Ariel couldn’t understand the shivers that ran down her spine immediately he said those words. She knows very well he doesn’t joke with words, just like his father. Regret suddenly filled her but disappeared immediately it came. “Don’t say that, Luciano.”
Luciano scoffed and ran his palm over his face. He looked like he was struggling hard to refrain himself from flaring in anger. His fists repeatedly clench together, his breaths already coming out in pants. “Leave.” He growled warningly.
“There is no point getting angry Luciano, we did this for you, for your safe-“
“Don’t you dare say that!!!” Axel stopped talking when Luciano suddenly yelled. “When has Eleanor ever been a threat?! Just tell me! WHEN?!” For the first time in so many years Ariel saw his eyes water. She must say she’s never seen him so hurt, her heart clenched in guilt when a drop of tears slipped from his eyes. “Do you know what you are now?” He was the only one speaking now because it seemed she had nothing to say. More like he rendered them speechless. “A murderer.” The hate he has for them already was evident in his eyes, and Ariel feared that she might’ve lost her son completely. “And there is no difference between you and King Conrad, you murdered an innocent maiden.” He took his eyes to the window and turned back to them. “Leave.” He spoke in a deep cold voice.
“Luci-“
“I said LEAVE!!” Ariel flinched when he yelled in fury. She stared at him for a few more seconds before turning around, walking to the door. “Leave him alone for now, he’ll get over it.” She said to Axel and exited the room.
Luciano palmed his face a few seconds after his parents had left, his eyes burned with tears as her face flashed in his head repeatedly. He exhaled, looking up around the room. His heart was clenching in pain and he clenched his fist, trying to transfer the pain into the anger and hate he had for his parents now. “Aaargh!” He grabbed the table beside his bed, throwing it to the ground. He stood up from the bed, grabbing the art paintings on the wall, slamming them on the ground. Anger fueled in him, itching his fingers, making him mess up the entire room. He felt excruciating pain in his chest, but none was compared to the pain he feels in his heart.
“Luciano.” The door flung open and Nikolai rushed into the room. “No way.” He muttered, staring around the disorganized room. “Hey, stop. You’ll hurt yourself.” He tried to hold him but it was futile as he was filled with rage and wouldn’t stop.”
“They killed her.” He held the curtains, dragging them down roughly.
“Hey, easy.” Nikolai rushed to him when he suddenly stopped, grabbing his chest hard, letting out grunts. “Are you okay?” His heart skipped a beat when he didn’t but slumped against his arms, unconscious. “No.” He took him to the bed, laying him gently. “Guards!” He yelled, trying as much as possible not to panic. “Get Mabuse!” He ordered immediately they stepped into the room.
*
Eleanor had woken up some hours later with much more energy. She laid on the bed for a few minutes before leaving the room. As she approached the living she heard voices chattering, a much younger voice and of course that of the older woman, Sophia. The unknown lady was the first to see her, immediately she stepped into the room. “Sophia.” Her eyes held surprise and confusion as she stared at her. The older woman turned to see when she noticed her averted gaze.
“Oh Eleanor. You’re awake.” She said with a warm smile.
“Yes.” Eleanor replied, walking further into the room.
“So-phia…” The lady called, with uncertainty in her eyes. “Who’s she?” She asked in a whisper, though Eleanor could still hear her.
“A minute please.” Sophia flashed her a quick smile and held the lady’s wrist, pulling her to the corner of the room while Eleanor took a seat.
“Who’s she?”
“Things are a bit complicated, but she’s Eleanor from Cordenia.” Eleanor couldn’t help but smile as she listened to their supposed secret conversation. She could clearly hear all they were saying.
“Huh? Why’s here?’
“That’s why I said things are a bit complicated but I’ll explain later.”
“Sophia….”
“What?”
“Cordenia really?”
“What.. why?”
“I don’t like them.’
“Huh?” Sophia sounded quite confused, just like she was.
“Those people can never be trusted, they’ve done a lot of terrible things.”
“But-“
“I’m not exactly from cordenia.” Eleanor decided to clear her doubt. “I’m from Narva actually.” She added when the lady only raised her brows at her. “I’m sure you must’ve heard what happened between-“
“Yeah, I know, I know.” She replied, cutting her off. “Are you on a run?” She asked with brows quirked in suspicion.
“Ermm…I…not..i’m..” Eleanor could feel a lump already forming in her throat.
“Nalia, I said I’ll explain this to you later.” Thankfully Sophia spoke, much to her relief. . “But she’s not on a run, come on you’re safe.” She added with a chuckle.
“I’m not endangering if you think so-“
“No, no it’s fine.” She cut her off with a smile. “My name’s Nalia.” She walked closer to her with a wide smile and stretched out her hands, obviously for a shake.
“Eleanor.” Eleanor accepted the shake, returning the smile.
“I’m sorry if I might’ve probably annoyed or hurt you with my doubt filled words.” Nalia chuckled nervously as she spoke. “And I’m sorry about what happened to your…. Uhm.. your people.”
“I think it’s best we don’t talk about that.” Eleanor replied with a small smile.
“uhmm… can I ask you a question?”
“Yeah?” Eleanor replied, looking down at their entwined palm which she tried to separate but she just wouldn’t let go.
“Can I be your friend?”
“Nalia! That’s too early.” Sophia moved to them and separated her hands from hers’. “Besides, Eleanor doesn’t need any friends now. Right Eleanor?”
“Uhh, It’s fine Sophia.” She replied with a small smile.
Nalia rolled her eyes, folding her arms. “See? She’s totally fine with it.” Eleanor smiled seeing the triumphant look on her face. “Let’s take a walk around the village. I’m sure you’d definitely want to see.”
“Nalia, she needs more rest than you can ever imagine. Leave her alone.”
“No, Sophia. It’s actually fine.” Eleanor objected, making sure to keep a smile on her face. “I’ve had enough rest already, a walk will do.”
“Are you sure about that?” Sophia asked doubtfully.
“Yes.”
“Thank you! Thank you!” Nalia squealed and grabbed her wrist, already pulling her to the door. “Trust me you’re going to love the scene. I’ll take you to the best places. Oh! I haven’t told you anything about me. Well….”
Eleanor turned to Sophia waving her hands at her with an amused smile, though directed at Nalia’s talking.
“Yeah she talks a lot, deal with it.” Sophia said with a small laugh.
Well, if she can keep up with Gwen, she can definitely do with her.