Page 88 of Glass and Bone
“I don’t know. Based on the timeline, she would have to have been sleeping with him either right before marrying Viktor or at least right after.” I set the glass down and walk to the doors. “Where are you going?”
“I need to breathe.” I choke out.
“Ela.” He calls after me, but I ignore him. I don’t say anything else as I walk out of the council room. Tano starts to follow but I spin on my heel and face him.
“Can I be alone for once?Please?” I hate the venom that laces my words as I clench my fists and look up at him. He looks skeptical but eventually nods and steps back.
I don’t waste any time heading down the hallway to one of the side exits of the palace. Within minutes I am through the gate and in the stables. One of the stablehands is brushing Sybil’s inky black mane when I walk up.
“Your Grace.” He bows deeply and I can see the faint reddish tint to his cheeks when he stands. “I was just attending to our Sybil here.” He smiles and resumes brushing her.
“Hello.” I offer him a smile. “I know you just moved her, but I think I would like to ride her around the pasture if that is alright?” I run my fingers along her nose.
“Of course, Your Grace! I will ready her at once.” He steps away to the storage room, grabbing her saddle and bridle. I reach for an apple out of the bucket on the wall, letting Sybil eat it out of my hand. Apple juice and saliva drip from her mouth onto my palm as she takes it from me. I smile as I wipe my sticky hand on my leggings.
Within a few moments, I am pulling myself into Sybil’s saddle and guiding her to the pasture. The gates are already open for the field, but that isn’t my destination.
I look around and find that the stablehand stayed inside the barn. No other guards are around, besides the ones stationed next to the gate. Sybil trots over to the fence lining the field out of habit, but I force her left before she can step through. She starts down the cobblestone path without guidance. A few minutes later I urge her into a run as we make our way out of the Noterran capital.
“What are you doing, Elaenor?” I whisper as the palace is hidden from sight, being replaced by an endless wall of trees.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
I am grateful it is still early morning when I leave the palace behind. I push Sybil to run faster as we reach the fork that takes us either to Port Tobeo or Chatis. I take the left towards Chatis, and we break through the trees. Birds are chirping, the sun is beating down, but a brisk autumnal wind whips my braid around. I grit my teeth against the chill and tighten my thighs on the saddle.
I know Chatis is only a half a day away by carriage, but I am hoping it isn’t nearly as long on horseback, especially as Sybil can outrun any normal horse. She continues steadily and I let my mind wander.
Who is the prophet that came to my father, and why did he wait until now to do so? And how does he know who my father is? Prophets can’t see the past, which means he either learned it, or something is going to happen in the future that brings that information to light.
And what about Viktor? He thinks he has a claim to me because I am not his blood? Does he think that I would marry him, let him touch me like that? Regardless of blood, he is my father, and the idea of being anything more is revolting.
Unless he’s lying. He saw me happy, even if it was an act. He saw me happy, powerful, married to a doting husband. He’s jealous, or angry that I am having a life he didn’t deem me worthy of having. So what? He’s going to kill me? Hold me captive?
Am I just walking into a trap?
The sun has nearly reached the center of the sky by time I see the horde of Noterran soldiers making camp a few feet from the border. The bridge across the Delaquar is empty, with a few Chatisian men standing on the other side. I slow as I reach my men. Their hands reach for the swords almost instantly, but they quickly drop as they recognize me.
“Your Grace.” One of them approaches Sybil as I slow to a stop. He’s wearing silver armor and red cotton underneath. His blonde hair is partially hidden by his helmet, but his piercing green eyes are uncovered.
“Good afternoon. I am here to visit my father.” I will my voice to sound even, diplomatic. He nods and reaches for Sybil’s reins. I don’t need their permission. I have to keep remembering that.Iam in charge here.
“Of course, Your Grace.” He looks behind me at the lack of an escort and his fingers tighten on the leather. “Where are your guards, Your Grace?” I glance around at the crowd of men and swallow.
“I didn’t need any for such a short trip, Ser.” I respond, my eyes meeting the gaze of others. He doesn’t make a move to release her reins and I quickly start plotting an escape plan. I shouldn’t have to escape. I can visit whomever I like.
“I am sorry, Your Grace. We cannot allow you to go any farther without an escort.” His voice is strained, as if he’s uncomfortable. I hope he is if he thinks he can order me around.
“I don’t need an escort; I am the queen, and you will release my horse and let me through.” I snap, my brows furrowing.
“I am sorry, Your Grace. We cannot.” He looks apologetic as he starts to lead Sybil away from the road. I quickly dismount before he can drag me away, landing hard on the cobblestone road.
“Fine then.” I mutter as I start walking towards the border. A hand not-so-gently reaches out and restrains my upper arm.
“Your Grace, we must request that you stop.” I try to yank my arm out of his grip, but he remains firm.
“Unhand me or this will be the last time you have hands!” I hiss through gritted teeth.
“Enough.” I glance up at Theo who is making his way over to us. I visibly relax and the hand on my arm disappears.
