Engaged?

I enter the party led by Benjamin with Luke and Amelia behind us. We all decided to wear mint green as a group. The boys were worried about looking like couples so we settled for a group color. The Banquet Hall is full of life as usual. Music plays loudly and couples dance merrily in the middle of the room. Lights and flowers fill the air, floating magically over us. My favorite part is the laughter that comes from all over, everyone is already having such a wonderful time. We walk over to the buffet of food and grab a glass of wine each. I take a sip of the bitter sweet wine and feel relief wash over me. Something about Elvish wine is addicting. It is so smooth and creates an instant calming feeling at every sip.

“Shall we dance?” I suggest to the group and before anyone can respond Benjamin grabs my waist swinging me onto the dancefloor.

“Careful, somebody might get jealous seeing you swing me around like that.” I joke

“I’m hoping he does.” Benjamin laughs, “That means I’m getting lucky tonight.” He twirls me into him and we move slowly to the music. A perfect angle to see Luke and Amelia dance. Amelia has her arms wrapped around Lukes neck chatting him away. I see him look down a few times checking out her cleavage and then looking back up at her with a red hue to his face. I giggle and Benjamin spins me back around.

“What’s so funny?” He asks

“I think those two are the next couple in this castle.” I motion towards Luke and Amelia

“You think?” He looks wary, “They don’t seem to have much in common.”

“And you and Pelleas do?” I tease him

“Actually more than you would think.” He blushes

“Sounds like love.” I say and his face gets even hotter. He shrugs and pulls me close so no one can hear.

“Maybe it is, but I’ve never experienced a relationship like this. It is all new to me.” He confesses and releases me.

“Then enjoy every bit of it. You deserve to love and be loved.” I smile up at the large man. The music slows and Benjamin and I stop dancing. “Time for another glass?” I ask and Benjamin nods escorting me off of the dance floor. I take one last peak at Amelia and Luke still dancing to the slower music and pressed awfully close together.

We grab another glass of wine and then Benjamin and I walk around the Banquet mingling with other guests. I love when the castle is open to the public. It gives me more chances to speak with the local Elves and make new acquaintances. Which is the whole reason we were hired in the first place. There is a stigma with humans for being rude so one of our jobs is to help prove that stigma wrong.

Suddenly the music stops and everyone freezes looking at the stairway. The Royal Family must be entering. I watch as the doors at the top of the stairs open and King Eloquen and Queen Iverna enter the room. They move to the balcony overlooking the room with each step they emit grace. Their clothing is all white adorned with golden leaves and embroideries. They smile down at us as the crowd cheers for their King and Queens.

King Eloquen lifts his hand for silence and the cheering settles to dull whispers.

“Today, we stand at the crossroads of two vibrant cultures, each rich with its own history, traditions, and values. The merging of these cultures is not merely an act of coexistence; it is an opportunity to create a tapestry woven from diverse threads that enhance our shared experiences.

By embracing our differences, we cultivate a profound understanding that transcends borders. We learn to appreciate the differences in our customs, the flavors in our cuisines, and the rhythms in our celebrations. This union invites collaboration and innovation, allowing us to draw from a wellspring of ideas and perspectives.

As we embark on this journey together, let us commit to fostering respect and dialogue, ensuring that each voice is heard and valued. In this beautiful union, we will not only honor our unique identities but also forge a future that reflects our collective strength and unity. Together, we can achieve greatness.”

The King pauses and looks at his wife who is smiling ear to ear. “We are proud to announce the beginning of this Union will be made through love as our very own Prince Elauthin will be marrying Princess Maeve of Havestree.” He speaks and the crowd screams with excitement.

I feel the breath leave me and a wave of nausea hits me. I feel frozen staring at the King and everyone cheering. A few moments later, Elauthin and Maeve walk through the door arm in arm. My chest tightens and I can feel tears swelling up. I look around at all of the happy faces and feel the urge to run out of here. I push through the crowd trying to get to the exit. As I pass the stairs Elauthin and Maeve are descending and I catch a quick glance of Elau but look away not wanting him to see my tears. I push out of the banquet hall and run to my safe haven.

I slide into the secret grove and drag myself to the fallen oak tree letting the tears fall to the ground. I feel anger swell up. He should have told me! If he is marrying a human it should be me. Too many emotions hit me at once. I let out a scream of frustration. It’s not fair, I have spent years as his constant companion and he gets engaged to someone without telling me. I didn’t even have the chance to tell him how I feel. I slump against the tree and brush the dirt off my hands before wipe my eyes of tears. I hear a shuffle and then Elau appears.

“Nic!”