Page 31 of Rising Out of the Darkness (Divine Guardians Duology #1)

Elena

A s soon as Declan left, the tub beckoned me.

Warm water filled the tub as my fingertips roamed over the little glass bottles filled with different bath oils and salts.

They paused over one that looked like it had violet petals inside of it.

Lavender. I poured the salts into the bath, along with another bottle with a milky liquid inside it.

The aroma of the sweet flora wafted about the room, awaking my senses.

Taking a deep inhale of the calming scent, I turned off the water and placed my clothes aside.

My muscles cried out in elation as I sank down into the warmth. Laying my head against the edge, my eyes closed, I hummed with contentment. This was truly divine. I wondered if they would notice if I spent my entire time at the castle in here.

Time seemed to melt away. One moment the water was warm, the next I was staring at the shriveled state of my fingers. Begrudgingly, I pulled the plug of the enormous tub. The water swirled into the depths below, taking with it all the stress, emotions and pain from my journey here.

Droplets of water from my hair dripped onto the marble floor as I wrung out the excess water and wrapped a fresh towel around it to dry. After tying my robe’s sash securely this time, I stepped out of the bathroom just in time to hear the light tap on my door.

When I opened the door, a woman filled the doorway. She brushed a few soft curls that had fallen into her face behind her ear.

“Lady Morrigan, my name is Eloise. I’ll be your lady-in-waiting during your stay in the castle,” she said, bowing her head.

Opening the door wider, I motioned for her to come inside.

A group of servants also came in. I watched in awe as they carried in elaborate dresses, handfuls of tunics, leggings, and even several pairs of shoes and boots.

Every dress that filled the closet seemed elaborate and over the top.

I couldn’t imagine where anyone would wear some of these gaudy pieces.

One was even made from thousands of feathers, no doubt a play on the Light Phoenix name.

Servants diligently folded and placed everything into the dresser and armoire. Eloise must have noticed me gaping, because she grabbed my hand and gave it a small squeeze as they filled my room with more clothes than I had ever had in my entire life.

“It will seem a little overwhelming at first, my lady, but the prince wanted to make sure you feel comfortable during your stay here with us.”

Eloise walked back out of the room and rolled in a cart filled with small sandwiches, fruit and what looked like a pot containing some kind of warm liquid. She nodded towards the closest velvet armchair and poured a cup of the steaming liquid.

“This should help with the nerves.” Eloise handed me the beautifully painted teacup. Inside was a dark brown liquid, and it smelled divine.

“Is this a different kind of coffee?” I sank in my chair, embarrassed that I even had to ask.

“Oh, no, my lady. This is better. It’s hot chocolate, and it’s positively sinful.

I’ve found that there is nothing that a pot of hot chocolate cannot cure.

” Eloise gestured for me to take a sip. Warm, rich, flavorful liquid hit my tongue, and my eyes widened in delight.

It took a few more long sips of the heavenly liquid before I was able to speak again.

“Wow,” I whispered breathlessly. “You’re right, this is sinful.”

She piled a variety of fruits and sandwiches onto a plate and slid it in front of me. “Eat, my lady. You’re going to need your strength for your dinner tonight.”

I winced at the reminder of dinner with the king. My appetite immediately diminished. A warm hand patted my shoulder as Eloise stood up.

“Don’t fret, my lady. His Highness will be there with you, he will keep you safe.” She spoke softly as she began to pick out a dress.

“So, this is where I’ll be staying the entire time?” A look of bewilderment washed over Eloise. “I…I just assumed, since I was a prisoner, I would be located somewhere less comfortable.”

“Oh, heavens, no. You will absolutely not be staying in a dungeon, my lady! You are our prestigious guest and will be treated as such.”

Her fingers threaded through the endless variety of garish dresses before she pulled out a simple, but elegant black dress.

It had thin straps of black lace and a heart-shaped neckline.

The silk dress was long, with a slit cut into both sides that made me wonder how I was going to walk without showing off too much of my legs.

