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“The kelpie don’t bite, right? I’m going swimming. Care to join?” I said, trying to raise his spirits.
He smiled, standing as he took off his clothes. I ran into the cold crisp water, submerging myself under the placid skin of the lake. He followed, diving into the deep pool. We both pulled up, smiling from the sensation.
I swam over to him, wrapping my arms around his neck, pulling him in close. His breath quickened. I kissed him on his cheek gently as we floated in the clear peaceful water.
Gaelin was true to his word. The next few weeks were better than I had expected. He lavished me with flowers, jewelry, baked goods, and books. He insisted that I stop doing my chores for the time being and just enjoy life. I didn’t protest. I read so many books over the next few weeks, getting lost in the worlds of each story.
Levos introduced me to Madison. I watched as he lit up in her presence. If I had to guess, he was in love with her, and she was in love with him. There was nothing fake between them. She wasn’t forcing herself to smile as I sometimes did with Gaelin. She didn’t cringe at his touch or find excuses not to kiss him. Their relationship was genuine, which meant the pain that they both felt when she was beaten or taken to bed by another alfar was that much more severe. My heart broke for my friend.
Talks of the royal wedding began to spread through the court as the time approached. I cringed at the thought of Gaelin being tied to that she-devil for the rest of his life. Regardless of my romantic feelings towards him, he was my friend and I cared about his happiness.
There were no more trips to the dark court or unexpected visitors. The kingdom was quiet for the first time since I arrived. New batches of human workers continued to trickle in each month. I tried to help them where I could, but my resources were limited. All I could do was pray. Pray to whatever god took mercy on us and hope for a better future for us all.
Chapter 20
Our peace ended just four weeks before Gaelin and Princess Daealla’s wedding. The rift opened on a clearing on top of a hill near the wheat fields. A dozen unknown monsters and beasts came pouring out, terrorizing anything they came across. I was never permitted out of the kingdom limits, so I was unable to see what they looked like firsthand, but from what Levos and Gaelin told me they came in all shapes and sizes.
Some were scaled, while others were full of hair. One of the creatures they recently killed had skin that burned anything that it touched like acid. They were all-powerful creatures, capable of posing a real threat to the alfar. Though the warriors were successful in killing some, many of the creatures escaped into the thick woods.
Their theory about Otar was wrong, and the alfar hated nothing more than being wrong. The king was more tense than usual. Beating and torturing humans for the simplest mishaps. Gaelin made sure that I wasn’t around the king more than was expected, but it didn’t save me from his wrath.
One night at dinner, I spilled a drop of wine on the tablecloth near his goblet. Without warning he stood up and struck me across the face, sending me to the floor. Gaelin shot to his feet, his body tensed, ready to attack. The king looked at him, his own posture begging for a fight.
“Is there something you wish to say, Lord Atros?” The king asked.
“That was uncalled for,” Gaelin replied in a bitter and hasty tone.
“I am the king; she is my property. I can do whatever I wish to her, no matter your opinion.”
“Your Highness, I think the stresses of the rift have been weighing on your judgment lately. Maybe if you would allow me to relieve some of your responsibilities?—”
“How dare you question my judgment!” The king yelled. The room fell silent as every alfar turned their attention to the king and Gaelin. I had never heard Lysanthier raise his voice. He was always so fluid and poised.
“That was not my intention, Your Grace. I just wish to be of service—” Gaelin started to say before the king cut him off again.
“Do not play games with me, Lord Atros. I know what this little outburst is really about, and you are out of line. You will have your time to be king, but it is not now.” The king looked back towards me as I picked up the broken pieces of the pitcher. “Maybe you can be of use to me, Lord Atros. Your mistress seems to bring you great comfort. Maybe she could do the same for me.”
I froze, looking through my hair at the table. Gaelin went stiff.
“She is my concubine, Your Grace. You have your own. You can have whomever else you want in the kingdom,” said Gaelin.
“You’re correct, and I want her,” the king said, sitting.
The queen didn’t even blink. Daealla looked amused as she sipped her wine, watching me through her long eyelashes.
“Your Grace, please,” said Gaelin.
The king slammed his hands on the table. “That is enough from you tonight. Guards, please take Gaelin’s mistress to my chambers. Also, escort Gaelin to his own chambers and make sure he stays there until the morning.”
The guards approached, yanking me up from the floor. I looked at Gaelin, still not being able to process all that had just happened. Gaelin fought the guards, spewing threats at them, but it was no use. I was dragged down the hall to the king's bedchambers and thrown inside.
The room was larger than any other I had seen. It was beautifully decorated with art and instruments as Daealla’s room had been. I stood to my feet, still in disbelief. Gaelin had done what I asked. He had fought for me and yet somehow, it only made things worse. I wrapped my arms around myself, shaking from the thought of the king on top of me. I curled myself into a corner, wishing to disappear.
An hour of torturous waiting passed before the king finally entered. He looked around the room until he found me huddled on the floor. He was tall and lean like most alfar. His golden hair with traces of bronze fell long against his back. His face was thin with prominent cheekbones. His skin was as white as parchment yet flawless.
“Have you eaten?” he asked, snapping his fingers at one of the servants near the door. She disappeared, closing us inside.
“No, Your Grace,” I said hesitantly.