Elina was ushered out of the room as the other ladies' began gossiping, "They've picked her, a commoner? "she heard one gasp, "I would have never thought that they would do such a thing! "another chimed in. Elina could hear them, and she tried to turn around to say something, but Giles pulled her back, "Pay them no mind, Miss Elina, "Giles instructed softly.
Elina couldn't help but scoff, "Can you not hear them? I'm sorry, sir, but why would you pick someone like me? "
They had entered the large foyer area, and Elina pulled away from Giles's grasp. The whole incident was hard to process, "I just—I can't just leave everything I already have! I'm a teacher, I have students, "Elina felt like reasoning with Giles would be impossible; he looked like his mind was already made up. But, she had to try, "What are they going to say when I don't return home? "
Giles studied her for a minute, as if thinking, "Well, I can send word to your family—and students—about your new position here in the palace, "Elina felt exasperated; there was no changing his mind.
As if he'd been reading her mind, Giles approached her gently, "Miss Elina, I know that this is quite sudden and unexpected…but, Wysteria needs a Princess Elect, "Elina looked at him, "But why me? There were so many eligible ladies in there. Besides, "Elina rolled her eyes, "you heard them, I'm a 'commoner', "she felt her cheeks burn with anger. She'd always hated being with the nobility. They rarely walked through town, but when they did, they turned their noses up and acted like they were more important, and more valuable, that anyone else.
"True, you may be a commoner, "Giles began, "but I can see you have so much more to offer. "he gave her a smile, and Elina felt more at peace, but she was still unsure. She looked at Giles again, and she could see in his eyes that he was basically pleading with her to take on the role.
Finally, Elina gave in, "Alright, sir, I'll try to be your Princess Elect, "she smiled at his reaction; he looked much more at ease, "Thank you, Miss Elina, but please, call me Giles, "he took her hand and kissed the back of it gently. Elina smiled brightly at him, "I will, if you call me Elina, "
Giles stood up straight again and smirked, "Very well, Elina. Please, follow me. We have many things to do in such a short amount of time. "as soon as he'd stopped speaking, Nico came running back up, "Giles! I've cleared the lounge room of the ladies and I've sent them all home, "
"Excellent, Nico, "Giles continued to walk, and Nico and Elina followed behind him, "Wow, so you're really the new Princess Elect? "Nico asked. Elina looked at him, and she could see in his large eyes the excitement that was also laced in his voice. She smiled at him, "Yes, it seems I am, "Elina said. Nico beamed, "Well, that's great! "he replied.
"Nico, I'm assigning you to assist Elina, "Giles told him from over his shoulder, never once breaking his stride. Nico nodded, "Yes sir! "they walked up a flight of stairs, and Giles began speaking to Elina directly as she tried to keep up with him, "Now, you have a lot of things to do, Elina. We have lessons to take, you must familiarize yourself with everything that's in the palace…, "he continued to speak, but Elina was too busy staring at the architecture in the palace.
Everything was elegant and grandiose. Everything was polished from white marble, and there were statues made from pure gold. The ceilings were extremely high and there were large windows everywhere Elina turned. Crystal chandeliers hung from thick chains and glittered in the sunlight, casting their bright reflections on the walls. The floors had red rugs on them that were spotless; Elina almost felt bad for treading on them with dirt-stained shoes, but she was hoping that no one would notice. She had never actually been inside the palace; only the nobility were ever allowed inside.
"Elina? "she heard someone say. Elina snapped back to reality. Giles had stopped, and Elina was about to run into him. She halted, "Yes? "she asked.
Giles and Nico chuckled, "Did you hear anything I just said? "Giles asked. Elina felt her face grow warm, "Um…I have lessons? "she said uncertainly. Giles rolled his eyes slightly, "You are going to be meeting some of the other residents of the palace, now, "Giles corrected her. Elina blushed awkwardly, "Oh, right, of course. Where are they? "
Just as she'd spoken, she could hear footsteps bounding down the hallway. She peered past Giles and saw a young man running towards them. He was tall, just like every other man she'd met so far, but had silver hair. He wore a greyish coat over a red vest and black pants, and she could see a white shirt poking through. As he neared, she caught a glimpse of his eyes; they were almost red, like Alyn's. Elina saw the playful smirk on his lips as he stopped in front of them.
"Well, well, good day Giles, "he said, his voice light and airy. He looked at Elina, "and whom might this be? "he asked. Giles straightened, "This is Elina Aldaine, our Princess Elect. "Elina curtsied, "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir, "she said in the most formal way she could. The young man grinned at her, "Well, you finally picked one, eh Giles? "the man playfully nudged Giles, who looked slightly irritated.
