Chapter 28: Emily will do what Emily wants to do
The lunch was more than awkward. The hostility in the air especially between the king, his son and wife was so stiff I could see that even my devilish step brother was affected by it. Eloise kept her mouth shut and concentrated on the plate in front of her. She didn't seem to mind the tension. It was like our lives were such a shitshow that nothing shocked my dear mother and I anymore.
My mother barely looked at me too. It was like she retreated to a corner of her mind so far away from the worries and burden of having me as a daughter and far away from the craziness around her. It comforted me just a link bit that she had found refuge.
I felt like I owed her an apology for what I said to her earlier. I mean how hard would it be to say sorry Mama for calling you a home wrecker and a whore. Yet no matter how many times I tried to reach out to her via the mind link, I always backed out at the last minute.
"The wedding shall take place in a month's time, king Zuri" King Cole spoke to my brother even though his mouth was still filled with food.
I turned sharply to look at Zuri, like I was telling him that it wasn't what we discussed but he spoke before my deadly stare could turn into something more.
"The union will take place, your majesty but in a year's time as my sister is still a minor" Zuri said with a warm smile.
It was Waylen's turn to look at me.
(You are a minor? How old are you, Emily?) He asked via the mind link.
(Seventeen years old….I will be eighteen in a few weeks. does that make you feel better?)
(Why didn't you tell me I could go to pedo-jail for acting inappropriately with you for god's sake!)
I could see that Waylen was angry but I still wondered why. It wasn't like I asked him to kiss me or use me to get back at his stepmom/lover. But most importantly a question tugged in my head.
(How old are you exactly?!)
(I will be twenty years old by tomorrow)
(Geez, I almost thought you were a million years old. Relax, age of consent in Zolcovia is seventeen) I told him before going back to my food.
My brother and the king of Zolcovia discussed a few details about our impending nuptials like we weren't even in the room and Waylen, all but ignored both of them just like I did.
"Emily is welcome to stay here in Zolcovia until she is old enough to marry the crown prince" King Cole demanded from Zuri.
I looked up sharply.
They can't seriously take away the little freedom I had left, can they?
Zuri didn't seem to mind one bit, even when I was on the verge of breaking a sweat or when my eyes searched for escape but found none but just when I thought I was done for, I heard the table vibrate.
Eloise had slammed her hand on it.
"I need both of you to hear me…Emily will be doing whatever Emily wants to do for the said one year, is that understood. Great, Thanks"
I almost clasped my palm over my mouth in shock while Waylen didn't bother suppressing his amusement at the whole thing.
Mom went back to eating like she didn't just tell the most powerful monarchs on this side of the continent to shove it. I felt proud and emotional but most importantly, I felt protected.
(Your mother is a badass)
Waylen dropped his fork and spoon before he stood up.
"Do you want to get out of here?" He offered his hand to me. I could see the visibly shock on his father's face and the warning on Zuri's face. I knew I would be in trouble if I went with him but the only way to get what I came here for was to take his hand.
"Don't be a sheep, Emily Williamson" Waylen told me.
(Emily, stay put. We don't want to get on Williamson's bad side, dear child)
(I am sorry, Mama. I have to do this. If I don't then we are screwed for real)
I could see the realization on my mother's face. It was slowly dawning on her what I plan to do.
(You are going to regret this, Emily. For the rest of your life, you will regret this)
(Maybe…but it sure beats having a constant reminder of the worst moment of my life starring me in the face every minute of the day. It beats raising it and hating it because of Owen. Sorry Mama)
I stood up and took Waylen's hand.
"I am not a sheep, Waylen Xavier"
(No, you are not. Now run)
Waylen grabbed my hand and we took off.
For wolves it was like taking in a breath of fresh air.