Voices woke her up. Dymon. Dymon and... Elia's eyes flew open and she nearly sat up, but the motion pulled at the open gash in her side. With a strangled sound she relaxed onto the cushions again. The blanket had fallen away a bit and she carefully pulled it up, her movements hesitant as she tried not to bend her wrists. How had she not woken when whatever it was was playing at making her into a child's cut-out? She'd had enough wine the night before but surely nothing so much as that.
"Jaer." She attempted a smile. "As well you should--" She glanced at Dymon. "Everyone, Jaer and I would speak alone."
"No." Dymon's voice was firm. "I swore you'd not be alone in this castle for the rest of this cursed errand."
"And so I shan't." Elia's eyes narrowed. She didn't like being disobeyed, but she reminded herself Ser Dymon was only trying to keep her alive so her brothers didn't have to kill anyone. "Just go outside the door for a few moments, it need not be long." As the servants and guards took their leave, Elia regarded Jaehaerys. He looked grave- far too serious for him and grief made him look older more like the king she'd always expected he'd be.
When they were alone, Elia spoke. "Jaer, I'm so sorry. I didn't know anyone would-- why would they? It doesn't make any sense. She wasn't any threat..."