by Ben Alderson
I ruffled my hand through his hair. “You will.”
Before he disappeared from the door, I called for him. "Get home safe!"
Tiv stopped and smiled. "Tiv is a gallant soldier. Tiv will be very safe."
With Tiv’s absence, I was left with the tailors who seemed to speed up their process of creating my new outfit. By the time they were finished, Hadrian had arrived, and I couldn't hide my annoyance. Leaving me all day without much of a word. He was late, so much so that the shy tailor stood forward and rushed him back out the room into another to get ready. He barely spared me a glance as he left again.
Everything happened so quickly. Once the two tailors left me, another three elves strolled into the room and guided me to sit in a chair. They all must’ve been sisters because they shared the same dark hair and deep-sky eyes.
Just when I thought the prodding and poking had ended, I was wrong. They began messing with my hair and adding powders to my cheeks and neck. Unlike the tailors, I soon found this process more relaxing. Even more so when they began running their hands down my wings. I couldn’t see what it was they were doing, but it lulled me into sleep.
*
“RISE AND SHINE,” Hadrian muttered, his breath brushing across my face. I opened my eyes and saw him standing inches from me. I was half-hanging from the chair, and the three sisters no longer filled the room.
I cleared the dribble from my chin with the back of my hand, then stood up and walked past Hadrian.
“Do not let the sisters see you rubbing off their powders,” Hadrian said behind me.
“Where have you been all day?” I turned on him. I could hear my sharp tone and didn't relax it. "You leave without a word. Do you know that if you simply tell me when you disappear it might save me from worrying all day?”
“Exploring,” he said, then changed the subject promptly. “It is exhausting keeping this form for a long time. I am not surprised you had slept. This must be the longest you have kept it up before.”
"Don't change the subject, Hadrian. I am worried about you enough."
He turned away from me, his reddish wings held tight to his back. "I did not ask for you to worry."
"You don't need to." My breath came out labored. "I am not your keeper, but I sense you are hiding something from me. The last time someone did that—"
"If you are referring to the insidious Petrer, do not bother. I understand your past may create distrust, but my absence is innocent." Hadrian turned back around and faced me. His curled horns were coated with red sparkles of some kind, which stood out against his blue glow.
"Then tell me what is happening in that mind of yours." I took hold of his warm hands. "I do trust you, Hadrian. But I will not play silly games and pretend this is all fine, and I have no problem with you disappearing. Tell me; let me help you with whatever it is you are doing in the city."
Hadrian released a slow sigh and looked down at me. Although, in my Dragori form, I was taller. He still had added height.
"If you are looking for someone to help locate your father, then tell me. Two of us could make light work..."
Hadrian leaned in and placed a kiss on my lips to silence me. I felt just how dry his lips were as they danced with my own.
"I am not well, Petal." It was the first time he admitted it. "I do not know what is happening to me, but I am not myself. I feel like I am battling a darkness that is fighting to reach me." Hadrian took my hand and placed it over his heart. "I have kept it from you because I worried if I said it out loud, it would only make it more real."
I wrapped my arms around him. "Tell me what I can do to help you."
"You do help. Being with you takes my mind off it. Gives me a small release. Listen." He pulled me back and held me at arm’s reach. "I want to enjoy tonight. Please, just for tonight can we forget about it? I promise no more disappearing. I will take you with me tomorrow into the city. But for tonight, let us just enjoy ourselves. I need some time away from my thoughts and you are the only person I know with the ability to do that."
"If that is how I can help, I will do that." I raised his warm hand to my mouth and kissed it. "How about we go and find the rest of the group? The procession will begin soon I am sure."
Hadrian placed a kiss on my head in thanks. “Have you seen what you look like yet?” he asked. "I am not leaving until I get a good look at you."
I shook my head. “Not at all.”
“Let me tell you. They have created a masterpiece.” His eyes ran up and down me, undressing me. “Here…”
With his hand still holding mine, he guided me to a gilded mirror that rested up on the wall. We stood before it, Hadrian behind me so I could get a good look.
