Maybe the Queen will recognize me…maybe she will be forgiving?
But what would I say? That I was following my mysterious boyfriend and had no intention of entering the Center? Like anyone would believe it. Despite the hours of being held here, I drew up blank when it came to any good excuses.
Torrin handed me a tray of food: a sandwich, an apple, a pastry, and a glass of water. I frowned and looked up at him.
“Seems like a good meal for a prisoner,” I muttered.
“Here,” he said, handing me a piece of parchment. I took it, and he gave me a quill and a lidded ink pot. “I will obviously read whatever you wish to have sent out.”
I hesitated. What do I say? If I told her I was taken prisoner, she would not be any calmer. But if I said nothing and were put to death, she would never forgive me. Still, I couldn’t risk her coming here and using her magic to free me.
“What are the odds I am to be put to death?” I whispered.
Torrin raised a brow. “You won’t be put to death unless you try something reckless. Like bashing yourself against walls to break free, things of that sort.”
My frown deepened. “Imprisonment?”
He crossed his arms. “I don’t know what your punishment will be.”
I looked down at the paper and began to write.
Mother,
I have met Quill’s family. I accidentally stayed past curfew, and they kindly offered to let me stay at their home until tomorrow. Please don’t worry. I will see you in the morning.
Love, Lena
I handed the note back to Torrin, who read over my letter. I told him where my home was and watched as he called a guard to deliver my message.
“I will have this sent,” he promised. “Rest up, Lena.”
I blinked at the use of my name and looked down with tearful eyes as I ate my food.
“Lena?”
My eyes couldn’t open, but I was relieved to hear the voice. I felt more awake than I had in the past when we communicated.
Kayin, is that you?
“What have you gotten yourself into?”She was light-hearted in her comment, which annoyed me.
I am in a prison cell, if you must know.
“Sneaking off to see your lover?”
I felt my face frown.
How do you know of him?
“I know many things, and I know you need not worry. You will be fine tomorrow.”
Hope bloomed in my chest. But still …
How could you possibly know that?
“Trust me. Try and sleep well, Lena.”
Morning came, and Torrin briefly said, "Good morning," as he fetched me from my cell. He didn’t speak as I was led up another set of stone steps, these ones leading to the main part of the castle. My eyes felt swollen, just like the many other times in my life when I had cried myself to sleep.
