Which attendant would it be this time? Maybe a handmaiden delivering tea? Perhaps an advisor checking on her? She let out a small sigh, turning just as a polite knock broke the silence.

“Your Highness,” came a clear voice from the other side, “His Radiance would like to speak with you.”

At least it wasn’t one of the handmaidens sent to hover over her.

“Enter,” Elle replied, smoothing a wrinkle from her tunic.

The door swung open to reveal Aerindra Thalannis Sylverlief, a tall elf with a silhouette as graceful as it was imposing. She confidently stepped into Elle’s chamber, her silver hair gleaming with lavender undertones where the light touched it. Intricate braids coiled around her head like living filigree, accentuating her deep purple eyes' slightly tilted, feline shape. Her brown breeches and green silk tunic were simple, but because Aer was wearing them, they were elegant, while her dark leather boots were practical.

A moment lingered between them as Aer’s observant gaze flicked to the open window and the fresh scuff marks on the ledge. She knew how restless Elle could be, but she had long ago grown accustomed to the princess’s harmless daring.

“Your Highness,” said the noblewoman.

Elle was of average height for an elf, shorter than Aer. Elle turned to her friend, gently smiling. “Alright, Aer.”

Aer offered a wry, knowing tilt of her lips. She’d been born just twenty-five years before Elle, practically the same age by elven standards, and shared in many of Elle’s adventures through childhood. Raised in House Eryndorril, Aer trained extensively in the art of archery and swordplay, using her lithe frame and keen eyes to become a ranger of some renown with the Royal Rangers.

Elle glanced around as though searching for another face. She asked, “Where is Kali?”

“You’ve dismissed your handmaids?” Aer responded, arching an inquisitive eyebrow.

Elle nodded, unable to suppress a mischievous grin. “I did. I needed a moment’s peace.”

Aer matched that grin, the corners of her eyes crinkling with amusement. Then she quietly shut the door behind her, ensuring some privacy. Ever cautious, she scanned the room with a quick, purposeful glance. Satisfied they were alone, she crossed the polished floor to Elle’s side and leaned in, lowering her voice so only the princess could hear.

“Kali’s with His Radiance,” Aer whispered. “A merchant’s ship somehow found its way into the port during a storm. The Order of the Thornbound assembled for his protection.” She paused, letting the anticipation build. “I heard they are eastern human merchants.”

“Humans?” Elle echoed, her pointed ears twitching at the unexpected revelation. A ripple of excitement moved through her voice. In a realm so closed off from the outside world, hearing of humans was as rare as glimpsing a shooting star in eternal daylight. “Well, we mustn’t be late then,” she declared, setting her jaw playfully. “We have to catch a glimpse of these humans.”

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

Before Aer could blink, Elle dashed out of her chamber, slippers whispering against the marble floors, outpacing the ranger quite a bit. Chuckling, Aer raced after her, no stranger to the princess’s quick bursts of energy. They hurried through the corridors. Pale sunlight filtered through stained-glass windows depicting ancient elven legends of druids communing with the Great Tree, soaring hawks, and moonlit ceremonies. The floors beneath their feet were laid with mosaic tiles in swirling emerald and gold, arranged in intricate patterns.

From alcoves and adjoining rooms, maids, butlers, and stewards bowed or curtsied as the pair rushed by. “Your Highness,” a few murmured, their voices hushed respectfully. They stood aside to let Elle pass, each gazing fondly at the young princess they had watched grow into a thoughtful, spirited woman. Those who looked closely would notice the shared sparkle in Elle’s and Aer’s eyes, an unspoken and open secret that the two were up to something beyond ordinary palace routine.

When the hallways finally cleared, and no watchers remained but the silent stone statues of ancestors past, Elle and Aer broke into a full sprint. The slap of leather boots and the whisper of silk echoed through the vaulted space. Their laughter was light and unrestrained. They could have been children again at that moment, racing through the palace gardens without care, weaving between marble pillars, hearts pounding in unison.

“This is what I needed,” Elle breathed, still moving swiftly. “A little excitement. Nothing too scandalous, but enough to break up the day.”

Aer’s grin widened. “Be careful what you wish for, Your Highness. Rumor has it humans aren’t exactly subtle.”

Elle laughed, rounding a corner with catlike grace. “I’m counting on it.”

Their footfalls carried them closer to the courtyard and the grand hall beyond, where they hoped to intercept the newcomers. The promise of a visitor from beyond Elytheris electrified Elle’s imagination.

What stories might they tell? What items might they have traded across the sea? Would they speak the elven tongue, or would a translator be required?

Perhaps these human travelers were merely the beginning of the wider world finally washing up on Elytheris’s shores.

“Most exciting, isn’t it?” Aer called out, her voice echoing in the vaulted corridor.

“Oh indeed!” replied Elle, louder than she’d meant, and then she lowered her tone, glancing at nearby servants who offered curious looks before returning to their tasks. “Humans are so rare around here! When was the last time we had a human visit Elytheris?”

“Twenty-five—” Aer coughed into her hand. “Years ago.”

They exchanged gleeful smiles, and their pace quickened. Silk clothing and braided hair trailed behind them. Elle flicked her gaze over to Aer as they hurried. “Have you ever seen a human before?”

“Mayhaps,” Aer replied, her eyes dancing. “Perhaps they are as terrifying and awful as the stories make them out to be. Greedy, tiny things.”

“Let’s go, let’s go,” Elle said, pulling Aer forward. The pair skidded around a corner and down another hallway until, at last, they reached the throne room’s impressive double doors. Tall and carved from pale wood inlaid with shimmering runes, the doors bore the crest of House Ilythien. Two knights of the Thornbound Order – one male, one female – stood at attention, their polished armor gleaming.

Both knights dipped their heads in respect. “Your Highness, His Radiance is still with a—” The woman hesitated, perhaps uncertain whether to speak openly of humans in the palace. “An outsider,” she said at last.

“His Radiance has summoned me,” Elle said with a courteous but knowing smile. “I shall do as my brother ordered.”

The other knight cleared his throat. “Your Highness—”

Elle lifted a hand to forestall any further objection. “If my brother is angry, I will bear that responsibility. Have no fear.” Without waiting for a response, she pushed the heavy doors open, stepping into the throne room with Aer at her heels.