Page 22 of Cages and Crowns
He carries me back to our room after that, watching as Apollo checks my neck and my head. I pulled a muscle in my neck, but thankfully it’s nothing serious. I change with the help of Lydia, and when I exit the dressing room, Tobias is still there.
“Are you still going to Tellavid?” He nods and tucks a stray curl that escaped my braid behind my ear.
“Yes, but Laris will be with you. Just him.” I nod and he kisses my forehead. “Are you still up to having lunch with Thelonious?” I nod again and he rests his forehead against mine. “If things stay like this, my Ela, how they are right now, I think we’ll be okay.” I close my eyes and keep them closed until I hear the door softly close. I’m not going to be okay.
Thel is already in the banquet room when I leave my chambers to join him for lunch, the guards keeping a careful eye on him. I had thought we’d be having lunch in my room, but it seems I am trusted enough to be in public without Tobias keeping an eye on me.
Laris escorts me to his table, and I take a seat. Thel’s eyes widen as he looks at me, seeing the new bruise on my face. One of the servants comes by, setting a plate in front of me. The smell of potatoes and roasted chicken hits my nose and my stomach growls.I never ate breakfast as I opted to stay in my room and away from people.
“My Gods, what happened?” He whispers.
“One of the guards.” I respond, looking down.
“They hurt you. Does the king know?” I nod and take a sip of the water in front of me. He glances around, seeing that the guards have given us room to talk. “I want the truth, how are you?” I roll my lips, contemplating how much to share.
“I am alright.” I say slowly.
“Elaenor, I know that is a lie. Look at you.”
“I will be okay, uncle.” He leans forward.
“They will come for you.” He whispers and I nervously glance around.
“What?” I whisper back.
“They will come for you, just hold on.” His hand reaches out and takes mine, squeezing it.I search his eyes, my chest fluttering.
“Who?” I say softly.
“Who do you think?” He questions, tilting his head. A quiet gasp leaves my lips. He can’t mean…
“Enzo?” He nods and my mouth falls open.
“How? I don’t understand. What really happened in Rakushia?” He shakes his head and leans back, taking a bite of roasted potatoes.
“I can’t tell you everything right now, but I am here to ensure you areokay. They will get you out, you just have to wait.”
“I can’t really do much but wait, uncle.” I reply and take a small bite of chicken.
“What has been happening?” I chew slowly and glance around.
“I don’t remember much. He uses drugs to keep me compliant. Some moments are fine, but then other moments I think he’s gone mad.” He tilts his head softly. “I think maybe I’ve gone–” I feel the brush of air as someone steps up behind me.
“Your Grace, I am to escort you back to your room.”
“I haven’t finished my meal, Laris. Ijustgot here.” I reply, taking another small bite.
“It is the king’s orders.”
“It was the king’s orders for me to have lunch with my uncle, was it not? The king isn’t even here.” I snap back.
“The king has already returned.” I whip my head around.
“He left just a few hours ago, Laris.” He grips my arm and yanks me out of the chair.
“Ser, that is the queen you are manhandling!” Thel rises from his chair, his hand reaching out to grab Laris.
“It’s fine, uncle. I will see you later.” I say quickly. The last thing I need is him ending up in the dungeons. I shake Laris’s grip off and follow him out of the room. “I was in there for five minutes, I don’t understand–” A hand snakes through my hair, yanking me back.