I was dressed in silver and ivory with threads of purple that coiled up my tunics sleeves and trousers. The jacket was tight fitting, showing off my frame. My boots had been polished and reflected the candlelight in the room. But it was the smaller details that took my breath away. I leaned into the mirror and took a better look at the powder that covered my curved, pointed horns. The dust caught the light and glistened as I moved. My wings were the same. When the sisters were running their hands across them, they must have been spreading this strange coating of glitter. My hair had been cut once again, the sides shaved back down and my bun neat. I even caught the three braids they had plaited, just like my mam would have done.
I was the embodiment of my element.
“Not that I have not recognized it before, but you are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen,” Hadrian slurred behind me. His purr caused the hairs on my neck to rise. He leaned in and placed a lingering kiss on my neck. I melted into his embrace.
I turned around to him and moved him before the mirror.
He truly was the Prince of flames. He was dressed in deep reds and blood orange tones. From his trousers to his jacket, he was fire. The moving blue glow beneath his skin was not as apparent in his uniform, overshadowed by the bright, loud colors he wore. On his head, a crown rested. It was bronze with etched swirls wrapping all around it. The points had been made to look like dancing flames.
“You look wonderful,” I whispered, taking him all in. I almost wished the night would be cancelled. “They did a pretty good job on you as well.”
"Fire and Air," he said. "Do you remember what I told you back in Kandilin all those days ago?"
"That fire is nothing without the air that fuels it..." I echoed the words that had stayed with me during the days when we first arrived in the town.
His smile reached his golden eyes that pierced the darkening room. "Just as air keeps a fire roaring, you keep me going. That will never change."
WE ALL MET in the Queen’s throne room. Hadrian and I walked in, hand in hand, interrupting the huddle of our group who stood waiting.
Illera turned our way first, leaving Jasrov and Nyah deep in conversation. They were laughing about something that I couldn’t quite make out. I noticed Emaline where she sat on the steps beneath the throne scratching Bell behind her ear, a lost expression cut across her painted face.
She, like Hadrian and I, had been dressed around her Dragori form. Her white feathered wings hung limp behind her. Her gown seemed to be made from the ocean itself. Blues and purples were washed together, giving the long, lace skirt a faded illusion. Her sleeves covered the majority of scales that overlapped the skin on her arms, but the cluster on her chin was left out and proud. Opal flecks of glitter dusted her brown skin. As her hand moved to rub Bell, they captured the light in dancing winks.
“Look who has decided to turn up,” Nyah called, waving us over. “We were about to send out a search party for you both. You especially, Hadrian...”
“Patience, Nyah, we would not be late to our own party.” Hadrian laughed, taking her hand and shaking.
“You both look amazing,” Jasrov commented, straightening his gold-colored jacket, and matching tailored slacks. “Truly. I don’t think I have ever worn anything so… nice.”
Hadri
an bowed, dropping my hand and shaking Jasrov’s as if they hadn’t seen each other for a long while. Nyah no longer wore the emerald cloak. To show off her dress, she spun until two wing-liked flaps of jade material lifted from the back of her gown.
“I could get used to this.” Nyah picked up her dress.
“When they suggested accessories, I have a feeling the tailors were not talking about weapons Nyah,” Hadrian said, spying the dagger around her thigh.
“It’s shiny and sparkles, what more could you ask for from an accessory?” She winked.
Illera’s dress was ivory, reminding me of the gown Hadrian’s mother wore in the painting I left back in our room. It was simple, yet stunning. It pooled around her feet. Lines of black material cut across the bodice. Her hair had been gathered into a long braid that swung behind her.
“When will the festivities start?” I asked, stretching my wings in hopes it helped relax my muscles.
“Can’t wait?” Nyah said.
“Something like that.”
“Emaline, come join us.” Jasrov waved her over.
