“What will happen if we stay? The people love Sophiana; she will rule in your stead. It will only be until we get the proof we need to bring Vivian to her knees, and more information on the magic that she is able to wield, so that we can better protect ourselves and Varon.”
Rivka sighed, knowing that he was right. “We need to tell my father. He will know how to help us.”
“That’s fair. His knowledge of the realm is vast, and he has a loyal following. However, your mother must never know. We do not know how she will react but knowing how she is, she will likely go to war with Vivian over this and we are not prepared for
that.”
“You are right. I hate lying to her, but she will not stand for the threat that Vivian poses.” She paused, “And what of Alex?” The words fell from her lips, barely audible.
“No, she mustn’t know either. She would not take this news well. Her refusal to hear us out proves that.”
Devastation rushed over Rivka’s face. “But how will we find information on a magic that shouldn’t exist?”
“I am hoping that your father will be able to help guide us with that. I have been checking the library and while I have found a few tomes on it, they haven’t been the most helpful.”
“Alright then. We will speak with my father tomorrow and see what his thoughts are.” Riv said, wiping at a stray tear. They fell into silence, neither really knowing what else to say.
They would be forced to leave their home, their people, their families. Rivka placed her hand low on her stomach, covering Ellis’ as fresh tears pooled in her eyes. This baby never asked to be born, but it was coming all the same. He knew how devastated Rivka was that Alex would never get to be a part of this, at least not like they had planned. Gathering her in his arms, Ellis just held her, both of them lost in their own grief.
Chapter Fifteen
Plans And Promises
Evanar
Rivka, my beautiful daughter! To what do I owe this pleasure? You know your mother will be beside herself with envy that she missed seeing you.” Evanar exclaimed as Rivka and Ellis approached, his smile wide and warm.
The moment his daughter got within arm’s reach, he swept her into his arms in a crushing hug. They had never upheld the same opinions as most royals when it came to raising Rivka. They had always overflowed with love and shows of affection, letting her know how special she was to them. Rivka melted into his arms, hanging on to him.
Evanar met Ellis’ gaze over her head and took a deep breath. He knew his daughter well and something was most definitely wrong. Raising his voice, he called for his attendantand requested hot tea and buttered bread be brought to his room.
“Maureen is trustworthy but something tells me that you don’t want what you have to say to be heard by any prying ears.”
Ellis nodded his confirmation. Evanar deftly moved them to the seating area farthest from the doors, keeping his arm around his daughter’s waist. Settling onto the settee, Rivka peered over at Ellis, opened, then closed her mouth. Ellis cleared his throat.
“We need your help. However, there is one condition we must make before we continue, and it will not be an easy one.”
Evanar could sense the gravity of this discussion. Looking between them, he squeezed his daughter's hand.
Ellis continued, “Your wife cannot know.”
He felt as if the air was sucked out of his lungs. He did not keep secrets from his wife, ever. They shared everything. It was how they made it through decades of marriage. This request was not something he could take lightly, although he knew they would never ask it, if it could be avoided. Rivka confided everything to her mother. They were closer than best friends, though admittedly not as of late. Ellis would not ask this without due cause, yet Evanar still hesitated. This was no small decision, but in the end, Sophiana would expect him to put the needs of their daughter above all else, even herself.
“We would only ask this of you in the most dire of circumstances.” Rivka pressed.
“I assume this secrecy is necessary for your safety.”
A look passed between Rivka and Ellis, neither one answering immediately.
“I see. I will keep it between us for as long as I am able. However, I will not put you or your mother’s life at risk. You cannot ask more than that.”
“That’ll have to do. We can’t do this without your guidance.” Ellis started, before Rivka reached out and squeezed his hand quickly before letting go and turning towards her father.
She reached up and touched his face with both hands, her lavender eyes connecting with his. “I’m with child.”
Shock rippled across Evanar’s expression before his mouth split into a huge grin.
“I’m going to be a grandfather?” He looked to Ellis for confirmation, his joy shifting to apprehension.
