Elysia spent the day consumed by restless emotions. Her attempts to distract herself by reading proved futile as her mind wandered, unable to focus on the words in front of her. Her gaze drifted to the window, tears streaming down her cheeks. The ache of Azrael's absence weighed heavily on her, deepening her heartbreak.
She sighed, closing the book and leaning her head back against the wall. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts, and hope flickered in her chest. But it quickly faded when Helena entered the room, carrying a basket. "Good afternoon, my lady," Helena greeted, while disappointment dulled Elysia's fleeting optimism.
"Good afternoon, Helena. How have you been?" Elysia asked, offering a polite smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"I have been very well, my lady. I came to return your dresses and to share some good news," Helena replied, placing the basket gently on the floor before stepping closer.
"Good news? And what might that be?" Elysia questioned, her brows furrowing slightly as she regarded Helena with a mixture of curiosity.
Helena's cheeks flushed a deep red, and she murmured, "I... I will just show you," extending her hand toward Elysia. A stunning golden jewel gleamed on her ring finger.
"Dear goodness! You are getting married!" Elysia exclaimed, spinning around with joy.
Helena gave a shy smile. "Yes, George asked me to marry him last week," she said, withdrawing her hand and resting it on her lap.
Elysia wrapped her hands around her friend's shoulders, pulling her in a tight hug. "Congratulations Helena. I am so happy for you, this is great news indeed." She pulled around to look at Helena who was also smiling from ear to ear.
"Thank you, Elysia. I'm so happy to share this with you. I never imagined George would propose marriage so soon. We have only been courting for a few months," Helena explained, her voice tinged with excitement.
"My dear, it does not matter how long you have been courting," Elysia replied with a warm smile. "The man knows what he wants, and he did the honorable thing. He respects you so much that he did not want to risk your reputation or cause a scandal."
"Well, I suppose so. I have informed my family, and they will be hosting a small engagement party tomorrow evening," Helena said with a soft smile. "I know you can't come, but you must promise to attend the wedding whenever it happens."
Elysia chuckled lightly. "Of course, I will."
The two women continued chatting, their conversation brimming with excitement as Helena shared stories about her soon-to-be husband, their plans, and her happiness.
It was nighttime when Helena finally decided to leave and return to her chambers, leaving Elysia alone. After having dinner, Elysia changed into her nightdress and laid in bed, waiting for Azrael to return. Sleep eventually overtook her.
When she opened her eyes the next morning, sunlight poured into the room, the sky clear and serene. Turning to her side, she noticed that Azrael's side of the bed remained untouched. He hadn't returned to their chamber last night.
Elysia swallowed hard, her throat tight as unshed tears threatened to fall. Rising from the bed, she went about her usual routine, though her movements were heavy with sadness. Skipping both breakfast and lunch, her appetite had completely vanished.
Sitting before the dresser, she ran a brush through her hair when the sound of the door opening caught her attention. Turning slightly, she saw Azrael step inside. His brown trousers and white shirt clung to his damp figure, his wet, disheveled hair indicating he had just come from a bath.
"I was informed you returned your breakfast and lunch to the kitchen," Azrael's voice resonated through the room, steady and calm.
Elysia pressed her lips tightly together, avoiding his gaze. "I have no appetite. When I am hungry, I'll request food. Thank you for your concern," she replied, her tone composed, proud of how steady her voice remained.
"Very well," Azrael responded, his piercing gaze fixed on her. "I was worried you might be starving yourself." His words lingered, heavy with an undertone of worry.
"You have nothing to worry about. I have no reason to starve myself. As I said, I'll eat when I feel hungry," she replied, rising from the chair. She moved to the couch where her book lay and picked it up, feigning interest in the pages, though it was difficult to ignore the King's piercing gaze.
Azrael's voice broke the silence. "So, you are going to sit there pretending to read while I stand here?" His tone carrying amusement.
"I am not pretending to read. I plan to read my book without any distractions," Elysia said, her eyes fixed firmly on the pages.
A small smile tugged at Azrael's lips. "Can you tell me what you are eading? I would like to know."
"You can always read the book once I'm done, since you are suddenly interested in it," Elysia replied. When she noticed he was about to respond, she closed the book, picked up her shawl, and placed the book on the table beside him. "If you have more questions, you can read it yourself. I'll be heading out for a walk."
As she walked past him, Azrael caught her arm, pulling her so she was standing in front of him. His eyes softening, "I know you are angry at me, and I have wronged you. I am sorry I ignored you. I just needed time to think. Please, forgive me, Elysia."
Tears welled in her eyes. She should have felt relieved by his apology, but instead, anger bubbled up inside her. "You never explained what angered you. You shut me out, refused to see me, and didn't come back last night as if it was I did something wrong to you. When I woke up yesterday, I saw the cold and dark look in your eyes. You spoke to me as if I were your enemy." A tear fell from her eye. "Did you think a simple apology would fix everything you have done?" Elysia pulled away from his grip. "I will leave you to your thoughts, Your Majesty," she said, bowing before walking out and closing the door behind her.