Chapter 48: Chapter 48

It was early in the cold morning. The ballroom is packed with tables and chairs as well as food and wine, not to mention a huge jar of blood for the vampire guests. The servants are everywhere in the castle with trays of something in their hands.

“Rosamund, wake up.” I said softly, brushing a finger on her cheek.

Her eyes opened instantly, “It’s time, isn’t it?”

“Happy birthday, my sweet rose.” I smiled

“Thank you, mother.” She sat up and hugged me tightly.

I helped her get ready for the day. She went to the tub for a relaxing dip. I scattered rose petals in her bath as well seeing she also likes roses. After rinsing, she put on her gown that dropped on the cold floor.

The gown is indeed in the shade of blood red and black with stone gems all over it making it sparkle at a ray of light. She wore her glass heels that created noises when in contact with the marble floor.

“You look lovely,” I smiled at her reflection in the mirror. Her red hair matched the color of her gown; I tied it into a crown braid with loose strands on the side making her look more elegant as she already is.

It’s been hours and the party has started. Guests have arrived with huge gifts on their arms for the princess. The moon is already out and the sky is pitch black. The chandeliers were shining like diamonds. Everything is decorated with extravagance.

The princess sat on her throne at the far center of the ballroom along with the King and Queen. Cassius, Vienna and Damon were busy entertaining the guests. I pressed my lips and went to find something to quench my thirst.

“My ring,” I cursed when I forgot to wear the ring Cassius gave to me the other day.

I hopped on the stairs back to our chamber to fetch my ring. I hurriedly strided to get to the room. I turned the knob and went to the dresser. I pulled the drawer and saw it there.

The ring had a huge stone at the center, it was as if drenched in blood because of the beautiful shade of red it has. It was an heirloom I heard, it was the Queen’s ring and she gave it to Cassius. Cassius told me it was mine before and it still is. It was the ring he gave to me at our wedding.

I smiled to myself as I slid the ring into my finger.

On my way to the door, I spotted a man in his tuxedo looking so dashing as ever. I walked towards Cassius and he smirked, eyeing my ring.

“So you disappeared to get that,” He mumbled

The corner of my lips tugged into a smile, “I apologize, my lord.” I bowed to him.

He placed his hand on my waist and pulled me closer to his body.

“I forgive you, my loyal servant.” He leaned down to kiss my cheek.

I frowned, “I wouldn’t want to ruin your lipstick,” He explained, running his thumb over my lower lip.

“Hm,” I hummed before walking past him to the hallway.

He groaned and followed behind me. We walked down the stairs but my feet halted when my gaze landed on a huge picture frame hanging on the wall.

It was a painting of the whole royal family. I was in it, as well as baby Rosamund cradled in my arms. This was a long time ago.

I looked at Cassius beside me, “It was painted before you left that night.” He stared at the painting.

I didn’t notice the painting until now.

“It was placed there just yesterday. The painting was previously hung in my office but I wanted to place it here where everybody can see it.” He pressed his lips, looking at the painting intently.

I didn’t know what to say so I kept silent.

“Let’s go, the dance has already started.”

We walked down the stairs and into the ballroom. As Cassius told me, the dance has started. The dance floor was crowded, people dancing slowly at the rhythm of the slow melody of the musicians. Some were at their tables, talking and drinking from their glasses here and there.

I took a deep breath and smiled at some guests. It’s now my time to entertain the newcomers. Hm, this should be fun. Perhaps, also a bit tiring. I hope the night will end well.

“Mother, can you teach me how to fly?” Rosamund asked, approaching me on the swing.

It’s almost sunset and I was reading a book to keep me entertained. I am currently outside the castle with Rosamund here, petting her dear rabbits. Cassius seemed to be accompanying his father out of town.

My breathing seemed to stop. This was the first time Rosamund opened up about her other side, being an angel.

“I was aching to ask that question to Father but he can’t possibly know a thing about flying, right?” She sat beside me on the wooden swing.

I chuckled deeply, “Well, he’s no angel is he?”

Rose nodded, “I couldn’t ask him or anyone in the castle.” She frowned.

I pressed my lips, “Well, then I must teach you.”