“Hopefully soon,” Nyah answered my initial question.
“Blue suits you,” I said as Emaline walked our way. I noticed the swing of the acorn necklace that sat proudly above her dress. She caught me looking at it and fiddled with the chain.
“It was always Nesta’s favorite color. She would be glad to see me in it tonight.”
A nervous-looking maid walked over with a tray in hand. We each plucked a thin glass from it. The liquid was the color of diluted sunrays. I raised it to my ear and listened to the symphony of fizzes and pops within the glass.
Jasrov sniffed it cautiously, and Nyah raised it to her eyes, which made them look large as I peered through the glass at her.
“What is this?” she asked, turning her head. “It sings.”
Hadrian raised it within the small circle we created.
“To Nesta,” he toasted. “We drink this in her honor and name.”
I raised my glass, and Illera, Jasrov and Nyah followed. We all looked to Emaline, whose eyes shone for a moment, then she slowly raised her arm.
“To Nesta.”
We each lifted to our mouths and sipped, solidifying our toast.
The liquid sun fizzed across my tongue, making my cheeks clamp and salivate. It was a sweet drink. A waltz of honey, grapes and pear. I recognized each taste clearly.
“Illera, I hear you are helping scout,” I said over the lip of my glass.
She looked to Emaline. “I have been lucky enough to be given a chance to help, yes.”
"Your shift has come in handy. Frightening to some Alorian elves at first. It is not every day they see a beast amongst them," Emaline added, smiling Illera's way. “She does not give herself credit.”
The doors opened behind us and we all turned to see the Queen and her family walk into the room. They were both dressed in midnight gowns with pearl beading and silver thread. On their heads were crowns of ice and leaf. Both looked powerful, ethereal and poised, like the powerful enchantresses I read about in stories.
“I hope you are prepared,” Queen Kathine said, sweeping across the floor to us and shaking each of our hands. “My, haven’t my tailors worked hard on you all? Truly stunning."
“They have.” Hadrian stepped forward and kissed the back of her waiting hand.
“Now, Prince, enough of the formalities. How about we get going? if you listen carefully you can practically hear the excitement of the city. Let us not keep them waiting a moment later, shall we?”
“Can I ask what it is you need from us? What is in store when we head into town?” I asked.
Queen Kathine regarded me with a smile and proceeded to explain the nights events. She talked with the procession from the palace to the main city square. Once we reached the square, she would address the crowd.
"...then, as detailed in the parchment you all received, I will ask you each to display your magick. Illera and Nyah, you will go first, followed by the three Dragori. A grand finale."
I glanced at Hadrian, who watched and nodded in agreement.
Something about that didn’t sit right with me, especially with Hadrian’s pulsing blue gleam beside me. I had seen what happened to him when he used his abilities. He knew the risks. Before I could argue my point, Queen Kathine moved to leave the throne room and beckoned for us all to follow.
“No rest for the wicked,” Nyah whispered behind me.
“You would know.” I winked back at her, trying to hide my worry. I was certain she could sense it regardless.
As we stepped towards the top of the stairs, I could see just how many came out to see us. The streets bustled with cheers and screams. The sea of watching elves exploded as they caught their first glimpse of us. Then we began the two-mile procession, Hadrian didn’t move from my side the entire time, his warm presence a constant as thousands of eyes bore down on us.
My feet burned, and my body ached with each footfall towards the city center. I kept my smile wide and head held high. The entire city smiled back, waved and clapped as we passed. As well as soaking in the love that surrounded me, I absorbed every detail of the city I could catch. From buildings to streets lined with shops and taverns. In truth, Lilioira was no different to Olderim. The same smells, tastes and visions. The only difference being the blood of those that dwelled within these impressive buildings.
Lilioira was large and impressive, but when I had to walk the main streets, I realized just how big it truly was. From the main doors of the palace, all the way to the main courtyard of the city, elves stood to watch as we walked by. Soldiers stood between them and the procession, although it was clear no one was a threat. Their beaming smiles and frantic calls made that clear.
