Elysium [Army of Lucifer #1]

Chapter Two

© Stephanie Anne and Dee Atkins

Chapter Two

Shock left a bitter taste in Eleanor's mouth. It was bitter and dry and overwhelming to her senses, something that had her reeling back and wanting to flee from the mannor. She almost did, had she not heard her mother's sudden intake of breath and the small whistle that proceeded as she let the breath loose. It seemed, Eleanor wasn't the only one left in a state of shock.

She couldn't see straight, couldn't think, couldn't breathe. Her heart pounded in her chest, threatening to burst free of its cage. She sunk back against the wall, using it to support her weight. Her body was shaking, weak from the revelation she'd just heard. She couldn't... She'd refuse. He couldn't make her marry... him. Could he?

"My Duke, are you sure you wish to marry your son to my daughter?" Eleanor shuddered at her mother's question, the sinking feeling in her stomach faltering. Lucien did not answer Henrietta Ramsey for a while, considering the question and leaving the two in a state of peculiar silence as they awaited his answer.

"My darling, Henrietta," he began, his voice soothing and calm, manipulative, like always. "I have already spoken with my son, and he has agreed with me that this is a brilliant match. Your daughter is to marry my son, and there will be no further discussion about this. It is agreed." Eleanor's mouth went dry. Was that why... why William had looked so smug earlier that day? He'd known. He'd known and he hadn't said a word. Her dislike for him suddenly grew, and she had to force herself from showing herself and demanding answers from Lucien and her mother; from doing something she'd regret.

Henrietta said nothing, and that was enough for Eleanor. Stepping back into the hall, she headed towards her room, bypassing the attic where Christopher waited. The fear of this imposing wedding left an aching chill down Eleanor's spine, leaving her restless with no outlet to release the pent up energy.

But she didn't make it far. She didn't even make it halfway down the hall before she heard her name being called, and a hand grabbing her arm. Chris.

Pulled into an adjoining hallway, Eleanor barely had time to wipe away the single tear that had escaped her watering eyes. She could feel how heavy it was, the emotion that was enclosed in that single tear told an entire story, gave away every thought she had on the subject. Her marriage to Will was a giant leap into the abyss - she had no training for this, no hope that she'd make it out as Eleanor. She doubted she could keep Chris if he knew.

"Ellie," he whispered, forcing her to face him. He saw the look of fear and her watering eyes before she could hide it from him. "Ellie, what is it? What is the matter?"

Eleanor kept quiet, her lips trembling as she tried to keep the earth-shattering secret. But she could barely hold herself together. The secret came bubbling out of her, shattering whatever hope she had of keeping Chris. It solidified what Lucien had said.

"I-I was walking and I heard Lucien speaking with my mother," she began, tears pooling in her eyes. "They want me to... They- Oh my God. They're arranging my marriage. To William. I can't... I-I cannot marry him, Chris. I just can't." The girl shook her head, a tear trickling down her cheek. A tear that Chris immediately yearned to wipe away, but didn't, holding himself back as the new information slammed around inside his head.

Eleanor watched Christopher take a step back. He shook his head, running shaking hands through his already disheveled hair. The fear in his eyes was plausible, and only put Eleanor on edge more. "You cannot. But you have to. El, as your best friend, and as someone who cares for you deeply, I am afraid you may have to do what Lucien tells you." The shock had finally settled in after that.