But Ella had nothing to do. And she was tired of roaming the gardens.
Well, now that she was at loose ends—as usual—Ella had nothing better to do but to wander around the grand halls of the Twilight Court, resolutely not thinking about what Ryu must be doing with the Sunvaaran princess.
She had seen how Princess Nitya’s gaze lingered on Ryu’s form when they were together, how her eyes lit up whenever Ryu came near, and how she hung on his arm as he escorted the princess to and from meals.
Well, Ryu could do what he liked.Shedidn’t care what he did in his free time. In fact, the longer he left Ella to her own devices, the happier she was.
Ella tossed her hair as she walked, her steps echoing softly against the marble floors. She had other—better—things to think about, she wouldn’t spend all her time thinking about Ryu.
She remembered the library that Lady Clara had mentioned and decided that a spot of light reading was just the thing to while away the afternoon.
Turning away from her chambers, she walked toward the meeting halls, where the Elves held their councils and their meetings. As she walked through the halls, the opulent architecture and intricate artwork that adorned the walls amazed her.
It felt like she had stepped into a realm of pure enchantment.
As she strolled along, taking in the ethereal beauty of the court, she noticed a tall and elegant Elf standing at the entrance of one of the grand halls.
Tall and broad-shouldered, he exuded an air of authority that demanded respect. His hair, as dark as a moonless night, was tied back in a neat bun, while a pair of piercing azure eyes surveyed his surroundings with an unwavering gaze.
He wore intricately embroidered robes, each thread reflecting the moonlight’s iridescent glow. The garments were a striking contrast to his stern countenance, their vibrant hues a testament to his high status within the court.
She recognized him as one of the courtiers who had been avoiding her.
Ella approached him cautiously.
“Excuse me,” Ella said. The Elf’s eyes narrowed at the lack of honorifics, and Ella hid her smirk. If this Elf expected her to call him ‘sama’, he would be in for a long wait. “Could you please tell me which way is the library?”
The Elf lord turned his gaze towards her, his expression one of mild annoyance. “You may address me as Haruki-sama, or Lord Haruki,” he replied curtly, his voice laced with a hint of condescension. “What business do you have in the library, human?”
Ella felt a flicker of irritation at his dismissive tone but maintained her composure. “I am exploring the Twilight Court,” she said, ignoring his frown at her continued lack of respect. If he could call her ‘human’, she would be disrespectful. “I wanted to see if the library."
Lord Haruki’s lip curled slightly as if he found her curiosity beneath him.
“Well, human, you would do well to stay away from places that are beyond your understanding. This hall is a place of quiet meditation, and your presence disturbs the tranquility I seek.”
Ella’s eyes narrowed in defiance. She refused to let his smug superiority intimidate her.
“And as I told you, I do notwantto linger in these halls. Just tell me the way to the library, and I shall be on my way.”
Lord Haruki scoffed, his arrogance shining through. “The Twilight Court is no place for humans. Even a visit to the library would be fraught with danger and enchantments that your feeble mortal senses cannot comprehend. It would be wiser for you to remain within the safety of the court, under the watchful eye of your master, Ryu.”
Master?Ella’s temper snapped. Did the Elves think she was Ryu’spet?
She would’ve loved to reveal the extent of their prince’s dependence on her, but it wouldn’t do to antagonize the Elves, especially when she was trapped at their court.
But that didn’t mean she was going to take this disrespect quietly. She straightened her spine, refusing to be belittled.
“Thank you for your concern,” she said sarcastically, but I can take care of myself. If you don’t know the way to the library, I shall find someone moreknowledgeable.”
Lord Haruki’s eyes flashed with a mixture of annoyance and amusement.
“Very well, human. I warned you, but you have chosen to disregard my counsel. Don't come crying to me when you find yourself in peril.” He pointed one elegant finger out of the halls and into the woods. “The library is that way.”
With that, Lord Haruki turned away dismissively, leaving Ella to her own devices. She watched his retreating figure, resisting the childish urge to stick her tongue out at his back.
With a toss of her hair, she turned away, looking in the direction the arrogant elf Lord had pointed. The woods beckoned.
Ella stepped through the open doors into the woods that surrounded the Twilight Court, where the enchanted fae trees beckoned her with their mystic allure.
