Hello there readers,
Thanks for reading people! Better appreciate my awesomeness. I spent until midnight the other day to finish this chapter.
Cinder woke up the next morning to a crash and a boom. Groaning, she buried herself under the silk covers and squished her pillow over her head to smother the noise.
No such luck.
"Cinder!" Thorne sang, "Wakey, wakey!" He kicked open the decorative French doors that led into her bedroom. Thorne then proceeded to dance around the room like a crazed manic. Cinder didn't move. After a while, he got tired of his antics and sprawled himself on a plush divan.
"You're no fun," he grumbled mulishly. Then, his eyes brightened like a little child salivating on sweets as he caught sight of the lump on the bed. Thorne swung his legs down from the chair and crept toward the canopy bed. He gave an evil cackle and ripped the covers right off the bed, unfortunately with Cinder still under it. Cinder squeaked sitting up and hissed softly as she caught sight of Thorne waving her sheets triumphantly from across the room. She rubbed the gooseflesh on her arms as she gave him a withering look.
"Unlike some people," Cinder said furiously, "queens do need their beauty sleep you know. It gives them energy to deal with people like you." Thorne rolled his eyes.
"People like me? How much energy does it take me to put up with you? You're always so depressed and-" Cress bounced in and Cinder sighed.
"Honestly, do you guys not sleep at all? How are you so chipper at..." She squinted at the clock, "Seven in the morning!" Cress shook her head.
"It's called being excited, heard of it?" Cress paused to give Thorne a kiss on the cheek. "Morning, sweetheart. Packed yet?" Thorne beamed at her.
"Yup. I was awake at five."
Cinder fell back against the bed with a moan. "How do you even live? I was awake until two in the morning trying to justify 'my actions' to the Lunar council regarding my 'activities' with Blackcrest! I didn't even do anything!" Thorne and Cress gave her matching looks of pity.
"At least the Earthen Union was appeased," Cress said despondently.
"And that's exactly why we need a vacation," Scarlet said coming in armed with a pile of clothes. She pointed at them. "Look at yourselves! There might be nothing funny about this disaster but it's not the end of the world."
"It is my reputation that is at risk here. I worked so hard for the last few years and for what? Just so the Earthens would cast away their old stereotypes of Lunars being all corrupt and destructive, and build up trust. What if this setback brings us back to the beginning again?" Cinder snapped. Scarlet huffed and put her load down on a nearby armchair.
"Do you really have so little faith in yourself? The Earthens know what you did for them. They will never believe such ludicrous rumors."
Cinder looked at them."They're not just rumors. They have proof. The photos might not have shown my true intentions at that moment, but assumptions can go a long way. Isn't that why we are in this situation in the first place? They are assuming Blackcrest and I did something we didn't."
Cress spoke, "And that is also why we are going on vacation. We need to disappear just for a while until things blow over. After people have something else to talk about, they will forget all about you." Cinder looked uncertain.
"Are you sure? How is Winter going to take care of things by herself?"
"She has your thaumaturges, the Queen's guard, and the council. Winter will be fine. The council won't disagree if you order it." Thorne said wearily. "We need a break, and I know you want one too. We've worked too hard for the past few years and we deserve it. You deserve it most of all."
"I know you all have worked hard, and you don't know how grateful I am that you stuck around through all these years, but..." Cinder sighed and everyone knew that she was softening, warming to the idea. "Fine," she agreed grudgingly. "But only for a few weeks. " Thorne jumped on the bed with a whoop and Cress came to hug her enthusiastically. Scarlet exhaled a relieved breath.
"Good, because I already asked your stylist to pick up some outfits for you. You might be on vacation and probably on glamour as well just to be safe but you still need to look good. This is your first venture out of Luna other than for signings and union hosted receptions and you can't disappoint. Wolf is finishing up his term with Winter and will be coming with us." Cress laughed as Scarlet's eyes glowed.
"No wonder you are so eager then. Want some quality time with your alpha male?" she teased. Scarlet grinned.
