"Maelina."
Maelina straightened immediately. "My King."
"Take Eliora, and ensure she rests." He said.
Eliora blinked.
"What?"
She stepped forward instinctively.
"No, I... I'm coming with you." Her voice came out faster than she intended.
Zarek's gaze shifted to her.
"No." He said. Just one word, but it left no space for argument.
Eliora frowned, her fingers curling at her sides.
"Zarek, I should be there."
"You will not." His tone didn't rise, but it hardened. That same kingly authority settled in his voice again.
Eliora felt the command in it, making her chest tighten.
"I'm your..."
He cut her off. "I know who you are. Which is exactly why you will not be there. You have no business fighting for a position that is already yours."
Eliora swallowed.
Her heart was beating faster now, frustration mixing with something else she couldn't quite name.
Fear? Not of him, but of what he was about to do.
"I can help," she said, quieter this time.
