The throne room was silent except for the occasional tap of her finger on the armchair. The council sat on their designated seats, their gazes directed to the door.

Anticipation hung in the air as they all waited. Atheline’s gaze never left the door.

Regulated footsteps were the first sounds to reach them, then the throne room doors were pushed open.

A soft current of aether was the first to sip in, distinctive to the high elves. It brushed against the walls as though welcoming itself.

They entered the hall in measured steps, otherworldly in a way that commanded attention without any effort.

Atheline could feel his heart rate spike for just a moment, when his gaze swept across the group seeing familiar people.

At the forefront walked his older brother, expression serene as he led the group down the walkway to the throne. He was dressed in glimmering robes that caught the light with each movement.

In the middle of the group, surrounded by the other delegates was Solaris, the prince. His gaze met his the moment they stepped into the throne room.

No one spoke until they reached the foot of the steps. In unison, they inclined their heads slightly in respect. A gesture given to both parties that respected one another.

"The Athius Kingdom greets this kingdom," his brother said his voice smooth and carrying effortlessly through the chamber," we thank the Umbrail court for receiving us."

Lilith didn’t move immediately, she let the silence prevail for a while just long enough to establish her authority.

"You are received," she calmly replied.

Her gaze swept over them, and when it reached his brother it paused for a moment before moving on.

His brother, Helther, glanced back at the soldiers, gesturing secretly. One of them stepped forward, a small box in hand.

Helther took the box, extending it towards Lilith.

"His majesty has sent a gift to thank you for the invitation to the hunting competition. The Athius Kingdom is honoured to receive such grace from our neighbours."

Atheline glanced back at Lilith briefly before heading down. He came to a stop in front of Helther and picked up the box.

None of them had an outward reaction, each maintained a professional face during this whole period.

"It is the World tree’s morning dew, harvested from the topmost leaf. His Majesty shows his sincerity through this gift."

The topmost leaf was only one and the dew doesn’t always gather every single day. Only thrice a Month.

Atheline walked back up the stairs and settled in his place without giving Lilith the box.

Lilith shifted slightly as though contemplating.

"I have received your letter. The gathering is a way to create better bonds between our kingdoms. We welcome you with open arms, may your stay in the Umbrail court be just as fruitful."

Helmer smiled, slightly bowing.

"It will be... your majesty."

The meeting ended without a fuss, the high elves left to get allocated while the planning continued since the invitation had been last-minute on their part.

"You can go," her voice came prompting Atheline to look back at her his eyes widening.

"Come again," he said, not believing his ears.

"You can go see your brother," she said.

Lilith leaned back slightly on the throne, her gaze holding his.

Atheline smiled, he really wanted to go. He genuinely missed his family and seeing his older brother brought a little homesickness.

He smiled faintly.

"Will that be okay?"

He glanced at the council and the ministers.

While the meeting to welcome the delegates was over, they still had a lot to discuss.

Lilith nodded.

"Thank you," he whispered.

She nodded, dismissing him. Since the meeting was still ongoing, he hurriedly walked out of the throne room.

In his haste thoughts of what had happened the day before trickled in. Getting her to accept the hunt hadn’t been as hard as he thought it would but it still wasn’t easy.

The conversation between them flowed in.

"I’m not going," she said flatly," these gatherings are quite tedious they last for way too long."

From her tone, he knew she was extremely familiar with it.

"Do the council not need your permission to host it, or do they already have it?" He asked.

She shifted slightly on her seat, her gaze moving outside briefly before coming back to him.

"They don’t, the hunting competition is a yearly competition for nobles and those invited to show their prowess. It’s mainly for the rising generation but everyone is permitted regardless of strength."

Atheline nodded following along.

"Is it a private event?"

She shook her head. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"No, commoners will be allowed to see and participate. It’s a festive occasion of sorts. Extremely tiring."

Atheline tilted his head slightly, thinking.

’So it’s not something they came up with on a whim huh’

"I would like to go," he quietly said.

She stared at him for a fraction, her eyes narrowing.

"Why, it’s a boring event," she said.

Atheline smiled and knelt before she touched her tights softly.

"I know but it’s a gathering," he said," I’ll be able to interact with all nobility and let the commoners know me better. Isn’t this the best way instead of waiting for the day of the Coronation? I should be able to leave a strong impression on them."

She was quiet for a moment.

"But you don’t need that everything has already been set in stone."

Atheline opened his mouth to protest but her arm raised, silencing him.

"If you want to go then go. I’ll make it even bigger for you," she said, a smile touching her lips.

His brow raised.

"Sure."

The throne room doors closed so softly behind him but Atheline didn’t even hear. His steps hurried as he walked toward his brother.

Helmer had been waiting in the hallways, leaning against the wall. All the other delegates seemed to have left since he was alone.

Maybe it was because he had been away from, his family, his main source of support but seeing his brother made him feel more homesick.

"You..."

An arm wrapped around his neck before he could finish his sentence.

"Stop destroying my hair," he hissed as he tried to get out of the choke hold.

A chuckle came from above him, before he felt the pressure release.

"You seem to have grown even taller," Helmer said his hand on his shoulder as his eyes ran over his body.

Atheline’s lips lifted, a smug smile forming.

"You don’t seem to have changed," he said.

"Oh, you little... should I call you your highness now?"

Atheline shook his head, getting out of his brother’s hold. He straightened his robe and ran a hand through his hair before facing him.

"If it suits your fancy," he said," should we go and have a chat, I’ve prepared the best the kingdom could offer... I missed you brother."

Helther smiled, the kind older smile he rarely gave him.

"I’ve missed you too. Led the way your highness."

Atheline chuckled, taking the lead. It felt good to be in the presence of his family.