Don't Blame Me!

"There is something you don't know Kai," Athena paused. 

"She doesn't love you. No matter how many times you go back for her, she will never love you," Athena replied as she slowly stood up.

Edward clenched his fists, his lips pressed into a thin line as his eyes burned with anger. Why wouldn't she love him? Why was it always Jareth? Why couldn't things be different this time?

He remembered the first time he saw her, when he was just seven. She had saved him from that so-called bear when he got lost in the forest. Her petite, round face looked at him with such care, and he fell in love with her at that moment.

Later, he discovered she was a princess. He would sneak into her kingdom just to catch a glimpse of her. It hurt when he realized she didn't remember him. Worse, she was marrying that devil who didn't love her, who let her die and did nothing to find her killer. But now, why was Jareth being possessive?

Edward recalled Jareth's furious gaze the day he questioned the sudden change in Scarlet's behavior. Even when Edward first arrived in Elvonia, Jareth seemed uneasy around him.

Why wasn't the plot going the same way it was supposed to be? It was supposed to be easy saving Jareth. Now, Edward regretted agreeing to Athena's scheme.

"Did you plan this?" Edward asked, stopping Elora in her tracks.

"I didn't. She's just unfortunate in this life," Athena sighed and continued walking. Edward gritted his teeth, seething with anger.

If only he had stayed with Kayla that night, none of this would have happened. 

After Athena vanished from his sight, Edward sprinted at full vampire speed, his heart pounding with urgency. All he could think about was telling Scarlet the truth. He desperately hoped she would forgive and understand him, but he knew it might be just wishful thinking.

Suddenly, he collided with someone, feeling the unmistakable softness of a woman's body against him, followed by a sharp curse. He looked down to see Ilvia, Scarlet's maidservant, glaring up at him with furrowed brows.

"Can't you watch where you're going, Your Highness?" Ilvia said sarcastically.

"Where is your lady?" Edward asked impatiently.

"Why do you want to see my lady?" Ilvia paused, narrowing her eyes. "She's too busy to attend to anyone."

Edward furrowed his brows and tilted his head back in frustration. He was about to push past her when Ilvia stepped in front of him again, arms spread wide to block his path.

His eyes traveled down her petite frame, noting how small she was compared to Scarlet. He scoffed. "You brought this on yourself. Don't blame me!" he said, lifting her over his shoulder effortlessly. Ilvia screamed and pounded on his back, but he refused to set her down.

"Be obedient!" he commanded, striding forward with renewed speed.

He kicked the door and scanned the room, ignoring Ilvia's continued screams. Scarlet was nowhere to be found. He set Ilvia down gently but firmly.

"Where is Kayla?" he demanded.

"How dare you! You—" she began, but Edward cut her off.

"Where is your lady?" he asked again, his gaze darkening. Ilvia trembled, her eyes widening as she saw his eyes turn a deep, ominous green.

"My l-lady went to see the Empress Dowager," Ilvia stammered, her voice shaking.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Edward growled.

"You—you never gave me the chance to tell you," Ilvia replied, her voice a weak excuse.

He furrowed his brows, casting Ilvia one last glance before turning to leave.

***********

Scarlet had just departed with the Empress Dowager's maid, walking briskly ahead without a thought to the image she projected as the future empress. It struck her suddenly, like a lightning bolt, that she would soon hold the title of Empress. Her steps faltered, and she stopped abruptly. Ahead, she saw the first prince, Ralph, and the second prince, Sirius, approaching.

"Consort Scarlet seems to have forgotten that she will soon be an Empress," Sirius remarked with a tone laced with sarcasm, though he feigned innocence.

"The Empress Dowager sent for me, which is why I am in a hurry, Elder Brother," she replied, emphasizing the term "Elder Brother" pointedly.

Sirius sneered, his glare sharp, but Ralph quickly intervened. "The Empress Dowager appears to favor you. Ensure you do not lose her trust," he said with a smirk.

Scarlet met his gaze steadily, sensing the underlying warning in his words. She curtsied and responded, "You need not to worry about my relationship with the Empress Dowager."

Ralph bowed slightly before walking away with Sirius. Scarlet watched their retreating backs for a moment before continuing on her way.

*******

Scarlet entered the expansive garden where the Empress Dowager was delicately tending to the flowers. The garden was filled with a sweet, intoxicating blend of lavender and roses, their fragrance mingling in the warm air. Scarlet was struck by the number of maidservants assisting with the flowers, each one diligently caring for the vibrant blooms.

What amazed Scarlet was that the Empress Dowager herself was tending to the flowers. The garden was vast and beautifully decorated. A gentle breeze danced through the air, making the flowers sway and filling Scarlet's nose with the sweet scent of roses and lavender.

