Elowen
The night had deepened over Valmora, and though the revelry outside still echoed faintly in the distance, the castle had settled into quiet. Candles flickered along the stone corridors, throwing dancing shadows that seemed alive. I moved through the halls carefully, my slippers whispering against the marble, aware that every echo carried the weight of my new role. This was no longer my father's house, no longer Selandra — this was a kingdom that looked to me as its queen.
When I reached my bedchamber, the door swung open to reveal a space both lavish and private. Silk-draped windows framed the moonlight, the canopy bed stood untouched, and a writing desk with fresh parchment and ink promised solitude and reflection. I let my fingers trail along the carved wood, studying the delicate patterns as if I could trace the history of Valmora in them.
I sank into the chair by the window, gazing at the courtyard where the torches had long since been extinguished. My mind circled back to the contract Darien had presented earlier — every clause precise, binding, and utterly formal. We were married, yes, yet tradition demanded that we sleep in separate chambers. I was to produce an heir when ready, enjoy freedom within the walls, but never forget my station.
Freedom. The word felt heavy tonight, a gift tempered by invisible chains. I could walk these halls, study, engage with the people, yet everything I did would be watched and interpreted. I sipped the tea the maid had left me, the warmth a small comfort against the unease curling in my chest.
Darien's presence lingered even in absence. I could almost hear the measured cadence of his voice, the weight of authority in his gaze. He commanded respect without raising a hand, yet the thought of him brought a thrill I could neither quell nor fully understand.
A soft knock drew my attention. The maid entered, carrying a tray of steaming tea and a plate of fresh fruit. "Your Highness," she said softly, "if there is anything you require, do not hesitate. The king has requested that all needs be met promptly."
I offered a polite nod, accepting the tray. "Thank you," I said, keeping my voice calm, hiding the storm of thoughts beneath it.
Once alone again, I let myself lean back in the chair, eyes tracing the shadows along the ceiling. Valmora was wild and untamed, a land unlike anything I had ever known. Its king was powerful, formidable, and enigmatic. And I — I was expected to enter seamlessly, to walk in his world with elegance, wisdom, and restraint.
I gazed at the bed, so grand and distant, and a small pang of loneliness brushed me. Tradition would have me sleep apart from Darien, yet proximity alone felt weighty. Every step I took, every word I spoke, would be noted and measured.
I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the quiet seep into me. I was Elowen Ashbourne, daughter of Selandra, now Queen of Valmora. And though the expectations were immense, I would rise to them. I would carve my place here, guided by my own mind and heart, even as I navigated the laws that bound me.
And in the stillness of that chamber, I made a quiet vow: I would be sovereign not only in title but in spirit. I would embrace my freedom, respect my duty, and meet Darien not merely as a king's bride, but as a woman who would not be subdued — no matter how savage the kingdom, no matter how commanding the king.
woke to the soft rustle of footsteps and the faint creak of the door hinges. My eyes blinked open slowly, adjusting to the pale morning light that filtered through the sheer curtains of my chamber. Three young maids stood in the doorway, their heads bowed respectfully before one of them stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, it is time to rise," she said in a gentle voice.
I sat up, the silk sheets pooling around my waist, the chill of the morning brushing against my skin. They moved with quiet efficiency, pulling open the curtains to let in the golden rays of dawn. Outside, the palace grounds were alive with life—birds singing, gardeners tending to flowerbeds, guards pacing the pathways in polished armour.
The maids began their work without needing further instruction. One approached with a tray of warm towels, another prepared my bath, and the third laid out my gown for the day—a pale ivory dress with delicate embroidery in gold thread.
Steam curled from the marble bath as I stepped inside, sinking into the perfumed water. The scent of rose and sandalwood enveloped me, soothing my nerves and warming my limbs. The maids bathed me with gentle care, pouring water over my hair and combing through the tangles with wide-toothed ivory combs. Every movement was practiced, respectful—reminding me that here, in this palace, I was not simply Elowen, but the Queen.
Once I was dried and dressed, they fastened a thin gold chain around my neck and placed a pearl comb in my hair. My slippers whispered against the polished floor as they escorted me downstairs.
The dining hall was vast, sunlight spilling across the long table. At its head sat Darian, his posture regal even in the ease of a morning meal. He wore a deep navy doublet embroidered in silver, his dark hair neatly tied back. At his right hand was a tall man with striking features—sharp cheekbones, a strong jaw, and the same dark hair and piercing eyes as Darian.
"Your Majesty," Darian said as I approached, standing to pull out the chair beside him. "Allow me to introduce my younger brother, Prince Alexander."
Alexander rose gracefully, offering a small bow. "It is an honour to meet you, Your Majesty."
Beside him sat a woman of striking beauty, her hair the colour of burnished copper, eyes like spring leaves. She wore a gown of soft green that complemented her complexion perfectly. Darian gestured toward her.
"And this is his wife, Princess Fiona," he continued. "They were unable to attend the welcoming feast yesterday, as they were travelling to the kingdom of Zevrath on royal duties."
Fiona smiled warmly. "It is a pleasure, Your Majesty. I hope the journey here was kind to you."
"It was long, but peaceful," I replied with a polite smile, taking my seat.
The servants moved silently, setting before us fresh bread, honey, soft cheeses, and steaming platters of eggs and roasted vegetables. The conversation flowed lightly, touching on pleasantries and small observations. Alexander spoke of Zevrath's bustling markets, Fiona recounted a humorous encounter with an overly eager merchant, and I found myself laughing softly despite the formality of the setting.
Darian, though mostly quiet, watched the exchange with an expression I could not quite read. He spoke when needed—introducing dishes, commenting briefly on the palace gardens—but he allowed his brother and sister-in-law to guide the conversation.
The atmosphere was peaceful, unhurried. Sunlight warmed my back, the clink of silverware and the scent of fresh-baked bread filling the air. For the first time since my arrival, I felt a small sense of ease, as though perhaps this place might one day feel like home.
When the plates were cleared and steaming cups of tea placed before us, Darian turned his attention to me.
"Elowen," he said in that steady, authoritative tone of his, "Albert will be showing you around the royal grounds after breakfast. They're… extensive. It could take three full days to see them properly."
My eyes widened slightly at the thought. "Three days?" I repeated, trying not to sound too astonished.
A faint smile tugged at his lips. "You'll see why soon enough. After that, I will personally show you the kingdom itself. The people should know their queen."
The weight of his words settled on me — their queen. I still wasn't entirely used to the title, though I knew it was now part of who I was. "I'd like that," I told him honestly. "I'd like to know this place… to know my new home."
Before Darian could respond, Fiona set her teacup down and glanced between us with a bright smile. "If I may," she said, "why not let me take her around the grounds today? I know Albert is capable, but I believe she'd be more comfortable with another woman at her side."
Alexander gave his wife an amused look. "And here I thought you had other plans today."
"I do," she said lightly, "but showing our new queen her surroundings takes priority."
Darian considered her suggestion for a moment before giving a slight nod. "That would be acceptable. Elowen?"
I smiled at Fiona. "I'd enjoy that very much."
"Wonderful," she said, her eyes sparkling. "We'll start after you've had a moment to change into something more comfortable."
Alexander chuckled softly. "And don't let her talk you into visiting the stables first. She'll keep you there all day."
"I make no promises," Fiona teased, rising from her chair.
I finished the last sip of tea, feeling the quiet excitement building in me. The royal grounds — for three days. I could only imagine what secrets and wonders they held.