I've written like seven different versions of this chapter. I really tried my best because I want this to be perfect.
This Chapter is really important! I think everyone should enjoy the fic, but also know the message is to be yourself! My brother recently came out and it was very emotional. We all thought my dad wouldn't be ok with it but he was! He may not understand it, but he loves his son no matter what. So since my family is the spitting image of the Blight family I based it off of how my bro came out.
So that's why it's late. Enjoy;)
*****
The day after Grom.
Luz woke up exhausted. So many different emotions to process from last night. Luz groans as she gets out of bed. She drags herself out and gets ready for the day. She puts on her official gown and heads for the dining hall.
"Empress. How was your school event." Kikimora was waiting for Luz by the door of her chambers.
Luz groans out loud again "Kiki, we both know you don't care. What do you want."
Kiki scolds the human but doesn't deny her claim "Well, I am informed to tell you that Lilith will be out for a couple of days. In her absence, Mrs. Blight will take up her responsibilities."
Luz tenses at the news. She hopes that Lilith isn't scared of her after last night. She understands why both Clawthorne's would not want to see her right away "Very well. What's our schedule looking like today?"
The two begin down the hallway and to the dining room where Luz can get some food. "Well, today is going to be a bit different. Once in a while, Emperor Belos would spend his time in the basement discussing with the Titan the plans of the Boiling Isles."
"UUggggg! No. I speak to him every night. He's exhausting. What else?" Luz tells Kikimora so casually.
Kiki comes to a halt in disbelief "You what?" Luz cringes at herself for letting that slip. She didn't want to be looked at like a prophet like her father, so she kept her relationship with the Titan on the down-low "Empress that is crucial information. Why didn't you tell me about this before?"
Luz uses her superiority "Because I'm empress. I don't have to tell you anything"
"You do if you want my help." Kiki is growing annoyed by the humans' lack of judgement "My liege, I may be hard on you a lot, but only because I want you to be the best ruler you can be. I want the Isles to prosper as much as you do."
Luz starts to walk again "Yes I know. I apologize Kiki. Now you know I speak to him every night. Now anything else?"
"First off, an empress never apologizes!" Kiki begins to walk after Luz "Second, we have to know the Titans plans if he has any. We have to remember that this land we live on is his fallen body and we have to respect him." Luz rolls her eyes at this but stays silent "Finally since you already communicate with the Titan, I guess we have our day freed up tremendously. All you have to do is go over a list of prisoners and write out the sentence they are to serve for their crimes."
"Ok I will do that with Lili- I mean, Mrs. Blight and I will do that in the throne room after my meal. Would you like to join me for my morning meal Kiki? I'm in a good mood from last night." Luz looks at the petite creature's eyes widen at the question.
Kikimora takes a moment to think about what Luz just asked "Seems like you've never listened to a lesson I taught you. An empress only eats with guests requested personally or other royalty. I am not a guest, nor royalty."
"Kiki you helped raise me. I insist." Luz never felt close with Kiki, but still enjoyed her company from time to time "Besides, you also taught me to never ask twice without consequences. It makes me seem weak and desperate."
Kikimore doesn't want to admit or show that Luz has grown up to be a pretty impressive human. She's proud of the human but will never show it. The creature keeps a straight face "I did teach that, didn't I? Alright, it would be an immense honor to eat in the presence of your greatness."
Luz laughs as she reaches the door "Ha. I know deep down you hate praising me. I love it."
Luz and Kiki ate in silence. It wasn't an awkward silence but a familiar one. Luz could only feel comforted that at least one aspect of her life has and never will change. Luz will always have stuck up Kikimora, criticizing every single thing she does.
Breakfast concluded and Luz went to the throne room to sit down on her throne, waiting for the list and Odalia to arrive. The list arrived first, delivered personally by Warden Wrath himself. "Warden!" Luz stops the warden from leaving "I want you to stay and help out with the sentencing. You spend time with the prisoners and I will value your opinion on their sentence."
