“Some do. But not all. Our farming villages and outposts are above ground.”
She blinks. “Oh.”
I tilt my head. “Have you ever been to my kingdom?”
“No.”
“I think you would like Valethryn.”
Something in her expression shifts, curiosity flickering behind her eyes.
“Our underground cities are filled with glowing gemstones and towering luminescent mushrooms as tall as trees. The caverns sparkle in the dark, like a sky full of stars.” She listens intently. “And the above-ground villages are rather charming, if I do say so myself. The people are hardworking, the streets lined with Fae lanterns. I believe you’d find it all rather lovely.”
To my surprise, a wistful sigh escapes her. “It does sound nice.”
I’m encouraged by her response. “What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?”
“I’ve… never left the kingdom.”
I blink. “Never?”
She shakes her head. “After my mother died, my father became afraid of losing us. My brother and I. He didn’t like the idea of us traveling.” She looks away. “Of course, my brother still got to, once he came of age. Because men are allowed more freedom than women.”
I’ve heard this about humans. They tend to shelter their females. “In the Dark Elf Kingdom, women are not hidden away behind walls.”
Her eyes flick back to mine.
“They are protected, yes,” I continue. “But they do as they please. Many train as warriors, ride into battle beside their kings.”
“And queens?” She arches a brow. “Do they rule equally with their kings?”
“They always have. Though the current king does not yet have a mate.”
“Oh. That’s right. Father told me he asked for my hand,” she says haughtily. “Well, sorry to disappoint him, but he’ll need to find a wife elsewhere.”
“You won’t even entertain his offer?” I ask, just to be sure. If she will, then I’ll have no need for the plan I’ve arranged with her father.
“I’m not interested in marriage,” she replies. “Not like this.”
“Like what?” I ask, curious.
“Like I’m some sort of prize to be won.” She sighs. “Besides, I have everything I want right here,” she adds as if she can simply refuse the bargain itself.
“The Dark Elf King will be disappointed to hear of your refusal.”
She frowns. “But I never even saw him today.”
A smile crests my lips. “You still caught his eye.”
“Well, too bad for him.” She scoffs as she stands from the bench. “Your king will be going home empty-handed, just like everyone else.”
Not if I have anything to do with it.
She starts back to the castle.
“Where are you going, Princess?”
“Back to my chambers. Where rude soldiers cannot disturb my peace,” she replies tartly.
