Taken (TordEdd) [Book 2 of Wanted]

Chapter 14

Hours passed since Tord had read the peace treaty from Carla. He was pacing in his office, grumbling to himself with his arms behind his back, his hands folded together. He stopped his mumbles and movements when he heard a soft knock outside his door.

"Come in," he huffed, not even bothering to look up. He turned his back to the door, staring out the office window.

He heard the door creak open and an airy, shaky voice say, "Daddy...?"

Tord turned around and gazed down at his daughter, standing at the doorway. "Ellody? What are you doing up so late? It's two hours past your bedtime."

"I know," Ellody mumbled, shuffling her feet with slight shame and embarrassment. "Ever since mommy disappeared, I've been restless. I don't know where he is and I'm really worried about him."

Tord blew out a quiet sigh, walking over to Ellody, and kneeling in front of her. He lay a hand on her shoulder, gazing into her brown eyes. 

They remind me so much of Edd, Tord thought to himself. What do I tell her? That her mother has been captured and held in a prison room all beaten and cold until I sign a peace treaty to give up my army?

Tord shook his head, looking down at the floor. He sighed again and looked up at his daughter. "Ellody, baby," he started slowly. "Mommy... Mommy hasn't been here because he's at another place."

"How long will he be gone for?" Ellody asked with a sad whine. "I want him back now. He always reads me bedtime stories, and they help me fall asleep."

"Why don't I read you a bedtime story for tonight?" Tord asked, gently cupping Ellody's cheek.

"Okay... But you have to sound like mommy when he reads them," she said, holding out her pinkie. "Pinkie promise me."

Tord gave a light chuckle and wrapped his pinkie around Ellody's. "I promise," he said with a nod.

Ellody smiled and turned, running out of Tord's office. He listened to her feet slowly fade away. With a sigh, he turned back to his desk, staring down at the paper. He wanted to sign it so bad, but he also didn't want to give up his army. He knew Carla was tricking him, that's all she does. He knew he sounded selfish, but he couldn't risk his men when he was so close. So close to being happy with his family.

He knew for sure that Carla wasn't going to take that away from him.

Nobody will.