The Last Daughter of Elysia

Chapter 12

The following day, Morgana had decided to go to the East Wing, a part of the castle that was barred to visitors. For the past fifty years it had been under renovations, or so Morgana had been led to believe until she'd asked Damon a few years ago, during breakfast, when the renovations would be complete.

He'd said, "Don't say anything but there's no renovations. It's a lie to keep the public out of the East Wing. You can go there, but don't go below the first floor because that's where the vaults are."

"What's in the vaults?"

"Dangerous things that we keep locked up for the safety of everyone." Damon had glanced at the clock on the wall and bolted out of his chair. "I've got to go. I'm late for the council meeting." Then he'd rushed out of the dining room and left a shocked Morgana behind.

Now, Morgana wove through the silent and dusty corridors of the East Wing with a book tucked under her arm. It was a place that was filled with empty rooms and cracked floors. Weeds had climbed the crumbling walls like strangling vines. The air was musty because the place hadn't been cleaned in years. If there were any stragglers who came upon the East Wing at least it held up the ruse that it needed renovations.

Morgana paused in front of a pair of intricate oak doors. It was a room that she often went to for peace and quiet, especially if she didn't want to be disturbed by the Golah family. She pushed the doors open with a creak, and her silvery sandals padded over the burgundy carpet. A rusty chandelier full of cobwebs dangled overhead. Dusty and worn furniture dotted the space, as if it was a dumping place for decor that Larania didn't want. Pale light filtered through the grimy windows, and there were bookcases lining the walls. The dust tickled Morgana's nose and she sneezed. But that didn't deter her from sitting down on a moth-eaten sofa to read.

A couple of peaceful hours passed until Morgana heard footsteps echoing down the corridor. She sat up, placed her book down, and tiptoed to the door. She frowned, Damon and Erik were supposed to be in meetings all day. So, who was in this restricted part of the castle? Morgana cracked the door ajar and peered through the open space.

Her eyes were round as she swung the door wide. "What are you doing here?"

Prince Caliath paused midstride, and Morgana's stomach fluttered. She'd almost forgotten how handsome the Aeperian Prince was. A bronze crown was on his dark hair, and he wore a black suit with a burgundy jacket made of velvet. He looked so elegant, mysterious, and out of place in this disused part of the castle.

They stared at each other for a long moment.

Then Caliath swept into a bow, wafting hyacinth. "Lady Morgana, my apologies, but I got lost on my way to my carriage."

Morgana noted that there were no guards escorting Prince Caliath which was odd. She curtseyed. "Your Highness, visitors aren't allowed in this part of the castle."

"I wasn't aware of that. I apologize again."

Morgana shut the door behind her, mind racing. "It's okay. Sorry for being so blunt but you surprised me. I wasn't expecting to see anyone here."

"My father and I had a trade meeting with Golah Council." Caliath smiled. "How have you been?"

Morgana swallowed and placed a hand over her belly, as if the wound was still fresh from the night Caliath had saved her. "I've been well. Thanks to you for saving me that night."

"I've thought about you since then."

Morgana's heart stuttered.

He's been thinking about me?

"I left you on your own without knowing if you'd be okay. I should've stayed with you, but I couldn't risk anyone seeing us together."

Oh. "Why couldn't you risk someone seeing us?"