Page 50 of Glass and Bone
“I need to go check on Theo.” He whispers before pressing his lips into a hard line. He doesn’t move and instead stares at me, as if he’s waiting for something.
“What is it?”
“Did you mean what you said? That you choose me?” He sounds hopeful, as if being chosen was new to him. I nod.
“Yes, Tobias. You are to be my husband, of course I choose you.” I lean forward and kiss him. His whole body relaxes as he exhales into me. He stands quickly and helps me up before giving me one last look. He leaves the room, closing it softly behind him. I stare down at my hands, the tiny cuts on my fingertips, the blood smeared on the back of my hand. I barely have a second to breathe before Lydia comes in and rushes over to me. She always knows when I need her, without me asking.
She guides me over to the chair by the window with a saddened smile, and I stare blankly out onto the grounds. The sun is still shining, but it’s starting to set. The once bright blue sky is replaced with pinks and purples. A whole day gone in the blink of an eye. A cool rag wipes away at my face as I stare.
My father used to hit me. He never hesitated and I grew up with the constant presence of bruises and scabs. Is this normal? He obviously also laid a hand on my mother if he murdered her. Was Evreux right? Did my father find out about them and kill her? Was my mother truly in love with Evreux, or was it one sided? And what about Tobias? What does this mean for our relationship?
Is this what I am to expect of our marriage? Fear? Abuse? Or was it an accident? He didn’t know it was me. I was grabbing him; he was trying to get me off of him so he can–
No.
A deep and familiar voice echoes throughout my head. Is that the voice in my head? Is this my subconscious? Or is ithim?
“Your Grace?” Lydia whispers, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Yes?” I whisper back. Her soft, motherly eyes are welcoming. I want nothing more than my own mother right now, but I’m alone.
“You are finished.” I nod, dismissing her. She gives me a slight curtsy before scurrying out of the room and disappearing from sight. I take a deep breath and walk towards the balcony. The doors are open, and a slight breeze comes through, ruffling my hair. I take slow, steady steps up to the landing, before stepping out into the open air. I look around the palace grounds. Torches are being lit, illuminating the already darkening sky. The grass is empty, everyone inside for dinner. How has it already been a full day since we awoke this morning? Since I was wrapped up in Tobias, his fingers softly running across my bare skin. Everything has changed.
I reach up and let my fingers grasp the crown that rests upon my head. With a slight tug, I pull it out of my hair and hold it out in front of me. The silver metal intertwining with the clear stones are beautiful. Staring at the thorns wrapping around the diamonds, I feel broken. I am a stone being suffocated by thorns, or by Noterran royalty.
Just a few hours ago, I was lying in bed with my future husband. Now, I am a bloodied, broken, shell of a girl who is to be queen. I can’t let this break me. I can’t let Tobias break me. He’s just as broken as I am. We have to get through this together. That is what couples do. They get through the hard times.
Taking one last look at the crown, I return it to its rightful place on top of my head. Diadems are symbols of strength, power. That’s what I need to be. Strong. Not just for Tobias, but for myself. After a deep breath, I stand up straight and turn back to the room.
I walk past the haunting furniture, the bed, the couch, the chair, and the newly replaced mirror. All possessions of Tobias’s, as am I.
You can’t think that way, Elaenor.
I look away and reach for the door handle but stop. I quickly turn back around and dig the glass dagger out of the couch cushion. I slip it into my garter under my dress before returning to the door. It's cold glass leaves goosebumps wherever it brushes my skin, electricity sparking against the flesh. Opening the dark wood, Laris and Tano are standing on either side. They give me a slight nod, and I return it before making my way down the hall. Their footsteps are nearly silent behind me.
I see a dark figure walking at the end of the hallway and exhale loudly as I recognize Erik. He smiles as he sees me, but his smile is quickly replaced with fury. I look down as I reach him, but he tilts my head up.
“Elaenor.” His voice is quiet, warning. I pull my face out of his grasp.
“I’m alright, I promise. It was a misunderstanding. Tobias was aiming for his brother, and I got in the way.” It wasn’t a complete lie, but I don’t know if it truly was an accident, even if Tobias says it was. I meet his eyes again, unconvinced. “Erik, I am fine. Please go get some rest.”
“I’ll be ready tomorrow to stand as your sworn sword.” He responds, straightening his back, but I can see the pain in his eyes.
“Please don’t push yourself, not for me.”
“I would give my life for you, princess.” He smiles and slightly bows before slowly walking away. I watch him disappear down the hall before turning back towards the dim hallway.
Chapter Twenty-Two
I find Tobias in the throne room. He’s standing in the center of the circular room, his eyes fixed on two grand chairs on the platform. I walk up to his right, standing as straight and tall as possible. He doesn’t acknowledge my arrival and just stands there, silent. His hands balled up in fists at his sides. His right fist is bloodied and bruised. From his assault on Theo, or myself, I’m not sure. Most likely a combination of them both. I lightly brush his arm and press my lips to it.
“We’ll get through this, right?” His voice is soft, scared.
“Yes, we will.” I reply, my voice muffled by his arm.
“Ah, there you two are!” A cheerful voice breaks the silence and I turn to see a priest in the doorway, holding a ribbon in one hand, and a scroll in the other. He gives me a smile and a slight bow of the head. “Your Grace, you look beautiful! Are you ready to be wed?” I give him a small smile and a nod. Tobias is still silent, facing away from us both.
“Will it be here, now?” I ask, gesturing towards the empty room, swallowing the lump in my throat.
