Page 96 of Hidden Kingdoms

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

ELODIE

Despite the chaos of the last few days, I was certain I was slowly losing my mind. My only options for entertainment were reading from the two books even remotely interesting, or staring out my window in desperation for something to happen that would distract me from my current dire situation.

There were times where I was almost positive I could see patches of the vast forest bend and shake as if something within was shoving them aside, but then I’d blink, and my eyes would fail to pinpoint exactly what section of green tree I had been looking at.

I also could have sworn I’d seen strange little creatures running through the flower beds, weaving in and out of the bright blooms. The harder I tried to see, the more those things slipped away.

How could I be a prisoner locked in a room whilst also feeling a sense of peace so complete I felt it in my soul? I felt it in the rush of power that ran through my body, and I saw it in the glow of my eyes that had all but abandoned me in recent years. It was in the relief of nights spent sleeping instead of tossing from dreams intent on puncturing their claws into my subconscious.

Are you really a prisoner if you can open the door of your prison?

But here I was, in a room I couldn’t really leave. In a palace I had never heard of. In a place I was sure I wouldn’t be able to locate on a map.

I had been kidnapped, attacked. Only two days ago I had assisted in someone’s death, and while I was no closer to finding a way home, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to leave yet even if I did.

I was a walking contradiction.

Stretching lazily under the sheets, I had hoped for something to break the monotony of my time. But right now, I wanted to lay here and not move or think until breakfast arrived, because filling my time was getting harder and harder.

Fingers brushing against the pendant laying on my chest, the ghost of Kaius’ magik zapped across them, and I tucked myself into a ball as I remembered how he had looked when I’d seen him yesterday. That bone deep tiredness that weighed heavy on your shoulders.

What happened wasn’t his fault,I knew that. But the part of me that was hurting and licking her wounds wanted someone to blame.

Someone to direct her anger towards in order to feel that little bit better. There wasn’t much I could do now other than pick unnecessary fights with people who were much more powerful than me, and that would just lead to me being put on my arse.

Maybe there was a gym here, then I could find a punching bag. The place was big enough and from the muscles on everyone here, there had to be somewhere they were working out. At the very least, it would kill some time.

Things must be desperate if I’m willing to fill my time with exercise.

The deal Bastian had offered me sat heavy on my mind. Books. I wasn’t naive enough to believe that any book brought to me would help me escape, he would make sure of that. There was every possibility the prince was now going to pick out my new reading material, and that filled me with dread as I rolled over, groaning into my pillow.

Kaius’ rich earthy scent of cedar had long since worn away from the sheets. A spike of disappointment shot through me. I doubted he would be coming to my room any time soon.

Not that it matters, I’ll be out of here soon enough and can forget about all of this.

There was an ache in my heart as I acknowledged that a part of me, maybe the part that sat next to the one licking its wounds, didn’t want to leave.

Not leave forever.

To go home, yes, but I had found something that I needed with every fibre in me to understand, and I had the feeling the only place I could do that was here. Letting my fingers close around the pendant, I waited for the knock that signalled the arrival of breakfast. Hoping—again—that I would finally get my hands on some coffee.

Maybe that was what I should of asked for.

Predictably it came and I reluctantly left the warmth of my bed, I crossed to the door, and with a touch of my fingers to the wood, found Alouette leaning against the frame. A tray of pastries was balanced on one hand and a smirk on her face, huge knives still strapped to her waist. Before I even had a chance to say hello, she came into the room, door swinging shut behind her as she set the breakfast on the table, pulled out a chair and settled into it.

“Well, good morning to you, too,” I said, a smiling as I sat in a second chair, reaching for the food she had brought.

“No time for good mornings, Killer.” Yet another nickname I’d been adorned with.

“I didn’t kill him, you know,” I said quietly, frowning slightly at the floor.

“Maybe not this one.” My eyes darted up, meeting her pale green eyes lined with thick lashes.

“I thought you’d be ready to go, not lounging around in bed.” Breaking the contact, she nodded to the pyjamas I was wearing, my hair still crumpled from sleep.

“Go where?” Grateful for the change in subject, I broke off some of the croissant I was holding, equally intrigued and nervous about wherever it was she would be taking me.

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