Nara smiled. “It must have cost so much.”
Cilvreen shook her head, drawing back the sleeves of her gown to reveal long scars along the length of her arms. “I was once a slave. I paid for my freedom with the work I do, that I learned from an owner. Now, the king pays me handsomely for items unique to the elves and enchantments that I learned after I was allowed magic again. I only hope you remember me when you are crowned. All of us pray for new beginnings.”
Nara considered her words. Slavery was something she wanted to speak about with her father. She hoped she would have time to do so tonight. Since she’d arrived, only Castien and her brother had seen her. Doubt crept through her heart. If they had sent for her, why had no other come to see her?
Family. Something she had never had, and still felt as though she would never have.
When a knock came at the door, Cilvreen bowed to Nara and gathered her threads and tools. Cilvreen rushed to the doors just as the guards opened them. Silent, she nodded and she moved past Castien who entered. He now wore finer clothing than the last time they met, highlighting his white-blond hair that shone near as bright as the sun.
With a broad smile, Castien crossed the room to Nara. He offered Nara a bare hand, visibly admiring her. “You are so very beautiful, Your Highness.” His smile widened, eyes flowing over the colors that swam around her.
Nara placed her hand in his as they left. “I would much rather continue to be called ‘Nara of the Dryads’.” She smiled, more accustomed to that reference than to a royal title. The dryads were her comfort and would come to her whenever she called, unlike her new-found family.
Castien nodded to the guardsmen who followed them outside her door. “It is your birth title. If you are to be queen—”
“Being of the dryads is also a name I’ve had from birth,” she gently interrupted. “I have chosen to remain at your side, but I’ve not chosen to take the crown.” He hesitated in his step. “If my brother wants it—”
“If your brother is crowned… Nara, focus on what you want.” Castien pulled her to the side, hardened amethyst eyes falling on her soft face. “If you’ve chosen to stay with me, then you have to trust me in all the things that I ask of you.”
Nara bit back on her thoughts, eyes downcast. Do all that is required of you, all that you know to be right. She had decided to stay with the dryad directing her, but she couldn’t fathom the idea of leading a land she barely knew. How would they accept her, and how long would it be before she would take her father’s place? If this were to be her lot in life, she prayed for the time to learn all she needed to.
“Then I rescind my statement,” Nara said, and they continued on their path.
“Tonight you will be formally recognized as heir to the kingdom. There are several houses who anxiously await your arrival.” His hand swept across the back of hers, traveling upwards across her arm. “Since Ghela missed your coming of age, many houses will gift you tonight. You may even receive personal servants or slaves. I also found a gift I know you will appreciate.”
“Why are there slaves?” Her question was rushed, leaving her breathless in its passing. She shook her head and continued, “I’ve heard stories from Taruk about how they are treated and saw markings on Cilvreen. I have yet to see any others, but I assume the stories of cruelty to be true. I am confused by how happy Cilvreen is; she was proud to have earned her freedom, a freedom already rightly hers.”
Castien inhaled deeply, stopping in the middle of the corridor. Soft lights flickered around them with no one but the guards to hear them. A finger came to rest under her chin, leading her to look up at him. “When in the north, the orcs are fearsome nomads that have fought us for some time. We attempted to make peace, but they would attack. When you remove them from their home, they are not so gathered; they become less aggressive. If you were to see Taruk amongst his clan, you would understand we’ve done the right thing.” His fingers trailed across her neck until they rested at her shoulder. “Cilvreen too understands the necessary life of a slave. She was born into it and made her path to freedom. Any should be proud of that.”
A red haired elf rushed past them with her head lowered, a leather collar visible around her neck. Nara frowned. “What have the elves and humans done?” From the corner of her eye, she saw Castien look at the elf too before she was gone. His face had gone still.
“We should move more quickly; there are many waiting.” Castien did not wait for a response, urging her along; his fingers against her bare back caused bumps to rise across her body.
