East Kingdom
— This kingdom isn't so bad after all — Camilly commented.
She, same as me, was walking through the narrow street of the small village in the North kingdom. I looked at her with a raised eyebrow, questioning if she was actually being serious.
— Don't look at me like that — she joked — I just thought that, with the king who rules it, this kingdom would be more… — Camilly was searching for the right word to describe the place.
— Neglected? — I asked humorously, watching her embarrassed reaction. That was exactly what she was thinking, she just didn't want to say it.
— Yes — she admitted — But he's very graceful and the people are really friendly — she said, surprised — No one's given us dirty looks since we arrived, which is almost strange since, in our kingdom, giving people dirty looks has practically become a habit — Camilly joked.
I paid attention to her reactions and noticed she was genuinely amazed by that place, which didn't surprise me. That village was calm and carried a sense of family, people smiled politely at us as we passed by, this was their home, despite the old houses and the king's neglect, it remained standing, not thanks to a king, but thanks to its people.
— Your kingdom… — I called her attention to me — was it like this too? — I let my curiosity speak louder.
I liked knowing things about Camilly's past, it made me feel more a part of her life, and from the excited smile she gave when she heard my question, I figured she also liked telling me about her life. I didn't mind listening to her, even if we spent the whole day reliving her stories, every word that left her mouth fixed itself in some part of my mind and, slowly, I could finally unravel the great puzzle in front of me.
— Yes — she smiled — They were warm, kind and always smiled at everyone passing by. I remember the parties we had, where we gathered everyone from the village, they were incredible, full of music, dance and life, I'd invite my friends from the Southwestern kingdom and we'd stay up all night — Camilly had a different sparkle in her eyes, it looked like pain but, at the same time, longing.
— You used to have a lot of friends — I commented — You always mention them when you talk about your past, it seems like… they were important to you — I said.
— They still are — she sighed heavily — I don't think I'll ever see them again, actually, I have no idea where they are now — Camilly said, resigned.
— Why didn't you go to them when all that happened? — I asked curiously.
Camilly ran to the forest when her kingdom was destroyed, her friends probably think she died along with her family.
— I just… — she stopped walking and faced me — I simply couldn't go back, everything that happened that day, the things I saw — she sighed — The Camilly they knew, the person I used to be, was destroyed along with that kingdom — she had a serious look while speaking, I knew that in that moment, Camilly was letting herself be exposed to me — This person I am now, was someone I built, took care of and made stronger, nothing of what I used to be remained. I had to start from zero, that's why I couldn't go back, couldn't see the look on their faces, if you had known me before, Freya, you'd also look horrified at who I am now — Camilly looked away — An eternal trail of destruction.
I took a few steps in her direction, getting closer to her, not too much that it'd become suspicious, but enough that I could smell the sweet scent emanating from her body. I was completely addicted to that smell.
— I don't think there's any version of you that I wouldn't like — I allowed myself to be a little transparent too. This demanded a lot from me, but it was worth it, her sincere and breathtaking smile was reward enough.
— I say the same to you.
And there was her bright smile, making those strange sensations in my stomach manifest. This always brought me the same doubt.
What is she doing to me?
— I think we should hurry — I stepped back a few paces, putting on my invisible armor again, I could see her smile and shake her head. Camilly knew, she knew I was running away — I'm sure that disgusting old man who rules this kingdom doesn't like delays — I said, trying to sound convincing.
Which I knew wouldn't work, Camilly could read every gesture and expression of mine, that made it impossible to fool her, even if I wanted to.
— It's okay — she smiled and shrugged — Let's get this over with — she positioned herself next to me and leaned in my direction, so her face was very close to mine — We wouldn't want him to run away, would we? — there was a disguised sarcastic tone in her voice.
— Don't provoke me, little lioness — I warned her, letting a small smirk escape. Her boldness still intrigued me, even after all this time.
— Then don't run from me, Queen — Camilly replied, giving me a quick peck before I could stop her.
She pulled away and smiled, cheeky. Camilly went back to walking through the village street as if nothing had happened. I glanced sideways discreetly, checking if any of the soldiers accompanying us had caught our quick interaction, as expected, both were distracted by the attractions and stalls along the street. I knew Camilly wouldn't have risked a move like that without first checking if anyone was watching, but my paranoid mind wouldn't leave me in peace until I did it myself. I stayed still for a few more seconds, just watching Camilly walk ahead of me, she would still drive me crazy, I knew that, but I would let her drive me crazy. I snapped out of my thoughts and positioned myself beside her, walking towards the great castle, where the king awaited us. We were approaching the large gates separating the castle from the village, when something made us stop in our tracks.
— Excuse me.
