Crown and Cloak

Chapter 6

Aoife

Sitting in this enclosure with hardly any light was getting old very quickly. The coldness of the cuff on my wrist was a constant reminder of how limited I was. Without magic, I was forced to hide in this dry cave. I was nothing. I was powerless in every sense of the word. Erik had brought me my favorite teacakes from the cafeteria, but there was a high chance that he didn't know they were my favorite, so I tried not to read into it.

This was a partnership after all and I would have to eat. Perhaps that was hs way of offering an olive branch. Erik still confused me, We would have moments when in the back of my mind, i thought maybe we could end up aas friends.

Or at least unlikely allies. But there was always a cloud over him, overcasting what we could be with the facade he sported. There was so mucha bout him i didnt and likely would never know.

Perhaps i had to deal with that.

I had, however, decided to take it as a sign of goodwill. We weren't spending our time spouting insults and jabs at each other, which was a start. We'd shared a few laughs, and now we had a plan. A temporary one that would get me out from under the annoyingly watchful eye of the king and allow us to plan our next move.

Footsteps echoed off the hollow walls, and I once again sat upright as Erik came into view. He all but threw my travel crate on the ground as he scowled at me. "Did Teryn not agree?" It would be odd if she did. As far as I know, she was desperate to clear my name, and if I knew Teryn, she'd help in any way she could.

"She did." Oh. He paced the dirt floor, one hand burning a hole in his pocket. "Why are you pacing the floor like you've been sentenced to death? Did your father find us out?" His steps faltered at the word 'us', and his movements ceased altogether. He pulled out one of my neckbands, brows furrowed expectantly. "How long have you had this?" There was venom in his tone, seething from every word and landing true right in my chest. It made me return his scowl. " It's just jewelry." That seemed to enrage him more. Erik's eyes darkened in a way that surprised and slightly shocked me. "You think you are so smart, Witchling."

"It's just a neckband. Why is it suddenly so important? I've worn it a hundred times before." Erik seemed taken aback, and his arms stiffened at his sides. He stood still for a moment before setting the piece of jewelry on the center table.

"You have your garments. We will proceed as planned, and once we are out, our deal still stands."

"Obviously."

"We catch the witch first." Erik's words almost didn't register. "What? Why?" His eyes wouldn't meet mine even as I tilted my head to find them. "She takes precedent. Any personal endeavors you may or may not have can wait. The Great Witch is a danger to all four kingdoms, and as Auris' prince, it is my duty to put my people first. I cannot afford the distraction it could potentially be from my mission." The words sounded rehearsed and strained, like it took everything in his just to speak. "Fine."

He turned to the path that served as the exit and the entrance before pausing. "I'm actually glad Beor forced you to wear that cuff. If not, I would never have known how much manipulation you were capable of." Then Erik walked out.

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Erik continues to be a pain in the ass. Today marks two weeks in this damp and darkened hell. Teryn forced him to work with her on a schedule so i could be able to get food and supplies when needed without getting caught. Ever since that day he found my neckband he looks as if he wants to strangle me. I dont know what is going on with him but it needs to stop. There's too much at stake for both of us for him to let his emotions get tangled in this. Erik told me we are putting or focus on finding The Great Witch but i refuse to abandon my investigation so quickly. He has no care for it or for me which shouldnt get to me as much as it does.