AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She nodded. “Come. There’s much to figure out before we begin.”
Chapter 3
On the frosty peak of Eldoria’s mountains hides a palace. With bricks of dark mountain rock and turrets piling with snow, it was difficult to discern from the distance. Many rumored that the palace never stayed in one place either; that it moved across the many mountains overlooking the valley where the Elves lived peacefully.
Renowned for their nymph-like beauty, Dwarf-like technologies, and Orc-like strength, it was no wonder that the Elves were revered as the most accomplished of the realm. While magic wasn’t their strongest suit, each Elf possessed some kind of gift. While most possessed only one, King Travus was an exception, possessing at least three as far as his subjects knew: invisibility, charmspeak, and incredible speed.
To add to his abilities, he was also distinguished in stature, standing a head taller than most of his Elf-folk with broad shoulders, boasting of strong biceps that could carry the weight of five boars. He was almost never seen without armor outside of the palace grounds, carved from the shimmering metal chunks found in the mines at thebottom of the mountains, black iron. It shimmered with faint notes of blue in the cold sunlight that pierced through the frosty clouds.
King Travus of Eldoria was as cold as his kingdom, and as menacing as the storms that frequented the mountain tops. His stormy eyes of silver and long locks of ice-white hair attested to it.
As the valley remained strangely pleasant, its resident Elves didn’t care to venture up the mountains, but King Travus was interrupted in the middle of a strategy meeting with his Council to be informed of two people at the palace gates, demanding an audience with him.
“Couldn’t they have sent a message?” he grunted.
“I suppose that would come off more of a request than ademand, your majesty,” replied his guard. Travus narrowed his eyes at him, and the guard cleared his throat and stepped back carefully. “They bear a proposition from Nexis.”
“Oh?”
Mutters traveled around his Council of Elders, who looked at him with curiosity. Knowing that he wouldn’t hear the end of it, he turned to his guard with a nod. “I’ll see them.”
Moments later, Travus was overlooking two people from his throne, hooded in beautiful blue and white robes. The Nexis crest across their chest was distinguishable.
“You must be brave,” he rumbled in amusement as he leaned back on his throne, resting his cheek on his curled fist. “Do you not know what’s taking place?”
“It’s why we’re here,” said the man as he took off his hood.
Travus was even more entertained. “Sir Arthur, I doubt you can take me on single handedly. I’m sure your dame knows better to advise you against it.”
“We’re here to negotiate,” said the dame, although she kept her hood on, no doubt still chilly inside the palace. Travus did not bother to start fires in his hearths. He preferred it cold. “I believe you’ll find our offer…interesting.”
Something about her voice stirred a sense of familiarity in him. Though he couldn’t see her face, he felt as if the two of them weren’t entirely strangers. He simply couldn’t put his finger on who it could be.
“Go on then.” He gestured tiredly to the two. “I don’t have all day.”
“Nexis wishes to form an alliance with you through marriage,” Sir Arthur explained. “Princess Mierna, theQueendom’s only child and heir to the throne, extends this offer to you graciously upon the condition that the people of Eldoria and Nexis will be of equal standing.”
Travus chuckled, pleased to see that some of the work had been cut out for him. Union or not, Nexis was walking right into the palm of his hand. He didn’t mind negotiating certain rights for the Nymphs to keep.
Given their powers, breeding with them would give future generations quite leverage,he pondered.But I can’t let them think I’m so easy to convince.
“It really is an interesting offer,” King Travus said, “but I have certain demands as well. As you know, my considerations come with a price, something many compete for.”
“People of equal power do not compete, they collaborate,” said Arthur.
Travus admired the knight’s boldness. “Then I’m curious to see what kind of power your princess possesses. She is to spend thirty days with me, to see if we are compatible. If she can truly be my equal and prove it, I’ll accept all conditions laid down for the union. If not, the Kingdom of Nexis becomes mine without the need for invasion.”
The two visitors look slightly perturbed but regain their composure immediately, glancing at each other insilence. Their eyes speak, and the two seem to have an understanding that Travus can’t quite get a hold of.
Regardless, it did not matter to him. He gained a beautiful woman'sahem, company for a time, and Nexis would still have to welcome a fate already written.
“We’ll consider what you’ve said and send a message by nightfall,” said the dame quickly. “Thank you for your time, your majesty.”
The two bowed to him, and he bowed his head back as well, wondering if this would be the last of respect shared between his nation and theirs.
Chapter 4
“With a ruler like that, you’d think this place would be worse off,” Aria muttered in wonder as she looked around the valley. With beautiful tall houses, glossy multi-colored roofs, vibrant stores, and music all around, she no longer knew what to think. “He seems to really care about his people.”
