Page 98 of Glass and Bone
I feel less drowsy this time, and I can almost open my eyes. I beg and push and finally they give way. I squint against the bright light. My body feels clean, awake, as if I had the best nap of my life. I look around and see that I am tucked into bed, furs wrapped around me. It’s snowing outside. I can see it through the open patio doors. Laris is by the door and offers me a sad smile.
“Hello, Laris.” I say, my throat surprisingly clear.
“Good Morning, Your Grace.” He bows his head slightly and I reach up to wipe the hair from my face. A faint red welt wraps around my right wrist, burning in the cold air. I lightly brush it with my fingers and wince.
“What is this from?” I ask, my eyes still searching my pale skin.
“I am not sure, Your Grace. If I may be blunt?” I lift my head and look at him, nodding. “You and the king seem to favor a rather rough pairing, so I am assuming it is from that.” My brows furrow and I look down at it again. A rough pairing? Tobias has always been gentle with me.
“What day is it?”
“It is the day before Winter Solstice, Your Grace.” I freeze, my eyes meeting his.
“What?” I stammer before climbing out of bed. My legs feel weak and almost buckle underneath me. “No, it was just the beginning of Autumn.”
“Are you feeling well, Your Grace?” I stop when I reach the sitting area, my hand resting on the back of the couch.
“I don’t know.” I admit. “Where is Tobias?” I ask, looking around the room.
“He is with the council this morning.”
“I would like to see him.” I head towards the door, but Laris sticks his arm out, blocking me.
“I have been told you are not to leave your chambers, Your Grace.” I glare up at him.
“Excuse me?”
“You have been ill, Your Grace. It is for your own good. We don’t know what ails you and we wouldn’t want you to spread anything.” He drops his arm and I back up, spinning around to face the balcony. I climb the two steps and look out at the courtyard. The sky is a light blue with just a few gray clouds. The entire palace is blanketed in a lush white, the trees looking bare as they shed their leaves. Winter solstice. It has been nearly five months since I can remember anything.Five months.I turn back towards Laris, my feet freezing on the frosted marble, sending an icy chill down my spine.
“Can you send Donovan in here? I’ll stay away from him.” He smiles and nods before opening the door and speaking to someone outside of it. I step into the dressing room and pull on a thick dressing robe made out of fluffy cotton. It’s warm and comforting as I step into the matching slippers. It doesn’t take long before a knock on the door sounds. It opens and Donovan walks in, wearing a furry cloak that has snow sprinkled on it. His nose is tinted pink, and his eyes are bright. He looks as if he’s just been outside.
“Elaenor!” He exclaims before coming over to me quickly. I smile and open my arms to embrace him as he throws his arms around me. “Do not act suspicious.” He whispers in my ear. My face falls but I quickly plaster a smile back on my face.
“Donny!” I return the exclamation and he pushes me back to inspect me.
“How are you feeling?” His back is to Laris, and he raises his eyebrows, asking more than his question reveals.
“Confused, weak.” I admit and his lips press into a thin line.
“I brought you some chocolate, I know it’s your favorite.” He pulls out a brown blob wrapped in parchment, his eyes widening telling me to eat it. I hesitantly grab it and bring it to my mouth. It smells like dirt and grass. I almost hand it back, but something in his look is telling me to trust him.
“You shouldn’t be having sweets, Your Grace.” Laris stomps over quickly, and I pop it in my mouth before he can take it. I chew into the pressed block and almost gag. I keep a delighted smile on my face as the thick, muddy texture gets stuck in my throat.
“Oh it is so delicious! Is it from that one spot you told me about at the port?” He enthusiastically nods before pulling me to the couch. I force myself to swallow, pushing the thick glob farther down my throat. He reaches for my hands, squeezing the one that holds the parchment that was wrapped around the strange item. I get the hint and tuck the note into my pocket.
“I bet you have all sorts of questions.” I nod and he smiles, genuinely. “Well I have been handling the solstice preparations since you have been ill. It is not going as smoothly as if you were doing it, but I think it will turn out okay.” He rattles on about random things that he knows mean nothing to me, but it is keeping Laris away from me. I can still feel the thick substance going down my throat. As seconds pass my head feels clearer, more awake. I felt fine before, but it's almost as if a cloud in my mind is blowing away, clearing up any fogginess. The weakness in my legs is dissipating and I feel energized, recharged.
“Oh, Donny, I missed you.” I interrupt his prattling. “Can I bother you with a favor?”
“Of course!”
“I would rather like a bath; do you think you can help me to the tub? I would ask Laris, but he seems to think I am contagious.” I feign a giggle and Donovan takes my arm, leading me off the couch and to the bathing room.
“Your Grace.” Laris warns and I wave him off.
“I am strong enough to bathe by myself, Laris. I’d rather younotsee me naked.” Donovan closes the door behind us and leaves my side to turn on the faucet. The sound of rustling water fills the room as I rip the note out of my pocket.
Don’t fall asleep. Don’t fight back. - E
