Arthur Leywin POV
"Mmm...? Oh, you're finally awake!" My mom had her head in her arms as she leaned on my bed.
"The doctor said that you probably fell unconscious from shock, and that you'd wake up soon. However, I didn't think 'soon' would be eight hours." She ran her fingers gently through my hair, giving me a soft smile.
It was evident from her red eyes that she'd been crying for a while. A bitter taste filled my mouth in regret for making her worry again.
"What happened after I passed out?" I willed myself to sit up, placing the excited Sylvie on my lap.
"We all left shortly after you fell unconscious. No one was in their right state of mind, thus the King excused himself first. Your father is downstairs with the King's representative. They're in Vincent's office discussing what happened." Her eyes quivered in worry.
I simply nodded in response and got out of bed. My body still felt heavy from using the first phase of Sylvia's Draconic Will, so I limped slowly downstairs with Mother after she checked in on Ellie, who was asleep in her room.
As we made our way downstairs, I could hear my father and Vincent, along with an elderly man's hoarse voice.
Upon seeing me, the representative suddenly stood up, giving me a slight bow, a bit of a relieved look on his weathered face. My father's back was facing me, so he only turned to look when he saw the old man start to get up.
"My son! You're awake!" He hurled himself over the couch and wrapped me in a bear hug, his hand cupping the back of my head.
"Yeah, Dad, I'm fine. What're you guys talking about?"
"This representative came by with a few gold coins as a 'token of apology' from the King. 'For the small incident' my father answered through clenched teeth.
"The Royal King has also ordered me to inform the Leywin family that both guards who had attacked you, Arthur Leywin, have been stripped of nobility," the representative added, his voice cracking.
"For almost killing my son, the King just gave them a slap on the wrist, and then waved them goodbye?" My father couldn't help but be livid from the frustration.
"Father, it's all right! Look, I wasn't hurt. Let's just end this matter." I squeezed my father's hand, giving him a reassuring look.
The King seemed like a decent enough character, but in times like these, I guess his priorities lie elsewhere.
The representative just looked at us matter-of-factly, as if it was a given that whatever the King had done was the right thing.
Letting out a sigh, I took a seat. 'I'm too tired for this crap.'
Before I get the chance to settle into my seat, I'm handed a letter by the representative. "Can you read?" he asks as I take it from his hand.
"I can", I say as I rip open the envelope.
I unfold the letter and begin to read. As my eyes begin to scan the parchment, the representative speaks up.
"On behalf of His Royal Majesty, King Glayder, Yourself, Arthur Leywin, and Your Younger brother, Elias Leywin, have been formally invited to the Xyrus Residence of the Royal Family, where his royal majesty has Affairs he'd prefer to talk with you in person."
It makes sense as to why he'd want to talk to me, but why would he wish to meet with a 5-year-old?
Being cut off again before I get the chance to get my questions in, my father pounces on the mention of Lias.
"I understand that the King may wish to speak with Arthur..." he says, looking at me before returning his attention to the Royal representative "But why, Lias? He's just a child"
I am too... but let's not dwell on that.
The representative lets out a nervous cough as he adjusts his tie "I'm not entirely sure as to the reasoning, but I suspect that it was the request of the Royal Princess"
The Princess, huh?
A smile cracks onto my face. I look to my right, and my father is sporting a similar grin.
"When would the king like to have our meeting?" I ask, my smile fading slightly as I look intently at the man before me.
"His Royal Highness suggested Tomorrow morning, say at 10, is that Acceptable, Mr. Leywin?" he said blank-faced
"That works for me", I say with a polite bow.
"His Royal Highness will dispatch a carriage for your brother and yourself." for an arrival at that time.
Casting aside the issue, I asked about Sebastian, in case he'd said anything. "What happened to that Conjurer? The one who had his knee broken?"
Elias Leywin POV
I rest my elbow on the window of the carriage as it moves along Xyrus' cobbled roads.
It's too early...
I let out a yawn, which causes my brother to crack a smile.
"I know you and the Princess were talking a lot yesterday, but to be personally invited by her to her home..." his grin grows slyer.
"They live in the capital, Etistin. The Royal family that is" I say, cutting in
"Hm hm", he hums, nodding his head with a shit-eating grin just sitting on his face.
Feeling myself lose complete control of our conversation, I try to change its course.
"So where's Sylvie?" I ask my cheeks warmer than usual, tinged slightly red.
"After yesterday's events, I thought it best to leave her home in the care of our dear Sister." He says as he looks out the window in a similar manner to myself.
The carriage turned a quiet corner, the clatter of wheels against the cobbled roads gradually softening as we approached our destination.
Up ahead, framed by a line of flowering trees, the estate came into view.
The Royal Family's Xyrus residence, a city home rather than a palace. Though not their primary residence, it was still unmistakably regal.
Pale stone walls rose behind an ornate wrought-iron gate, the crest of the Glayder line, two golden gryphons with wings outstretched, mounted proudly above the entrance.
