Chapter 6

"Happy birthday, Eli!" a group of people chorused. Eliena blinked a few times and saw who was in the group gathered around her door: her parents, Thayet, Raoul, Gary, Duke Gareth, Daine, Numair, Leo, Buri, Liam, Onua, Sarge, George, Rose, Alanna's ex-man-at-arms Coram, his wife Rispah, her brother and sister, and her grandparents.

"What's all this for?" she asked, laughing. "You've never done this before!"

"Do we need a reason to wish you a happy birthday other than it's your birthday?" Numair replied. Seeing the look of confusion on her face, he laughed. "Happy birthday, El."

"Thanks. Can I go to breakfast now? I hungry." Everyone laughed and followed her to the royal family's dining room. Buri, Onua, Sarge, Thayet, and Raoul left. Three to eat with the Riders and Raoul to eat with the Own. Everyone else found a seat and awaited the meal.

"So, Eli, you're seventeen," Alanna remarked, smiling at her daughter.

Eliena glared at the queen. "Don't start, mother."

"Start what?" Alanna laughed. "I haven't said anything!"

"I can see it in your eyes," Eliena replied, using two fingers to point from her eyes to her mother's. "I'm watching you."

"We're just teasing you, Eli," Jonathan said, covering Eliena's hand with his own. "You know that."

"There's a difference between teasing and being strange, father. And you've crossed into the latter." Leo heard and started cracking up, spurting his drink out of his nose. He explained what had been said, and soon everyone was laughing.

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"So, what's the royal schedule for the day?" Daine asked, walking along with Eliena.

"I figured I'd go with the pages today. Maybe kick a few butts." Eliena cracked her knuckles, and Daine laughed. "Want to come?"

"Why not?" Daine replied. "Numair's teaching anyway." Eliena smiled.

"You love him, don't you?" she asked.

"I guess you could say that, yes," Daine replied. "Oh, Eli, he's just so…" Eliena held up a hand.

"You don't need to say it, I know." The girls smiled at each other and linked arms.

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"Your highness!" Lord Wyldon exclaimed. The pages all turned and bowed, as did their training master.

"Oh, gods, stop," Eliena said. "We're here to help."

"We were about to start archery," Lord Wyldon explained.

"And Daine and I are quite good at that," Eliena replied. The girls held up bows that they'd received from Daine's father, the god Weiryn. "May we?"

"Watch these girls," Lord Wyldon instructed as the girls prepared to fire. "Watch each movement."

"Goddess," Daine murmured. "What pressure!" Eliena giggled.

"Ready?" she asked.

"Yes," the pages replied. Eliena and Daine fitted their arrows into the notch and fixed them with the clip. Eliena nodded and they loosed, arrows flying straight and true into the bull's eye. The pages gasped. Eliena turned and leaned on her bow.

"Now, remember, that won't happen every time." She grinned. "Daine and I just happen to have good aim." Daine smiled. "Lord Wyldon, I believe that the pages could start now?" Lord Wyldon nodded and the pages lined up—one target each. Eliena smiled as she passed Kel. "Good luck," she told the girl softly. Kel nodded. Eliena pointedly ignored Neal as she passed him.

"Get ready!" Lord Wyldon commanded. The pages picked up their bows and did as Eliena and Daine had done, holding their position. Eliena and Daine walked around, fixing things here or there. Eliena helped Kel, and Daine helped Neal—they had done so on purpose. "Aim!" There was little aiming to be done, as the girls had set arrows pointed in the right direction. "Fire!" Each page released their arrow—none hit the bull's eye. Eliena and Daine walked to each one and called out where it had landed, pulling them out.

"Ideally," Eliena said, walking toward the pages and tapping the arrows, "we shouldn't be able to pull these arrows from the target. Form two lines—one to my target and one to Daine's—and try to pull the arrows out. I'd bet you my life that you won't be able to get them out." The pages did so, and Eliena was right. Eliena turned to Lord Wyldon. "Daine's going to stay here, and I'm going to go assist the Wildcat, the Dragon, and the Horse in their Shang lessons. See you later, Daine. Goodbye pages!"

"Happy birthday, your highness!" the pages called after her and Eliena rolled her eyes.

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"Eliena! What are you doing here?" Liam asked as Eli approached the practice courts where the Shang warriors held lessons.

"Helping," she replied. "Am I not welcome?"

