The Evil Queen

Chapter One.

Octavia looked down at the bed in front of her. The only thing keeping her from climbing back into it was the undeniable fact that if she did, the Queen, also known as her mother, would be up her ass.

“Come back to bed,” the woman, laying across the welcoming blankets she did not wish to leave in the first place, moaned and stretched her arms out to Octavia.

“You know I can’t. Just how you know my mother must never know you stayed here last night. You simply came here early-“

“To help you dress, yes yes, I am aware of the rules.” The maid cut Octavia off.

“I believe in one of those rules, interrupting royalty, seems to be one you are forgetting more frequently…” Octavia glared down at the beautiful redheaded woman. Her pointed ears shivered and a cold trill traveled down her back.

“Yes, your majesty. My apologies,” the woman bowed her head and quickly made her way to get off the enormous bed. “Please, sit. Do you wish for multiple braids or one?” The maid asked, her feet walking to stand behind the chair Octavia normally sat in when getting ready.

“One should be fine. It’s getting too long, I may have to cut it off after my coronation.” Octavia ran her fingers through her long white hair. It reached down, almost touching her lower back. Looking into the mirror sitting on the large desk, her pointed ears were longer than most in the royal family. Most had shorter pointed ears either from birth or close calls from battles. She couldn’t count on two hands how many times a chunk of ear almost got cut off from loose arrows on the battlefield.

“Your hair is so beautiful, it is sad that one day I won’t be able to braid it anymore,” the maid said, running her fingers through the bottom of Octavia’s white hair. Looking up into the mirror herself, she locked eyes with Octavia’s piercing blue eyes. They were such pure blue they almost seemed fake, it was such a pure blue, the rarest gems were put to shame in comparison; nor the gentian flowers the gardeners tended to in the garden.

“I do believe, Olivia, you enjoy pulling it more than braiding it.” Octavia raised a brow at the redheaded woman behind her. Olivia’s green eyes widened and instantly looked down, staring at the back of Octavia’s head. A small chuckle left Octavia’s lips while she watched her maid’s face turn redder by the second. “But do not fear, even with short hair, your fingers will be able to grab a hold with ease. The braids will just be smaller.”

“Yes, I do believe you are right, your majesty.”

There was a small silence between them. It seemed they didn’t know what to say to each other unless one of them was taking their clothes off or Octavia was giving Olivia a demand. Granted, it never used to be like this. Most of the past Maids never stayed around long enough for Octavia to grow an interest. It seemed as though everyone that walked into her life turned around and decided to walk right back out. Her sister, Ava, was the only one that could be with her for long periods of time. Most found Octavia intimidating, there was a rumor that her eyes alone could suck the soul right out of your body with just a glance. If one were to lock eyes with her, you surely would drop dead on the spot. When Olivia first started, she was Ava’s handmaiden, always there, right by her side, which included when Ava went to see her sister. The two being in the same room at the same time never was an issue. Olivia did her job and Octavia paid her no mind.

Until one day…

“Did you hear the news?” Ava strutted into the library, Olivia following close behind. The only other person near was the guard, Mallie, stationed outside to make sure Octavia was safe.

“What news?” Octavia asked, not taking her eyes off the book laying against her legs. She was sitting on the loveseat, her back against the armrest, and legs comfortably propped up with pillows, a soft blanket laying across them.

“Mother has decided, within five years time we will finally have our coronation. Then we will take over the throne just as planned,” Ava said, clasping her hands excitedly in front of her.

“I thought mother wished to wait 10 more years at least, we are only 25 after all. Most don’t ascend the throne till they are closer to a hundred. There is still much to learn about not only our kingdom but the others around us.” Octavia looked up from her book and closed it only slightly, her fingers still stayed between the pages, keeping track of where she had left off.

“In due time, we will learn as we go, plus with mothers... condition, it is best to take the stress of it all off her shoulders.”

“I guess you are right, if this is what she wants then it is what it is.” Octavia’s jaw clenched just slightly, not enough for anyone else to notice, but if you were paying attention, you’d see the uneasiness cross her face.