Eloise hung the delicate silk dress on the outside of the oak armoire. She ushered me towards the small desk with an oval mirror attached to the top. The glass was enveloped in beautifully carved wood. Leaves and vines intertwined between petals, all delicately carved into the frame.

Our dynamis derived from the elements because the gods believed in the transformative strength and beauty of nature and all living things, so naturally artisans were inspired by the beauty of nature as well. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and it made my heart ache.

I would always love my life in Lostburrow, the simplicity of it.

My town had made me the person I was today.

However, somewhere deep down in my soul, I also longed to experience life outside of my small town—to experience culture, art, and libraries with shelves filled with endless amounts of knowledge.

Here I was surrounded by all those things, but instead of feeling excited, I felt full of remorse over the fact that I didn’t have anyone to share my experience with.

I realized, even if I saw all the wonders in this world, it would never feel complete without the ones I loved alongside me.

My chin quivered at the thought, and I slumped into the back of the chair.

Eloise paused combing through my hair, and I could feel her peering at me through the mirror.

I didn’t have the courage to meet her gaze for fear my eyes might flood with tears, so I kept my eyes lowered.

She continued working with my hair. She must have been a Flame, because I felt her warming my hair as she brushed.

With every pass of her fingers, my hair became dryer.

“My lady, just how much do you know about King Alaric? I just want to make sure you’re prepared for dinner tonight.”

The tightness in my shoulders relaxed. Something about Eloise made me feel comfortable enough to trust her. Trust was something that I knew I would have to keep well-guarded, especially inside this castle.

“I know that he despises all Elysians who live outside of the capital and lords’ cities, almost as much as he despises the humans and half-Elysians.

Ever since the humans began to develop dynamis, King Alaric targeted all his anger towards them.

Even though their dynamis was mediocre. When Elysians and humans began to marry and reproduce, all Hells broke loose.

The king felt Elysian power was strongest when it was pure, untainted by humans.

Hatred grew, and tempers flared on both sides, which became the start of the Rebellion. ”

Eloise nodded as she continued to work on my hair.

“I’m also not naive to the fact that he must have brought me here for a reason, and that reason is likely not one that I will enjoy. I’m not expecting a very warm reception tonight.”

Eloise winced. She finished curling and braiding my hair in a beautiful arrangement. Half of my hair was braided and pinned in the back, while the rest of my hair draped over my shoulders.

“You’re right, my lady.” She sighed. “King Alaric and Lord Alastor aren’t exactly known for their pleasant personalities.

They don’t shield anyone from their opinions, including the prince.

You would do best to stay as quiet as possible and try not to react.

They will try to push you to your limits, but you must promise me that you will hold your own and stay strong. ”

I closed my eyes at the thought of yet another person encouraging me to stay strong when I felt like a limp puddle of emotions. Sighing heavily, I opened my eyes to meet Eloise’s.

“Well, I’m your girl. You don’t have to worry about me holding my own; however, I’m going to have to practice some serious restraint when it comes to keeping quiet.”

“Yes, I would definitely try to control any outbursts tonight.” Leaning in a little closer to my ear, she whispered, “I find that screaming inside my head while squeezing my hands together into a fist seems to help.”

My lips twitched into a smile when I saw her amused face in the mirror as she started to apply my makeup. “Eloise, why are you telling me all of this?”

“I’ve been here for a long time, my lady. I pride myself on being able to sense those who need help, or perhaps maybe even a friend.” She smiled as she ran her hands through my curls to loosen them.

“A friend would be greatly appreciated,” I said, as she grabbed my chin to hold it in place while she applied blush to my cheeks.

“Friends we shall be then,” she hummed. “Now close your eyes and let me charcoal them. I’m going to make you look so stunning that all those broody men will be so distracted by your beauty that they leave you alone.” She chuckled.

Instantly, embarrassment flooded my emotions as I bit my lip. “Eloise?”

“Mmhmm?”

“You said you’ve been here for a long time,” I said softly, trying not to be rude. “How long exactly?”

