The Chronicles of Ilani the Elf Queen

Chapter Four

told Elizabeth the truth about me and Oliver after we went below deck for the night.

"So you're his sister?" she asked softly, as if she was afraid of me confirming it.

"Yes, I am."

"Why did you not tell me this before?" I could hear the hurt in her voice, and each word was like a stab to the chest.

"It would only cause you pain. There was no reason to believe that you would meet again." I looked down at the floor. "I'm sorry."

She nodded. "What about Jackson? What's the story between you two?"

"Like I said above deck, he and I are betrothed. It was completely our parent's idea. I wish I didn't have to marry him."

"Why?"

"I do not love him," I said. "I want to marry for love, not some stupid rule my parents made before they died."  

"Well, your parents are dead now, can't you break that rule?"

"No, they placed a spell on both of us. We have to be married officially by my 22nd birthday, or else we both die."

"Weren't you 19 when you came to the castle? Your birthday can't be that far away."

"It's in seven months."

"Your parents were harsh. Why would they want you to get married that badly?"

"I don't know," I sighed. "I guess I'll never find out, will I?"

"No," she said sadly. "I guess not."

"Well," I stood up. "It's time to get you ready for bed."

"Alright," Elizabeth replied. I could see tears trickling out from underneath her blindfold. I sighed once again and enveloped her in a hug.

"Don't cry for me dear. I'll live through this, and so will you."

She wiped away the tears from her face, and pulled away from me. "I know. But it's hard sometimes."

"I know," I whispered. "I know."

...

I watched the sun rise from the deck of the ship.

"Did you sleep at all last night?" A voice asked behind me. I stiffened, reaching for one of my knives.

"Jackson."

"Ilani." He walked over to stand beside me. "It's beautiful, isn't it? The way the sun reflects off the water?"

I nodded. "I've never seen the sunrise on the sea before."

He laughed softly. "I've seen it too many times to count, and it still takes my breath away." He paused. "Just like you."

"Jackson, I-" he rose a hand to quiet me.

"I know you don't feel the same way, yet. I will not give up hope that your feelings toward me will change."

I looked at him sadly. "Your hope is ill founded. I do not think that I will ever be able to love you."

"I still will hope, and pray." He said defiantly. "I won't give up."

"Foolish man."

"I know."

We finished watching the sun rise in silence, standing side by side. My hand never left the hilt of my knife.

This man who said he loved me was a killer.