“Yes, it is what it is, I think it’s just splendid, don’t you think? OH.” Ava gave Octavia no chance to answer before going off about something else. “There is something else I wished to give you. I left it in my chambers. Olivia, please do stay here and keep Octavia company while I retrieve it.” Ava ran off in a hurry before Olivia or Octavia had anything to say.

Olivia’s words of “Yes, your majesty” never came across Ava’s ears as she skidded around the corner and down the hall. Ava’s chambers were on the complete other side of the castle, and knowing Ava, she would have to catch her breath around the next corner.

You could cut the silence with a knife and serve it with a side of awkward tension. Olivia shifted on the balls of her feet, eyes locked on the floor tiles in front of her as though they were the most interesting things in the world. Octavia looked the maid up and down once before opening her book, finding it more interesting than the person in front of her.

“Would you like some tea?” Olivia asked, being the first to speak between the two. Even if Octavia didn’t Olivia was hoping she would ask for some just so that she would have to leave the room to fetch it.

“No thank you, though if you are uncomfortable, I would not blame you if you went and got yourself some,” Octavia flipped a page, expecting the maid to hurry out the doors and that would be it.

“I am not uncomfortable. Your majesty. It is your comfort that I am concerned about.”

“Oh?” Octavia asked, looking up, locking eyes with the maid which surprised them both. Olivia did not expect Octavia to even give her another passing glance. And Octavia did not expect Olivia to look up from the floor she was so intently staring at.

Olivia froze, not wanting to look away. The rumor’s weren’t true, that was ridiculous, of course she still had her soul, if she didn’t Ava would have lost hers a long time ago. No, what took her by surprise was the color, the blue eyes, white hair, and fair complexion worked perfectly together, she was beautiful. Her slim nose and perfect pink lips made Olivia wonder how such harsh rumors could be spread about such a stunning elf.

“Come closer,” Octavia demanded, her book completely discarded.

“Um.” Olivia looked around the room, thinking she must have heard wrong.

“I wish to look at you.” Octavia motioned for Olivia to come closer.

With hesitant steps, Olivia made her way over to the princess, standing directly in front of her. Removing her feet from the sofa, she stood up, eyes peering down at the redheaded elf.

“You need more sun, the freckles on your face are starting to fade, which I guess cause Ava never goes outside, neither do you. Your hair is a beautiful color but you don’t put much thought into your appearance, a braid would suit much nicer than a constant bun. The bags under your eyes will not do, you clearly need more sleep, I know Ava has at least four other handmaidens, but she tends to pick a favorite and work them till they drop. I’ve seen it many times before. It’s a bad habit of hers for sure. You are new so you lack the confidence of knowing what you are doing, but you do your job well. You’re just not used to being around royalty yet. That will change. But besides that, I suppose you will work just fine.” Octavia reached out, her finger running along the bottom of Olivia’s jaw, tilting her head up once she had reached her chin. Olivia was at least 5 inches shorter than Octavia.

“Your majesty, forgive me for speaking out of turn, but I do not know what you are getting at.” Olivia locked her gaze with the princess. Not only had she been insulted multiple times just now and was expected to just take it, this was the first conversation the two of them had had over the past five months she had been working for the royal family. Olivia expected at least a couple passing hello’s before whatever conversation you could call this.

“Interesting,” Octavia hummed, letting go of Olivia’s chin, but not breaking eye contact.

Just then Ava walked back into the room out of breath. “I have got it,” Ava exclaimed, holding up a small box. One of the guards was following after her, but stopped before entering the library, turned and faced the opposite way to stand guard. “Did I miss something?” Ava asked, looking between the two in front of her. Olivia was itching to step away but refrained from doing so.

“Yes, I do believe you did, do you mind sister, if I have this one?” Octavia asked, breaking eye contact to look at her sister.

Ava only seemed more confused after this. “Have this one? You mean Olivia?”

“Yes, this one.”