"No, of course you are," the Shang Horse, Hakuin Seastone, said. "Right, Eda?" Eliena looked at the Shang Wildcat, Eda Bell, who smiled.

"Of course she's welcome. If anyone outside of us knows Shang, its Eliena!" Eliena laughed.

"I'm not that good," she insisted. "I couldn't best you, or Hakuin, or Liam."

"That's because you won't try," Liam told her. "You won't try to fight us because you don't want to lose."

"You fight your mother, don't you?" Eda asked. "Wouldn't this be the same?"

"No," Eliena replied. "My mother is old and she's getting slow, as much as she hates to admit it, and swords are easier than Shang. You're all still fast." She acknowledged Eda, who looked like someone's grandmother.

"Look! It's the princess!" one of the pages exclaimed. They all stopped their stretches and bowed. Eliena, rolling her violet eyes, inclined her head in reply.

"And I'd wanted to go unnoticed until they were done," she muttered. Raising her voice, she told the pages, "Get back to work!" They did so.

"Eliena, did you really think anyone wouldn't notice you?" Hakuin asked. "You look too much like your parents for that." Eliena sighed. "You can dress as common as you like, but you've still got those eyes… and that hair."

"Don't remind me," she said. "I'm considering getting a wig!"

"Alright pages!" All eyes turned to focus on the Wildcat. "Pair up and show the princess what you've learned—maybe she'll show us what she can do if you impress her!" The pages all paired up and started kicking and punching, never hitting the other one hard enough to do any damage, but people still fell.

"Goddess, they're good fallers," Eliena commented. "Remember how long it took me to learn that, Liam?"

Liam groaned. "You didn't want to get dirty. You got over that soon enough!" Eliena smiled, remembering how girly she had been as a young child. As she'd gotten older, she'd started riding horses and learning swordsmanship and archery, and was no longer concerned about dirt.

"The first thing we teach them is how to fall," Eda explained. "They'll need it for more than just hand-to-hand."

"How well I know that," Eliena replied. "I work with the Riders and have seen plenty of falls."

"Maybe they should come and learn how to fall properly," Hakuin suggested, eyes not straying from the pages. "Excuse me. Cleon of Kennan! What have we told you about that?" Eliena stifled a laugh as she saw that big Cleon had wrestled his partner to the ground. "This is hand-to-hand combat, not wrestling!"

"Let me try, Hakuin," Eliena called. She walked over and smiled at Cleon. "I don't think he'll wrestle me."

"I hope not!" Liam called. "Your parents would have our heads if you hurt yourself!"

"Not quite!" Eliena called back. She faced Cleon. "Ready?"

He swallowed hard. "Begging your pardon, your highness, but I would prefer I didn't fight you," he replied.

"No, none of that," she said, waggling her finger. "You need to be broken of this habit of wrestling your opponent. Just because they're smaller than you doesn't mean you can get away with it." He opened his mouth, but Eliena silenced him. "And don't say its because I'm the princess and you don't want to hurt me. I work with the Dragon, recall. And I plan on fencing you all. Now, get ready." He did, and they quickly became involved in a practice round of fighting. Eliena saw why Cleon resorted to wrestling—he didn't have the movement required of Shang fighting. She had him on the ground within three minutes. "Stretch more," she told him, helping the big redhead to his feet. "Then you'll be more limber and be able to move better." She walked back to Eda, Hakuin, and Liam. "He just falls into wrestling because he can't get the movements right."

"I think he just needs to fall more," Liam replied. "And fight people bigger than he is."

"You want to try him, then?" Eliena asked. Liam shook his head.

"I don't think so," he replied.

"Why not, Dragon? Afraid of getting hurt?" Eliena teased.

"No," Eda replied. "He just doesn't like to fight the pages. He's the Dragon, remember. He could kill someone without meaning to."

"Kind of like Numair and his black robe," Eliena said. "Sorry, Liam. I'll talk about magic now." Liam shrugged. He didn't like magic, but had learned to live with it after moving to the palace. "He doesn't know anything practical—Liam does, though. But Numair can turn people into trees, but there are always repercussions. And his Gift is really powerful. When he first came to Corus—I was really little, but I remember—mother and father taught him all the practical stuff. He couldn't even light candles without burning them half off!" The Shang nodded.

"I guess it's like that," Liam remarked. Eliena got up.

"I want to go try out some fencing. Maybe I can beat a few boys," she said. "See you all later."

"Happy birthday!" they called after her.

