7 SEVEN: Aiyana

We were nearing the palace but my mind kept going back to that fog and that mysterious little girl we had just encountered. I had seen her eyes and ears. She was an Elf for sure, Her elven features were unmistakable, though their existence had been dismissed as mere fairy tales.

Sometime ago, I discovered an old map while exploring the palace war library at home, despite it being off limits. It was hidden within a makeshift wall safe, which I had accidentally opened.

This map depicted an expanded version of the one I was familiar with, revealing seven realms: Eldoria, Everwood, Sylvanvale, Shadowrealm, Ironforge, Drakoria, and Moonfang. These realms encircled one another, with Eldoria–which was also written in tiny letters as the Human Realm– sitting at the centre.

I tried to figure out what the other realms were, but the sound of approaching footsteps startled me, so I quickly hid the map and left the room. A few days later, when I returned to finish deciphering it, the map was gone. Someone had taken it.

This discovery sparked a desire for knowledge within me. I planned to ask Elrond about it, but not now and definitely not here.

The streets were bustling with people cheering as their king returned, accompanied by a queen. While they celebrated, my own coronation would have to wait. I needed to learn their customs and prove myself worthy of being their queen. If I failed, I'd become a concubine and they'd seek a new queen.

The Nedor Kingdom, being the capital of Eldoria, had strict processes and requirements, especially since I was to become the High Queen of the Realm.

Lost in thought, I didn't realise we had arrived at the palace until Sephora tapped my knee from across the carriage.

The palace was different from the one I knew all my life. It was much grander. A guard opened the carriage door, and King Elrond stepped out first, then helped me down.

"Welcome to your new abode," Elrond announced as a line of guards formed at the entrance, with a red carpet laid out on the floor. We marched together, though I wore a forced smile.

My curiosity could wait; for now, I needed to focus on being a queen.

By the entrance stood a man clad in royal robes, bearing a striking resemblance to Elrond albeit with a youthful and jovial demeanour, suggesting he might be a member of the family. As we approached, we exchanged nods of acknowledgment.

"Allow me to introduce you, Aiyana, to my brother, Igor," Elrond announced, and Igor graciously kissed the back of my hand.

"The pleasure is entirely mine," he expressed warmly, to which I responded in kind.

Gazing at him, I couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance to Elrond: the piercing green eyes and the contour of his facial hair. It was somewhat surprising to encounter such a cheerful sibling, considering the typically sombre atmosphere of The Nedor Kingdom, but perhaps he was a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows.

"Where is Cirdan?" Elrond inquired, scanning the room for someone who I presumed might be another brother.

Igor sighed and shook his head, and I noticed a flash of anger pass through Elrond's eyes. "What do you mean by that?" he boomed, quickly composing himself.

He then turned to a grey haired woman standing by the entrance, whom I suspected to be the stewardess. "Please show them to their rooms, and ensure the cooks serve dinner soon," he ordered, before striding away with Igor hurriedly trailing behind him.

"This way, Your Highness," the woman said, gesturing for Sephora and me to follow behind her. Exchanging glances and a shrug, Sephora and I followed without any words said.

She led us into the entrance hall and up the main stairwell, flanked by the left and right wings. Opting for the right wing, which branched in two directions leading to the king's and queen's chambers, it became apparent that I would not share a room with my husband as my parents had done. Nonetheless, the notion thrilled me.

"Here's your chamber, Your Majesty," she announced as she opened the door, revealing the grand foyer leading to the main bedchamber. I was nearly taken aback by the opulence of the bedroom; it surpassed even my accustomed wealth.

The woman departed swiftly before I could inquire her name.

"Your Majesty, perhaps ruling as queen wouldn't be so terrible," Sephora teased, and we shared a laugh.

"My heart is heavy with worry for Yoru. Where could they have taken her?" I lamented, feigning distress.

"You could rival the queen of drama herself," Sephora chuckled. "They'll bring her to you. I'll have your bath prepared," she added before moving to depart.

But then she hesitated, turning back. "Aiyana," she called softly.

"Yes?"

"I've been meaning to ask. I don't know if it's because I overwork myself or lack sleep, but today in the woods... That little girl, she was an Elf, wasn't she? And the fog, it was a portal, wasn't it?" Her eyes begged for answers.

I knew she had noticed it too; Sephora wasn't one to overlook details. She connected dots faster than I, despite her modest education. It was one of many qualities I admired in her.

"I believe so. But let's not rush to conclusions. There's much we don't understand, especially about this Kingdom. Something feels amiss," I said, a feeling of foreboding washing me.

"Do you want me to gather information discreetly? News tends to travel swiftly among the servants," she proposed, but although I was tempted, I hesitated.

"That won't be necessary. We have plenty of time to unravel this mystery. Plus, we're not going anywhere," I responded, settling onto the plush bed.

"Very well, Your Majesty," she said, about to leave once more, but I interjected this time.

"And Sephora, while we're here, I want you to live your own life," I emphasized.

"I'm not sure I understand, Your Majesty," Sephora replied, puzzled.

"What I mean, Sephora," I declared, "is that from now on, you are no longer my handmaid."