As they turn the last corner, relief fills Elowyn at the sight of her family standing outside Cerian’s chamber.
Elowyn catches the tail end of Rominy’s apology as he nearly blurts out that she had trouble getting dressed, and she quickly covers for him. “It was quite the adventure.”
Is Arisanna wearing Cerian’s clothes? They look like they just woke up. And not in his chamber, if their arms full of blankets are any indication. A smile grows on Elowyn’s face at the thought. Is Cerian going on adventures with his human princess already? That bodes well for their future.
“It seems we aren’t the only ones running late,” Elowyn says.
“Stars above, Sanna.” Rominy’s brows draw together as he looks his sister over. “What are you wearing?”
Arisanna’s eyes slide closed, and Elowyn struggles not to laugh at her new sister’s expression of long-suffering. “Something warm. We went stargazing and overslept.”
Rominy doesn’t seem to know what to make of that, and Arisanna’s mother ushers her into Cerian’s room before Rominy manages a response.
How intriguing, though. The castle has a telescope, doesn’t it? Did Arisanna show it to Cerian? No wonder he seems happy. Well, happy for Cerian. He’s not scowling, in any case.
Maybe Rominy will take her stargazing soon.
“Look at you,” Tharios says as he takes in Elowyn’s gown.
“What do you think?” Elowyn twirls, and Tharios laughs.
“You look lovely,” Mother says softly, and Elowyn can barely mask her shock at her mother’s improved appearance. Even Rominy is struggling not to stare.
“Thank you,” Elowyn says. “You seem so strong.”
“I feel my health returning, though it may take time for me to regain my full strength. Your father has been helping me.”
Elowyn smiles at the expression on Mother’s face. That’s the look she saves for Pera. The one full of love and devotion and longing.
Will Elowyn gaze at Rominy like that someday?
Mother drapes her arm around Elowyn’s shoulders and gently draws her away from the others. “How was your night? You and Prince Rominy seem to be getting along.”
Elowyn glances back at Rominy in time to catch him watching her before he turns away.
“We visited the heartlanding again.”
Everything Elowyn attempts to say lodges in her throat, but she eventually manages, “Rominy is quite heroic. I wish I could say more.”
“It is a place meant only for you and him. Cherish that, my darling.”
Elowyn nods.
“Do you feel safe here? Your father doesn’t show it, but he worries about leaving you behind with people we know so little, though I have complete faith in your ability to protect yourself.”
“After...last night, I have no doubt I am safe with Rominy. At least as far as it’s within his power to protect me.” She watches Rominy as he speaks with Pera. What are they saying? Not even her elf ears can make out Pera’s words.
Mother follows her gaze. “Don’t worry. Your father won’t embarrass you. I wrested a promise from him last night.”
Elowyn chuckles at that. Mother probably smiled as she threatened to douse Pera with her water magic, much to his amusement.
“Your father has discussed setting up a mail exchange between our kingdoms. Soon, we may be able to send letters to you. I hope you’ll write. And visit, though your father plans to travel as soon as Princess Arisanna is settled. It’s been many years since we last visited the far reaches of Lostariel. I’m eager to see the Outerlands again.”
Elowyn nods as the reality of their imminent separation settles into her heart. Especially if Mother and Pera will be traveling. Their own heartbinding prevented Pera from trekking far from Nunia since Mother couldn’t maintain the heartbinding between the four young ones from afar. This must feel freeing to them both. And Elowyn is happy to see this burden lifted, from Mother, especially.
But she’ll miss them.
Mother turns Elowyn’s face toward her. “No matter what anyone says or does, remember that you are thedaughter of the King and Queen of Lostariel. You are an elf, and you—”
