Rising from the Ashes

Chapter 34

Dinner in the great hall is an odd thing. Elenora sits right next to the royal family in the fancy gown Elenora had settled on after goofing off with Lydia who Elenora secretly plans to pull towards Mia to start a beautiful friendship. They would get along great. Perhaps she can convince King Stavros to pull Lydia over to Bloodmoon for a visit. Not a bad idea. Call him father and he'd probably agree instantly, "I do not know what you are thinking but yes." Princess Lydia whispers in her ear, eyes moving across the great hall before landing on a certain warrior she seems to have a thing for.

"I'm thinking about corrupting you. You should come to Bloodmoon sometime. Meet my friend. She would love you."

"As I said." Lydia grins "Father will be hard to convince-"

Elenora finds herself standing immediately. Based on the judgmental looks coming from the ladies of court Elenora suspects this is not usually done. Still Elenora pays them no mind and leans down to speak with Prince Ardon who sits on the King's right, the queen on his left.

"Usually people do not stand until the King stands." Prince Ardon grins. "You do provide great entertainment. The court will be talking about this for days!"

"Happy to provide amusement brother dearest." His eyes widen at the name but Elenora immediately gets to her point "Care to trade spots? I would love to sit next to my father." King Stavros starts to choke on his drink and he turns to her with a red face and wide eyes. I vaguely hear Lydia snorting her amusement.

"You want something." Prince Ardon sighs before he himself stands from the table. There are gasps and the whispers get louder. Something along the lines of she will be the death of this kingdom! Which seems rather dramatic but what can you do? Prince Ardon sits next to Lydia while Elenora takes the seat next to King Stavros who has his full attention on her.

"At this point we will need to take you to classes on how to behave in court Muriel." The queen jokes though Elenora suspects she is slightly serious. Sounds miserable and completely unnecessary.

"I do not believe that is necessary, my queen. She will learn without the cotillion class." This is one of the few moments she will be caught agreeing whole- heartedly with King Stavros.

"Ki -Father is right. I do not need cotillion classes." Elenora agrees to which the queen shakes her head and leans closer to the Queen.

"You cannot give her everything she wants in hopes of winning her favor Maverick. I mean that. Now what is it you do want Muriel. You are being awfully nice to your father." Queen Stavros narrows her eyes and that is Elenora's que to turn her full attention to the King who waits patiently for her favor.

"My father. My king! My favorite person in the entire k-″ Lydia's very unlady like snort is the reason for Elenora's pause. The prince seems more than amused at her display. In fact the only person who is not amused in her family seems to be the queen. Elenora is quickly figuring out who the tough love parent is "Father, I would much appreciate it if you would allow Lydia to go with me to Bloodmoon. I would love for her to meet my best friend." The queen practically melts. It is definitely not what she thought Elenora would ask. Elenora suspects she is both worried at the aspect of Lydia leaving the Kingdom and ecstatic that Elenora wants to spend extra time with Lydia.

"You have a mating ceremony coming up do you not? Can it wait until then? I feel it would be the safer bet. Traveling can be dangerous for the royal family." The king seems reluctant to share this news most likely because he knows it is not exactly what Elenora wants to hear.

"I do not plan to have my mating ceremony in Bloodmoon." Elenora smiles, "With your permission I want it to be here, in the royal garden." The queen tears up at the very thought. Elenora has never seen her smile so wide. Even she must know what Elenora is offering. It is a peace offering. She is asking for the king's blessing. For him to open his home to her. She is accepting this family. "This is Nakoa's home. This is the place he lights up at."