Till Death Do Us Part // Book Three

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Trigger Warning for this chapter // Character death/ Mention of Blood/ Potential Kidnapping//

Enjoy!

"Sophie honey," a voice asks, paired with a knock on my door. "can I come in?"

"Sure," I answer, sure that my voice was quiet enough to not be heard.

The door creaks ever so quietly open, and I can feel Edalines eyes on my back.

"The council has a message for you," she offers, letting seconds of silence fill the space before continuing. "it's a mission idea, I didn't read it but the messenger told me, so..."

I let out a sigh that's been building up in my chest, turning in my comfortable duvet to make eye contact.

Her blue eyes fill with worry.

I sit up, setting Ella on the pillow beside me, and hold out my hand.

She takes a few quick steps forwards and places the scroll in my hand.

My eyes quickly scan the message, noting times and places to meet.

"Thanks," I mutter, staring at the now rolled-up parchment for a moment longer.

But the action doesn't dismiss her presence. Edaline stands there, her foot tapping up and down in a way that always meant she was thinking.

When I looked at her face, she had he knuckles pressed to her mouth, her face almost green.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

She considers my words.

"I'm a mother. I- I mean, I suppose you wouldn't really know this, considering William is so young but..." she sits down on the bed, smoothing out her dress next to me. "How did you feel when you were at a tribunal for cheating on a final? Or when you got the Ability Restrictor for reading the King's mind?"

I turn away. Did she really have to remind me?

But the questions drag my mind elsewhere.

"I remember it like I was living it right now," I sigh. "Photographic memory isn't always a delight, but... ill. I felt scared and had these butterflies in my stomach if butterflies could be that violent."

Edaline nodded. "That's how I feel, right now. Awful feeling, I'm sure you'd agree. But... watching my daughter, my only daughter go through these things that I have no experience with is... frightening?"

She set her hand on mine, our eyes her for a moment, maybe two before she laughed sadly and turned away.

"Jolie never lived long enough to get married, or to have children." She continued. "Seeing you lay in bed and deal with the stress of the council... you're so young, I don't think I'd be prepared for that. I don't think anyone would, even the most ancient counselor there is. It's unfair to you."

I stared at her hand on mine, then at her eyes.

"I'll be down in a minute," I couldn't help but look away. How could I look into those eyes without feeling a bucket of guilt drip down my spine?

She nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Let me know how I can help."

"I will," I smiled back, giving a convincing tone to my words.

Once she was gone, I let out a sigh, falling back on the bed with my hands pressed to my heart.

I let my mind wander for a few moments, not focusing on one single thing until I thought of green eyes.