when you obviously only think of me as your plaything, Elias. You woo me with your words, your promises, your body and then as soon as I take your name you’re gone. Poof.”
He lifts his hand, running his fingers through his hair. “We have known one another for merely days, Sybilla. You act as though you are privy to my comings and goings. I have business that I need to attend to. Even queens must realize that the world does not indeed, revolve around them,” he roars.
Taking a step back, I press my trembling lips together. “We haven’t even been married twenty-four hours, Elias. Forgive me for wanting to get to know my husband,” I whisper.
“It is a short trip, Sybilla. Quit being theatrical. Go to your chamber, I will see you upon my return.”
His words are final, if I didn’t know by the way he looked down his nose at me, I certainly figure it out when he turns his back to me and marches over to the door. I watch as he rips it open and bellows for his man and his food.
God forbid the King goes without a fucking meal.
Turning my own back to him, I walk over to the door that separates our rooms, stopping for a moment before I turn around to look at him. He’s avoiding my gaze, moving around his room to gather his things, packing a small leather bag with his personal items. Pretending that I no longer exist.
“I’m sorry, Elias. Whatever I’ve done to upset you, even if it was simply wanting your company. I am sorry. If I’m not here when you get back, I hope you know that being your queen, being at your side for even the one day, it was the happiest I’ve ever been.”
Elias’ body freezes, he lifts his gaze to me and I watch as a muscle tics in his cheek. “You’ll not be going anywhere, Sybilla. Cornwall drew the contract and you signed it. You will stay here in this castle under guard. When I return, if one does not already grow inside of you, I’ll get to work planting my heir inside of your body. Until then, find yourself, settle into your new home.”
I gasp at his words, at his nonchalant talk of possible pregnancy and then even more nonchalantly speaking about getting me pregnant, if I’m not already.
If. I’m. Not. Already. Pregnant.
Spinning around, I leave him alone. I stay wrapped in his comforter, listening to the sounds in his bedroom. Then, when the sounds are finished and it’s beyond quiet, I wait.
I watch the door, waiting, internally begging, almost praying for him to open the door to tell me goodbye. He doesn’t. He leaves, after our fight, the day after our wedding, without a kiss goodbye, he leaves me.
Only then do I cry.
Chapter Fifteen
SYBILLA
I hear Jasmine, Katrina, and Ellyn whispering in the corner of my room. I’m still naked, still wrapped in Elias’ comforter and still feeling extremely sorry for myself.
I have no tears left to cry.
I haven’t eaten in days, though I had some water yesterday, but only because I asked for it. Apparently, water isn’t largely consumed here and I’m not surprised, what I had tasted terrible.
The rain falls outside, I can hear it drip, drip, drip, it’s somehow extremely soothing.
I hear Jasmine clear her throat, then she appears in front of me. She’s wringing her hands in front of her and her eyes roam over my face. My eyes are open, unblinking as I stare at her, waiting for her to say her piece and leave.
“Enough, Your Highness,” she snaps.
My brows rise, but I stay still otherwise. I know that I’m depressed and I’m being stupid. I only knew the man for a few days, but something feels empty inside of me. I still can’t believe he just left the way that he did.
“We’ve all talked and we all agree, Your Majesty, that you need to get up and move. Staying like this does not show your people who you are. It does not prove to your subjects that King Elias is any different from his father. It only looks as if you are weak.”
Her words cause me to narrow my eyes, but I don’t respond. She sighs, shaking her head. “At least eat something today. If his child grows inside you, you must nourish the babe.”
A shiver rolls over my entire body just as I hear the rain pour a bit harder. It’s rained all day and all