And this Crown Prince Sekhar was Princess Nitya’s older brother. The one she spoke of so fondly.
Was she here on his orders? Why? What did she hope to achieve?
If the princess was trying to manipulate him, the future Twilight Prince, she wouldn’t have much luck. He didn’t have many weaknesses she could exploit.
Well, none except for his bond to Ella.
Struck by a sudden idea, Ryu pulled a sheet of paper closer to him, and put his quill to paper. He penned a quick reply to Prince Luka, enquiring after his new wife, the inventor Lady Maya. He hoped she was well because he had something to request.
He had a commission for her.
CHAPTER NINE
Ella sat with Hiroshi and Mizuki in the shade of a great oak tree, near the garden lake, enjoying a lazy afternoon.
Ryu was busy with the delegation from Sunvaara, as he had been the past few days, and Ella had been left at something of a loose end.
Mizuki and Hiroshi had come across her on her third walk through the gardens, and as the two Elves had no tasks occupying them at the moment—a rare occurrence, according to Mizuki—it was decided that the three of them would enjoy the lovely spring day together.
It felt…strange, to sit here with Ryu’s closest friends, talking and laughing in such harmony. It surprised her how easily the conversation flowed, and how much a part of the group she felt as sat there with Mizuki and Hiroshi.
As they had their tea and ateanpan, which Mizuki explained were sweet rolls filled with red bean paste, white beans, sesame, and chestnuts, their conversation drifted to the wonders and mysteries of the Twilight Court.
“Why is it called the Twilight Court, anyway?” Ella asked, idly picking at a blade of grass. “Before I arrived here, I always imagined it was because the court only m met at night, but that isn’t the case.”
Mizuki smiled, “It’s because we’re Darkwalker elves. We draw our magic from the moon. We believe that the moon’s gentle light infuses us with its power, granting us control over the elements of wind and water.”
Mizuki nodded, adding, “Some of us are more powerful than others, of course. Darkwalker elves have a connection to the moon that is so strong that they can manipulate even the subtlest of things, like breath and blood, while some Darkwalkers even possess the ability to compel and enthrall others, bending them to their will.”
Hiroshi chimed in, his eyes gleaming with pride. “Ryu’s father, the Twilight Prince, possesses the most powerful magic of them all. His mastery over the elements is unparalleled, and he commands respect and awe from all who witness his abilities.”
“And so your ruler is called the Twilight Prince,” Ella said thoughtfully. “Are there any other kinds of elves?”
Mizuki smiled, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
“Daywalkers draw their magic from the sun, the radiant source of energy and life. With their connection to the sun, they can control the elements of air and fire, creating gusts of wind and summoning flames at will. Some can even harness the power of lightning, creating dazzling displays of light.”
Ella marveled at the descriptions, realizing the vastness of the magical tapestry that surrounded her. “It sounds like the Elves have a delicate balance between the elements,” she mused aloud. “Light and darkness, sun and moon.”
“Indeed,” Hiroshi said, leaning over to swipe a finger through a dollop of red bean paste that was left on the plate before them. Mizuki tutted her tongue and he grinned at her. “The rulers of the Darkwalkers and the Daywalkers maintain the elemental powers that rule our kind. Together, they create a unique harmony.”
“And they are both ruled by the High King,” Ella stated, trying to get it all straight. “Yes?”
Hiroshi nodded, his eyes gleaming. “You are a most excellent student,” he smiled.
“So the Daywalkers stay in their court,” Ella asked. “Do they never venture here?”
“Lord Kimura Erlan is a Daywalker elf,” Mizuki said.
“Who is that?” Ella asked curiously.
“He is a close friend to Ryu’s father and now to Ryu himself,” Hiroshi said. “He is part of the Twilight Court, even though he is a Daywalker elf.”
“But I thought the Daywalkers have their own court?” Ella asked, frowning. This was getting confusing.
Mizuki nodded, her expression thoughtful. “Indeed, by rights, Erlan-sama would belong to the Dawn Court. He possesses the abilities of a Daywalker. He can manipulate the elements of air and fire, creating light and harnessing lightning. But Erlan-sama’s friendship with Ryu’s father transcended the differences between Darkwalkers and Daywalkers, showing that true bonds can be formed beyond the constraints of magic.”
Hiroshi added, “Erlan-sama’s presence in Ryu’s life serves as a bridge, a connection between the two realms. It is a testament to the unity and acceptance that can be found within the Twilight Court.”
