Page 70 of Glass and Bone
“You did, but the festival started two days ago. It’s rather rude to show up halfway through the events.” I try to sound regal, diplomatic, but it sounds like I’m complaining. His eyes narrow as he looks at Donovan. I follow his gaze and tilt my head to the side, dismissing him. Donovan takes a few steps away, giving us privacy, but still near enough to be within earshot.
“I received your letter.” That means Erik made it to Chatis. My eyes find him, and I hold his gaze.
“Is it true?” I ask. “Were Evreux and my mother in love?” He sighs before stepping around me, softly petting Sybil’s mane.
“I believe so, yes.” He was right? Does that mean he was also right about the nature of her death? “That is all I’m willing to share with you.” He wipes his hand off on his trousers before turning to face me.
“Did you kill her?” My voice is barely above a whisper when I speak. “Was he telling me the truth?”
“No, Eleanor. I did notmurderyour mother.” He shakes his head dismissively and I want nothing more than to ask him more questions, but he starts to walk away.
“That’s all the information I get?” I snap. “After all this time, you won’t tell me anything?”
“You have no right to any of this information!” His voice is loud, angry. “You do not know what it feels to watch your wife fall in love with another. You have no idea how it feels to hold her body while the masters are begging you to release them. You have no idea how it feels to see your only child’s blood soaking into the sheets, but nowhere to be found! You have no idea what happened, and you never will. Be done with it.” His voice cracks, but something feels off. His words feel forced, fake. I don’t believe them. I don’t believe him. Everyone has been lying to me, nearly my whole life. I knew not to trust royals, that their games are their way of life, but I never expected it would become mine.
“What about me? How did I cross the lake? How did I not die? I can’t swim!” I raise the volume of my voice to match his. My father’s jaw clenches as he bites back whatever it is he wants to say.
“My wife, there you are!” Tobias’s voice is bright, cheerful, as he spots us. He steps around my father and embraces me in a warm hug, pressing his lips to my temple. “Viktor, it’s so good of you to join in on the festivities, although a bit late are you not?” His voice is snide, knowing.
“Your Grace.” My father’s voice is laced with disdain as he bows his head slightly, but Tobias ignores him.
“Ela, your surprise has arrived.” Tobias smiles mischievously and my father rolls his eyes. “Come on.” He grabs my hand and pulls me away from my father and out of the stalls. I turn back to see Donovan and my father both following us as we make our way to the courtyard, with the former trying to get as far away from the latter as possible.
As we turn the corner and the stone wall disappears, I see it. Chestnut hair braided perfectly against her back, her dark blue dress flowing in the wind. Her hands animatedly talking as she faces someone. Someone with pale blonde hair tied up in a leather cord who's hanging on to every word she says. Theo. Scarlett.
TheowithScarlett.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“Elaenor!” Scarlett’s shrill voice screams through the air as she bounds over to me. Her perfect braid bouncing with the movement, her arms circling around my neck, holding me tight. I don’t even try to hide them as the tears start pouring out of my eyes and down my cheeks. Her shoulder is wet when she finally pulls back. “Oh, don’t cry. It’s okay.” She whispers as she wipes my face.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, still holding on to her as tightly as she’ll allow.
She’sactuallyhere.
“I rode in with the king! My parents received an invitation for the carnival as well as a request to move to court.” She’s smiling, her pearly teeth shining in the sunlight. I turn my head towards Tobias, who’s grin is exposing his dimple.
“Is this true?” I ask him and he nods. I pull out of Scarlett’s arms and throw mine around his neck. He wraps his arms around my waist, holding me tightly.
“I know things have been hard for you, and with Danieas still in Chatis, I figured you’d need someone here for you.” He murmurs in my ear as I hold him closely.
“Thank you.” I whimper before pulling out of his arms and turning back to Scarlett. “Are you staying? For good?” She nods and I squeal with excitement. “Are you to be my lady, or?” I ask, turning to look at Tobias behind me. He walks up and puts his hand on the small of my back.
“Actually, with the help of a substantial donation to her family in the form of land, Scarlett classifies as a Lady, so she will be here as such.” My eyes widen and I smile again. “It is also my hope that Theo and Scarlett will announce their engagement this evening at the fireworks show.” Tobias speaks calmly and slowly, judging my reaction. I don’t let my smile falter as I look back at Scarlett who is beaming towards a silent Theo.
“We are going to be sisters!” She screams as she throws her arms around Theo. He laughs as he catches her, keeping her from falling over. His eyes meet mine and I can see the pain. I can see the sorrow pooling beneath the crystal blue. His gaze holds for just a moment before he whispers something in Scarlett’s ear. I lean into Tobias and look up at him, a fake smile plastered on my lips.
“Was this a good surprise?” He asks and I nod. His lips brush mine softly before he looks up at something over my shoulder. I follow his gaze to where my father is standing, his arms crossed. “Viktor, I trust the journey went well?” He asks, his hand sliding from my back to my hip, holding me against him.
“Yes, Your Grace. The ride was lovely. We are not as fortunate with our weather this time of year, so the sunshine is welcomed.” My father smiles slightly, but Tobias’s face stays stoic, neutral.
“Ela, why don’t you give Scarlett a tour of the palace?” I look between my father and Tobias before nodding. I lean up to press a kiss to his cheek before stepping away and linking my arm through Scarlett’s. Theo gives me a small smile before joining Tobias in a staring standoff with my father. I tear my eyes away, pulling Scarlett along with me. The telltale sounds of rustling armor alert me that Tano and Laris are close behind. Scuffling shoes on the cobblestones also let me know that Donovan is following as well.
“I can’t believe you're here!” I whisper as we start climbing the marble stairs to the entryway of the palace. Scarlett is here. Here and engaged to Theo.Theo. I am happy that Scarlett will be staying in court, and I am even happier that she has found someone who I know will treat her right, but seeing Theo with another causes my throat to tighten. I have no right to feel this way, but I do. Theo is to bemarriedto my best friend.
I drag her through the many hallways, almost getting lost if it weren’t for Donovan’s gentle probing. We end the tour of the palace in the royal chambers, where she throws herself on top of the giant four-poster bed.
“Gods, I can’t believe you livehere. And are a queen!” She exclaims as she rolls around on the bed dramatically. I laugh and join her by sitting on the edge of the mattress.
