The Stains of the Crown

Chapter Twenty Eight

Trigger warnings: mentions of forced starvation, mild dissociation, suicidal ideation.

Delilah hobbles to the stables on crutches. Technically speaking, it was stealing. The crutches had been purchased under the queens name. But the legality didn't, couldn't matter to either of us. We'd both been itching to get out, and if stealing was the way we could make that happen, we were more than willing to do it.

I wanted to sneak out to avoid having to take guards, but Delilah reminds me that neither of us is fit for a fight. So while we avoid telling my mates, I get Jaca to round up a few guards that would keep what we were doing a secret unless specifically asked. I couldn't handle my mates asking to come right now.

"I just realized, I have no idea how I'm going to climb onto this horse," Delilah says.

"Dumbass," I snicker. She sticks her tongue out at me. "I can't lift you, but maybe one of the guards can. Or... Sybil can come, if you want her to." She glances at me for a moment.

"As much as I appreciate the offer, I don't think that's the best idea right now." I roll my eyes.

"I'm not gonna hurt her," I say adamantly. She sighs, shaking her head.

"I'm not worried about that." She sighs. "Since you came back, since you went missing, really, things have been tense between us. I know she didn't know what he was gonna do, but... I think if I wasn't her mate, and if you weren't my best friend, she would've gone through with helping him." I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck.

"She was trying to help her brother," I say, though my tone is non-committal. Almost unsure.

"I know," she sighs. "I just... I just don't think our moral codes match." She looks down in what can only be described as shame. "I've been thinking about rejecting her." I stare in shock.

"Delilah," I pause, "if you're doing this because of me, don't-"

"You're my best friend, Echo."

"And she's your mate," I argue. "The day we met, I heard you talking to Lania about how badly you wanted a mate. And I saw your hurt when I found Finley. You've wanted a mate forever, and I'm sorry, but if you reject her because of me, I'll never speak to you again."

"Oh, please. You couldn't go two weeks without talking to me," she jokes sadly. She sighs before continuing. "It's more than just the fact that it was you she was going to do that to. It's the fact she was willing to do it at all. She didn't know his intentions, and she still agreed to spy on you for him."

"She wanted to save her brothers life. Lania kidnapped me to save Lilah. But you're not mad at Lania, right?"

"It's different-"

"No, it's not. Mazus would've hurt Lilah, killed her even. Sybil's brother can't even leave the hospital yet. I hear him sometimes, screaming in pain. Whatever has him sick like that, I'm betting it's torture, and I'm betting it could kill him. The only way for her to help him was by paying for him to be in the hospital. I'm betting Mazus's offer would've covered it." I sigh again. "I just think that some situations force people to choose between their morals and the people they love. And I think you should forgive her for choosing someone she loves." She hums. She's about to speak when Jaca and five other guards enter the stables.

"Are you two ready to go?" Delilah grins sheepishly.

"I hate to ask, but can you help me onto my horse?" Jaca nods. I watch them get Delilah situated before attempting to climb onto Sterling. My body screams in protest, but I finally make it into the saddle.

"Struggling?" Delilah asks with a teasing little grin.

"Hey, at least I could do it without help," I tease back. She laughs. The guards get onto their horses, and I lead the way to the village. No one says anything until we're on the outskirts of the village. Then Jaca pulls her horse next to mine.