Page 94 of The Crown of the Dark Prince
Her words surprised me. I’d assumed her life would have mirrored mine—structured, scrutinized, suffocating. Instead, there was a quiet strength in her tone, one that hinted at a life lived on her own terms.
I stayed silent as she finished washing, her movements methodical, and glanced around the room. It wasn’t grand like my suite at Hyrax Hall, but it was functional: a copper tub in one corner, shelves of cleaning serums and cloths, and a large window overlooking the ocean. The morning fog blurred the horizon, muting the world in a gray haze. Faintly, I could make out the shape of two massive golden wings cutting through the mist.
“He’ll be back soon,” Elaina murmured, her voice soft but certain.
When I turned, I found her watching me, now dressed in the borrowed clothes. A playful smile tugged at her lips as she dried her hands. “He can’t stand to be away from you for long. He practically worries himself into a frenzy.”
I froze, her words catching me off guard. My chest tightened, unease coiling low in my stomach. This was not the conversation I had expected, nor one I was prepared for. “I’msorry—”
“Don’t be,” she interrupted, raising a hand to stop me. Her tone was gentle, but there was a firmness in her gaze as she gestured toward the adjoining bedroom. Reluctantly, I followed her, settling onto the chaise she indicated. It felt strange, like this was her space and not mine.
“This isn’t exactly how I imagined I’d finally get a private moment with you,” she said, folding her hands neatly in her lap. Her voice was light, almost teasing, but there was an undercurrent of seriousness that set me on edge. “But I’ve been hoping to have a conversation with you for some time.”
My pulse quickened as I swallowed hard, her words stirring a mix of anxiety and curiosity. Elaina laughed softly, clearly picking up on my unease. She reached out, taking my hands in hers, and gave them a reassuring squeeze.
“I’m sure Clay has told you that our relationship is one of friendship and nothing more,” she began gently.
I chewed my lip, unsure how to respond. “And how do you feel about that?”
Elaina chuckled, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Oh, my dear, I am no scorned lover. Trust me.”
“But he is to be your husband,” I pressed, my voice hesitant.
“A fact neither of us had much say in,” she said simply. She looked toward the window, where we could see the faint silhouette of the Dragon circling closer to the manor. “Theadora, I want you to know that I hold no ill will toward either of you for your feelings. Quite the opposite, in fact. I’ve known Clay since we were children, and I’ve never seen him so devoted to anyone.”
Her words struck something raw in me. I pulled my hands from hers and stood, putting distance between us. “It doesn’t matter,” I said, my voice breaking as tears stung my eyes. “It can’t matter.”
“Doesn’t it?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
I pivoted to face her. “How could it?”
Elaina rose slowly, her movements deliberate. Her gaze softened as she approached me. “Theadora, what you’ve done tonight changes everything.” She reached for my hands again, her touch grounding. “You and Clay have both endured more than anyone should, and the depth of your feelings for one another is painfully obvious to anyone with eyes. Why not allow yourselves a chance at happiness? Don’t you want that?”
Gods, I wanted it. I wanted that happiness more than I wanted my next breath.
Tears slipped down my face, and my voice cracked as I whispered, “How can you say this to me?”
Elaina’s laugh was warm, almost amused. “As much as Clayton Vail may seem irresistible to you, he’s far from my type.”
I blinked, the words taking a moment to register. “What?”
She smiled, her expression wry. “I prefer my lovers a bit more… feminine.”
Oh.Oh.
The realization settled over me, easing some of the weight pressing on my chest. “Why wouldn’t Clay just tell me that?”
Her smile turned knowing. “It’s not as accepted in my kingdom as it is here in Athenia. I imagine he wanted to give me the respect of sharing that information myself.”
Before I could respond, a heavy boom shook the air—the unmistakable sound of a beast landing outside. We both startled, turning toward the window as the Dragon’s shadow loomed closer. The tension between us shifted as we turned back to face each other.
“He’s here,” she said simply. Her voice was steady, but there was a quiet finality to her words. “I'd give him some time to brood. He'll come to you when he's ready. In the meantime, I can raid your cuppards and make everyone something to eat?”
My smile was small, but genuine. "That would be very kind."
With a gentle squeeze, she released my hands and started toward the door, but I called after her before she could leave.
“Elaina!”
