Not strong enough

ELORA

I toss and turn in my bed, poring over my conversation with Gael earlier. Could he really know where my mother is? Should I trust him after hurting me earlier?

I shivered when I remember how cold his dark eyes had been earlier when he accused me of replacing him as my guard. It had looked like he...hated me and not at all like the charming Gael I had known.

Even this evening when he had come into my chambers, he had looked different. Desperate even.

Could I really trust him enough to return to Alkarod?

What if it was a trap?

I turned to face my balcony, staring at the stars visible in the darkened night sky. I had too much to lose of this gamble didn't pay off. Could I really abandon my siblings to the king's whims?

He had threatened earlier that he'd kill whoever places hands on me, what will he do to them if he finds out I ran off with Gael?

He'd never believe that I only went to save my mother.

"Oh, mother." I sighed.

Would she even forgive me for charging blindly to come sa