A Queen's Sacrifice (Book #5)

Chapter Eighteen

Although she despised having to sneak around her own home so much, Elouise was at least thankful it wasn't a strange place. Ducking behind corners would be far more infuriating in a building with an unknown layout.

"But a challenge makes it more interesting," Haven would likely say.

Elouise held her breath and pressed her back against the wall, as if she could simply sink into it. She listened to the clanking metal echoing throughout the corridor leading to the throne room. Then it stopped, and she heard a soft sigh.

"Your Highness," the soldier greeted.

Elouise rolled her eyes. Godwin.

"I get a sense there is something amiss," Godwin said.

"The mess has been... everything is cleaned."

Elouise peeked over. She merely got a glimpse of Godwin's back, but she stayed like that.

"You have a worrisome look on your face," Godwin pointed out. Then he snickered. "Oh, I understand, nobody would like to spend their day surrounded by charred remains."

"No... no, Your Highness," the soldier responded. His breath trembled when he exhaled. "Why were there so many? How did it happen?" There was an unmistakable crack in his voice.

Elouise withdrew, furrowing her brows.

"There are questions you are always better off staying curious about," Godwin answered.

There was a short pause that followed, tempting Elouise to look again. Yet she didn't dare to move until she knew they were gone. And then the soldier sharply inhaled.

"What did he do to them, Your Highness?" he spat. "What did that monster do?"

Godwin clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. "That is your king you speak so ill of."

"He is nothing to me. You should be king. You are the rightful heir! This is not right. Why do you support this?"

Elouise shook her head.

"I never wanted to be king," Godwin said. "It is a burden, and I would rather Udolf carry that. I can still be in my home like this. I have nothing to complain about."

She wanted to groan. She hardly knew anything about her uncle, but what she did know was he would've given that exact answer. Which meant one thing: her uncle had spent a lot of time with Inferum cantivat. Happy times. There had to have been plenty of good moments—enough for Godwin to study him well.

How dare you, Edward? Do you not have any shame? Now you are only a shell. I hope you are happy with your pathetic decisions in life.

Elouise stiffened, feeling a presence approach her—an energy pricking at her skin. She heard the confirmation when their boot squeaked softly. Then she raised her hand, halting them in place. The sword stopped halfway to her shoulder, and she turned, facing Eldon.

"Did you hear something?" Godwin questioned.

Elouise raised an eyebrow and grabbed Eldon's wrist before teleporting them to the library. Eldon dropped his sword when they arrived, but he swiped it back up and held it in front of him while she walked to the table.

"What're you doin' here?" he demanded. "Thought ya didn't wanna see me anymore."

"Yes," she said, lifting her right shoulder. "That is why I did not come here for you." She glanced back at him, and his expression softened. "Booker has been wounded and we do not have supplies."

"I ain't lettin' you take from us."

"From you?" Elouise smirked. "How would you even stop me, aside from running off to inform Godwin?"