Page 56 of Rising Out of the Darkness (Divine Guardians Duology #1)

Elena

T he tremor in my body continued to quake as Clara and I approached the king’s office. Two guards stood watch beside the ornate doors. Their glares were almost as sharp as their swords.

“I wish I could go in there with you,” Clara whispered.

Squeezing her hand, I tried my best to give her a reassuring smile, but it only caused her eyes to widen more with concern. Stepping forward, I knocked on the heavy doors.

“Come in.”

Fearful I might lose my courage, I wrapped my fingers around the golden handle and opened the door wide.

What I saw inside the room surprised me, my body halting in place as my eyes adjusted to the sight. I had assumed this space would be as dark as the man standing with his back to me but was immediately proven wrong.

A kaleidoscope of colors cast a glow throughout the room from the stained-glass window that Alaric was staring out of.

Bookshelves lined the space. Shades of blue covered the textiles and lined the upholstery.

On his desk was a vase filled with magenta peonies.

Everything about this space was full of life.

The only thing that felt out of place was the king.

Alaric swirled his glass of whiskey in his hand before taking a swig and setting it on the windowsill.

“You broke your promise to me today, Lady Morrigan. You embarrassed the crown. The Light Phoenix screaming ‘no’ while trying to stop the punishment of guards didn’t exactly paint my decision in a good light. ”

His voice was low and methodical. As he turned to face me, panic released a flood of dynamis inside my body.

“Did you enjoy my cells, Elena?”

Fear stripped away my voice, and all I could do was shake my head. Dark laughter rumbled inside his chest.

“I didn’t think you would. Don’t challenge my rule anymore, or that cell will become your permanent residence.” His searing gaze burned my forehead, awaiting my answer.

“I understand, Your Majesty.”

“Good. Next time, I will not be so lenient. You fail to follow our deal one more time, or step out of line in any way, you will watch your town fall.”

Hells. My dynamis surged against my body as his words added pressure against my already constricted chest.

“My son has gone to take care of some business in Vragos. While he is away, you will train with our captains.”

Some of the tightness unraveled in my chest. At least he would still allow me that.

“I’ve also added a few more events that you’ll attend with me. We’ll have to do some damage control with some of the dignitaries after your little display.”

Inwardly, I cringed. The cell sounded more appealing.

“Reports of your behavior during training will be given to me daily, so make sure you are behaving.” He drummed his fingers against the solid wood of his desk as he raised an eyebrow, awaiting my submission.

“I understand.”

“Excellent. You’re dismissed. Nayla will be waiting to begin your training.” With a flick of a wrist, he turned back towards the window, ending the conversation.

Shaky legs carried me to the door, until his deep voice halted me.

“Oh, and one more thing.” I turned around to see a sly smile spread across his face. “Whatever you think is happening between you and my son needs to end now. Lord Edan and I have arranged for a union between our children. They will be married after the ball at the end of the month.”

My heart sank into my stomach as I carried his words with me all the way towards the training ground.