The Queen of Elysium

Chapter 44 - Talks with a Forked Tongue

Elissa feels like the world is crashing down about her. She has no idea why Aren has forsaken her or what has caused such harshness. Was what we had so fragile? Was it even real?

Aren groans and his eyelids flutter open. From his position on the floor, he looks up at her like he is the injured party. "I would have fought my way through Tartarus for you, but I cannot ..." his voice cracks and tears swim in his eyes. "I cannot be with you like this."

Despite trying to stay strong, several tears trickle down her cheeks. "Well, you are free. Have a nice life."

With that, she turns and walks off, but with each step her heart breaks a little more. She doesn't know where she is going, only that she wants to go home. She starts running and almost careens into Leo.

"Elissa, what on Elysium is the matter?" he asks.

Concern is shining in his eyes; eyes that are the very same blue as Aren's and it causes the dam to break. Leo enfolds her in his arms and just holds her as she sobs uncontrollably. It is a bitter-sweet comfort, but she needs something.

When her tears finally run dry, he tenderly sweeps the damp strands of hair away from her face. "It is good to see you, although not in such a state of distress. What has caused this?"

"A...," she can't say his name. "Your brother."

Leo gives a deep sigh. "What has the fool done now?"

"I had to go to Corinth and I couldn't take him with me. I can understand him being angry, but is that reason enough to cast me aside? To seek comfort in another's bed?" She puts a hand to her chest as if that could ease the sensation of a spectral blade stabbing into her flesh.

"No, that is no excuse to betray you." Leo's hand forms into a fist, but he attempts to keep his voice level. "Why did you need to go to Corinth?"

"Nero had Darish. He tortured him." She can feel her eyes start to prickle again. "I can't stay here. Do you know where Dawn is?"

Leo offers Elissa his arm. "Here, let me escort you."

It is painful to walk through the palace, which was her home for a time, when all she wants to do is fly away. Finally, they arrive at a door and Elissa slips into the room.

Clothes are scattered about the floor, but the bedroom is empty. Not thinking, Elissa crosses over to the bathroom door and is engulfed in a cloud of steam. Giggles emanate from the rain chamber and she is thankful that the steam inside is thick enough that she doesn't get a good view of the three entwined bodies.

Seriously, as if I wasn't traumatised enough today. Spinning on her heels, she makes a quick get away and almost crashes into a large, muscular body blocking the hallway.

Kai raises an eyebrow and comments in a teasing tone, "This is becoming rather a habit. What am I to do to make you notice me?"

The slight play of amusement drains from his face and is replaced by a frown. He gently brushes his thumb across her cheek. "You have been crying!"

"I need to leave." She chokes up, unable to speak anymore. Oh no, not the waterworks again.

Kai doesn't push for a reason, he just scoops her up and carries her out of the palace. Normally she would complain, but right now she just rests her head against his chest and allows herself to be cocooned in his strong arms.