The warden complied and waited to the side for the Blight to arrive. After a bit of waiting the witch arrived and bowed accordingly to Luz "Empress. I am here in replacement for Lilith."
Luz once again tenses at her name, ashamed of what she did to her close friend last night. Maybe with her free time after, she'll go and apologize to the sisters. "Welcome. I hope you know that this is just temporary, and when Lilith returns you will go back to your position in the coven."
"Of course my liege." Odalia stands tall "Now let's get started on our task!"
The three get to work. Luz was hoping that this would take about an hour, but it took about five and a half. There were a lot of arrests since Luz doubled the guards in the towns to ensure there was enough protection. Emperor Belos really didn't care about thieves, only wild witches. Luz was overwhelmed with some of the arrests on the list. People were getting out of hand and cocky ever since she banned petrification.
Warden Wrath spoke to Luz after they made all the sentences "Empress, I mean no disrespect but maybe we should bring back petrification. It wouldn't be for wild witches, it would instill fear in those who want to commit a crime and think there are no consequences."
Luz actually ponders his suggestion. While the human thinks, Odalia voices her opinion "I agree. But only for the worst criminals doing gruesome crimes. We can't just stand here and hope jail time scares witches. We have to show there's punishment for rash behavior!"
Luz rubs her temples "I don't want to scare people into following the law though. Wouldnt that just send the wrong message?"
"No. It shows you're willing to punish those who threaten your superiority." The Blight mother states "People won't fear you because to be petrified you need to commit a crime."
Warden Wrath agrees "Exactly. And you would go over the list every month and decide yourself. Only you can command for someone to receive the sentence."
As Luz mulls the offer over Kikimora steps forward "Empress may I voice my opinion?" Luz nods and allows it "They are right. You could appoint someone to decide if one was to be petrified or like Wrath said, you can decide yourself. We need to show that you mean business and you are willing to do what's necessary if some unfortunate souls decide to defy the Titan and your will."
Luz is conflicted. "You all have a point, and I don't see any issues as of now." Luz trails off trying to think of all of the cons of the situation "Ok. Let it be known throughout the Isles. I want everyone to know that I will do what is necessary if you don't abide by my rule." As the three nod in compliance, a voice speaks to Luz alone "Wow. Impressive Luz, I didn't think you had it in you. Maybe you're meant for this role after all" Luz shakes her head and ignores the Titans comment.
The warden speaks up "Now were there any criminals today you think should receive the sentence?"
The three look up to Luz, waiting for her to make a statement showing she's the real deal "Actually, a few. I want all of your opinions though."
Kikimora, Odalia, and Warden Wrath all smile, which was really unsettling. The meeting that was done, now dragged out for another two hours, concluding with thirteen witches being petrified by the end of the week. Luz declared that only the worst of the thirteen will be public and that Kikimora should decide which ones those will be.
Luz walked out of the throne room exhausted. She is really nervous, this being her first major ruling as empress. Luz begins to walk aimlessly trying to think over every scenario when someone calls out for her "Empress?"
Luz turns "Ah Odalia. How are you doing?"
"Fine thank you." The witch bows hello and continues "I would just like to thank you for going to Grom with my daughter last night. I really hope that everlasting oath was a burden in any way."
Luz's cheeks heat up with the memory of Amity last night. "Mrs. Blight, I need to thank you for your concern, but it was no burden in any way. You have raised three incredible children. Amity is an extraordinary girl and you should be very proud of her. She is going to be very successful and I will make sure of it."
Odalia does her best to hide her smile. "That is very kind of you. I'm sure Amity would appreciate it." As Luz nods and starts to walk away, Odalia gathers up the courage to ask the question she's been wondering for a while now "Empress? Please one more thing.
Luz turns back and looks at the Blight in worry that something is wrong "Is everything ok?"
