I couldn’t explain my strange behavior. I didn’t understand it. The only thing I was sure of was the need to keep the lamp close. No part of me wanted to let it go. I would hold it forever if that’s what it took. Because I had fought for it, earned it, and no one else could have it.
Because it wasmine.
Sensing the king’s eyes on me the entire journey back to camp, I didn’t turn to meet his gaze, scared to see what reflected there. I had defied him, and I dreaded the consequences of that. I prayed whatever he decided he would leave Eleanor out of it.
Without the nervous anticipation which filled me this morning, the trip back to camp passed quickly. The sun startlingly bright when we left the sheltered darkness of the trees. The scent of braised meat hit me as the canvas tents came into view, and my stomach rumbled. I barely touched the small platter Wista had provided before we left, unable to get anything down with the knots twisting my stomach over what the day could’ve brought. After the long journey to and from the strange cave, along with the hundreds of steps I climbed, I was ravenous. Though, I suspected it would be a while before I ate.
Soldiers, servants, and stable hands rushed toward us upon arrival. Gensen barked several orders, and one of the boys scurried away to fetch the healer he’d called for, then Terym was helped from his horse and led into the camp.
My current keeper lifted me from the horse before I had a chance to even attempt dismounting. Gripping my elbow in his rough hands, he dragged me to follow the king and his men. I stumbled the entire way, my leg muscles spasming, and a heavy lump settled in my gut. Whatever was about to happen would surely change my life forever. Nothing would be the same after this; an intrinsic part of my instincts sensed it, and there was no way it could be stopped.
The king’s usual guards stood sentry at the tent’s entrance, nodding to the brute who dragged me inside as we passed. He pushed me into the armchair I’d admired last time I was here before storming away. I curled into the soft fabric, huddling around the vibrating lamp I still clutched close.
The king sat at the head of the expansive table, a healer tending to the blistered skin of his hands. Only the small murmurings of the healer and Gensen’s pacing steps could be heard, his concerned eyes intent on the healer as he worked.
The healer was binding the king’s hands in white cloth when the lords of Torglea’s five territories made their way into the tent. A sour-faced man dressed in green entered first, Lord Beatus from the Southern Territory. He sat at the table with his arms crossed, beady black eyes set on the king, his knee bouncing under the table. Lord Orcan, who sat to Terym’s right, was next. Harkin helped a frail Lord Kheal through the entrance and onto another seat before he took his own. His gaze lingered on me for a moment, then his freckled face flashed a small smile before his attention settled on the king as well.
Lord Zyome was last to arrive, his tunic worn and ruffled, the once bright-yellow fabric stained a dirty-mustard color. The reclusive lord staggered in with hunched shoulders and immediately grabbed a carafe of wine and a goblet before slumping into the chair closest to me. He poured a glass anddowned it in one go without looking at anyone. The stench wafting from him made it clear it wasn’t the first of the day.
Surprisingly, it was Lord Kheal who broke the silence when the healer left, his soft voice betraying the fragility of his age. “Was this trip a success, my king?”
Terym surveyed each lord in turn before he responded, and some of the men shifted slightly under his penetrating gaze. “We retrieved the lamp, but it seems none other than Miss Adelia can touch it.” He raised his hands slowly, drawing attention to his bandaged fingers.
“Has anyone else tried to take it?” Beatus asked, face twisted in an arrogant sneer.
The king narrowed his eyes, the look sending a small shiver down my spine even though it wasn’t directed at me. He didn’t like being questioned.
“By all means, Beatus, take the lamp.” The king’s voice was clipped when he gestured to me, and every man’s gaze followed his bandaged hand to where I huddled in the comfortable chair. I stiffened at the attention and the king’s implication, gripping the lamp tighter.
He couldn’t have it. I wouldn’t let him.
Beatus eyed my hands where the lamp remained hidden, the vibrating pulse increased with the nervous beat of my heart.
“Well, Beatus?” the king demanded, drawing his attention once more. Terym waved at me, a clear invitation to take the lamp, or at least attempt to.
The lord rose, his oily blond hair shining in the flickering light of the candles. He strode toward me with purpose, his thin lips all sneer, and black eyes greedy. My heart beat faster still, the lamp’s pulse echoing with it.
The green lord didn’t try to coax the lamp from me. He snatched at my hands, pulling the warm metal from my graspwith such force I fell from the chair, sprawling on the ground at his feet.
Blinding pain flared in my chest. An agonized cry wrenched past my lips at the same time Beatus released a yelp. He dropped the lamp, and it tumbled onto the soft blue rug beneath his feet.
I dove for it, the pain easing once I had the black metal in my grasp again. Clutching it to my chest, I soaked in the thrumming vibration and strange static washing over my skin.
The scent of burned flesh lingered in the air, and I scurried backward, putting distance between myself and Beatus, who curled over his hands, wheezing.
“Bring back the healer.” Terym’s monotone voice broke the stilted silence following the lord’s attempt, not at all surprised by the outcome. The king knew Beatus wouldn’t be able to take the lamp from me, just as he couldn’t. Had he told the lord to take it as punishment for questioning him?
“Should’ve listened to the king, Beatus.” Harkin snickered.
“Shut up, boy,” Beatus gritted out through clenched teeth, slumping into his chair. The healer pulled the lord’s hands from where he clenched them atop the table, uncurling them to reveal the damage done. While Terym’s hands had blistered, the lord’s hands were a deep red and had taken a strange leathery texture. They would definitely scar, and I’d be surprised if he ever got full use of them again.
“Now that’s settled. Adelia, my dear, bring the lamp here.” Fear held me immobile. After the pain I experienced when I lost contact with the lamp, I wasn’t going to risk him trying to take it from me. I couldn’t bear to part with it. Not again.
I shook my head wildly, denying the king’s request.
All the lords stilled, but the king rose from his chair and approached. My heart rate skyrocketed again, beating almost as fast as it had when I climbed the granite pillar.
“It’s alright. You don’t have to let it go,” Terym cooed.
