28
ANDREAS
When Elena stepped into the courtyard, her head held high, her eyes misty but clearly angry, I spotted her immediately in the crowd. Soldiers and my people living on the castle walls surrounded us. With every step she took, the eyes of my people and the soldiers were on us. I walked towards her. She reached me faster than I expected.
I signaled to the soldiers, and they went to the training ground.
"Elena," I said, my voice softer than I had intended.
She approached without averting her eyes. "Where is my father? I need to see him."
I hesitated for a moment. At that moment, I wanted to tell her that the bargain between Robert and me had determined the fate of Elena's father. But when I looked at her face, I saw a fragility overshadowed by pain and fear. I didn't want to
