Page 58 of Glass and Bone
“Was that him?” He asks, his eyes fixed on my cheek. “Or was that me?” He smiles again and I take another step back.
“What do you want from me?”
“I already told you; I can’t let you continue their bloodline. It has to end with them.” I steady myself as I try to hide the fear I feel. He’s going to kill meandTobias.
“Why, what have they done?” My voice raises an octave as it fights against the panicked lump forming in my throat.
“He isn’t the true king.” He rolls his eyes and I fight the urge to throw something at him. “We have been working for years to reinstate the one true ruler. The one to take control of us all.” His voice sounds preachy, as if he’s speaking to a crowd he has to influence. The only person I’ve heard call themselves the one true heir is King Davenport. Is he working for Labisa? He has to be.
“King Davenport? You are working on behalf of the King of Labisa?” I stutter as I express my revelation. He smiles, exhilarated by my knowledge, his eyes widening.
“See, you know it is true also! Heshouldbe king. You don’t have to be harmed in the process. You can be safe, Elaenor.” He reaches for me, grasping my shoulders with his strong fingers and shaking me. “Come with us, come to Rakushia. You can be wed to the true heir and help us fight against the rebellion that has taken over our land.” If I didn’t know any better, I would think he sounds frantic as he tries to get me to join his cause.
“I am already wed, Jeremiah! I cannot do as you ask. Nor do I want to.” I shake my head and try to get out of his grasp, but his fingers tighten. I push at his chest, but he holds me at arm’s length.
“You can get it annulled, Elaenor.” He says with frustration, shaking me.
“No! I’m staying here!” My voice is louder now. His face drops, as do his arms. He sucks on his teeth and takes a step back from me, shaking his head slightly.
“If you don’t, this will end badly for you. You don’t have to be collateral damage. Think about it, before it’s too late.”
“As soon as I tell the king what you have done, you will be beheaded. I hope you take in the sights while you still have eyes.” I expected a weak, terrified voice, but instead, a strong, commanding tone took its place. I’m not sure where it came from, but I am proud of it. Proud of my strength, even if it is a facade. I turn towards the hallway and make my way back inside the palace.
“Your boy king doesn’t scare me, princess.” His laughter echoes and I look at him over my shoulder.
“Queen.” I correct him. He laughs in response, but I walk away before he can see the fear in my eyes.
I go the opposite way as the great room and quickly make my way down the hallway to our chambers. The many twists and turns make it difficult to ascertain where I am in the castle. I turn the corner once more and am met with a darkened hallway. None of the torches are lit along the walls, so the once white marble is nearly black. I stare into the darkness, weirdly finding it inviting. It’s silent besides the distant roar of the party, yet I feel as if someone is there.
“Hello?” I call out, not truly knowing if I expect a response. Something shifts in the darkness, and I swallow against the sudden thickness of my throat. “Is someone there?” I call out again. The soft echo of steps in the darkness reach my ears as a body takes form. Dark hair mixed with green eyes peer at me from the darkness. He’s tall, muscular, andfamiliar. The man from the lake. The man from my dreams. The man who seems to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time. “Who are you?” I whisper. I take a step forward as he silently stares. “Please, just tell me who you are!” I yell out. His mouth opens to speak, but just as before, another voice takes its place.
“Elaenor?” I turn my head to see Erik quickly walking down the hallway. I turn back to the darkness, but the hallway is lit. The torches lining the walls cast orange and yellow light across the marble. I take a step back, my hand flying to my mouth.No. He was there. He was right there. It was real. “Your Grace, are you alright?” He asks again as he reaches me. “What is it? I was with Master Pakin, getting my bandages changed, but when I joined the celebration, you were gone.” His eyes are filled with confusion and fear, shining with the light from the fire. I turn towards him and step closer.
“One of the men, from the woods, he’s here.” I grab his arms, panicked, pleading with him to believe me. Someone has to believe me.
“What? Who?” His hand finds the sword strapped to his waist as he looks around, pulling out of my grasp.
“Jeremiah. The one who hurt you and took me.” Fury fills his face as he steps closer to me. He looks around the hallway again, before pushing me towards the wall so he can stand in front of me. His hand presses to his chest and I hear him inhale a shaky breath. He’s still hurting.
“Where is he? Did he hurt you?” I shake my head and place my hand on his arm.
“He’s the Master of Coin, Erik. Tobias introduced us and then he followed me out of the great room. He works for King Davenport; he wants me to leave with him. He said that they can’t let the bloodline continue, something about not letting them win. I think he’s going to kill Tobias.” My voice cracks as I hold onto his arm.
“We have to tell the king.” His voice is loud, but I can hear it crack from whatever pain he is in. I look around expecting someone to walk up at any point, but we are alone.
“What if he doesn’t believe me?” I shake my head and Erik resheaths his sword. I walk around him and stare down the once darkened hallway, the torches flickering.
“He would have no reason not to, Your Grace.” He says from behind, his voice filled with worry. I know he wants to protect me, but he is still healing. I don’t want him to get reinjured, or killed, and if he goes up against Jeremiah that might happen. “He’s your husband, he’ll want to make sure you’re protected.”
“By his own councilmen?” I turn back around to face him. “These are men his father trusted with his life. He wouldn’t believe me if I told him his father was a bad judge of character.” My voice is weak, soft. Tobias would believe me. Hehasto believe me.
“Your Grace.” A deep voice bellows from the hallway and I jump as two kingsguard make their way over to us. “Your presence has been requested, Your Grace.” I exhale and nod before taking a step towards them.
“By whom?” Erik’s voice is commanding as he questions them, stepping forward to place himself in between us.
“The request came from the king, boy.” One of the guards says with venom in his voice. My head whips in their direction and I glare at him.
“You will address Ser Danieas with the respect he deserves.” I snap. “He is my sworn sword, and he will be treated as such.” They hesitantly bow their heads.
