Chapter 11

Suitors

Elenwen strode across the palace garden with confidence and grace, she offered Aurelia a small smile as she spoke softly, "Princess Aurelia." She gestured to the bench Aurelia sat on, "may I join you?"

Aurelia hesitated a moment before smiling kindly, "of course, ambassador."

What is she up to now? Aurelia thought to herself. Elenwen always had an agenda, she would never make idle small talk.

As Elenwen took a seat on the bench beside her, Halbjorn let out a light growl, but seemed to calm when Aurelia placed her hand on his head. "Don't mind him. He can be… overprotective. He doesn't mean anything by it," she said with an apologetic smile.

Elenwen glanced at Halbjorn, "a loyal companion. How… charming," she said smoothly. "You've always had a way of inspiring such devotion. Not just from your companion here, but from those around you."

Aurelia's brows furrowed slightly, "I don't know if I would say that. Most of the loyalty I see is directed toward my father. Not me."

Elenwen turned to face her fully, her expression full of gentle understanding. "You underestimate yourself, princess. True loyalty does not come from one's titles or position. It must be earned." Her voice grew warmer, almost maternal, "I see it in the way people look at you. The way they speak of you. You possess a strength that draws others in- even if you don't yet recognize that."

Aurelia shifted, unsure how to respond. "That's kind of you to say, but I'm not sure I've done anything to deserve that sort of admiration."

Elenwen's smile widened, "You've done more than you realize, my dear. Your poise tonight, your ability to navigate the complexities of the court- these are not small feats. And," she added, her voice lowering, "your mentor has undoubtedly noticed as well."

"Ondolemar?" Aurelia blinked, caught off guard by the shift in the conversation.

Elenwen chuckled and gave her a knowing smile, before leaning in, "You must know how highly he regards you. His dedication to your guidance, his presence by your side- it speaks volumes." Her gaze softened, as she feigned sincerity. "He sees potential in you, just as I do. Perhaps even more."

Aurelia's cheeks flushed, "He's been a good teacher," she looked away, brushing her hand through Halbjorn's fur. "I've learned a lot from him."

Elenwen tilted her head, "Good teachers often leave a last impression. And sometimes the bond between mentor and student can become… something greater." She let the implications hang in the air before continuing.

"It's not uncommon, you know. Especially when two people share a mutual respect and understanding."

Aurelia's breath hitched as she turned to face Elenwen, her expression confused and defensive, " I'm not sure I know what you mean."

Elenwen placed her hand gently on Aurelia's arm, "I only mean, the choices you make now, the alliances you choose, will shape the future in more ways than you realize."

She removed her hand, her smile soft as she looked down at Aurelia, "do not underestimate the power you have, Aurelia. And do not be afraid to wield it."

"Now let us return to the banquet before your absence is noticed." Elenwen said as she stood from the bench gesturing for Aurelia to follow.

As much as she hated it, she had no choice but to smile and obey. As Aurelia stood and began to follow Elenwen back into the palace, she made a silent promise to herself that one day she would be able to say no, but she didn't truly believe she could ever keep that promise to herself.

Ondolemar watched as Elenwen reentered the banquet hall, followed by Aurelia, who was immediately greeted by a group courtiers and noblemen. They towered over her as they surrounded her with voices too eager and smiles too wide to be sincere.

Ondolemar watched as she carefully navigated the attention, to most on the sideline it would appear endearing and almost amusing. The princess, poised and graceful as she is dwarfed by the attention of potential suitors, but anyone who knew her well enough could see the the tension in her posture or the way her she clenched her hands to tightly together.

Across the room, Elenwen observed the scene with a calculating expression. Ondolemar watched her, attempting to decipher what she had been up to when the court mage interrupted his thoughts.

"My. She does look beautiful tonight. So poised. So graceful." She muses, her tone light but laced with a sardonic undertone, "I imagine much of that is thanks to your… mentorship, isn't it, Justiciar?"

"I merely provided Lady Aurelia with the guidance she needed, as any mentor would." He replied, choosing his words carefully.

Sybille pressed further, "It must be satisfying, seeing your influence take root. One might say you've had a hand in crafting her into quite the ideal young woman."

Elenwen glided her way closer to the pair, her calculated expression holding a knowing, faint smile. "It's true, Ondolemar, you have certainly guided Lady Aurelia well." She paused letting the words settle. She glanced at Aurelia as she mingled with various potential suitors, before continuing. "But now, I wonder, with so many suitors eager to win her favor, if her talents might be fitted better for someone who can offer her the stability and influence she deserves."

"Of course," Sybille begins, "though, I've always believed that a young woman with so much potential should take her time before entertaining the idea of marriage. Perhaps someone with her intellect should continue her education and hone her skills."

"Indeed," Ondolemar said, "Aurelia is still young. Rushing into marriage-especially one with political expectations could certainly stifle her potential."

Elenwen smiled gently. "It is clear that someone of Lady Aurelia's intellect and grace must choose her future carefully. A marriage after all, is not just about love, but about the alignment of minds and ambitions. I imagine she would need someone who understands bother her heart and her duties." She glanced at Ondolemar before looking back at Sybille. "Of course, those who have guided her into becoming the woman she is today-might find themselves naturally placed in this position."

Ondolemar was about to respond when High King Torygg stood from his seat and addressed the crowd, "I thank each and every one of you for joining us this evening in celebrating Lady Aurelia's coming of age," King Torygg nodded to Aurelia with a proud smile.

"My daughter has shown wisdom beyond her years, and I trust that she will grow into the role that awaits her." Turning his attention to the guest, "Now let us bring this evening to an end and continue our work for Skyrim's future with renewed purpose. Goodnight and thank you again."