Would I ever make it to the Fae kingdoms? I wasn’t sure I ever wanted to go.
Her silver eyes stared up at the night sky. “We always romanticize the stars,” she continued, “but we overlook that it is the darkness that allows them to shine.”
As I turned to look at her, I noticed that her eyes remained fixed on the night sky, refusing to meet my gaze. In that moment, I could sense the weight of her thoughts, the deeper reflection buried within her mind. “This kingdom is a cruel place, Elara,” she said, her tone laced with anundeniable sorrow. “I’m sorry everything has happened the way it has to you. Life can be cruel.”
Her words wrapped around me like a heavy blanket, and I felt her hurt resonate within me like her pain was my very own. I wondered what experiences had shaped her perspective—what trials or losses had forged such deep empathy in her heart.
Our poignant conversation was abruptly interrupted when a woman’s voice floated toward us, drawing our attention to the open doors nearby. Eryn straightened her posture, instinctively clearing her throat, as if preparing to address whatever was coming next. But just as she was about to say something, the woman stepped out, her presence commanding our focus entirely.
“Oh, hello,” she said softly, her voice smooth like butter, but it was her appearance that truly captivated me. Queen Faylinn stood before me, radiant in a long, royal blue gown that hugged her curves elegantly. A luxurious white fur cloak draped over her shoulders. The diamonds that adorned her neck shimmered like the stars above us, catching the moonlight and scattering small glimmers across the dim space. Her soft green eyes held a glow that seemed almost ethereal, while her dark brown hair was styled intricately atop her head, lending her an air of regality. She was, without a doubt, otherworldly.
Eryndor bowed her head respectfully. “I apologize, Your Highness. I was only showing Elara here around. We will leave you to gaze at the stars,” she said, her voice steady as she glanced between the Queen and me.
“Nonsense,” she replied, waving off the man standing beside her with a flick of her wrist. I noticed his auburn hair—a striking mane that framed his face—and the quick glance he cast toward Eryn. They seemed to share a connection, a familiarity that piqued my curiosity. “I much prefer company. Elara? As in the Elara that my son has takensuch a liking to?” The Queen’s words lingered in the air, making my heart flutter with nerves.
So he had been talking about me. To the Queen. To his mother.
A small smile crept onto my face despite the sudden wave of awkwardness that washed over me. I attempted a curtsey, then bowed my head in a gesture of respect. “Elara,” I began, but suddenly a rush of panic gripped me. She couldn’t know my last name! If they discovered who my father was, I would be in serious trouble. In that frantic moment, my favorite fruit sprang to mind—a peach. My eyes darted around the room, landing on a large carved wooden tapestry that hung from the stone wall. The center displayed Irongate’s symbol: an eye ensnared by thorns. “Peachwood. Elara Peachwood, Your Highness,” I managed to say, my voice steadying with unexpected confidence.
Eryn stifled a laugh but quickly cleared her throat, attempting to cover her amusement. The Queen approached me, her hand reaching out to gently lift my chin. “No need for such formalities, darling. Let me have a proper look at you,” she said, her voice a soothing balm. I straightened up, glancing at Eryndor, who simply shrugged and continued to face forward.
The Queen circled me with a predatory grace, her gaze assessing every detail. “You are quite breathtaking,” she declared. “Prince Fintan was right. Tell me, what is it that you do?”
Anxiety surged within me. I hadn’t rehearsed anything for this moment. Just as I felt the weight of her gaze pressing down on me, Eryn stepped forward, sensing my struggle. “My Queen,” she began, her tone a mix of reverence and slight hesitation, “Elara here will be training with me. She wants to learn how to wield weapons properly and to fight.”
Eryn’s words hung in the air, a lifeline thrown to me amid the uncomfortable scrutiny.
The Queen chuffed softly, a delicate laugh escaping her lips as she waved her hand dismissively. “Nonsense. Why would such a pretty thing like you want to learn to fight?” Her tone was light, but there was an underlying intrigue in her gaze.
Eryn, who had been about to speak again, fell silent as I interjected. “I find war fascinating. I want to be able to defend my—my Prince… and King… and of course you, Your Highness.” I babbled, the words tumbling out in a rush, seeking to convey my earnestness. “I want to be a lady but also a warrior.” As I finished, I held my breath, hoping my sincerity would resonate with her.
A smile broke across Queen Faylinn’s face, illuminating her features. “So ambitious of you,” she remarked, her tone shifting to one of admiration. “I never understood fighting, but I respect those who wish to protect us.” She gestured for me to come closer. “Come, let’s have dinner. Eryndor, Elara is safe with me.” With that, she dismissed Eryn, who shot me a glance as she stepped away. I nodded at her, grateful for her support as the Queen held out her arm for me to take.
I felt a flutter of unexpected warmth toward the Queen. Perhaps she wasn’t so bad after all.
As we strolled through the grand corridors of the palace, I couldn’t help but marvel at the opulence surrounding us. My eyes roamed over the intricate tapestries that adorned the walls, each one telling a story through its vibrant colors and detailed designs. The Queen began to explain the history of these textiles, her voice animated as she recounted tales of valor and tragedy.
We soon arrived at a magnificent tapestry depicting a fierce dragon, its moonlike scales glinting in the light, while a Fae rode triumphantly upon its back. The scene waschaotic, filled with swirling magic emanating from the Fae’s hands as the dragon unleashed destruction upon a kingdom. “What about this one?” I inquired, stopping to admire the depiction.
“Ah, this, this is one of my favorites,” the Queen said, her eyes sparkling with a mix of nostalgia and reverence. “Have you ever heard of the Elementara Fae?”
I shook my head, my curiosity piqued. I had only known of the Royal and Non-royal Fae, yet this name carried a weight that intrigued me. “Long, long ago, before the kingdoms were ever divided,” she began, “there was a type of Fae called the Elementara. They were dark and malevolent beings, fueled by hatred and magic. They possessed the ability to control all four elements—earth, air, fire, and water—and could speak in Dragonic. They ruled all Fae kingdoms as they were marked by fate.”
“Dragonic?” I asked, my brows furrowed in curiosity. The word felt ancient and powerful.
The Queen nodded, her expression grave. “Yes, it is the language of dragons. The Elementara could communicate with dragons because they held dragon blood in their veins. This connection granted them a bond with the large beasts and a tremendous amount of power, making them the most formidable beings in existence.”
I felt a shiver run down my spine. “What happened to them?” I pressed, eager to know the fate of such astonishing creatures.
“They were all killed,” she replied, her voice heavy with somber truth. “The Royal Fae grew weary of their destructive ways and ultimately decided to eradicate them. The Elementara have been extinct for centuries. Though dragons still exist, their purpose has vanished since they can no longer bond with the Fae. They have hidden themselves away, their whereabouts unknown and their numbers dwindling.”
As the Queen’s words hung in the air, I realized there was so much I needed to learn about the Fae.
“Ah, there you are,” the Prince’s voice interrupted my swirling thoughts, prompting me to turn and face him. The moment our eyes met, a spark ignited within him, causing his expression to light up with genuine delight.
“Wow, El, you look…” he trailed off, rendered momentarily speechless. As he approached, he took my hand with a delicate touch and planted a gentle kiss on the back. A smile crept onto my face, as though it were a natural response to him.
“I was just showing Elara around,” the Queen interjected, her voice warm and inviting as she addressed her son.