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"Come to help?" the weapons master, Sergeant Obafem Ezeko, asked. He had formerly worked for Emperor Ozorne.

"Yes. Are you doing swords?" she asked. "I want to show some pages a thing or two."

"We are," Obafem replied. "And they're all fourth years." Eliena smiled.

"Perfect," she said. She took a practice blade and swung it around, warming up.

"Pop quiz!" he told the pages. "Princess Eliena is here to fence you. Mind you, don't go easy on her—she's as vicious with a blade as her mother is." Eliena stood next to him.

"If I'm not too tired, I'd like to fight them all," she said. "Though, I'm not sure they could tire me out. I have quite good stamina." Obafem smiled and picked one of the pages.

"Guard. Go." The page lunged in at Eliena, who, all in one motion, blocked it and knocked the blade from his hand. The page stood, gaping at her. "I told you she was good."

"Next time listen when Sergeant Ezeko tells you something," Eliena told the page, who was sitting down. "He's usually right."

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Eliena sank into her bath with a sigh. After spending the day jumping around, it was nice to soak for a while. Her hair was piled on top of her head, and a pleasant steam rose from the hot water. She put her head back and closed her eyes.

"Eliena!" Eliena opened her eyes. "Eliena!" She picked her head up. "Eliena!"

"What?" she called back.

"What are you doing?" the voice asked—it was Thayet.

"You can't come in if that's what you're asking!" she replied.

"Well, hurry so I can! I've brought your dress!" Eliena jumped out of the bath and hurried to put on a breast band, loincloth, and her dressing gown. She swung open the door and pulled Thayet in, shutting the door tightly behind the woman. "Let me see!" Eliena hadn't seen the final product of her dress. Thayet removed the covering from it and held it up. Eliena gasped.

Pale yellow diamonds dotted the midnight blue silk, giving it a very night-sky feeling. The neckline was appropriately low, and the decorative sleeves would sit just off her shoulder. The skirt was full—but moved easily, as Eliena liked it. Even off her body, the bodice was shaped to hug every curve. She fingered the dress, captivated.

"But you haven't seen the best part." Thayet produced two silk skinny-heeled shoes. They, too, were dotted with pale yellow diamonds. There were straps at the ankle to help hold them on. "They match!" Eliena squealed, feeling very girly. (She and Thayet often acted like that when they were alone and around beautiful clothing—like silly girls.)

"I can't wait to wear it!" Eliena exclaimed.

"Everyone else will pale in comparison," Thayet told her. Eliena smiled.

"But it's my birthday and I'm the princess. Shouldn't I look the best?" Thayet knew that Eliena wasn't being conceited; she was stating how many felt on their birthday—that they should be the center of attention. And Eliena was always the center of attention, so her comment was more a joke than anything.

"Can I fix your hair for you? I know exactly what would go with these." Thayet held out a velvet box, which Eliena opened to reveal dangling sapphire earbobs. Eliena grinned.

"This will all go perfectly with my ember stone," she remarked. Thayet nodded. "How long until the ball?" Thayet looked at the time. (AN- can someone tell me if they use clocks or not? I can never figure it out!)

"An hour and a half," she replied. Eliena's eyes widened.

"I'd better get ready! Come back in… an hour to do my hair. And send in a servant on your way out!" Thayet nodded and left.

Eliena jiggled her foot. In an hour and a half, all of Court would see their future queen looking like true royalty in her glamorous dress.

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"The birthday girl, Her Royal Highness Princess Eliena of Conté!" the herald announced. Eliena descended the staircase, beaming. Courtiers either bowed or curtsied to her depending on their gender, and then Eliena sat on her throne. She smiled at her parents, who had come before her. The two doors at the top of the staircase opened as they did for visiting royalty. Eliena frowned. She hadn't known any foreign royalty was coming on her birthday!

"A special guest in honor of Her Highness's birthday—His Imperial Majesty. Emperor Kaddar Iliniat of Carthak!" There were mixed reactions through Court—many were upset (Carthak was an enemy!), some were interested (who is this new emperor?), some were excited (oh, Kaddar! That was the majority of the delegation, with Leo and Neal added on.), and two girls in particular were overjoyed—Eliena and Daine. Kaddar came down the staircase, looking every inch the emperor.

Forgetting her place, Eliena leapt to her feet and ran to him, holding up her skirts. She threw herself against him in a hug. Kaddar laughed and hugged her back. Daine broke through the crowd to hug him as well. Jonathan, Alanna, and Numair all blushed slightly. The girls had better manners than that!

