We moved through the castle corridor, Celi’s steps confident as she led the way. I noticed her glancing back at me occasionally, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. ‘Don’t forget to keep calm’ she whispered, her voice carrying a hint of protectiveness that made me feel slightly more at ease. The corridor was lined with tapestries and lit by warm lanterns. We descended the left of two identical staircases, returning to the grand hall.

Celi approached a door between the stairs. Ari, walking beside me, gave my hand a quick, reassuring squeeze. ‘Don’t worry, they’ll understand,’ she murmured, her smile warm and encouraging.

..They? wasn’t it just the queen?

With a gentle push, she opened it to reveal a long hallway. The walls were carved with leaves and flowers, and the air smelled of blooming jasmine. We followed the hallway to a pair of ornate doors that marked the entrance to the royal chamber.

The room was vast, with tall columns made of intertwined tree trunks that stretched up to a high ceiling of woven branches. Sunlight streamed through these branches, creating beautiful patterns of light and shadow on the floor, which was covered in a mosaic of green and gold tiles.

The walls were alive with lush greenery, covered in moss and flowering plants that formed shifting designs. Vines laden with colorful flowers hung from the columns, filling the air with a sweet, floral scent. Glowing lanterns, larger than those I found in the jungle, dangled from the branches above, casting a warm and soothing light throughout the room.

In the center of the room, two rows of what seemed like important figures stood facing us with serious expressions. They wore fancy clothes adorned with shiny jewels, showing their importance. Their faces were stern, reflecting the gravity of the situation in the royal chamber.

At the far end of the hall, a beam of light from the branches above illuminated a figure seated on a throne, casting a shadow over their face. The throne itself was crafted from vines connected to the floor, its surface polished smooth. Its arms were adorned with intricate silver leaves that caught the light, causing them to glimmer softly.

Beside the throne stood a tall soldier, his entire body covered in golden armor. His helmet, crafted from dragon scales and adorned with feathers on the sides, added an aura of mystery and power to his imposing figure. But the most intimidating aspect of his presence was his unwavering stance, as he held his sword firmly, its tip resting on the ground.

We stopped at the entrance of the room, where murmurs filled the air. Their guarded expressions and whispered comments didn’t escape me. I understood their hesitation, an outsider among their own. It reminded me of my place in this world, always on the edge, never quite belonging.

Suddenly, the queen stood up, and the whole room went silent. You could hear the stream of water falling down the branchy wall at the far left of the chamber, its clear waters collecting in a pool at the base. The atmosphere was filled with seriousness, and I could barely swallow my saliva. I stood frozen in my place as the queen marched slowly down the steps from her throne, my heartbeat resonating with each step she took.

As she got closer, the shadow on her face faded, revealing a young, angelic face. Her thick white eyelashes, sprinkled with gold at the tips, contrasted with her green eyes, giving her a sense of importance and dominance. Her silver hair, styled in a bun at the back, with two strands caressing her forehead, strengthened her sharp look.

“No way she is El’s mother" I murmured.

“Indeed I am" she replied, her voice firm and powerful.

...Huh? How did she hear me from there?

“I have sharp ears" she added.

...What? She can even read minds?

The queen smiled slightly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You'd be surprised what a queen can infer from a simple murmur"

...Shit, that’s a queen for you. Celi wasn’t exaggerating.

“Now, now... Eleanor has filled me in on what happened" said the queen as she took slow, firm steps toward me. As she got closer, I felt my heart rate rising, droplets of sweat forming on my forehead.

She stood in front of me, and I couldn’t pull my gaze away from her eyes. A part of me was stunned by her beauty, while the other part froze from intimidation. She reached out her hands and placed them on my shoulders. What was she going to do to me? I shouldn’t have come...

her stern expression softened slightly, a flicker of empathy in her eyes. She pulled me close and hugged me tightly. “Oh, my poor little baby. It must’ve been hard for you” she said, her tone now gentle and caring.

...Huh? What’s happening?

“I couldn’t imagine the sadness you’re in right now" she added, her face filled with care and love. “Don’t worry, you’re safe now" tears streaming down her eyes.

“Grandma!” shouted Ariana as she rushed to hug the queen.

“How many times have I told you to address me by your highness in front of the rest of the council, Ariana" said the queen, pinching Ari’s cheeks. “Silly girl, ahah.”

...That took me by surprise! Under all that serious bravado, she was the most caring person you could ever meet.

I should probably address her respectfully. “Thank you for your hospitality, your highness" I said.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“Oh my! What a well-mannered young boy. But that’s exactly why I called you here" replied the queen as she held Ariana between her arms and walked back to the throne. She sat down, with Ari standing beside her, and stared at me while resting her head on her fist.

..These changes of mood are going to give me a heart attack if they keep repeating.

“First of all, I will introduce myself.” She said with a firm tone. “I am Aerithel, daughter of Eldyth Valeria, queen of the elves, protector of the Ancient Woodlands, guardian of the Celestial Tree, and Radiant of the Eldorian throne.” Everyone bowed as her voice echoed through the room.

...How did her voice echo in a room built with tree branches?

“I am Luka Glynn" I replied, bowing my head.

Eleanor, who was among the people in the room, chuckled, barely able to hold his laughter.

“Ahahah, you’re not supposed to answer me when I’m introducing myself, young Luka" said Aerithel. “Anyway, do you know why I have summoned you here?”

“A human shouldn’t have the privilege to live among the elves?”

“You’re quick to understand, but you’re a bit off.”

“What do you mean? If I may ask?”

“Well, there are a couple of things we need to clarify" she said, lifting her head. “It's not simply because you’re human that we’re concerned.”

“Is it because I am Madanian?”

The queen’s gaze hardened. “Madania has a complicated history with many kingdoms, including ours.”

