Fated | The Heir of the She-Wolf

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

[Eleanor]

“Is there somewhere here I can get a whiskey?”

I was back at the hotel and staring at the girl from the reception while my fingers were knocking impatiently on the counter between us. I had made my way back to this place after exiting the library. A quick look at the square told me that all local amenities were closed, including the small café and restaurant I had seen on my way earlier, and I was in dire need of something strong to drink.

“The bar is behind the reception, on the right.”, the girl replied. “Are you okay?”, she added with a worried face.

“I’m okay, thank you. Just a hard day.”, I tried smiling but I could not make my lips curve. My whole body and mind were still numb with the revelation of what seemed to be a nasty joke.

I walked to the bar which was just a small cozy space with three booths in and a bar in the far right corner. I ordered a glass of whiskey and the bartender served me while trying his hard not to stare at me. What was with everyone today? 

“Give me another.”, I said after drinking the glass up and the bartender turned around to get the bottle from the top shelf again. “Actually, give me the bottle. And bill it on the King’s room.”

With half a bottle of whiskey in hand I went and sat in the corner. I pressed my head against the high headrest encompassing the whole booth, closing my eyes for a second. When I opened them, I just stared at the window blankly for even I don’t know how long.

It was raining outside. The dull November weather was cold and wet, rain drops dropping on the glass in front of me. Autumn meant one of two things, I thought to myself. It was either that peaceful time of the year people associated with hot chocolate, good books and woollen blankets covering their feet while lying on a comfy couch next to the window with a fireplace on the side. Or it was that time of the year when rain poured mercilessly, leaving your senses stone cold, washing away the little happiness left from the summer and calling for a cruel winter.

I was afraid my autumn was calling for death.

[Valerio]

“She must be lying!”

Olivier shouted, pacing around the library nervously while Austin was sitting between us and I was on my feet, making phone calls.

“She was not lying.”, I hissed at him with my voice calm, barely keeping a growl back. “Or do you mean to question my judgement and authority?”

“No, of course not, my King. But you have to admit her whole story seems patched up!”

I rolled my eyes and ended the call as Lorenzo was still not picking up which was strange for him.

“First, she comes to the Tower glamoured like one of your staff and attempts to murder you. Then, she tells you she has not seen her parents since she was thirteen and was left alone. Nobody leaves their kid alone just like that!”, Olivier continued his rant. Gosh, did I have to show him my teeth to make him shut the hell up?!

“Olivier, we questioned Eleanor for over an hour. She was telling the truth.”, I turned to face the settlement’s leader, threat now clearing showing in my posture.

“Then a Truth spell should prove it. Have Clara Ducray do it!”

The thought had crossed my mind, a Truth spell was going to put Olivier and the other Triads in peace that Eleanor had nothing to do with the attack on their home. But I found myself feeling terrified of the idea that she might lie about something. I knew that what she was telling about her parents was a hundred percent truthful. But perhaps she had things in her past, things from her life as an orphan, that she wanted to keep for herself. And these things would cause her to lie a small lie. But for the Truth spell even a small lie was enough to kill you without mercy, without caring for the reasons behind hiding the truth even if these reasons were pure or embarrassing.

“Will you make her do it?”, Olivier asked again in response to my silence.

A low growl formed in my throat and escaped my lips, making him freeze in his place. Even Austin who had been sitting quietly on the table between us rose in his chair and seemed tense. My eyes turned dark red and I made a step towards Olivier.

“I… I’m sorry, my King. I did not mean to overstep. It is my duty to protect my people, our people, and the situation is causing me to be on edge. My apologies.”, Olivier stuttered and backed away.

I relaxed and my eyes turned blue again.

“Austin, find Eleanor. We will all be leaving in the morning, but first she has to visit the kids in the infirmary.”