Chapter 53

Eliena and Sam stood surrounded by friends, his arm wrapped around her small waist. It was clear how much the new couple loved each other. Eliena was laughing, and the men in the group hung on every sound that came from her mouth. If Sam was at all jealous, it didn't show. Neal was standing nearest to Eliena, hiding his jealousy behind his usual mischievous look. Kel stood as far away from Neal as possible, and Eliena made a mental note to talk to the girl about that.

"So, El, where's Leo?" Neal asked. Eliena looked around.

"I don't know… I haven't seen him since the ceremony…" She raised her arm and flagged a servant. "Would you happen to know where Leonard of Pirate's Swoop is?"

"He's over there, your highness," he answered with a bow.

"Thank you." Eliena smiled at her group of friends. "I'll be right back." Eliena maneuvered her way over to Leo, and touched his arm. He looked at her, eyes glazed over. "Oh, Goddess," Eliena muttered. "Leo…" He nearly fell on her in an overly sexual hug. Eliena gently pushed him back. "Leo, sweetheart, love, you are drunk?"

"Don't go callin' me 'love'," her friend slurred. "You aren't married to me!"

"Leo, sweetheart…" Eliena's voice was gentle, motherly, and caressing. "Let's get you upstairs to bed, hm?"

"No! I want to stay and enjoy the night!" He tried to take a step and stumbled into Eliena's arms. She let out an "oof" from his weight. Leo looked up at her, eyes twinkling.

"So…that's how it is, eh?" he asked. Eliena's pretty face twisted in a look of disgust and she pushed him away.

"Ew!" she exclaimed. "You're disgusting!"

"Aw, come on, Eli. I know you still love me." Leo leaned in, puckering his lips. "Give me a kiss."

"In your dreams." She shoved him away forcefully, eyes blazing. "Keep away from me, Leo, you hear? Stay away from me."

"Aw, but Eli…" He called after her as she stalked away.

She was almost back to Sam when she heard his drunken voice ring out, "I guess I'll have to go down to your husband's old hangout and get myself a whore then to replace you. You're as good as one of them!" The whole room fell silent and the royal family froze—including her brother and sister. Lianne had been flirting with one of the men, while Roald talking magic and books with Thom and Numair.

The king, queen, heiress, prince, and princess were suddenly all standing together, facing Leo, who was now flanked by his parents. George had a hand firmly steadying his son. It was clear he was embarrassed, not just because of Leo's drunken state, but because Sam's "old hangout" was also George's.

"George, you'd best get him away from here," Alanna told her longtime friend. "He seems to be a little drunk."

"A little, mother? A little?" Eliena demanded. She turned her violet eyes onto George and Rose. "He's ruined my wedding!"

"Eliena, that's a little harsh," Jonathan remarked. She shook her head.

"It is not. Father, he called me a whore," she hissed.

"Eliena." Sam put his hand on her shoulder. She whipped around to look at him, but was caught in his eyes and felt a little drunk herself. "Eliena, what do you say we go upstairs? Let's get away." Eliena nodded slowly.

"If you'll excuse us." She took his arm and they glided out.

"It might be best if Leo went down to the Swoop until his Ordeal," Jonathan murmured to his assistant spymaster. George nodded.

"I think that's a good idea." He turned burning hazel eyes on his son. "Come on, Leonard." He forcefully dragged his son from the ballroom. Rose gave the monarchs an apologetic look.

"I'm so sorry," she told them. "You know this isn't usually like him…"

"Don't fret, Rose," Alanna said. "I think our daughter's had something to do with it." Rose smiled and hugged her old friend before following her husband and son.

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A week later, Eliena and Sam awoke to a pounding on their door. Eliena swore and got out of bed, pulling her dressing gown around her body. She yanked open the door.

"What?" she demanded. Alanna cocked an eyebrow.

"Good morning to you, too, Eli," Alanna replied.

"Mother," Eliena sighed. "What do you want?"

"I don't want anything," Alanna replied. "But I thought you'd like to know…"

"What, mother? Its too early for this." Eliena leaned on the doorframe.

"Its noon," the Lioness said. "And I thought you'd care to know that Leo's missing."

Author's Note- this cliffhanger is especially evil because I don't know when I'll update again! (Evil laughter) REVIEW.