Mother and I made it to the front of the castle, where we waited to be escorted. To my dismay, it was Torrin who was our chauffeur this time.
Just great.
He gave us both a nod, then started walking, us following close behind him. Mother and I exchanged words about how much fun we had, how beautiful the Queen looked, and how handsome Silas was. Mother had asked Torrin how he enjoyed the party. It turned out she completely missed our dance together as she was focused on the attractive stranger to whom she spoke. Torrin merely said,“As good as it could be for a guard.”
Time went by quickly, and when we reached our home, Torrin spoke.
“Lena, may I speak with you?”
I froze, then turned to him, nodding.
“I’ll give you two some privacy,” Mother said in the awkwardness, then went inside.
We stood in silence for a moment, my pathetic ass unable to make eye contact with him. I noticed his fingertips nervously dancing on his thigh before he spoke.
“I’m sorry for prying into your mind,” he said softly. “I…I feel better knowing what people are actually thinking, not merely guessing at it. I suppose I have grown comfortable with us communicating that way.” His voice sounded…sad. I met his eyes.
And he did honestly look remorseful, though it wasn’t his fault. I enjoyed our way of communicating up until I had a thought I wish I hadn’t had. We had been conversing just fine until then.
“Tell me what you’re thinking,” he pleaded, and my stupid heart fluttered.
“I…I think I have growntooclose to you,” I whispered, and his eyebrows drew together. “I love Silas—”
“I know you do.”
“And I realize my feelings for you have become…” I hesitated. “Complicated.”
Torrin’s eyes widened, and his cheeks flushed. I was in love with Silas. Wanted only Silas. But I couldn’t deny the attraction I had for Torrin. I hated that I felt this way.
“I don’t need you giving me shit or making fun of me,” I said more bitterly than I intended. “I just…I just need some space.”
He blinked a few times, a frown now on his face, before looking down and nodding. We were silent for a few more moments.
Finally, he brought those beautiful brown eyes up to meet mine. “I understand. Sleep well, Lena.”
I just stared at him as he walked back to the castle, and my heart sank for creating distance between me and my friend.
“Lena.”
The voice startled me, and my eyes shot open.
Talk about a rude awakening.
My eyes went to my clock—1:15 a.m. Earlier than usual for her.
Kayin's voice trembled as she spoke.“Change is coming, Lena—horrible, awful change. Find Torrin in two days. In the night. Go to Ames.”
My stomach dropped, and panic overtook me as I sat up in my bed.
What? Leave Otacia? Why?
Her voice was quieter than usual. “Torrin will help with what needs to be done. When it is time to leave, find him. He will ensure you make it to Ames safely.”
What the fuck was she talking about?
What needs to be done? What is going to happen?
Silence.