The carriage eased to a stop. Arthur stepped out first, his usual calm intact. I followed close behind, brushing invisible dust from my freshly washed tunic.
The gates opened with a low groan before we even approached. A tall figure in black stood waiting at the foot of the entrance path. He looked older than Papa, with swept-back silver hair and gloves tucked neatly under one arm. His tailcoat was fastened perfectly, every seam crisp. He bowed low.
"Young Masters, Arthur and Elias Leywin, I presume," the man said, his voice smooth and measured as he checked a pocket watch he withdrew from the inner side of his blazer.
"We are", my brother says, dipping into a slight bow as I lower my head slightly.
"You're early, Excellent" he clicks his watch shut as he begins to walk into the building ahead "On behalf of the Royal Household, welcome. His Royal Highness King Glayder awaits you, Young Master Arthur, within."
Arthur returned a courteous nod. "Thank you."
He glided more than walked as he led us toward the estate. I followed in silence, trying to keep my pace dignified and not trip on the stone steps.
Everything around us was pristine. The hedges were cut into soft, symmetrical domes. The trees bloomed as if on command. A slender stream curved through the garden beside the path, and even its water sounded quiet, like it knew not to disturb anything here.
The doors to the residence opened without a sound as we approached. Marble floors gleamed underfoot, catching the morning light that filtered in through tall, arched windows. A pair of servants in navy livery bowed as we passed.
"Please wait here in the reception hall," the butler said as we entered a richly decorated room just beyond the foyer. The high ceiling was painted with soft clouds and a trio of white gryphons, and a low table had already been set with a tea service of porcelain and gold trim.
"His Highness will join you shortly," he added with a slight bow. "May I offer you tea? Or perhaps a light refreshment? The peaches have freshly arrived from southern Sapin."
Arthur nodded once. "Tea would be appreciated, thank you."
The butler gave no more than a blink of acknowledgement before retreating with the same quiet efficiency. I glanced around as the door shut gently behind him.
"This is... fancy", I say, awestruck, struggling to come up with a better word.
"So..." I began, fingers drumming lightly on the carved armrest. "The King of Sapin wants to speak to you personally."
Arthur gave a small shrug, eyes still on the window. "Seems that way."
"And you're just... fine with that?"
"I wouldn't say 'fine,'" he replied, finally glancing at me. "But worrying won't change much. Besides, I'm not the one being called away by a princess."
I rolled my eyes. "She's not- It's not like that."
He smirked. "Sure. Just a quiet talk with a Princess whilst I, your favourite brother, have a meeting with her father, the king."
"She wanted to speak. That's all. And didn't you live with the Elven royal family for like 5 years?" I say in a panic, feeling the heat rising to my face.
He lets out a heavy sigh "It was closer to 3"
Arthur raised an eyebrow but didn't push me further. Instead, he sat up straighter, folding his hands loosely. "How do you feel about all this, really? Being here. With this sort of attention."
I hesitated. "I don't really know, I'm just sort of drifting, I guess..."
That earned me a small nod of understanding.
"I get it," he said. "I used to feel like that, too, when I met with my advisors."
Used to?
Advisors?
Before I could ask what he meant by that, the doors creaked open and a maid entered, bowing slightly. She carried a polished tray with a tea set nestled atop it, porcelain gleaming in the light. Behind her, another maid stepped in and approached me directly.
"Young Master Elias," she said with a gentle tilt of her head, "Princess Kathyln has requested your presence in the Garden's outdoor atrium." She raises her head and holds her hands in front of her apron "If you would please follow"
"O-of course", I say, taken aback slightly.
I stand up and follow the maid as I trail no less than 5 paces behind
"Good Luck on your date, Lias", I hear my brother teasingly say from behind
It isn't a date...
I lower my head slightly as I release a pent-up exhale.
The maid led me through a glass-panelled corridor, light pooling at our feet as the sun filtered through the high windows. I could see the garden outside now, its neatly trimmed hedges, quiet fountains, and beds of white and pink lilies lining the path. It didn't feel like the sort of place where you could raise your voice, or even sneeze without apology.
"She is just through here," the maid said, stopping at a set of open double doors.
I stepped out into the atrium, a sheltered courtyard filled with soft birdsong and the hush of rustling leaves. A curved stone bench framed a blooming cherry tree at its centre, its petals drifting down like pale snow. Kathlyn sat there quietly, hands folded in her lap, a second teacup set neatly across from her.
She looked up at the sound of my steps.
"Good morning, Elias," she said, her voice calm but not cold.
"G-good morning, Princess," I said, immediately regretting the slight stammer. I gave a quick, awkward bow. "Thank you for... inviting me."
A faint nod. "I'm glad you came."
I moved to sit across from her, trying to ease into the seat without making it screech across the stone. For a few moments, neither of us spoke. The birds chirped. A breeze stirred the blossoms. I adjusted my sleeves twice.