“I was the queen’s lady-in-waiting, before—” Her words stopped as she took a deep breath. “Now, I look after prince Declan and have the pleasure of assisting you.” She spoke with a bit more happiness in her tone.

“I’m so sorry about the queen, and the prince’s brother.

As I grew up, my father would sometimes share stories with me about his life in the capital.

I remember him telling me they were both wonderful.

Completely selfless and kind. It was a shame that they met the gods so soon.

Did they ever catch who was responsible? ”

Eloise placed the brushes down on the small desk and was silent for a moment. Almost long enough to make me fear I should have never asked that question. Her mouth formed a tight line as it quivered. Guilt weighed inside me as I fidgeted with my hands.

“They were absolutely wonderful people,” she said as she placed a warm hand on my shoulder. “I think that you and the queen would have gotten along splendidly. You remind me of her a little.” Then she spun me around to look at myself in the mirror.

“Eloise …” I gawked at my reflection in the mirror. “I don’t even recognize myself.”

My eyelids were painted a light shade of violet that made the color of my eyes brighter. The charcoal that lined my eyes made them look wider, and my lashes looked fuller than I had ever seen them. A rosy blush dusted each of my cheeks, and my lips were painted a light shade of mauve.

Her face sparkled with delight as she helped me into the sleek dress.

The straps of the corset were so tight, I wasn’t sure how long I’d be able to breathe with it on.

Even bound tightly, I couldn’t stop the shiver that ran down my spine, forcing me to clench my hands into fists.

Eloise helped me into a pair of flat slippers, but I caught her gaze lingering over my clenched palms.

“Hold your head up high, my dear. Remember that strength that’s inside of you.” Eloise squeezed my hand. She left my side to begin cleaning off the desk we had used.

“Eloise?”

“Hmm?” She placed a brush inside the dresser.

“Elena. It’s my name. Friends call each other by their names.”

She gave me a bow. “Of course, Elena.”

Head held high and shoulders back, I strode out of my room ready to take on anything in my path.

T hat path ended quicker than I expected when I slammed right into a giant chest of armor.

“You know, we really have to quit meeting like this.” The slow drawl of Killian’s voice slid towards me. I massaged my aching forehead and nose. “For someone who seems to have a keen grasp of her senses, sight seems to be not one of them.”

“Hilarious,” I said flatly. One side of his lip curled up as he wrapped his arms around me. “It’s good to see you too.” My words were muffled by his armor.

“We’re so glad to see you safe. You gave us a good scare, Freckles.”

I choked on a laugh. “Freckles?”

“Everyone’s got a nickname for you. I was feeling a bit left out.”

“Keep trying,” I deadpanned, which earned me a laugh.

Killian extended his arm for me to hold. We began to walk down the corridor in silence. The pounding of my rapid heartbeat echoed in my head. The surge of dynamis within me tingled at the surface, taunting me. Before I entered that dining hall, I needed to gain control.

Inhaling deeply, I did the best I could to pull a mask of calm over my body. I let it wrap around me like a blanket. It was nothing more than a flimsy shield, but I hoped it would be enough to get me through the entire dinner.

As we approached the white doors trimmed in gold, my knees buckled. Killian placed a palm over mine on his arm, forcing me to meet his gaze. “It’s just dinner, Elena, you can do this.”

“Ha!” I grumbled. “ Just dinner?”

“Declan will be with you the entire time.”

“I still haven’t decided if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.” A small shaky laugh escaped my lips.

“I believe you’ll find out for yourself sooner or later that it’s indeed a good thing, Freckles. Boy, do I wish I could see his face when he sees you in this dress.”

Suddenly, I was very aware of my rosy cheeks. Oh, gods, was I wearing the wrong dress?

As if Killian could hear my thoughts, he replied, “Oh, you definitely chose the right one, Elena.”

Some of the tension released from my shoulders. I’d only just met these two men, but knowing that they would be the ones looking after me made me feel a whole lot safer.

“Deep breath,” Killian said as he knocked on the doors and they both opened wide on command.

Rolling my shoulders back and tilting my head up high, I glided into the room. Here we go, Elena.