A Usurper's Cause (Book #4)

Chapter Nine

Two Months Earlier

Eldon grunted and fell over, curling into himself as he processed the sharp and shooting pain in his ribs. His bones felt like they rattled from the various jabs and kicks. As usual, he expected the ache to subside after a moment—that his magic would ease it almost immediately. But that didn't happen.

"How are you feeling?" asked Godwin.

Eldon gritted his teeth and snarled up at him. Then he grimaced when he focused on the throbbing in his right side again. It really wasn't going away this time...

"It still hurts?" Godwin almost sounded concerned, like he hadn't been the cause. He inched closer and kneeled in front of Eldon, chuckling to himself. "It seems it is finally working then. For a while there, I truly believed your magic would keep you safe from the poison's effects, but it seems my increase of doses is becoming too much for your power now."

Eldon carefully sat upright, avoiding Godwin's eyes. His head felt heavy, and his stomach wouldn't quit turning. That was his new normal, though. Being forced fed poisoned porridge every two days a week with the occasional poison-free bread was doing wonders for him.

"What're you gonna do with me?" he hissed, clutching his side that was finally beginning to feel a little less sore.

"Do you honestly want me to spoil the surprise for you?" Godwin shook his head. "Oh, no. You will have to be patient, Eldon. I have to perfect it first. You have nothing to worry about, though. I haven't touched a hair on that infuriating woman's head..." He paused as he stood and snickered. "Yet."

Eldon growled under his breath and tried lunging toward him. Godwin held him down with his magic.

"Not so fast," he scolded. "You need to learn to quit being so defensive over her. Honestly, the two of you hear one negative thing about the other and you're prepared to start a war." He released Eldon and walked away.

Eldon exhaled slowly, his anger dissipating as thoughts of Elouise flooded his mind. He situated himself against the boulder and bit down on his tongue. "I just wanna see her again."

"What was that?"

He closed his hands tightly and glared up at Godwin. "I wanna see her again. Just let me see her one last time and I'll—"

"How many times have we gone over this, Eldon?" Godwin snapped. "Seeing her again will only weaken you further. You will not want to do as I say after saying goodbye to her."

Eldon opened his mouth, prepared to counter that, except he couldn't deny the truth. He sighed and lowered his shoulders as his vision blurred.

"You will see her again," murmured Godwin. "That I do promise you. Under what circumstances, however, I cannot say. Now then, I've had enough of this for today. I will leave you be. Do not miss me too much. I shall return in the morning!" He chuckled a bit maniacally and disappeared.

Eldon sucked in a harsh breath and lifted his shirt, exposing his bare skin to the bitterness of the cave's air. Faint purple blotches covered his side.

Bruises.

He'd never had an actual bruise before.

Eldon lowered his shirt and reached up for the pearl ring still around his neck. He clutched it as he closed his eyes. It was the only way he could find some comfort and will to fall asleep. He couldn't help wondering where Ellie was right now, what she was doing, and how she was handling everything.

And Henry.

It made him sick with worry—sicker than that porridge—to think of Henry's state of mind.