“Olivia, you wish to take Olivia, not ‘this one’ Olivia, we all know how you are with handmaidens, hence we are trying to find you one at this moment. So if you break this one I’ll be very cross with you.” Ava looked between the two of us again. Olivia hadn’t said a thing, not knowing what to say. It’s not as if she can argue.

“So I can have her?” Octavia confirmed, smirking at the maid in front of her. “Olivia.” She muttered, looking the elf up and down once more. “I know how you are about collecting people with the letter O.”

“It’s not a collection!”

“Oh really?”

“Yes!” Ava rolled her eyes.

“Octavia, Olivia, the guard outside that you say is your friend who’s name happens to be O’, Opal, our mentor, who you happened to have hand picked. Ovarian, your other handmaiden along with Omari and Oak. Shall I go on?” Octavia asked, raising a brow at Ava.

“You have made your point.”

“And yet it is a point I constantly have to bring up.”

“I already said you could have her, don’t make me change my mind.”

“Fine. What was it you wished to bring me Ava?” Olivia was forgotten and Ava stepped forward, the argument they were having before completely ignored.

“Oh, yes. Here, I have mine already, it’s something mother wanted me to give you.”

“She’s been out of the kingdom for the past week, Ava,” Octavia said, not amused.

“Yes, well you know how forgetful I can be.” Ava made her way closer to her sister and Olivia took this chance to go back to the corner she was originally hiding in.

“Yes. I do know.” Octavia took the box out of her sister’s hand and opened it. A crystal necklace hanging from a silver chain swung back and forth between Octavia’s fingers. “A necklace…”

“A special necklace, mother did say what was so special about it. She said she would explain later after our coronations.”

“So in five years? Why would she give us something we would not know the use for till later on. It is a bit redundant, do you not think?” In spite of her words, she put the necklace around her neck. The crystal reached down just above her breast.

“Well who doesn’t love a little mystery every once in a while,” Ava said, giving a dramatic twirl. “But I must be off, places to go, things to do. Try not to think about all this too much. It is far too early to be concerned with such things. Five years is basically a blink away.” Ava turned to walk out the doors. Olivia instantly follows behind.

“Ah ah,” Octavia tsked.

Olivia turned back around and bowed. “Sorry, your majesty, habit.” Olivia kept her head down but stayed in the room.

After that their conversations become much easier. Well Olivia was better at taking orders. Olivia no longer looked as malnourished after the first year. The bags under her eyes became faint, if not nonexistent. Octavia made sure to sit out in the gardens more on sunny days instead of the library like she preferred. But in Octavia’s opinion it paid off once Olivia’s freckles stretched across her face becoming more definable. Her long red hair never once was put up in a bun in the princesses presence.

“Done,” Olivia said, breaking Octavia’s trance, bringing her back to the world around her.

“Good,” Octavia said, clearing her throat. Her hand instantly reached up, playing with the crystal necklace that she still wore to this day. “You’re excused. The meeting with my mother should take all day.”

“Shall I draw a bath for you then once you return?” Olivia asked, she already knew she was to stay the night. She did not remember the last time she truly had slept in her own chambers. The past two months at least have been spent sleeping in the princesses bed.

“Yes, I can already tell the day will not be as pleasant as late night.” Octavia said, grabbing Olivia’s hand and placing a kiss on top of it.

Releasing her hand, Olivia wrapped it around Octavia’s throat, tilting their head back. Octavia’s blue eyes demanded an explanation but Olivia ignored it, placing a kiss against their lips. “The bed is right there, the day could be exactly like last night.”

“Only to have my head plastered on a stake once my mother finds out I skipped out on the meeting just to lay in bed. I am not Ava, I can not get away with such things.” Octavia grabbed Olivia’s hand, pulling it off her throat. “You are dismissed.”

“Yes, your majesty.” Olivia stepped back from the chair Octavia sat in and made her way to the door leading to her own room.

Octavia leaned back, her eyes closed, taking in the quiet. Sudden sounds of screaming and swords clashing surrounded her. Her sword cutting clean through the opposer’s neck, hot liquid hitting her face and drowning her sword.

