Elvirund | ✔️

Chapter Twenty Eight

"You're lucky I was able to pull the strings I did."

"I know, and I'm grateful, but what if the First changes his mind?"

"Caphriel, the First Elder is a power hungry bastard. If he wanted any more than that I would have been publicly overthrown millennia ago."

Raphael sighed and stared at his shoes as they paced up and down the hallway of prison cells. Alethia's cell door seemed to jeer at them, reminding them both that they had yet to find a solution for her. The First Elder may have been relatively easy to manipulate but that was a bit too much for him to give away.

"Well, now that your goal has been accomplished you won't be needing me anymore." She shoved her hands in her pockets.

"Actually, if I am correct you might need me more than ever." Raphael gave Caphriel a knowing look and shrugged lightheartedly. "Your choice."

She wasn't sure what to expect from him. As kind as he was, the Elvirian Prince hid things. He was secretive, yet so welcoming. It threw everyone off, and she suspected he knew and liked it. There were benefits to such a life.

"So, I helped you get Alethia back to Elvirund, and I fell in love with her. Was that your plan all along?"

"The second half was an unexpected addition."

"Do you plan on telling her that? Besides yourself I'm the only one who knows. Correct?"

"Correct. However if the First Elder finds out what we've done the secret will die with you."

"What he doesn't know won't kill him."

"Likewise, what Alethia doesn't know won't kill her."

"Good thing she's not listening right now, or she might have clobbered you by now. Even a prince is not immune to anger."

"Not listening? Do you imagine me stupid?"

"Do you imagine me stupid?"

I simmered quietly as I waited for a reply. When none came I heaved myself off the floor and crossed the short distance across the room. Sticking my arms through the bars, I rested my head on another and gazed serenely at the two of them, who were frozen in place, shock and horror on their faces.

"Now, if it concerns me I'm sure you would be glad to dispense each and every detail. And be honest, what I don't know could very well kill me."

I raised an eyebrow, and Raphael shifted his weight uneasily.

"Or haven't you learned from previous occasions?"

Raphael paled and when he spoke his voice was strained and shaky.

"Alethia, I'm afraid I cannot afford to share this information with you, not right now."

"What he means is it would be extremely inconvenient for all of us. Including yourself."

"Oh I see. So formulating a plan to send me to Earth as punishment instead of allowing me to die and then regretting that choice and fooling the First Elder into seeking my arrest and detainment to get me back here was all done on a whim?"

Their silence was deafening, and it was clear neither of them had thought of it that way. It was quite satisfying to see Raphael turn bright red, his discomfort very clear in his eyes. I watched him squirm, delighted.

"I didn't see it that way."

"I thought so. Now, if you'll be so kind as to go off and conspire against me however much more you want, I'll gladly rot down here. Maybe that will teach you not to make others go through torture and hell for your own personal amusement."