What we have isn’t real, after all.
After the door shuts, I stare at my painting of the stars in the quiet of my room for a long time.
Chapter 32
A harsh knock wakes me from a dreamless sleep. My eyes slowly peel open, and when I hear it again in a more coherent state, I realize it’s not so harsh. It’s a gentle knock. I sit up, realizing I dozed off looking at my painting. I was lost in thought looking at it for what felt like hours when my resolve started to trickle back in. I know that I need to stay on this course, but I had a weak moment. A nervous, panicked spiral before I head into the unknown.
It's only natural for an elf who’s barely left the comfort of her castle her whole life, I tell myself.
As I make my way to the door at a sleepy, unhurried pace, I hear another knock. The knocks may not be hard, but they’re impatient.
I don’t concern myself with who may be on the other side until I pull it open and realize my mistake.
“Adrian.”
He looks displeased, and slightly… disgusted?
“Your father sent me to retrieve you.”
I don’t miss the subtle way he gazes past me, searching my room.
“I’m alone,” I snap. “Give me a minute to freshen up.”
I don’t let him answer before I’m shutting the door in his face.
I make sure my necklace is tucked securely in my dress, then throw a cloak on and tidy my hair and face, throwing a hint of color on my cheeks.
When I return to the hall, he’s waiting with a frown. I shut my door behind me and start walking without him.
He catches me in two strides.
I’m not sure why I’m suddenly bothered by his presence. He didn’t really do anything to me, I suppose. But the fact that he’s finally spoken to me for the first time in days simply because my father sent for me really irks me.
“Did I do something, Elysande?”
“No,” I breathe, releasing a sigh.
“It feels like you’ve been avoiding me.”
“I could say the same.”
I finally glance at him. His dark green eyes are watching me with frustration.
“You’ve been spending a lot of time with… less than desirable company.”
“What?”
He shrugs, frustrated. “What are you doing spending so much time with that guy?”
I pinch my eyebrows, not liking where this is going. “What does it matter to you?”
“It matters because I care about you.”
I don’t answer.
“Do you actually… like the guy?”
Again, I answer with silence.
