A/N: Hey fanfiction readers! Welcome to Chapter 8 of Turning Pages. Finally I am out of school and you know what that means…FASTER UPDATES! So now you guys and gals shall have your story sooner and with shorter intervals. This chapter is going to be an emotional one #verydramatic so have your tissues and fangirl/fanboy faces ready. Anywho, here is chapter 8. *raises red velvet curtain*
Aaron lets go of my hand and stands next to my mother. He crosses his arms over his chest and tries his very best not to look me in the eye but I can see him stealing a glance every once in a while. I look away from him and look to my mother as she sits on her throne of ice. Queen Mab and I participate in a staring contest for a few moments. Her stare is intimidating and it takes everything I have no to break under it. I won't let her win, not even this. She looks just as regal as ever. She reminds me of a character from a book I read once. The character was President. You would think she was one of the good ones for a while until the war they had been so diligently fighting was won you realized that she was just as power mad and evil as the leader they had just overthrown. My mother reminds me of her. She wears a white pants suit and she tied her long raven black hair into a ponytail that stops just at her waist. She smiles a strange and twisted smile. I hear her black heals click as she walks over to me her eyes never leaving mine.
"Aaron has been telling me a wonderful story. Would you like to hear it Page?" she says and without even waiting for a response she continues. "He's been telling me of Queen who last Elysium talked endlessly with this troll King and his snotty wife about finally ending this feud that their two courts had been experiencing the past few centuries, probably even longer. In any case the Queen got them to agree and set up an arrangement where the daughter of the Queen was set to marry the son of the King she had spent hours speaking with. You know what this princess does, Page?" she says and continues again without waiting for me. "She goes off and completely rejects the wishes of her mother and decides she is going to mingle with some other no one instead. Do you even understand how betrayed the Queen felt?" she never raised her voice yet her words had such an edge that they could slice you in half. She didn't give me any dirty looks yet her eyes made your blood run cold. If looks could kill I'd have frozen to death long ago. Still not taking her eyes off me she says "Aaron leave us. I'd like to talk to my daughter alone," she commands.
He leaves and gives me a quick glance. I scowl at him. It's all his fault. All he had to do was keep his mouth shut. He just scowls back and continues to exit. I turn back to my mother who says "Page I just don't understand why you refuse to do as I wish. I honestly didn't think you would care but none of that matters to me now. Listen carefully Page, think of me as the captain of a ship. It is my job to steer it in the right direction and lead it through smooth waters. Your little act of rebellion is getting in the way of my ship." She steps closer to me so that we are inches apart. "No one gets in the way of my ship," she says slowly letting the ice slip in her every word. For the first time since walking into the room I blink under her gaze. She smiles and says "I will be merciful for now. I'll allow your little boyfriend to live on the grounds that you never speak to him again. In fact, I don't want you leaving this castle without Aaron escorting you. I think spending a little time with him may help you accept this marriage. But if you dare get in the way of my ship again," she pause for a moment and stares into me deeply. "Well I'm sure you can imagine." She says as she saunters back to her throne and takes a seat. She smiles a sinister smile because she knows she's won. "You may go Page, we're done here. I hope to talk to you soon daughter."
It is as I'm about to go that I realize that I never even got a word out during this whole "talk" that we had. I think of a smart retort and my mouth opens to say it but closes at the glare she gives me. I walk out of the throne room feeling defeated.
How do I fix this? Can I fix this? I know it would be a huge mistake but I start toward the door and decide I will fight my way out of the castle if I have to. As I am making my way to the door I see Aaron leaning against it blocking my exit. "I knew you would try and escape to him but as I remember you have strict instructions not to leave without an escort. I believe I am preferable." He says with a smile. I glare at him. I try to give him the same look my mother gave me. I hope to freeze him to death. I smile as I see little ice particles forming around his feet. He looks down and breaks away from them. "A simple I don't want to talk right now would have been good enough." He says looking annoyed. I smile and walk away from him. I'll just find another route out. But before I can go on my little adventure to find a secret passage I realize I have Aaron following me like a lost puppy.
"Is there something I can help you out with?" I say growing agitated with his presence.
He stops in his tracks and then says "I want to spend time with you."
I stare at him in disbelief. "After the stunt you pulled, do you really think I want anything to do with you?" I almost yell. "Just leave me alone Aaron."
