Page 58 of Rising Out of the Darkness
“Anything.”
“Just tell her before it’s too late.”
A rock formed in my throat, and I struggled to swallow it down. Eloise patted my shoulder and started to walk towards the door.
I wanted to answer her, tell her I would honor that promise. However, I couldn’t make a promise I knew that I would eventually break.
“You be careful tonight,” she whispered as she looked over her shoulder, hand curled around the open door. “I’ll see to it that Elena is prepared for whatever your father and Alastor launch at her.”
With a nod, she stepped out the door.
I walked over and slumped into my armchair and threw my head into my hands. Alone in my room, I allowed myself a moment to release all the sadness, anger and frustration. Just one moment. Then, I’ll begin to sort through where to go from here.
Chapter 21
Elena
As soon as Declan left, the tub beckoned me. Warm water filled the tub as my fingertips roamed over the little glass bottles filled with different bath oils and salts. They paused over one that looked like it had violet petals inside of it. Lavender. I poured the salts into the bath, along with another bottle with a milky liquid inside it. The aroma of the sweet flora wafted about the room, awaking my senses. Taking a deep inhale of the calming scent, I turned off the water and placed my clothes aside.
My muscles cried out in elation as I sank down into the warmth. Laying my head against the edge, my eyes closed, I hummed with contentment. This was truly divine. I wondered if they would notice if I spent my entire time at the castle in here.
Time seemed to melt away. One moment the water was warm, the next I was staring at the shriveled state of my fingers. Begrudgingly, I pulled the plug of the enormous tub. The water swirled into the depths below, taking with it all the stress, emotions and pain from my journey here.
Droplets of water from my hair dripped onto the marble floor as I wrung out the excess water and wrapped a fresh towel around it to dry. After tying my robe’s sash securely this time, Istepped out of the bathroom just in time to hear the light tap on my door.
When I opened the door, a woman filled the doorway. She brushed a few soft curls that had fallen into her face behind her ear.
“Lady Morrigan, my name is Eloise. I’ll be your lady-in-waiting during your stay in the castle,” she said, bowing her head.
Opening the door wider, I motioned for her to come inside. A group of servants also came in. I watched in awe as they carried in elaborate dresses, handfuls of tunics, leggings, and even several pairs of shoes and boots. Every dress that filled the closet seemed elaborate and over the top. I couldn’t imagine where anyone would wear some of these gaudy pieces. One was even made from thousands of feathers, no doubt a play on the Light Phoenix name.
Servants diligently folded and placed everything into the dresser and armoire. Eloise must have noticed me gaping, because she grabbed my hand and gave it a small squeeze as they filled my room with more clothes than I had ever had in my entire life.
“It will seem a little overwhelming at first, my lady, but the prince wanted to make sure you feel comfortable during your stay here with us.”
Eloise walked back out of the room and rolled in a cart filled with small sandwiches, fruit and what looked like a pot containing some kind of warm liquid. She nodded towards the closest velvet armchair and poured a cup of the steaming liquid.
“This should help with the nerves.” Eloise handed me the beautifully painted teacup. Inside was a dark brown liquid, and it smelled divine.
“Is this a different kind of coffee?” I sank in my chair, embarrassed that I even had to ask.
“Oh, no, my lady. This is better. It’s hot chocolate, and it’s positively sinful. I’ve found that there is nothing that a pot of hot chocolate cannot cure.” Eloise gestured for me to take a sip. Warm, rich, flavorful liquid hit my tongue, and my eyes widened in delight. It took a few more long sips of the heavenly liquid before I was able to speak again.
“Wow,” I whispered breathlessly. “You’re right, this is sinful.”
She piled a variety of fruits and sandwiches onto a plate and slid it in front of me. “Eat, my lady. You’re going to need your strength for your dinner tonight.”
I winced at the reminder of dinner with the king. My appetite immediately diminished. A warm hand patted my shoulder as Eloise stood up.
“Don’t fret, my lady. His Highness will be there with you, he will keep you safe.” She spoke softly as she began to pick out a dress.
“So, this is where I’ll be staying the entire time?” A look of bewilderment washed over Eloise. “I…I just assumed, since I was a prisoner, I would be located somewhere less comfortable.”
“Oh, heavens, no. You will absolutely not be staying in a dungeon, my lady! You are our prestigious guest and will be treated as such.”
Her fingers threaded through the endless variety of garish dresses before she pulled out a simple, but elegant black dress. It had thin straps of black lace and a heart-shaped neckline. The silk dress was long, with a slit cut into both sides that made me wonder how I was going to walk without showing off too much of my legs.
Eloise hung the delicate silk dress on the outside of the oak armoire. She ushered me towards the small desk with an oval mirror attached to the top. The glass was enveloped inbeautifully carved wood. Leaves and vines intertwined between petals, all delicately carved into the frame.