"Kaddar!" they cried.

"You're here! I can't believe you're here! I thought you were having a ball tonight!" Eliena exclaimed.

"If the guest of honor wasn't coming, what was the point?" he said. Eliena nodded. He whispered, "You two are being rude." Daine crept back to Numair, crimson. Eliena regained her composure and straightened, once again a princess.

"We welcome you to Tortall, Your Imperial Majesty. I hope you will find your evening most enjoyable," she said formally. Kaddar nodded once, slowly.

"I trust I will, Your Highness. On behalf of my country, I would like to thank you for all the great deeds you performed for us—both in Carthak and out of it. Also on behalf of my country, I would like to say Happy Birthday." Several people chuckled. Eliena and Kaddar went back to her parents. Eliena sat down. The king, queen, and new emperor exchanged head inclines—they didn't have to bow or curtsy to each other. On Tortallan soil, neither did Eliena.

"Welcome to Tortall, Emperor Kaddar. Thank you for joining us on such a special occasion as this," Jonathan said, his voice loud and resonating in the silent ballroom.

"My husband and I hope that Tortall will show you the hospitality that Carthak so graciously showed our delegation," Alanna added, voice also loud. It was quite clear that she had stressed "hospitality" for the sake of the courtiers that were displeased at the emperor's visit.

"Thank you for such a warm welcome, your majesties," Kaddar told them. "It was my pleasure to accept your invitation to join you. This, I believe, is the first peaceful visit from a Carthaki since the treaty was signed. It is my honor to be in such a wonderful country that put up with the troubles we went through. If there is any way we can repay you, you must only ask." Eliena smiled. Kaddar sounded so much like her parents! She'd never heard him sound like that before.

The formalities done, Kaddar sat on the seat placed for him on the dais. Eliena rose and said, "Enjoy the evening," and then sat again. The music and talking started.

"Eliena, you shouldn't have done that," Jonathan reprimanded quietly.

"I know, I'm sorry," Eliena whispered. She turned to Kaddar. "I've missed you!"

"I've missed you too," he said. They hugged like friends do. "I want to know everything that's happened since I saw you last—you're a full two years older now!" Eliena laughed and started talking.

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"May I leave?" Eliena asked her parents. They nodded. The ball was slowing down. Kaddar was deep in conversation with Lindhall—who he'd obviously missed—and Numair. Daine was standing with them, listening. "Tell Kaddar for me." She rose and left by a back door to go unnoticed. She passed the entrance to the gardens, and paused before them. It was a beautiful evening, why couldn't she walk in the gardens. Checking to make sure no one was following her, Eliena went into the gardens.

She inhaled deeply. It smelled so fresh! She stopped to smell the roses, which she had always loved.

"Hello, Eli." Eliena froze. Someone had found her! She turned and saw Leo.

"Mithros, Leo, you scared me! I don't think I'm supposed to be in here. When I leave, I'm supposed to go straight back to my rooms," she said.

"Sorry," he apologized. "Can I walk with you?" Eliena nodded. They walked around in silence for a while. They reached a secluded spot and Eliena felt a strong feeling of romance in the air. She looked up and saw there was a full moon bathing them in light. But there was something more…

"Oh! A bench! I didn't know this was here… want to sit?" Eliena turned to Leo, who nodded. They sat down on the bench, still silent. Eliena looked at Leo and smiled. "It was fun to dance with you earlier." Leo nodded. Eliena could tell that he didn't really want to talk. She faced forward again.

Several minutes passed, and then Leo said, "Eli." She looked at him and was pulled against his mouth. At first she was in shock, eyes open and wide. He kept kissing her, and Eliena felt herself swooning. Her eyes closed and she kissed him back, half falling into his arms. He was a better kisser than Neal and Numair combined. She twisted her fingers in his soft brown hair, causing him to pull back. "We shouldn't be doing this," he whispered.

"Don't start over thinking on me now, Leo. Just shut up and kiss me."

Leo happily obliged.

Author's Note- OK, what did that sound like? Hm… shall we ponder this? (If you don't know, I need you to THINK SOTL.) So...there was some Eli/Leo action for my Eli/Leo shippers- and I'm looking at YOU MSB! I liked that chapter a lot, thank you. By the way, that chapter was 9 pages in my document. Now, REVIEW.