"I would, except I'm engaged to you Page. I can't just leave you. Unlike you I actually want this." He says sounding frustrated. "Page I actually like you and I want this to work. It could work if you would stop resisting."
I give a bitter laugh. "You like me! You know nothing about me Aaron! You can't base a marriage off a few random fun facts that my mother feeds you! It's supposed to be about love. I have someone who I love and now thanks to you I can never see him again!" I'm shaking with anger as I finish. I feel tears coming and I fight them back with what little strength I have left. I don't dare shed one in front of him so I quickly turn around and storm away from him. When I am far enough away I let the tears flow.
I sit alone in my library. I try to read but I am not even two chapters into my book when I see a tear fall onto the page. I'm trapped here, I think to myself. There is nothing I can do but doing nothing means giving up. I won't give up, not when Vincent is on the line. I wipe my tears and keep reading. I need a moment to just escape. Reading takes me away for a moment. I get to be happy if just for a moment. I finish the book and feel much better. I mind feels clearer and I am able to finally think. I just lean in my reading chair until I hear a knock and a tall figure walks in on me. It's Ash. I have been seeing less of Ash lately. I must say that I have missed him. Sage soon comes in and they both stand before me. "Hey guys, what's up?" I say trying to be casual even though my life is anything but.
"You just received a prison sentence and you ask how our lives are?" Sage says raising an eyebrow.
"I was hoping it was better than mine." I say trying to smile.
"Well yes it is but still. I didn't come here to talk about me." He says.
"Yeah I figured as much but seriously how are you guys doing? I've been kind of out of the loop lately," I say. Sage just smiles and shakes his head.
Ash who hasn't said a thing since entering the room suddenly takes my shoulders and pulls me into a hug. I'm shocked at first and then I hug him back. I guess I was missed too. "Page, I'm a bit hurt." He says finally.
"Why? What did I do?" I ask mentally flipping through the things I've done and seeing how they could possibly hurt Ash which I never have any intention of doing. When he pulls away from our hug he explains.
"You went to Sage when you and Vincent had problems. I mean you didn't even tell me that you and Vincent were even together. I had to get caught up on everything from Sage," he says his eyes growing wide. He looked so cute but I felt bad because in everything that was going on around me I completely forgot about Ash and he had no knowledge of the passing events. I realize that I purely confided in Sage.
I smile and say "I'm sorry Ash. If it makes you feel better Sage only knows because he found me crying in here and he read the book that Vincent gave to me." He smiles and looks satisfied with my answer.
"I understand but please talk to me again. I've missed you these past few weeks. Also I'd like to take you for more glamour training. I know you're not supposed to leave without Aaron but I can get Mab to let me take you alone. She does like me best after all." He says giving a snug look to Sage.
"The queen may like you best," he says as he grabs my wrist and pulls me close to him as he hugs me from behind. "But I get be the Princesses favorite," he says smiling mischievously at Ash.
Ash's jaw drops and he says "No way! I've been close to her longer therefore I am her favorite," he says bring me close to him.
"Time means nothing in this world. Emotion however is what we thrive on. I have been there to help her through several emotional trials. Where have you been?" Sage says bring me back to him.
"Where were you upon her first arrival? That was pretty emotionally taxing. In any case it was my encouragement that caused her to meet Vincent so, I win," Ash says pulling me back again.
Several good arguments later I grow dizzy from each of them spinning me into their arms. "Hey guys I'm getting dizzy so I'm just gonna say that I love you both equally." I say as they stop and they each hold onto my wrist.
"Wait, did she just say the L word?" Ash asks.
"And it was toward us, brother," says Sage.
"She just said that she loves us," says Ash smiling.
"What's the big deal? I thought you guys already knew that." I say confused.
"Well yeah but you've never said it out loud before." Sage says hugging me.
"And that makes all the difference." Ash says hugging me also. I find myself squished between my two brothers but I don't mind because these are the two that I trust.
They let go and I look to them and say "Thanks guys I needed that." They both rub my head in a way that says 'you're welcome kid'
"Now, our first order of business is to help you and Vincent get your happily ever after," says Sage.
"We have to get word to Vincent also of today's events. I'll go out and inform him," says Ash.
"That's great. I shall snoop around court today and find out the date of this wedding. That way we know how much time we got."
