Page 36 of Glass and Bone
“Tell me what happened.” He demands. I sigh in response and look back at him. “I must know, princess.” His voice is soft, filled with regret. He blames himself. Tobias places his hand on my shoulder, comforting me.
“I ran when you told me to, although I didn’t like leaving you to die.” He shakes his head. “They caught up to me. The first man, Jeremiah, tried to take my virtue, but he was stopped.” He sits up higher, his face hardening. “A man named Aleksander intervened, but then he was the one who took it by force.” I swallow, fighting against the ever-present lump in my throat, Tobias’s fingers squeeze into my flesh, and I reach up to hold his hand.
“Elaenor.” Erik whispers, using my first name. I glance up at him. His eyes are filled with sorrow, pain. I know he blames himself, but he nearly died trying to protect me.
“You’ll be proud to hear that I killed him.” I smile softly, reassuring him. “Afterwards I ran and ended up at a Noterran camp. They brought me here where I slept for three days, although that part is a little hard to remember.”
“Did you see who they belonged to?” He asks. The same question that’s haunting me.
“No, but they knew who I was. They knew where to wait when I was coming. They said they wouldn't let Noterra win. That they’ve taken too much already.” He looks at me, his confusion mirroring mine. “King Evreux told me Labisa is angry with Noterra because of me, do you think those men may have belonged to them?” I ask. It’s his job to know and understand the politics, but I don’t know how much he is actually aware of.
“It’s possible. I don’t know how much they would be willing to do. I knew they were unhappy with King Evreux, but it’s a war crime to harm a royal.”
“Do war crimes truly matter if they are pardoned once the war is over? Royals lose their lives all the time regardless of the legality.”
“No, they truly don’t.” He reaches for my free hand again. “I promise you; I will protect you here.”
“I have nothing to be afraid of here.” He knows I’m lying, but I can’t express my fears to him. He would intervene like he always does, especially if he knew what the king attempted to do. “Can you tell me what happened to you? It all happened so fast.”
“We were on the path, heading to Noterra. A man came out of the woods, acting as if he was injured. He approached, and I told him to stay back, but he wouldn’t listen.” His eyes darken as he relives the attack. “I got off to steer him away from the carriage, but that’s when he produced a dagger, shoving it into my chest. He retreated back into the woods, so I thought he was going to leave, but then you,” His eyes find mine, haunted. “You came out of the carriage. You were always so stubborn, never minding your business, it almost got you killed.” He’s angry that I put my life in danger, and he’s right.
“I was worried about you.” I admit.
“I thought he would leave, but then I saw him. I needed you to go.”
“I did.” Ididbut the threat still followed.
“I wasn’t there very long before a rider from Noterra approached. He brought me here and assured me you would be found. That’s the last thing I remember until I awoke this morning.” I hear Apollo clear his throat behind me and I jump.
“Your Graces.” He smiles at me and Tobias before fixing his attention on Ser Danieas. “I have spoken to King Evreux and when you are well enough to travel, Ser, your father has requested you return to Chatis.” Apollo announces. I spin around to face him, shock filling my face. He isnotleaving.
“No, he will not. I would like him to remain here and act as my sworn sword as he did in Chatis.” I respond. He is the only piece of home I have, and the only person I trust with my safety. “He’s been my guard for nearly 8 years, and I wish him to remain so.”
“Your Grace, there are guards already here to take that role. Laris and Tano would be honored.” I shake my head and stand, Tobias’s hand softly sliding down my arm to my elbow. I can’t trust any guards who aren’t loyal to me, not until the king is dead.
“No. He will remain here.” I turn to Tobias. “Please. You will see to it?” I ask, his face filled with pity as he squeezes my hand.
“Of course, Ela. I don’t see why he couldn’t stay.” His voice is soft, as if he’s speaking to a child.
“Your Grace, I don’t deserve this position anymore. I failed you.” Erik’s voice is soft, tortured as I turn back to him.
“Erik, I willnotallow you to leave.” I can’t let him go, regardless of his shame. “I am in a foreign land with no one here who is truly on my side. All they care about is an heir and a wedding, no one here truly cares about me. I need you.” I reach for his hands again, pleading. “Please.” Tobias’s hand slips from my elbow as Erik’s eyes quickly glance behind me.
“Yes, princess. As you wish.” I smile as he lays his head back, relaxing into the pillow. I can tell he’s exhausted.
“I will come visit you at a later time. Get some rest. I will see to it that chambers are prepared for you.” He nods as he closes his eyes.
Chapter Fifteen
I stand and reach for Tobias’s hand as we exit the infirmary. He’s quiet as he pulls me down the hallway and I finally recognize the doors to the dining hall. I stop, pulling on his arm. He hesitantly looks at me and I fight the urge to flinch away from his gaze.
“I didn’t mean what I said. I meant that your father and the council, they only see me as a prized mare fit to carry your children. I didn’t mean you. You have been kind and caring and I know you would protect me. I just need him. He’s all I have left of home.” I explain as best as I can. He has to believe me. Tobias runs his free hand through his hair before nodding.
“I will see to it that he gets to stay.” He says, his voice softer than I expected.
“Thank you.” I whisper as I close the space between us and reach up to kiss him. His lips are soft, warm, gentle, but the delicious scents wafting out of the dining hall are more attractive to me at the moment. He smiles against my lips when he hears my stomach growl. Ending our embrace, he grabs my hand and pulls me into the dining hall.
It’s still breakfast, so instead of roasted veggies and meat, the buffet table is filled with eggs, bacon, fruit, various pastries, and juices of every kind. I eagerly grab every flaky pastry covered in chocolate I can find and a huge bowl of fruit before I follow Tobias to a table. The hall is a lot busier today than it was yesterday, and most of them watch us like hungry vultures. I try to not meet their gaze, but it’s hard. Everywhere I look there is a set of eyes critiquing me. I bring one of the warm pastries up to my mouth and take a bite. Flakes and crumbs fall everywhere, but the second it hits my tongue I almost pass out. A moan escapes my lips as the chocolatey filling hits my tongue.
