Gnawing Fear

ELORA

"Goodnight, sir," I said to the royal physician who insisted on walking me into the main palace grounds. He was almost like a big brother guiding his little sister.

"Goodnight, ma'am. Do not forget your checkup tomorrow." He bowed and walked in the opposite direction.

This night had been emotionally draining and I yearned to sleep in my bed but frankly, I knew sleep would be hard for me to come by.

The palace staff had all retired for the night so it was only the guards on night duties milling about. That was alright because I didn't want attention. It seemed everyone in the palace knew about the family dinner and I didn't want to constantly lie through my teeth that the dinner went splendid.

"Elora!"

I whipped my head in the direction of the voice to see Lucy running towards me. She was sporting her nightdress and a large shawl.

"Oh, my I waited ages for you." She gripped her knees to catch her breath. When it was steady, she stood up. "Where have you been? Dinner was over