Kingdom of isolation - you can't hide

Thirty Three - Dual POVs

Aurora

If there's ever been a room full of tense people, this would be it. Waiting for the devil himself to arrive is good practice for the nerves. Mama hasn't left my side since morning, fawning over me with so much love and care, as though I'll disappear at any moment. She might be right, I don't know what's going to happen today. What I do know is that no one in this room will go down without a fight. Which has me worrying about Papa and his promise that's at the forefront of my mind. As I watch him pace the length of the room, dressed in his finest suit, there's a nagging feeling that I know what he's planning on doing, and that's just not going to happen. Mama caresses my arm soothingly, easing some of my nerves. My right hand bruised up pretty bad last night and still hurts so I've kept it wrapped up in bandages. This morning, when Mama asked me what the hell had happened, I simply told her the truth—and she wasn't happy. But a busted hand is the least of my concerns.

"Aunt Bella is nice." I blurt. Mama scrunches her nose, smiling ruefully.

"How did she and Uncle Elijah become a thing? He's such an intimidating man and Aunt Bella seems like such a sweet person."

I can't envision a version of them being together that doesn't involve him kidnapping her and holding her hostage or something.

"This might be hard to believe, but Eli could be quite persuasive and charming when he wanted to."

As if suddenly interested in our conversation, Papa stops pacing and turns to watch us both on the sofa, his eyes glittering with slight amusement despite the tense situation.

"Your mama personally knows that man's wicked charms. Isn't that right, Thea?"

"Oh..it's a long story. One she doesn't need to know." She laughs, her cheeks tinged with a pink hue. Oh, my god. What was that? I look over at Papa who has this knowing smile on his face, then back at Mama who's literally blushing under his stare. My heart swells at the adorable sight. Progress. Yes!

"Don't do this to yourself, Rory. Let me handle this." Caspian says for the umpteenth time from across the room, glaring daggers my way and anyone brave enough to look at him. I stick my tongue out in annoyance, refusing to give him any attention today. After trying his hardest to keep me in my room, he finally came around to letting me stay. I don't think he had much say in the matter to begin with. He's been sulking about it for hours, the little loser.

"For the last time, enough. I have to do this." I say in exasperation.

"I'm not on board with this, I just want to clarify that if it isn't clear already."

"Brother, please shut up." I rub my temples, trying to ease the headache starting to build.

"Cut it out, the both of you! Bickering like you're fucking toddlers, read the room you idiots!" Uncle Noah reprimands from the hallway. Both Ian and I turn to stare at our uncle in unison, annoyed by his tone. He's one to talk. I scoff, refusing to get down to his level.

"Look who's talking." I hiss, waging my finger at him. There are no levels here. We're all equally hypocritical.

"Neither you or Rory will do anything, alright?" Papa's voice is thunderous in the empty space.

"Your majesty, the guests have arrived."

Oscar, one of our staff members, announces. I hear Caspian inhale sharply before standing up abruptly.

Don't panic. Don't panic. You've got this, Aurora. You can do this. It's starting to become a daily affirmation of sorts for me as I wipe my clammy hands down the length of my dress and stand on my shaky legs. It takes great effort to move my limbs forward, every fiber of my being screaming at me to hide somewhere. It's been a hot minute since I last saw him in person but his astounding presence has, unfortunately, left its mark on me.