The massive enchanted birds pulling the carriage were a sight to behold. Their feathers shimmered in the sky. They soared effortlessly, carrying the floating silver carriage that glowed faintly with an enchanted sheen. Twisting vines of metal coiled around its frame.
Inside the luxurious carriage sat a girl who was just seventeen years old but carrying herself with a poise beyond her age. As her mother often reminded her, was not just any Elf.
Her pale skin seemed to drink in the sunlight streaming through the enchanted glass, giving her an otherworldly radiance. Her eyes, which are bright emeralds without pupils, glimmered as she stared out at the endless sky. She wore a flowing gown. The outfit, clearly foreign to Rise Borough's tastes, whispered of her origins.
Mintheris, the ancient territory of her kin, the Elves.
Across from her, sitting with regal composure, was her mother, Arthrea. Everything about Arthrea exuded authority and grace. Her gown, woven from fabric that glistened like polished emeralds with glowing crystals, was no mere fashion statement. It was a declaration of Mintheris's deep connection to the World Tree. Her presence filled the small space with a weight that demanded respect.
"Elyonari."
Elyonari tore her gaze from the window and turned to her mother. She did not look happy.
"Yes, Mother?"
"You know why we are traveling to Rise Borough. This visit is not an opportunity for you to indulge in curiosity or mischief."
"I know. You've told me a hundred times. Behave myself, respect Dynasty Richinaria, especially the heir and his siblings."
"And do you truly understand what that means?"
"It means don't cause trouble?"
"Yes."
Elyonari sighed as she glanced back to the window.
"I'll behave. But aren't we a powerful Dynasty too?"
"We are. But Dynasty Richinaria is... more recognized for its technology and reputation. And riches."
For a moment, silence filled the carriage. Elyonari leaned her head against the cool glass of the window. The carriage began its descent when they got close.
"Compose yourself, Elyonari. We're almost there."
The massive birds descended gracefully. Their golden wings senT ripples of wind across the floating palace grounds. The Richinaria Palace, a suspended island in the sky, loomed ahead. Elyonari's eyes widened as she took in the breathtaking sight. Even in Mintheris, where beauty and mysticism intertwined seamlessly, nothing compared to the floating palace of Dynasty Richinaria.
Her mother stepped out of the carriage first. Elyonari followed closely behind her. A retinue of attendants awaited them at the base of the grand entrance platform. One stepped forward. He was tall man with silver hair and sharp features, bowing deeply before Arthrea.
"Lady Arthrea of Mintheris. Welcome to the Floating Palace of Dynasty Richinaria. I am Solan, the Master Attendant. I am honored to escort you and your daughter to the Audience Hall, where His Majesty awaits."
Arthrea inclined her head in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Solan. The honor is ours."
Solvan's gaze flickered briefly to Elyonari, and though his expression remained neutral, there was a hint of intrigue in his eyes.
"And this must be the young Lady Elyonari, High Priestess of the World Tree. The palace is privileged to host you both."
Elyonari gave a polite nod.
"t's a pleasure to be here."
"Please, follow me," Solan said, turning with a graceful sweep of his arm.
The attendants formed a silent procession, guiding Arthrea and Elyonari through the palace's grand halls. The floor beneath their feet was a flawless expanse of shimmering crystal, reflecting the high arches and carvings above. Elyonari looked around. Despite her mother's constant reminders to remain composed, she couldn't help but marvel at the artistry that surrounded her. Each step felt like walking through a living dream. Beside her, Arthrea strode with the confidence of someone who had seen such wonders before and found them admirable but not overwhelming.
They reached a set of enormous double doors. Solan stopped and turned to face them.
"Beyond these doors is the Audience Hall. His Majesty and other members of the dynasty are awaiting your arrival. Please, allow me a moment to announce you."
Arthrea inclined her head again. "Of course."
Solan suddenly disappeared, leaving Arthrea and Elyonari standing before the grand entrance. Elyonari shifted slightly. She glanced up at her mother, whose serene expression betrayed no sign of nerves or uncertainty.
"Remember what I told you," Arthrea murmured without looking down. "Composure is everything."
Before Elyonari could respond, the massive doors began to creak open. A wave of warm light spilled out, accompanied by the faint murmur of voices. Solan reappeared, stepping aside to gesture for them to enter. Arthrea moved first and Elyonari followed. The Audience Hall was even more magnificent than she had imagined.
Its domed ceiling seemed to stretch endlessly upward. The throne at the far end of the hall was a masterpiece. Vastarael Richinaria's father, the Monarch of Dynasty Richinaria, was a sight to behold. Beside him stood members of the dynasty.