They walked in silence. Discomfort was not something she was used to feeling around him, yet she felt it casting over her soul. The hardened elf who spoke to her of many wondrous things seemed to want to shield her. While understandable, her curiosity would not be sated until she learned all she could.
Nara counted each passing stone until at last they entered the great hall.
It was not as it had appeared when she first arrived, when the walls and the area had been void of anything save the city banners. The large hall now held several tables. Candlesticks of silver and gold lined the tables along with large platters of food.
The center of the hall was open, and small drakes flew about, landing on the balconies above where trainers tended to them. Their long bodies moved gracefully, appearing as miniature dragons, only a bit larger than the cats she had seen roaming the castle. If her heart had not failed her upon seeing creatures she’d only heard of, it came close when three white statues moved on the ground, their eyes blank and their bodies nearly naked save for a cloth of deep purple that wrapped around them.
While she had seen the statues moving outside the castle, the marvel would never end. Elven magic was capable of producing many splendid things. It was said that if the Elders needed to, they could bring to life the statues of the gods to defend them. But the Elders instructed many to not perform such magic unless it was necessary, preventing many from seeing things like this every day.
There was a loud clatter when one of the guards stepped before her. Metal armor scraping across stone floor, he beat the butt of his pole into the ground. “Crown Princess, Nara Dartmyr of the Dryads.”
The hall grew quiet, another feeling of unease settling on her. Castien nudged her in the back, and she stepped through the arched doorway that had served as a barrier. The heat in her face intensified, and she held her head as high as she could. Suddenly thinking herself ill-dressed, she felt all eyes on her, causing a weakness in her legs. Still she pressed on, afraid but facing such a simple task with courage, knowing through the whispers that all saw her mark as her hair lay over one shoulder.
Castien guided her to the table at which her father sat, and Alinar Dartmyr rose from his high-backed chair, which appeared as a tree, leaves golden and silver.
“My daughter,” Alinar boomed, green eyes shining. Nara nodded to him. Spreading his arms wide, he continued, “Please excuse my absence over the past few days. Understand now how ecstatic I am to see you, to welcome you again, now in the view of our people. Sit, eat, and enjoy.”
Alinar gestured to the seat beside him, and she nodded again, not knowing what to say, if anything. Choosing not to make a fool of herself, she hurried to sit between her father and brother. Sudriel glared at both Nara and Castien. Anger heated the air, but she no longer cared, knowing he would not touch her in the presence of so many.
After Nara had seated herself, Alinar gestured to Castien. “All should know who it was that brought the future queen home, the one who took great care when seeking her and freed her of a land that would have kept her from us. Castien Dreigsier, name your reward!” Loud applause sounded, mixing with shouts and whistles that ebbed to nothing when Alinar held up his hand.
Castien chuckled. “Your Majesty, I’ve reward enough from just being in the presence of your beautiful daughter. She has been wonderful company and pleasing to look upon throughout the days I spent in Vheria.” Whispers stirred against laughter, causing Nar
a to look down at her hands in her lap, her cheeks burning brighter than before.
“She has the beauty of her mother!” someone shouted from the end of the table. The same elf who spoke these words leaned over and raised his glass to Nara.
“Thank the gods for that,” another said. A human stood at one of the side tables and raised his glass as well. His words caused a fit of laughter from those in the hall. When the laughter tapered off, all eyes turned to Castien again.
“Name your price, Castien,” Alinar said, his hands clasped before him. “Name anything you would like for performing a great service not just for me, but for all those of Ghela and the gods themselves.”
Castien appeared to ponder the offer, his eyes sweeping Nara’s face.
When he spoke, his voice carried over the soft music and the crackle of the hall’s flames. “If I would ask of any favor in the future, I request that Your Grace be there to do that one favor for me.” Castien smiled patiently at Alinar who took his turn to think, tilting his chin upwards in regards to the younger elf. Nara lit up at the idea of how much she might be worth to her father. The asking price Castien gave was a high one, even she knew, which might entail him to anything.
