Maven POV

Every now and then, I hear my Mother's voice. It only appears when I stray from the plans we've made before she died. Mare is one of those times. Every time I think about Mare, my Mother scolds me for wanting someone so...unworthy. Red, she would say. Forget about that despicable Red. But I can't. No matter how hard I try.

Forgive me, Mother.

Now as I pace the halls of the palace, originally wanting to be left alone, I want nothing more than to be accompanied by someone. Anyone. Someone I can command, have my attention carried onto their issues.

Someone I can toy around with.

My betrothed. Evangeline Samos. A short-tempered magnetron that could use a leash and some mouth tape.

Perfect prey.

I walk down the hallway in search of my future wife. The thought sickens me, but it is my duty. My plan. Our plan, my Mother reminds me.

When I reach the door to her bedroom, I do not bother to knock."Evangeline." I call out, not caring how loud my voice is.

Moments later, I hear a groan from inside the room. Then, the door opens, but only slightly. Enough for me to see just her face.

"Yes, my King?" Nothing but sarcasm emerges from the tone of her voice. The expression on her face is of pure annoyance.

"Busy?" I ask, mockingly.

Her eyes shift to the marble flooring below her feet then back to my eyes.

"What do you want, Maven?"

I run my hand through my hair, then adjust the tie on my suit.

"Can a man not have a conversation with his fiancé?" I force through gritted teeth.

She smirks and squints her eyes in such a way that makes her look like a cat.

"Not when they hate each other."

I laugh, bitterly, knowing it is the truth.

"Shouldn't you be with that Red?"

Heat emerges from my body, rageful of Evangeline's comment. But, I will not allow myself to show my weakness.

"I interrogated her this morning. No information of interest to me was told." Lie.

"Then why is she still alive?" She pests.

"Patience, my dear. She is still of importance to the Scarlet Guard, or to my brother I should say."

She shutters out of disgust when I call her by such an endearing name. I, myself feel bial rising in my throat.

"I want to see her." Evangeline demands.

"For what reason?"

Evangeline's lips curve into a cultivating grin.

"I'd like to interrogate her myself."

Evangeline Samos will stop at nothing until victory is hers. Even if it means killing anyone and everyone in her path. Including Mare. It would be stupid to let Evangeline see a glimpse of Mare, let alone speak to her in a secluded room. But, if I do not allow her to, then Evangeline and the rest of her Samos blood will see me as weak. A Silver King barley on the edge of nineteen, who can't even control his own feelings, let alone an entire kingdom.

"If that is what you wish."

She nods, eager to see the infamous Red Queen.

"But, you must not harm her. She needs to be in one piece for the press." I add.

"Of course, your Majesty." She says sarcastically, once again.

I can only hope Evangeline will oblige to her words.