Giles turned back to Elina, "This is Leo Crawford, one of the bureaucrats that works here, "Giles introduced him. Leo bowed deeply and took Elina's hand into his, "And, the pleasure is all mine, "he said, kissing her hand lightly. It sent a chill up Elina's spine, and she blushed slightly. Leo stood back up just as someone approached him from behind, "What's this, Giles? "he asked.
Elina recognized the voice, "Alyn? "she saw Alyn stand a foot away from Leo. Alyn smiled at her, "Oh, it's you again, "Alyn chuckled. Leo looked at him quizzically, "You know her? "he asked.
Alyn shrugged, "I met her outside this morning. She was running late to the ceremony. "Alyn replied simply, "But judging by her change in attire, I'd say you've picked her, Giles, "
"And you've guessed correctly, Alyn, "Giles smirked at Elina's embarrassment, "I assume you know who he is already, Elina? "Giles turned to Elina. Elina nodded, "Yes, I do, "she smiled sweetly at Alyn, who in turn gave her a dashing grin. Giles began guiding Elina forwards, "We still have a few more people to meet, "he informed her. Elina turned back to look and Alyn and Leo, who were still standing in the same place. She waved at them, "I hope I get to see you both soon! "she called out.
They both waved back at her, and Elina looked at both of them harder. Their eyes…
Elina's thoughts were interrupted by another abrupt stop. She turned back around, and was in front of another young man. She looked up at him, and she recognized the soft blonde hair, the kind, gentle brown eyes…
"Robert? "Elina whispered, almost in disbelief, "Why if it isn't little Elina, "Robert mused. He bowed before her, "But, I do believe you are now the Princess Elect, correct? "
"What are you doing here? "Elina asked, amazed. Giles exchanged a glance with Nico, "I see you know Robert as well, "Giles stated. Elina nodded, "Yes, Robert used to tutor me a few years ago, even though he's only a few years older than myself. But, you left Wysteria a few years ago…, "Elina arched a brow. Robert chuckled, "I came here. You see, I am the court painter. "Robert smiled at her innocently.
Elina and Robert had known each other, but it was only for a short time. She went under his tutoring when she was fourteen, and remained until she turned sixteen. After that, Robert had left the schoolhouse she was going to, and had never returned. Rumors were that he'd left Wysteria altogether, but here he was, living at the palace as a painter. Elina smiled at him once more.
"Well, I'm glad I've been given the chance to see you again, "Elina said, curtsying. She bid farewell to Robert, and was ushered along once more.
"There is only one other person you really need to know, "Giles then said. Nico now stood at Elina's side, walking alongside her, and sometimes in front of her. The palace was large, and Elina's feet were getting sore.
They walked through a few more magnificent hallways before coming upon two large, oak doors. Giles pulled one open, and they stepped inside quietly. Elina gasped at what she saw.
It was a library, but it was unlike the library that was in the town. This one was humongous, with shelves that reached almost to the ceilings packed to the brim with books on every subject. There were ladders lined here and there for easy access to books. Large windows lined one wall, where you could see out into the town. Elina gaped at the amount of books that were in there.
"What's wrong, Elina? "Nico whispered. Elina chuckled in disbelief, "I've never seen a library so large before, "she whispered back, "It's beautiful. "
"Well, I'm glad you like it, "Giles said, guiding Elina inside. They made it to the center of the library before Elina spotted a familiar flash of blue, and she felt the air become stiff and…icy.
"There you are, "Giles said, approaching the man. He turned around, and Elina felt his eyes gaze upon her. She instantly felt uncomfortable, but she refused to be seen as weak. Instead, she straightened herself up and stared at him dead in the eyes, his icy, blue eyes.
"Elina? "Louis's eyes widened slightly. Elina could tell he was surprised by her being there. Elina curtsied, "Hello again, Louis, "she said as coolly as she could. When she looked back at him, he still had a rather shocked expression on his face. Nico laughed, "Well, it seems Elina's met almost everyone here already! "he teased.