A young girl with incredibly green eyes and dark blonde hair stopped us, touching Camilly's shoulder. Both Camilly and I turned to the girl, I frowned confused by her audacity in touching the woman beside me, especially considering the reputation Camilly carried across all kingdoms.
— Can I help you? — Camilly sounded as confused as I was.
The stranger looked at her and smiled somewhat shyly. I felt an annoying burning take over my insides, like a sixth sense guiding me closer to Camilly, telling me to pull her away from that suspicious girl who seemed too interested in her.
— Are you the red lioness of the East kingdom? — the girl asked, staring at Camilly with admiration.
— Oh, I suppose so — Camilly smiled politely — But I prefer you just call me Camilly — she said, friendly.
I looked at Camilly with a not-so-friendly expression, after all, why was she giving so much attention to that stranger? Did she find her pretty? Or attractive? The mere thought of it made the burning worse.
— Sorry to bother you, but I've always been a big admirer of yours, you're simply incredible and, honestly, being face to face with you now makes me a little nervous — she said.
— That doesn't concern us — I interrupted — How did you know Camilly was the red lioness? No one still alive has ever seen her — I accused, suspicious.
Only Camilly's nickname was known throughout the kingdoms, but indeed, no one had actually ever seen her, well, at least no one still alive.
— That's true — Camilly frowned, suspicious — How did you know I was the red lioness? — she asked more sharply. I could notice the change in her posture, which became defensive.
I couldn't hold back the small smile that spread across my lips when I noticed she was no longer being kind to that stranger. I turned my attention back to the girl who now wasn't smiling openly like before, I felt a bad premonition hit me when I looked at her better, that person emanated a strong and intimidating energy, it could just be my impression, but that girl made my danger sensors scream.
— Oh, I had read a lot about you and when I saw the Queen of the East — she looked at me for a few seconds before facing Camilly again — I suspected you were the red lioness. Now, seeing the mark on your collarbone, I was sure — she stared fixedly at the lion mark on Camilly's collarbone.
The little lioness seemed uncomfortable with the stranger's gaze, because soon after she discreetly pulled up the collar of her shirt, trying to cover the mark and take the girl's eyes off her.
— Can I touch it? — she asked, already reaching her hand toward Camilly.
— No.
I pulled Camilly's body closer to mine and further away from that strange girl. She looked away at me, for seconds I saw a flash of something I couldn't identify pass through her eyes, I narrowed my gaze at her.
Was that… magic?
The girl seemed to notice my look and backed off, she cleared her throat and smiled widely again, that smile could be anything but sincere.
— I apologize again for bothering you, I think I got a little carried away — she let out a short laugh — I'll take my leave now, I'm sure your majesty has many things to take care of here — she fixed her gaze on me, that bad feeling hit me again. The girl looked away at Camilly — It was a pleasure to finally meet the famous red lioness, see you another day, Camilly.
The stranger turned her back on us and began walking calmly away. I felt Camilly grow restless beside me.
— Wait! — she called loudly, making the girl stop in place — What's your name? — Camilly asked.
The stranger turned only her profile towards us, her bright green eyes glancing at us sideways. The corner of her lips curved slightly into a smile.
— Maleficent.
I frowned, trying to remember where I had heard that name before, when I was almost remembering, the sound of the great gates opening drew mine and Camilly's attention. We both looked back in an involuntary act, when we turned again to where Malévola was, she had already vanished. That put me even more on alert.
— That was weird… — she commented — But it's nothing new. When are things not weird with us, right? — Camilly said, shrugging.
— I don't know — I stared at her — She emanated a strange energy — I said, unable to contain my suspicion.
— She was just odd — she laughed — Don't worry, she didn't pose any danger to us, she just seemed too curious — Camilly tried to calm me down.
— Curious about you and your mark — I retorted seriously.
— Let it go — she insisted — We have more important things to worry about now — Camilly said, nodding toward the castle gates.
I sighed heavily remembering the conversation that awaited me, I didn't want to do this, I never needed to make alliances with other kingdoms to win a war. So why would I need to now?
— Freya… — Camilly called me, her look more serious — We have to do this.
— Fine — I agreed, reluctantly — But if this alliance doesn't work out, we won't try another — I said, authoritatively.
— Freya…
— This is non-negotiable and that's final — I said, sharply.
I was still the queen, and the decision was still in my hands, I knew that would irritate Camilly, but I would deal with that later.
— Fine — she muttered — But please, make this alliance — Camilly said, staring at me.
I said nothing, just nodded and headed inside the castle. I didn't even need to say anything for Camilly and the other two soldiers to follow me. I walked imposingly to the soldier standing in the middle of the castle hall, probably already awaiting my arrival.
