Lady Clara placed a gentle hand on Ella's, breaking her out of her thoughts.
“I know it may be difficult for you to navigate the court, Ella. The Elven world can be unforgiving. But I believe in your strength and resilience. Together, we can make the best of your time here.”
Ella’s heart softened, her initial anger and resentment dissipating. Whatever her relationship with Ryu, his mother was one of the warmest ladies she’d ever met. And she was a queen consort!
“Now, my dear,” Lady Clara said, her eyes twinkling, “enough about that. Let us talk about more interesting things. Like the best part of the Twilight Court—the Library.”
Ella’s eyes widened with excitement, imagining the wonders that awaited her within the library's walls.
“The library is a sanctuary of wisdom and beauty,” Lady Clara said, a hint of excitement in her voice. “It holds a vast collection of books, each one holding secrets and stories waiting to be discovered. I believe it will captivate your heart.”
Ella’s excitement grew, her mind racing with the possibilities. “I would be delighted to explore the library, Lady Clara. Thank you.”
“One word of caution, Ella,” Lady Clara said, here eyes serious. “Never share your full name with any elf, unless you trust them completely.” When Ella stared at her, Lady Clara sighed. “True names hold power, all of us keep at least one part of our name a secret from everyone.” She met Ella’s gaze. “I trust you have a middle name?”
Ella shook her head. She’d always been Ella Stewart, nothing more.
Lady Clara nodded. “Then, always introduce yourself as Ella of Strayhaven. Never reveal your full name.”
When Ella nodded, Lady Clara smiled; her voice filled with warmth.
“I hope you will enjoy it here in the Twilight Court, Ella. Embrace the magic of the court, this is your new home. And remember, if you ever need someone to talk to, I am here for you.”
~
After tea with Lady Clara, she’d rung for a maid to show Ella to her new room.
“Please follow me, Lady Ella,” a maid said with a bow and Ella followed her, almost in a daze.
The maid led her to a room near Lady Clara’s chambers, opposite Ryu’s bedchamber.
Ella stepped into her new room within the Twilight Court, her eyes widening at the sight that greeted her.
The room was adorned in elegant shades of deep blues and soft creams, reflecting the ethereal beauty of the Twilight Court. Soft, flowing curtains framed the large windows, allowing streams of golden sunlight to filter through, casting a warm glow across the space.
The room felt alive, suffused with a gentle enchantment that whispered through the air.
Her gaze landed on the bed, its plush covers inviting her to sink into its soft embrace. The mattress was adorned with exquisite silk sheets, the colors reminiscent of moonlight dancing upon a tranquil lake.
Ella couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the sheer comfort that lay before her, a stark contrast to the humble pallet she had known back in her village.
Next to the bed, a small armchair sat nestled in a cozy corner, its cushions plump and inviting. It beckoned her to curl up with a book or simply lose herself in thought.
A little table stood nearby, adorned with delicate trinkets and a collection of writing materials. Ella’s eyes lit up at the sight of the pens and paper, a reminder of her love for storytelling and the written word.
The room held an ambiance of tranquility and serenity, a sanctuary where she could find solace amidst the turmoil of her new reality. It was a space that embraced her humanity, a gesture from Ryu that spoke of his desire to provide her with the comforts she was accustomed to.
As she explored the room further, Ella’s heart softened ever so slightly. Perhaps there was more to Ryu than she had initially thought. The resentment she harbored still lingered, but she couldn’t ignore the kindness he had shown her in this small gesture.
With a sigh, Ella sank into the plush softness of her new bed, taking in the gentle warmth that enveloped her, trying to empty her mind of all thoughts.
~
After her first dinner with the Twilight Court, Ella was escorted to breakfast the next day by Ryu and Lady Clara.
She didn’t believe her eyes when she had seen tea—honest to goodnessMeroviantea, like the kind her father had loved—along with scones and flaky bread, jam, honey, and soft, creamy butter. It had been heaven, after all the strange Elven meals of rice, soups, fish, and vegetables.
“I thought you might enjoy something a little more familiar for your breakfast, Ella,” Lady Clara grinned at her as Ella had her second serving of tea. Ryu frowned, of course, but Ella didn’t care.
