Elysium kept her head high as she reached Valenmaris. Her advisor, Zeta Corvus, accompanied her as they walked toward the Forum, which held a chamber where the leaders met with their advisors and assistants. They hadn't gathered in years, especially after Alastor's absence.
Elysium nervously toyed with the fabric of her olive corset dress before shifting her attention to Zeta. They had grown up together, and Elysium had long recognized Zeta's strength, appointing her as both advisor and general. In times of peace (aside from their ongoing tension with Sheol), Zeta was usually on the frontlines or scouting the borders. When they were younger, Zeta had worn her jet-black hair long, but now, at eighteen, she kept it cut into a sharp bob, her bangs brushing just above her crystal-blue eyes.
They climbed the stone staircase and reached the doors to the meeting chamber. As the doors opened, they were met with a circular table surrounded by four thrones, each encrusted with gemstones representing its kingdom.
Sylvan and Lupus took their places on either side of Elysium as they settled in for the discussion.
Lupus rested a hand on Elysium's shoulder and leaned in.
"He won't keep getting away with this," he whispered.
Elysium nodded, then turned to Sylvan. They exchanged worried glances as they waited for Alastor to arrive.
Moments later, the doors swung open.
Alastor entered, flanked by a man and a woman. The man had steel-gray eyes and charcoal hair, his gaunt cheekbones sharp against his pale skin. The woman beside him had burnt-amber eyes so dark they were nearly black, matching her hair. They remained behind him as he dropped into his throne and kicked his feet onto the table.
Alastor's gaze flicked toward Sylvan, who swallowed anxiously.
"So," Alastor drawled, "why are we here?"
Lupus huffed and rolled his eyes.
"One of yours attacked Elysium last night," he snapped.
Alastor tilted his head, smiling like a Cheshire cat. "I'm not sure why that's my issue."
Suddenly, Lupus slammed his fists onto the table.
"You cannot be serious, Alastor!" he shouted.
Sylvan pressed his fingers to his temples, already exhausted by the meeting. Elysium remained quiet, weighing her words.
"You need to control your people, Alastor," she said calmly.
"With our kingdoms combined, we will push back," Lupus warned.
Elysium shot Lupus a sharp look; he could be starting a war.
"I think it's Elysium's turn to speak," Alastor said with a grin.
She swallowed, her gaze narrowing.
"You return without explanation," she said. "And now you dismiss your people's actions. I'm not sure what you expect from us."
Alastor lowered his feet from the table, his expression sharpening.
"Are you insinuating you'll start a war with us?"
Elysium leaned back in her throne, chewing the inside of her cheek. Before she could answer, Lupus spoke.
"That's exactly what we're saying."
"If that's your choice," Alastor replied coolly, straightening, "then so be it. But it will be a suicide mission."
Sheol's military far outmatched the others. Without weapons, Alaria's combat training had withered, leaving them nearly defenseless if Sheol chose to strike. Alastor wasn't wrong....this could end in ruin.
"This meeting has reached a dead end," Sylvan groaned, dropping his forehead onto his folded arms.
"I disagree," Alastor said lightly. "I think we've just begun a war that will tear everything down."
The words sent a chill down Elysium's spine. Lupus's jaw clenched, his glare fixed on Alastor. Being the only princess among the four had always left Elysium feeling at a disadvantage.
"After the wedding, you will be damned, Alastor Kaelthorn," Sylvan said grimly.
Alastor only laughed, running a hand through his tousled hair.
Abruptly, Elysium rose and strode toward the door, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. Something about the mention of the wedding had struck a nerve.
Zeta hurried after her, leaving Lupus and Alastor arguing behind them, their voices echoing into the hall.
"I don't understand him," Elysium whispered, her voice breaking. "I will not stand for violence. Not after everything."
Zeta nodded, resting a steadying hand on her shoulder, until a loud crash rang out from the chamber.
They rushed back inside.
Elysium gasped.
Lupus loomed over Alastor, who lay on the ground, blood trickling from his nose, yet his smile never faded. The violence seemed to satisfy something in him, especially the rage it stirred in others.
Alastor rose, brushing himself off before strolling toward the door.
"Well, on that note," he muttered, "Sheol awaits."
On impulse, Elysium chased after him, grabbing his shoulder and spinning him around.
"You really want to go to war with us?" she demanded, tears streaking her cheeks.
Alastor towered over her, the scent of ash and cedar clinging to him.
"You're in for a rude awakening, Princess."
"Why can't you take anything seriously? They could have killed me."
Alastor rolled his eyes, leaning back against the stone wall.
"My people don't even have access to magic weapons. Gods, you're dramatic."
Elysium scoffed.
"Will you be attending the wedding?"
For a brief moment, Alastor went quiet, looking away. Then, the familiar smirk returned.
"Of course," he said. "I wouldn't miss the happy couple."
Elysium shook her head and turned away.
"Princess," Alastor called after her.
She didn't stop.
"Hopefully I'll see you on the front lines."
Zeta met Elysium at the corner of the hall, walking with her through the courtyard.
"We need the wedding to happen sooner rather than later."
Elysium bit her lip. "I know… two days."
Zeta stopped short. "Two days?"
"I don't think we have a choice. Alastor is impulsive and unpredictable... there's no telling when he'll attack."
Zeta nodded. "I'll inform Lupus's advisors."
Elysium moved toward Vail. She needed air; needed to ride alone and clear her head.
She mounted him and urged him forward, the damp air clinging to her skin as they followed the winding path into the forest.
Vail slowed, ears twitching.
A branch snapped in the distance.
Elysium steadied him until a black Friesian stepped onto the path ahead.
Alastor.
"Well," he said with a smirk, his dark hood shadowing his face, "this is a surprise."
"I'm sure," Elysium replied flatly. "Your kingdom is in the opposite direction."
"Good thing I came looking for you."
His tone darkened.
Elysium frowned. "Why?"
"Because," he said, guiding his horse alongside hers, "you need to be careful with Lupus."
She snorted. "You want me to be careful of Lupus?"
Alastor's smile faded.
"I know you don't really want to marry him."
Elysium stiffened. "That's not true."
"Isn't it?"
"I'm doing what's best for my kingdom," she said firmly, lifting her chin. "You've left me with no choice."
Alastor's gaze hardened.
"You'll see soon enough."
He spurred his horse and vanished down the path, leaving her shaken.
Elysium shook off the unease and rode home.
By the time she reached the palace, the sun had begun to set. She stabled Vail and prepared for bed; wedding planning would begin in the morning.
As her bath was drawn, she stepped onto her balcony. Embers drifted across the sky above Valkareth. The clang of metal and carpentry echoed faintly from Lupus's palace.
Celeste stepped beside her.
"Lupus is looking forward to the wedding," she said.
Elysium didn't look at her.
"Alastor came to see me after the meeting."
Celeste stiffened. "What?"
"He tried to warn me about Lupus."
Celeste scoffed. "Lupus is dangerous.. that's why Alastor fears him."
Elysium knew she was right.
And yet…
Why did Alastor seem afraid?
She turned back inside, slipping into the bath as Celeste perched on the counter.
"I hope you know what you're doing," Celeste said quietly.