It's rare for Odalia to break character, especially at work "Amity and you. It's more than just a friendship. Isn't it?"
Luz's face heats up not knowing how to answer. "That's not my right to say."
The two stand in silence for a moment. Odalia takes a deep breath "It's just, I had the perfect plan for her. Find a suitable boy for her to marry and for them to both be in the emperor's coven. Like my husband and myself."
"Mrs. Blight?" Odalia looks at the human with tears building up "She's still the same person. It doesn't make a difference who she falls in love with. You know that right?"
"Yes of course!" The Blight is using all of her strength to hold back "But if she were to be- If she were to be-"
"Gay."
"Yes. If she were to be gay, people would look at her differently. I just don't want her to have a harder life than others because she loves a different gender than the rest." Tears are now rolling down the mother's face. "I want my children to be perfect! I want to be the perfect mother my own mother could never be!"
Luz looks at the broken mother and slowly makes her way towards her "Mrs. Blight. The fact that you're coming to someone, and trying to understand it better. You don't understand it, and you're scared, but you're still trying to learn. You're making an effort and that act alone shows you are a good mother. Just be there for your children, be there for her. That's all you have to do."
Luz reaches the crying mother and embraces her in a hug. Odalia is stiff at first, but then eases into it, reciprocating the human's hug "What if I fail? She already thinks I hate her! I just want her to succeed and be the best witch she can be!"
"You try again, and again." Luz begins to cry herself "You love each of your kids with every fiber you have!"
The two stay in the embrace for a moment. Odalia pulls away and wipes away her tears "Empress I am sorry. This is incredibly unprofessional!"
Luz laughs "Please. Right now I'm Luz the human, not empress! Now go home and go to your daughter. I think you have some things to talk about."
Odalia stands in awe. "Thank you... Luz." The witch begins to make her way back home, when she stops and turns to the human "Luz, I don't know that much about you. But I'm sure if they knew you, your family would be incredibly proud of the person you are becoming. I can't wait for what you have to offer in the future as our ruler."
Odalia walks off leaving Luz alone, standing in the hall of her castle, with the warmest feeling in her heart.
~~
Amity's day was... different. And later on, it will change for the better.
Amity woke up energetic. She jumped out of bed and smiled as she left her room. Instead of going straight downstairs, she decided to wake up her muggy siblings who got stood up to Grom and lost a bet last night.
She slams the door open, shaking the room to its very core "Good morning siblings! What a bright and fruitful day it is. I mean the sky is so purple and bright, it just makes me want to sing!!!"
Emira groans and buries her head deep into her pillow "Go away Mittens! We get it, you had an enchanting Grom night!"
Edric rolls over and stares emotionless at the ceiling "This is karma Em. Maybe we should be perfect like Amity. Give up our trouble-making ways."
Amity and Emira stop everything and stare at Edric with a lot of concern. Amity is now serious "Ed? Are you ok?"
"Yeah Ed. We might have been stood up, but I didn't think it affected you that much?" Emira also has concerned eyes for her other half.
Edric then laughs "Na I'm only joking. But for future reference, if I ever say that, I need you to set me on fire to knock some sense into me."
Amity goes back to her happy mood and summons an abomination. She commands the abomination to pick up the twins out of bed and bring them downstairs. While Amity walks to the kitchen with her siblings being carried behind her, she passes her mother who is rushing out of the house. "Amity, impressive abomination. Very well done." Odalia rushes out to the castle where she fills in for Lilith.
Amity smiles brighter than before. "Hear that Ed and Em?" The twins roll their eyes and continue to lay in the grasp of the abomination. Amity sits at the table and commands her creation to release the twins. It does as it's told and disappears into another circle Amity cast.
The whole day was like this. Amity on a high while dragging her siblings around. The three Blights' went into town to do something other than wallow in self-pity. Amity decided to pay Eda a visit at her stand. "Hey, Eda."
Eda turns and smiles towards the three approaching her "Hey kids. What trouble are you causing today?"
