A Day with the Queen

Originally I thought that this would be a long week without Elau, but since my meeting with the Goddess of Light I have been distracted and finding every excuse to have my nose in books on Tartarean, or books of Lullabies. None of which have given me the information I am looking for. This is were Elau is needed. He is so full of random historical knowledge I bet he would already have an idea about my past.

Now suddenly it is the day of Elau and Maeve's return. I wake excited to see him, there is so much I need to tell him. He has always been better at figuring out clues. I hop out of bed and practically run to breakfast. When I get there Maeve and Elau are sitting with the King and Queen.

“Princess Maeve, Prince Elau, How was your trip?” I ask, walking up to them. Oddly enough Elau doesn’t make eye contact with me but continues poking at his breakfast.

“Oh it was wonderful Nic!” She says ruffling her hair, “I got to sleep in my own bed for a few nights so it was well worth the journey.” She giggles.

“Please, Ambassador, join us.” Iverna motions for me to sit. I smile and sit down beside her.

“I hope your journey was smooth.” I grab a plate and begin to pile food onto it.

“It really wasn’t too bad, and Elau would stop every few hours so I could get off my horse and stretch.” She giggles and places her hand on his arm, “He is quite the gentleman.” I chuckle, but my heart aches seeing her grab him so casually. Elau makes eye contact with me but quickly looks away. What is wrong with him? Why is he acting so weird?

“So Ambassador, I hear you are from Myrkaand.” The Queen looks at me taking a bite from her breakfast.

“Yes, your Majesty. It is a beautiful little town.”

“Well after hearing all about Elau and Maeve's adventure I would like to take a stroll through a human town as well. Would you walk me to Myrkaand?” She asks and I almost choke.

“I would love to.” I say, surprised at her request.

“Wonderful, why don’t you finish your breakfast and I will change into something more appropriate” She stands and holds out her arm, waiting for her husband to escort her. He sighs and stands up then guides her out of the room. I take a few bites of food. For some reason with the King and Queen gone the air is filled with an awkward silence.

“Well,” Maeve breaks the silence, “I am going to take a bath and lie down for a bit.” Maeve stands and leaves Elau and me alone. I sit waiting for Elau to say something, but no words escape his lips.

“I was hoping we could meet at the grove tonight.” I smile at him and reach for his hand, “A lot has happened since you left. I have so much to tell you and ask you. I think we can figure out where I am from.” He tightens his grasp on my hand and looks up.

“Then I will see you tonight.” He speaks quickly and lets go of my hand, then stands and storms out of the room.

A few moments later the Queen enters no longer in her usual white robe but wearing hiking boots, brown pants tied at her waist and a white blouse.

“Perfect, you will fit right in, your Highness.” I smile and walk up to her. “Shall we”

“Oh how exciting!” She says, grabbing a hold of my arm. I guide her out of the castle and through the Elvish city with onlookers staring wildly at their Queen dressed in normal attire.

“Niccola, How did you become interested in Elvish culture?” She asks and my face flushes thinking of Elau, but I quickly make up a white lie.

“Magic as alway intrigued me.” We reach the forest and step onto the path. “My parents always told me stories of the Elves in the woods and I became so fascinated that I wanted to know everything I could about them. So I got older and decided that even if I couldn’t see an Elvish city in my lifetime, I would learn all about them and teach the next generation.” I giggle, “I guess I was lucky, and now I’m living in Dellum for the next four months.”

“How wonderful that is for you! Your family must be very proud.” She pats my arm motherly.

“My Mom is my number one supporter.” I guide us to the edge of Elvish Territory. “Are you ready, your Majesty?” She nods her head and I step us into human territory. It is a short journey through the woods to Myrkaand, and we walk through the city visiting markets and tasting food. People stare at us wide eyed. For many it is their first time seeing an Elf. I end our trip by taking her out of the city and down to the cutest cabin at the edge of the forest.

“This is my home.” I say pointing at the cabin.”Would you care to come in and try one of my mother’s baked goods?”

“I would more than love that. What a treat, Ambassador Niccola!” She exclaims pulling me towards the house. We walk up to the door and I knock. A few moments later my mother swings the door open with a look of surprise.

“Niccola?”

“Hi Mom,” I pull her into a hug and then motion towards the Queen. “Meet Queen Iverna, of Dellum.”

“Oh my gosh.” My mother utters and bows deeply. “You’re Majesty, please come in.” She stands and guides us into the kitchen. We spend the next hour talking with my Mother and eating pastries until it begins to get dark.

“We should be getting back.” I announce reminding the Queen she has a husband waiting for her in the castle. We say our thanks to my Mother and head back to Elvish Territory, just making it back to the castle as the sun dips below the horizon.