Elia’s jaw tightens, and I realize it was probably the wrong question to ask.
“After a couple of years, I tried to leave. Turns out, I wasn’t making any money like I thought. The collectors found out that I went to the camp, and gave the overseer the bills, which had collected years of interest. The overseer said I couldn’t leave until my debt was paid off, and he never told me how much it was or how long that would take. Without any coin, I knew I wouldn’t even be able to afford to leave the desert or start elsewhere.”
My mind returns to my brief conversation with the overseer of the camp. He had mentioned something of a payment to release Elia, but I had wrongly assumed that was for the inconvenience and because he knew I would pay handsomely for her help. My fingers spasm in my lap. He’d be taken care of later, I’d make sure of it.
“I’m sorry,” I tell Elia, knowing that those words will never be enough.
“I didn’t tell you for your sympathy or pity. It is what it is at this point.”
“I know, but I’m still sorry that happened to you.” I remember how uncomfortable my short stint was in the desert, and can’t fathom living there for that long.
“Elia,” I start, and she pulls her gaze away from the window. I’m rewarded with another glimpse of those remarkable eyes, an entire rainbow existing within them. “I promise that after all this is over, after we find the relic, you’ll be able to start that dream of yours.”
Her lips curved faintly. “Thanks, Callum.”
That was the first time she acknowledged my name, and in that moment I knew I would do anything for her to utter those syllables again. Anything to earn that soft smile.
The carriage rolled on, and we sat peacefully as minutes turned into hours, listening to the wheels methodically pass over the dirt road.
“Six-five, by the way,” I offer, trying to bring some lightheartedness back into the carriage.
“What?”
“You said this morning that there was a six-foot-two blond Hunter in your bedroom. I’m six-five.”
There’s a pause as she eyes me warily, then bursts out laughing. “Every inch counts, I guess.” I see the light in her eyes coming back, and the tension releasing in her shoulders. “You might be alright, Callum.”
The grin that spreads across my face greets me like a lost friend coming home.
Chapter 6
Callum
We arrive at the palace right as the sun starts to set, making the castle have an ethereal glow in the purple haze. I asked Ginna earlier this morning to direct our carriage to the back entrance as I don’t want to draw attention any more than we already will. Selfishly, I also don’t want Elia to be introduced to that many people who would no doubt hound her with questions.
“It’s smaller than I thought it would be.” The sound of Elia’s voice jolts me out of my thoughts.
“The castle?”
She nods.
“Ashven may be the largest kingdom in Erithia, but the past kings thought a huge palace would be too grandiose. This one does its purpose.”
“Do you live there? Or is this a stop on your way home?” Elia combs her fingers through her hair lazily. After our conversation earlier, she’s becoming more comfortable around me, acting more herself.
“No, I live there.” My eyes track every movement of her fingers in her hair as they work to form a loose braid. I find myself wishing I could do that for her.
She raises an eyebrow at me. “I guess I underestimated the importance of the King’s lead Hunter.”
I tilt my head and give a half shrug, but stay quiet. I should open my mouth, tell her that we’re the same, both alone in the world without our parents, but I don’t.
The carriage rolls to a stop. After a few minutes, the door swings open, and I see Ginna nearby. She’s still standing upright, but her shoulders are creeping forward as her exhaustion sets in. I climb out and offer my hand to help Elia down the steps.
“Your things are being delivered to your room. Is there anything else you need from me?” Ginna asks. The long journey shows in the bags under hereyes.
“No, thanks, Gin.” I clap her on her shoulders. “Take the night off and tomorrow too. Have Hanson cover your shift. We can regroup after.”
She smiles at me gratefully and stiffly nods before turning away.
