But I couldn’t help but wonder if I should have told him in person instead...
It was so easy to write it down. All the pent-up emotions and fear that I had been withholding from him flowed so readily across the page. I don’t know if I would have been able to tell the same story to his face... Despite not seeing his reaction, I just knew it would be devastating. Maybe I was just being a coward...
Either way, he knew the truth now, and I couldn’t take it back. My brush slid easily through my untangled locks, and I set to work twisting it into a new braid. As my fingers twiddled with the soft strands, I noticed the occasional tremble in my fingertips. A new fear had risen now that I had opened up about the truth.
What if I never saw Miron again...?
My throat tightened and I choked back a sob as the thought burned mercilessly into my head. What if he thought I was the cause of his death and wanted to avoid me? Or what if he was simply angry at me for not telling him sooner? There were a plethora of reasons why he might decide to never set foot in this tower again.
Will I be alone all over again?
A single tear escaped my onyx gaze and slid part-way down my cheek. The dainty drop glistened against the sunlight that reflected off my mirror, shining as pure as a glittering crystal. My gaze lingered brokenly on the simple droplet. It’s funny, I never thought I could see my own future in the mirror, but right now it seemed almost as clear as a normal vision.
Perhaps my time as Elle was over, and I was forever destined to be the king’s Crystal.
Another impending cry tightened my throat as I tied off the end of my braid. I moved away from the mirror and stopped in front of my art cabinet to fish out the failed keys I had crafted. I selected my best one and held it close to my chest with a shaken sigh.
No, I won’t give up.
The king may take my freedom, Conan may take my prince, and my magic may take my sight... but my name belongs tome. I am Estelle. That name is the only gift I ever received from my true family, and I intend to treasure it with every bit of the love they intended for me.
I’ll live a life for Estelle, and I won’t give up until she’s free.
My heart surged with panic as a fresh knock clicked against the servant’s door. It took me a brief moment to recognize the pattern of Miron’s familiar knocking, and the tension in my chest unwound with pure joy.He came!My feet flew across the floor as I snatched my blindfold from the wardrobe and tied it around my eyes with haste.
“C-come in.” My voice choked a bit as both excitement and worry seized my vocal cords.What will he say about the letter? How will he react?
The door creaked open and I stood as stiff as a board despite the decadent smell of cinnamon rolls and sausage that caused me to salivate. The food smelled incredible, but my stomach was too knotted to consider eating anything. My stiff hand reached anxiously for the tail of my braid, and I wound my fingers so tightly around the strands that my blood flow slowed.
The soft sound of the food tray clanging onto the table echoed loudly in the stressful quiet. “Did you want to sit down?” Miron’s gentle voice caught me off guard. He screeched a chair across the floor and I recognized it as my seat.
I nodded mutely, unsure if I could even speak as I walked toward the chair he had pulled out for me. My body moved rigidly as I silently seated myself and allowed him to slide my chair up to the table. After completing the chivalrous gesture, he returned to his seat, and poured himself a cup of tea.
“What’s the matter, Elle? Is it not to your liking?” His casual tone held a hint of worry as he topped off his cup and sat the teapot down with aclank.“I can bring you something else if you'd like.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but only a surprised squeak came out.Why does he seem so unfazed after receiving my note?I cleared my throat and tucked a loose hair behind my ear. “I’m sorry, the food is fine. Thank you.” I reached a hand forward until I made contact with a tall glass of water. My tense throat gladly welcomed the cool beverage as I gulped down half the cup in a single drink.
“Oh, good. My apologies. You just seemed a tad quiet today. Did something happen during the king’s visit yesterday?” he asked with a nervous curiosity. I could sense his own tension now as he guzzled a large drink of the warm tea.Why is he asking about me? Shouldn’t he be more worried about his future?
The stress was eating me alive, but I couldn’t find it in myself to be the first one to bring up the terrible topic. “No, actually, he didn’t come at all,” I answered with a breath of shaken relief. My hands reached out in search of a cinnamon bun, but I came into contact with a pile of berries instead. I popped a tart one into my mouth and tried to let the sourness distract me from my nerves.
“He didn’t? That hardly makes any sense.” Miron put his teacup down with a flustered emphasis, then sucked in a gentle breath. “So, you were alone all day? I’m so sorry, Elle. If I had known, I would have paid you a visit. I can’t imagine how uneasy that must have made you. I don’t know why Father wouldn’t have come. He certainly wasn’t busy outside of a short meeting with Conan.” He emphasized his brother’s name with a light growl.
I bit my lip. “I’m not sure, either. I was up all night wondering if he would still come or not, and also, I was worrying about you...” my voice trailed off and I felt a shift in the mood.
Miron pressed a gentle touch to my hand, and I braced myself for the pain in his voice.Maybe I shouldn’t have brought it up. Perhaps he’s avoiding the topic to live in ignorance?I lowered my head shamefully, and he began to trace soothing patterns on the back of my hand. “Elle, you don’t need to worry about me.” His voice was so tender and warm, I felt as if I could melt beneath his soothing words. “I can handle my family just fine. I’m far more worried about you. They must be planning something, and that’s why Father didn’t visit yet. I’m so sorry I didn’t pay you a visit yesterday. I hate the idea of you being alone up here like a caged bird.”
My heart softened, but I couldn’t help but ponder his implications.Does he believe he can beat the fate of my vision?He certainly doesn’t sound worried about Conan or his own death... Is it possible that he didn’t get a chance to read the letter?
“I wasn’t left entirely alone... Your, letter certainly gifted me some companionship when I was in need of it,” I added. Maybe he just needed a reminder. “I attempted to send you a reply. Did... did you read it?”
My heart turned to solid stone as I braced myself for the truth. Silence followed for a tense moment, and I thought I might burst.Did he read it? Does he know? Or do I have to tell him all over again?
“When did you get this letter?” Miron’s voice had turned to steel, and I felt my stone heart crack with worry.
“Y-yesterday morning,” I said shakily. “It came from the servant’s door like the other letters you’ve sent.”
Miron’s chair screeched across the floor as he abruptly rose to his feet. “There were more? Do you still have them?” His voice was tight and commanding, but his fierceness sounded more protective than angry.