Chapter Text
Guildford told us to run while he stayed behind to fight on his own.
Father and Stan were running next to me up the stairs, our armors highlighting our every step but my thoughts were continuously returning to my brother who was now fighting for his life. And once I stopped, it didn't go unnoticed by my family.
“Ada, what are you doing?” Father instantly asked in alarm, stopping as well.
“I'll help Guildford,” I announced, pulling out my sword.
“There's no way. I won't risk losing you too,” he said sternly.
“He's right, Ads,” Stan joined him.
“I can help him, Father,” I insisted and reached for his hand. “You trained me, you know I can do this.”
He shook his head firmly. “It's too dangerous.”
“Would you rather leave my brother there on his own? He needs my help.”
“Stan, take our father to safety. I'll see you soon.”
He started shaking his head. Why did he decide to be the hero right now?
“Stan, save yourselves when you still can.” I turned to look at my father. “Dudleys never say die, right?”
Slowly he nodded. “Right.”
I smiled faintly, trying to lighten the mood, even though they couldn't see it because of the mask that was still covering my face. “ Go. ”
And finally they got moving again. I watched their silhouettes disappear up the stairs behind the corner and waited until there was no sound of them anymore. Only then did I turn around as well but in the opposite direction and headed down.
I could only guess what to expect once I reached the bottom. Was it possible that Guildford wasn't even there anymore? What if he was dead?
No, Ada. You cannot keep thinking like that now.
When my feet hit the ground, my eyes instantly landed on the fighting duo in front of me. Seymour was there, attempting to disarm Guildford who was fighting with all his strength. But my brother was now panting from exhaustion. He was on the edge of defeat.
I already had my sword in hand and kept my eyes on them as I approached them. And right then Seymour managed to make Guildford lose his weapon and fall to the ground.
Seymour was now grinning victoriously as he was taking his time nearing him with his drawn out sword.
“Any last words, beast?”
Seymour was so occupied by the celebration of his victory that he didn't even notice when I swept in, stopping him before he could swing his weapon at my brother.
“What the hell?” he exclaimed in shock, rapidly jumping back.
I didn't utter a sound. I knew for a fact he hadn't recognized me yet because my armor mask was still in its place. And I wanted it to remain that way for as long as I could.
I started attacking him and he quickly defended my every move. Meanwhile, Guildford got up from the floor but then I couldn't see him because I needed to focus on my opponent who had now fully recovered from his previous shock and got into full action again.
“You'll be hanged for treason,” Seymour seethed.
I didn't react as I stopped the blade of his sword before it could touch me. Our weapons clashed loudly and he pushed strongly forward. But I wasn't about to give up and I returned the force. However, the fact that he had greater strength still remained and I got reminded of that when he made the weapons linger over my chest. My hands were now trembling, ready to give in at any moment.
I focused on Seymour. There was pure fury written all over his face. I had never seen him like this before. Never before. With me, he was always playful.
I remembered our first kiss. It was in the gardens where no privy eyes could accidentally catch a glimpse of us. That evening I felt like I was flying in the heavens. The feeling of his lips on mine ignited a spark in me that couldn't be put out and I still felt it burning inside me even when we were fighting.
I knew what he had done. To Jane. To Guildford. And yet a part of my heart kept looking for excuses to forgive him. Because that part of my heart needed to feel his skin on mine. He was a drug I desired like nothing else.
Unexpectedly I slid out of the swords' way, making Seymour stumble forward. My memories gave me a new wave of strength and I wasn't going to let go of it without a fight.
“What–?”
Seymour didn't get to finish his sentence because I kicked him from behind in his knees, making him fall down. I didn't waste my precious time as I pushed him back and now he was on his back. He raised his sword but I grabbed his armed hand and pressed it to the ground. I also got down, using my body weight to keep him there.
And suddenly I was the one holding a sharp blade over his neck, ready to make the killing move. But I halted. I couldn't make myself do it. Not after everything I had been through with him. I wanted to finish this. But my hand wouldn't even budge.
I wanted to scream for letting my feelings get in the way of protecting my family. But I remained silent, only the sound of my heavy breathing filling the air between Seymour and me.
“Guards!” he suddenly called out and only now I remembered that we weren't alone in the room.
I immediately looked up and spotted the armed guards hurrying to us on their lord's command. Another pair of them was already holding Guildford captive.
I missed my chance.
I felt strong arms grab me from behind, pulling me away from Seymour who was now standing up as well. The guards harshly made me knee and from the corner of my eye I saw how they cautiously drew out their swords, aiming them at me.
At least they were scared. Good.
Seymour walked toward me and he towered over me. I raised my eyes and met his along the way.
This was the end. If he revealed my identity, we'd never talk to each other again. Everything would be gone.
“Now let's see who's behind the mask,” he said, reaching for my face.
I breathed in and out, preparing myself for the inevitable.
Seymour pulled up my mask.
I waited.
His eyes rapidly widened and he stumbled back as if I had hit him in his face.
“Ada,” he whispered in disbelief.
“Seymour,” I returned coldly.
I had to keep up the tough act or else I would crumble down here and if I could keep at least my dignity I took the chance.
“Why?” he asked.
“If you want to kill my brother, you'll have to end me first.”
I avoided his eyes so I couldn't read his feelings. He had every right to throw me in one of the cells and leave me to rot there. And probably he would do just that.
I heard his footsteps coming closer to me. And then I felt his fingertips under my chin as he gently made me look at him.
Finally, my gaze locked with his. He didn't speak and neither did I. None of us needed to. We both knew this was the end to everything.
The end to us.
Seymour clenched his jaw. He was the one in charge here and he knew it. He had to do what anyone else who was also loyal to the new Queen would do.
And in a blink of an eye every softness disappeared from his eyes. At this very moment I could easily believe if someone claimed he was a ruthless king. It was as if a switch had been pushed and there was no reverse button.
“Lock her up.”