28 The Cost
The Cost
“What’s the plan?”
Elijah sat opposite Axel at the townhouse, the fire crackling steadily beside them. He had finished explaining Vaelira’s arrest, though Axel already knew. Of course he did, that was why Elijah had come.
If he told Axel the truth, Axel would make plans of his own. He could see it in his eyes. The man was ready to fight his way out of the palace with Vaelira if it came to it, and he would probably succeed.
Axel never spoke of it, but Elijah knew he still had contacts inside the palace. Getting in wouldn’t be the hard part. Getting out with a criminal in tow would. Elijah wasn’t going to let him try.
“Already underway,” he lied. “I have made sure she is being taken care of,” he added quickly.
Axel frowned. “You can’t mean for her to stay in the dungeons? I don’t know if you remember, but I’ve spent time there myself.”
“I am having her moved soon.” His mother would never allow it.
If Vaelira was seen getting special treatment, the Queen would lose the little support she had in the council.
With tensions already fraying, they couldn’t afford that, not while he was still just a prince.
They needed his father. They needed the King.
Axel leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. He didn’t speak, just looked at him the same way he used to when Elijah was a boy caught in a lie.
“Do you think I would leave her in that place?” Elijah said, letting a note of outrage slip into his voice.
“I suppose not.” Axel sighed. “I hate the thought of her in there.”
“I have seen her and she is doing well. It hasn’t broken her.”
Axel’s eyes narrowed. “You’re sure?”
Elijah nodded and offered a smile. Axel’s brow twitched.
“Although,” Elijah added, “she certainly perked up when I told her she would be able to take a hot bath soon.” He gave a short laugh, but the sound was awkward and he stopped abruptly. He was usually better at this.
“What should I tell the others,” Axel asked, glancing towards the stairs.
Willem must be in his room. Elijah cursed himself for not keeping his voice down. “Nothing,” he said quickly. “No point in worrying them. It will be over before they can do anything. We can explain after.”
Axel nodded. “Get her out of there.”
Elijah left the townhouse, his pulse steadier than when he had arrived. At least he didn’t have to worry about Axel doing something reckless, like risking himself, or worse, dragging others into it.
Of course, he understood the urge. Seeing Vaelira in that cell, the stink of her own urine and blood thick in the air, had made him want to vomit.
He had nearly torn the bars from the stone and carried her out himself, but she was strong, she would survive this, and once the King returned, she would be freed.
He couldn’t get the memory of her face from his mind. All the fire stripped from those hazel eyes. He told himself it didn’t mean anything. She was in shock now, but she would understand.
Once his father woke, his mother would finally admit he had been right to bring Vaelira to Caerthalyn. Once he had silenced the summoners, the city would see he was worthy of the crown. No more whispers of the spare, only the heir.
He would confront every problem head on. No more pandering to nobility while the people suffered. No more weakness. He would be the King his father never was. He would rule and Vaelira would stand at his side.
Once he explained, she would understand. She would forgive him and he would be better. He would make them all see it.
No matter the cost.