Court Of Shadows and Lies

19. A Safe Place

I somehow managed to get Serene inside the palace by dressing him in a guard uniform. The disguise worked better than I anticipated; he went unnoticed as we navigated through the sprawling corridors.

Once inside my room, I ushered Elliora in, my instincts screaming that leaving her anywhere else would be dangerous. I couldn't take any chances-Isla had a knack for creating trouble, and I wouldn't put it past her to come looking for Elliora.

"Stay here," I instructed, kneeling to her eye level. "It's important that you don't leave this room, understand?"

She nodded, her wide eyes filled with trust. I turned to Serene, who was standing awkwardly just inside the door, his expression a mix of confusion and wariness.

"Sit," I commanded, gesturing toward the bed.

He hesitated before sitting down on the edge of the mattress, his movements slow and deliberate as if he were unsure of the soft surface beneath him.

Is it his first time sitting on something soft?

I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy as I observed him. The way his shoulders tensed and his body seemed to brace against the unfamiliar comfort tugged at my heart.

"Relax," I said, attempting to sound casual, though my own nerves were beginning to fray. "It's just a bed. You're safe here."

He glanced around the room, his gaze landing on the delicate tapestries and the few scattered toys that belonged to Elliora. The stark contrast between his surroundings and his previous life was almost jarring.

"Are you okay?" I pressed, a hint of concern in my voice as I studied his reaction.

He looked at me, those striking amber eyes filled with a mixture of emotions I couldn't quite decipher. For a moment, he seemed lost, as if grappling with the concept of safety itself.

I walked over and sat beside him on the bed, careful to keep my distance. "You don't have to be afraid here. I won't let anyone hurt you."

Elliora, curious as ever, crept closer, her small hand brushing against his arm. "Are you a knight?" she asked innocently, her voice breaking the tension.

Serene met her gaze but didn't respond. I could see the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes, as if he were trying to comprehend what a knight even was.

"He's just a friend," I said quickly, trying to deflect the conversation before it went somewhere I didn't want it to. "A very important friend."

Elliora's enthusiasm seemed to bubble over as she clapped her hands. "Can we play knights? I want to be a princess!"

I chuckled, though the weight of our reality hung heavily in the air. "Sure, but first, we need to figure out what to do next."

As I glanced at Serene again, I noticed the way his gaze drifted back to the bed, taking in the softness of the sheets. He touched the fabric tentatively, his expression a mix of bewilderment and wonder.

How long has it been since someone treated him like a person?

"Do you want to lie down for a bit?" I suggested, knowing he needed rest more than anything else.

He looked at me, those haunting eyes searching for something-perhaps reassurance, perhaps understanding.

"Please," I added trying to soften my tone, "it's okay to take a break."

After a long moment, he nodded slowly and shifted back on the bed, lying down gingerly as if the mattress might swallow him whole.

I watched him for a moment, my heart aching for the burdens he carried.