Lena and I sat there for hours, huddled together.

The guards had already taken away Elijah's body. Lena was silently crying, but my tears didn't come. It still felt unreal. I knew the risks when we first started this, but I never imagined that it could have such tragic consequences. Elijah didn't deserve this. His only fault was helping me. I didn't know how could I look at his family, how I could hold his daughter knowing that I had caused his death. As if hearing my thoughts, Lena turned me to face her.

"You do know that it's not your fault Estelle, Elijah knew the risks"

I didn't say anything, I had no words to speak, the guilt was tearing me apart inside.

"It's not your fault" she said again. "You are not responsible for this, if anything the king and his wretched council are to blame".

The words burned through me. I still wasn't convinced that it wasn't my fault, but the guilt transformed into anger and the rage made my blood boil. I would destroy them, I would tear them apart. They would pay for Elijah's death, they would pay for making his daughter Marlene an orphan. And it wouldn't be quick. Their destruction would be slow and painful.

I looked at Lena, she was gazing at the rain outside the window. My fae friend of light, whose flame brought warmth and happiness, hated the rain. I gave a small smile at the thought and cleared my throat.

"I'm leaving".

She didn't question my judgement, she knew me far too better to do that. She just asked, "Where?"

"To Patrucia, the duke there is sympathetic to the rebellion. I'll join him."

"Why not destroy him here?", she gave me a questioning look.

"Because it won't change the system, I can't end him and the council too.it isn't possible. Even if I manage to kill him, the council would replace him and the dark system would continue as it is."

"But you're the successor to the throne", she protested.

Giving her a pointed look, I said, "Because genius, they aren't stupid. You know they hate me. The king has written me out of his will, too".

"When are we going?", Lena asked me.

"As soon as I make arrangements, I'm sorry, what do you mean we?"

"You seriously don't think that ill let you go off alone, do you?",

"Come on, Lena, didn't you see what happened to Elijah. I can't lose you too. You're asking for the same fate if you follow me on this."

"I'm asking to accompany my best friend", Lena retorted, her tone somehow still gentle.

I opened my mouth to plead my case, but was stopped by a knock at the door. Hesitating for a bit, I called out in a somewhat shaky voice, "come in". A guard entered, bowing first, he informed me, "The king demands your presence at once, My lady." I nodded to show I understood. He left, but not before glancing at me in warning. This was not good, this was really not good.

I left Lena in my suite and headed towards the throne room. Stopping just outside the closed doors, I took deep breaths. Still trying to calm my fury, I flinched when a cold voice spoke from the inside, loud and clear,

"Enter"