“Please! Please stop!” The woman’s cries haunted her dreams once she realized what she had done. The soil was soaking with the enemy’s blood. But also of those she had fought beside.

Octavia’s eyes snapped open, her reflection showing the woman she was on the battlefield. Reaching her hand to her face to wipe the blood away but when she reached for a cloth and looked again at the mirror in front of her, there was nothing. No blood, no dirt, not even a scratch. Octavia did not know how long she stared at her own reflection. Or when she had gathered herself to walk to the meeting.

“This is why we must do something,” Lark said motioning to the map in front of them. He had a slim nose, and sharp jaw that matched his tongue. “They will be upon our lower village at this rate. No matter who we send they keep sending us back into our own land. The crops at this point will taste of the blood they’ve spilt. There has to be another way.” His long brown hair swayed when turning his attention to the Queen, who seemed as indifferent as ever. It was a village they originally took from them anyways six years ago.

“I see your concern, but even if the village is captured, no one of importance will be captured, it’s their people after all. But, if this does travel further, there will be whispers. We can not have our people thinking they are in danger.” The Queen hummed, tapping her fingers against the table, her pointed nails making a clicking sound with each tap.

“No one of importance? My Queen-“

“Correct, your Queen, it would be best if you held your tongue before saying something you might regret,” Roland injected, cutting Lark off. His dark skin was basically flawless, full lips that always seemed to be running once one spoke against the Queen. His loyalty was admirable at best. But this was a meeting after all, differences of opinions tended to work best. At least in Octavia’s observations. If the Queen had an issue with Lark, he would have been long gone.

“Thank you, Roland, but I do believe Lark makes a valid point,” Octavia spoke up and everyone’s eyes were instantly on her. Octavia rarely spoke at these meetings. She did what she was told and was still technically learning more about what took place behind the battlefield. The politics of it all was more Ava’s area of expertise, while cutting down their enemies was Octavia’s. It’s why they worked together so well. They were fortunate enough to be born together rather than separate, at least Octavia; She was still the oldest even if they were twins. The responsibilities of the Kingdom laid on both their shoulders, rather than just Octavia’s. “If our enemy were to take the lower village back from us, it would prove we are penetrable, they would not stop there. We would only have a bigger issue on our hands.”

“There is one person we have yet to send,” Lark said, his brown eyes locked onto Octavia’s blue ones.

“In all due respect, sending Princess Octavia is not the best idea right now. She has much to learn before the coronation, her attention should not be divided from such duties.” Roland cut in before the others could agree, which was odd. Out of the two, Roland was most likely the one to send Octavia into battle, while Lark would immediately object. Lark had after all seen the pure blood lust first hand, even he had to watch out for her swinging sword. Having Octavia in battle may increase their chances of winning, but at what cost? Roland on the other hand was always on the side lines, being tactical, always sending Octavia head first into battle, one time with an army half the size of the enemies and still managing to come up on top.

“Both are true,” the Queen said. Everyone stopped speaking, waiting for her to continue. “Octavia is in much need of learning, taking the throne will not be easy. But sending her in now may just end this ridiculous war.”

“But at what cost?” Roland asked.

“Whatever it cost,” Lark said,

“Will you be the one standing next to her on the battlefield?” Roland asked, standing from his chair and slamming his hands on the table. “The last time the Princess went out there something happened, worse than the other times. She has yet to recover, you refuse to stand even next to her, hence your distance now.” Roland motioned to Lark sitting on the complete opposite side of the long table, while Roland sat directly beside Octavia. Lark had been eyeing the Princess the entire time. The last battle with Octavia was brutal, everyone would admit that, even the ones that were not there.

“Enough,” the Queen spoke, glancing at both Lark and Roland. “I will not be sending my daughter out to battle unless she is the one making that decision. I have sent out a message to the other elvish kingdom to have a meeting. Once they reply we will decide from there if the fighting is even necessary. It was the main reason I gathered you all here today anyways.”

“And you could not bring this up in the beginning because?” Ava asked, sitting quietly until now, next to her mother.

