Page 91 of Cages and Crowns
The Caged
I open my eyes to bright light, sunshine filtering through the windows at an angle too high to make it morning. I sit up abruptly, hair falling over my shoulders. Breakfast lay on the table untouched, and the chair Nithe was in is empty. I swivel my head towards the sitting area, where the settee sits empty. I sigh and fight the yawn hitting my throat. A soft snore behind me causes me to jump and I scramble out of bed.
Nithe lay on the other side, his clothing fresh as if he already bathed and changed. His deep hair is slightly damp and wavy, tucked behind his ears. The scar running through his eye is nearly the same color as his skin, but still visible. My chest pounds and my hand settles against my throat as I try to take a deep breath. My free hand falls to my stomach, and I nearly cry with what I feel.
I rush to the bathroom and lift up my cotton tunic to see the tiniest of swells in my lower stomach. It’s so small that I wouldn’t know it was there if I was eating properly.But I can see it.
A choked sob escapes my lips and tears pour down my cheeks. I let them consume me for only a moment. I let the ragged breathing and the tremors take control, but after a few seconds, I take a long, deep breath. I force the lump in my throat to dissipate and the tears to dry up.
I can’t keep feeling sorry for myself.
I quickly turn to the dressing room and change. I slide on a pair of leather leggings and a camisole, slipping the leather corset overtop. I mentioned to Emery that I wanted some, and she made sure it happened. They are all black, making me feel like I look as powerful as her, even though I know my nonexistent muscles give my weakness away.
I pull my hair back into a plait, letting it fall down my spine as I slip on my boots. Within seconds, I am out the door and headed to the training room.
Enzo and Erik are sparring, swords out and sweat gleaming. Laenie and Scarlett are lounging on a recently added settee, glasses of something bubbly in their hands. They are both wearing loose dresses that barely brush their knees, probably to stave off the heat.
“Elaenor!” Laenie says with a smile, gesturing for me to join them. I smile back but continue my walk up to the raised platform.
“Goodafternoon, little sister.” Enzo teases and I roll my eyes.
“We have no idea who was born first.” I sneer as I plant my hands on the platform to hoist myself up. Two warm hands grab my arms, lifting me onto the mat. I brush off their arms and scowl. “I can get up here myself.” Their eyes snag on my arms, as if they can see the slight shimmer. They glance at each other once, but don’t say anything about it.
“Where’s Ni?” Erik asks, sweat gleaming on his upper lip as he breathes heavily.
“He was asleep when I left.”
“Rough night?” Scarlett shouts from where she is stretching out, kicking Laenie in the stomach.
“I was ill, and it kept him up.” Enzo raises an eyebrow. “I must have eatensomething.” I shrug and take a few steps towards their rack of blades. “Can I join?”
“You think you can take us?” Enzo laughs, sheathing his sword on his hip.
“Probably not.” I admit, snatching a long, slender blade I have become comfortable with.
“No blades, just evasion right now.” I nod and reluctantly set the blade down.
“Emery has been teaching you as well, right?” I nod again. “Well, just follow our lead.” Erik says with hesitance in his voice.
“I’m not the same girl I was in Chatis.” I snap, noting the glances to Enzo he keeps sneaking. “I need to do this. I need to be able to do this.” Enzo nods and gestures for me to move.
I start walking in a semi-circle in front of them. I keep my eyes on their feet, anticipating their movements. Erik lunges forward and I spin out of the way, his fingers grazing my corset and slipping off. I quickly turn around, keeping them in front of me. Enzo is smirking, his hands out and ready. He lunges for my left, and I side-step straight into Erik’s arms.
One of his arms goes around my neck, the other reaching for my stomach. I jam my elbow into his ribs, causing him to double over. His arm loosens a fraction around my neck. I use it to my advantage and throw my legs out from under me, landing on my knees. He pitches forward and releases me in time to catch himself.
I hear cheering from Laenie and Scar and I let a smile cross my lips. I motion for him to rise, and he sends me a wild look, something like excitement crossing his eyes.
He climbs to his feet and starts to circle. I keep myself in between them, turning every half second to make sure I have eyes on both of them. Erik lunges and I duck out of the way, his arm connects with Enzo’s as they both go for me at the same time. I spin around as I stand, but Enzo’s foot comes out of nowhere,catching me in the back of the knee.
I land to the floor with a thud and try to stand again. Enzo’s arm goes around me before he throws himself onto his back. One of his legs wraps around mine, pinning me to him. His tightens around me, with the other one of them holding the back of my head. Erik lunges towards us, a blade in his hand. He slams it down inches from my face. I yelp as it stabs into the mat.
“What did you do wrong?” He demands.
“I—I wasn’t watching your feet.” He nods.
“You have to anticipate their next move, always.”
“There are two of you.” I counter.
