Page 123 of Cages and Crowns
“Not a single soul resides in this palace besides us?”
“No.” He says with a sigh.
“Then, yes.” He sighs and stands, everyone heading for the door.
“If I may, Your Grace, I would like a word.” Davenportsays.
“I’ll be right there.” I say to Enzo, who drags Nithe out with him. Nero glances my way once and then follows. “Yes?”
“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, about our situation.”
“What situation?” I say, stepping back.
“You are going to get him killed. You are going to get us all killed.” He spits, and I feel his breath from a few feet away.
“What are you talking about?”
“I know what you have planned.” He snorts, stepping away from me and towards the door.
“Stay away from me.” I say through gritted teeth.
“I won’t need to be your downfall; you’ll do it on your own.” He reaches back for my arm, and I slam my hand into his chest. Aether sparks at my fingertips and he gasps as they burn his skin.
“Stay.Away. From. Me.” I repeat. He scoffs and shakes his head before leaving. I stare after him as he walks out the door, a single tear sliding down my cheek.
I wipe it away quickly before following after him. The chocolate brown mare is waiting for me, Nithe standing next to it. He looks between me, and his father and I shake my head. I reach him and he wipes the remnants of the tear off my cheek.
“It’s nothing.” He exhales loudly as his eyes track his father. I grab the saddle and he hoists me up.
“We will deal with it once we are safe. Once we are on the ship. Then you can tell me what’s going on with you.” He vows and I touch his cheek. He turns his head, kissing my palm before walking to his own horse.
I look around the palace. The open windows, the warm breeze causing the vines of wisteria to sway. I don’t think we’ll ever come back here.
I fall to the back of the group as we head towards the sea, towards the ships ready to evacuate us.
But I’m not getting on that ship.
Enzo slows down, his horse’s speed matching mine.
“Elaenor.” He says softly.
“Is it done?” I whisper.
“Yes. I already spoke with Nero. It’ll happen right outside Wistervale.” He’s quiet. “What happens after you get away?”
“I kill him.”
“This is risky, Elaenor.” He whispers under his breath.
“I don’t care.”
“What if you don’t come back?”
“Then Nithe will rule without me.” I say bluntly. He stops his horse and reaches over to grab my reigns. Nithe glances back and slows his too.
“Don’t do this. We can find another way.” He whispers as I shake my head.
“Enzo. I am so tired. So damn tired. And if we keep going this way, a war will start. We will lose thousands of civilians and maybe even our own lives. This is between me and him.”
