I was back to being dressed in structured silk, as was Penny’s preference. Deep black silk clung to my torso, moulded to my waist with subtle boning, that forced my structure upright.
The neckline was high, modest by court standards, yet the tailoring was flawless enough that it showcased my curves without showing too much. Sleeves long and fitted narrowed into cuffs at my wrists.
A thin silver chain had also been fastened against my neck, it was supposed to hide the rest of the scar that poked from the top of my dress. I hated it, but wore it anyway just to save Penny from moaning.
I took my seat amongst the nobles, some of them turning their noses up as I sat down. Deeming being sat next to the human an insult, but no one said anything outwardly.
Rhael sat at the high table, posture immaculate, his crown gleaming between the lights. He did not look at me as I sat down, but the way he stiffened told me he knew I was there.
His hands clenched into fists against the polished table which stood before his throne. I could remember how imposing he had seemed the first time I had seen him sit there, but now there was something about him that was even more menacing.
Wine was poured into the cup in front of me by an elf I didn't recognise. The dishes were served next. I ate mechanically lifting the fork to my mouth as I just tried to make it through.
In the Wolf King’s hall I had been watched, expected to perform. Here I was ignored, everyone around me pretending I did not exist. Honestly, I was not sure which one was worse.
My mind raced back to how it had felt sitting with him in Lycanthyr. How his hand had lingered on my waist, tracing the edge of my underwear.
The sound he made as my ass pressed against him. All of it seemed like a fever dream, and part of me wondered what would happen if we did that here in his court. How would the people react?
The thoughts were shattered by the sound of the doors crashing open and a messenger stumbling through the tables. His cloak was torn andhe appeared breathless, like he had not stopped running until he laid eyes on the King.
It took me a moment to realise he was also splattered with blood. Instantly Rhael was on his feet, his throne shoved backwards scraping against the floor, as the hall erupted into a mass of whispers and worried glances.
“Your Majesty, there has been another attack. Just east of here.” the messenger gasped, falling to his knees as his blonde hair stuck to his forehead. From this angle I couldn't tell what race he was, but he was tall so most likely fae or maybe even Elvin. Not that I was trying too hard to look.
“Was it the same as before?” Rhael questioned, his eyes fixed on the messenger, dilating the silver almost completely replaced by black. I sat rooted in my seat watching him frozen.
“Yes, Your Highness,” the messenger nodded and a collective gasp reverberated around the room, as nobles began to get up from their seats as panic set in. Ruining the careful order of the hall.
“Fuck!” Rhael snapped, the curse ripping through the air like a blade. His face contorted with anger as the shadows around the room crept ever closer, clinging to Rhael's mood like a second skin.
The nobles worried whispers became louder as guards began to move through the hall, their orders bellowing out joining the chaos. Yet still I didn't move, despite my brain telling me that the mood Rhael was in, would be the wrong time for me to do anything other than flee.
Olesia, Rhael's sister, pushed towards her brother, distracting him for a moment as the pair engaged in a heated, whispered discussion.
The Fae Princess appeared to be pleading with her brother, who was having none of it, his hands clenched tighter at his sides, drawing his shadows closer as his words came out in shallow, hissed, whispers.
I watched as Olesia stomped her foot before turning and leaving the room, disappearing in the sea of panicking nobles and in that moment, I wished I had run.
Rhael’s face turned, his eyes colliding with mine, his mouth twisting into a scowl as he stalked towards me. I could feel the anger rolling off him in waves and for the first time since meeting him I was truly afraid.
“I suggest you get up and get out of here.” He snapped his eyes looking me up and down, his upper lip curling in disgust. It was the first thing he had said to me in hours and yet I wished we had stayed in silence.
“Fine.” I say standing, keeping my voice steady even though it took so much effort to stop my bottom lip from quivering. I would not cry. I hadn't cried in years, so I had no idea why his tone was now hitting deep into my soul.
“Elara,” he hissed as his fingers wrapped around my wrist, his grip like a vice as I turned to face him. My eyes wide and concerned, he had never gripped me like this, it hurt.
“What?” I ask, my voice wavering slightly as I take in a deep breath, my hands shaking in his grip.
The man looking down at me was not the same King I had seen before, this one was under attack and Rhael was dark at the best of times, now he was looking as though he wanted to drown himself in his enemy’s blood.
“Stay in your room tonight, do not come out. No matter what you hear, what you think you need to do. It is not safe and I cannot be held responsible if you are broken in the process.” He whispered, pulling me closer for a fraction of a second before he released me leaving my head spinning.
I didn't argue or demand to know more. I wasn't even sure I could form the words if I wanted to.
I ran.
Ignoring all of the nobles watching me, the servants whispered as I pushed past. I wanted to get to my room, lock the door and for the first time in my life, do as I was told with no questions asked.
