Page 82 of Rising Out of the Darkness
There was a battle going on within me. If I didn’t find my strength soon, I was going to go down like a sinking ship, never to be seen again.
Exhaustion rang warning bells inside my body, telling me to stop and go back to sleep. However, the tiniest whisper of my consciousness reminded me that I was not a quitter. I needed topull myself together and keep moving forward. That was what I’d always done and today would be no different.
I’d been blessed with another day of life, and I shouldn’t waste it wallowing in past events I couldn’t change. Just one step. That was all I needed, and the rest would follow.
Wincing, I pulled my feet over the edge of the bed and placed them on the floor.Just one step, Elena.With every bit of strength left, I pulled myself up off the bed and took a step, then another.
I was about as wobbly as a newborn doe, but I eventually made it over to the table. Sliding down into the chair, I looked over the tray of breakfast foods and tea that Eloise must have left for me this morning. As I reached for a fluffy blueberry muffin, my arm brushed over a folded piece of parchment. Written on the front was a name I knew all too well.Wildfire. My fingers began to tremble as I slumped back into the chair and unfolded the parchment to read his note.
I hope that you were able to get some much-needed rest. After your brunch with my father, take a rest and then find me afterwards. I’ll be in the library, collecting some books for you to read about dynamis and the Light Phoenix. We will do a less physical form of training today. See you soon.
P.S. There is ginger candy for the hangover, and some chocolates…because chocolate solves all problems, right?
—Declan
I folded the parchment and set it aside, a smile caressing over my cracked lips. Somehow this man awakened all that was good inside of me. I wasn’t entirely sure that I would be able to restrain myself much longer. Last night was a perfect example of how easily I let my walls crumble.
However, I knew I’d made the right choice. My dream last night was a visceral reminder of what happened to the people close to me. Declan and I simply couldn’t be, no matter how much we might both want it.
The door of my room creaked open as Eloise’s tiny body slid through. Hazel eyes roved over me as they assessed the damage from last night. “I’m so sorry, Elena. I should have knocked first, but I need to get you ready for brunch with the king.”
I nodded as a yawn slipped loose. She made her way to my wardrobe. “You aren’t going to like this one.” She chuckled, pulling out one of the monstrosities of the dresses the king had ordered to be brought in for me while I was training yesterday.
Golden feathers covered every part of the fluffy gown, from the capped sleeves all the way down to the hem. Bits of golden tulle peeked out between the wide skirts, and lace covered the bodice and the high-necked collar.
I ate as she readied my hair and my face. Then she helped me into the hideous gown, all while feathers poked us both.
“I’m going to look like a giant yellow bird,” I huffed, trying to smooth down the puff of the skirt with my hands.
A snort came from behind me. “Wait…there’s more.”
“Fantastic.” I grimaced.
In her hands was a navy velvet sash. Embroidered in gold thread was the kingdom’s crest, and to attach it to my dress was a golden feather pin. Eloise placed the sash around my body, and I faced the mirror and scowled at my reflection.
“Be careful today.” Eloise’s voice shook me from my glare. “One of the king’s maids stormed into the kitchen today andwarned us of his foul mood. Nothing good ever comes from those.”
I patted her shoulder. “I’ll try my best.”
“Good luck, Lena.”
The moment I entered the dining room, the heaviness of all the stares halted my steps. Whispers spread throughout the guests as fast as kindling on a fire. Pulling down deep, I found my courage and straightened my spine as I locked eyes on the host of today’s event.
The guests parted as I passed. Some smiled and dipped their heads while others scowled at the sight of me. With a heavy sigh, I tucked the emotions beneath my ward and tried to calm the dynamis that had begun to awaken.
Alaric turned around from his group of dignitaries and strode over to me. “It’s a pleasure to see you, Lady Elena.” His voice boomed as he interlocked our arms. “Let’s take a stroll around the room, shall we?”
Before I could even nod, he tugged me along and began parading me around the room.
“I would like to apologize for my behavior the other night.”
The king’s apology sent my eyebrows to my forehead, and I struggled to rein them in. His lips twitched into a smirk.
“Elena, a king apologizing is a rare occurrence. You would do well to accept it, before I decide to not ever do it again.”
Dull green eyes assessed mine, his lips pursed into a line as he awaited my answer. They lacked the life that warmed Declan’s. Alaric’s were cold and reddened around the edges.
“Apology accepted, Your Majesty,” I said, trying to calm the swell of nerves.