“This request of yours leaves room for much,” Alinar sighed. “You have nothing else you might like, Castien? Land, money, women or maidens?” When her father added the last, Nara couldn’t help but bite the inside of her cheek, catching a glance of Castien looking towards her before she turned back to her father.
Castien shrugged. “Since I’ve nothing else in mind and my father and I sit so kindly in your view, that is all I can think of. It is up to Your Grace if you will accept.” The hall silenced, even those playing music in the corner grew still. Alinar glanced down at Nara. What was she worth to him? If only he knew of her unspoken love for Castien, maybe that would have helped him make a decision.
“I will give that to you,” Alinar said at last, raising his glass to Castien who bowed. Nara saw raised veins in Alinar’s neck, but the king wore a smile that counterbalanced the fear in her heart. “Take your seat before I rescind.”
Castien laughed, held his hand up, and quietly walked up to the dais. He winked at Nara before seating himself beside an elf who wore the same vibrant white hair.
Reclaiming his seat, Alinar patted Nara’s shoulder. “I am pleased to have you home, my sweet. Your true home.” When he set the glass of wine on the table, the music began again. Flutes, lyres, and the like played on, and it helped lift her spirits some. Turning to her, he said, “I hope that you’ve been treated well. If I have not already, I apologize for my absence. There were other affairs that needed my attention, preparation for your feast included.”
Nara stared down at her silver plate, not sure how she should eat or act. Instead, despite her stomach growling, she replied, “I’ve been treated kind enough. I wish to hunt or explore, but the guards are a bit much for me.”
Alinar regarded her, eyes narrowing before he shook his head. “There are people who would have you. I cannot take that risk.” He patted her hand. “You will understand soon enough. And while I am pleased you have a hunter’s skill, it is something that will have to be put off for now.” Alinar looked out towards the people, and with a smile he continued. “I have ladies waiting to instruct you on the workings of Arlania, to care for you and give you company. Along with my chosen, five other prominent noble houses of Ghela offered their women and maidens. There will be other gifts, but I think someone to be by your side will do you well. Perhaps they will ease your mind on the guards’ presence.”
Nara sank into her chair, still not understanding what he meant by ‘ladies’. She had a hard time understanding the difference between a servant and a slave. Even now, from the arched entryways, both servant and slave came and went, bringing food and cleaning. They both performed many of the same tasks, including giving to those guests who made their more primal intentions clear.
She frowned while she ate, frustrated with the circumstances of her new life so far.
Sudriel leaned over, his breath sweet from wine but his voice low and bitter. “The crown was meant to be mine, sister.” His hand reached under the table and tightly grasped her thigh. “If you receive the crown, do not expect to keep it for long.”
She lowered her voice. “Take your hand off me.” When she touched him, he held more tightly, his fingers digging deep. She winced but did not cry out, not wanting to draw more attention to herself. Instead, she leaned towards him, hissing, “Why do you treat me this way when you barely know me?” The hair on her arms rose when thinking of how he had burned the back of her gown.
His eyes lit up, and he smirked, removing his hand “I am only setting boundaries, sister. Perhaps if you are kind, I’ll keep you in my favor and not dispose of you. Our sister understands.” Sudirel gestured to the girl beside him, absorbed in her own chatter. She was much younger than Nara and Sudriel by at least five or six years. Of course she would understand or not care.
“Until last week, I was an orphan,” she said. “I was excited to have a brother. I suppose I should’ve prayed to the gods for another sister.”
Sudriel scoffed. “Remember, we are not fully blood. Our father has been bound twice. He was bound to your mother as practice then to my mother out of love. I think you would serve me well as my personal whore.”
Nara flinched, her cheeks heating again. Though Sudriel would not look at her, she knew her silence satisfied him.
Nara shook her head and looked out over the hall. She wanted to forget about Sudriel. Looking past a servant as the girl served her wine, she sighed from relief before her mouth fell open.