"The troublemakers are coming as well, so it can't be that relaxing. They keep me on my toes." Cress squealed," Really? Aww! I wish I had more time with Ginger and Tobias. They are utterly adorable." Scarlet smiled tiredly.
"They are a lot of work to take care of. But they can't wait to see what Earth is like."
"Are you really that excited for this? This is not really a vacation. It's more like a trip-that-hopefully-takes-you-off-the-face-of-the-Earth-to-avoid-further-embarrassment-when-the-most-awkward-moment-of-your-life-goes-viral." Cinder deadpanned. Thorne raised an eyebrow.
"It would be the first time that happened. Remember your days as a Lunar princess cyborg fugitive? Weren't those days-"Cinder flopped back down on the bed and buried her face into the covers. Cress smacked him hard on the shoulder.
"Try for sensitivity," she hissed.
"I am trying!" he hissed back.
"You're failing at it then," Cress whispered harshly. Cinder gave a soft, bitter laugh.
"You're right," Cinder said quietly. "I made too many of the same mistakes over and over again. I mourned for my past life for too long." She exhaled. "May this vacation be what we all need to forget and start anew. To recharge in a way. " Cinder smiled wanly. "Scarlet, thank you for starting the packing, I'll pack the rest of-"
"No, you won't!" Scarlet said scowling. "If I leave you to your own devices, you will only pack your paper bag T-shirts and formless cargo pants."
"I like my paper bag T-shirts and formless cargo pants. They are comfortable." Cinder said obstinately.
"No way is the queen of Luna going to wear such distasteful outerwear," Cress cut in firmly. "What will the people say if they saw you? No, you are going to check in with Iko about Winter's to do list and leave the planning to us. Don't worry," she said seeing Cinder's doubtful look, "We'll take care of everything."
"That's what I am worried about," Cinder grumbled. Thorne snorted.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence. We love you too."
Cinder sunk into her armchair with a sigh just as Iko wheeled into her office. "Cinder!" Iko squealed her familiar metallic voice pitching higher. "Thaumaturge Blackcrest is here to see you," she paused then lowered her tone into a conspiring whisper. "What do you think he's here for?"
Cinder propped her head with a hand and ignored her question. "Thank you Iko. Can you show Reece in?" Iko blinked, her fan whirling as she processed her queen's answer in disbelief.
"You're actually going to let him let?" she squeaked. "What happened to hating his guts until his insides go rancid and decompose internally?" Cinder shrugged.
"I don't actually think he meant to do such a thing. Reece was just drunk and everyone acts stupidly when they are wasted. Of course, he'll have to be punished, to pacify the Lunar council, but for now I'm just curious as to what he has to say for himself. I'll think of his sentence as he blabbers through his excuses."
Iko cocked her head. "Are you sure you are not even slightly fond of Thaumaturge Blackcrest? Because you sound awfully lenient." Cinder fiddled with the metal joints on her left hand.
"Of course not," she said, but her response sounded even weak to her ears. Iko easily caught her lie.
"You know, Cinder. I would feel embarrassed for you if you weren't such a bad liar."
"I'm not-"
Iko stared at her exasperated. "You are."
"Fine. I might be a little bit... attached to Reece." Cinder held out a hand to kept Iko from interrupting. "But that's only because he's nice to look at."
"There, was that so hard to admit?"
"I am not in love with him," Cinder warned her assistant. "And I still will not marry him so you better keep your mouth from jabbering to the others. If I hear one mite of this conversation being circulated around the servants-" Cinder made a line cutting across her neck, "you are so dead."
"Of course, your Majesty," her robotic voice chimed. Cinder could detect the almost imperceptible smirking of her tone. "Would you and Reece like refreshments? Danita just pulled fresh blueberry muffins out of the oven, and you know how great of a cook she is."
Cinder smiled. "Yes, thank you Iko. Send Thaumaturge Blackcrest in as you exit." Iko bowed and wheeled out, her treads making small squeaking noises as she moved. Cinder made a note to herself to remember to oil Iko's tracks before she leaves for... whatever vacation her friends were planning. The doors closed behind Iko just to have them open again a moment later.
