Bound by Duty

Chapter Twenty-Six

I counted the days by the meals. It had been three days. Micah brought me a tray three times a day. We would have short conversations but he wouldn't say much and flat out refused to answer my questions. On the third day, I asked him if Cole knew where I was. "Yes. He knows. Your father has made quite a scene at the club a few times now trying to secure your release."

That came as a shock. The last I had heard from Rynna my father hadn't been well.

"Is he okay? My father?" I asked.

Micah nodded. "Yes. Luckily, my mother found it humorous that he would go to such lengths." Micah started to leave and stopped at the door. "Amelia, I'll be back soon with a dress and some make-up. You and Bethany will be coming to dinner. Please be on your best behavior. If you are, there is a chance she will let Bethany go. So, please, Amelia?" His eyes were pleading with more emotion than I had assumed he held for Bethany.

"Fine, Micah. But it's for her, not for you," I said indignantly. He nodded, his relief obvious, and was gone again. I wanted to trust him, but at this point I didn't think I could trust anyone.

I went into the small bathroom to take a shower. They had brought me sweats and T-shirts the first day but nothing else. I had been confined to this room for three days and the prospect of getting out was more exciting than I had thought it would be. And, if I could just keep it together, at least Bethany could leave. Hopefully. I smiled for the first time since waking up that first day and started the water.

When I came out, the dress was waiting. I didn't know what I was expecting, but a full-length, white, gauzy dress fit for a Roman goddess, wasn't it. The dress was one-shouldered and had a thick, ropey silver belt around the waist. It was beautiful and set off my dark hair. My eyes were their normal hazel since I was devoid of power, but I could only imagine what they would look like once I had my magic back.

I used the hair dryer and curling iron and was sliding on the gladiator sandals I'd found on the floor when Micah knocked. I told him to come in and was happy to see the surprise when he took in my appearance.

It felt good to laugh at little at his sputtering before he finally spit out, "You look lovely, Amelia. Please, come with me." I expected him to get Bethany as well but he gestured me in the other direction. I stopped in front of her door and gave him a quizzical look. "She's already been taken to the dining room," he said. That brought on a pout. I had hoped to get just a minute alone with her.

Sullen, I took Micah's offered arm and let him lead me down the hallway and into a massive dining hall. This wasn't a "room", this was a ballroom. Queen Julia sat in a tall, silver chair at the end of the table. Hunters were stationed around the room and Bethany was trying to hide her shaking with rigid posture. She wore a similar gown to mine and looked breathtaking. I was relieved when Micah led me to the chair next to hers. As soon as I was seated, she grasped my hand. We entwined our fingers and gave each other a quick look before focusing back on the table in front of us. Micah had been specific that we shouldn't look the queen in the eyes and that we should be as quiet as possible.

I kept waiting for that familiar feeling of my magic to come back, but it still wasn't happening. I thought Micah had said just that room? Inwardly sighing, I realized that was a question for later.

The room was quiet as the four of us sat without speaking, Micah sitting just to the left of his mother. Then, the main doors opened. They were at least ten feet tall and similar to the doors I had pushed through days ago to try to make the speech that should have changed everything. So much for that great plan.

I was mentally berating myself again when shock took over as Cole and my father walked in. Both were in similar tuxes to Micah's. Cole's hair was smoothed back and he looked relieved to see Bethany and me next to each other. It had been months since I'd last seen my father, but he looked as if he had aged ten years. What I remembered to be salt and pepper was now purely silver hair. His eyes were tired and his steps were carefully taken. Cole saw my concern and returned it with a troubled look of his own. I had so much I wanted to say to my father; instead, I just sat and stared into his eyes, trying to apologize for all of the things I never knew and everything he chose not to share. He wore a pained expression, like it physically hurt him to be in the room with me.