Elara descended the cold, narrow stairs of the dungeons, her two guards trailing behind her. The faint torchlight flickered against the damp stone walls, illuminating the cell she sought. Her heart sank as she recognized it—the second cell, just steps away from where she herself had once been held captive.
She inhaled deeply, forcing calm into her veins as the weight of everything crashing around her threatened to pull her under.
Darius wasn't in the cell, though he had promised to meet her. She hadn't yet made her decision regarding his proposal, but that wasn't the reason for her haste in leaving her chambers. No , she was here because she feared for Given—feared what they might do to him, or worse, what they might force him to consume.
She couldn't afford another loss .
The memory of the guard's words clawed at her thoughts, their weight heavy and unrelenting: She has issued the orders for everyone to be served the tea that erases their memories .
Why ? Why would a Queen issue such an order ? Why would she ? The question burned in her mind more fiercely than even the loss of her own memories and the fact that they weren't making any progress of returninb . But she couldn't dwell on it now. For now, she needed Given. The only man she could trust.
As she approached the cell, she heard the faint murmur of voices.
"Your Majesty. " the guard stationed at the entrance said, bowing to her as she stared at the guard and Queen Mother inside excahnging words .
Elara focused , her ears straining to catch the words being exchanged inside. But when the Queen Mother emerged fully, her frosty presence filled the corridor like a tangible force. Elara straightened her shoulders, knowing this would not be a simple conversation.
"Your Grace," Elara greeted, bowing her head respectfully.
"Your Majesty," the Queen Mother replied curtly, her scowl firmly in place.
"I came to have a civilized conversation," Elara began, her tone calm but resolute.
The Queen Mother's lips curved into a faint, mocking smile. "How civilized of you. I assume you're here for your right hand?"
"That, too," Elara replied, her smile faint and fleeting. "I came for him."
"You wish to beg for his innocence?"
"Not beg," Elara corrected, her tone sharpening. "Demand."
The Queen Mother raised a brow. "That cannot happen, Your Majesty. Not until tomorrow, when the court convenes with every lord, lady, and noble present."
Elara stood firm. "He has the right to be free. What you're doing here is not justice—it's torture. Release him at once, and he will attend the trial tomorrow as promised."
"The law—"
"He is not a criminal, Your Grace," Elara interrupted, though she quickly dipped her head in apology. "Forgive me, but Given is my right hand. I will fight for him, starting now. This does not need to escalate into something worse. He has been injured by you , and that is treason against yourself , Your Grace . He holds a higher rank than anyone here save for myself. Let us handle this with understanding, not hostility."
The Queen Mother stepped closer, her narrowed eyes blazing. "Are you threatening me, Your Majesty?"
Elara barely had time to respond when hurried footsteps interrupted them. Both women turned as Morgana rushed into the dungeons. "Your Majesty. Your Grace." Morgana bowed quickly before focusing on the Queen Mother. "Princess Lyric is in critical condition."
The Queen Mother's scowl shifted into panic. Without another word, she rushed up the stairs, barking frantic questions at Morgana as they ascended the staircase .
The Queen Mother's scowl shifted into panic . Without another word , she rushed up the staircase. "What?" she questioned Morgana in a frantic tone as they ascended the staircase , but before Morgana could respond, the Queen's voice rang through the dungeons, sharp and commanding.
"I will be taking my right hand, Your Grace," Elara declared, her voice unwavering. "And until tomorrow, we shall all meet to discuss this matter like civilized people. There will be no court meeting held . This is a closed matter, one that can be handled among us. It's a family matter."
The last words gnawed at the Queen Mother, her steps faltering for the briefest of moments. But she didn't turn back, urgency driving her forward as she followed Morgana up the staircase to see her granddaughter.
Below, in the dimly lit dungeons, Elara's gaze turned to the guards. Her expression was steely, her authority unquestionable. "Take him out. Now."
The guards hesitated, their loyalty split between the Queen Mother and the Queen standing before them. But they moved quickly, their fear of Elara's wrath outweighing their doubt.
As Given's weakened form was carried from the cell, Elara stood tall, her fists clenched at her sides. 'This is treason , Your Grace' she murmured, almost to herself, but her words echoed with quiet power. 'Harming him , a trusted member of my court , is a betrayed to the Crown itself .'
She followed the guards, her heart heavy with the weight of her next battles. No matter what lay ahead, she vowed, she would not let the twisted politics of this kingdom destroy the only man she could trust .