Page 33 of Embers to Flames

“Has it always been performed here? How did the humans not notice a bunch of Elves traipsing through our realm to go perform some magical ceremony up on Dragon’s Edge?” I ask.

“High Elves have more abilities than common elves. They simply performed a glamouring effect on themselves.”

“So, they made themselves invisible to Humans?” I ask, my eyebrows knitting in curiosity.

“Well, not exactly invisible. Glamour is more about making oneself unnoticeable or appearing differently.” He explains patiently. “It’s not that humans don’t see us, it’s that they don’t remember seeing us.”

“So, the inn from Hogsden? That’s how Erhorn talked the keeper into letting us stay.” I say. It’s all starting to make sense now.

He chuckles, tracing a line down my cheek with his gloved finger. “Yes, Erhorn has many talents.”

I clutch the rose to my chest, looking up at him. “And you? What else can you do?”

“I suppose that’s for me to know and for you to find out,” he replies, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He then steps back, taking a deep bow as if we’re actors on a stage. “But now, I really must go and prepare for our journey. Will you be okay here alone?”

“I’ll be fine,” I assure him.

“Good.” He straightens up, giving me a last lingering look before turning away. As he strides towards the door of the garden pavilion, he pauses and turns back around. “Rose?”

“Yes?”

“Try not to worry about tonight. Whatever happens, I’ll be by your side.”

His words echo in my ears long after he’s disappeared from sight. I gaze down at the rose in my hand, its petals soft against my skin. It’s strange how such a simple thing can hold so much meaning.

Chapter Fifteen

I pull the carriage door open and prepare to climb inside, but Theo’s hand grasps my arm to stop me. “Uh uh… you’re riding with me, beautiful.”

Erhorn and the other three high lords have begun to descend the palace stairs.

“There is only room for them in there. Besides, we’ll get there faster if we fly. And it’ll give me a chance to show you around—alone.” Theo says with a wink.

I watch as the four silver haired men approach, their solemn steps belying a heated disagreement taking place between them.

“Are they—arguing?” I ask Theoin a hushed voice.

“Oh, this is nothing… just wait until they all get wine in them later.” Theo responds as he crosses his arms and gives me a smirk. “At the end of the day, they’re just a bunch of grumpy old Elves.”

“Who are you calling old?” exclaims Lord Ailwin. He leans down to whisper in my ear, “If you want old… ask Lord Klaern just how the first Dragon came to be. He would know—he was there.”

Lord Klaern quickly interjects, “I was not!” He then turns to look at me. “My grandfather was though. Told me stories if you ever want to hear them.”

Lord Erhorn presents me with a grin and a wink as he climbs into the carriage.

Lord Phirel is the last one to enter, but he pauses a moment, “I just want to tell you that I think it was incredibly brave of you to tell the truth in court yesterday. Takes guts to stand up for what is right. Especially when it is against your own kind.” He taps my shoulder lightly and then turns to climb into the carriage. His touch is gentle, almost reverent, as if I am a rare and precious treasure.

Ailwin sticks his head out of the window and looks towards Theo, “Why don’t you give Rosanhi the Waterfall Chambers. I think she’ll enjoy that.”

Theo nods his head and then steps towards me. “Ready?” he asks, putting out his arms to take hold of me. I take one last look towards the castle. The King stands on his balcony, watching us leave with a stoic expression. I bow to him, andto my surprise, he returns the gesture with a slight bow of his own.

I step into Theo’s embrace. Only this time, I drape my arms around his neck. He lifts me up slightly so I can wrap my legs around his waist.

“You’re giving me one too many naughty ideas, Rose.” He unfurls his resplendent wings, the white feathers catching the sunlight. “Ever done it on a cloud?” He asks teasingly. Before I can respond, we take to the skies, soaring towards the ancient temple hidden within the heart of the mountainside.

Below us, the four high lords embark on their own solemn procession, the steady clop of hooves against cobblestone echoing their resolve as their carriage winds its way through the slumbering forest. I lean my head against Theo’s strong shoulder, taking in the cool morning breeze as it flows through my hair. Theo’s wings beat rhythmically, carrying me effortlessly through the air. I can’t help but feel a sense of peace and contentment wash over me during the flight. It’s as if the world below is untouched by the troubles that plague it, and for this brief moment, I can almost forget about the danger that lay ahead.

Theo gracefully descends onto the weathered stone steps, carefully placing me on the ground. My feet sink intothe soft dirt, and I take a moment to steady myself before straightening up.

---