Zuriel
Princess Elara. Elara. Her name rings in my head. Ever since I told her about what happened with my therapist, I felt like a heavy load was lifted off my chest.
I didnât know talking about it would help me. I appreciated what she said. How concerned and understanding she was of me.
As I spent more time with her, I realized how mature she was. She has grown to be a wonderful young woman.
Princess Elara was jealous of River. But she needed not to worry because there was nothing with River and me.
I was attached to River a few years ago because of the abuse we both suffered at our tender ages. We bonded over that. It still makes me guilty that I married another woman after she came back. After she lost our child at the hands of those rogues. I had rejected Riverâs propositions to get married, but, I agreed to marry another woman. That is why I couldnât completely cut her out of my life. I made a promise to care for her as best as I can.
I take a shower and step out of the bathroom. Elara is nowhere to be seen. My eyes search for her. I see her standing on the balcony.
I change and go to her, but stop in my tracks. What the fuck is happening to me? Why do I want to go to her? Why do I feel the need to comfort her when I hurt her? To want to be close to her. I canât love the little Princess. I was incapable of love.
I leave my room, ready to do some work in the study. However, when I step into the hallway, River is there. It canât be fucking happening.
âWhat is it?â I ask sternly. I donât want River to think that there can ever be something between us. She has tried to seduce me before, but I rejected her advances.
âZuriel, my therapist thinks you should attend some sessions with me. It would help me with my recovery process,â she tells me. I sigh and run a hand through my hair. I donât want to see another therapist. I pause, unable to say anything.
âZuriel, I know you donât believe in them,â she giggles. Why was she giggling? There was nothing funny. I did mention long ago that I didnât like therapists, but I didnât tell her why.
âI canât go with you, River,â
âBut why?â she pouts, stepping closer to me. My gaze instinctively goes to the door. I canât let Elara see us talk like this. She might get the wrong idea. However, I donât know how to stay in the same house with River without talking to her. I know sheâd want to talk.
âZuriel?â I hear my wifeâs lovely voice from the room. I feel the alarm rise within me as footsteps approach the door. It was a strange feeling. Iâd never panic in my life.
âOkay,â I nod. I want River to be gone from here.
âThank you, Zuriel!â
Before I can react, she wraps her arms around me. I donât respond quickly. The door opens, and Elara walks out. She gasps and holds her fingers over her mouth.
Her eyes flicker with disappointment and hurt. She looks between us.
âLetâs go down for dinner,â Elara whispers and goes past us. I didnât expect the pain I felt in my heart. I want to explain it isnât what she thinks, but I donât formulate any sentences. I glare at River before going after Elara. She accelerates her pace, not wanting to be close to me.
We were sitting at the dining table. The tension was high. The Princess completely ignored me. River was eating and talking about the things she did while we were away.
âI know you donât like me fighting, but the necklace was too cute. Also, Zuriel, you should see my new dresses,â
âDo you ever stop talking?â Elara sneers after staying silent for a long time.
âAlso, shouldnât you be depressed or something? What youâve been through was horrible, yet you seem well â¦Too well, actually,â
âElara!â I growl. How could she remind her of that at this time? Elara purses her lips and gives me a tight-lipped smile.
The rest of dinner was dreadful. Elara was being rude. River wouldnât stop talking all the damn time. I was beginning to have a headache. I couldnât stand it. River needs to leave my house soon.