“You know it’s not from me.”
I nodded. I would never escape him. He didn’t break his promise. I was stuck with him, just not the way I wanted to be stuck with him.
“He cares about you a lot. Have faith, okay. Tomorrow is going to be great.”
We sat for a little while longer as Dad pointed at boxes where the royals usually watched the claimings from, but he would be close to the ring tomorrow with Robert, just in case.
We left after my curiosity got settled and we went back home where a cake waited.
All my trainers were there, except Micha. The staff and even Lucian was there. Blake wasn’t. He was never here when I wanted him here.
But I had the bracelet. I would wear it tomorrow.
They sang for me and then I blew out the sixteen candles.
Maggie had gotten me so many art equipment and a beautiful leather art tote bag. I didn’t want to know how much it had cost her. She also got a lot of paint for the mural in the War room, as Lucian called it. I couldn’t wait to start with this project. I missed my art.
After the claiming, my life would officially start in Paegeia. I would have an interview next week with one of the biggest talk shows. I was so nervous about that I wanted to puke.
But that was another time’s worry.
Around eleven, I said goodnight, had a bath, and just stared at my bracelet that Blake had made.
It carried the Rubicon’s colors, and the silver metal must present the color on his belly.
I couldn’t believe that a bratty boy was hiding underneath that lump of scales. I had the worst luck.
42
ELENA
Saturday morning, a birthday breakfast waited for me.
Lucian bought me a gift card at a store where I could shop my little heart out.
His wishes were sweet, and if push came to shove, I would speak to the Rubicon. I really liked Lucian. Robert honestly believed that he would step aside if my feelings weren’t the same for him.
Dad gave me his gift. I unwrapped the beautiful bow and tore off the paper. Dad grinned as he watched lovingly. I took out the box with a picture of a Cammy. It looked like a normal phone, but it had tiny silver framework on top that you needed to flip open where the hologram danced on.
“Thank you.” I jumped up and hugged Dad, who sat in the chair close to me.
I didn’t train today, but my nerves were grating inside me. What if I wasn’t as ready as I thought I’d be?
I tried to relax. I even hoped that Blake would make his appearance, but as always, he kept disappointing me.
Around three, I took a shower and got ready to go to the colosseum.
Cameras waited outside and flashed off the dark tinted windows as Emanual drove Dad and me to a private entrance underground.
Thank heavens they couldn’t follow.
The SUV stopped by an enormous door. Dad climbed out first and I scooted over to the door.
“Elena,” Emanual said, and I stopped. “Good luck.”
“Thanks.” I tried to smile and climbed out of the SUV.
Dad opened the door, and we walked inside.
