Zephyrus Elway's P.O.V

As I trailed behind Nyla, I couldn't help but watch her graceful figure sway as she led me toward the castle.

The journey wasn't a short one, by any means. To reach the castle, we had to traverse through the heart of the kingdom, which brought back a flood of old memories for me. It had been a considerable amount of time since I last set foot in the Elven kingdom, and it felt even more significant to do so with Nyla at my side.

As Nyla and I journeyed through the heart of the kingdom, the enchanting beauty of the Elven realm slowly unveiled itself before us. Towering ancient trees with leaves that shimmered like liquid emeralds arched over the path, forming a natural canopy. Their branches, laden with blossoms in varying shades of blues, purples, and pinks, whispered secrets to the wind.

The path underfoot was a mosaic of mosaic of cobblestones, overgrown with delicate vines, as if nature itself sought to harmonize with the Elven craftsmanship. Elven homes, intricately carved from the heart of the trees, seemed to blend seamlessly with the forest, their windows adorned with curtains of ivy and marigolds, adding to the ethereal aura that enveloped this place.

As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia mingled with awe. Memories from my past, my youthful days, resurfaced. The gentle laughter of Elven children echoed from a nearby clearing where they played amongst the fireflies that danced like living constellations. The kingdom was a realm of tranquility and unity with nature, its harmony palpable in the air.

Nyla led me further, and we reached a grand bridge, its railings sculpted to resemble delicate vines, over a crystal-clear stream. The soft gurgling of the water beneath was soothing, and the reflections of the trees in its surface created an otherworldly symmetry.

Nyla's lead came to a halt on the bridge as she paused to overlook the gently flowing river below.

"Remember this spot?" she asked, a wistful smile touching her lips as she tucked a loose strand of her long hair behind her ear.

I nodded, my gaze fixed on the tranquil waters. "I do."

"You used to come here to think," she said, turning her gaze to me. "Lately, I've found myself doing the same thing at this very spot."

"What's on your mind, Nyla?" I asked, a little concerned.

Her face became tense, and she almost seemed hesitant to speak. "My father has been stressed lately."

I waited for her to continue, my curiosity piqued by the hint of worry in her voice.

Nyla's eyes reflected the weight of her words as she continued, "My father has been stressed lately. The council meetings have been particularly demanding, and he's been working tirelessly to maintain the harmony of our kingdom. It's taking a toll on him, and I've never seen him like this before."

I could see the genuine concern in her eyes, and a wave of empathy washed over me. "Your father is a wise and capable leader. I'm sure he'll find a way to navigate these challenges."

Nyla nodded, her expression softening. "I know he will. It's just... it's difficult to see him carry this burden. The well-being of our kingdom is his top priority, and sometimes, I fear he forgets to take care of himself."

We stood there in silence for a moment, the river flowing beneath us. The bridge, which had been a place of contemplation for both of us, now held the weight of Nyla's worries. It was a reminder that even in the most magical of places, real-life concerns could encroach.

Nyla let out a sigh and stood up straight, shaking off the weight of her worries. "Enough of that. You're here on business. We must make haste to the castle."

I smiled and fell into step beside her. "Anytime, Nyla."

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

Nyla and I continued our journey towards the Elven castle, which stood as a beacon of grace and grandeur in the heart of the kingdom. As we approached, the sight was nothing short of mesmerizing.

The castle's towering spires, crafted from iridescent crystal, pierced the cerulean sky, reflecting the colors of the ever-changing leaves. The walls, adorned with intricate carvings depicting Elven lore and history, seemed to breathe life into the stone itself. Vines and ivy, woven into enchanting patterns, crept along the walls and bloomed with radiant, otherworldly flowers in shades unseen by the human eye.

The main courtyard was a sea of vibrant, fragrant blooms that danced in the gentle breeze. Gigantic, ancient trees embraced the castle, their branches intertwining with its architecture, creating a living canopy that provided shade and serenity. The murmurs of the wind among the leaves and the songs of hidden birds added a symphony of nature to the scene.

