“Allow me to escort you to the court, Princess. The Lady of the Twilight Court eagerly awaits your arrival.”
Princess Nitya’s eyebrows went up. “A carriage drawn by oxen? How fascinating. I’ve never seen one of these before.”
Ryu nodded politely, offering her his arm as she climbed up. Her retinue would follow on foot, along with the Twilight guard, who were serving as their escorts.
Ryu waited until the princess and her maid were settled in their carriages, before he mounted his horse. He hated traveling by carriage, though it was the preferred way for noble Elves to travel. He much prefered to feel the wind in his hair, and breath the fresh forest air as he rode.
Yet another way he was different from the other elves around him.
As they slowly made their way to the Twilight Court, Ryu observed Princess Nitya closely. She smiled and laughed often, talking to her maid in a low voice.
She seemed to be a genuinely friendly person. Perhaps this would be easier than he thought. Buoyed by this hope, Ryu found the journey home took shorter than usual, and soon they were dismounting in the courtyard.
His mother stood at the entrance of the Twilight Court, waiting to receive the human delegation. Princess Nitya, resplendent in her traditional attire, stepped out of the carriage, her retinue following closely behind.
His mother greeted them with a regal bow, her voice projecting warmth and sincerity.
“Welcome, Princess Nitya Rao and esteemed guests. It is an honor to have you at the Twilight Court.”
Ryu bowed, and turned to the princess.
“Allow me to introduce my esteemed mother, Lady Ogumi Clara, Lady of the Twilight Court, and Princess Consort of the Twilight Prince.”
The princess bowed to his mother, mimicking his formal, polite bow almost perfectly. Ryu felt his spirits rise further. Well, at least it looked like the Sunvaaran princess knew the Elven formalities.
It would make it easier for the more traditional courtiers who prefered their old ways of isolation—like Sanada’s faction—to accept this visit more easily.
As his mother led the princess and her retinue inside, Ryu fell into step with the princess, observing as she looked around the Twilight Court.
The introductions to the courtiers went by smoothly enough, and Ryu could see how the princess’s unfailing adherence to Elven courtesies was winning over even the more reluctant of the courtiers. He hid a satisfied smile.
“Princess, allow me to introduce you to my ward, Ella of Strayhaven.”
The princess’s eyebrows went up, and Ryu felt a bead of sweat work its way down his hairline as he waited for Ella to respond.
Ella stepped forward, her demeanor poised and composed. She offered a respectful nod to the princess.
“Princess Nitya, it is a pleasure to meet you.”
Princess Nitya’s eyes gleamed with curiosity and interest as she observed Ella. “Your presence here is most welcome, Ella. I look forward to getting to know you and understanding how you came to be here at the Twilight Court.”
Of course, Ryu thought. Even for a princess, the curiosity of a human at an Elven court was too great to resist. Ryu smiled, knowing that he had the princess’s attention now. He could only hope that Ella would continue to stick to their story.
Smiling at the princess, he projected his voice so that the courtiers that surrounded them could hear him.
“It is my wish is to foster better relations between the Elven and human realms. We hope this diplomatic endeavor proves fruitful for both our peoples.”
The Princess smiled, “I wholeheartedly agree, Lord Ryu. It is our shared responsibility to explore opportunities for cooperation and mutual benefit.”
At that, Azuma stepped up, raising an eyebrow. “Mutual benefit, indeed, princess. Your presence here suggests there is more at stake than a simple trade agreement.”
Ryu frowned, and he saw Ella shoot him a worried glance, but Princess Nitya: smiled, maintaining her friendly composure. “Your astuteness is commendable, Lord Sanada. While trade is a significant aspect of my visit to the Twilight Court, we also aim to strengthen cultural ties and understanding between our nations.”
Azuma narrowed his eyes. “Cultural understanding? It is a challenge for the Elves to trust humans after past encounters.”
Ryu waited to see how the princess would react. This was what the court had been harping in the days leading up the visit from the princess. How would she answer? Would she be able to satisfy the court?
Now, Princess Nitya smiled, and shook her head. “I understand your reservations, Lord Sanada. But I assure you, my intentions are sincere. It is my hope that through dialogue and cooperation, we can bridge the gaps that divide us.”
