Page 104 of Rising Out of the Darkness
Fearful I might lose my courage, I wrapped my fingers around the golden handle and opened the door wide.
What I saw inside the room surprised me, my body halting in place as my eyes adjusted to the sight. I had assumed this space would be as dark as the man standing with his back to me but was immediately proven wrong.
A kaleidoscope of colors cast a glow throughout the room from the stained-glass window that Alaric was staring out of. Bookshelves lined the space. Shades of blue covered the textiles and lined the upholstery. On his desk was a vase filled with magenta peonies. Everything about this space was full of life. The only thing that felt out of place was the king.
Alaric swirled his glass of whiskey in his hand before taking a swig and setting it on the windowsill. “You broke your promise to me today, Lady Morrigan. You embarrassed the crown. The Light Phoenix screaming ‘no’ while trying to stop the punishment of guards didn’t exactly paint my decision in a good light.”
His voice was low and methodical. As he turned to face me, panic released a flood of dynamis inside my body.
“Did you enjoy my cells, Elena?”
Fear stripped away my voice, and all I could do was shake my head. Dark laughter rumbled inside his chest.
“I didn’t think you would. Don’t challenge my rule anymore, or that cell will become your permanent residence.” His searing gaze burned my forehead, awaiting my answer.
“I understand, Your Majesty.”
“Good. Next time, I will not be so lenient. You fail to follow our deal one more time, or step out of line in any way, you will watch your town fall.”
Hells.My dynamis surged against my body as his words added pressure against my already constricted chest.
“My son has gone to take care of some business in Vragos. While he is away, you will train with our captains.”
Some of the tightness unraveled in my chest. At least he would still allow me that.
“I’ve also added a few more events that you’ll attend with me. We’ll have to do some damage control with some of the dignitaries after your little display.”
Inwardly, I cringed. The cell sounded more appealing.
“Reports of your behavior during training will be given to me daily, so make sure you are behaving.” He drummed his fingers against the solid wood of his desk as he raised an eyebrow, awaiting my submission.
“I understand.”
“Excellent. You’re dismissed. Nayla will be waiting to begin your training.” With a flick of a wrist, he turned back towards the window, ending the conversation.
Shaky legs carried me to the door, until his deep voice halted me.
“Oh, and one more thing.” I turned around to see a sly smile spread across his face. “Whatever you think is happening between you and my son needs to end now. Lord Edan and I have arranged for a union between our children. They will be married after the ball at the end of the month.”
My heart sank into my stomach as I carried his words with me all the way towards the training ground.
Chapter 41
Elena
The pain in my chest swelled and I began to feel lightheaded as I walked down the corridor that led out to the training ring, which was just outside the kitchen. With each step, I could feel my anxiety building and I paused to lean against the wall to rub the tightness away from my chest. When the pain didn’t cease, I decided to cut through the kitchen and grab some water to help calm myself before I fell into a full-on panic attack.
Divine aromas of freshly baked goods invaded my senses as I stepped inside the warm kitchen. Loaves of bread and sweet pastries were scattered across the butcher-block counter. My stomach rumbled at the sight.
A few servants gathered baked goods into small baskets, their glares pinned on mine. Alana stalked out of the pantry carrying a sack of flour. Her eyes met mine and she gave a nod to the open door behind her.
Alana followed me outside a few moments later, apron full of bread and a skin of water.
“Bless the gods, you are wonderful, Alana,” I mumbled into the loaf of bread I was devouring.
“Sorry about that, my lady.” She nodded back towards the two women inside. “Those two are slippery as eels. Anything saidwithin an inch of their ears goes directly back to Alastor. They’re his personal servants.”
My lips curled around the loaf of bread as Alana let out a breathy laugh. “Are you alright, my lady?”