Elyonari's gaze lingered on a boy her age, his striking features immediately drawing her attention. To her, it was Vastarael, she guessed, though she quickly averted her gaze to avoid staring. He wore a black faceless mask, covering his entire face.
'He's turning seventeen in a couple of days. Why is he hiding his face though?'
"Lady Arthrea of Mintheris," Solan announced. "And her daughter, Lady Elyonari."
Arthrea bowed gracefully which was a motion Elyonari mirrored. The Monarch rose from his throne.
"Lady Arthrea. You honor us with your presence."
"The honor is mine, Your Esteemed Majesty. Dynasty Mintheris has long valued its friendship with Dynasty Richinaria. I hope this visit strengthens the bond between our families."
The King inclined his head, his gaze shifting briefly to Elyonari.
"And this must be the young High Priestess. Welcome to our home."
Elyonari dipped her head respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your palace is... breathtaking."
"I hope you find your stay here enlightening. Anamorsia?"
Elyonari turned to face one of the princesses. She had six angel wings on her back but that was not what shocked her. She was the definition of a beautiful angel.
Despite being thirteen, she had the exact regal appearance of a princess. She was also powerful and she could sense it.
Anamorsia's wings flapped just once to close the distance between them in an instant. Elyonari gasped before Anamorsia was standing right in front of her.
"Take it easy, High Priestess Elyonari. No need to be nervous around us."
Elyonari felt the heat rise to her cheeks. She tried to speak but stumbled over her words.
"Oh, um… thank you, Princess Anamorsia."
Her words barely left her mouth before another voice interrupted, "Seriously, sister, don't take all the girls for yourself."
Anamorsia turned sharply, rolling her eyes at a girl her age with cascading white wavy hair and piercing golden and blue eyes. This girl had a beauty that was... alluring?
"Milliania," another voice chimed in, this one lighter yet firm, "show some respect."
The third sister stepped forward. She was younger, maybe only ten years old, but she carried herself with such calm maturity that Elyonari felt envy. She had long white hair streaked with vibrant red at the tips and at the crown of her head. Her golden eyes were sharp but kind. Her features mirrored the boy standing beside her, who shared her hair and eye color.
"Sorry, Leones," Milliania muttered, casting a sidelong glance at Anamorsia. "Didn't mean anything by it."
Leones shook her head lightly and turned her gaze to the tall figure standing at the back of the siblings.
"Brother? Aren't you going to say anything?"
All eyes shifted to the boy who stood apart from the group. Even though his face was obscured by a finely crafted mask, his presence was magnetic.
Vastarael Richinaria, the heir of the Dynasty, stood in silence for a moment. When he finally spoke, his voice was deep, smooth and impossibly captivating.
"What is there to say? They're here to celebrate my maturity, which is two days from now. To be honest, it's not so bad to be informal. After all, Dad invited them."
Elyonari felt her knees weaken at the sound of his voice. It was enchanting. Each word was so seductive that she found it hard to breathe. She stole a glance at her mother and to her surprise, even Arthrea seemed momentarily struck. Her serene expression faltered.
Arthrea cleared her throat, regaining her composure.
"Your Highness, forgive my boldness, but may I ask why you wear a mask?"
Vastarael turned his gaze to her.
"It's… necessary. My appearance has been causing issues."
"Issues?"
Anamorsia sighed dramatically, folding her arms. "He's being modest. The truth is, his beauty was driving us all crazy."
"Crazy?"
Elyonari blurted before she could stop herself, instantly regretting it as the Richinarias turned their attention to her. Her face burned with embarrassment.
"Yes, crazy," Milliania said, rolling her eyes. "He's handsome, yes, but it's not just that. His presence is overwhelming. You can't look at him too long without feeling... distracted."
Leones chimed in.
"We requested the mask, actually. It's enchanted to suppress his… charm, to an extent. Too bad he'll have to remove it during the celebration."
Leon, who had been quiet until now, nodded. "It helps. A little. Even I'm affected by it."
Elyonari's heart raced. What kind of beauty could have such an effect. Her mother, too, seemed intrigued, though she quickly masked it with a polite nod.
"I see. That must be quite a burden to bear, Your Highness."
Vastarael's shoulders lifted in a small shrug. "It's simply part of who I am."
Even as the conversation moved on, Elyonari found herself distracted. For the first time in her life, she felt truly out of her depth.
'Just what is underneath the mask?'