Page 73 of Claimed By Shadow and Blood
Silus lifted a brow, and I could practically see a sarcastic response forming in his mind, but he licked his lips instead.“While I do think she is a pawn and that there are matters for concern?—”
Elara cleared her throat.
He glanced at her, and his expression softened. “I do not believe Briar is evil, nor is she weak. She does not deserve to be there.”
A little bit of relief eased some of the weight I carried. I’d accept this small concession from him and hope that he continued to see that he’d misjudged her.
But then my annoyance returned. “Was that what you didn’t want to tell me, Elara? How does this change everything?”
Her eyes narrowed, her expression pinching. “Saying it changes everything was overdramatic on my part.”
Silus sighed as his grip on his arms tightened. “Her glamour failed. It sapped her dry while we were in the prison. Her condition has worsened significantly, and she is in a bad state.”
“Silus!” Elara’s eyes widened.
He angled himself once more toward her, his voice tight. “Be angry with me all you like. But if there were an arrow headed for you, I would intercept it and take the blow myself. Do you think there is any realm in which I could permit you to suffer in silence when intervention might help? If protecting you earns me your ire, then so be it. But do not ever expect me to stand idly by when you are at risk,Elara.”
Spots of color emerged on her cheeks despite the glamour. She twitched her shoulders as if she wasn’t sure what to say. “Noted.” She moved her hands to her waist, bracing herself as she looked at both Silus and Thalen. “I…love you both, but I want to discuss this matter with my brother in private.”
Thalen spread his arms and inclined his head. “As you wish, Shadow Princess, though it feels wrong to deny you both my scintillating wit. However, I do need food…and alcohol. Silus?”
Expression somber, Silus’s gaze flicked from Elara to me. “I could use something too.”
Elara watched them go, not turning to look at me until the door sealed shut and a few breaths had passed. She said, “You don’t need to worry about me. I promise I’m fine.”
“Are you? Really?” I stepped closer to her, wanting to banish her glamour. But that would be a violation that would be hard to forgive, and I didn’t need anything further to come between us. “Will you let me see you without your glamour?”
She lifted her chin, wearing the same stubborn expression she’d had as a child when she wouldn’t move out of a doorway so I could pass, despite being half my height. “Not now. I look worse than I am, and I’d rather no one see me looking like this. I have my vanity, after all.” She set her jaw as she arched her eyebrow once more in the manner she did when she was feeling defiant but also a little self-conscious. “And don’t be mad at Silus for any of this. He had no idea I was going. We exchanged a great many words on the subject once it was safe, and he scolded me more than any noble should scold a princess. Even if he is like family.”
I grunted, still not pleased but somewhat mollified. “I’m surprised you left so swiftly.”
She cleared her throat. “In truth, Silus carried me out as soon as the earthquake struck. It is difficult to argue with someone when they have just…picked you up like you weigh nothing.” Her cheeks reddened a little more.
“I’m glad he had the sense to get you out quickly.”
“He’s a good friend.” She rubbed the back of her neck before her hand trailed away.
My eyebrow raised slightly, but I didn’t comment on her reaction. “Who all has seen you without your glamour?”
“Three of the guards in Firellan’s Spine. Colm saw me when I arrived and it wasn’t so bad. Then Briar, of course. BeforeSilus picked me up, he put his cloak over me. As soon as I was back, the Shadow magic started replenishing for me. I had no idea that the prison would make me lose control so swiftly. It’s a dreadful place.” She ran her hand along the cloak that covered her shoulders.
My throat tightened. Even though I wanted to believe she was all right, that wasn’t the only piece of evidence against her. “Regardless… I spoke with Physician Morlo.”
She stiffened, then shook her head. “I know what he told you, and you know how much I love and appreciate him, but he isn’t a prophet. I had this same conversation with Silus. Part of the reason my condition has worsened so much is what was happening with Father and his death. Once you’re coronated and the magic vests, I’ll start improving.”
I tilted my head and studied her. “Are you in pain, Elara?”
She stepped closer. “It isn’t comfortable, but you know what that’s like,” she said firmly.
When I refused to concede the point, she sighed and drew back. “Vad, there are dozens of matters of far greater importance. I’m not going to fall over dead in the next two days or even the next two months. You wait and see. I’m certain that, after the coronation and the final vestment of the magic and stabilization of our kingdom, Iwillimprove. I intend to be there for both your coronation and your wedding.”
Emotions battled inside me, making me feel caught in my own personal war. “I love you, and I’m proud of you. You fight so damn hard. Not many know what you’re capable of.”
“Guess that strength and fight runs in the family.” Her eyes glistened, and she smiled sadly. “I’m proud of you too. It must feel like your world is falling apart right now, but I promise you,I’mnot going to fall apart.”
I rested my forehead on hers and hugged her again, trying not to react to how small and bony she was but focusing instead on her spirit.
She returned the embrace, pulling me in close. “Besides, you know I intend to see those who murdered our father and framed Briar suffer. Do you think there is even the smallest of chances that I would risk not seeing that bloody justice done? I will be there in all black with daggers for earrings and a heart that thrills to the sounds of their screams.”