As we entered the castle through a grand arched doorway, we were met with the soft glow of luminous orbs that lit the cavernous corridors. Elven tapestries, woven with threads of moonlight and starshine, adorned the walls, each one telling a story of the kingdom's history and its unbreakable connection to nature.

Nyla guided me through the palace halls, which just as I remembered, seemed to go on endlessly, their beauty rivaled only by their air of timeless wisdom. The sense of being in a place where time itself had slowed down was palpable, and I marveled at the remarkable blend of Elven craftsmanship and the serene harmony of the kingdom with its surroundings.

It was an enchanting and awe-inspiring sight, one that stirred a profound sense of gratitude within me for being able to walk through this wondrous realm alongside Nyla, who embodied the grace and nobility of her people.

It didn’t take long for us to arrive at two large double doors which housed two familiar faces on each side.

It was Orrian and Leanna, the Elven worthies I had met at the summit. Orrian was still as big and bulky as I remembered, and Leanna retained her cool and composed demeanor.

"Come to do some catching up, Zephyrus?" Leanna asked.

"No, just on business, and luckily, I happened to run into the princess," I said with a grin, nudging Nyla on the shoulder. "She volunteered to be my escort."

The princess's eyes narrowed. "You're not that special, Zephyrus. I only volunteered because you said you were here on business. Being escorted by me personally is the quickest way to get a meeting with my father."

"Well, when you put it like that, it makes you sound like a stuck-up brat."

My cheeky remark earned me a firm punch on the arm from Nyla. "Just finish what you came here to do and leave," she said, her tone carrying a hint of exasperation, and then she turned and left the scene.

"Good one, Zephyrus. This is only the second time I've met you, and I can already tell you're a real ladies' man," Orrian commented, as he opened the door to the king's throne room.

"Ah, shut up, bulky," I retorted with a grin as I stepped through the door. The grandeur of the king's throne room, with its regal architecture and intricate details, lay ahead, and the task at hand awaited.

The doors closed behind and at the sound the kind looked up and toward my direction.

“I would say it's great to see you, Zephyrus. But being here on business I can already feel the headache coming.” He said.

I laughed, “It’s okay, King Nillion. I don’t harbor any bad news and it certainly doesn’t have anything to do weight that topic. ”

He seemed to let out a sigh of relief at my words. "Okay, go on."

"Due to the rising number of academy mages this year, the archipelago will be flooded with new talent. King Stellar believes it's wise to deploy more troops and defense mages around the archipelago for safety reasons," I explained, pulling out a piece of paper from the king's desk. "He has already outlined a strategy and designated docking stations for each kingdom's troops to prevent any commotion. All we need when the time comes is your word."

King Nillion studied the paper and let out another sigh. "Is this really it? You came all this way for this?" He shook his head. "Of course, let Stellar know he has my word."

King Nillion retrieved a wine bottle and glass from his spatial ring and poured himself a cup. "After all this bad news, finally some good, eh, Zephyrus?" He took a sip. "Having the archipelago overflowing with talent is something we've never seen."

"Yes, the younger generation seems to get stronger with each passing year."

"Anyone from your blood participating?" he asked.

"My niece and nephew might. It depends on how well they're doing in school," I replied.

"Well, they're related to you, so I have no doubt," the king said with a smile.

The king's topic shifted. "Have you made things up with Nyla yet? She never stops her bashful chatter about you." The king's smile remained. "You truly have her heart."

"Now, now, I wouldn't go that far, but yes, I did speak to her on her way here. She's worried about you, saying you've been stressed."

The king took another sip. "We all have, Zephyrus. Stellar, Vouna, and even Gallak all know what being a leader comes with. We stress so our people don't have to."

I nodded, “I’ll make sure she understands that next time.” I turned to make my way out of the throne room and as I did the king asked me something.

“So what do you think of the Wothies? Do you think they are ready?”

“They could use some work.” I responded.