Chapter 4: What Eyes Dare Not See

The sun hadn’t risen, but the palace was awake. Servants rushed through the halls, whispering of the prince’s new plans. Tapestries we’re changed. Dishes polished. Rooms rearranged. All under silent orders from the top.

And Eliana?

She hadn’t slept.

She sat curled on her narrow cot in the healer’s quarters, a book open in her lap and a candle nearly burned to the base.

But her mind wasn’t on the page.

It was on him.

The way Malach has stepped forward. The way he said her name like it cost him something. And the prince… the way his fingers brushed her face like she belonged to him.

She shut the book, hard.

– Eliana — Foolish.

(She whispered to herself.)

But she didn’t deny her heart was beating faster.

......................

In the knight’s barrack, Malach shoved his satchel closed.

– Steward — You’re being reassigned.

(Steward stood by the door, arms crossed.)

– Malach — By whose order?

– Steward — The prince’s. He says the southern post needs someone like you.

– Malach — That’s punishment, not honor.

– Steward — I know. And so do you.

Malach didn’t speak. He knew exactly why he was being sent away. Because he stood too close. Because he didn’t lower his eyes when he should have.

Steward hesitated.

– Steward — There’s talk. That you and the healer…

– Malach — There’s nothing.

– Steward — Doesn’t mean the prince believes that.

– Malach — Let him believe what he wants.

– Steward — You know that’s not how it works here.

– Malach — Then let it break.

(Malach grabbed his sword.)

...----------------...

Later that day, Eliana carried a tray of herbs through the inner corridor when a voice stopped her.

– Queen Salome — Lady Eliana.

Eliana froze. She bowed deeply, careful not to spill anything.

– Eliana — Your Majesty.

– Queen Salome — Walk with me.

They moved slowly along a garden path lit with silver morning light. The lilies near the fountain swayed in a light breeze, but the Queen’s posture remained still — unnerving.

– Queen Salome — You’ve proven to be a diligent healer. Especially for our knights.

– Eliana — I serve whoever is placed in from of me, Your Majesty.

– Queen Salome — Hmm.

Her glance was sharp.

– Queen Salome — The prince… he’s easily drawn to things that don’t belong to him.

– Eliana — I have no intention of being one of those things.

– Queen Salome — Intentiona are irrelevant. Perceptions matter. Appearances matter.

– Eliana — If he acts inappropriately, he should be the one —

– Queen Salome — Enough.

The Queen’s voice dropped, low and cutting.

– Queen Salome — I am not here to scold you. I am here to protect you.

– Eliana — Protect me?

– Queen Salome — If Alaric desires you, no one will stop him. Not been me. You should be wise enough to avoid his gaze.

– Eliana — He shouldn’t be looking at me.

– Queen Salome — That may be. But men like him do not learn lessons through shame. They punish those who remind them.

– Eliana — So I’m to be silent?

– Queen Salome — You are to be safe.

A long silence followed. The Queen turned back toward the palace.

– Queen Salome — Stay in the healer’s wing. And be invisible.

She walked away without waiting for an answer.

...----------------...

That night, the stars blinked over the stables, and Eliana crept through the shadows, her cloak tight around her shoulders.

Malach was there, brushing hir horse, armor packed and ready for departure.

He saw her. He didn’t stop brushing.

– Eliana — You’re leaving?

– Malach — Orders came this morning.

– Eliana — From Prince Alaric?

– Malach — Of course.

– Eliana — Because of me?

– Malach — No.

– Eliana — Then why?

Malach stopped brushing the horse. He turned toward her, eyes unreadable.

– Malach — Because I want to touch you.

Her breath caught.

– Malach — Because when I see him near you, I feel rage I don’t recognize. Because if I stay, I will do something I can’t take back.

– Eliana — You’re not the only one who feels it.

– Malach — That’s exactly the problem.

She stepped closer. Their hands nearly brushed.

– Eliana — Then why are you leaving?

– Malach — Because if I stay, I won’t be able to stop myself. And because he’ll punish you for it.

– Eliana — I’m not afraid of him.

– Malach — Them you don’t understand him.

Their eyes locked for a moment too long.

– Eliana — Do you want me to forget you?

– Malach — No.

She reached up and gently pressed her fingers to his jaw.

He closed his eyes.

And then—footsteps. Loud. Coming fast.

He stepped back.

– Malach — You should go.

– Eliana — Malach —

Malach —

– Eliana — Please.

She nodded, blinking fast, then disappeared into the shadows.

...----------------...

In his tower chamber, Prince Alaric stood beside the window, wine swirling in his goblet, a cruel smile paying on his lips.

– Prince Alaric — So the dog does bite…

Behind him, a soldier waited.

– Prince Alaric — Double the guard at the healer’s wing. If she tries to leave… stop her.

– Soldier — Yes, my prince.

Alaric’s gaze never left the dark fields beyond.

– Prince Alaric — Let’s see how long silence lasts when it’s not his to hold.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***