Silver King

Part 10 - Mare

I don't know what came over me. I want to help, of course, but Cal's presence is intoxicating. I can't breathe when he's around, and even if I try to erase it from my appearance, I'm terrified that everything will backfire.

I'm terrified of this palace, too.

I agreed to be on the council, to help make this country a democracy, finally. Somehow I also agreed to recruit Silvers willing to change the law that makes them in power. Who will join our cause? What Silver would agree?

Cal has already decided to convert an old meeting room in the council room, and to make all the future members stay in the castle. I didn't say anything. I don't want to whine, but I don't know if I'll be able to sleep here.

Cal is making a list of all the rooms that could be given to the members, available and not too far from the council chamber. Suddenly, he whips his head up to look at me.

" What room would make you feel comfortable, Mare?"

I purse my lips, thinking.

" Will any room do?" he murmurs softly, meeting my eyes.

I break the stare, looking down to the mahogany table. He reaches out for my hand, and I let him take it. He rubs his thumb softly over my hand, and his heat radiates through my whole body. His voice is but a whisper, but I hear him anyway.

" Would you like to sleep in my bed? I can sleep in the couch beside you, if that makes you feel any better. You could have someone beside you, does that still make the nightmares go away?"

I nod slightly, my eyes clouded. He bows over the table a bit more, reaching for my shoulder. He squeezes it gently, and a tear rolls down my cheek. I don't want to sleep so close to him, but I can't sleep alone either, especially in this palace. And for some reason, I trust him. For now.

We are suddenly interrupted by a soft knock on the door. I spring back, shaking my head and brushing my tear away. Cal stands up hesitantly, looking at me. I nod, straightening my back. He walks to the door and opens it. Elane Haven walks in. Cal and I are both surprised, taken aback. We didn't expect her. She takes a few steps in, cautious. I remembered her prouder.

" Hello... I - I'm just here because I think you might need some Silvers on the council that are for the democracy."

Cal furtively glances my way, stumped as I am.

This could mean two things. Either Volo and Ptolemus want an inside eye with the council, or Evangeline secretly agrees with us and wants to help. I highly doubt Elane decided on her own to come, seeing her pace. I don't know which of the possibilities is the right one. Cal probably doesn't either. But he figures sooner than I do that what the council says will be public soon anyway, so he forces a smile and welcomes Elane in the council.

She's the first Silver to join. She's technically from the Rift now, but she was born Nortan, so we let her join, curious of how this is all going to turn out.

That night, I go to bed much before Cal. He's still in the council room, filling and filing papers, when I change into a nightgown and slip in his warm covers. I fall asleep almost instantly. His smell is everywhere, and it acts like an anchor on me. This isn't Maven's palace, it's Cal's.

I don't remember dreaming. But in the middle of the night, I spring up, completely panicked. I had a nightmare, but already I don't remember what. I only have the chilling, freezing terror that grasped me. I breathe heavily, looking around for something to calm me. Cal is dozing on the couch, as he promised. I sigh, relieved. I don't know why I trust and need him so much.

He yawns, stretches, lazily opens his eyes. He sees me looking at him. He smiles even though his brow furrows his worry.

" Are you ok?"

I nod.

" I had a nightmare," I whisper.

" Do you want to talk about it?" he gently suggests.

I shake my head.

" I don't remember it."

His eyes cloud sadly.

" This is my fault. I'm sorry, Mare."

" It isn't. You broke my heart but what's happening now, it's because of Maven, not you."

It looks like I've just planted a spike in his heart, and he tries to camouflage it.

He opens his arms, silently asking if I need a hug, a presence. I don't think, I just feel, and I climb out of bed, snuggling in his arms. He rests his chin on my shoulder, his arms around me protectively, and I close my eyes. His even breath sends me off to sleep.