Fallon entered at the end of the hall, and her heart stopped. His new attire, coupled with his sandy brown hair being shorn to his ears, defined features she had not seen before. She smiled and leaned forward in her seat. Having known him for so long, she never would have imagined either of them in this position.
When Fallon looked towards her table, she raised her hand to him and beamed. Her excitement extinguished when he had clearly seen her but chose instead to look at the drakes flying overhead.
Then all color faded from her at the sight of Evert moving beside his brother.
Evert wore a broad smile and waved to those he knew while pushing Fallon towards where she sat. Seeing the only elf she had loved before Castien, her smile left her.
Evert kneeled before the king, pulling Fallon down with him. Her heart raced seeing that he did not appear as she had known him either. He was broader, matching those sailors he had often admired the thousands of times they spoke and visited the outer city.
Biting her lip, she attempted to strangle long-dead emotions.
Shaking her head, she turned her attention back to Fallon. But his response did not help her condition. Fallon’s eyes were wide and shifting as he failed to not glance up at her. Still desiring to see her friend, trying to ignore the one beside him, she continued to gaze upon him.
“Your Majesty,” Evert said, “I thank you for inviting us to such grand festivities. I heard you’ve met my brother, Fallon.” Fallon was still and quiet. Her chest tightened and tears threatened to surface. Not knowing what would happen and feeling alone, she had thrown herself at him the night of Summer Set, nearly kissing him. All this after she had accepted his offer to travel with her. Was it not clear that she still wanted him in her life, regardless of everything else?
“Stand, Evert,” Alinar said, excitement rising in his voice. The two brothers stood, still Fallon stared at the ground, still Evert beamed. “You know me better than that. If I had space, I would have you seated here with me! The stories this one has. I wonder if your brother will bring me as much joy.” Evert laughed, nudging his brother in the side to which Fallon briefly smiled. “Take a seat anywhere you like, you are welcome to anything, unless you have to fight Castien for it.”
Evert’s smile faltered when a burst of laughter came from those who sat nearby, both caused Nara to
question why but she said nothing. Quietly, Evert bowed, leading his brother to a side table where others made room for the two of them. Nara looked at Fallon desperately, but no matter how hard she cried out in her mind to the gods, they would not assuage him.
Nara’s body turned as hard as the ground, and she fought herself. Her will stronger than her urge, she stayed seated. Alinar would speak to her occasionally through the feast, telling her of the strong bloodline she held, their origins being from Fiene, the first fire caster. When Qildor Dreigsier, father of Castien, distracted him, Nara quietly stared ahead of her, catching occasional glances from the people around her while she ate.
All except Fallon’s.
Wanting to take her mind off of Fallon, she looked at Alinar to see that no other was speaking to him. Taking the opportunity, she leaned towards him. “I’ve wanted to ask you about my mother.” While he still smiled, something changed in his eyes, and he gripped her shoulder. “Who was she? Where is she? I am grateful to have you, but Castien was unable to answer my questions of her.”
Alinar shook his head, quiet in his apparent thought.
At last he spoke. “Your mother, you must understand, I loved more than anything.” He paused, lines rippling across his face. “Sabwen was of another noble family. We had grown alongside one another, and we were promised to one another at a very young age. She was beautiful, talented, and kind. After my father died in the Orcs’ War and I was crowned, I quickly bound myself to her. Many on Ghela loved her, including the slaves.”
Nara smiled. “Where did she go? And what of the rest of her family?”
Alinar swallowed, looking away. Following suit, she looked ahead and was greeted with another extravagant sight.
Guardsmen led four elf maidens and two women to the dais. Each wore matching gowns of deep red, and they wore their hair in similar styles but not similar color. Following them were three elves and three men who carried various indistinguishable items. Behind them, three female slaves in shimmering coverings shuffled forward with downcast eyes and golden collars around long necks.
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