Page 79 of Glass and Bone
“I will be.” I say into my coffee before taking another sip.I will be.
“I wish you would talk to me.” He reaches over and throws some of my wet strands over my shoulder, his fingers rubbing my neck softly. “I’ll be here when you are ready.”
“Has she left?” I ask without looking at him.
“Who?” His fingers freeze on my neck.
“Nylah?” He sighs, dropping his hand.
“Yes, I watched her get put in a carriage yesterday morning. She’s leaving and heading for Tatus. As far away from us as possible.”
“Good.”
“I’m sorry.” He sounds sorry, but it doesn’t matter.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” I turn and look at him and his face falls, his lips pressing into a thin line. I take a slow, deep breath before setting my coffee down. “I believe you, Tobias. I know it was an accident and you are sorry. I’d like to just get past this.” He nods and opens his mouth to speak, but someone knocks on the door.
“Enter.” Tobias calls out before picking his mug back up. Donovan enters and seems relieved to see me out of bed.
“Good morning, Your Graces.” He bows slightly and I offer him a smile. “Lady Scarlett is here with your ladies to assist in getting you ready for the ball, Your Grace.”
“I will make myself scarce.” Tobias says as he stands. He leans over and cups my cheek, tilting my head towards him. “I love you.” I nod and he kisses my forehead before taking his coffee and exiting the room.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Scarlett lounges on the bed eating the leftover grapes from breakfast while I am readied. She is already dressed in a stunning blue gown that hugs her in all the right places before sweeping to the floor in silky waves. Her chestnut hair braided into a coronet on top of her head with a thin silver tiara stuck in. She was excited to show it to me this morning, saying that it was the original crown that was created for any future princesses, but Amaya never successfully bore a girl. It makes me wonder why it wasn’t given to me, but I also know that Evreux was obsessed with seeing me in Amaya’s crown.
Malia did her makeup as well and applied some kohl to her lids and a pinkish stain to her lips to match the rosy glow across her cheekbones. She looks effortlessly beautiful while Lydia has to put in actual work to make me presentable.
I opted for an all-black gown today, loathing the idea of stepping into another crimson dress. Much like Scarlett’s, my dress features a tight, strapless bodice lined with lace and a silk skirt that flows down to the floor like water. I chose flats instead of heels due to the length of time I’ll have to wear this gown. Lydia applied my usual red lip stain and darkened my lashes. Almost every bruise and wound has healed, leaving subtle scars that will fade with time. I am grateful for the fact that I no longer need layers of creams applied to hide them, it did nothing but make me feel dirty.
I ask Lydia to keep my hair down, enjoying the casual look of soft waves framing my face. I have seen a new white strand of hair every day this past week, and I have ripped them out each time. I’m going to eventually end up with half of my hair missing, but I just can't see what the stress of everything is doing to my body. Lydia obliges to my request and only adds my silver crown on top, twisting it slightly so the teeth on the bottom catch on my hair, holding it in place. She brushes oil that has a slight silver shimmer in it through the tresses, so it sparkles every time it catches the light.
It reminds me of my mother, and how my hair looks like the night sky filled with glitter. She was right.
Lydia offers me a smile and gentle touch of the cheek before she exits. I plop down on the bed next to Scarlett and pop a grape into my mouth. The sweet fruit explodes in my mouth, and it nearly leaves me drooling. I only ate a single croissant this morning with my coffee. I’m starving but eating right now feels more like a chore than a desirable act. I know it’s not healthy, but all I want is wine.
“How was your evening?” I ask as I steal more grapes from the crystal bowl.
“It was dreamy.” She swoons, rolling onto her back. “Theo took me out to the stables, and I met Dawner, then we had a picnic under the stars and watched the fireworks go off.” She sighs and I almost mimic her. I, too, wish for a romantic, swoon-worthy evening, but Tobias’s days of trying to woo me have passed and I honestly don’t even know if I would want to participate in anything like that with Tobias. There is no point.
“I’m glad you are happy here.” Is all I can muster as a response. She rolls back on her side and looks at me.
“I hate how sad you are, Elaenor.” She pouts slightly, her bottom lip sticking out. I reach out and flick it, which results in us both laughing hysterically.
“I’ll be fine, I’ve just gone through a lot, and I need time to process.” I admit after the fit of laughter. I haven’t told her about my mother’s revelations yet, but once the carnival is over and things are more relaxed, I plan on talking it out with her. I just don’t want to ruin her fun or put a damper on the ball.
“Once things are back to normal, we can just start fresh. Both of us.” I nod and she offers me a smile before she slides off the bed, her heels clicking on the marble floors. “Alright, let’s go.” She grabs my wrist and yanks me off the bed and I yelp as her fingers pinch me. Looping my arm in hers, we walk out into the hallway. There are less people milling about today, and the emptiness is welcome. Tano is there to follow us around today, keeping a healthy distance.
“How are Laenie and Rhea? I miss them.” I say as we turn the corner.
“Oh my gods! I forgot to tell you!” She exclaims, pinching my arm again.
“Scarlett!” I whine as I rub my welting skin.
“Rhea kissed me!” I freeze and my eyes widen.
“What?” I exclaim loudly as she turns to face me, forcing us to stop in the middle of the hallway.