Louis regained his composure and returned her stare with an equally hardened one, "I see you've become our Princess Elect, "he said absently. Elina nodded, "Yes, it appears I have. "she smiled at him, despite not getting one in return. For the first time, the four stood in an awkward silence. Giles was the one to break it, "Well, it's time to head to your chambers, Elina, "he said. Elina looked at him confused, "My…chambers? You mean I already have a room here? "she asked. Nico nodded, "Well, it's more like a guest room, "Giles explained, "but it should suit you nicely for the time being. "
Giles began escorting Elina out of the library. She turned to give one final curtsy to Louis, who bowed curtly in return. Once outside of the library, a question popped into Elina's head, "Giles, aren't I supposed to meet the King? "she asked. Instantly, Giles's face turned somber. Even Nico had a pained expression on his face, and Elina realized that maybe she shouldn't have asked. But, Giles answered, "You see, the King…has not been feeling well as of late…, "
Elina gasped, "That's why you had the ceremony today, "she said, connecting the two together, "you need to find an heir. "Giles chuckled, "You are quite the intellect, your grace, "Elina stiffened at the formal name; she'd never been called by something like that ever, "Please, Giles, just Elina. "
Giles gave a small smile, "Well, yes, Elina, the King needs an heir. I'm sure most of the kingdom is aware that the King produced none of his own, hence the need for a Princess Elect ceremony. They King is just getting older, and sicker. "Giles sighed, "He asked me to perform the ceremony earlier than expected. "
"Oh? "Elina arched a brow. Giles nodded, "We were going to wait and see if his majesty could produce an heir on his own, but now…it's too late. "Giles looked somber again, but instantly smiled. Nico had also resumed smiling. "Are you sure you've picked the right person? "Elina then asked. She turned slightly back to the library, "You all have been very encouraging, except…, "Elina sighed.
Giles patted her shoulder gently, "Louis is just an ice sculpture, Elina, "he assured her, "it will take him a while to get used to all of this. "
Elina fidgeted with her fingers, "Me, too, "she mumbled under her breath.
After a brief tour of the palace, Elina was escorted to her own room by Nico, while Giles went off to deal with some formal business. Elina hadn't realized how late it'd gotten; the sun was about to set. Once she'd entered her room, she was blown away by the beauty of it.
It was larger than she schoolhouse she taught at, for sure. The walls were a creamy white, and the floors were made of polished marble with carpets strewn around for comfort. The bed was much larger than anything she'd ever seen, and was dressed in white sheets and a soft pink comforter. Large white pillows sat atop it, along with a few pink ones. The bed had a sheer white canopy. There was a crystal chandelier hanging from the center of the ceilings, and several candles were mounted on the wall. There was also a desk, a wardrobe, and another door that most likely led to a bathroom. There were large windows, and a large picture window that led out onto a circular balcony. Elina had a view of the unoccupied land and the forest that lined Wysteria.
"It's beautiful, "she breathed, stepping in. After taking a few more moments to adore her room, the sun disappeared from view. Elina sighed, "What's wrong, Elina? "Nico asked. She turned to look at him and smiled sadly, "It's just…I never got to say goodbye, "Elina said softly. Nico frowned slightly, "Goodbye? To whom? "he asked.
"My students, particularly one, "she fiddled with her hair. Suddenly, and idea popped into her head, "Could you take me to the town? "she asked, whirling around completely to looked at Nico. Nico looked bewildered, "W-wait, w-what? To the town? "Nico's eyes went wide, "Elina, I don't know if I can do that…, "
"Please, "Elina begged. She walked up to Nico and grabbed his hands, "Please, Nico, just this once. I promise I won't leave the palace after dark ever again. Please? "she gave him the most honest look she could. Her pleading worked, as she saw Nico's face soften, "Well, I suppose if it's just once, it wouldn't hurt. "
Elina smiled and hugged him, "Thank you, Nico! Let me change, when could we leave? "she asked, walking away. Nico regained his composure and smiled, "In a few hours, after I know Giles has gone to sleep. "Elina nodded, "Then I will wait for you. "
And Elina did wait, for several hours. She tried to keep herself from falling asleep after she'd changed, but failed. She only awoke when she heard the palace's clock tower chime midnight. The noise startled her, and she sat up groggily. As she did so, Nico came in, "We can go now, but we have to be quick, "he instructed. Elina nodded, grabbing a cloak and pulling it over herself. She followed Nico silently towards the foyer.
"I have a carriage outside waiting, "Nico whispered to her. There were no guards in sight, which struck Elina as odd, "Where are the guards? "she asked. They scurried down the stairs, towards the entrance, "They normally start trading their posts around midnight, but that can take several minutes. It's now or never. If they catch us, we'll have to stay. "
Elina nodded and quickened her pace. Just as they neared the door, Nico released his hold on her arm and ran to open it. Before Elina even got close, she felt a hand grab her arm.
Elina let out a panicked but soft squeal as she swung her arm out wildly to hit whoever had stopped her. She might've been the Princess Elect, but her natural instincts took over in that moment as she swung to protect herself. As she did so, she turned her head slightly, just as the person grabbed her other hand, stopping her from hitting him, "What are you doing? "she heard him say.
