Even without their crowns, Dyna shone of royalty, and Zev felt proud.
The King of Greenwood waited to greet them at the top of the stairs. The gentle wind tugged at his long, ashen blond hair as his gray eyes calmly took them in. A gold circlet rested on his brow. He wore elegantdark green robes embroidered with golden leaves. At his side stood his Queen in a blue gown. A beautiful woman with pale blonde curls and soft features. Their five daughters took after her, their ages ranging from adult to perhaps ten years in age.
“Sire, thank you for having us.” Lady Aerina and Raiden came forward, lowering into a deferential bow.
“Come now, sister, we haven’t seen each other in so long to hold to such proprietary customs now,” Leif said, holding out his hands.
Aerina rushed up the steps and embraced her brother. She tearfully smiled at him and the queen. “Ossenia!” She gasped when noticing the bundle in her arms. “Who is this little one?”
Queen Ossenia nuzzled her baby’s cheek. “This is Lotham, the Crown Prince and heir of Greenwood.”
Aerina gathered around her, bustling with excitement. “Oh, hello wee one. When did you come into the world?” She playfully glowered at Leif. “Your father kept you a secret.”
“He was born a fortnight ago. I didn’t wish to reveal his coming once we learned Lotham was a boy. I will announce his birth today, and we will hold a feast to celebrate.”
“Today?” Aerina blinked at him and shared a confused look with Raiden.
King Leif moved past her and offered Cassiel a polite smile, dipping his chin slightly in greeting. “High King Cassiel of Hilos, welcome. Thank you for seeing my sister here safely.”
“Of course,” Cassiel politely dipped his head in the same manner. “I was pleased to receive your letter inviting us to Avandia. I have been meaning to greet the monarchs of Urn now that I have taken the crown. May I introduce?—”
“Your High Queen?” Leif took Dyna’s hand and kissed the back of it. “I have heard much about you, Dynalya Astron, and of your companions.”
She curtsied. “We are honored to meet you, Your Majesty.”
They hadn’t expected him to be so well informed, but Zev had to assume the elves had spies everywhere.
“The pleasure is mine,” King Leif said.
“Your correspondence mentioned political matters you wished to discuss in person,” Cassiel said.
“Yes, and we will confer on that soon. That is tomorrow’s business, however. I am honored that the King and Queen of Hilos could be hereon our joyous occasion. All of you must come to tonight’s banquet, of course.”
Disquiet fleetingly crossed Cassiel’s face. “Thank you for extending us an invitation. Perhaps another time.”
“Nonsense. I will not accept no for an answer.” Leif ushered them forward. “Please come in. Your rooms have already been prepared in the west wing. I am sure you are tired from your journey here. Take the afternoon to rest. The festivities begin at sundown. All of Greenwood will arrive.”
The king moved on to join his wife again, but Aerina took his arm. “Leif, wait. I don’t understand. I am happy for you, but we didn’t come all the way here for a feast. We need to discuss how we are going to rescue my husband.”
Leif patted her hand and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, leading her into the castle. “Be at peace, Aerina. I have spoken with Altham, and we have come to an agreement regarding Rawn’s release. He has given me his oath that not a hair will be harmed on his head. He issafe. I promise we will discuss it come morning.” Yet as he said it, Zev heard the beat of his heart rate briefly spike. “Greenwood has waited decades for an heir. The kingdom now has a future. Is that not something to celebrate?”
Aerina’s shoulders slumped with both relief and defeat. She conceded with a sigh. “It is…”
Her brother smiled and brought her into the castle. Raiden was expressionless as he followed. They were led to the east wing with the royal family.
Zev glanced at the others, finding they were not as practiced in discretion. They all had expressions of confusion, annoyance, and shock. But they could say nothing while the Royal Guard stood near.
The servants led the rest of them through the elegant open hallways of the west wing. It provided a view of the gardens below, dynalyas climbing up the columns, filling the castle with their sweet scent.
They were provided an entire floor with private suites. The servants opened two large doors, leading them into the first suite for the girls. The many large windows spilled sunlight into the spacious drawing room. Sofas with velvet green upholstery were set near the fireplace.
“King Cassiel,” a servant greeted with a bow of their head. “We have prepared your suite on the next floor for you and your wife.”
Dyna flushed,looking away.
Cassiel cleared his throat. “Thank you. I will be up shortly. Meanwhile, please show my Valkyrie where I am to stay. They will inspect it for our security.”
The servants went on their way with Yelrakel. Only Sowmya remained by the door. Castle Guards were posted in the hall. She exchanged a look with Cassiel and shut the door with her outside, at last giving them privacy.