Ed and Em are in a bad mood and stay silent. Amity rolls her eyes at her siblings' childish behavior and answers "No trouble, surprisingly, actually just enjoying the day."
Eda laughs at the twins "Huh. Well, how about that. The twins in a mood, and young greenie in a cheerful mood? Must be an alternate universe we're living in." Amity laughs and Eda looks around the crowd as if she's expecting someone "Hey little miss perfect, the human happen to be with you?" Edric and Emira laugh at the nickname.
The mention of Luz makes Amity blush and produces a goofy smile. Emira and Edric both groan in unison. "Don't mention Luz!" Edric groans.
Emira suddenly is hit with an idea to ruin her little sisters' mood "Yeah, we wouldn't want to worry Mittens any more than she already is." Edric and Amity look at her confused. Emira continues her mean plan "Yeah, I'd be worried too. I mean after last night the moment you had with Luz. I wonder what Luz thinks you guys are now?"
Edric, catching on, smiles "You're so right Em." Both twins turn to their little sister "So Amity, what are you two now? Friends? Girlfriends?"
Amity's smile is now gone and replaced with worry "I- I don't know! I didn't think about that!"
Eda gives the twins a dirty look, knowing they're trying to psych Amity out. Emira turns to Edric "She didn't think about it."
Amity's mood has been officially ruined and now the witch is dying internally with all of her thoughts. Eda buds in "Listen you two, leave your sister alone. Not her fault you guys got stood up. You guys are a lot to deal with."
The devious smirks leave the twins' faces and they are now back to their moody selves. Amity is still in a trance, wondering about titles and what Luz will think. Then the moment sunk in. "I KISSED LUZ LAST NIGHT! I KISSED AND DANCED WITH LUZ LAST NIGHT! THE EMPRESS OF THE BOILING ISLES!" Amity broke right then and there.
Eda waved her hand in front of the panicking witch "I think you broke your sister."
Edric picks Amity up off the floor and throws her over his shoulder. He turns and starts to walk back home while Emira turns to Eda "That's our queue. See you around Owl Lady." Eda waves a little disappointed Luz wasn't with the trio.
Back at the manor, Amity stared out her window for what seemed like an eternity. "Should I text Luz? No, I should call? Ug Amity why do I have to be such a gay mess?" As the witch is lost in thought an knock sounds on the door. "Come in- Oh, hi dad."
"Darling, your mother is on her way home. I was wondering if we could have a little chat?" Aldor seemed a little nervous.
Amity worried about what this might be about "Am I in trouble?"
Aldor stepped in and closed the door "Not at all bookworm. I just wanted to talk to you alone, just like we use to when you were younger."
Amity gets up from the window and smiles at the memory "Ok, what's on your mind?" Amity knows it's nothing wrong because whenever her father would call her that, nothing bad has ever happened.
The two sit on Amity's bed "Darling, I've noticed something for a long time and I'm just concerned for your well-being."
"Dad, I'm fine. I had a great night last night if that's what your wondering." Amity and her father have always had the closest bond. She was born with his natural hair color and it gave Aldor pride to know that his most talented child has his hair. It's a small detail, but it's sentimental.
"Bookworm..." He breathes in and tries to find the right words "I know everything has been difficult lately and I know that your mother and I have been hard on you these past few years, but I want you to know that I'm here for you and I love you no matter what. You can tell me anything ." His eyes begin to tear up, but he holds back.
Amity has a feeling where this is coming from "Dad?" A tear rolls down her cheek.
Aldor smiles and wipes the tear from his daughter's face "Amity, I know your mother and I are not the best. I stay silent when she dyes your hair and when she critiques your form, but I want you to know we both love you! You and your mother aren't the closest but that's because she wants to live through your achievements. She's extremely proud to call you her daughter!"
Amity laughs "You've already said that you guys loved me!"
