Page 100 of Glass and Bone
“Elaenor, everything is okay. Whatever Donovan said, we can fix it. He’s been spreading lies, it's treasonous really.” I furrow my brows and tilt my head, feigning confusion.
“What are you talking about? What is going on? He just told me about the winter solstice and then helped me to the bathroom to bathe. He wasn’t even in here long.” He leans down, his eyes frantically going back and forth searching mine. He nods and I offer him a sweet smile.
“Alright, my love.” I reach out and cup his cheek as he leans down to kiss me. I let his lips touch mine and I gasp as images flash through my mind.
Blood, chains, hands meeting my skin, daggers slicing through flesh, screams of pain, injection after injection into my thighs, days and nights passing as I lay in this bed. I see images of my coronation gown covered in blood, hands around my neck squeezing until I can’t breathe—
“Ela?” I pull his lips back to mine and fight the panic and tears threatening to bubble to the surface. So many memories, moments I have forgotten. Night after night, choking me and stabbing me before having sex with my immobile body. Mydruggedbody. I lean back and he looks at me.
“I’m fine, just feel weird.” He accepts the answer as he plops down next to me, pulling me into his lap. I let him hold me as my gaze stays fixed on the coffee dripping down the wall onto broken glass and food.
“You’ve been sick, but I have been taking really good care of you.” I nod, my head resting on his chest. My eyes leave the mess on the floor and look towards Laris. He looks alarmed, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. I let my eyes narrow, and he steps back half a step, his eyes widening.
“Can I go outside, husband?” I say as sweetly as I can. “I see that it is snowing, and I really want to feel it on my skin.”
“Do you feel okay enough?”
“I think so, if you come with me?” He stops his fingers that were running through my hair and lifts me off his chest. He smiles at me, his eyes soft and warm.
“Of course, Ela. I would love to.” I lean forward and kiss him gently, just a small peck on the lips. His hands tighten around me, and I can feel him harden underneath me. “Maybe we can enjoy ourselves first?” He purrs in my ear, causing a chill to run down my spine.
“I’m rather tired.” I whisper.
“Then maybe we shouldn’t go outside if you are so tired. I wouldn’t want you to overexert yourself.” I open my mouth to protest but his lips crash into mine. He forces my lips to part as his tongue reaches for mine.
“Tobias.” I sputter as I try to tear my lips from his.
“Just really quick, Ela.” He bites my lower lip as he forces me onto my back. It doesn’t take him long to get his pants down and softly slip inside me. I gasp at the pressure and clamp my eyes shut. “Look at me. It's just you and me. I love you so much. Tell me you love me.” I open my eyes and he is peering down at me. I say nothing. He starts to move, and I instinctually arch my back. I fight against the traitorous warmth spreading between my legs, while simultaneously pretending to be enjoying it. It isn’t quick like he predicted; it takes him awhile. It makes me wonder if he truly does prefer it rough.
With every thrust of his hips, a piece of my sanity chips away. A piece of myself. My dignity, my self-worth, all gone as he consumes me. As he steals what is left of my soul and claims it as his own. He wants every part of me, and I have given it to him. I have nothing left to offer. I am nothing but a shell he has molded into the wife he always wanted.
I fake release at the same time he does, and he collapses onto me. When I open my eyes, Laris has his back to us, offering very little privacy.
“Can we go outside now?” I ask as he pulls out of me. He looks down at me and then out to the open balcony.
“No, I don’t think so.” He stands and I pull my robe down over me.
“Tobias–”
“It’s snowing, you’ll get even more sick than you already are.”
“I feel fine.”
“I saidno, Elaenor!” He snaps and I flinch. I take a deep breath and fight the urge to throw something.
“You said I wouldn’t be a captive here! You said I could go where I wanted.”
“Yes, when you aren’t ill, my love.”
“Please–”
“What is wrong with you today? You seem to have awoken with an attitude.” He pulls his pants up as Laris turns back to face us, handing him a vial. “You need to relax and it’s time for your medicine.”
“No, I don’t want it.” He stalks over to me, and I quickly get off the couch.
“You have to take it, Ela.”
“No.” I put the couch between us, and he effortlessly walks over it. “Stop!” I yell, running to the balcony. I glance down at the piles of fresh snow before climbing onto the posts. Two hands grab my arms, yanking me off the banister. I slam into the icy marble and look up to Laris holding me down.