“Amusement.” The Queen smirked and the tension eased between everyone. The other five council members were holding their tongues but if the conversation continued, the chances of it staying that way would be slim. Lark and Roland always did most of the talking.

“It would have saved us a couple of hours,” Octavia mumbled but no one heard her besides Roland who only smirked at the comment. Octavia did not know this at the moment, but Roland only sat next to her in hopes to catch her gaze, it was no secret that the Princess would have her fun with whomever she pleased, man, woman, non binary. It did not matter, if you caught her attention you would be hers. She had this aura around her that demanded respect, the aura of a royal, the only thing she valued more than loyalty to the kingdom, was loyalty to her. But even Roland did not know that the Queen had placed the idea in his head in the first place.

“With that being said,” the Queen stood up from her chair and everyone raised as well. “You may all go, but out of caution, send some soldiers to the lower village. I want them stationed near the border, no one in and no one out. Trades will be done from the hidden paths, we need them to think they hold some type of power over us, that we are weak so they let their guard down.” She dismissed everyone with the flick of her wrist. No one spoke until they were out the doors. Light chatter was flowing around the small group, talking about trades and the new things they had bought. Octavia made her way to the door but was stopped midway once the Queen spoke, “Octavia, a word please.”

“Yes mother,” Octavia said, turning around to face her.

Ava had stayed back with the Queen as well, wanting to talk to her about something random she had discovered that day. “Mom,” Ava whined, her hand placing itself on their mother’s arm.

“Just a moment Ava, I need to speak with your sister about something important,” the Queen said. She was always nicer with Ava, no one could upset poor, helpless Ava. But she was anything but helpless.

“Am I to assume this is about what Roland had brought up?” Octavia asked. Some of her white hair had escaped the braid, framing her face.

“Well, it is something that needs to be addressed, yes. You have been quite absent from the battlefield as of late. Is there something I need to know? Has this last battle affected you as the rumors say?”

“I am simply placing my attention elsewhere. The markets on the east side have slowed, not a lot of trade has been coming in from the human kingdom. Crops from the southern side have yet to bring in half the amount they did last year. I do believe the people have been getting sick, so I asked a physician to travel there and see what they can find. There is more to what is going on than a war that has been going on for three generations. If we focus more on what we have, there would be no need to expand. If anything, the war has been pointless this entire time, the population is already lowering, we do not need a war that takes all the eligible men and women who could be helping their people.”

“I see you have been keeping busy with the lower matters.”

“Lower matters? These are our people, how our people are treated reflects on us as rulers. Without the people, we are nothing.”

“Octavia.”

“Is throwing me into battle really that worth it to you? After knowing what happens when you do?”

“It would end the war.”

“There are many ways to end a war.”

“We will not surrender.”

“No, but we live peacefully with all the other kingdoms, why is this one any different? We specialize in materials, metals, and strong soldiers. While they have amazing fields, crops that last the winter, and powerful healing abilities.”

“And why do you think I sent out that message?” The Queen asked, lifting a brow at her daughter. “You should be mindful, I still am the Queen and see the things happening. This silly little game of power has taken up too much of my time. But that is not all I wished to talk to you about”

A game, that’s all this is to you, Octavia thought but did not open her mouth. The Queen would let her people roll around in the dirt. That was no way the kingdom should be perceived, through Octavia’s opinion.

“Besides your unwillingness to fight, I have been hearing rumors. I know how our people can gossip, I just needed to ask you and make sure.”

“What rumors? Have I killed someone by staring at them for too long?” Octavia snarked back. Rumors, what a joke, out of all the things the Queen wanted to talk to her about. Not that she would believe her anyways. Why ask if you’re only going to stick to what you believe is true?

“Careful, Octavia,” Ava mumbled to Octavia. Both of them picking up on their mother’s impacents.

“Is it true you have not been bringing any men to your bed for the past couple of months?” the Queen asked, her red eyes bore into Octavia’s blue ones. “I know your sex life is not something we discuse often. But do remember, your coronation is within the year, after that an heir should come along not too far after. Someone of noble blood should be fine, like.... Roland, for example or Lark. Both are of the younger in the group and would make such pretty babies.”