"You look... well," Kathyln offered.
"Oh. Thanks. You do too," I replied, then paused. "Not that-uh-not that you didn't yesterday, I mean, I just-"
"I understand," she said gently.
Another stretch of silence.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked, sipping her tea.
"I did or as well as I could due to the state Arthur left himself in yesterday..." I say, scratching my cheek.
"How is he?" she asks in her same almost cold tone
"He's well enough to meet with the King of Humanity, so I think he'll live", I say snarkily
I earn a slight chuckle from the Ice Princess.
"That's good", she says through a smile.
Kathyln raises her cup to her lips and takes another brief sip before she then lowers it with quiet grace, her gaze drifting past me toward the swaying branches above.
"I was surprised," she said after a moment.
I blinked. "By what?"
"That you agreed to come."
"Oh," I said, a bit dumbly. "I mean... I wasn't exactly going to say no, was I?"
It's not like I could've refused anyway since it was technically part of my brother's summons by her Father.
"That wasn't what I meant," she said, her expression softening. "You didn't have to accept. Not really."
There was a vulnerability in the way she said it, subtle but there nonetheless.
"I wanted to," I said, more earnestly than I expected. "After yesterday, I thought... it might be nice to talk again. Without a crowd."
She nodded, letting her eyes fall back to her cup. Another breeze passed through the atrium, scattering a few pale petals onto the flagstones.
"It's quiet here," I added.
I lift my own cup in the same manner as the princess before me.
Its sweet
"I've never had tea like this before," I comment, trying to prolong our conversation.
She smiles slightly "It's grown in the Western forests of Elenoir, I think. I know it's grown in Elenoir just..." she trails off as her cheeks grow a tinge red.
She lets out a slight cough to calm herself "It was originally a gift from the Elven Royal family, but mother liked it so much we began importing it"
"Elenoir, huh?" I say, thinking aloud.
"Yes?" she says with an air of curiosity.
"You know my brother spent some time training there..." I say, taking another long sip of my drink.
"How? He's eight," she says, raising an eyebrow
"Nearly nine..." I say lowering my cup
"Still, my point stands", she reiterates
"Well, you already know that he had awakened at the age of two", I say, looking to the princess.
She nods slightly in recognition.
"Well, just before my sister and I were born, Ma- Mother said that on their journey to Xyrus, Art fell over the side of a cliff when protecting her"
"WHAT?" she interjects, standing up, shaking the Glass Garden table between us as she does.
"He spent the next few years in a city called Zess..." I say, struggling to remember
"Zestier, it's the Elven Capital", she says, looking at me wide-eyed "No Human had ever set foot there..."
Ah...
"Never mind that, but he said that he trained under a man he called Gramps, and with his Granddaughter, a girl called Tess"
"Tess, huh?" the princess says in a similar manner to what I had done only a few sentences ago.
"Do you know her?" I asked to finish the remaining tea that lay at the bottom of my cup.
"I've never met an elf before. I was just curious"
"I see..."
With that, the awkward silence that had clouded the beginning of our conversation reared its head.
The silence lingered, but this time it felt less stiff, like the kind that might eventually give way to something real. Still, I found myself glancing across at her again. She sat so still, so composed, and yet... not entirely at ease.
"I'm glad you asked me to come," I said after a moment. My voice was quiet, unsure. "I mean, after yesterday..."
Her gaze lifted to meet mine, cool but not cold.
"I almost didn't," she replied.
That made me blink. "Why not?"
"After everything that happened between Father's guards and your brother, I thought..." She lets out an uncharacteristic exhale "But when Father told us at dinner last night that he was inviting 'the brat' to speak with him further, I asked him if you could come too"
"I see..." I let a slight smile form on the corner of my mouth.
Before either of us could speak again, the soft sound of footsteps reached us. A butler in crisp black and silver livery approached along the bush-lined pathway, pausing just outside the threshold with a respectful bow.
"Pardon the interruption," he said smoothly, "but your brother is awaiting you in the entrance hall, Master Elias. The carriage is being prepared."
I blinked, caught off guard by how quickly the time had passed.
"Ah... right," I murmured, standing reluctantly.
Kathyln didn't move, but her gaze followed me.
"I'll-" I began, then stopped. What was I even trying to say?
She gave the faintest nod. "Goodbye, Lias."
I hesitated a moment longer, then dipped my head in return. "Goodbye, Kathyln."
The butler stepped aside, and I followed him back down the pathway and through the quiet corridor, the soft clink of porcelain fading behind me.
WC - 2911
Thanks for reading this chapter. Hope you all enjoyed it. 😊
All Criticism and feedback are welcome. Any suggestions for the story or plot are also more than welcome.
Quite a boring chapter if I'm to be entirely honest, but it allowed for me to explore Lias and Kat's dynamic so there's that at least.
If we're all still alive, the next chapter will be released at 12 Likes or on Wednesday.
Rius out.