The morning sun bled pale over the marble courtyards, where the sound of measured footsteps echoed between stone pillars. Three palace elders walked side by side, their embroidered robes trailing over the frost-kissed tiles, their conversation low and unhurried until a sudden clatter of hooves and hurried voices broke the calm .
Ahead the main courtyard was alive in movement: servants darted between carriages, their arms laden with chests, garments and scrolls bound in silk. The two elders stepped forward but not so close to the servants as there was a two metres distance between them. "What going on here ? " , one of the elders asked. They bowed down their heads and replied " we were told to pack the essentials things that master would need as he will be away for some days " .
Both of the elders looked at each other with a mixture of disbelief and fear which was likely seen by their facial expressions. Their voices low, as if carrying the weight of decisions too dangerous to speak aloud. Outside, the wind pressed against the palace gate impatient.
Two days before the elders had gathered, Eliora had wandered the Palace corridor alone. She just finished reading her book in the study area. The books were so attached to her like bonds reconnecting what was lost long time ago . "Maybe Ravien was right all along, that l love reading books and somehow l will regain my memory by being close to it " , she said inwardly.
She then remembered about the chart, which she drew the second prince's face . She wanted to give him as a gift for thanking him on his kindness which he showed towards him. And him being able to accept her and shelter her in his Palace even though she doesn't know where she belonged to. She went back to her room to find it as she couldn't remember where she had kept it before.
The room turned upside down with everything thrown on the floor. And finally there it was . She found it behind the curtain but she couldn't recall herself keeping it there . She felt relieved and took it . She opened up to check if it her drawing. And it was it . She smiled broadly and took it with her . She left the room in excitement to meet the second prince.
Her steps slowed when she heard voices drifting from a far end of the hallway. "Bring all my essential things here", the man's tone was sharp, commanding. It was the same man who called her name "Eliora " that day . She saw him when she took a step forward to see who it was . The man he was talking too seemed familiar but she couldn't remember where she had seen him from . She starred at the two men who were busy chatting with each other fro a far.
" My lady" , she stumbled upon hearing that. She noticed that all this time she was zoned out while looking at them. " What wrong my lady ? Is there anything I can help you with " . The voice felt familiar, she turned to look who it was . It was the same man who she was watching a while ago. " No " , she replied in a trembling voice. " I just saw you looking at me all that time , l wondered if l offended you and came to check on that or maybe apologize for it". His voice was lowwer and smoother than before and kept a broad smile which appeared on his face while he was talking to her.
"Aww , it nothing l just remember something while l was walking and am sorry if l made you to feel insecured about me staring at you " she said in an apologetic tone." It fine don't worry about it , can l help you with something.... you seemed stuck and..... may l please see what you are holding in your hands", he said playfully. Eliora quickly hide her arm behind her back upon hearing his words then replied " lt none of your business on what so ever am holding in my hand and am sorry if l may sound rude to you but l have somewhere to go too ... so if you please will excuse me" .
She looked at him , her gaze unwavering , before turning away with a confidence that set the air trembling. He smiled faintly, murmuring to himself, " l love how fierce you are .... my lady" . But as Eliora's figure melted into the thin , mist-laden air , Aurien eyes darkened.
" You will be mine ... even if l have to tear the heavens apart to claim you".