— Queen Freya — he greeted formally, bowing briefly — King Stefan is already waiting for you, please follow me, I'll take you to where he awaits you.
— Alright — I agreed simply. At least the king was already waiting for me, so I wouldn't have to wait to speak with him.
— Only the queen — said the soldier, looking at the people behind me.
— Absolutely not — Camilly positioned herself beside me — The other two can wait here, but I will accompany the queen. It's a security matter, I'm sure King Stefan will understand — she said, unwavering.
The man sighed, defeated, and agreed, perhaps to avoid any trouble. He led us to a room a bit far from the hall where we were before, promptly he opened the door and gave us passage.
— The king awaits you inside — said the soldier.
I said nothing, just entered the room, accompanied by Camilly. It didn't take long for the door behind us to close, I looked at the young woman beside me and she just signaled for me not to worry. I sighed and turned forward again, the room we were in was spacious and flaunted wealth with its gold-plated ornaments full of diamonds, that made me wonder where all that wealth was when it came to her villages, or rather, to her people. I walked to the table located in the center of the room, sitting at it, staring at me somewhat fearfully, was King Stefan. I observed him attentively, analyzing him, his eyes were dark brown and carried much greed, his white hair and the wrinkles on his face showed me how much time had punished him. Perhaps, when younger, he might even have been a handsome man, but now, all that remained was his infinite greed.
— The Queen of the East — he said, ironic, as I sat before him. I couldn't help noticing the two soldiers behind him — To what do I owe the honor of your visit? — Stefan asked, with a smile full of sarcasm.
— Personal interest, you can believe it wasn't — I saw his smile fade, which made mine spread — I came here to discuss our future alliance, you surely know that very well — I said.
— And they still didn't want to let me in — Camilly muttered quietly behind me. Only I could hear her words.
I smirked at her bad mood, she stayed behind me, alert to anything that could pose danger to me. I turned my attention back to the king.
— Let's get straight to the point — I began, impatient — I came here to finalize the last details of our alliance, you still haven't given me your price, King Stefan — I stared at him attentively.
I knew nothing good could come from that man, especially since he asked to speak with me personally, just to tell me his price.
— Well, Your Majesty… — he began — we both know very well that a war against a kingdom as strong as Snow White's will cost many soldiers, and if she wins, it will cost our own kingdoms too — he smiled wickedly — But since I'm a kind man, I will agree to make this alliance with you and lend you my army so you can have your long-awaited victory — Stefan exuded arrogance.
— That still doesn't answer my question — I said, irritated — Just tell me, what's your damn price? — I demanded, his stalling was getting on my nerves.
— You didn't let me finish — he provoked — As I was saying, we both know this war will cost a lot, but I'm willing to charge you a much smaller and even kind price — he leaned over the table, supporting himself with his arms — The only thing I want in exchange for this alliance — he smiled and raised one of his hands, pointing his index finger — is her — he said, pointing at something behind me.
I felt my heart stop for a few seconds, everything seemed to stop around me, I turned around, facing Camilly, who had an expression as unbelieving as mine. I turned to Stefan again.
— What? — I gave him the opportunity to rephrase what he said.
— It's simple, Your Majesty — he smiled, resting his arm on the table again — I want you to give me your red lioness in exchange for this alliance, I'm practically giving you victory in this war, for the price of just one soldier — he looked at me, convinced — After all, why would you trade hundreds of soldiers for just one? — Stefan asked.
I felt a wave of hatred consume me at that moment, burning in my chest and making my blood boil, how dare he ask me to give him Camilly? I opened a smile that surely made him tremble, at that moment, I was overcome with rage.
— My answer to your proposal, King Stefan — I placed my hands flat on the table — is, go to hell — I said slowly.
A trail of ice spread quickly across the entire table, reaching Stefan's arms, the ice covered both, penetrating his skin until it turned completely bluish. He screamed in pain, throwing his head back, his arms, now resembling two ice statues, remained motionless on the table, almost as if they no longer belonged to Stefan's body. Before any of the soldiers could do anything, Camilly leaped onto the table, sword already in hand, and jumped toward them, striking them with her blade, enough to leave them wounded on the floor, without killing them.
— Now listen carefully, because I'll only say this once — I leaned over the table, making sure to support myself on his frozen arms, I squeezed them hard, hearing them crack. I put my face in front of Stefan's — Camilly is mine and she is not available as a bargaining chip — I said slowly so he would understand very well.
— You'll regret this, you damned woman! — Stefan shouted, with a mix of pain and anger in his voice.
— And who will make me regret it? You? — I mocked, letting out a sarcastic laugh.
— Freya! — Camilly called my attention — we have to go — she said, almost desperately.