“Wasn’t that back during the great war?”

“Everything has to start somewhere, and the actions of the Madanians have led to the horrid situation we’re in right now.”

“Weren’t you the arcanists who rejected them?”

“Is that what they taught you?”

“I’ve read about it.”

“The books written by the Madanians?”

..Now that I think about it, it was indeed a Madanian book.

“The history is more complex for a kid as young as you to understand" she followed.

A kid as young as me?..ME?

“I do not have the time to explain it to you in detail, but what you need to know is that it’s somewhat hard for our people to accept Madanians”

..She doesn’t have time? Because I’m a kid? I know I should keep my composer, although I can feel my blood boiling from the disrespect.

“Anyways, it’s true that we, the elves, have decided to hide ourselves from the world, but any race is welcome to our lands as long as they follow our rules.”

..This is getting infuriating.

“And you being a Madanian is just half the problem. Since you have saved my precious granddaughter, I am prepared to overlook your origin" she said as she patted Ariana’s head.

“A kid as young as me? Overlook my origin? Every race is welcome here?” I said with an angry tone. “You speak as if you haven’t turned your back on your own people, leaving them to rot in the jungles.”

“KNOW YOUR PLACE, KID!” she yelled, wind blowing through the cavities in the walls. “Do not speak of what you don’t know.”

..Oh fuck, I shouldn’t have yelled!

The whole room filled with mutters, the council members gazing at me angrily.

..I should apologize before she gets even angrier.

“Please pardon my rudeness, your highness. I let my anger get the better of me" I quickly bowed in respect.

“It's okay, you can lift your head. I know that you’re still stressed over what has happened to you.”

“Thank you for your kindness.”

Thank god, she’s understanding. I am in no place to argue with her, I’m basically at her mercy right now.

“I understand that you have a lot of questions about this place, and I will be happy to answer them. However, we have questions of our own too!”

“I’m at your service, your highness.”

“Now, as I said, you being a Madanian isn’t our biggest problem right now. The thing we would like to know is... How in the name of the guardians could a Madanian use magic?”

The question hung in the air, loaded with centuries of distrust and hidden fears. I could feel their eyes on me, judging, questioning, as if my very existence was an anomaly that needed to be explained.

I knew this question was coming.. But how should I explain it to them while I don’t even understand what happened myself? Should I just tell them what I experienced? Should I tell them about the voice? About the light? It’s dangerous to tell them without being able to back it, but do I even have another option?

“About the magic, I don’t really understand it myself, but when I was being attacked, “I suddenly heard a voi– aaaagh” A sharp pain struck my heart, doubling me over. The words caught in my throat as I gasped for breath, the pain intensifying with each beat of my heart.

..Huh? What’s happening?

“Continue, young Luka" said the queen.

“I hea– aaaagh.”

Again.. What’s going on?

“Your highness, he’s trying to avoid the question" said one of the councilors.

“..No, that’s not it, I’m not!” I yelled.

“Your highness, you cannot overlook such rudeness.”

“Explain yourself, young man” said Aerithel.

“I..I.. I don’t know what’s happening to me..” I stuttered.

“You filthy rat! You expect us to believe such words?” shouted one of the councilors.

“Now, now.. I thought I was clear that I was to be the only one to speak to the kid. Am I wrong?”

“I am sorry, your highness, but we cannot accept him if he cannot explain himself. Such unknown power can only bring disaster upon our kingdom.”

“Do you think I don’t know that?” said the queen as the councilor backed off.

“You heard him, Luka. If you can’t help us, we can't help you.”

..Was that part about me being safe now a lie?

I looked at Eleanor, while holding my chest from agony, my hopeless eyes asking him to save me.

“Your highness, if I may speak up” said Eleanor.

“You may” replied the queen.

“As I already informed you, I have spent a lot of time with Luka and his family. I’ve been there when he was just an innocent kid, and when the unspeakable happened. There is no reason for him to hide such trivial information given his position, and I’m sure he knows that best. Unless, he cannot speak of it.”

“And what do you suppose we do?”

“I suppose we give him time to heal, and we can find the answers in time.”

“Are you sympathizing with him because he’s your former friend’s child?” yelled one of the councilors.

“It’s a fact that he’s dear to me, but the most important thing you’re all forgetting is that he saved one of your own using the magic you’re trying to banish him for!” replied Eleanor, his face filled with seriousness and anger. “Former? I would recommend you stay within your boundaries" Eleanor turned back to face the queen. “I will personally keep him under my watch and get the answers from him when the right time comes.”

“Would you take responsibility for anything that could happen?”

"I, Eleanor, solemnly swear upon the Celestial Guardian of the Wind to take full responsibility for this child."

“I see, fair enough. Does anyone have a problem with that?” said the queen, the whole room silent. “Alright then, welcome to our lands, Luka Glynn. Make yourself at home.”

All this back and forth, and she just accepted what Eleanor told her quickly.. Not that I’m not grateful for it.

After the councilors dismissed themselves, The queen let out a long exhale and walked up to me “I hope you don’t take what happened to heart, but it was necessary”

“I’m sorry for losing my cool”

“I lived long enough to not blame a child for speaking his mind” She said, a faint smile playing on her lips.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Obviously, my child”

“Why do you trust me enough to let me stay here?”

“I do not”

..good lord that was straightforward

“But didn’t you save my Ariana?” she followed

I stood there silently looking at her, then nodded.

"My late father often said, ‘To unjustly take one life is to extinguish the light of all existence. To save one life is to illuminate the entire world’ So, how could I turn away the savior of my granddaughter?”

“The late king must have been wise”

“No he was a drunk, but sometimes he slips some wisdom” She chuckled as she hid her laugh with her hand. “Alright then, you must be tired. Rest for the night and Eleanor shall take care of you in the morning”