Rosamund looked at me with wide eyes, “Really?”

I stepped away from the swing.

“Sure, I remember a thing or two about flying. It was a memory of my mother teaching me how to fly.” I offered a hand in front of her. She stared at my hand and with a wide smile, she took it.

I led her to the wide field. Now that winter has passed, the wide grassfield has blossomed. The snow has melted and the air is somehow hot too.

“Have you tried bringing out your wings?”

She nodded, “Yes, but it hurts when I do it. So I can barely fly with them.”

I smiled, remembering the same thing I told my mother. It hurt like hell to let out my wings like bones cracking.

“Take a deep breath and close your eyes.” I told her as I held both of her hands.

Rosamund looked at me, “Mother, I’m scared. It will be painful.”

“Don’t be scared, I’m here. You must endure the pain, my sweet. Now, close your eyes and breathe.” I whispered softly.

The strong wind blew and our hair swayed at the movement. Rosamund closed her eyes and inhaled sharply. Slowly, she let go of my hands.

“Endure the pain, Rosamund.” I told her firmly.

A yelp escaped her blood red lips when a pair of wings sprouted from her back. They were huge and powerful. I knew it the moment I saw how dark they were. The black feathers sparkled through the sunlight; they look sinister but beautiful nevertheless.

Rosamund opened her eyes and my lips parted in surprise at the color of her eyes. They were blood red, gone were the emeralds. But when she blinked again, the blood shade was gone. They were back to emerald green.

“Mother,” She breathe heavily

I smiled at her, “You did it,”

She gave me a weak smile.

“Now fly,” I gestured to the sky.

She looked over her shoulder and saw her wings.

“They’re pretty dark, I love them! Last time I checked they were gray,” She stared in awe.

“Do they change color every now and then?” Rose asked, looking at me with a spark of interest in her emerald eyes.

I shook my head, “I’m not certain about that,”

“What color were your wings, mother?”

“Mine were silver gray.” I smiled at the memory of my wings.

In a swift second, a blast of air blew on my face. I looked up and saw Rosamund flying. A deep chuckle erupted from my parted lips. She did it.

“Mother!” She screamed, laughing.

I laughed as well, “What?” I yelled back.

“This is amazing!” She screamed on top of her lungs as she went over the clouds. Her dark wings can be easily spotted considering their color. No pair of eyes can missed seeing her flying.

I stood in the field with my head looking up, waiting for her to land but it seemed as if she wouldn't land anytime soon seeing how she’s having her fun up there.

“Sister,” In a blink of an eye, my eyes met with a pair of silver gray eyes that sparkled like stardust against the sunlight.

“Fallon,” I stared at her blankly.

She is the twin sister from my memory. The one who sent me away from being punished in that same glass prison cell.

Seeing her now, I felt nothing towards her. They killed my mother and they wanted to lock me up as well. Imprisoning an angel for a sin she committed. They wanted to lock me up because I bear a darkly creature, Rosamund who is a vampire and an angel.

Fallon must think that she saved me from being locked up again by sending me out in the woods, naked and with no memories. Damn, should I feel grateful?

“Do you remember me?” She asked, tilting her head to the side. A smile formed on her lips.

I fake a smile, “No, but I remember bits of memories. Memories that you took away from me to save me.”

She chuckled bitterly, “I did that to save you from them. I am the only family you have, my twin sister.”

“Lucky me, I guess.” I spat, looking away. I didn’t want to see her face seeing how big our resemblance is.

“If you wish to recover your memories, I can give them back to you.” She said softly.

I looked at her in disbelief, “I don’t trust you,”

“You don’t need to. So do you want them back or not?” She asked sharply.

“No,” I replied, eyeing her with distaste.

Fallon took a few steps towards me. She wrapped her arms around me and she whispered something in my ear.

“As I’ve predicted. Goodbye, Feyre.” Her tone was low.

She pulled away from the hug and vanished into thin air. A bittersweet smile tugged my lips. The offer was tempting but I realized just now that I didn’t want my memories. I want a life with Cassius and our daughter. I just want to give love to my family and create new memories with them. Maybe I found my memories here and I want nothing more and nothing less. This is my home now.