Part Of His Bargain

ELORA

I sat in the carriage as it drove off. I stared back from time to time, looking at the brothel to see if I would see Olivia from the window of Madam Moira's room. I could see nothing.

I sat back and closed my eyes and imagined what Mother would be feeling right now.

Was Alma taking care of her?

Was Alma even okay?

Was Mother okay?

And Bennett and Brian?

I barely knew Lucy.

Could I trust her with them?

I stretched my legs in the carriage and looked out of the window to the side. The bushes were flying by quickly as we rode to the palace. I was going to be offered to the King's Father. I was going to be his mistress as part of a deal he had with Kain.

I had cried myself to sleep last night, after the meeting with Kain. Olivia had lain beside me, weeping as well. The headaches had increased and my nose hurt badly from constantly blowing it.

But now, I didn't look it. My face had been powdered and arranged for this morning. Kain had threatened to harm mother and make Olivia work in