Annabeth nodded, her heart swelling with pride. “Aye, ye’re right, Lady Elizabeth,” she agreed, feeling the weight of her words. “We must all stand firm, for ourselves and for the ones we love.” There was a strength in Elizabeth’s words that rang true to her.
Elizabeth’s eyes softened as she glanced down as though lost in thought for a moment. “There was a time,” she said, her voice quieter, “when I felt much as ye do now—chased and pursued by a vile man who couldnae understand that I loved another.” She paused, her gaze distant as she recalled the past. “The man I loved is now me husband, Leon. But those days were nae easy.”
With a final nod, Elizabeth’s expression softened, and she stepped back toward the door. “Goodnight, Annabeth,” she said gently. “Rest well, and remember—strength is yer birthright. Let it guide ye through these times.” With a graceful nod, she left, the door closing softly behind her.
As the door closed behind Lady Elizabeth, Annabeth admired Elizabeth’s strength, her words firm with conviction and a commanding presence.
It reminded Annabeth of Marcus—both were pillars of strength and quiet power.
It made Annabeth realize just how strong the family was and made her miss her own mother, Claire.
Her thoughts drifted to her village, to the simplicity and warmth of home. She could almost smell the earthiness of the fields and hear the familiar voices of the villagers in her mind. The sudden pang of homesickness took her by surprise, a longing for the life she left behind, for the comfort of her mother’s embrace, but just as quickly as the feeling came, it was overshadowed by another thought—Marcus.
The thought of him sent a strange shiver through her, a feeling both comforting and terrifying. Her heart squeezed at the thought, the uncertainty of her own feelings swirling inside her. She had never felt this way before, this drawn to someone in such a consuming way.
How much would I give up for him?
“What’s amiss, Annabeth?” Elena asked.
“It’s nothing, Elena. Thank ye for yer help. I think I should rest.”
“Very well. Goodnight.”
As the door closed, Annabeth knew it terrified her how much she might sacrifice for Marcus, and yet, there was no denying it—something in her soul yearned to be close to him, to belong with him, no matter the cost.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“On me own lands! How dare the scum do such things under me very nose,” Marcus raged as he stormed through his chamber, his mind a whirlwind of fury and frustration.
His hands clenched into fists as he paced, his thoughts consumed by the attack on Annabeth and how close she had come to being harmed. The image of her trembling, vulnerable, and alone in the forest haunted him, gnawing at his insides. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he had failed her in some way, despite being there when it mattered most.
Unable to calm his restless mind, Marcus finally left his room and headed straight for Eli’s quarters. He pounded on the door with a force that echoed down the hallway.
“Eli! Open this door,” he said firmly
To his surprise, the door swung open almost immediately, and Elena quickly slipped out, carrying a tray laden with food. She curtsied awkwardly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and hurried down the hall without a word.
Marcus raised an eyebrow at Eli, who leaned casually against the doorframe with a smirk on his face. Eli’s eyes twinkled with mischief as he shrugged.
“She was just clearin’ away the old dishes, naythin’ more to it,” he said, his voice laced with teasing.
Marcus shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, but he let it slide.
“Aye, right,” Marcus grunted, clearly not buying it. “I’ve got somethin’ else to sort, and it cannae wait. From now on, we’ll be postin’ guard patrols in the moss grove. The women wander there too often, and it’s high time we ensure it’s safe for them.”
Eli’s expression turned serious as he nodded. “Aye, I’ll get that done right away. Anythin’ else botherin’ ye, Marcus?” He studied his friend, sensing there was more on his mind.
Marcus hesitated, his gaze flickering toward the ground for a moment. The words he wanted to say were stuck, tangled in a sea of frustration and emotion. He clenched his jaw, refusing to speak the thoughts clouding his mind.
“Nay, just see to it,” he said gruffly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“Aye, I’ll handle it,” Eli replied, his voice steady.
Though Marcus could see that Eli knew something troubled him. Eli gave a brief nod before turning on his heel and heading out to get the task done. Marcus watched him go, feeling the weight of his thoughts settle back in, even as he tried to push them aside.
Marcus walked down the castle corridor, his boots echoing on the cold stone floor. The long hallway was dimly lit by flickering torches mounted on the walls, casting dancing shadows. The air was thick with the scent of stone and wood, and the silence of the night seemed to press in on him. His thoughts were scattered, and the weight of the day’s events hung heavy on him, especially after what had happened in the forest with Annabeth.
Stopping in front of Annabeth’s door, Marcus hesitated for a brief moment. He raised his hand and knocked, the sound sharp in the quiet of the night. After a few moments, the door creaked open, just a crack, and he saw her standing there in a simple nightshift, her hair falling loosely around her shoulders. His breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight of her—she looked soft and vulnerable, and yet there was a strength in her eyes that made his pulse quicken.
