Elara glances back to her parents with cold gaze, she didn't say anything — she didn't have to, they can see it already in her eyes.
How stupid of her to think they could ever change but it's okay, it's fine. She survived for three weeks. She can handle this.
Soon enough the rest of the men and women were called and they got pushed into a car that looks like both a cubicle and a prison.
What a tragic beginning to her youth! She looks to the people filling up the car before seeing Lani get in.
They embraced each other with each a different thought in mind. Elara feels bad for her soft hearted friend who will be far away from her family.
While Lani feels particularly happy that she has finally been given the chance to leave her home.
It was her who gave her name up when she heard her parents discussing it. Best thing she has ever done.
"How do you think the outer realm looks like?" Lani asks after a few minutes of silence.
Elara shrugs, all she know is that nobody actually goes there uninvited as it is the king's personal place.
And anyone who's naughty to go there...will be a sacrifice to the gods.
"Let's just hope for the best" she later replied. Lani glances at her friend and could see worry etched on her face.
"Don't you worry. We may be going to dangerous places but I promise to defend you"
Elara releases a puff of breath that looks like a laughter and a sigh. She should be glad that she's finally had the opportunity to leave her parents behind but...
Why is her heart beating erratically and why does she feel heavy?
Lani kept on talking oblivious to the inner turmoil happening to Elara. She did answer Lani where needed but never in full sentences.
The carriage abruptly stops; making the people inside tumble and jiggle.
"What's that?" Lani asks as she tries to listen if she might get something.
"We're here" one of the people inside answers her question. She nods her head even though it's a little hard to see.
The sound of metal gate opening reverberates through their cell-like carriage. Everyone there grew anxious including elara except..
Where everyone was muttering and praying, Elara simply bit into her mouths inside in order to stay grounded and calm.
Master Orrin was the first to step out with proud powerful stride. He can't wait for the praise from both the king and the council. He will finally be respected.
Lord Varos; a pot bellied high council comes through with an angry expression. This fool, what is he doing there with a slap tempting smile on his face.
Orrin upon noticing him bows smiling, oblivious to lord Varos thoughts. "My lord, the maidens are here"
He patiently waits for the shower of praise that'll fall upon him.
"You idiot. That was tomorrow's task. I told lady Riva to inform you on the change of plans." Orrin stays silent trying to remember when Lady Riva contacted him
"You brought maidens on the selected day of consort coronation? How stupid are you" all lord Varos wants to do is strangle the daylights out of these idiots.
"Quickly let them go and blend with the onlookers. After that tomorrow we can take them to the king" but alas master Orrin is still trying to remember when Lady Riva confronted him with the change of plans.
"What are you still doing here?" Lord Varos barks and that brought Orrin back to reality. He turns to the cell-like carriage and opens it.
The people there squint their eyes by the sudden attack of sunlight. "Quickly get down and follow me to the temple of the first"
"What's happening there?" Lani asks like the curious cat she is.
Master Orrin despite himself answers her; "the selection of the king's consort"