"What am I to do?" I ask feeling left out.
"Nothing you can do really. You can't leave the castle remember. Also going to court would mean Aaron and Aaron would mean a whole lot of very unwanted PDA. A fate you and I both do not wish to witness," he says feigning a shiver of disgust. I laugh and nod in understanding. "But hey, if you think of a good plan let me know." Sage says. They pat me on the head and leave. I am left with my thoughts that immediately drift to Vincent. They cause a sad smile to spread across my face. I think of him being beside me and my smile growing into a happier one. The more I think of him the more I am urged to let it all out. Since he is not with me I decide to write it down. I don't even think about my words. I just write and as I write everything I have ever felt pours from me and when I am finished I read over my masterpiece once again and smile. I clutch the paper to my chest and then fold it up in my hands. I hold on to as I walk to my room. I walk inside and throw myself onto my bed.
Today has been so tiring. I lie down and just as I am about drift into the void of sleep I hear a banging at my door. I shoot up and walk to my door. When I open it there is Aaron standing on the other side of me.
"What do you want blondie?" I ask coldly.
"We are going out Page. No buts about it." He says matter-of-factly.
I scoff and say "In your dreams." I start to close my door and he puts his hand on the door forcing it open.
"I said no buts Princess," he says and grabs my hand and drags me behind him as we make our way out the castle. I am suddenly his by the harsh winds blowing through Tir Na Nog today. It feels wonderful. I see Aaron shiver.
"Can't handle it Prince?" I say smugly.
"I'm fine" he says straightening himself. I know he's not. I can feel his hand shake. I smile at his discomfort.
We walk for a while in silence and he beings to tell he useless stories about himself. I only half listen. I start to use the other half to think of ways out of this like Sage suggested. Nothing good came to mind. It was when I concluded this that I realized we had stopped walking and Aaron had stopped talking. I turn to him and he is wearing a particularly hurt expression.
"Page, are you even trying?" he asked frustrated.
"No not really. You see Aaron I don't want to try. Because you aren't the one I want. He is somewhere out here waiting for me. But because of you I can't see him again. Honestly Aaron, I want nothing to do with you but due to the fact that my mother has forced you upon me I have to put up with you," I state. I want him to know how little I care for him. I feel bad once I see his expression break. That fades pretty quickly.
"Page…I…I love you." He stutters out.
I laugh and say "No you don't. You're in love with the idea of loving me. But you don't actually love me. I don't love you either so it's really ok with me Aaron. I just wish you would stop trying. I don't love you and I never will." I say as I walk away from him.
He grabs my wrist and says "Never." He says it so quietly it is just below a whisper. I almost don't hear it.
"Never" I confirm. He lets me go and we walk back to the castle in silence.
I am fast asleep when I am awoken by a banging at my door. I start to ignore it but the banging won't stop so I sit up and decide to answer it.
I got my door and I see my blonde nuisance standing or more like leaning on the other side.
"What do you want Aaron?" I ask taking in his sluggish demeanor.
He giggles and says "I just came to talk to you Princess. I just wanted to spend some time with you. You keep avoiding me and I can't even get a word to you before you just start shoving me away. That's so mean to me Princess. I just love you so much," he says looking on the verge of tears as he pushes his way into my room. As he passes me I can smell the alcohol on him.
"Aaron, your drunk. Get out of my room now!" I yell at him.
"Princess, this is what I'm talking about you always push me away. I just want to be close to you." He says forcibly grabbing my wrist and holding me close. I almost choke when he whispers in my ear, "Please Princess." I struggle to get out of his grasp but he only holds my tighter. "Stop resisting me Page!" he yells anger entering his voice. His grip begins to hurt and I feel his nail digging into my skin.
"Let me go!" I say strongly.
He laughs and says with his words slurring "Why do you always play hard-to-get Princess."
"Aaron I'm serious! STOP!" I yell. He kisses my neck roughly in response.
"Aaron…you're hurting me" I whimper. I am quieted by a force against my cheek knocking me so hard my vision blurs for a few moments.
"STOP TALKING!" he yells. I just sit there on my bed trying to recover from his strike. He grabs a handful of my hair and forces me to look at him. An evil smile creeps across his faces. "You're so tiny and helpless Princess," he says as he kisses me harshly and he begins to grope me roughly. I panic and start to kick at him with all my might. He smacks me across the face when I do.
