Through the Archway

Chapter Twenty-Two -- Part Two

James reached her. "Listen, Ev... I'm sorry for getting mad at you last night," he rubbed the back of his neck and stared at his feet. He was definitely feeling guilty, probably worried that he had upset her.

"It's fine James," she said, the knife in her heart twisting. "Don't worry about it."

James looked relieved and his face broke out into a smile.

"Only one week, right? Then we can find Taylor and it's back to —" he looked around for anyone else listening, "using the archways and exploring."

He began to walk up the stairs again. Evelyn followed, saying nothing, fiddling with her fingers. It would be wrong not to tell him, she thought, What if he finds out later and I already knew about it?

"James, I —" but she was cut off by voices from below.

Rebekah and David stood at the foot of the stairwell, arguing about something. James leaned over the banister to look at them.

"I swear, they'll be dating any day now," James said, "And when Taylor comes back, we'll be surrounded by couples. Ugh, it makes me sick."

Evelyn nodded without really listening to him and leaned against the wall, feeling slightly more relaxed; she was spared, for now. She wouldn't be able to tell him — not in such a public place.

Evelyn, too, leaned over the banister of the spiral staircase. "The council is staring in five minutes," she warned, cutting them off. They looked up at her in surprise, and James sniggered. "You'd better get up here."

Rebekah and David ran up to meet them. They were only halfway up the long staircase, which would take them to the Council Hall. "What were you guys arguing about?" James asked causally, but Evelyn could detect humor in his voice.

"Taylor," said Rebekah. "David thinks she won't be able to find her way back on her own."

David rolled his eyes. "That is not what I said," he protested, "I just think we should look for her." He glared at Rebekah, who glared back.

Evelyn bit back a groan. "We can't look for her David," she whispered. "There's no way to tell where she is — and I suggest you keep your voices down when you're talking about things like this; we don't want anyone to know."

Rebekah and David flushed. They continued their walk in silence, until Rebekah spoke up. "How long do you think it'll be before Taylor comes back?" she asked. Her voice sounded hopeful.

"I don't know," Evelyn said. "It could take a while, depending on where she is..."

"But she should be back by now, shouldn't she?" Rebekah asked. "I mean, it's been almost three days!"

David shushed her, looking around to make sure no one had heard them.

"I'm doing everything I can," Evelyn said. "But in this situation, I can't think of anything else to do but wait. I'm sorry."

Her breathing felt labored; the pressure of Taylor had been enough, and now the combined forces of Thomas and Will seemed to be weighing her down. She felt the sudden inclination to tell James about Thomas. She knew, though, that he would not be able to keep his cool all throughout the council.

Rebekah nodded. "Its fine, Evelyn," she said. "She'll come back."

Evelyn stared at the door to her left. Behind it was her father. Behind it were the councils. Behind it was Thomas. "Come on," she said. "We're late."

James held the door for them all. They ran down the short hall and reached a set of polished mahogany doors, which Evelyn pushed open.

The Elders were seated around the long table. Thomas glared at them all as they took their seats. Queen Cynthia sniffed disdainfully, and turned back to Elden, continuing their conversation. Anne, one of James's little sisters, giggled as he sat down.

"Good morning," said King Henry. His booming voice filled the Hall as he chanted the usual opening speech. "We are gathered here together, setting any differences aside, to celebrate our union as one. Our respective realms have always had a close relationship — through war, through peace, through prosperity. The council is a time when we can settle our differences, help each other, and rule the people of our United Realms. Our goal, as ever, is to remain as one. The lands across the desert, mountains and sea, fear us and respect us because we are one. My family offers our humblest thanks to you all for coming."