"Oh, Louis! "Elina gasped, pulling her arm away. Louis had grabbed her arm to keep her from hitting him, "Do you always attack first and ask questions later? "he asked, arching a brow slightly in annoyance. Elina gulped and pulled her other arm from his grasp, "F-forgive me, you just startled me and I—, "
"Where are you going? "Louis asked, looking behind her. Nico had stopped at the door and was still holding it open, his face drained of color. Elina gulped again, "I-I was just going t-to the town, "she stuttered, "my student…I have to say goodbye to her. "
"Is this the same student who sent you here in the first place? "Louis asked. Elina nodded. Louis sighed, but spoke, "Fine, "he said. Elina let out a breath she'd been holding, but to her surprise, Louis began walking outside, "Where are you going, Louis? "she asked. Louis continued walking, "Well, you can't go alone. One attendant won't cut it. "he replied simply.
Elina looked at Nico, who shrugged, the color having returned to his cheeks. Sighing in frustration, Elina followed Louis to the carriage. He opened the door, and held out a hand, "Please step in, "he said curtly. Elina took his hand and boarded the carriage, and Louis followed her inside.
The ride to the town was quiet, as Louis didn't speak, and neither did Elina. She wanted to, but something told her not to. Maybe it was the fact that Louis was barely looking at her. Finally, they made it to her destination. Elina smiled brightly at the sight of it, and Louis watched her expression, his own never wavering. Nico stopped the carriage, and Elina reached to open the door. Louis grabbed her arm, "Wait, "he said, reaching into his pocket. He produced a picture, which was actually a pressed flower. Elina gasped, "What's this? "she asked.
"Give it to your student, "he instructed, "I know you're disappointed to show up empty handed. "
Elina took the flower from him and studied it. It was almost like the one her student had described, but at the same time it wasn't. She smiled at Louis, ignoring his cold glare, "Thank you, truly, "she said. Louis only nodded.
Elina opened the door and bounded out of the carriage, not waiting for Nico to help her down. Louis watched in amusement as she raced inside the schoolhouse. He heard clattering and clamoring, and then a voice: "Miss Elina! "
It made Louis crack a small smile.
The ride home was equally awkward. Louis and Elina barely shared any glances at each other, which was fine by Elina. When they entered the palace grounds, she sighed to herself. Elina was glad to be back at the palace, oddly. This time, when they'd stopped, she allowed Louis to get out first, and allowed him to help her down. Quickly, they rushed inside with Nico, with Louis walking calmly behind them. However, once they were inside, they were face to face with Alyn and Giles; both looked like they'd been waiting for the trio to return to the palace. Giles looked more tired that Alyn, but they were both awake enough to give three hard stares.
"Giles! "Elina exclaimed. Giles arched a brow, "And where were you off to? "he asked. Elina was about to speak, totally unsure as to how to answer his question without sounding childish, but Louis spoke first, "Elina wanted to visit a former student, "he explained calmly, "I escorted her there and back. "Giles studied the trio; Nico and Elina looked worried, while Louis was cool and collected. Elina crossed her fingers. Finally, he shrugged softly, "Very well, then. "
Elina felt relieved. She was also surprised that Giles was so...okay with her just leaving the palace. Maybe it's because Louis went with us. If it was just Nico and I, I'm sure he would've thrown a fit, she thought. She turned to Louis to thank him again for taking her, but instead, she found her gaze shifting to Alyn as he approached her, "May I escort you back to your chambers? "he asked. Elina looked at Nico, who nodded to her eagerly, as if encouraging her to accept. Elina looked back at Alyn a nodded, "Yes, you may, "and she took his hand. Alyn smiled at Giles and Louis, who was already walking away. Nico began following Giles as he, too, left the scene.
Alyn and Elina made it to her room in no time. There were some people still in the halls, like maids and a few guards. Once there, Alyn stopped at her door, "Elina, may I ask you something? "he said. Elina nodded, "Of course, "Alyn grinned, "Would you want to take a walk with me tomorrow? In the garden, before Giles finds you for your lessons. I'll try to not keep you too long, Giles would throw a hissy fight otherwise. "Elina giggled, and nodded, "Yes, I'd like that, "she replied, smiling warmly.
There was something kind about Alyn that made her feel like she could trust him. Really, all the nobles there made her feel that way, even Louis. She felt as if they all would protect her, if they needed to. But Alyn's personality was friendly and trusting; he was likely becoming a new close friend to Elina, besides Nico and Giles.
Alyn smiled back, and bowed, while she curtsied. Then, he turned around and walked out of her room, closing the door. Elina turned to look at her room, her new room. There was no one else in there but her, and Elina liked that. However, now that Elina was alone, she had only one problem.
"How in the hell am I supposed to get out of this dress? "
xoxo, Queen
