relationship now. No need to add more. (That'll be for the actual versions not the Probable Future versions.)
Reviews and comments are appreciated, guys! I love conversing with you either through chat or commenting~!
[Edited: 12-10-2020]