Disliking Her

Jareth observed as Scarlet walked out happily. It was peculiar for him to agree to her proposal. Just a few hours ago, he was consumed by bloodlust, and now he was making a deal with Scarlet, his only mate.

"Your highness, I have a suspicion that Consort Scarlet has ulterior motives. Her behavior has been strange lately. May I have permission to monitor her activities until King Edward arrives?" Raynell interjected, interrupting Jareth's thoughts.

"Why do you think I accepted her proposal? She is only setting herself up for failure. Prepare for King Edward's arrival while keeping an eye on Consort Scarlet's movements," Jareth replied, taking a deep breath.

"Raynell, why do you think Consort Vera asked for love instead of demanding to be Empress?" Jareth questioned, walking slowly over the rough terrain.

"Perhaps she truly desires love over power. Maybe if Your Highness spends more time with her and gets to know her-" Raynell suggested before Jareth cut him off.

"That is not possible, Commander Raynell. You know how much I despise her and her father, who schemed with the former Emperor of Elvonia," Jareth stated, his forehead furrowing at the memory.

If only her father had not killed Jareth's parents, Consort Scarlet would not be a pawn in their game.

"Jareth-" Raynell began but stopped, his eyes lighting up with an idea. He did not continue with the usual tense expression that made everyone fear him. Jareth stopped and turned to face Raynell.

"Scarlet is not like her father. Perhaps placing your trust in her may bring about a positive outcome."

"Didn't you criticize her now?" Jareth inquired, a small smile forming on his lips.

"That was because her behavior was unusual, but-" Raynell paused, swallowing hard.

"What is it, Raynell?" Jareth asked, the smile disappearing from his face. It was rare for Raynell to hesitate in sharing information with him.

"I believe I saw Elora near Consort Vera's chambers," Raynell said, looking at Jareth.

"I cannot be completely certain since it was only for a brief moment, but you know Elora is capable of manipulating and deceiving with her hypnotizing abilities." He said. 

It required an immense amount of strength for him to utter those words. Initially, he wanted to conceal it, uncertain of the truth. However, during the brief moment that he was under someone else's spell, he caught a glimpse of the true essence of that individual.

Yes, he harbored feelings for her and they were deemed soulmates in their world. But then, he was recklessly taken away from her, separated by a far distance due to the treachery of those who betrayed them. They broke their promise to protect Jareth and his family, driven by jealousy to commit the ultimate act of betrayal- murdering Jareth's parents by stabbing them in their most vulnerable spot- their heart. But despite their efforts, Jareth and Elora managed to evade their grasp.

He clutched his fist behind his back, remembering how he relentlessly searched for Elora.

Jareth forced down a lump in his throat, his eyes flashing rapidly. "Why didn't you tell me?" he asked, struggling to remain composed.

"It only happened a few days ago," he replied, attempting to stay calm.

"Take over for Scarlet for a bit. I will continue to search for Elora," he directed, turning to leave at an unprecedented pace. He should have protected her. It was all his fault. None of this would have happened if he had protected her with every ounce of his being. He blamed himself, but he tried to calm down by recalling what Raynell had told him- there was still a chance that she was alive somewhere. She must have been resentful towards him for failing to keep her safe.

He settled on his bed as he removed his shoe and stood up to change into a simple blue shirt and black pants. Fixated on his thoughts, he gazed out of the window, contemplating his missing sister.

"Where will I find you, Elora?" he whispered, taking a deep breath and sighing.

Lost in the beauty of nature, he stood there for a while. As darkness enveloped the world, he lay on the bed, restless with the thought of Elora.

********

Scarlet tossed and turned on her bed, unable to sleep. Ilvia hesitated to turn off the lights when she saw her lady's restlessness.

"Can't you sleep, my lady?" Ilvia asked with concern.

"Leave the lights on, please," Scarlet pleaded. Ilvia nodded and was about to leave when Scarlet stopped her.

"Wait-" Scarlet said, halting Ilvia in her tracks.

"Yes, my lady?" Ilvia replied.

"Come sit here for a moment." Scarlet gestured to the bed, and Ilvia sat down next to her. She felt uneasy being so close to her lady after the events of today.

As Scarlet sat up, she said, "Can you spread a rumor that Emperor Edward is coming for a peace treaty?" She explained how it would benefit them and insisted that it was important.

"Of course, my lady. I trust you," Ilvia replied with a smile before standing up to leave.

"Goodnight, Ilvia," Scarlet said, grateful for her support. As Ilvia walked away to help Jareth, Scarlet smiled, relieved at the thought of Edward being on their side. With his backing, Ralph would not be able to harm them, giving Scarlet more time to find Elora.

As she lay back on her bed, Scarlet suddenly felt like she was being watched. 

Her fear mounting, she moved towards the nightstand, reaching for the lamp that rested just out of her grasp.

But her gaze was drawn to the window, the eerie noises outside growing louder. Suddenly, a girl's tearful cries pierced through the night, and a name sprung to the woman's mind: Elora.

"Is that not Elora?" she whispered, a lone tear escaping her eye. As she rubbed her eyes, she bolted out of bed, desperate to find Elora.

But as she rushed out, she was met with a surprise. Elora was already there, springing out of sight as soon as she saw the Scarlet.

"Elora," she called out desperately, tears streaming down her face and running after her.

The sound of a voice made her halt in her tracks. It was a voice she recognized, one that left her trembling with fear.

"What are you doing here?" the voice asked, and Scarlet froze, unable to move.