Princess Elodi's Arc

Chapter 19 of 55

The servant left Elodi alone in a room wide with light. Tall windows opened onto vines and pink blossoms. On the bed lay a fresh gown, pale purple with long sleeves. She washed the sea from her skin and dressed. Then she stood at the window and thought of the King she had not met. One ruler had opened the gates for her. The other could shut them again. A knock came. Queen Diana stepped in, her blue gown bright against the vines outside. She looked Elodi over and smiled. "You clean up well," Diana said. She crossed the room and tucked a loose strand behind Elodi's ear, the way a mother might. "We will see you at dinner. Damon will fetch you." She paused at the door. "Don't fret over my husband. His bark is worse than his bite. He will adore you." Elodi wanted to believe her. "I don't know his manners," she admitted. "What he likes. What might anger him. I could say the wrong thing and lose everything." Diana's face gentled. She came back and took Elodi's hands. "Then I will tell you the truth of him. He roars when he is proud, and jokes when he is pleased. He tests people because he hates false ones." Her thumb moved over Elodi's knuckles. "He built these gates open on purpose. A girl who crossed a sea for her own freedom is exactly the sort he respects. Speak plainly. Never flatter him. That is all." Elodi breathed slower. "Plainly. I can do that." "I know you can." Diana squeezed once, then released her. "When he asks why you ran, do not soften it. Tell him what your mother did. He lost a brother young. He understands cages of grief." She moved to the door again. "Damon will come when the bells ring for supper." "Wait," Elodi said. "Why help me? You don't know me." Diana looked back. "Because I watched my son choose you over caution. He has never done that. His judgment is enough for me." Her eyes warmed. "But tonight you win the King yourself. I can guide you to the door. You must walk through it." She left. Elodi turned back to the window and rehearsed the words. Speak plainly. Do not flatter. Tell him what my mother did. The fear did not leave, but it shrank into something she could hold. When the supper bells rang, she was ready. She smoothed the purple sleeves, lifted her chin, and opened her own door before Damon could knock. He blinked, then grinned. "You look calm," he said. "Your mother armed me," Elodi answered. "Now take me to your father." She walked toward the hall on her own feet, no longer a runaway hiding from riders. She was a guest about to earn her place, and for the first time the choice to stay was truly hers to win.