Chapter 10

Chapter

Ten

E very night (at least, I think it’s night) I spend my time by the front door, waiting for Balon’s return. When I finally hear him call out again, I all but cry with relief.

“Princess?” His voice is low, near the bottom of the door.

“I’m here,” I say quickly, dropping down to the blanket and pillow I’ve set up here for his visit. The candle I have with me is low and sputtering, but I don’t care. I’ll walk back in the darkness if I have to. “You came back.”

“I did,” he says, sounding pleased with himself. “It was difficult for me to get away, but I managed. I did not bring a rooster, though. Or rather, I brought one, but the moment I opened his cage, he flew away. I do not think he will be of much help.”

“That’s all right,” I say happily. “I’m just glad you’ve returned.”

“I have, and I bring news!” Balon tells me. “Your sister has given birth, Lady Candromeda. She has had a fine boy and he shows no signs of the blood sickness.”

I press my fingers to my mouth. Oh. That’s good. That’s very good. “And she’s well? Erynne? No birthing fevers?”

“She is strong,” Balon reassures me. “She was out of bed and back to her court duties within two days. She has named her son Allionel, as the king requested.”

I make a face in the darkness. Allionel. The name means “Son of Lionel.” Of course he’d insist his child be called that. Ugh. How my sister puts up with that pompous boor in her bed, I have no idea. It’s not a Vestalin name, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

Balon laughs at my silence. “Are you stunned, lady? I am surprised you did not hear the bells celebrating from even here, they were so loud. All over the kingdom people have been celebrating the birth of a fine, strong heir. I’m told even King Lionel fights harder with the news.”

“That’s great,” I say, even though his words irk me. Hear the bells, indeed. This tower is remote, and the walls so thick I cannot even hear the seagulls outside. “Is the war going well, then?”

“Very well,” Balon reassures me. “The king thinks Darkfell will be conquered within the next month.”

“So soon?”

“Aye. He says they are no match for our fierce warriors.” There’s a pause. “What of the Fellian you are trapped with? Have they been troubling you?”

“I barely see him,” I admit.

“Him?” Balon sounds shocked. “You are trapped with a man?”

“No, I’m trapped with a Fellian ,” I remind him. “I would hesitate to call any of them men.” I think of the creepy glowing eyes and hulking form and try to match it up with the stories I have heard of their appearances. I have heard them called devils and monsters all my life, with hideous gray skin and clawed hands and feet. That they can dwell in the shadows. Suddenly I’m a little anxious as my candle sputters. “The Fellian ignores me, just as I ignore him. We have an unspoken agreement. He sticks to his portion of the tower and I stick to mine.”

“Do you have a weapon to defend yourself?”

“I do,” I say, touching my bodice. My sister’s knife goes with me always. Strangely enough, I’m not worried about the Fellian. He’s given me space and left me alone. Most days it feels as if I’m in this tower by myself in the darkness. I never see him and rarely hear him moving about. Other than his supplies in the root cellar, he might as well be a ghost.

“If he threatens your honor…” Balon’s voice trails off.

“What?” I taunt. “If he threatens my honor, what? You’ll stand outside and shake a fist in his direction?”

“Princess—”

“No, Balon. If you’re so worried about my honor, help me get free from this prison!”

“You know I cannot.”

“I know you will not,” I remind him. “Cannot and will not are two very different things. You will not, so you do not get to worry about my virtue, understand?”

He’s quiet for a long moment. “I am not trying to upset you, princess.”

I bite back a sigh of frustration, hugging the pillow I have on the blanket with me. “I know, Balon. I’m very grateful for your company. It’s just…it’s miserable in here. You can understand me wanting to be free.”

“I know.” Balon pauses. “I will donate to the temples and ask the gods for a sign.”

“Yes,” I say eagerly, sitting up. “Do that. If the gods tell you to free me, you must act.” I want to reach through the walls and shake him with excitement. Maybe he’ll get a message from the gods. Maybe they don’t want me in here, either? Maybe just the thought of me putting myself through this is enough? It’s the slenderest of hopes, but it’s all I’ve got. “Ask the gods for guidance and let me know what they say when you return.” I pause and then add dryly, “I’ll be here.”

“I will indeed ask,” Balon replies. “Just be careful around the Fellian. They are pure evil to the core.”

I think about the unpleasant Fellian somewhere in this tower with me. He’s definitely not someone I’m inclined to spend a great deal of time with. I think the feeling is mutual. The few times we’ve crossed paths, he’s made it quite clear that he despises me. Perhaps he wasn’t meant to be the sacrifice for his people either.

Perhaps he feels just as trapped as I do.

“So,” Balon says cheerfully. “Did I tell you I have a new horse?”

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