“You did not have us until you were a hundred and twenty three. The oldest elf in the kingdom is nine hundred and ninety six, where’s the rush?” Octavia glared at her mother. “And I do believe you have another daughter who you should be having this conversation with.”

“Her child will not ascend the throne, she may become Queen alongside you, but the eldest always provides the heir. And I did not take the throne until I was a hundred and ten.”

“Which means after my coronation I have thirteen years till you can start asking me for a child.”

“Would you like to wait another hundred years before ascending to the throne?” the Queen asked, the look in her eyes dared Octavia to say another word.

“I think,” Ava said, trying to cut in and ease the tension. “That Octavia is just under a lot of stress, this is something that can be discussed at a later time, after the coronation and the pressure of all this craziness slows down.” Ava wraps her arm around Octavia’s waist. “Besides, with this face it won’t take long for a man to enter her bed again.”

“This is true, then once the coronation is done, we can talk more about everything expected of you,” the Queen said, waving her hand for Octavia to leave. “Until then wait for someone to fetch you once the other elf kingdom has responded.”

Octavia never walked faster to a door in her entire life, the door was slammed closed and the Queen softened her gaze to look at her other daughter.

Octavia’s steps echoed in the empty hall, only a couple guards who stayed by the Queen were leaning against the wall, waiting for the Queen to leave. Octavia walked past them all, not acknowledging them in the slightest.

“Princess Octavia,” Roland walked out from behind a corner and picked up the pace to match hers, he had almost walked away, thinking the Queen and Princess would be talking much longer. “I would like to apologize for-”

“For speaking for me or telling everyone, including my mother, that I am unfit for battle?” Octavia asked, her gaze focused on ahead, not giving him even a parting glance. Octavia did not have the emotional energy to act like she cared about another pointless conversation. One seemed to be her limit today.

“It is not that you are unfit-”

“A liability then?”

“It would just be wise for you to focus-”

“As you clearly can see, I do not care what your opinion of me is. If I were to say I wish to go into battle, would you still have spoken against it?” Octavia asked, her pace quickening. The thudding of her shoes hitting the tile floor echoed throughout the hall. The entire reason for half her conversion with her mother even happened was because of Roland and Lark opening their damn mouths, Octavia glared at the empty hall in front of her just thinking about it.

“No, you after all are the best judge when coming to your own capabilities,” Roland said, his legs may be longer than Octavia’s but she seemed to be pulling away from him. Even so Octavia could feel his piercing white eyes burying holes in the back of her head.

“Then this conversation is over.”

“Your majesty, I- ″ Roland’s hand reached out his hand, almost able to take hold of Octavis’s wrist.

Stopping in the middle of the hallway, Octavia turned around to face Roland. “Clearly an apology is not the only thing on your mind. It would be wise if you have more opinions, you speak with the Queen. Unless it is your blood you would like to spill instead of your words.” The dagger Octavia always wore around her waist caught the light, Roland’s eyes instantly locking on it. “If it is of something of lesser importance, my sister is always up for a chat.”

“Yes, your majesty.” Roland bowed, backing off. Turning around, Roland headed back down the hall away from Octavia.

Looking down at her hands, Octavia eased the shaking by gripping the fabric of her dress. The anger in her was boiling over, even if Roland was right and Octavia should not be fighting. That is not something you announce to the other members, nor her mother. Lark was at fault as well. The urge to slice open his throat was weighing on Octavia’s mind.

I need to clear my mind, Octavia thought, making her way outside to the practice fields.

The sound of swords clashing could be heard throughout the entire castle, grunts of the opponent trying to stay on his feet when Octavia swung her long sword again. Some of the other guards had stopped in their patrol to watch. Even some of the maids that had no interest in these kinds of things stopped to watch. There was something different this time. Most hair had fallen out of her braid, the strands sticking to her face and bare shoulders. The dress she was wearing before was thrown to the side leaving her in just her black corset and leather pants she was hiding underneath.