"Well, I mean it!" Aldor smiles at his youngest with a tear finally escaping. "Amity... When you're ready... You can tell me all about your 'friend' Luz."
Amity bursts out and cried into her father's shoulder. "How did you know?"
He wraps his arms around his crying daughter and hugs her tightly "I've suspected for a while now. Ever since you started tutoring that girl, you've been so happy."
"Dad..." Amity hugs her dad as tight as possible and nuzzles her head deeper into his embrace "I'm gay."
Aldor laughs and stands up twirling the two. Amity laughs in her dad's arms as he jumps around with her just like he did when she was younger.
As the two are laughing and twirling around, Edric and Emira run into the room worried that they were being attacked with all of the commotion. "What's going on? Did Amity graduate early?"
Aldor puts Amity down and they both smile at each other. Amity takes her gaze off her father and turns to her siblings "I just came out. Ed. Em. I'm a lesbian."
Emira smiles "Well I could have told you that!" Edric also smiles "Proud of you sis. Looks like I've got competition now!"
Aldor laughs out loud and runs to grab all his children and wrap them in a bear hug. He picks them all up and jumps up and down. Amity felt a huge weight lift off her chest. For the first time in her life, she can breathe fresh air.
The four are all laughing when they're interrupted by the front door opening "I'm home!"
Amity suddenly feels the weight back on her chest. Aldor places a hand on her shoulder "If you're not ready to tell her, you don't have to. We can keep our mouths shut until you're ready."
Edric and Emira both nod in agreement and smile proudly at their little sister.
"No. It's now or never. Just can you leave us alone?" Amity stares out her door into the hallway, waiting for her mother to fill the gap.
The three nod and leave the room. Aldor turns as he leaves "I'm proud of you bookworm. I'll tell her you need to talk to her."
Amity smiles at her father "Thank you, dad."
Aldor approaches his wife who seems to have been crying "Odalia? Are you alright? What's wrong?"
"Where's Amity?" Odalia passes Aldor, not even looking at him.
"Darling she's in her room. Is everything alright?" Aldor tries to talk but Odalia walks straight up to her youngest daughter's room.
Amity and Odalia stand face to face. Not breaking contact, not moving a muscle. Amity is shaking, scared by the look on her mother's face. "Has she been crying?" Amity cant read her mother and that's making her more worried.
"Mother. There's something I need to tell you." Amity tries to sound confident.
Odalia then walks into the room and shuts the door. She turns to her daughter "No. Amity. I need to talk to you right now. Please take a seat." Amity complies. Chills are going down both the witches' spines right now. Amity is preparing herself for the lecture of a lifetime, but what her mother says shakes her beyond comprehension "I understand I am not the mother of the year. I can be strict all the time, and hard on you, all the time. But I do it so you have a bright future." Odalia fidgets with her hands, breaking character for the second time today "I want you to come out on top of the world. So when I find out you- When I find out you're not like the rest, it scared me. I honestly don't understand it. But I want to."
"Ok." Amity didn't know how to respond.
"Ok." Odalia gets back into character and wipes the tears rolling down her face "I love you, darling. And when I fail, I will try again. For you and this family."
Amity just stares at her mother. Odalia realizes that Amity isn't going to tell her right now. So the Blight parent turns and reaches for the door. "Mom." Odalia stops but stays turned "I'm in love with Luz."
Odalia lets out a deep breath and more tears force their way out. She turns back to her daughter who is now standing and says the only thing she can "Ok." The two stare at each other for what feels like a lifetime. For the first time, Odalia is looking at her youngest child in the light. "You should stop dying your hair. It looks too unnatural and messy." With that Odalia leaves the room.
Amity stands staring at the empty space that just occupied her mother a moment ago. Amity can finally breathe fresh air. For the first time in her life, she can be her true self she was always meant to be.
*****
Hope you liked this little part.
Love who you want to love no matter what. Never be ashamed of who you are. Life is far to short to pretend to be something you're not!
<3