Her King Of Shadows

Chapter XXVI.

She couldn’t sleep that night. After finally taking a long hot bath, by the time she was done her things were left in the bedroom. For a long time, she didn’t have so much space just for herself. After one hour, a warrior came inside with an apology for disturbing her carrying a tray with food. They left her alone. But she was still a prisoner. She forced herself to lie down on the bed even knowing that she didn’t dare to close her eyes. She was afraid of waking up in the desert if she dared to fall asleep. Somewhere close to dawn she dozed off for an hour. Only to hear a knock on the door woke her up. Einar gently opened the door, finding her lying on the bed in clothes. From looking at her tired face he knew she wasn’t sleeping.

-I have brought you breakfast Eandil Shana. We don’t have much time.-he spoke in his calm voice. She raised her head and looked at him.

-Please give me a couple of minutes. I will be ready to go soon. No need for breakfast.-she said. Shana brushed her hair and braided it. She was already wearing her best dress. She touched her forehead with her fingers, feeling a headache coming up. But that will have to wait. Slowly she exited the room. Now there were four more warriors with Einar in the living room. That told her that the situation was serious. Einar looked her in the eyes.

-I'm sorry if our presence is not making you feel comfortable. But we have to think about your security. You will be traveling in the car with me and my second in command. His name is Seth. Please do not speak with anyone outside of my warriors and me. Even if you are spoken to, it is best to keep silent. Not everybody has good intentions.-he was trying to give her last-minute instructions. She nodded her head. Seth was tall. He had short black hair and hazel eyes. He looked younger than Einar. But for them, it was hard to put a number.

-What is going to happen when we get there?-she needed to know.

-We will take you straight to the hall. You will stand in front of the leaders to confirm your position in our family. You will do it in the same way it was done when you were accepted. By the stone, you carry around your neck. Once that is done, all your marks and connections will be restored.-he said patiently. Shana knew they didn’t have much time.

-What if my position is not confirmed?-she had to know. This is what Rishon was expecting her to do. She needed to know about the rejection. Einar didn’t show any feelings. His voice was calm and clear.

-Should you wish not to confirm your position in our family you will be left alone. Free to do as you wish.-the answer was simple. She wasn’t expecting it. She was expecting warnings and threats. Seth made a step forward.

-Eandil Shana if you are not completely sure about your choices. Or, in your willingness to join us, I suggest that you deny any connection to us. Being a part of this family requires a dedicated mind, without any doubt. If there is any uncertainty on your side, darkness could rise against you. That is something we don’t want to happen.-he warned her.

-Can we go now?-Einar was eager to get started. She had one last question to ask them.

-Why do you keep calling me Eandil Shana?-she was curious. Now they were already at the door. Einar kept them open for her.

-Eandil means a princess in our language. That is your position in our family. And when your ceremony is completed you will be a Queen.-he said, leading her downstairs. She didn’t want to hear that. She really didn’t need to hear that.

-Please call me Shana.-she whispered. There was a smile on Seth's face.

-We could never do that, Eandil Shana. It is forbidden.=he explained.

They were going down to the lobby. Shana looked at the ground. But she was aware of the looks she was getting. She knew Rishon was in the lobby also. Waiting for her to come.

-What else is forbidden?-she asked, trying to keep calm. She knew she was safe walking between them. They were tall with broad shoulders and weapons in their hands. But still, her heart was beating fast.

-Touching you. Entering your chambers. Standing too close to you. Interrupting you speak. The list is long.-Eiron was speaking.

-Don’t forget watching her dance. Or standing in front of her.-Seth added. She was shocked.

-Lady Alexandra!- a strong voice she knew very well ruled the lobby. Einar and Seth stopped preparing for a fight. She could see him standing next to the main gate. And standing next to him was Asher. They were both looking at her with hate in their eyes.

-Where are you going, Lady Alexandra? I did not allow you to leave.-he used his commanding voice on her. Any time before, she would be forced to listen to it. Afraid of punishment if she didn’t follow. But being next to Araphels warriors gave her strength she thought was long lost.

-You do not talk to our Eandil like that.-Einar was fast to put him to his place. They looked at each other ready to pounce at any given moment. -Your Eandil?-he clearly didn’t know what the word meant. He had no idea what was happening and who Shana actually was. But something in Asher's eyes told her that he had suspected it a long time now.

-I want to talk to you.-Rishon spoke to her. -I think after three years in my home I have the right.-he reminded her. Shana took a deep breathe. Seth turned to her.

-Do you wish to talk to him, Eandil Shana?-he asked calmly. She waved her head.

-I refuse.-she almost whispered. Rishon made a step towards her. In a second, he had blades confronting him.

-You will not refuse me!-he screamed. Asher put a hand on his shoulder. He knew how close they were to an open fight. And elders would show them no mercy.

-If Lady Alexandra has any parting words to give, perhaps she would be more comfortable to speak them to me.-he offered. She knew what he was doing. He had a message for her.

-Not without my presence.-Einar demanded. This time she felt she had to agree. They showed her to enter the hall, which was empty again. There were only three of them there now. And Einar insisted that she stand behind him. He didn’t want to risk Ashar harming her in any way. She looked at his dark eyes, asking herself why he got to his leader so fast. What made him leave the desert?

-I have tried to make him back away from you. I have done everything possible to prove how wrong you were for him. But the more I have tried Eandil Shana, the more I have failed. Maybe a leader like Rishon was destined to become the butcher he is by making his crimes against the world of shadows.- he had nothing to hide anymore. Einar looked at him with contempt.

-Do not speak as if you are part of us anymore, traitor! You have failed to defend the one before. And now you stand accused of the same crime!-he was furious. But there was nothing he could have done. Shana knew that. Desert was Rishon's home. He had complete control.

-What do you want to tell me?-she asked him. Dark eyes looked at her. There was no remorse for the years of struggle and torture she had been through. He never tried to protect her. He never defended her. He never stopped the guards from harming her.

-I knew who you were from the first moment I saw you.-he admitted. That bothered her more than she wanted to admit.

-Why?-that question escaped her lips. Why did he ever help her? Why did he ever stop them? Both warriors noticed pain in that simple question.

-You will not get compassion from him, Eandil Shana. You are not the first woman he has led to her death. And you will not be the last one.-Einar said with hate. Asher looked at him.

-If you keep failing to protect your most important ones, why do you seek mercy from someone like me?-he raised his voice. Shana made a step toward him. She knew she would probably not see him again.

-You have not answered my question.-she reminded him. But there was nothing coming from him. No words. No answer. And she felt anger rising inside her. -Then tell your master because I now know that he owns you. You go back and tell him that he will never have me. I will never be his. And all his illusions and plans are a result of a sick mind. He has not succeeded in breaking me. It takes more than a desert and years of hunger and pain to break my spirit. You have tried well but you were not even close. I do not want to see him again. Or you.-her voice was clear. Asher took it silently. Einar led her back to the lobby without another word. They went outside and entered the car straight away. She was sitting in the back seat while they were in the front.

-Try to relax. Everything is going according to plan. Soon we will be there and all this will be done. No matter what your decision is.-Seth said pulling away.