Thaumaturge Blackcrest strode in, his red uniform indicating his second-tier thaumaturge position. As always his attire was impeccable, perfectly creased folds of faille gleaming dully in the bright light. There were slight strains in the fabric around the chest area emphasizing his already prominent muscles. The most beautiful gold eyes Cinder had ever seen glinted furtively at her as if to gauge Cinder's reaction. The queen kept her face blank, posture regal. Artfully messy dark brown locks fell over Reece's forehead as he dipped his head, going on one knee.
"Your Majesty," he said simply. Cinder tilted her head, examining him from head to toe.
"Rise," she commanded finally. Reece only lifted his handsome face slightly to stare at her with fear and contrite.
"I am so very sorry, Your Majesty. I know sorry cannot cover the embarrassment and trouble I caused you," he paused and swallowed painfully, "and I take full responsibility for this infraction. I will gladly endure any penalty that will can secure me your complete trust in me again."
"Complete trust?" Cinder made her voice go cold, indifferent. "Do you suppose you deserve the honor of my trust again after this fiasco?" Reece paled, realizing his mistake.
"I don't deserve anything, your Majesty bestows upon me. I am merely a servant. Loyal only to the queen and the throne. " He hunched himself lower to the hardwood floor. "I know I crossed a line in touching Your Majesty in such an appalling manner and giving the media opportunity to mock Your Majesty by writing falsities. I am utterly in You Majesty's mercy and I am repentant of my erroneous ways." Cinder rose and walked around her desk to reach Reece. With each step, Reece hunched farther and farther away.
Her tone was soft when she finally said, "Are you afraid of me, Reece?" He froze. It was a trick question.
"I respect Your Majesty with every inch of my being," Reece said carefully. "Your Majesty has the power to do many things, affect people, and whole nations. If Your Majesty wanted to be rid of me, you could. If you decided to conquer the Earthen Union, I would be surprised if you failed. But Your Majesty also freed us from the traitor Levana's chains of slavery. You mended the fraying relationship between Luna and the Union and ushered in a rule of peace and unity. Therefore your Majesty is one to be revered not to be feared." Cinder found herself smiling at the end of his passionate speech.
"Rise," she said gently. "I know you regret you past actions, but those cannot be changed. You will also need to be punished. The Lunar council saw to that." Cinder took a deep breath. "Second tier Thaumaturge Reece Blackcrest, I hereby strip you of your status. Until you are advanced, you will work as attendant to third tier Thaumaturge Danto." Reece rose.
"Your Majesty is truly merciful," he murmured.
"Truly merciful?" Cinder teased lightening the tense atmosphere. "So I wasn't before?" Reece cracked a smile, black lashes fluttering up to meet Cinder's bright gaze. She laughed and stood on her tip toes to hug him. "I know you didn't mean to and that you're sorry, Reece. That's all that counts." Reece carefully wrapped his arms around her for a brief hug.
"Thank you, your Majesty," Reece said relieved, "but if there isn't anything else, I should get to work." He winked, back to his former self. "Or how am I going to get promoted back to second-tier again?" Cinder laughed again and let go.
"Good luck, Reece." Iko rolled in holding a tray of blueberry muffins. If she could, Cinder knew Iko would have raised her eyebrows at the familiar way Reece was surely looking at her and the proximity in which he was standing. It took all her restraint to keep her face detached as Iko scanned the situation.
"Hello Thaumaturge Blackcrest. Would you like a muffin?" Iko said calmly as if there was nothing wrong.
"No thank you, Iko. I had breakfast already," he said politely. "I have to get to work, Your Majesty," Reece said turning to her with a smile, "but I will see you off later today. Thanks again." Cinder inclined her head.
"Then you are dismissed." He took her hand and kissed it gently, bowing over it. As he disappeared out the door, Iko snickered, "Who's not infatuated now?"
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-Silverleaf