Page 25 of Glass and Bone
He’s wearing the same crimson cloak as before, but his tunic and trousers are now white. His crown is resting perfectly upon his blonde hair. He and Tobias look so similar, his parentage couldn’t even be a question. The same high cheekbones and angular jaw. Broad shoulders and deep, intense eyes that hold secrets. I am not too familiar with politics, but I wonder what the king is truly like and how much of what I see is an act.
“To Princess Elaenor, and thenearfuture her presence brings.” He bellows out as he raises a glass. He sways slightly and uses his free hand to hold onto the table. His skin seems paler this evening, his scar looking more purple than before. We all reach for our own glasses and hold them up in acknowledgement. All eyes on me as I try to hide my discomfort.
King Evreux slowly drops into his chair and his eyes meet mine. Panic and shame are the emotions I would say are filling his face. I can’t imagine how being ill must make him feel. Once a strong and powerful warrior who is now sick and dying. I find myself feeling bad for him. His eyes leave mine and look off at someone else, giving them a nod. A flurry of staff come in and begin piling our plates with food and topping off our wine. I take an eager sip and relish in the sweet liquid I’m not used to.
“Is the wine to your liking, Elaenor?” King Evreux asks with a hint of amusement in his tone as he sticks a forkful of potatoes in his mouth.
“I’ve never had wine, Your Grace. My father said it was reserved for–” I don’t finish my sentence, so as not to talk down about my father in the presence of his friend, but I so desperately wanted to sayfor the men.
“Ah, your father, Viktor. An obnoxious, lonely man. Don’t you think so?” I smile and my uneasiness edges off. “Here in Noterra, you will have access to the finest wine money can buy. Help yourself, I insist.” I offer him a soft smile as I reach for the glass.
“Thank you, Your Grace.” I take another few sips as my glass is refilled again.
And again.
And again.
Hours tick by and our conversation is minimal as everyone eats in mostly silence. The effects of more wine than I am used to is warming my body and causing a light flush to creep up on my face. My body almost feels numb besides the gentle thrum of electricity flowing through my veins. I can’t help but notice Theo glancing over at me nervously every few minutes, the electricity sparking every time our eyes meet.
When conversations do begin, it’s between sons and their father about what the future holds, something I am not used to hearing. I take this time to fully absorb everything around me, gathering as much information as I can. I was never privy to war or battle briefs in Chatis, so hearing it spoken about with such deference is surprising.
“Have they done anything that questions your reign, father?” Tobias asks, engrossed in the conversation.
I learn that another country, called Labisa, is angered by my arrival, as most thought our wedding would never come, nor did they believe I actually existed. They see this as a sign of increased strength as King Evreux basically gained control over Chatis, another kingdom under his belt, which I also learn makes five kingdoms King Evreux has control over. I am left wondering how the other three succumbed to his rule.
My first encounter with King Evreux was uncomfortable, but that seems to be a running theme here. Chalking that up to my own nerves and the horrors I faced the other night, I try to allow myself to relax.
“They are calling for a rebellion, they feel that their king is the one true king and should take the throne.” He scoffs as he stuffs another bite in his mouth.
“Why would they think that?” I ask. Based on the look I receive from Tobias, I don’t believe I should be speaking, but I ignore him.
“King Argent was Noterra’s previous king’s nephew. King Jahara bore no children, which is how his throne becameavailableafter his demise. After Argent suffered the same fate, the Labisian king was the closest kin to the Jahara line. They are distant cousins, not enough for it to matter.” King Evreux responds.
“You became king because of the rebellion. Was it King Argent’s men you were fighting?” I ask. Tobias shoots me a glance that tells me to shut my mouth, but I ignore him again. My father didn’t believe it was important for a girl to learn the histories as they did not concern me, but I always wanted to know as much as possible. Not to mention, Master Pakin said it was important for me to learn about this.
“Yes, Elaenor. A war that I won. A war that directly benefits you. Your children will be on the throne someday. When you bear a son, he will be the heir of Noterra and Chatis, joining our kingdoms permanently.” He smiles. I can’t help but wonder if he will still be around when his grandchildren are born.
“What happens if I only birth daughters?” His smile falters and his eyes narrow. I feel this is a valid question, but it may not have been best directed towards the king. Maybe I should have asked Tobias when we are alone. I feel Tobias’s hand grip my knee, telling me one more time to stop asking questions. This time I listen.
“That is not an option, Elaenor. A male child is what is needed, and it is what you will provide.” His voice is cold, warning. I nod as he begins speaking about war and politics, but my head is still swimming with the idea that my children will be rulers someday. That is if I even have children. What happens if I am unable to conceive an heir like my mother? Will I end up like her? Tobias is staring at me, but I refuse to make eye contact with him.
“Nora, how are you feeling?” Theo’s crisp voice cuts through the chatter in my brain and the king’s speech about increasing his militia. I meet his concerned gaze and try not to let it affect me, but his eyes hold too much power over me.
“Nora?” Tobias questions, his voice fueled by anger and confusion as he so much as spits out my nickname.
“I am feeling a little off, but it’s probably the wine.” I smile, ignoring Tobias, and trying not to dwell on the dull pain between my legs and the cramping in my abdomen. I take another sip, knowing I should stop as my head is already spinning, but it seems to be a social response, not to mention it’s helping to numb my persistently aching limbs.
“Perhaps you should retire to separate chambers tonight, so you can rest?” Theo’s voice has a hint of fear mingled with concern. Concern for my safety? Is he afraid of what Tobias will do? He told me I would be safe here. Our gazes meet and I stare into his saddened blue eyes. I continuously find myself drawn to him, but I try to force myself to ignore the flutters in my chest when he looks at me.
“Why don’t you leave my betrothed’s comfort to me,brother.” Tobias reaches for my hand possessively and brings it up to his lips. I hear Theo exhale loudly in irritation. I’ve never had a sibling, so I am not positive this isn’t normal banter between brothers, but the tension in the air is thick enough to cut and it’s making me uncomfortable.
“Theo, leave the princess alone. She is not your concern.” King Evreux’s voice is loud and demanding as he waves his hand at his children, but Theo’s eyes refuse to leave mine. “Tobias, why don’t you see to it herneedsare met.” Theo’s jaw hardens as he searches my face for any sign of fear, but I keep it inside. I try to steady my breath as I break eye contact from him. Raising my face to Tobias, I give him a small smile. I knew royals were conniving, but I hadn’t predicted that I would have to act so much. My feelings, my personality, I feel as if I’ll become someone I’m not.
“I am rather tired; I think I should retire for the evening.” I feign ignorant to the implication of what is to come, hoping Tobias is more kind than his father seems to be. He brushes my bruised cheek with his knuckles and then moves to stand, his chair sliding across the rug smoothly.
“We will be retiring to bed. Father,” He turns towards King Evreux and gives him a nod of respect.
“Thank you for the lovely meal, Your Grace.” I dip my chin at the king as a sign of respect.
