“I will join you,” the grand healer said.
Healer Doran sniffed, clearly disliking sharing the care of the king with anyone. But he did not refute Grand Healer Eveline’s words.
“We will inform you immediately if any changes occur,” the grand healer said.
Gerard and the others said their thank yous. Then they wandered down the corridor without speaking a word to one another. They filed into a sitting room. The weight of the day’s events hung like a thick fog over them. Luther poured wine into goblets and handed them out.
Konrad leaned forward in his chair, face drawn. “He is alive. That is what matters. That is what is most important.”
The silence stretched. Gerard glanced towards one of the doorways leading out of the sitting room.
Where is Elias now?
Gerard had last seen his husband in the courtyard, speaking with the grand monk, the grand shield, and several others. For half a second, he’d considered calling out to Elias and asking him to come along. But it looked like the grand monk had need of him.
Was Elias okay? Had he seen a healer? A healer had treated Gerard whilst Healer Doran and the grand healer attended his father. He hoped a healer had seen to Elias as well.
Gerard did not know where he and Elias stood. Their last conversation before they’d been captured had been harsh.
“You’re a liar, Elias! That’s all you are. A fucking lie! How doI believe a single treacherous word from your mouth ever again?”
He rubbed his eye. Since then, they’d fought together. They’d had to.
But how could Gerard let go of that which he’d learnt? Because even though they’d managed to defeat their enemy, it did not change the fact that Elias had lied to him. Gerard could understand lying about being an archmage. He’d done that for his kingdom.
But do I even know him?
Gerard swirled his red wine.
Vile. Repulsive. Dragon wretch.
He closed his eyes. Elias had said those words. He’d confessed to saying them. None of that had anything to do with Elias being an elite lightning sorcerer.
Gerard had thought Elias cared for him. Found him desirable even. He’d not believed it at first, of course. How could he? But Elias had been so convincing. Had it really all been a lie?
Perhaps Elias had found it amusing to dupe the dragon warrior.
Maybe Gerard shouldn’t want to see Elias. No doubt the lightning prince would speak his beautiful lies. Gerard didn’t know how to defend himself against that. Because Gerard adored Elias. He cared for him more than he wanted to admit. Even after everything, he still cared for Elias.
And Gerard had now seen Elias in all his true power.
Previously, Gerard had thought he surpassed Elias in battle capabilities and bravery. But now he’d seen the real Elias, fearless and mighty as he vanquished his enemies. He was beautiful in a wonderous and terrifying way.
If not for being completely dishonest, he’d be far aboveGerard. Because Elias was strong, powerful, beautiful, intelligent, and brilliant. Gerard took a deep gulp of his wine.
“Fire and fucking flames!” Luther exclaimed. “I still can’t believe Adelina plotted to kill us and Father!”
Konrad groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Honestly, I understand why she was angry,” Senta said. “I wouldn’t tolerate my spouse treating me like Father treated her. Still, murdering your whole stepfamily and your husband is a lot!”
Juniper rubbed Senta’s back.
“And Elias’s stepmother turned on him too. It’s like the plotting of the stepmothers!” Luther shook his head.
“Elias’s stepmother despised him and relished hurting him,” Gerard said. “At least our stepmother felt guilty for plotting against us.”
Senta snorted. “Not enough to stop her from trying to kill us!”
