Page 59 of Rising Out of the Darkness
Our dynamis derived from the elements because the gods believed in the transformative strength and beauty of nature and all living things, so naturally artisans were inspired by the beauty of nature as well. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and it made my heart ache.
I would always love my life in Lostburrow, the simplicity of it. My town had made me the person I was today. However, somewhere deep down in my soul, I also longed to experience life outside of my small town—to experience culture, art, and libraries with shelves filled with endless amounts of knowledge.
Here I was surrounded by all those things, but instead of feeling excited, I felt full of remorse over the fact that I didn’t have anyone to share my experience with. I realized, even if I saw all the wonders in this world, it would never feel complete without the ones I loved alongside me. My chin quivered at the thought, and I slumped into the back of the chair.
Eloise paused combing through my hair, and I could feel her peering at me through the mirror. I didn’t have the courage to meet her gaze for fear my eyes might flood with tears, so I kept my eyes lowered. She continued working with my hair. She must have been a Flame, because I felt her warming my hair as she brushed. With every pass of her fingers, my hair became dryer.
“My lady, just how much do you know about King Alaric? I just want to make sure you’re prepared for dinner tonight.”
The tightness in my shoulders relaxed. Something about Eloise made me feel comfortable enough to trust her. Trust was something that I knew I would have to keep well-guarded, especially inside this castle.
“I know that he despises all Elysians who live outside of the capital and lords’ cities, almost as much as he despises the humans and half-Elysians. Ever since the humans beganto develop dynamis, King Alaric targeted all his anger towards them. Even though their dynamis was mediocre. When Elysians and humans began to marry and reproduce, all Hells broke loose. The king felt Elysian power was strongest when it was pure, untainted by humans. Hatred grew, and tempers flared on both sides, which became the start of the Rebellion.”
Eloise nodded as she continued to work on my hair.
“I’m also not naive to the fact that he must have brought me here for a reason, and that reason is likely not one that I will enjoy. I’m not expecting a very warm reception tonight.”
Eloise winced. She finished curling and braiding my hair in a beautiful arrangement. Half of my hair was braided and pinned in the back, while the rest of my hair draped over my shoulders.
“You’re right, my lady.” She sighed. “King Alaric and Lord Alastor aren’t exactly known for their pleasant personalities. They don’t shield anyone from their opinions, including the prince. You would do best to stay as quiet as possible and try not to react. Theywilltry to push you to your limits, but you must promise me that you will hold your own and stay strong.”
I closed my eyes at the thought of yet another person encouraging me to stay strong when I felt like a limp puddle of emotions. Sighing heavily, I opened my eyes to meet Eloise’s.
“Well, I’m your girl. You don’t have to worry about me holding my own; however, I’m going to have to practice some serious restraint when it comes to keeping quiet.”
“Yes, I would definitely try to control any outbursts tonight.” Leaning in a little closer to my ear, she whispered, “I find that screaming inside my head while squeezing my hands together into a fist seems to help.”
My lips twitched into a smile when I saw her amused face in the mirror as she started to apply my makeup. “Eloise, why are you telling me all of this?”
“I’ve been here for a long time, my lady. I pride myself on being able to sense those who need help, or perhaps maybe even a friend.” She smiled as she ran her hands through my curls to loosen them.
“A friend would be greatly appreciated,” I said, as she grabbed my chin to hold it in place while she applied blush to my cheeks.
“Friends we shall be then,” she hummed. “Now close your eyes and let me charcoal them. I’m going to make you look so stunning that all those broody men will be so distracted by your beauty that they leave you alone.” She chuckled.
Instantly, embarrassment flooded my emotions as I bit my lip. “Eloise?”
“Mmhmm?”
“You said you’ve been here for a long time,” I said softly, trying not to be rude. “How long exactly?”
“I was the queen’s lady-in-waiting, before—” Her words stopped as she took a deep breath. “Now, I look after prince Declan and have the pleasure of assisting you.” She spoke with a bit more happiness in her tone.
“I’m so sorry about the queen, and the prince’s brother. As I grew up, my father would sometimes share stories with me about his life in the capital. I remember him telling me they were both wonderful. Completely selfless and kind. It was a shame that they met the gods so soon. Did they ever catch who was responsible?”
Eloise placed the brushes down on the small desk and was silent for a moment. Almost long enough to make me fear I should have never asked that question. Her mouth formed a tight line as it quivered. Guilt weighed inside me as I fidgeted with my hands.
“They were absolutely wonderful people,” she said as she placed a warm hand on my shoulder. “I think that you and thequeen would have gotten along splendidly. You remind me of her a little.” Then she spun me around to look at myself in the mirror.
“Eloise …” I gawked at my reflection in the mirror. “I don’t even recognize myself.”
My eyelids were painted a light shade of violet that made the color of my eyes brighter. The charcoal that lined my eyes made them look wider, and my lashes looked fuller than I had ever seen them. A rosy blush dusted each of my cheeks, and my lips were painted a light shade of mauve.
Her face sparkled with delight as she helped me into the sleek dress. The straps of the corset were so tight, I wasn’t sure how long I’d be able to breathe with it on. Even bound tightly, I couldn’t stop the shiver that ran down my spine, forcing me to clench my hands into fists. Eloise helped me into a pair of flat slippers, but I caught her gaze lingering over my clenched palms.
“Hold your head up high, my dear. Remember that strength that’s inside of you.” Eloise squeezed my hand. She left my side to begin cleaning off the desk we had used.
“Eloise?”
