8.

Elai's POV

I take my place behind Chay; if this is how Arlon works, I might as well support Chay. Maybe two against one will help. I surely do hope Arlon is that weak.

“Fine. Just.. allow me to visit him, then. Please.”

What was that? I frown. He’s willing to let go just like that? Right after I had figured backing him up would be a good plan? I take a step back and shake my head. “No. Chay? That’s not fair. Where is my say in this?” I make Arlon laugh. I wish I didn’t.

“Does the prisoner ever have a say in what happens to them?” I hate that he’s right. I want to attack him for it. “I am not a prisoner. I have done nothing wrong.” I have not. Not that he knows of. I have to convince myself he does not know who I am. I have to, to keep myself in check. To not freak out; to not think of death.

“A guest, then.” Arlon is playing with me; I can see it in the way his grin grows. It is a playful, entertained grin.

“Did you have any stuff with you? Clothes, belongings?”

“He had nothing. You better provide him of some good clothes.” Chay is mad at Arlon. I wouldn’t dare to get mad at a king; I’m curious about their history. Arlon gives him a slow nod before stepping outside, waiting for me to join him.

“Chay, why give in so easily? We could’ve argued with him. He seemed to weaken in front of you. It is ridiculous how-“

Chay stops me. “You will be fine. He is good.” He presses both his hands against my cheeks. I don’t know why a knot grows in my stomach, I don’t know why I feel like I won’t ever get to see him again. Maybe it is because I am afraid of the truth I have with me. My name. ,y kingdom. “I have not told him anything. He has no reason to hurt you.” It pains me to hear that he would have.

“I will visit you as much as I can, alright? Do not worry.” Chay presses his lips against my forehead, and for some reason I close my eyes. It feels warm and soft.

“Be careful with your curiosity when you’re with him, Elai.” The words just worry me more, my feet now walking away from what I wanted to call my home forever. The time I had spent with Chay has left a stain in my head, one that I don’t ever want to lose.

I do not feel the wobbliness anymore, I barely even feel the alcohol I had poured down my throat only mere hours ago. I barely even feel the pain in my legs, and the magical hours I had spent with the man at the brothel.

All I feel is worry.

Arlon takes my hand with a smile and allows me to lean onto it as I take the steps I need to get into the carriage. His hand is gloved yet I can still feel the warmth that rises from his palms. He is a cautious man, I reckoned. Good. He should be now that he’s got me.

I am tired; my eyelids keep falling. I try to keep them open so I can look at Arlon, who is sitting in front of me and watches the houses pass by. The horses are taking it slow, and the longer it takes, the more tired I get. “You can go to sleep if you like. Nothing to be worried about.” His voice has softened a little. He sounds less stern now that Chay is gone. I wonder if it means anything.

“I don’t want to wake up in a dungeon..”

“I will not place you in a dungeon, Chasores.”

I want to smile at the words. He will not put me in a dungeon.

“What does that mean?”

“Chasores?”

Fuck. Am I supposed to know the Turian language? I nod. He does not show any suspicion, and I figure it is just as normal not to know the old language as it is back in Lyle. Mave doesn’t know the old Lylenian either, and I’m not sure if the twins do. I am lucky that I had the time to read all the books; I can speak Lylenian perfectly fine.

“It means one that holds the sun. short; sunshine.”

My breath gets stuck in my throat. One that holds the sun. Sunshine. He knows. He knows, he knows, he knows. I will not be waking up in a dungeon because I will be dead. “Because of your attitude.” I feel my mind calm a little. Of course. He despises the sun, so sunshine is a bad nickname. I try not to laugh a little; it is weird to know he thinks of the sun as a god with an attitude. I think of her as someone beautiful and strong.

“Alright. Makuyi, then.” Makuyi. One that holds the moon. Short; Moonlight. It is a common Lylenian word.

“Moonlight? Weren’t you supposed to give me a nickname that puts me in my place?” I feel like I’m slowly slipping away. How does he know what Makuyi means? How could he have possibly known?

“So you studied the old Lylenian language as well?” I would’ve noticed if he wasn’t being truthful. Am I seriously going to believe that he is just that stupid?

“…Yes.”

I am.