ELORA
“Oh, Elora. I never thought I’d see you again!” Lucy squealed engulfing me in a tight hug I welcomed after the terrible day I’d had.
She smelled of the lavender soap I remembered using before I had been taken away bringing happy memories of the few days I had spent in the Castle. I wiped the tears rolling down her cheeks smiling at the woman that had come to mean a lot to me.
The king had ordered the maids to bathe and dress me so I had been given a simple pink frock that was easily the most expensive and comfortable dress I had ever worn. The soft material clung to my skin without showing too much off and I felt like twirling just to see if the full skirts would move as prettily as I imagined.
“I missed you too, Lucy.” I smiled hugging her just as firmly.
To think just that morning, I had been considering becoming the old King’s bed slave just to save my sister from the debauched men who frequented Lord Kain’s establishment.
It was a miracle I had stumbled into the kind Lycan king at the moment I had. I was indebted to him for so many things now. I had to think quickly of how I would make it up to him.
“Elora!” Brian cried out, running into the room I had been given, throwing himself in my arms. I smiled because he had obviously moved past trying to impress Lucy. “We thought you were gone forever but you’re back. Lucy took great care of us when you were gone. Oh I have much to tell you. I missed you!”
Bennett, the quieter of the two, walked quietly up to us hugging me.
Their eyes welled up with tears as they held on to me causing tears to pool in my eyes too. They’d been through so much for pups so young. I kissed their foreheads, burying my face in their hair enjoying the familiar warmth they gave. I didn’t know how much I needed the strength being with my family gave me.
“She did?” I turned to the still emotional Lucy and pulled her into our group hug. Her face was still wet and I knew it’d leave wet tracks on the dress but I didn’t care. She had been a good friend. “Thank you so much. Whatever will I do to repay you?” I muttered in her ears.
She squeezed me tightly, placing a kiss on my temple before letting me go.
My mind travelled back to all that had happened earlier in the day as my brothers filled me in on all that had happened after Olivia and I had been taken by Lord Kain. I couldn’t help but worry that his or the old king’s henchmen would find a way to steal me out of the Castle and return me to their master. I feared that my escape hadn’t reached Lord Kain’s ears yet because he could follow on his threat to hurt Olivia.
“The king promised to bring Olivia to us soon,” I announced when they asked after our sister smiling at their excited squeals.
“We should go wait for her at the gates,” Bennett said looking towards the door as if willing Olivia to appear.
“Okay, let’s go. It’s been some time since the soldiers left. Perhaps they would be on their way now.” I said tightening my new shawl around me as we stepped out.
It was dark out now and a cold wind had begun to blow, chilling me despite the covering.
“I have important news,” Lucy whispered smiling at me fondly.
Her eyes were dancing in the glow of the lamps burning outside.
There was more good news?
“Oh really? What is it? Do tell me, Lucy.”
“I would have told you to guess but I can’t help myself, Elora.” She held my arms, excitement coming off her in waves that spread into me chasing the chill away.
“Tell me!” I whisper yelled shaking her hands.
“Denise. You remember her, right?” She asked smiling at me.
“Of course. Did something happen?” I asked wondering how the exciting news concerned the kind woman who coordinated the castle staff.
“No, silly.” She laughed slapping my shoulder playfully, “She told me that the king reinstated you as the royal librarian!”
“What?” I nearly screamed not believing my ears, “Oh, Lucy. Oh, Brian and Bennett. Such good news!”
They gathered around me for another hug and I wished in that moment, I could save the memory in a jar and take little doses of it every day for the rest of my life.
“Elora? Lucy? Brian and Bennett?” Someone called breaking us out of our happy stupor and we turned to see a shaky Olivia.
“Olivia?” We all cried rushing forward to meet her.
When we broke free of the hug, I studied her body for bruises, worried out of my mind that Lord Kian had followed through on his threat.
“Are you alright, Liv?” I asked, heart in my throat.
My heart broke for my little sister exposed to the dangers of this world as young as she was.
Olivia gave no response except the tears that streamed down her face scaring me.
“She is expected to see the royal physician first thing tomorrow.” Another voice answered drawing our attention.
We looked up to see Lady Skye, the King’s sister, staring down at us with a frown on her beautiful face. She was more than a head taller than all of us and dressed in the regalia of her position as a highly decorated army general, her tall frame looked intimidating. She was not a woman to be messed with.
“Thank you so much,” I cried, clasping my hands in front of me, “Is she alright, your highness?”
“No. Just some bruises here and there. But she’ll be fine”
I signed, grateful that she wasn’t hurt the way I feared.
“I’m eternally grateful to you, Your Highness,” I said kneeling and directing my siblings to do the same.
“Don’t thank me. Thank the king.” With that, she walked away the very picture of strength and grace.
My siblings held on to each other as we returned to our rooms but as I lay in bed deep into the night, I realized I had a lot to thank the King for. I really had to start looking for ways to pay him back for all the good he’d done my family.
I felt my cheeks heat up when I remembered how his brilliant blue eyes had darkened when he had caught me before I could fall to the ground and how solid his arms had felt around me.
What could someone give a man that already seemed to have everything?