Fated To The Fae King

Chapter 11

▪️A L A R I C▪️

In the aftermath of our address to the Fae Kingdom, the days unfolded with threads of change and uncertainty.

Golnar and I found ourselves tethered by circumstances beyond our control, our fates intertwined in a dance that mirrored the complexities of the Fae world. The initial swell of support from most of the kingdom was a balm to the hesitation that lingered from some.

As we navigated the palace corridors in the days that followed, the atmosphere was charged with a palpable tension. Some Fae, emboldened by the promise of change, embraced the idea of unity between Golnar and me. Their smiles and words of encouragement served as beacons of hope in the face of lingering doubt.

Yet, shadows of scepticism clung to the edges of our progress as not all hearts were swayed by the eloquence of our speech or the symbolism of our shared presence. The rebellion, although momentarily subdued, murmured beneath the surface, anticipating the right moment to resurface.

Nevertheless, I stood undeterred because I would be waiting for them.

My declaration during the public speech had not been a bluff, I would not tolerate anyone attempting to harm my future Queen. Those who dared to defy the unity we sought would soon find themselves facing the full weight of my wrath. Our strength lay in our cohesion, and any attempt to disrupt it would be met with swift and resolute consequences.

Even though the undertones of rebellion remained an undercurrent threatening the stability Golnar and I sought to establish, each challenge became an opportunity to reinforce our commitment. We left no room for ambiguity—our unity was non-negotiable, and those who underestimated the strength of our bond would do so at their peril.

Today, we were having another meeting with Cedric.

Since Golnar's arrival, the dynamics between her and my older brother had been a subtle exchange of cordiality rather than solidarity. While my aspirations for a more congenial relationship between Cedric and Golnar persisted, the journey toward closeness proved to be a slow and measured one.

From the initial introduction to the present meeting, the atmosphere remained tinged with the unspoken nuances of their interactions.

Cedric, though respectful, carried with him the vestiges of age-old prejudices that clung stubbornly, particularly towards orcs. Despite his verbal acknowledgment of a willingness to change, the transformation in his views appeared to be a gradual process.

I stood to the side, watching as they greeted each other.

Despite the polished veneer of politeness that draped Cedric's demeanour, I could not help but notice the subtle flicker of wariness in his gaze when it alighted upon Golnar. His grey eyes, trained to conceal, betrayed a hint of doubt that danced at the edges of his composure.

Yet, it was a nuance I, as an astute observer, could not overlook.

Golnar, on the other hand, as usual, faced this unspoken scrutiny with a remarkable grace that mirrored her resilience. As she approached Cedric, her movements were deliberate, each step echoing a quiet confidence that belied the slight tension in the room. Her posture, straight and unwavering, spoke of a self-assuredness that seemed to bloom in the face of subtle resistance.

The greeting unfolded in a series of measured gestures. Golnar extended her hand, a diplomatic offering that transcended the visible unease. Cedric, to his credit, reciprocated with a firm and friendly handshake. Their eyes met briefly, a silent acknowledgment of the complexities that lay beneath the surface.

Even though Golnar knew Cedric did not fully trust her, she sought to bridge the gap that persisted between them. Despite the lack of genuine warmth in their interactions, a mutual respect defined their exchanges, a small yet significant step toward understanding.