At that, Azuma softened his stance, but reluctantly. “We shall see, Princess. Actions will indeed reveal the truth.”
After their little discussion with Azuma, Ryu’s mother led the princess and her retinue into the main house.
As the delegation made their way through the grand halls of the Twilight Court, Ryu watched his mother, ever the consummate hostess, making sure that the princess and her retinue were safely settled in the guest rooms that had been assigned to them.
Ella walked behind him, still a silent picture of poise, and Ryu couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. He was confident he had successfully portrayed the unity he desired with the human kingdoms to the visiting humans.
He would make his father’s dreams come true.
As the evening drew to a close, Ryu found himself alone in his chambers, readying himself to join the courtiers and their guests for a ceremonial dinner.
As he tied hishakamaand donned his ceremonialhaori, he brushed his fingers over the family crest on his chest. A regal design that exuded power and prestige, done in powerful blues and purple, it shimmered against the white of hishaori.
Ryu sighed, the weight of his responsibilities as the Twilight Prince threatening to overwhelm him for a moment. He had to make this work. Erlan had shown him how to build a relationship, and his uncle was working hard to maintain it by serving as a member of the Council of the Four Kingdoms in Kamenev.
Now, it was up to him to build an alliance with the Sunvaarans.
Lost in his thoughts, Ryu was interrupted by a soft knock on his chamber door. He smiled as his mother entered the room, resplendent in a purplehaorithat matched the crest on hishaori.In contrast, her crest was in white, standing out against the purple and blue silks. She approached Ryu, a knowing smile tugging at her lips.
“I must commend you, Ryu-kun,” she said, her voice filled with pride. “Your handling of the diplomatic visit today was masterful. It seems you will be as good a leader as your father before you.”
Ryu smiled. “Thank you,Haha ue. But I must admit, it was not without its challenges. I was afraid of how the courtiers would react—first I bring a human ward to the court, and then a human ambassador…”
His mother nodded; her expression filled with understanding. “Diplomacy is a delicate dance. But I believe your decision to involve Ella was wise. It sent a powerful message of unity and acceptance.”
His mother’s words filled him with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability. “I hope I made the right choice,Haha ue,” he confessed. “I want to believe in the potential for peace and cooperation, but the road ahead is still uncertain.”
His mother placed a reassuring hand on Ryu’s arm, smoothing his hair out with the other as if he was still a young Elfling.
“Trust in yourself, my son. I believe you have the power to shape a future where elves and humans coexist in harmony.” She smiled. “Your father always strove for a better future, where prejudices had no place, and understanding flourished. It will make him so proud to know that you are going to make his dream come true.”
Ryu met his mother’s gaze, hoping his determination shone through. “I will not fail you both,Haha ue.”
“Come, son, it is time to go to dinner. And we still need to pick up Ella on the way.”
Ryu nodded, and with renewed resolve, he escorted his mother to dinner. The journey was far from over, and challenges lay ahead, but he also knew that he had allies he could rely on.
~
In the days that followed, Ryu found himself frequently in Princess Nitya’s company. They attended council meetings together, discussing the finer details of the trade agreement, and had their meals together. Her understanding of the intricate details of trade and her seeming desire to benefit both nations became evident.
In the evenings, they ventured into the enchanting gardens of the court, engaging in conversations about their interests and experiences. Ella joined them sometimes, but more often than not, it was just the two of them, and her attendants.
Gradually, a working relationship began to develop between them.
While Nitya attempted to bridge the gap and foster camaraderie, Ryu was content to maintain a guarded stance. He couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was more to her mission than met the eye. His experiences as a Darkwalker Elf had taught him to be cautious of alliances and to trust his instincts.
However, as their interactions continued, Ryu noticed how Princess Nitya seemed to be set on fostering stronger ties between their realms.
She had become friends with Mizuki and Hiroshi, but it surprised him to see that she was equally friendly with Lord Hayashi Kenji, a second cousin of his that had grown up in one of the Darkwalker cities on the coast.
They’d never been able to have more than a passing acquaintance, by the time Kenji had arrived at the Twilight Court, Ryu was full grown, and the sudden appearance of an older cousin hadn’t been welcome. It didn’t help that Kenji was famously aloof.
Kenji's silver hair, touched with traces of darkness, cascaded down to his shoulders. His piercing eyes, the color of stormy skies, held a guarded intensity. He looked every inch the noble Elf, sometimes Ryu felt he could see something of his father in his aloof cousin.
Like Ryu’s father, Kenji's movements were deliberate, each step measured and calculated as if he were constantly evaluating the world around him. Though his countenance was often impassive, there lingered a hint of curiosity in his eyes, suggesting a keen intellect that rarely revealed itself. In only a few years after his arrival at the Twilight Court, Kenji’s insight and intellect had earned a seat on the Darkwalker Council.
As Ryu had spent more time in his cousin’s presence, he had sensed the potential for a powerful alliance, for Kenji's influence and knowledge could prove invaluable as he navigated the path to the Twilight Throne.