"Aaron…please..." I cry and I manage to scratch at his eyes but he takes my hands and pin them above me. A stray tear falls from my eyes and he simply laughs at my pain and licks the tear away. When he kisses me I taste the alcohol and it clogs my nose with its sickly smell. I whimper as I am left helpless. My body goes rigid with every touch he forces upon it. I try to wiggle away but am unable to get free. I try to scream but his mouth muffles my cries.
I go cold. I think cold thoughts. I breathe ice. I am winter. My body starts to act on its own as suddenly he jerks his hand away and it turns black as if I burned him. Frostbite, I think to myself. He sits up and grasps at his hand in pain.
"You little bitch!" he seethes. He lunges for me but I am too quick. I grab his neck and squeeze it choking him. I watch as he writhes in pain under my touch. Good, feel what you made me feel, I think but then I let him go afraid I might kill him. That was just it though. I could hurt him all I want but I couldn't kill him. I wiggled around on my floor for the longest time. I let him feel the pain for a few moments more before I ran to the bathroom and get a warm rag or at least as warm a rag can get for the Winter Court and put it to his neck. He slowly stops wiggling but he breathes heavily. I can hear him sobering up. He starts to cry.
"I…I just wanted you…I want you to love me," he says. I look down at him and I see a creature to be pitied. He eventually tires himself out and falls asleep on my floor.
I absolutely refuse to stay here. I get up and walk to the library. When I get there I sit in my reading chair and cry myself to sleep.
The next morning I wake up to a pain all over me. I find bruises on my wrist and cheek. I get up slowly moving through the pain and walk to my room. I breathe a sigh of relief when I find he's gone. I go my bathroom and spend a long time soaking in my bathtub. I get out and get dressed. I use makeup to cover the bruises on my wrists and cheek. I decided on a black and silver dress. Black fit my mood today. I lay down on my bed unable to find a reason to go outside my room. I look over the edge of my bed and find a piece of paper. I open it and see that it's my poem to Vincent. I cry at the sight of it. I hold it close to me and pour out everything inside me in tears. Eventually I stop crying and my sobs turn into silent hiccups of sadness. I'm trapped in a prison with him. I wish for Vincent. I wish for my brothers. I wish for anyone who can make this better.
I then hear a soft knock at the door. I wipe quickly wipe my tears and walk over to open the door. I quickly close it when I see I glimpse of blonde hair. I go into panic mode and freeze the locks on my doors and jump onto my bed holding my poem to my chest.
"Page, I need to talk to you. It's about last night. I didn't mean for any of it to happen. I don't even remember all that happened. I just remember being sad about you and then I came to see you and…I don't know after that. I just know I woke up on your floor with some really bad burns on my neck and hands. Can you piece together the rest for me?" It is quiet for a moment. I guess it's possible that he doesn't remember. But I will never forget, I think. "Princess please…whatever it was just know that I'm sorry. It couldn't have been good if I walked away with scars like this." He stays outside for a while and then he leaves. I can feel all of this. My heart slows down and my hands stop shaking when he leaves. I decide I need to calm down so, taking my poem I make my way to my library. I browse through the shelves looking for one I haven't read yet. It is hard to find one. I'll have to have Ash bring me more from the outside, I think with a smile. Then my smile fades as I realize that I'm not able to myself more. I'm still trapped. I find one and sit in my reading chair. I submerge myself into the story. With every flick of my wrist my mind clears and the pain subsides.
A/N: Did you miss me? I missed you guys. This chapter what really hard to write as I had a bad case of writers block. You see I love to daydream about the next chapter before I write it so I have an idea of what I'm doing but this chapter had no dreams 'til one night where I was just so inspired to write but then I lost my flash drive and had to rewrite those few paragraphs that I had just managed to dig out of my mind. In any case I don't know how to feel about this chapter. I think it could be better. But tell me what you think. I had a hard time writing that scene between Page and Aaron. I hated to put my baby through that. *wipes away tear* Anywho, what do you guys think of this chapter. I'm dying to hear your thoughts. I'm on summer vacation now so I will be updating more frequently. Be prepared because we are coming to the end of this tale. In any case, thanks for reading from Maria and Page.