A/N: Please read the first chapter A/N edit, so you know what's happening. If you have read it, then here's the new version. Enjoy~
Things weren't supposed to happen this way. Ariella wasn't supposed to go with Ash. She wasn't supposed to die, especially not by his hand. If she hadn't chosen him, she would still be alive. I would still be able to walk through the palace and see her silver hair. I would be able to smell her intoxicating scent and hear her bell-like voice.
I would still have the chance to woo her into being mine.
I never understood why she had chosen my younger brother, anyway. He was a weak, pitiful fool who spent his time chasing animals through the wyldwood instead of serving his queen and court like a true prince would. He was nothing, no one, compared to me.
It was not as if I had not approached Ariella before, hadn't made clear that she could be with me – the superior prince. I would have given her everything.
I spied her form out a window, silver hair shining from where she gracefully shat on a bench in a courtyard stories below me. Inside, I shook with excitement, but remained as composed as always as I went to join her.
"Ariella," I said as I entered the courtyard.
She startled and turned to face me, her hair flowing around her with the movement.
"Prince Rowan," she said formally, dropping her eyes.
I walked closer and took her hand, pressing a kiss to the back of it. "Lady Ariella."
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, sire?" she asked, eyes still on the ground.
"Rowan," I corrected her as I took the hand I had kissed and brought it closer to me, laying the slight bones on my chest. "Between us, titles are unnecessary."
"Yes, Prince Rowan," she said, playing to be submissive, but I heard a certain fire beneath it.
But I was sure I didn't need to worry about it. She would warm to me soon. With my attention, she would all but forget Ash. "Elysium is nearing, Ariella, and I wished to tell you that I will be escorting you."
Now, her eyes like stars met mine, startled. "But Ash is escorting me."
Oh, so she called me by my title, but not him? How had he sunk his claws into her so quickly and efficiently?
I wrapped one arm around her waist, the other framing her face. My thumb brushed across her lips, and I couldn't help but smile at the delicious closeness of her body. "Why let him escort you when I am here and offering? He is the third prince, and the weakest. He is not a strong enough man or a worthy enough lover – not for you." I felt her body shiver at my last words, and leaned down so my lips brushed her ear as I whispered to her. "He is not worthy of you, but I am here now. You never have to let him touch you or come near you again."
Surprisingly, those words had the opposite effect that I had thought they would. I had expected her to agree, and for me to get a kiss or three in before we went to announce ourselves to court, and to Ash. But her body stiffened and for the first time in my life, I was pushed away. I was caught so off guard, I stumbled back, and she tore out of my arms.
"I'm sorry, Prince Rowan," she said "But I am going to Elysium with Ash. Please, don't touch me again."
And she hurried out of the courtyard, no doubt back to Ash.
Why had she not chosen me, when the choice was so clear? How could she view him as better than me? He hadn't known how to treat her properly, as a lady of court should be treated. The most beautiful Winter sidhe did not deserve to be taken into the wyldwood with a Summer fey. But he did so anyway, expecting it would be fine. He was rash, and Ariella paid the price of his stupidity. He has her blood on his hands, but she has no one to avenge her.
And then, I smile. For though I cannot slay my own kin, that does not mean I cannot hurt him. And I will make sure that eventually, he pays the price.
A/N: So, only 721 words. Not as good as I wanted it to be. I guess it's not in the stars for me to actually write this story very well...
Thoughts? Comparisons between this and the original? There's a review button. :)
I hope you enjoyed it!
Queen of Air and Darkness