A Guardian's Fate (Book #2)

Chapter Forty-Four

Dinner was short... and quite awkward.

Udolf's mood had severely diminished. He was evidently still vexed at being dismissed earlier. He said nothing the entire time, which led to complete silence throughout the room, since no one else seemed courageous enough to speak.

But Elouise did not care if Udolf had been offended. She did, however, notice that Henry hardly touched his food. He also refused to look at her anytime she nudged him. She tried glancing at for an explanation, but unlike her cousin, Ivy was too indulged in her meal.

Dinner ended once Udolf rose from his seat and exited the room. Merek came rushing in afterwards and told everyone that the lord bid them all a goodnight.

Berney was pleased by this, mumbling about how today had dragged on far too long and he was exhausted. Elouise tried her best not to glare at him.

Her father lingered behind and asked her if she was alright. She feigned a smile and told him that she was. He didn't appear convinced, of course. Yet he let her be after kissing her on the head.

When he had spoken to her outside earlier, he apologized for treating her so harshly. He informed her that Fayre had scolded him about it, and that she shouldn't have had to, because he shouldn't have gotten angry. Elouise had merely nodded in response to everything, not wanting either of them to discuss the matter any longer. She was tired of arguing with him.

With her father, Berney, and Aaron gone, Elouise faced her friends.

"Would you like me to put your hair in a braid, Your Highness?" Gidget asked.

Elouise pulled all her loose hair forward and over her right shoulder. It was starting to reach her hips, and she smiled as he ran her fingers through it, freeing strands from their persistent tangles.

"I think I will simply tie it back with a ribbon tonight. Thank you."

Fayre touched her arm. "We really should get to our rooms. You each deserve proper sleep after such a hectic day."

Although she verbally agreed, Elouise didn't feel sleepy. She predicted this would be yet another long night of squeezing her eyes shut as if that could force sleep to overtake her. She would then give up and stare up at the ceiling for hours. The usual. Instead of her usual canopy, she would be staring at an orange one with tiny blue and white lace flowers threaded into the sheer fabric. Truthfully, that wasn't an awful thought. Except it wasn't her bedchamber.

Elouise told Fayre to escort Ivy to her room. She glanced up at Henry, seeing his head raised. He appeared so... lost.

Ivy must have sensed this, too, since she gave his hand a gentle squeeze before following Fayre out. Henry took a few steps as if to leave with them. Unfortunately for him, Elouise held him back by placing a hand on his chest.

"Henry," she softly addressed, dropping her hand from him. "Is everything alright?"

Henry blinked. "Yes, everything is fine."

"Really?" asked Eldon from behind him.

Henry glanced back at him. "I- well, I will be. I need to be alone and think."

Elouise furrowed her eyebrows. "What about? Henry, whatever is bothering you—"

"I will handle it on my own," he assured her, offering a light smile. Elouise felt tempted to scoff at that smile.

And people had the nerve to say that she was the bad liar?

For her best friend's sake, she let it go. For now, anyway. "Very well. Get some rest. We will see you in the morning."