A Savior's Worth (Book #3)

Chapter Forty-Eight

Although she stared at her own reflection, Elouise could hardly recognize herself.

She'd just returned from bathing and was now dressed in one of her extravagant peach-colored gowns with lace, silk, and golden embroidery. Gidget and Everild worked diligently on her hair behind her, carefully brushing out any tangles and deciding which jewels would look best. Earlier, they had burst into tears when they were reunited with Elouise, repeating over and over how happy they were to see her home and safe.

Now they were quiet, and Elouise wished she knew what to say to further ease their minds.

Loud knocks came at her door. Elouise didn't even get the opportunity to open her mouth and ask who it was, because Ivy ran inside.

"Elouise!" she joyously cried, rushing over. Elouise gasped and spun on the heels of her white slippers. Ivy practically tackled her with her embrace, and Elouise welcomed it.

Then Ivy abruptly pulled back, widening her eyes. "They won't let me see my cousin! I tried convincing them, but the guards told me I had to wait until tomorrow! Why tomorrow? I don't want to wait until tomorrow. How can they—"

"Ivy, breathe," Elouise pleaded, gently cupping her face. Ivy inhaled. Elouise then dismissed Gidget and Everild who curtsied and excused themselves.

Ivy exhaled and moved away. "I cannot believe King Philip. He accused my cousin, Eldon, and Leanne of kidnapping!"

"It is atrocious," Elouise agreed. "Although, I've learned they've released Leanne for now as they have no proof when she joined us. With Henry and Eldon, however, I have a feeling that no matter how hard I fight against my father about this, he will not release them."

Ivy slowly faced her again and batted her eyelashes innocently. "Well... I had an idea."

"What is it?"

Ivy clasped her hands together, giving Elouise her cutest little smile. "Ah, well, it proved successfully with Victor—"

"Oh, no," Elouise interjected.

"—and I figured if I tried the potion again, it could work to convince King Philip..."

"Ivy." Elouise sighed.

Ivy dropped her hands and frowned. "Oh, alright. We'll do this naturally. But that gives us more work because your father is mean."

Elouise pursed her lips, recalling the marble Ivy had given Henry.

"You've used magic recently," she flatly stated. Ivy's brows shot up. "The necklace you gave Henry. It was charmed by you, wasn't it?"

"Did it explode?" Ivy deadpanned.

"Yes."

Ivy gaped at her. "His life was threatened out there. By who?" She wrinkled her nose and folded her arms across her chest.

"By the same people who are responsible for every attack. Fortunately, because of you, Henry survived."

The anger on Ivy's face dwindled, and she beamed. "That was my first time charming an item with a protection spell. I was nervous it wouldn't work, but you encouraged me to try something new."

Elouise blinked, bewildered until she remembered the last conversation she'd had with Ivy before leaving. And she shamefully placed her hand on her forehead. "I did not think you had meant magic..."

Ivy giggled in response.

"Ivy, you must be careful."

"I am. I'm only using spells to help."