Princess Elowyn's Arc

Chapter 2 of 7

The last suitors filed out of the ballroom near midnight. Elowyn watched their carriages roll into the dark. Her feet ached and her smile had worn thin. She had done her duty for one night. Now she wanted only her bed. She kissed her father’s cheek and slipped toward the stairs, hoping to reach her room before anyone stopped her. A horn cut through the courtyard. Loud and sharp, it froze her on the bottom step. Servants rushed to the great doors. Her father's voice rose behind her, bright with surprise. Another guest had come, late and uninvited. Elowyn's chest tightened. She could not face one more stranger tonight. The doors opened, and a young king strode in. His black cloak had gold trim, and his boots left wet prints on the stone. Curly dark hair framed a handsome face. His blue eyes swept the hall and settled on her father. He bowed low, but his smile held no warmth. This was King Everest, a ruler whose lands lay two weeks' ride away. "King Edmund," Everest said. "Forgive the hour. I heard your daughter seeks a match. I would not let distance cheat me of the chance." Her father stepped forward, pleased. "You ride far to court her." "I ride far because she is worth it." Everest snapped his fingers. Two servants carried in a heavy chest and set it down. He lifted the lid. Gold and silver caught the candlelight. "For her hand, this and more." The hall went quiet. Elowyn saw her father's eyes move over the coins. She knew that look. He was already counting, already tempted. He could accept right here, in front of everyone, before she said one word. Her whole future sat in that chest, priced like grain. She came down the last step. "Father," she said, loud enough to carry. "You promised the kingdom you would choose by month's end. Not tonight." Edmund turned. Everest's smile thinned. The room watched Edmund. He could not break a vow he had made in public hours ago. He shut the chest lid himself. "My daughter is right. No answer tonight, King Everest. You may stay and court her fairly, like the rest." Everest bowed, stiff and cold. "Then I will stay." Elowyn climbed the stairs alone. She had bought herself time. But she had made an enemy of a king who did not lose gently, and now he lived under her roof until the month ran out.