Cherry blossoms kissed by the sun's rays filtered through the glass ceiling, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Their delicate pink petals shimmered in the sunlight.

In the center of the garden stood a marble fountain. The soothing sound of trickling water created a sense of serenity for Scarlet.

The Empress Dowager paused, sensing someone behind her. When she saw Scarlet, her smile spread wide, reaching her eyes.

"You're here, Scarlet," she said with a warm smile.

"I apologize for being late, Your Majesty," Scarlet said, curtsying respectfully.

"You aren't late, Scarlet," she reassured her, turning to tend to the flowers.

"How are the preparations for your coronation?" she asked, taking the watering kettle from her maidservant.

Scarlet chuckled nervously, fiddling with her hands. "I doubt Jareth meant what he said. It was urgent when he made the decision."

The Empress Dowager laughed softly. "Jareth has always been a mystery, but one thing I know for sure is he wouldn't make any hasty decisions. Even if he loves Consort Vera, he wouldn't give her the title of Empress. Why do you think that is?" She paused, allowing Scarlet time to ponder.

Scarlet stared at the Empress Dowager, searching for an answer. In the script, after Scarlet had died, Vera became Empress. What had changed? Was it because she was living as Scarlet now?

"Your Majesty—" Scarlet began, but was gently interrupted.

"Call me Mother, Scarlet," she said, handing the watering can back to her maidservant. Scarlet felt a surge of emotion, a tear escaping her eye as she swallowed hard.

"What is it, Scarlet?"

"Nothing, M-mother," Scarlet replied, trying to hold back more tears and managing a smile.

"If you wish, I can ask Jareth to visit your kingdom after your coronation."

"Thank you, Mum," she said, the word feeling both foreign and long-awaited on her tongue.

The Empress Dowager smiled and began walking. "Mother is great to be tending to the flowers herself," Scarlet said, giving a thumbs up.

"Jareth's mother used to visit this garden often," she said, looking around the garden with a nostalgic gaze.

As they walked slowly together, Scarlet felt there was more to the script than what was written.

"She loved this garden and would come here with little Jareth in her baby bump, tending to the flowers with her hands. Now that she's gone, I take care of it," the Empress Dowager shared, her voice tinged with longing.

"I don't think she's really gone. I still feel her presence here. Maybe she visits as a butterfly. Isn't that beautiful?" Scarlet said, clapping her hands in delight.

"It is, Scarlet, and I am truly grateful to you for bringing Elora here. It means a lot to me and Jareth," she said and scarlet nodded.

"I just wanted to make Jareth happy for once," Scarlet said as her eye glinted.

They remained silent for a while, absorbing the moment. Scarlet felt comfortable with the Empress Dowager.

Eventually, they approached a pair of massive doors, which two maids dressed in neat uniforms opened for them.

The palace pavilion was a stunning and elegant structure at the heart of the imperial gardens. Crafted from beautifully carved wood with gold accents, its roof featured graceful curves and shiny green tiles. Open sides with delicate latticework allowed a gentle breeze to carry the sweet scent of roses and lotus flowers from the nearby pond.

Inside, the pavilion was furnished with soft cushions and low tables for intimate conversations. Rich tapestries depicting mythical creatures like dragons and phoenixes adorned the walls. Golden lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting a warm and inviting glow as evening approached. It was an ideal spot for heartfelt exchanges.

Scarlet sat down on a cushioned chair. A table, adorned with delicate flowers, separated her from the Empress Dowager. Her maidservant stepped forward and served them tea.

Scarlet observed the modest grace with which the Empress Dowager carried herself, gently blowing on her tea, and smiled unknowingly. 

The silence they had maintained was soon broken. "What do you think of Jareth intimately?" the Empress Dowager asked, causing Scarlet to nearly choke on her tea.

"Mother, why do you ask?" Scarlet responded, nervously playing with her silver cup and avoiding the Empress Dowager's gaze.

When the Empress Dowager remained silent, Scarlet took a deep breath and said, "Jareth is fun to be with."

"Is that all?" the Empress Dowager inquired, raising an eyebrow. Scarlet slowly nodded.

"Mother, Jareth has always been kind and respectful towards me. I admire his strength and intelligence, but intimacy is a matter of the heart, not just admiration. I need time to fully understand my feelings before I can speak on such matters," Scarlet finally gathered the courage to say.

The Empress Dowager laughed softly. "I will be awaiting your answer."

Scarlet nodded and sipped her tea. 

"That reminds me, Scarlet, how are the preparations for Jareth's birthday?"

Her heart pounded as if danger was looming. She stood up suddenly, her mind racing. "If Jareth's birthday is approaching, then his death is drawing near." Her eyes widened in realization, and she shouted, "In a week!"