new and old bruises, I washed my arms down in the bath. That dull ache around my shoulders and back screamed at me,
begging for rest. But there would be no rest for Nicholas had summoned his dear wife to dinner, once again.
I thought it was just an empty threat in the heat of the moment, but he was living up to his words. Dinners were silent and
uncomfortable unless his sisters attended, in which case Morgana kept the conversation going. When it came to sleeping next to
each other, our backs were always turned, and words left unsaid. The one thing I was thankful for was that he never attempted
to touch me in any way.
During training today, I overheard Nicholas and Nora discussing my brother. I wondered if they’d planted that information
to see if I would retaliate.
I didn’t.
Or not yet, at least.
“Will you wear the blue dress this evening, your majesty?”
Isla averted her eyes as she stepped into the bathing room, holding up a warm towel ready for me. I regrettably left the
comfortable, soothing warm bath, knowing I’d have to put on something figure hugging and uncomfortable.
I may have got used to riding clothes and the training outfits Morgana made me wear to spar. They were incredibly well
fitted, easy to move in and it made me think that corsets were surely made to torture woman.
“The blue is fine, Isla, thank you.”
By the time my hair was dried, and I was dressed, Morg was showing up at my door to escort me downstairs. We still
hadn’t discussed why Nicholas and I were on difficult terms, and I knew she was desperate to know.
Linking arms with me, she wore a more casual dress this evening with sparkling jewels pinned in her longer hair. The
ability to create illusions must be one of the greatest gifts a Fae could gain. The choice to change one's appearance, hide away
from everyone and pretend to be someone else for a day. I envied that.
“Ella. You know you can talk to me, even if it’s about my brother. I know he isn’t treating you as fairly as he should. My
sisters and I have all told him he needs to sort it out.”
She sounded deeply concerned and for a moment, I wanted to tell her everything. Every deep and dark dream I've had
recently. The thoughts about running away, escaping, and the real reason I agreed to marry Nicholas. It wasn’t just because I
needed Norok to be healed. I wanted to escape from my uncle.
“Thank you, Morg. I will be alright. I am told, and have read many books where, a newlywed couple argues as they find
their feet.”
The half-truth I told myself. Would we really find our feet and become one? My parents always seemed to know what the
other was thinking. However as the years went on, I saw how my mother became cold towards my father. Staying in her own