Element Restraint

Chapter 21: Erik

I ignore the growl my stomach makes. I have not eaten anything in about two days now. Back at the palace. Even then it was barely anything. I hoped Gale would bring me something yesterday, but he has yet to return.

I assume it was yesterday. Without the sun, I am unable to keep track of time down here. My only source of light is a lantern hanging on the wall across from my cell.

My stomach growls louder. I make a groan of frustration and turn onto my back. I hate being this helpless. I feel so pathetic sitting in this cell.

"Pathetic is right." I hear my father say.

"Go away!" I say to the air. No matter where I go his voice is always in my head.

"Honestly, you did deserve this." the voice in my head continues. "This is your punishment for betraying me."

"I said go away!" I shout at the top of my lungs. I rise to my feet and throw my boot at the bars of my cell.

Someone clears their throat behind me. I turn towards the entrance of the brig and see Gale frowning. Acantha stands behind him with a tray of food in her hands. She looks confused and horrified at the same time.

"Hey buddy," Gale says high pitched. "How are we doing?"

"Do not call me buddy," I say and drop back down on the floor.

"We brought you food," Acantha says. She avoids eye contact with me. She walks over to the food slot in my cell door and slides it through.

I go to grab the tray, but the chains on my wrist restrict me. I sigh full of frustration. I use my barefoot and drag the tray towards me.

Acantha reaches her hand in the cell and picks up my boot. She tosses it to me with a small smile.

"Thank you," I say in between bites. 

Gale and Acantha stand looking at me eating my food. I try to eat slowly to hide how hungry I am. Every bite I take, it gets harder and harder to do so. I practically lick the plate when I am done.

"Any news of when I will get out of here?" I ask, dropping the plate next to me.

"I am working on that," Gale responds. He crosses his arms and looks at his shoes.

I look at Acantha. She stares at me with worry and guilt. I look at Gale who is a bundle of nerves next to her. Something is wrong.

"I am not getting out of here ever, am I?" I sigh.

"Erik, I have to ask you something," Acantha says. Gale drops his hands and begins pacing behind her.

"Okay."

Acantha sits down so that we are at eye level with each other. I look down at her hands and see her thumb twitching against her fingernails. Behind her, the lamp begins to flicker fast.

"The rebellion is going to execute me?" I guess.

"No," Acantha says. "This is not about the rebellion."

"Then what is it about?" I yell impatiently. I sigh for a moment and lower my voice. "You guys are scaring me."

"Do you think that your brother would ever try to murder Aella?" Acantha asks me.

"Wh-what?" I stammer. "He is my brother, h-he would never. He is my brother." I look at Acantha and Gale.

"Why would you ask such a barbaric question?" Anger rises in my throat. First Acantha questions my motives, and now my family!

"I overheard a conversation at the palace. I assumed it was you, but now I know it was Casimir." Acantha explains.

"What did he say?"