“Unless the queen says otherwise.” There’s a heavy pause after the second guard speaks. We all saw how furious the queen was when she saw me, but I just have to hope that Vaeril wakes up and can explain what happened.
One of the guard’s coughs and gestures for me to enter the cell, which I do, flinching at the sound of the door locking behind me.
“I’ll get you a blanket and some food. I won’t be long,” the kind guard calls out, and I turn to smile at him. I’m sure I look a state, and given the sympathetic expression he’s giving me, I know I’m right.
The guards turn and walk away, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Suddenly, I feel claustrophobic, my chest tight as I look around the small cell. Three of the walls are made of stone and brick, and then the cell door is made of metal bars. There’s a bench across the back wall and I hurry to it, climbing to stand on top so I can look out the window, gasping for fresh air. The smell of salt and the sea immediately greet my senses and help calm me.
So, I stay there, standing on my bench as I watch the sun begin to set. I should be worrying about my future, but instead my thoughts are on my injured elf.
Being locked up gives you a lot of time to think. In fact, that’s the only thing I can do besides stare out the window at the ocean. I’d done exactly that until the sun had set and I couldn’t see any longer. The kind guard, who I’ve since learned is called Kaelir, returned with food, a blanket, and clothes for me last night. He even tried to make conversation with me for a bit, but it was just awkward, and he eventually made his excuses and left.
Reaching for the blanket, I pull it around my shoulders. I don’t know what’s going to happen now, I’m not even sure what the time is, but the sun is high in the sky so I’m assuming it’s around midday. I spent a lot of time thinking about Vaeril, Tor, and Grayson, and the link I have with the three of them. I miss them, each for different reasons. I miss Grayson for the safety he offers and his encouragement and endless possibilities for my future. I don’t know Tor well yet, but he brings out a part of me I didn’t know I had, the strong side of myself that’s been buried under years of slavery and beatings. Vaeril, he offers me adventure and growth, pushing me to become the person he knows I can be.
Wilson, Jacob, Aileen, and Jayne enter my thoughts too. I’m sad I had to leave them, but I’m sure they’re safer without me there.
Light enters the hallway as the door opens, slamming shut behind whoever just entered. As the sound of booted feet comes closer, I stand, making my way to the bars. Kaelir comes into view and I try not to let my disappointment show as he walks up to my cell. I’m pleased to see a friendly face, but I’ve been waiting to see Vaeril. He should have healed by now, so why isn’t he here?
“Any news?” I ask hopefully, as he gives me a half smile, which only drops at my question.
“I’ve not heard anything. I’m sorry,” he replies with a small shake of his head. An awkward silence spreads between us until I point at the bowl he’s carrying.
“What’s in the bowl?” I inquire lightly, and I can’t help but smile at his relieved expression at the change of topic. I don’t know if he truly doesn’t know, or if he’s keeping something from me, but I know that, either way, he’s not going to tell me anything.
“I’ve brought you some food.” He passes me the bowl through the bars, and I take it gratefully.
“Thank you,” I say with a small smile as he turns to leave.
I focus on the bowl, removing the lid and making my way to the bench. Porridge. At this point, I’m just grateful to have something warm and filling, not to mention something to do besides think.
The door to the courtyard suddenly opens, bathing the corridor in light again as I hear a set of hurried footsteps.
“You shouldn’t be here—” Kaelir barks, but whatever he was going to say is cut off, and I hear an ‘oomph’ and the sound