“Enough!” a guard yelled. “Break’s over. It’s time to face Princess Gabrielle, and we’ll see if she believes your little story about being princess of Elwen.”
Penn and I continued to stare at each other until the guards yanked us to our feet and forced us back onto the path toward the castle.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Thirty minutes later, we made it to the castle, and my legs felt like they might collapse underneath me. I stumbled several times on our journey, so weak I didn’t know if I could go on, but every time Penn was there, his hands steady as he grabbed me and told me I could do this, that I could make it to the castle, making me constantly question what was real, if he was being nice because he cared or because he wanted to sell our relationship to everyone.
Now here we were as the castle towered over us, a drawbridge stretching out that the guards led us across. The white alabaster walls glittered, and I ran my hand over the rough exterior. The castle rose into high peaks and towers, and statues of sirens were carved into the tower walls. I’d always loved looking at the statues, mesmerized by the detailed mermaid tails and flowing hair. Two big wooden doors opened up to the inside. As we walked across the white-marbled floor, dust smudged the ground, and I winced. I’d have hated it if someone came to my castle, leaving trails of filth everywhere. Two staircases wound up on either side of the room, the railings golden and gleaming as the sun streamed through the big windows that lined thewalls. Paintings of what I assumed were former rulers hung in between the windows.
“Come,” the guard said and led us in between the staircases and through another set of double doors, these ones golden and carved with tentacles, like an octopus had been plastered against the door and covered in gold. The doors opened and there sat a throne, Gabrielle occupying it, a crown resting on her head, auburn hair cascading down her shoulders in spiraled curls, not like the flaming red of Arrow’s or Jillian’s hair. Hers was a softer hue that reminded me of leaves turning colors in the fall. She’d always been beautiful, this glorious light that shined bright, but something immediately felt off. Her skin was paler, not like its normal golden hue, and she looked thin, too thin, like she hadn’t been eating. I wondered if this had to do with the reason the border to Apolis had been closed.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Her voice echoed around the room, which was lined with tall white pillars on either side.
The guards bowed, and the one who’d trapped us with the water cuffs stepped forward. “I’m sorry to disturb you like this, Your Majesty, but?—”
“Gabrielle!” I lurched forward, unable to help myself. “It’s me. Liliath. Princess Liliath.”
Her eyes widened, and she slowly stood, her head tilting as she studied me. She didn’t silence me, didn’t protest my words, so I continued on.
“I’m sure you know that I’ve spent that last two years imprisoned by my stepmother.” I swallowed. “She killed my father and took the throne.” I gestured to Penn, who stood right behind me, a solid wall to remind me I wasn’t alone. “This is Penn. He rescued me, and we fell in love.” I thought about the rest of our story, what we’d discussed. “We tried to go to the fire court for help, but Jasper trapped me and wanted to sell me off to be married. I once again escaped with Penn’s help, and wecame here, hoping for asylum. We need to get back to Elwen so I can fight my stepmother and take back my throne, but right now, we need food, rest, and...” My voice broke. I was tired. So, so tired of running. “I could use a friend.”
That part we hadn’t rehearsed.
Penn stiffened behind me.
Gabrielle stared at me for a moment, her mouth hanging open. Maybe she wouldn’t recognize me. Maybe Penn had made a grave error in believing she’d grant us asylum. Maybe we were about to get thrown off the cliff and into the sea like the guard had promised.
All of a sudden, Gabrielle was rushing forward and throwing her arms around me, hugging me tight. Her salty sea scent enveloped me, and she squeezed me even tighter.
“Liliath, my friend.”
I choked out a sob of relief, and the tears started flowing.
“I’m so glad you’re safe,” Gabrielle said into my hair. “When we’d heard what happened—it’s awful. I can’t believe you were betrayed like that, and I’m so sorry you lost your father in such a horrible way.”
She stepped back, and Penn took his place next to me, grabbing my hand and squeezing it. No doubt putting on a show for everyone.
“And you,” Gabrielle said to Penn. “Thank you for rescuing her. You must be incredibly brave to do such a thing. Of course we’ll grant you asylum. You can stay however long you need before you’re ready to return to Elwen.” A smile came to her face, lighting it up in that familiar way I was used to. “I never liked Jasper, by the way.”
I snorted a laugh, wiping at my tears. “Apparently you’re not the only one.”
Her gaze caught on the water still looped around our wrists and binding our hands. She twirled her hand and the watersplattered to the floor, splashing at our feet and dissipating. “I’m sorry about all this. We’re just being extra cautious lately.” She sent a sideways glance at her guards.
Before I could ask what had happened here, she clapped her hands together.
“You two must be exhausted and hungry. Let me show you to your rooms, and I’ll have food sent up.”
“Gabrielle,” I started, but she held up a hand.
“Rest, eat, and then we’ll talk.” She nodded toward the guard that had interacted the most with us, a short woman who only came up to my shoulders, stout, plump, with a serious face and her blonde hair in a tight bun. “Leoni, show them to their rooms, please, and make sure they get plenty of food.” She looked at me. “I’ll also have some fresh clothes sent up while we launder yours. We should be about the same size, and...” She studied Penn for a moment, who didn’t flinch under her hard gaze. “You’re slightly bigger than my two brothers, but my father might have some clothes that would fit you.”
She walked past us and out of the room without another word. Penn and I exchanged puzzled glances at the abrupt way she’d left, almost like she was afraid to stay any longer. Gabrielle was hiding something—I just didn’t know what.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
One room. As in singular. Gabrielle had said rooms, but it was clear Penn and I were going to be shoved into the same space together.
Leoni frowned from next to me. “Is this room not to your satisfaction? Because I’m not carting you around the castle like some tour guide, Princess.”