I shifted my attention from her to Stefan again, I squeezed his frozen flesh with my hands, hearing it grind, he groaned in pain. That made me smile even more, I regretted not having enough time to make him cry like a child.
— It seems I'll have to go now, but don't worry, dear — I brought my mouth to his ear — You won't forget me anytime soon — I whispered, malicious, before pulling away from him and facing Camilly. She looked at me with an irritated expression — Let's go — I told her before turning my back and walking to the door of the room.
I could hear Stefan threatening to call for the guards, but soon Camilly knocked him out with a hit to the head, I smiled seeing her walk toward me with the hilt of her sword stained with traces of Stefan's and his soldiers' blood. I knew very well the feeling of adrenaline that coursed through my body at that moment, the euphoria of the power I had exerted over those people, all of this, was the darkness gaining territory within my heart. Camilly stared at me for a few seconds when she stopped in front of me, her expression was a mix of feelings, she knew that at that moment she was face to face with my darkness, my bad side, and knew I had given in to it after a long time without doing so, but, even with that haze of hatred under my eyes, I could see the love in her gaze, and her love made my darkness squirm and retreat, almost as if it knew it couldn't win that battle. For seconds, I came back to myself and realized what I had done, I recoiled under Camilly's intense gaze, like a regretful child.
— Let's get out of here — said Camilly.
She left the room first, to check if the path was clear, I followed her in silence, there was nothing I could say. For the first time in years, I felt captive under someone's gaze, I felt intimidated, but not from fear, but from shame, shame of myself.
_
— What happened back there? — Camilly asked.
At that moment, Camilly and I were in the middle of the forest, after managing to escape the North kingdom. Our escape hadn't been easy, we had to go through several soldiers and get past the castle gates, the other two soldiers who came with us on the trip, had been killed during the escape, so it was just the two of us here, in the middle of the vast forest.
— You saw very well what happened there — I replied.
— We needed that alliance, Freya! — Camilly said, irritated. She brought her hands to her head and started pacing back and forth, indignant. Her chest rose and fell repeatedly from her labored breathing.
— You heard what that man said? Or would you rather I handed you over on a silver platter to him? — I asked, also irritated. She stared at me with a blazing look, this time, I had really gotten under Camilly's skin.
— Of course I heard! — she shouted — He was disgusting and ignorant, but you could have handled things another way! You can't just do what you did just because someone said something you didn't like! — Camilly shouted.
— I'm the one who decides that! — I shouted back.
Camilly let out an incredulous laugh while shaking her head, she looked at me with an expression of disappointment and anger.
— All I needed was for you to try, Freya! — she shouted, angrily — Because that's all I've been doing for the past few weeks, trying! Trying to put together a battle plan, trying to win this war — she took a deep breath, trying to contain her own irritation — I'm trying to make things work out, and all I wanted was for you to try too, that was the least you could do, since we got into this damn mess because you agreed to fight your sister's war! — Camilly said, seeming tired of that argument.
I felt her words hit me directly, the feeling of guilt overwhelmed my heart again, I always acted selfishly and didn't even regret it, but at that moment, remorse was corroding me entirely. I felt like apologizing to Camilly, asking her to forgive me, but my armor of pride and arrogance wouldn't allow me to do so, not yet. There were barriers in my heart that I wasn't ready to break yet.
— We always end up like this — I called her attention, making Camilly stop walking and stare at me — I hurt you with my actions, you irritate me with yours, and we end up shouting at each other in the middle of a forest — I let out a humorless laugh — Tell me, how can your plan work like this? — I looked at her intensely, receiving the same look from her, neither of us wanted to give in at that moment — How do we work?
— We fight — she approached, standing face to face with me — Against kingdoms, against armies, against darkness, against our own feelings and, sometimes, we even fight against each other — her brown eyes gazed at me intensely, exuding confidence and sincerity — Fighting, Freya, that's how we work — Camilly said.
— Fighting forever, that's no way to live — I whispered, losing myself in the brown of her eyes — And if things become too hard to bear? — I asked, feeling my heart fill with insecurity.
— Then, you and I will complicate them a little more — she smiled slightly — I'm here for you, Freya, I'll always be here — she said the phrase that always made my heart beat uncontrollably — We can overcome anything, together.
Camilly took my hand and brought it to her mouth, leaving a chaste kiss on the back of it.
— Together — I repeated while feeling her brown orbits completely swallow me and my heart warm at her touch.
Without knowing how to put my emotions into words, I brought my other hand to her face and brought it closer to mine, kissing her delicately while feeling her fingers intertwine with mine. And it was in those brief seconds when my lips met hers, that I realized, the answer to the question of what Camilly was doing to me had always been right in front of me.
She was saving me.