My head spun with each face I passed.
Queen Kathine showed no sign of discomfort as she led the way, surrounded by a cohort of guards that circled her. She would occasionally move to the edge of the path and touched the hands of her people and accepted bunches of flowers.
Hadrian would do the same, as if it was as easy as breathing. He would let younglings reach and stroke hands down his wings and skin. He even held one child, who cooed and reached for his face to the parent's glee.
I pushed Cristilia’s story into the dark pits within my mind and forced a smile.
Nyah, Jasrov and Illera hung back, smiling and waving but never going so far as to visit the crowd. Nyah did not enjoy this type of attention. She hardly looked up from the floor and stuck to Jasrov side. Jasrov didn't notice her discomfort, as he was too busy worrying for Bell.
I gave up trying to follow Bell’s movements as she dove into the crowds and demanded attention. I might not have been able to see her, but I could hear where she had gone. The elves with her would laugh and cry with pleasure as the familiar meddled with them.
Emaline stuck close to the Queen, but she did greet the many elves who begged for her attention. A bright smile lit up her face.
The sky had melted from the dusk hue to pitch black of night. The many lit lanterns lining the pathway pooled enough light to create the illusion of late afternoon. There was a crisp chill in the air thanks to the lingering snow that clung to the path and building rooftops. Now and then my boots would squelch within puddles of slush that everyone else seemed to skirt around. I was too busy taking in every single detail I possibly could to notice where I stood.
Once we reached the heart of the city, I noticed the water fountain straight away. As Tiv had explained, it was of an elven woman. She carried two jugs of water and was caught mid-movement. Leaks of water poured from her eyes, but her expression was not a sad one. She had a serene look about her.
“Take a seat,” Queen Kathine hushed, gesturing to six oaken chairs that were in a line beneath the fountain. “Only when I call your names should you come up.”
I scanned the surrounding crowds and looked for Tiv. I didn’t spot him until I was guided to my seat. I caught his moonlight hair as he wa
ved, jumping up and down for my attention. I lifted a hand back, and he began tugging on the woman beside him. I had no doubt she was his mother. She was very much like him, short and silver. Beautiful. White hair spilled over her narrow shoulders, the same light color of her eyes. I smiled and raised a hand. I would be sure to visit him once I was free.
“Welcome all,” Queen Kathine called, her voice loud. It washed over the crowd, stilling them into silence. “My heart warms tremendously to see my people here to share in this celebration. Thank you all for helping me show our guests just how kind and welcoming we are.”
There was not a sound from the watching elves as their Queen spoke. I looked at them as they were in awe at the woman they loved. No one looked anywhere but at her as she stood on the lip of the fountain and spoke.
“We, as a collective, are going through a time of uncertainty and worry. I pleaded with the Goddess to show us strength, and she listened. Lilioira is a safe hold for her children, a place where lurking evils will not penetrate. Now with the arrival of our guests, the three Dragori and their aids, we have added protection. I am lucky to be Queen of such loving elves as all of you. With the growing number of refugees, you have opened your hearts and homes, sharing bread and comfort with those who are displaced. I wanted to give you all a night where you can be free from your worries and hardship; a night where we can all celebrate under the watchful eye of the Goddess. Let us dance, drink and eat together like we have done all our lives. We will not let such worry ruin our way of life.”
Queen Kathine stood back and raised her hand to the side. “It is not a festival without a ballad from our favorite songbird.”
I followed it and watched a woman glide through the crowd and up the steps of the fountain to stand beside her. She was tall and elegant. Her dark hair was gathered behind her, apart from two slips that trailed down the front of her bodice to her hips. The dress that flowed around her body was a light pink covered with chains of gold that looped around her. Even the tiara on her head was gold; it wrapped around her hair as if it was a fitted hat. A hexagonal necklace shielded her delicate throat, each part holding a gem of striking colors.
