Beyond The Curtains (ELARA] When I open my eyes, it takes me a moment to remember where I am, which tells me how well I slept. I don't know what brought me comfort-whether it was the satisfaction I felt for doing right by Beatrice, or having my wolf back in talking terms with me, or thinking that my husband isn't a heartless man after all. Seeing that side of Magnus, soft and vulnerable, has definitely changed the dynamics between us. And after the words exchanged between us yesterday, I can only hope he'll be up for talking rather than have me guess his thoughts. His words ring back in my ears: Step one foot out of the line and you'll find yourself entangled in courtly politics, and soon you'll be a pawn in their game ready for disposal whenever needed. Is that really what's going down behind the friendly faces I've come across the court? They have never been friendly to me, of course. I'm a stranger, unwelcome and not up to the standards they're used to. But there's always a general state of calmness and politeness about them as they walk around the hall. I don't think Magnus was referring to his immediate family; the queen mother, Magnus' stepmother, Ruelle... that's all I can name. It has to be others that I haven't met or interacted with. Should I even be bothered? Do I, a beta coming from an independant werewolf pack, wish to be tangled up in courtly politics of a kingdom? Absolutely not. What do I want then? 'You want Alec back,' Lila answers for me. I smile to myself. "And we'll have him back," I tell her. Despite what Magnus said about having no hopes, I'm holding on to the idea of Alec getting back to his normal self. Because if I let go of that, I don't know what will keep me going. And that brings back the last thought on my mind before I drifted to sleep yesterday. If the poison can be extracted from someone undergoing transition after being bitten by Alec, Magnus could very well try that. By making Alec bite someone he's holding prisoner. It could result in their death, but I feel death is going to feel like a reward compared to the torture they're put through there. It feels very selfish too. Having someone else suffer just so we can accomplish something, but if that's the price that has to be paid, so be it. I need to see Magnus! When I get to my feet, I find Beatrice still sleeping on the floor by the bed, her face relaxed. I'm glad I could do something for her, regardless of how it's going to be looked on by others. I've made a great impression so far. Now that I think back on the court scene, my cheeks flush with nervousness. How did I even manage to do that? There were a hundred people around me, and I practically challenged their Prince. *** Magnus is absent from the breakfast table. I don't miss the disapproving glance that Celia, his stepmother, passes me. She sits so stiffly. She eats so stiffly. I wonder if she has ever smiled. Then I look at Ruelle, and wonder how she could've birthed someone so charming and full of life. The queen mother questions me regarding the matter I brought up in court and all I have to say is, "It's sorted. They got the body back." And she has forgotten all about it as she asks Ruelle to feed her the raisin pudding. My sister-in-law greeted me with a smile earlier, but it didn't seem to reach her eyes. I know she's been wanting to talk to me regarding Beatrice but we did not get a chance. Perhaps after breakfast I can tell her what has been going on. 'You have to be very careful about what you say and what you do,' Magnus' voice echoes in my head. I'm not sure if telling Ruelle about the attack will be a good idea. It means I'll have to tell her about Alec too, and something about that doesn't sit right in my stomach. I take my leave soon, not feeling any appetite but finishing everything I've been 1/3 served. Ruelle watches me as I leave but doesn't stop. Celia doesn't even raise her head. She continues eating stiffly. Maybe she's the one I should be wary about. I walk down the palace corridors, a single thought in my mind: track down Magnus. Find out where he hides when he's not annoyed by something I do. I suppose I could've asked anyone at breakfast about his whereabouts, but the tense atmosphere and the mockery in general-not knowing where my husband is-held me back. Just when I find myself starting to get lost in thoughts of Alec's wellbeing, I spot the beta that's always following Magnus. I could call the man his shadow, standing guard outside a chamber entrance. I think his name is Alistair, so I call him out as I approach him. His stern gaze rises and settles on my face. His eyes narrow so slightly, you can almost miss it. "How can I help you?" he asks, bowing. "Alistair, right?" "Yes," he answers politely. "Is there anything I can do for you, Princess?" "Is that my title?" I ask, distracted. "Just call me Elara. I want to Magnus. I'm sure you know where he is." Alistair opens his mouth and closes it again. He's hesitating. For a brief moment, his eyes dart to the chamber he's been guarding. "He's inside? Then say so," I tell him, taking a step forward. He stops me, raising his arm to block my way. "Forgive me, princess," he says. "I don't think the prince wants to be disturbed right now." "The matter is urgent. I need to see him right now. Don't worry. I'll apologize on your behalf. I assure you he won't get mad at you for letting me in," I say confidently. Without awaiting his approval, I push away the curtains that bar the entry into the chamber and walk in. 'Don't go inside,' Lila warns, but it's too late already. I regret my decision immediately. The sound of a woman moaning falls on my ears before the whole scene comes into my view. Magnus is laying naked on the bed, his hands gripped firmly around Morgana's hips. Her bare back shines with sweat as she rhythmically moves atop him, moaning his name. She leans forward with a laugh, planting her palm on his chest right when he flips her, putting her on her back. She gasps but giggles, locking her arms around his neck as he reaches out to grab her breast. " Kiss me," she tells him. It sounds more like a command. I think I stumble back and knock off a vase, because that's the moment when both of them cease their love-making session and look in my direction. My ears are deaf momentarily, and my lips tremble when I speak. I think I mumble a 'sorry'. It could very well be a 'fuck you', because as shocked as I am, I'm feeling quite betrayed too. I think it never crossed my mind that I could potentially witness something like this. Well then I guess I'm very stupid. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!