Ultimatum

I make it back to my room and change swiftly into new clothes so that I am ready for breakfast. I exit my chambers and meet the other Ambassadors in the courtyard.

“Good Morning” I say walking up to them.

“Good Morning, Amelia.” Benjamin smiles at me, “You look chipper this morning.”

“I’m feeling much better today.” I reply, Amelia locks arms with me and Maeve, and heads to the hallway.

“Great because we have a busy day today so let’s head to breakfast a little early.” She drags me into the hall with the boys following behind us.

“So if you had to choose, would you live in Dellum or Remly?” Maeve asks

“I would pick Dellum.” Luke speaks up, “Remly is nice, but Dellum has a calmer atmosphere. I like that better.”

“I agree but with the port in Remly I feel like I could learn a lot, so it’s a hard choice.” I add.

“Why do you ask? Do you get to pick where you live after you get married?” Amelia giggles, teasing Maeve. My gut sinks with guilt and uneasy hearing her speak so happily about her future endeavors. We enter the dining hall as Maeve continues,

“Yes, and both towns are so…” She pauses as we walk towards the table. The scene before us is not normal. The King and Queen sit at the table and Elau stands beside them practically red in the face.

“You can’t make me, Father.”

“As your Father no, but as your King yes I can.” We start to walk back out not wanting to interrupt their conversation. “This conversation is over. Do not bother me with this again.” He looks away from Elau and his eyes reach us. “Ambassadors, please come in.” Awkward silence fills the air and we walk back to our original destination joining them at the table.

“Good Morning.” Maeve smiles at her future in-laws.

“Good Morning Maeve, I hope you had a pleasant night.” The Queen smiles at her, pouring her a glass of juice.

“Yes, the beds here are so comfortable. It is impossible to not get a good night's sleep.”

Elau looks at me and then back to his Father, “Then you give me no choice, if I am not allowed to make my own decision then I will abdicate my title, and you can find a new heir.” He blurts out ignoring the others in the room. My heart sinks hearing this. It is the last thing I want for him. He is being too rash. His Father’s eyes snap to him furiously, and he stands now in Elauthin’s face.

“This is a conversation we will finish in private.” His words spit out at Elau and the King turns away heading out of the dining hall with Elau following close behind.

“I apologize for the disruption, Ambassadors.” The Queen says, pulling our attention to her, “It is nothing to worry about but please allow me to excuse myself.” She stands, bows her head at us and hurries off to join her husband and son.

“Well that was awkward.” Amelia whispers to me.

“I wonder what he is upset about.” Maeve says poking at her food.

“I’m sure it’s nothing Maeve.” Luke assures her and the guilt fills me up making me nauseous.

“I think that’s the most I’ve ever heard Prince Elauthin talk.” Maeve says looking wide eyed, “Excuse me.” She says standing from the table and disappearing into the hallway. I feel like I am going to be sick.

“I’m not hungry.” I mumble and rush out of the dining hall, down the hallway, and burst into my chambers. I make it over to my bathroom and feel the panic starting to hit me. The air seems to leave my lungs and no matter how deep a breath I take I can’t seem to get any oxygen. “It’s okay, Nic… It’s okay.” I whisper to myself trying to calm down when I feel a hand on my back. I look over to see Amelia panting.

“Niccola, what’s the matter?” She pulls me into her and I feel the panic starting to ease.

“I don’t know what to do, Amelia.” I feel tears come to my eyes, “I feel so guilty.”

“Oh Nic, it’s going to be okay.” She rubs my back trying to comfort me.

“You don’t understand. It’s all my fault and Maeve is going to be heartbroken, and what if the canceled marriage messes up the plan for opening the borders. We could all lose our jobs and be sent home.”

“Canceled marriage? That’s what Elauthin was talking about.” Amelia lets me go and moves to sit on my bed. “Does that mean you?”

“He knows, and he loves me but I feel it is in vain. If they don’t get married, will it cause bad blood between humans and elves?” I sigh, sitting next to her, “I just don’t know if loving him is worth all the risk.”
“Don’t say that.” She looks at me fiercely, “You should be celebrating your love and hoping for the best. Maeve will get over it, and will find someone who loves her and wants to marry her. The Royal Families aren’t so petty as to keep the borders shut due to a canceled wedding. They planned on opening the borders before the wedding was even an idea.” She rants to me, “Besides, you and Elauthin were meant for each other. It isn’t everyday you get to love your best friend. That is the type of love you should fight for. The Prince is fighting, so you need to find your courage and fight as well.” She wraps her arm around me, “I know you have it in you. Everything will turn out fine in the end.” I nod still feeling uneasy but a little better than before.

“Amelia,”

“Hmm”

“Thank you for following me.” I pull her into a hug.

“Of course, I mean who else is going to snap you back to reality.” She chuckles returning my hug.