chapter 35: move him

Why hesitate thought, Caidren did not allow himself to hesitate anymore.

He stood by the war table, his hands pressed against the aged wood, maps and reports spread before him. The stronghold was secure, the soldiers were in order, the threat—while still present—had been driven back. He had done everything expected of him.

And yet, his mind returned—again and again—to the cold chamber beneath the stronghold.

He exhaled slowly, as if the breath could rid him of the thought. It didn't.

Caidren straightened. Then, in a voice that was firm but even, he said, "Move him."

Across the table, Aedric stood at attention. He did not react immediately, but there was no hesitation in his posture—only quiet observation.

"Where would you like him placed, my lord?" Aedric's tone was neutral, respectful, as always.

Caidren did not look up. "The eastern wing."

There was a brief pause, barely long enough to be noticed, before Aedric nodded. "I understand. Near the barracks?"

"Not inside them." Caidren kept his voice controlled. "A room of his own. Out of the way, but comfortable enough."

Another pause. Aedric did not question the decision. He never would. But there was an awareness in his silence—a carefulness.

"As you command," Aedric said simply.

Caidren finally met his gaze. There was no judgment in Aedric's expression, no knowing look or thinly veiled amusement. Only respect. Only obedience.

That was why Caidren trusted him.

"See to it personally," Caidren added. "And ensure he has what he needs."

Aedric inclined his head. "Of course, my lord."

There was nothing more to say. Aedric gave a precise bow before turning on his heel and striding from the chamber, his footsteps measured and deliberate.

Caidren remained where he was, his gaze settling once more on the maps before him.

He had given the order. It was done.

And yet, the weight in his chest did not lift.

—

The Change of a Room

Elias was awake when they came for him.

He did not flinch at the sound of approaching footsteps, did not move when the heavy iron door creaked open. He had expected this, in some way. Perhaps they had grown tired of him. Perhaps they had come to finish what the battlefield had started.

But the man who entered was not one of the soldiers who had jeered at him before.

It was Aedric.

Elias studied him, his expression unreadable.

"My lord has ordered your relocation," Aedric said evenly. There was no cruelty in his tone, no amusement. He was stating a fact. "You are to come with me."

Elias did not move immediately. "Why?"

Aedric did not answer. He simply stepped aside, waiting.

Elias exhaled slowly. Then, with measured movements, he pushed himself to his feet. His body still ached, but he did not stumble. Did not allow himself to appear weak.

Aedric turned without another word, leading him from the chamber.

The halls beyond were warmer than the lower chambers, but Elias did not relax. He did not ask questions. He simply followed in silence, his steps steady despite the weight of exhaustion in his limbs.

They moved through corridors unfamiliar to him, past guards who barely spared him a glance. The further they walked, the more Elias understood—this was no longer a prison.

Aedric stopped before a door, then turned to him. "This will be your quarters from now on."

Elias hesitated, then stepped inside.

It was not extravagant, but it was far from the cell he had left behind. A proper bed stood against the far wall, a sturdy table and chair beside it. A fireplace remained unlit in the corner, but the room held a warmth that had been absent before.

Elias took it all in, slow and measured.

Aedric stood at the door, watching. "If you require anything, you need only ask."

Elias turned to him, something unreadable flickering in his dark eyes. "And if I ask for freedom?"

Aedric did not falter. "That is not mine to give."

Elias exhaled, quiet and knowing. "Of course."

Aedric gave him a final nod before stepping back. The door did not lock behind him.

Elias stood in the silence, staring at the flickering torchlight outside the doorway.

He had been moved.

But he had not been freed.