The guard Octavia was fighting against was struggling to keep himself on his feet. His matted black hair was uneven, one side shorter than the other from a close call with the woman in front of him. He would have to fix it later or let the princess have another close call to the other side of his head.

“Sword up,” Octavia said, lifting his sword, angling it higher with the point of her own. “If this was a real fight you would have been dead.” Octavia sneered.

“He can barely stand, let me have a go,” O’ Ava’s guard said, stepping up to Octavia. He took the sword out of the guard’s hand and he immediately walked away, falling into the grass off to the side.

“Alright,” Octavia said, swinging her sword to loosen up her wrist. Octavia’s shoulder ached from having to restrain herself. She had yet to lose control, which in her head was a win. “Try not to disappoint me.”

“Oh I would never, your highness,” O’ said mockingly, placing a hand to his chest he bowed his head.

“It seems you have been spending too much time with my sister, someone has forgotten their manners.” Octavia twirled her sword once more before her feet set, dusk flying into the air.

O’ took the first swing, his sword moved smoothly, seeming as though nothing could stop it from reaching its desired target - till the ringing of clashing swords echoed through the packed training field. Octavia’s sword slid down O’s, the sound of scraping had the crowd reaching for their ears. Kicking out her leg, O’ was knocked to the ground, Octavia’s sword following after him. Raising his sword just in time for them to clash again. Reaching for a handful of the soil beneath him he chucked it up at Octavia. Covering herself from being hit in the eyes, O’ took this chance to stand up, creating distance between them.

“Did not know you would be one to play dirty, but then again,” Octavia said, looking him up and down with judgment clear in mind.

“Those who do not fight to survive should not fight. If the battlefield was fair most would still be alive.”

“This is true,” Octavia said, stepping close to O’ who was getting more nervous with each step she took. O’ would never admit it, but he found the princess very intimidating, alluring, but frightening. “Your stance is weak, your dominant side should be leading, you are two open.” Octavia swung for the opening in his stance, O’ just barely managing to dodge.

It continued like this for almost twenty minutes, neither fully getting the upper hand. Everytime Octavia thought she was getting the upper hand O’ pushed back harder. Sweat trailed down his face, his breath heavy. O’ had gained the advantage but only in the beginning, ever since then it’s been him trying to stand his ground.

Octavia was having troubles as well, the only difference was her troubles were keeping herself in control. O’ had cut a small bit of her hair and she almost put her sword through his chest. Her control was slipping, she knew she should stop before this got out of hand. Thinking this she was about to say something when O’ thrusted forward, his sword nicking Octavia’s ear.

The blood slowly slid down the side of her ear, it was only a scratch, but the instant burning sensation from the metal touching her skin made her vision turn black.

Violently swinging her sword, Octavia’s attacks become more aggressive, more blood thirsty.

O’ immediately noticed the difference and instead of attacking back focused on defense, keeping out of her range at all times. “Get back!” He yelled to the crowd that was starting to surround them. “Princess Octavia! I forfeit.” O’ stepped back more.

Octavia not hearing a single word coming from O’s lips only quickened her attacks. Her prey was getting away.

“Octavia!” Ava called out to her sister, also seeing what was happening. Fearing that this would only fuel the rumors that travel around her name, Ava took a step into the practice field. “Octavia, listen to me!”

“Princess, you need to step back,” O’ said, placing his hand on her stomach, pushing her out of the circle. Ava may know her way around a sword, but no one could stand up to Octavia when she was like this. The sad thing was, Octavia knew nothing of what she was doing. O’ and Ava had seen it before, just when Octavia’s attention was on the enemy, not themselves.

Ava was confused, it usually took more than a little scratch to set her sister off, but then again - Octavia hasn’t picked up a sword since returning the last time.

O’ was having trouble staying out of range, the second he stepped away the longer Octavia’s sword felt. He knew her attention wouldn’t go to the crowd around them until O’ was dead that Or O’ actually manager to take her down - or kill her. And with how their battle was going, it was like looking down the side of a cliff knowing the only answer was the jump.