After all, if he would busy with politics, how hard would it be to avoid Ella and ignore the bond between them?
~
As the day of Princess Nitya’s arrival approached, Ryu found himself immersed in preparations. The Twilight Court was abuzz with activity as servants adorned the halls with decorations, and the atmosphere crackled with anticipation.
Predictably, the courtiers had been divided in their reaction to the news that a human delegation—the first one in nearly five hundred years—was going to arrive at court soon.
The news of the impending arrival of the human delegation from the Empire of Sunvaara had sent ripples of unease throughout the Twilight Court.
As Ryu looked around the hall, he could almost taste the undercurrent of discontent and the palpable tension that hung in the air.
The courtiers, each with their own concerns and reservations, were grappling with the implications of forging an alliance with humans.
Their reactions varied, reflecting a spectrum of emotions, from distrust and wariness to anger and unhappiness.
His old nemesis, Azuma, and his father, Lord Sanada, two of the most influential lords in the court, stood in a corner with a group of like-minded courtiers, his face set in a mix of concern and suspicion. Their whispers reached Ryu’s ears, a chorus of doubt and apprehension.
“They come with their own agenda, seeking to manipulate and influence us,” Lord Sanada said grimly. “We must tread carefully and protect our interests.”
Ryu’s eyes scanned the hall, and he caught sight of Lady Aiko, his mother’s close friend, and an esteemed member of the court known for her diplomatic skills. She wore a mask of neutrality, her expression carefully guarded. It was obvious she didn’t want to seem too partial to Ryu, as his mother’s friend.
In contrast, Lord Haruki, one of Lord Sanada’s friends, known for his fiery temperament, paced back and forth, his frustration evident in every step. He voiced his dissent with a fervor that resonated throughout the hall.
“An alliance with humans? This is folly,” Lord Haruki exclaimed, his voice echoing with indignation. “We have thrived in isolation for centuries. To open our doors to them is to invite chaos and compromise our traditions.”
Not all reactions were fueled by mistrust, however. Some courtiers maintained a neutral stance, their expressions carefully blank as they observed the unfolding events.
Ryu’s gaze fell upon Lady Michiko, a wise and respected member of the council, who kept her thoughts hidden behind a calm facade. Her silence spoke of a reserved judgment, a willingness to wait and assess the situation before passing any verdict.
He directed his remarks to he and the courtiers around her, the one who were keeping a calm head and reserving judgement .
“Lords and ladies, I understand your concerns, your fears.” He turned to encompass all the courtiers in his sweeping gaze. “But let us not forget that the world is changing. We have the opportunity to forge a new path, one of understanding and cooperation.”
Murmurs filled the hall, some courtiers nodding in agreement, while others remained skeptical. Ryu continued, his voice resolute and filled with conviction.
“We will proceed with caution, ensuring that our interests and traditions are protected. But let us not shut ourselves off from the possibilities that lie before us. The arrival of the human delegation is an opportunity for growth, for bridging the divide that separates our worlds.”
As the room fell into a thoughtful silence, Ryu’s words hung in the air. He saw the courtiers looking at each other, and across the room, he saw his mother smile at him. He knew that convincing the Twilight Court would be an uphill battle, but he was determined to prove that an alliance with humans could be a step towards a harmonious future.
~
A week later, Ryu stood at the port, his elven eyes scanning the horizon as the ship from Sunvaara glided towards the shore. His heart raced with a mix of excitement and caution.
Princess Nitya’s arrival marked a crucial moment for the Twilight Court, and he had been entrusted with the task of receiving her and escorting her to the court.
As the gangplank lowered, Ryu caught his first glimpse of Princess Nitya. She stepped onto the land, a vision of beauty in her traditional Indian attire. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, and her cobalt bluelehengashimmered in the sunlight.
Ryu observed her graceful movements, but his sharp eyes detected a subtle limp, which she seemed determined to disguise.
Summoning his composure, Ryu approached the princess with a polite bow. “Princess Nitya, on behalf of the Darkwalker Elves, I welcome you to the Twilight Court.” He gave her a short bow. “I am Lord Ogumi Ryu, heir to the Twilight Prince.”
Nitya offered him a warm smile, her eyes shining with sincerity. “Thank you, Lord Ryu. It is an honor to be here and to represent the Sunvaara Empire.”
Ryu nodded. “I trust your journey was uneventful?”
“Indeed, it was,” the princess said with a smile. “The Sunvaara Empire extends its gratitude for your warm reception.”
The formalities concluded, Ryu gestured towards the waiting carriage behind them, indicating that it was time to depart.
