The Elven King's Consort

Chapter 20: Departure

Later that night, I called on Evadne to help me get ready for the trip. We spent most of the night rearranging and shuffling through clothing and items I may or may not need. It was around three in the morning when we finally finished and allowed her to rest. As she headed to the door, I stopped her from leaving altogether.

"Evadne!" I said in a raised tone, and she paused halfway out. Turning her eyebrow raised, she silently questioned me.

"I was wondering if you would like to join me in the Elven Kingdom and continue working as my personal maid. At first, I thought I would be okay leaving with only a few guards, but now I think that I'll have to rely on that kingdom's people for my every need, which makes me slightly uncomfortable."

"Do you suspect them of something, my lady?"

"It's not entirely that. It's just it would be nice to have someone I trust, and that is familiar with me. Especially since that kingdom is so unfamiliar and different. I don't know what to expect."

"I will join you, my lady, if you wish. It would be nice to be able to travel. Thank you for thinking of me as someone that you can put your trust and faith in."

She bowed slightly, then shut the door softly after her, leaving. I stared at the door for a few moments longer. Having Evadne will bring me much comfort. From what she has shown me thus far is nothing but loyalty and commitment. She has passed every test I've given her and has never fallen short of my expectations. But I hope that by leaving and residing in another kingdom temporarily would not shake that loyalty. For now, I'll put my whole trust in her. I just hope it won't stab me in the back in the future.

Not a moment's hesitation later, I crawled into bed after shutting all the lights and blowing the candles out. Only the contained fireplace stood ablaze, not only maintaining the comfortable temperature but emitting enough light for me to see the guest room's shapes and shadows. My eyelids became heavy as soon as my head hit the pillow, and within seconds, I was fast asleep.

It was as if I had just shut my eyes when a loud, heavy knock startled me out of the deep sleep that left me unbalanced and slow to react. As if my head were to fall off my shoulders, my hand flew up, supporting it as I wobbled over to the door, but when I wrapped my fingers around the handle, it felt like a ton was tied to the opposite side, forcing me to exert every bone and muscle within my body. Was I coming down with another attack? My heart throbbed violently within my chest as the anxiety and worry erupted. This can't be happening now! I screamed internally. Not with the two guests still within these walls. Then the realization dawned on me. What if I had an attack while in the Elven Kingdom? Who would aid me? Or stab me from behind while I am at my lowest? I could have enemies without even knowing it just simply because of my background.

Swallowing hard, a ball formed within my throat, causing the itch and dryness to increase and the sides of my eyes slightly watered. A loud knock shook the door again and a vibration ran through the hard wooden material and in me, jolting me out of the endless dark rabbit hole my mind ventured into. Breathing in and opening the door, I looked up to see the young knight from when the assassin was found dead lying on my bed in the west wing a few days ago.

"Good morning, my lady. I apologize for stirring you out of bed early this morning, but the queen has asked me to gather a few guards to accompany you while traveling to the Elven Kingdom."

"Thank you, but we have yet to know when the departure will occur."

"The queen has asked me to inform you that last night, during dinner with the two honorable guests, a time and date has been scheduled for departure. Which is in a few hours, and I will be leading the group up until the enchanted forest. I've come to introduce myself and request to bring any personal items down as we finish preparations."