I gave a pleading expression to Elowen, not wanting her to leave me alone. She placed a hand on my shoulder.
“It will be okay, Lena,” she whispered. She looked at Silas with a fury I had never seen on her face. “If you lay a hand on her, I will let Edmund die.”
Silas blinked in surprise, then bowed. “You have my word.”
It was strange, almost like little bits of Silas from before was starting to peak through.
It must be an act.
Hendry hesitated, then led Elowen out, leaving Silas and me alone. I stepped off the bed, fire now emitting from my palm.
“Not a step closer,” I hissed as he neared me.
He froze in his steps. “I need you to know I wouldneverhave someone do that to you. Or anyone.”
“Right. I suppose burning at the stake is far more compassionate,” I said coldly.
He glowered. “We don’t do it that way anymore,” he gritted out.
We shared a moment of silence. I didn’t think he knew what to say.
“Why did you come to my cell?” I questioned. “Did my screams wake you?”
“I was coming to—” He sighed through his nose. “I was coming to apologize for earlier.”
“Apologize?”
“For putting my hands on you,” he said quietly.
I frowned, the fire surrounding my hand burning brighter. “Seems like something you and your men have in common.”
I was surprised to see hurt shine in his golden eyes. “I am angry, Lena. Very fucking angry.”
He took a step forward, and my flames flared. He froze in place.
“I desperately need to find the Weapon, Lena. My kingdom depends on it.” His eyes trailed over me, his gaze softer than before. “But regardless, even though you are my enemy, I do not wish to hurt you.” He gave me a pained expression. “And I certainly would never order anyone hurt you like…like they did. Would never support that towards anyone.”
I blinked and then closed my fist, the fire disappearing. “Your soldiers look up to you and serve you, Silas. What you do to people like me…why would…” I felt bile rise in my throat. “Why would rape be crossing the line?”
A look came across his face like he finally understood me. But he was clearly still conflicted.He just shook his head.
“You will need to give me time…but I’m letting you go,” he said softly.
I blinked over and over. Surely, I heard him wrong. “What?”
“I’ll find a way that we can sneak you out of here. Edmund still needs multiple days of healing, so it should be simple. Your mother can leave with you.”
I shook my head. “I’m not leaving my people. Either we are all freed, or I’m staying,” I argued.
His brows drew together. “I cannot just let everyone go, Lena.”
“Why not? You’re the Prince!” I yelled, throwing my arms up.
“Exactly!” he shouted. “I am just the Prince. I, like all my men, follow the King’s orders.”
“You’re telling me none of your men followyou?”
He paused, jaw clenching. “Not enough,” he said quietly.
